Please wake up! Hey!
Please hang in there.
Imari-kun?
What a relief! I was so worried.
Where are we?
In the forest.
When I came looking for you, I found you collapsed here.
Ouch!
That's right.
I was on the way back to the castle with Hanbee-kun
when we were attacked by yakuma...
I couldn't move anymore
because I'd forced myself to run so hard.
I'm really glad you're all right.
Anyway, we have to hurry and treat your leg.
You're...
P-Please put me down.
You cannot move with that injury.
You may stay at my castle for the time being.
Do not worry. We will not harm you.
We have expanded the search area to find Yuzuki,
but there is no sign of her.
It is possible she was taken by another army.
Is that so?
Hideyoshi-sama,
Toshiie and Hanbee's treatment is finished.
Both of them require absolute bed rest.
What a mess I've made.
I couldn't beat the despised Nobunaga,
the village has been burned, my vassals are injured,
and I even lost her...
Why? What...
What did I do wrong?
There, all finished.
With some rest, it will surely heal.
As Kenshin-sama said,
Kagemochi Amakasu
you should take your time and get better here.
But...
Kageie Kakizaki
I've brought you a change of clothes.
Thank you.
You should thank Kenshin-sama.
Please rest assured...
Kenshin-sama is a noble man, unlike the violent warlords of the other armies.
A noble man?
Yes.
By the way, Kageie, where is the change of clothes for her?
Huh? They're right here—
What?!
I'm sure I had them just a minute ago...
Kageie's carelessness is always causing such trouble.
This month makes it one, two, three...
Four, five, six times—
Hey, shut up!
Oh, I'm sorry!
You finally laughed.
You look even lovelier with a smile.
Anyway, please just concentrate on letting that wound heal for now.
Okay.
What a beautiful melody...
Kanetsugu Naoe
I gathered you all here to discuss her.
Kagekatsu Uesugi
The castle is abuzz with rumors about her,
because she was being sheltered and protected by the Toyotomi.
And to top it all off, she has the blood of the Himemiko.
Kenshin Uesugi
Her blood is similar to the Himemiko's,
in that it has the tremendous power to influence the outcome of a battle.
Her existence could be of extreme importance to the Uesugi Army.
That is why, regardless of the situation,
it is forbidden to use her blood.
Huh?
Of course, that includes mentioning that power outside of the castle, as well.
But if we used her power, the Takeda Army would no longer be a threat.
That is all. You are dismissed.
Understood.
Kagekatsu.
Yes.
I would like you to look after her.
Me?
I'm counting on you.
Understood.
Kenshin-sama!
Your horse is ready.
I'm sorry you have to look after me.
Don't worry about it.
My father's orders are absolute.
Your father?
My name is Kagekatsu Uesugi.
I am Kenshin Uesugi's adopted son and heir, more or less.
Is that so?
We're close in age. You don't need to be so formal with me.
All right... Sure, thank you.
Sure.
What are you so thankful for?
Watch yourself, Kagekatsu.
What are you going to do if she's a spy for the Toyotomi?
I'm sure it's fine. She doesn't seem so bad to me.
Are you hungry? Let's get some food.
Okay.
H-Hey! Wait up!
But why are we forbidden from using her blood, though?
I guess it's to prevent any needless battles from breaking out, huh?
Kenshin-sama doesn't care for futile battles, after all.
What do you mean by that?
Kenshin-sama is always fighting for justice.
Even now, he's gone off to the temple.
The temple?
After every battle, he always goes to the temple to purify his mind and body.
Was that battle the right thing to do? Was the blood spilt not in vain?
Did I maintain my own sense of justice?
He's probably asking himself these things.
The biwa...
I heard him playing the biwa last night.
He plays it to put the souls of the dead men to rest.
That's very kind of him.
Yes, he's kind and admirable, and stronger than anyone else.
Someone like me can't hold a candle to him.
Like I've been telling you, don't be so submissive.
I'm not being submissive!
You have me to help you get just a little bit closer to becoming like Kenshin-sama.
Now then, since we're done eating, let's go practice!
Victory is mine!
One more time!
I was hoping for that.
This is heavenly.
The moon is lovely tonight.
It is, indeed.
By the way, why did you put Kagekatsu-sama in charge of the girl?
It is true he has been studying politics more diligently lately,
and it's thanks to Kanetsugu that his sword skills have improved.
So by giving him a job where he has to take responsibility for something,
you're telling him to be a bit more confident, right?
If you already know the answer, don't ask. Besides...
He does not have any friends close to his age.
Since we are his superiors he will not reveal how he really feels to us,
but he might open up to someone closer to his age.
If you really want to know what he's thinking, the easiest way is to ask.
Kageie, if that were possible, this wouldn't be an issue.
Victory is mine.
Shall we take a break?
Not yet...
Excuse me...
I have snacks.
You should be resting.
I'm sorry...
I made rice balls. Won't you have some?
Delicious...
These are great! What is this flavor?
Bonito flakes and mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise?
I don't know what that is,
but with bonito flakes this delicious, I'm gonna eat it!
I'm glad.
B-But that doesn't mean I trust you or anything!
All done.
That's so terrible.
Jeez, I'll do it.
I'm the one father put in charge of taking care of her.
I'll do it.
I said I'll do it.
Rice balls!
What do we have today?
Grilled rice balls.
Victory is mine.
You did it!
Yeah!
Huh?
Yuzuki-san!
I-Imari-kun?!
I finally found you!
I'm sorry I couldn't come get you, Imari-kun.
It's fine!
They seem to be treating you well here.
Yes.
But what are you going to do now?
