Sanada Maru
Instead of holing up,
Nobushige devised a plan to sally out.
After a long debate,
the council of five ronin reached a decision.
What's going on?
Lord Hideyori decided so.
Episode 44: Fortification
What was the council for?
Are you okay with that?
We need to change strategies if we hole up.
Good grief.
Lord Hideyori doesn't trust us ronin, after all.
I'm sorry.
You needn't apologize.
Can we win by holing up?
That's why I'm here.
NIJO CASTLE
They are holing up.
That assures our victory.
This castle's weakness is on the south.
The sea is on the west,
and the rivers are on the east and north.
Only the south has nothing to block the enemy.
If I were the enemy, I'd set up camp on the south.
Hence...
I'd build a branch castle here.
Branch castle?
If Father were alive, he'd think the same.
The only way to win is by holing up.
Thanks for coming.
I didn't think I could fight under you again.
I'll be counting on you more than ever now.
As I want it.
Sir Sakubei.
Sir Genjiro.
Sue had an informal wedding before I came.
Is that right?
Who is her groom?
Juzo, the heir of Ishiai Shinzaemon in Nagakubo.
Sue found her own groom.
You've been through a lot.
The Sanada army is headed this way,
under the order of Tokugawa Hidetada.
I expected that.
Sir Genzaburo remained in Edo.
Sirs Nobuyoshi and Nobumasa...
They are Sirs Senchiyo and Hyakusuke.
I see.
They are both fine warriors.
This is our destiny.
I have a request.
I want to build, a branch castle here immediately.
Branch castle?
Can I get approval?
The castle's weak point is on the south.
This will defend it.
What is it?
I think it's a good idea.
Someone suggested the same thing earlier.
Please talk it out with him.
WITHIN OSAKA CASTLE
Sake and chasers.
Help yourself.
Been here before?
A number of times in the past.
Isn't your name Yozaemon?
I'm busy. Don't talk to me.
You've been here long.
I met the Taiko during the Okehazama days.
How many years ago was that?
You can always get sake to drink here.
When he's in a good mood, you can even get rice balls.
Sit down.
What is it about?
Actually...
I got some choice items from Akashi.
I appreciate it.
I had a feeling you'd be back.
So you requested a branch castle on the south side.
That's where I'll confront the Tokugawa.
Why did you choose there?
A fort in that location.
A likely target for all. That's the reason.
I see.
I'm going wild.
So you plan to die.
The truth is, I was thinking the same.
Oh?
Please let me build the branch castle.
I'll build a castle that will lead us to victory.
I got permission already.
That is why I'm asking you.
I'm leaving.
Listen to my strategy.
We'll build a dry moat in front of the branch castle
Being hasty to earn a name, they will surge in.
We'll install abatis and stakes here.
The momentum of the front army will be cut.
The back army will catch up and corner them.
What's this side path?
It's to lure them.
For what?
It will bring them faster to our branch castle's wall.
They will probably surge in from here first.
That's when we attack.
From embrasures, we'll shoot the soldiers as they mill about.
What is this ditch?
The soldiers in the moat will encroach as they climb.
But when they cross this ditch, they'll get up once.
When they do, we'll shoot again.
What if they come when we're loading the bullets?
That won't happen.
There'll be two rows of gunners above and below.
We'll open the bottom.
When the soldiers climb up we shoot them.
Meanwhile, the gunners above will get in position.
We'll be able to shoot down all their soldiers,
leaving piles of bodies in the moat.
The army in the back will flinch when they see that.
Then we'll rush out from the small side door,
and put them to rout.
That will fragment them.
This is the Sanada strategy I learned from my father.
It's an interesting plan.
Can I take charge?
I'll summarize it.
I'll build a branch castle here and defend it with 6,000 men.
Kimura's army of 8,000 will defend Hirano.
Chosokabe's army of 5,000 will defend Hatchome.
Akashi's army of 4,000 will defend Kizukawa,
against the enemy coming from sea.
Goto's army will fill the gaps.
