Commodore Perry's black ships arrived to Japan, and the feudal shogunate was coming to an end.
What trouble they go through.
The time is 1855. Ibuya Manjiro is twenty-six years old.
The current times of the Tokugawa are like this tree under the sunlight.
I'll become a backing that'll support the tree on the verge of collapse.
The whirlwind of the times was about to draw us in by force.
The Tree in the Sunlight
EPISODE 2 Rivals in Love
IBUYA MANJIRO
Manjiro started training at Ono Tetsutaro's dojo.
Tetsutaro had mastered the Hokushin-Ittoryu style of fencing.
He was Manjiro's master in fencing.
Where's the spirit?!
Did something happen? You were awfully distracted today.
Tetsu-san, don't you have any doubts?
Doubts?
To become a backing that will support the Tokugawa on the verge of collapse.
After hearing Touko-sensei's words, I felt that I had found my purpose.
Yes.
- I'm a good-for-nothing though. - What are you saying?
My heart is directed elsewhere.
What?
You mean a woman?
- I'm sorry... - Is that so?!
That swine!
I'm prepared to become a priest.
Dr. Ryoan, you're your father's successor.
I won't quit being a doctor. I'll wear two hats.
If a doctor becomes a priest, that's killing two birds with one stone.
- But... - Don't be fooled, Miss Oseki!
This man has no intention of becoming a priest!
- He's lying to curry favor with you. - It's not a lie! I'm serious!
- Come here! - Stop it!
- Don't get in my way! - That's my line!
Miss!
What's the matter?
What?
What's wrong?
A young priest has had a fever since last night, but...
- It could be smallpox... - Smallpox?
How is he?
- Don't worry, it's not smallpox. - It's chickenpox.
Chickenpox...
You shouldn't jump to conclusion. I was taken by shock.
I'm very sorry.
Even though it's chickenpox, you can't put your guard down.
I'll bring medicine later.
Thank you.
It's understandable that Otomi jumped to conclusion.
Why is that?
I had a brother two years older than me.
He died from smallpox at a young age.
- He was only nine years old. - I see...
A vaccine would've prevented such tragedy.
Vaccine...?
A disease called cowpox is collected from cows and given to humans.
It's a prevention method to build a body that does not get infected with smallpox.
Cow?!
Is that safe for humans? Won't we turn into cows?
Of course not.
Vaccination centers have already opened in Kyoto and Osaka where children are being vaccinated.
- Isn't there one In Edo? - No, there's not.
My father petitioned the lord to open one in Edo.
- Are you sure? - It's fine.
EDO RESIDENCE OF HITACHIFUCHU DOMAIN
Did you speak to Sir Endo as regards to the cowpox matter I mentioned the other day?
SAEKI JISHICHIRO
I did, but he has not responded.
The shogunate physicians hold authority within the castle after all.
Yes, I'm aware of that. That's why I'm asking for your help.
Please petition Sir Endo once again.
Minister Saeki...
In exchange, I'd like to take you somewhere fantastic.
Now, now.
She possesses beauty unsurpassed even by China's Yang Kwei-Fei.
- Is she really that beautiful? - Words can't describe it.
EDO CASTLE
Finally, we can meet Sir Endo.
Be quiet.
Yes.
Sorry for the wait, Ryosen.
Huh?
TAKI SEISAI
I hear the lord suffers from beriberi.
You're a Kanpoi (doctor of Chinese medicine) who can't even cure beriberi. Get lost!
What?!
- Where is Sir Endo...? - Ryosen, sorry to disappoint you...
But the domain's medical school cannot allow a vaccination center.
No, we won't cause the medical school any trouble.
We will raise funds to open the center as a prevention measure against smallpox.
Silence!
To infect humans with cows' disease? That's outrageous!
TAKI GENPAKU
We cannot permit it!
Father, it's useless speaking to these men.
We came to speak to Sir Endo.
Unfortunately, Sir Endo will not see you.
Waiting is useless. Leave.
Don't ever come again.
They went that far to interfere?
Depending on how you look at it, it's proof that they're in a panic.
They're desperate to protect their right of authority.
Wait and see!
Once I go to Osaka and acquire new techniques, I'll put them in their place.
When are you leaving for Osaka?
