The first year of Genii (1864), Manjiro went on the Choshu expedition,
...but he was suspected of meeting in secret with Sakamoto Ryoma,
...and was dismissed from his post as head chief of the infantry.
Die from starvation!
Aya's condition declined, but due to Manjiro's care, she was starting to recover.
2ND CHOSHU EXPEDITION
Meanwhile, the trend was drifting toward the overthrow of the shogunate.
KEIOU 3 (1867) OCTOBER
The purpose of this assembly is to discuss shogunal and social reform.
We are comrades who've gathered in agreement.
We will sign an oath in blood.
Imperial power was restored by the shogun!
What?!
The Tree in the Sunlight
FINAL EPISODE The Lions - Departure
Worrying that the restoration of Imperial power would defeat the purpose of a shogunate overthrow...
Saigo provoked the shogunate...
...and the two forces collided between Osaka and Kyoto on January 3 of 1868.
This was the battle known as the battle of Toba-Fushimi.
The Kyoto Mimawarigumi and Shinsengumi fought gallantly.
However, they were crushed by Imperial forces.
January 7, the Imperial Court issued a decree to search and kill Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
The former shogunate forces became enemies of the court.
Her pulse is strong and she's made a real turnaround.
Only, she can't speak.
Don't push yourself. You've recovered this far.
You'll be able to speak in time.
- Let's lie down. - By the way, where's Manjiro?
He left early this morning and hasn't returned.
We must rebuild the shogunate before Satsuma-Choshu forces invade Edo.
How?
We'll oust the councilmen and have Katsu-sensei become the chief elder.
We'll then establish a new government with Lord Yoshinobu at the core.
We'll rebuild this country so it can stand against foreign powers.
- You're late! - The shogun has left the castle.
Has he gone to battle?
No, he's confined himself at Kanei temple in Ueno.
What does it mean?
I can't believe it, but it seems he will swear allegiance to the court.
What?!
It's the councilmen's doing.
Fearing the Satsuma-Choshu forces, they forced the shogun out.
What will we do, Ibuya?
We'll rescue the shogun and return him back to the castle.
UENO KANEI TEMPLE
He's here. He's the shogun s guard.
You don't understand anything, do you?
It was the shogun's self-imposed decision to confine himself at Kanei temple.
His advisors stopped him, but he would not listen.
That's a lie!
I, Yamaoka Tetsutaro, swear by my life that it is the truth.
The shogun relinquished the castle of his own accord...
So that he can swear allegiance to the court.
No...
Are you saying the shogun fled on his own?
I'm vexed too, but the shogun refuses to aggravate the situation with Satsuma-Choshu any further.
The only thing left we can do is save Edo.
The way things are, the war with Imperial forces will make Edo a sea of flames.
We can't let the people of Edo become victims.
I'll be meeting Saigo tomorrow.
We will negotiate the terms of surrendering the Edo castle.
This is an order from Katsu-sensei.
Men, do not throw your lives away in vain.
What should we do, Ibuya?
The tree in the sun has been cut from its root.
What?
I'm sure Touko-sensei wouldn't want the people of Edo becoming victims of war.
This is the end.
Manjiro's scheme ended in failure.
Yamaoka Tetsutaro who was appointed by Katsu
negotiated with Saigo to prevent an all-out attack on Edo.
The reign of Tokugawa had come to an end.
In the end, you and I have both been left behind by the times.
The infantry is divided since power was restored to the court.
Some are determined to follow the Tokugawa while others have sided with the imperial forces.
Some have even returned to their provinces.
There's nothing left for me to do as an army doctor.
The times are changing too rapidly.
If you think about it, Dutch studies became allowed only during these past 10 years.
Looking back, the shogunate physicians are nostalgic.
Back then, I could keep up with the times.
But afterwards, the foreign countries came, and English starting being favored.
And now, power has been restored to the Emperor.
The Emperor...
No, Satsuma and Choshu will build a new hegemony in place of the Tokugawa.
They're merely switching out.
Then why not quietly watch over the trend of times.
No matter what you do, the world will only keep changing.
You wouldn't understand a samurai's dignity.
Give me a break.
Is it a samurai's dignity to leave the woman he loves and die?
Toss out your swords.
Isn't there something more important to you than your dignity as a samurai?
Can you hear it?
It's spring.
What is it?
She's getting better by the day.