Mouri's army of 4,500 will encamp at Tenjinbashi.
They will defend the north side.
Are we in agreement?
Agreed!
This will be the plan then.
This is a brilliant plan.
Saemon-no-Suke devised it.
There's something that bothers me.
The main spots are all defended by ronin.
That could be dangerous.
One betrayal could bring the castle down.
That must not happen.
Isn't it about time you trusted the ronin?
I agree.
Money grubbers can be easily baited.
Money isn't their sole objective.
They don't mean it.
It'd be disastrous if the enemy gets this castle.
I shudder at the thought.
That's Saemon-no-Suke's position.
He's the very one who's suspicious.
His older brother is a Tokugawa vassal.
He'll be attacking, too.
Saemon-no-Suke may be on the Tokugawa side.
There are many hereditary Toyotomi vassals
like Kimura, who are powerful.
Trustworthy men should be posted at vital spots.
Re-do the plan!
I am truly sorry.
Good grief.
I don't understand.
Are they relying on us or not!?
They're all worried.
If the ronin will fight hard for the Toyotomi.
Are we still on that?
This is the new plan.
Kimura and I came up with it.
Our names aren't on it.
The feudal vassals will be the main figures in defense.
Your branch castle is not on it either.
I see that.
Forget it. I'm out.
We're not wanted here.
Are you leaving the castle?
That's right.
I'm siding with Tokugawa!
Don't be absurd.
Let's go.
What about you?
I'm staying.
I can't side with the Tokugawa who banned Christianity.
Farewell.
Don't be rash. Please leave this matter with me.
I'll talk to her Ladyship.
I've been informed.
Without mutual trust, you can't win the war
I know you would never betray us.
But there are people who think otherwise.
Stay low for a while.
Let's start. It's been a while.
This is important.
I'm going first.
You called us here, so leave everything to us.
I can't do that.
Or you can't win.
Putting you aside,
who's to say they won't betray us?
You must believe in them.
It's your turn.
After the Taiko died, I've protected the Toyotomi family.
Hideyori has finally matured.
He's in full charge now.
I naturally give my opinions sometimes.
I can't override Hideyori's decision.
How about this then?
I'll allow you to build your branch castle.
Satisfied?
What about the others?
There's no meaning unless you trust all the ronin.
Then I will not allow you to build the branch castle.
It can't be helped.
Excuse me.
Are you leaving the castle?
Absolutely not. I'll have to think of another plan.
I've made up my mind.
Do as you see fit since you're doing the fighting.
Are you sure?
Don't worry about me.
We'll lose if we leave it to those stubborn people.
Keep this quiet.
Very well.
Start construction at once.
When will it be done?
Well...
Twenty-days at the earliest.
The enemy won't wait.
I'll rush it.
Lord!
Lord.
Did you call?
Gather armors.
Red ones.
To signify Takeda valor.
Will do.
Get armors and helmets for the entire Sanada army now.
Entire?
We will show the Sanada unity in red.
Use the money I received from Lord Hideyori.
Very well.
You came awfully fast.
Why did you rush?
I heard you were preparing for battle.
To not repeat my mistake from Sekigahara...
What shallow thinking!
Father?
You are the Shogun!
By coming leisurely,
you can show the Tokugawa's authority.
There's no need to rush to end the war.
Stop dragging Sekigahara!
I'm sorry.
Masanobu!
What's the purpose of your being there!?
It's my blunder.
I'm hot.
The daimyos gathered under Ieyasu's order.
The armies totaled around 300,000.
We are close to the Sanada camp.
Let's go.
But... It won't be easy.
They are prepared to go to battle.
Women aren't allowed in without good cause.
What do I do?
I can somehow get in.
Will you tell me the lord's message?
He told me not to say.
What a problem.
Apply more strength.
Raise your fan and lift your leg.
Apply greater force.
Not like that. Like this!
Do it again.
Leader!
Who are you?
It's me, Fuji!
I don't know you.
What? You picked me up before as your dancer.
I don't remember at all.
That's mean.