The plan is to go in the fall.
I look forward to meeting Dr. Ogata Kouan above all else.
I'll have to visit the vaccination center too.
I bet you'll visit Osaka's red-light district too.
You're sharp.
Let's have a drink to liven up.
APRIL 1855
The shogunate physicians are like termites that infest this tree.
- Sensei. - Yes?
As embarrassing at it is, hearing Ryoan made me envious.
He's irresponsible and a womanizer...
FUJITA TOUKO
But he has a clear understanding of his purpose.
On the contrary...
Although I decided to become a backing to support the shogunate...
I am unclear as to what I am supposed to do.
Do you know about the Opium War?
Yes. China lost to England in the war.
Why did they lose?
Was it because of their lack of artillery and western military strategy?
No.
It's because the Chinese dynasty was decaying.
Similarly, the shogunate is decaying from the inside out.
The domains only have their own interests at heart.
- The way things are... - ...the foreign countries will invade.
Is that right?
Manjiro.
It is your duty to stop that.
How can I accomplish such a huge task?
You can.
A path will open up.
Do not fret.
Only, you must hold on to your convictions.
We're here.
Excuse me!
That day, my younger sister's husband, Otsuki Shunsai, a Ranpoi, brought Ito Genboku with him.
OTSUKI SHUNSAI
At the time, Ito Genboku was a prominent Ranpoi.
ITO GENBOKU
I've been hoping to introduce cowpox as a vaccine in Edo.
In that case, I'll get straight to the point! Please lend us a hand.
Would we be able to use your residence as a temporary vaccination center?
No. That would be a problem. I didn't build my house for that purpose.
But it's such a magnificent mansion...
I believe keeping up appearances is important for a doctor.
Build a spectacular mansion and it will draw patients to you.
If we make my residence a vaccination center, my patients will run off.
Then...
We'll all pitch in to build a vaccination center so we ask for your aid.
No, I won't.
Huh?!
What was that? What a penny-pincher!
- He makes so much money! - You're right.
- I didn't expect him to be like that. - He's not a bad person.
He's just tightfisted because he used to be poor.
- I heard he struggled quite a lot. - Still...!
Dr. Genboku hopes to spread vaccinations, and he begrudges the Kanpoi's tyranny just like us.
He agreed to become the promoter. Let's just be happy with that.
I'm grateful that we have a prominent Ranpoi's backing, but...
Dr. Totsuka Seikai and Dr. Kawamoto Koumin have agreed to promote it too.
We need to hold a gathering and discuss future plans.
Yes.
- I'll have Sake. - Certainly.
Ushikubo Toube, a Mito ronin (lordless samurai).
I have a perfect job for you.
I didn't ask for a job.
Don't say that.
I'm making this request because I have confidence in your Shintamiya style fencing.
Don't you want to get revenge for your wife?
The reason I had you gather is this.
KUSUNOKI OTOJIRO
Since concluding the treaty with Perry last year
the shogunate has started trading with foreign countries.
They are allowing the foreigners to take over!
We must do something to stop it!
What do you suggest that we do?
We'll provoke heaven's punishment to the traitors who are playing up to the foreigners.
Heaven's punishment?
Who will we target?
Western scholars, merchants Ranpoi, and foreigners.
We'll provoke heaven's punishment and make them repent.
That'll be our aim.
If you want out, go ahead and leave.
It's ridiculous.
Forming a faction like this... it's useless.
Although I can't say his name, we're backed by great authority.
I don't know who you're referring to, but it's too soon.
KIYOKAWA HACHIRO
I have no objection against anti-foreignism, but I'm doing things my way.
I'm leaving too.
How many remained?
Seven.
Seven, huh?
That's fine.
Our first target has been decided.
There's a Ranpoi by the name of Tezuka Ryosen who lives behind Koichikawa Denzu Temple.
The Ranpoi will assemble there in a few days' time.
We'll attack them and provoke heaven's punishment!
Please allow me to help.
- What? - Help?
I resent smallpox for taking my only brother from me.
You lost your brother to smallpox?
Yes.
Even I could be useful at the vaccination center... or will I only be a hindrance?
No, I'm sure we'll need all the help we can get.
Please give us your help.
Thank you.