Her ability to differentiate voices and sounds is back to normal.
That means you can understand my questions too.
Please answer by blinking your eyes.
If it's yes, blink once.
If it's no, blink twice.
When you first came to this house, you had a grudge against Manjiro.
- Hey... - Be quiet.
How about now? Do you still begrudge him?
Twice.
Now the next question is very important.
What will you say if Manjiro asked you to be his wife?
Ryosen! Cut it out! You're being rude!
- Just be quiet! - Miss Aya, don't mind what he said.
He's shy, stubborn and clumsy, but he's an earnest and honest man. I guarantee it.
- He's loved you all this time. - I can't listen to this.
Miss Aya. Won't you please accept his feelings?
If you are willing to spend the rest of your life with him, please blink three times.
One...
Two...
Three...
March 13, negotiations between Saigo and Katsu were held at the Satsuma mansion in Shiba.
The surrender of Edo castle was concluded.
I understand the details.
However, this decision led the hatamoto and ronin to become desperate...
...causing disorder and violence in Edo.
- The rebels belong to the Shogitai. - Shogitai?
Do you know them?
I've heard of them. They were banded to guard Lord Yoshinobu.
They've barricaded themselves in the Ueno mountains.
They've taken the abbot hostage, and there are 3000-4000 men.
Tetsu-san, you don't think I'm a member of the Shogitai, do you?
No.
Don't worry.
I'll never unsheathe my sword again.
I'll just quietly watch over the trend of times.
I see. I'm glad. Sorry to bother you.
Are you wavering?
Father...
I've decided.
Although the world of the Tokugawa has come to ruin...
I will gallantly fight for the Tokugawa.
I see. So you are still honest to a fault and clumsy as ever.
I get it from you, Father.
Like father, like son, right?
Follow the path in which you believe.
May the fortunes of war be with you.
I will go to you soon.
ZENSHO TEMPLE
Sir Ibuya...
Miss Oseki.
It's been a long time.
You've become a great man.
I'm glad to see you are doing well.
- What brings you here today? - I came to say farewell.
I'll be heading to the Ueno mountains.
- You'll join the Shogitai? - So you've heard of them?
Everyone is relieved the war in Edo was avoided. And yet, you...
Samurai have dignity.
Although the world may change, you do not.
Please reconsider. Please cherish your life.
Miss Oseki.
I wanted to thank you.
Because of you, I was able to have a rich life.
I am grateful.
Sir Ibuya.
Please take care.
- Any changes in her condition? - No.
Dr. Ryosen is here.
My!
Miss Aya!
Don't let Sir Manjiro die.
He will go to Ueno.
To Ueno...?
Ueno...
Manjiro, how do you feel about Miss Aya?
What do you mean?
Do you want to take her as your wife?
But Mother, you said you'd have her leave once she recovered.
If it's what you want, I won't say anything more.
Let me meet my grandchild soon.
Tomorrow is Taian (most auspicious day). Make up your mind.
I...
I want to start a family with you.
But... I can't stay with you much longer.
I...
I want to become your wife
Aya...
Here you go.
Thank you.
Thank you for everything, Dr. Ryosen.
You must be so glad.
I'm sure Manjiro won't be reckless anymore.
Yes.
Drink up.
You have such a young and beautiful wife. I'm jealous!
It makes me want to get married again.
- Hey... - Huh?
Let me tell you the most important thing in marriage.
Confine your tongue, lest it confines you. Don't forget that.
Seikichi!
How is the situation in Ueno?
The Imperial troops are gathering.
They'll most likely attack by tomorrow.
It was a great wedding!
- Please be careful. - Dear, we're going home!
Let me stay! Today's an auspicious day.
Manjiro! Come!
- I'll take him home later. - I'm sorry.
Boy, am I happy.
You've finally found happiness. I'm so glad.
This place is nostalgic.
Do you remember?
That time we visited Touko-sensei.
Yeah.
It was here that we vowed...
That you would become Japan's greatest doctor.
And that I would be a backing for the collapsing shogunate.
Yeah.
I'll become a backing for the tree on the verge of collapse.
I'm giving up women from today.
Time flies, doesn't it?
It's been thirteen years.
A lot happened.
- Manjiro, are you...? - Do you remember doing sumo?
Yeah.
I won.
No... I won.
- I wouldn't lose to you. - No, I won.