Wait.
It might be my predecessor.
Predecessor?
Come to think of it...
she picked up someone who is lousy at dancing
and a daimyo lord's daughter.
That's me.
I somewhat remembered that as a child.
What are you doing here?
We're going to dance at the Tokugawa camps.
Tokugawa camps?
That's our job.
Please include me in your troupe!
You?
Nobuyoshi. Nobumasa.
I'll relay the message from your father.
Listen carefully.
Yes.
Your uncle has sided with the enemy.
Genzaburo said,
the Sanada must not fight each other.
No matter what happens,
we must avoid fighting family members.
When the war starts,
the Sanada will stay in the back as much as possible.
And not move.
Wait a minute.
That is your father's order.
The details are in here.
I refuse.
Nobumasa.
This is a war.
Even if there is family on the enemy side,
shouldn't we fight our utmost?
On the surface, yes.
But please understand your father's feelings.
Genzaburo and Genjiro were very close.
That's irrelevant.
Sir Nobuyoshi, what are your thoughts?
If that is Father's order,
I'd like to obey.
Sir Nobumasa, please yield.
I had to persevere all my life.
In the battle 14 years ago,
only I sided with the Tokugawa.
My father and brother sided with the Toyotomi.
It was hard on me.
The battle ended with a Tokugawa victory.
I became a 95,000-koku daimyo lord.
There was nothing to rejoice about.
I supported my father and brother in secret from my wife.
War is about to start again.
This time, my sons and brother will be fighting.
When will I have peace of mind?
It must've been very hard on you.
I'm usually not this open.
How strange.
I can talk about anything when I'm with you.
Please feel free.
You don't mind?
I can only listen.
But if that will comfort you.
Thank you.
The arm numbness must be from stress.
Stress?
I'll heal you.
What is that?
Incense to calm you.
I'm glad you came.
You said Kyoto may turn into a battlefield,
and called me to Edo.
Any discomforts?
It just takes settling in.
I just got back from the castle.
Welcome home.
The front is practically done.
Lord!
I had one made as a sample.
Hey!
What do you think?
Red, huh?
It won't be ready in time if we start from scratch,
so I painted red lacquer.
I feel like I have lacquer poisoning.
It's not fully dry.
I was thinking of vibrant red.
How many layers of coloring?
Two.
Make it three.
Will do.
He looked like a crab.
Hey, you.
What is being built?
A branch castle.
Whose vassal are you?
The Sanada.
I gave permission.
Mouri, Chosokabe, and Akashi
have set up camp.
I gave permission.
Why did you decide on your own?
To defeat the Tokugawa.
How can you let them build a castle there?
What if Sanada betrays us?
He will not betray us!
Keep quiet!
The ronin are a bunch of rogues.
They're defying you by not following orders.
Do not stand for it!
As much as I'd like to trust Saemon-no-Suke...
His father survived by constant betrayals.
Stop work!
What's going on here?
It's a branch castle.
Cancel it immediately.
No one gave permission.
Ohno, did you?
I know nothing about it.
Go back to the castle.
It's Lord Hideyori's order.
Everyone, stop work!
You won't be punished if you stop now.
Forgive me.
We're leaving the castle tonight.
Come with us.
I can't abandon the Toyotomi.
Lord!
It's a great idea to build a branch castle here.
I've always thought...
this castle's weak point was the south side.
Is that right?
As you'd expect from the battle experts, Sanada.
There seem to be many booby traps.
Saemon-no-Suke.
So you won't abandon the Toyotomi?
I promised your father, the late Taiko.
Let's complete this branch castle.
You have my permission.
I believe you men.
When the war starts, we will fight our hardest.
We will stake our lives to protect you.
I'm counting on you.
No.
The lord of this castle...
is me.
Without the help of the ronin,
we will lose!
Excuse me.
Ieyasu's army left Kyoto,
passed Nara and set up camp in Sumiyoshi.
While Hidetada's army entered Osaka from Kawachi-guchi
and set up camp in Hirano.
I've located the enemy camp.