In that case, why don't we have Miss Oseki help out here first?
It's better if she gets familiar the tasks
so she can work as soon as the vaccination center opens.
That's true, but...
Please.
Two exit ways... Not a very impressive house.
- When do we attack? - Don't be hasty.
I'll let you know when the date is set.
What's the matter?
I'll have some Sake before I head back.
What's the matter?
I have a sharp pain in my stomach.
I know a doctor who lives nearby. I'll go fetch him.
What are you doing?
Miss Oseki!
How dare you get in my way! Who are you?
I am Ibuya Manjiro, a retainer of Hitachifuchu domain!
Amusing...
A duel!
We'll settle this another time!
Miss Oseki...!
Ibuya Manjiro...
What on earth happened?!
- A ronin tried to assault her. - What?!
Doctor.
Can you tell?
- Tell what...? - If Miss Oseki is alright...
Right...
She's fine. She's just passed out.
No, Father! He means whether or not she was violated!
Oh... I see...
You need to get that wound dressed first.
Yes.
Come on, Manjiro. Hey!
- Ouch... - Who was it?
- I don't know... - Why did you let him get away?!
You should've killed him!
Can't you be gentle?
Doctor!
Don't worry. Miss Oseki is fine.
I'm glad...
Doctor.
Please don't tell anyone about this.
What?
Although nothing happened, who knows what they'll say if it gets out that she was attacked.
He's right.
She's an unmarried woman. We don't want bad rumors going around.
I understand.
The woman you rescued was not Miss Oseki but a stranger.
Thank you.
I've returned.
Welcome back.
Manjiro!
What happened to your arm?
- What happened? - I got into trouble with a ronin.
- It's nothing serious. - What do you mean it's not serious?
Last time it was your left arm. Now it's your right arm.
What are you doing?
Explain to us.
IBUYA SENZABURO
A young woman was being attacked by a ronin...
- Did you help her? - Yes.
I see. In that case, it's fine.
Is it really OK? It's a bloody affair.
- If this gets out... - It's fine.
He helped a young lady. That's a true samurai.
Yes, but...
- Thank you. - Take care.
It's going to sting. Hold him down tight.
Are you OK?
Sir Ibuya.
Thank you for the other day.
No.
- I'll take you home. - What?
I'm worried. Please allow me to.
- I'm sorry for the trouble. - No.
- Miss Oseki... - Yes?
I...
Well...
Do you think it'll be sunny weather tomorrow too?
Yes...
- Hah... - Huh?
Hah...
Thank you very much.
- Won't you have some tea? - No, thank you.
Good bye.
Why did you fight a duel with a ronin?
The ronin had assaulted a woman, so I helped her.
Who is the woman?
- I cannot say. - Why not?
Bad rumors about her will go around.
You're the one with bad rumors going around.
People are saying that Ibuya Manjiro is hot-blooded,
and goes around swinging his sword at anybody.
That's not so!
Then tell me the woman's name. That way, you won't be accused.
I'm very sorry... I can't say.
If you don't say it, there will be consequences.
It's out of my power.
I'll accept any form of punishment.
You are a stubborn man...
You're just like your father.
What did the minister say?
That I will hear from him in due course.
I'm guessing that my stipend will be cut.
I see...
I'm very sorry.
Regarding my departure to Osaka...
- I think it's better to delay it. - What? Why?
I can't go until talks about the vaccination center is settled.
Shunsai and I will take care of it.
- You don't need to worry about it. - Still, it concerns me.
Without prospect for its establishment, I can't focus on my studies.
- What's the real reason? - Huh?
I'm not blind! Isn't it Miss Oseki?
See? I know you're fond of Miss Oseki.
I'd like to take her to be my wife.
She's the only daughter of a temple. Are you planning on becoming a priest?
I don't think there'll be a problem if I become both a doctor and a priest.
Don't be stupid.
- Doctors, Sir Ibuya's mother is here. - Miss Otone is?
Have her come in.
- I came to ask you something. - What it is?
I was told that Manjiro helped a young woman and brought her here.
I'd like to know who she is.
A bad rumor is going around within Hitachifuchu's Edo mansion.
People are saying that Manjiro is hot-blooded and that he uses his sword indiscriminately.