In that case, let's have a match.
Manjiro!
Don't go!
From today, you are my daughter.
Manjiro!
As I thought, you are...!
Aya. I'm sorry.
I must go.
Those of us who received favor from the Tokugawa cannot overlook the enemy who's seized Edo.
Although we know we will lose...
This is what it means to be samurai.
Please don't go, Manjiro!
Mother, please forgive me.
My comrades have already barricaded themselves at Ueno.
I can't abandon them.
Aya, this is a divorce decree.
I was happy to have had a wedding with you.
I was happy from the bottom of my heart.
But I want you to become happy with someone else.
Manjiro!
Sir Manjiro!
Sir Manjiro...
Manjiro!
I will be waiting for you... always...
Keiou 4 (1868) May 15, the Battle of Ueno occurred.
3000 men of the Shogitai fought against the Imperial forces numbering over 10,000.
Hang in there!
Why is it...? The enemy has ceased their attack.
Is this supposed to be a flag?
Yes.
It's the Kaitenshishi written by Touko-sensei.
It's an equal fight now, but in time, the enemy will be in the advantage.
I won't die until I take Saigo's head.
We've brought rice balls.
They are from the merchants in Ueno.
- Thank you! - Hey, it's food!
Have some hot water.
Thank you.
You are...!
- I'm Toubei's wife, Oshina. - Why are you here?
There is nothing worth living for in this world.
What about your son? You had a small boy.
He died.
He was vaccinated for smallpox, but he died from a cold.
Sir Ibuya, please let me stay near you even for a short while.
Run!
Clear out!
I can't believe it. How can a cannon fly this far?
It must be their newest weapon from Britain.
- What are you doing! Run! - I'm staying here.
- Idiot! Are you trying to die? - I have no attachments to this world!
Get down!
Miss Oshina?
Hang in there!
Why didn't you run...?
This is what I wanted.
My wish has finally come true.
Don't die...
Don't die!
Unforgivable!
Three times I prepared to die, yet I could not die.
25 times I traveled from Edo...
Chief!
Seikichi!
Don't die in vain!
Run!
The battle lasted one day.
It was an overwhelming victory for the new government forces.
The Shogitai suffered 266 casualties.
Excuse me.
Yes?
This belongs to...
Manjiro.
Your son must've been hit by a shell and met a heroic death.
You have my condolences...
Ibuya was an extraordinary man.
Although it's inevitable that we fought on opposite sides due to the times, his death is grievous.
If Ibuya had been a part of the new government, he would've done an outstanding job.
It's truly regrettable.
What did you say?
You're just trying to ingratiate yourself and I don't like it!
You know nothing about Manjiro.
He fought knowing it was a losing battle, and died.
Might is right.
You'll be praised as a hero and go down in history.
Someone like that can't possibly understand Manjiro.
You said might is right?
- It's not that simple! - You're right. It's not.
There are countless men who've died whose names will never be recorded in history!
I can't forgive people like you...
...who've used those men as a foundation to bring honor to your own name.
- How dare you! - Stop!
I apologize for the intrusion. Please excuse me.
That fool...
He's the biggest idiot in Japan.
For hastening to his death when he had you.
Seikichi!
I was in Ueno with the chief.
You were with him?
- With Manjiro? - Yes.
The chief fought bravely and told me to get away.
Then did you separate with him before he died?
The chief...
...isn't dead.
What? What did you say?
He's alive. I saw with my very own eyes.
He was descending the Ueno mountains.
- Is that true? - It was the chief. I'm sure of it.
He's... He's alive?
He's alive!
Thank goodness!
However, Manjiro did not return.
According to a rumor he crossed the seas to Ezo, and fought the government forces in Hakodate.
The feudal world ended, and Japan's westernization began.
MEIJI 4 (1871)
Aya and Otone waited for Manjiro, believing he would return.
Meanwhile, I somehow became the army physician of the new government.
Whether I work for the shogunate or the new government. I'm still an army physician.
A doctor is a doctor.
It suits you well.
Still, I can't help but feel guilty towards Manjiro.
Hey, Ryosen.
Although knowing that it was impossible. I kept believing in my heart...
...that Manjiro was alive somewhere.
Perhaps Manjiro is still fighting alone in the distant lands of Ezo.
As if to scoff at the Japanese who are enthralled by Japan's westernization.