Sir Sanada Nobuyoshi's camp is here.
On the eastern side.
It doesn't look like we'll be fighting them.
The Date army is here, and...
the Uesugi army is here.
Uesugi?
Lord Uesugi is here?
I never expected to be in this situation with him.
SUMIYOSHI - IEYASU'S CAMP
I never thought we'd be attacking Osaka Castle.
Isn't that right, Uesugi?
Indeed.
Sanada Saemon-no Suke is among the ronin.
Genjiro...?
He fled from confinement in reply to Lord Hideyori's summon.
What an idiot.
Men!
Thank you for coming.
You had to travel far.
I, Date Masamune, am at your beck and call!
Those holed up in Osaka Castle,
threatening national peace,
in audacity,
shall be punished.
Though Osaka Castle is famed for its impregnability,
most of their army consist of vulgar ronin.
We will definitely win!
Why are you following?
This is my first battle.
I decided to stick with all of you to learn.
Please teach me.
Sir Shume, your post is vital. Please guard it well.
He was glaring at you.
That's his natural look.
He's not a bad person.
I'm Dan'emon
He wants to be a daimyo.
I'll claim fame and be the lord of a castle.
You sound confident.
I'm Ban Dan'emon.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Sir Akashi.
What are you doing here?
Preparing for the mass tonight.
Mass?
May God protect us.
Akashi's soldiers are all Christians.
A Christian army is extremely strong.
Do you know why?
Because they don't fear death.
Done!
Splendid.
Saemon-no-Suke...
Can our scratch army beat their army of 300,000?
Yes, of course.
We suffered defeat at Sekigahara.
Our bodies know what a true war is like.
What about the enemy?
Most have no experience on the battlefield.
That's a huge advantage.
Hurry!
Work faster!
What are you doing!?
What are they doing?
With shields and bamboo,
they are learning how to do the shiyose (castle attack).
They're doing it wrong.
Listen carefully.
When attacking a castle,
it means to advance toward the castle walls,
while protecting himself.
Father, stop it.
This is useless.
That isn't how.
This is wrong, too.
Help me!
Pass the shield!
This is wrong, too.
Two in front!
Two in back!
While hiding yourself,
you dig the soil.
With the soil,
you build a high wall.
Then you slowly advance.
That is what you call shiyose!
Do it right!
Masanobu.
How troublesome!
Indeed.
I'm tired.
Think of your age.
Fan me.
You received a letter from the castle.
Must be on the enemy.
It's too small for me to read.
It looks like a makeshift branch castle.
What a troublesome place to build it.
Who's defending it?
Sanada Saemon-no-Suke.
Sanada!
Sanada, again?
We finished it in time.
Naiki, I finally have my own castle.
Sakubei, hoist the flag!
What is the castle's name?
That's obvious.
It's Sanada Maru!
Sanada Maru
Written By: MITANI Koki
Music By: HATTORI Takayuki
Narrator: UDO Yumiko
Next Episode: Shutdown
CAST
Sanada Nobushige (Yukimura): SAKAI Masato
Sanada Nobuyuki: OIZUMI Yo
Matsu: KIMURA Yoshino
Ina: YOSHIDA Yo
Takanashi Naiki: NAKAHARA Takeo
Hotta Sakubei: FUJIMOTO Takahiro
Sasuke: FUJII Takashi
Toyotomi Hideyori: NAKAGAWA Taishi
Oda Urakusai: INOUE Jun
Ohno Harunaga: IMAI Tomohiko
Chosokabe Morichika: Anan Kenji
Tokugawa Hidetada: HOSHINO Gen
Mouri Katsunaga: OKAMOTO Kenichi
Next Episode: SHUTDOWN
Chacha: TAKEUCHI Yuko
Goto Matabe: AIKAWA Sho
Uesugi Kagekatsu: ENDO Kenichi
Honda Masanobu: KONDO Masaomi
Tokugawa Ieyasu: UCHINO Seiyo
Translations by MTI
Director: TANAKA Tadashi