I was thinking I'd leave here once I healed up.
I'm sure Hideyoshi-san is worried.
All right.
I will gather information until then.
There might be information about Himemiko-sama here.
That's why, when you're attacking the enemy, you do it like this...
I see.
Then I should place the soldiers here when defending my position from the enemy.
Just a bit more...
What are you doing?
I'm sorry.
Let me see.
I'm all right...
Just let me see.
My apologies.
I take full responsibility.
You entrusted me with her care, Father, and yet I...
It's not your fault, Kagekatsu-kun!
That's enough.
You're dismissed, Kagekatsu.
Excuse me.
Kenshin-san, it's my fault.
I wasn't resting, so my wound opened.
We have troubled you.
This time, I will be taking care of you.
That's not true...
Um, Kagekatsu-kun has been working so hard so you will acknowledge him.
Could you please understand that one thing, at least?
Why did it turn out like this?
I'm going to destroy that man with my own hands.
This is the only chance I'll have to attack Nobunaga.
Please wait!
Don't you trust me?
That's not the point!
You're acting a little crazy.
I'm just saying you need to calm down!
I am plenty calm.
So this is what they were after.
But the castle hasn't fallen yet.
I was so focused on Nobunaga being right in front of me,
I lost sight of everything around me.
Damn it, I am a pathetic supreme commander.
You should be resting.
I'm fine!
Toshiie.
If you're not gonna do it, then I will.
What are you just sitting around for?
The village and the army are in crappy shape!
Jeez, you're such a pain.
Do you think I haven't thought of anything?
Gather everyone up!
First we have to restore the castle village and rebuild our troops!
Mitsunari will handle the village,
and I'm leaving the army to you, Toshiie.
Yes, sir.
All right.
Kanbee and Hanbee, find out where Yuzuki is, no matter what!
By any means necessary.
Yes, sir.
That's all! Dismissed!
Oh? The girl is missing?
I see.
Kenshin-sama!
Kenshin-sama! There's trouble!
I wonder what's wrong?
So, this is what is happening.
In the confusion of the battle, the neighboring countries are making unsettling movements,
so we do not know when an emergency might occur.
It is as you say.
Understood.
In case of an emergency, let us have reinforcements and a commanding officer in place.
Yes, sir.
But who would you trust with such a huge role?
I intended to entrust this role to Kagekatsu.
It is a good opportunity for you to learn the art of protecting the territory.
I-I refuse.
Kageie, will you carry out this role, then?
Understood.
Please excuse me.
Ah, hey!
Excuse me.
What is the meaning of this?!
Nothing...
Nothing, my ass! This is a great opportunity, isn't it?
You can finally get some actual experience—
I'm not going.
Why not?!
What the hell? Do what you want, then!
Jeez, Kenshin-sama and Kagekatsu-sama...
They both have their awkward traits.
Kagekatsu-sama has likely lost confidence since her wound got worse
while he was supposed to be in charge of her care.
Though it would be best if he would just say that's how he feels.
Why can't either of them express themselves well?
Parent-child relationships are quite troublesome.
Kagekatsu-kun...
Are you sure about this?
Kagekatsu-kun,
you actually want to go with the army, don't you?
Why do you think that?
Well—
Victory is mine.
I see.
Then I should place the soldiers here when defending my position from the enemy.
You're always putting in more effort than anyone.
Why don't you try actually talking about it with Kenshin-san?
There's nothing to talk about.
You know, the first time I met you,
I thought I couldn't figure out what you were thinking.
But the more I talked to you,
the more I learned that, while you're a bit awkward, you're a good person.
I think it's important to talk to someone in order to learn more about them.
That's why I think you should face Kenshin-san
and tell him how you feel.
What did you want to talk about?
Father, it's about the reinforcements.
That has already been settled. Kageie is going.
Kenshin-san, please listen to how Kagekatsu-kun feels.
I beg you.
All right, then. I'm listening.
I...
I do not have any confidence in myself.
I honestly do not believe I can become an admirable warlord like yourself.
Why is that?
I am not strong like you,
and I failed at looking after her when you trusted me to.
I cannot meet your expectations.
So that is why you are unable to command carrying the Uesugi banner.
Is that what you are saying?
Yes.
A warlord is an important person who protects the territory and its people.
Regardless of how much Gegga Tribe power you may have,
it is not suited for someone who is half-hearted.
Yes.
That is why I would not entrust fighting or reinforcements
to someone I did not think would finish the job.
Huh?
That is my responsibility as protector of this land.
Then... why did you so readily accept it
when I said I wouldn't go with the reinforcements?
You will be supreme commander of the Uesugi one day.
You must always take responsibility for your decisions.
Even if that is a decision that does not conform to my will,
if you have decided, I cannot stop you.
Based on all of that, I will ask you again.
Kagekatsu, I would like to entrust this important role to you.
Will you go?
Yes.
So you are going, after all.
It's about time to head out.
Be careful.
I will. We are setting off now.
I am counting on you.
Father.
Your wound seems to be completely healed.
Thank goodness.
You are quite an impressive young woman.
Huh?
You were able to do what neither Kageie nor myself could do.
I am referring to Kenshin-sama and Kagekatsu-sama.
Kenshin-sama has summoned you.
All right.
You want to thank me?
Is there anything you desire?
No, there's nothing in particular.
I am deeply grateful for your help.
Had you not been there, I would never have known how Kagekatsu felt.
Tell me what you desire.
The biwa...
I would like to hear you play the biwa.
All right.
I will play just for you tonight.
We have had contact with the Sanada Army.
It appears that Yuzuki is with Kenshin Uesugi.