Without proving that he had no choice in order to save the woman,
he will receive a harsh punishment.
I can bear it if his stipend gets cut, but I'm worried about his future.
Won't you please tell me the woman's name?
If I recall correctly...
We don't know either.
She was just a passerby.
Oh, that's right.
You treated her without asking for her name?
Huh?
No... Well...
She said she didn't want to identify herself.
I don't know her circumstance so I don't know why...
That woman just now...
She's Manjiro's mother.
Sir Ibuya's?
Miss Oseki, my father was looking for you. He wanted to ask you a favor.
Yes.
Are you OK with the way things are?
Yeah.
What if the Ibuya household is abolished because of you?
That won't happen.
I'll just get my stipend cut.
Your mother is concerned about your future.
Stubborn.
Inflexible.
Tactless.
Imprudent.
What?
I'm talking about you.
The way you are, you're not going to advance in the world.
Be quiet!
I give up... What I am supposed to do?
The minister sent over a messenger.
A woman named Oseki from Zenpuku Temple came forward and said she was saved by you.
Why...
I don't know the reason, but now this matter is settled.
I can guess why you kept quiet.
You are fond of her, aren't you?
Am I right?
Yes, I am.
I can't allow it!
Although poor, we're a samurai family.
A samurai must marry a woman who is suitable for him.
Mother, please allow it! I love her!
Manjiro!
Dear...
I'm very sorry for causing you trouble.
No. Please raise your head.
Who did you hear it from anyway?
Was it Ryoan?
Please don't blame Dr. Ryoan.
He told me because he was concerned for you.
Besides, I'm not that weak.
Rumors won't hurt me.
I really appreciate your consideration.
Thank you very much.
You're a kind person.
No...
Miss Oseki.
I have something to tell you.
What is it?
I've been meaning to tell you.
I...
This is my father.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Oseki's father.
I am Ibuya Manjiro!
My daughter told me about you.
Thank you for saving my daughter.
No!
Not only that, you were so considerate about her.
TANKAI TEICHO
I am very grateful.
No!
You are like the great Buddha.
You're admirable.
In the end, Manjiro left without being able to say anything.
He sure is clumsy.
Ryoan! Why did you tell Miss Oseki?!
What is it suddenly?
There are malicious people out there.
What if they spread rumors about Miss Oseki?
Don't worry about that.
If you think about it, it's not a big deal.
What did you say?!
Who cares if rumors are passed around? I'll just take her to be my wife.
Are you joking? I'm the one who will take her as my wife.
- Are you going to become a priest? - What about you?
I don't mind!
Oh yeah? Is that why you don't want to go to Osaka?
Dr. Ryosen told me.
It's not that I don't want to go.
I'm just worried that someone will try to get in my way with her.
- Like you! - Idiot!
You said you'd become a full-fledged doctor!
- That's it. - Want to fight?
We'll settle this with sumo.
I'll put you in your place.
Don't take me lightly. I've never lost in sumo!
The path is paved for you, so walk it.
Don't worry. I won't try to get a head start on you.
What does that mean?
I won't lay a finger on Miss Oseki until you return from Osaka.
If someone else tries to get near her, I'll protect her.
There's one more thing I'm worried about.
What is it?
My father.
Who knows what the shogunate physicians will try
and do to stop him from building a vaccination center.
I'm worried sick about it.
Leave it to me. I'll protect Dr. Ryosen too.
I knew those words were not a lie
If he said he'd protect them, he would protect them,
even if it meant staking his own life.
That's the kind of man Manjiro was.
The date has been set.
October 2...
The Ranpoi will assemble.
- Thank you for waiting. - Bring something good to eat.
Please have a safe trip.
Thank you.
Miss Oseki.
Although I may be In Osaka, my heart will always be with you.
I want you to wait for me. I'll become a fine doctor and return.
- When I do... - Doctor!
Doctor!
Stupid! I told you not to come!
I won't be able to see you for a while though.
Doctor!
Them too?!
I'll miss you.
Miss Oseki, it's not what you think!
- What? - Dr. Ryoan! I've come to see you off.
Oh! Dr. Ryosen, it's been a while!
Both father and son are acquainted with the geisha of Setaya.
You're so carefree, aren't you?
I'm off! Good bye!
Go!