"Suemori Castle" "1553"
"Oda Nobukatsu"
"Shibata Katsuie"
Concentration, Nobukatsu-sama.
I know.
If your perception is unclouded, you will invariably pierce the target.
Clear as a mirror or still water!
Be quiet for a bit, would you, Katsuie? It's distracting.
Apologies.
Hey, it went that way!
The rascal!
What's all this racket?
The bird got loose!
Bird?!
Hurry up and hold it down!
Get out of the way!
You weren't harmed, my lord?
No... Thanks.
I offer my gratitude. What's your name?
Kurando... My name is Tsuzuki Kurando.
"Tsuzuki Kurando"
Oda Nobunaga: a man who, it is said, eclipsed a world at war like a demon god.
But the man I knew came across somewhat differently.
Let me tell a bit more tonight about who that Nobunaga-sama really was.
"Kochoki" "Young Nobunaga"
"Kiyosu"
Looks like what was supposed to be delivered here got sent to Nobukatsu's place instead.
This is a letter of complaint about it.
Just a moment, my lord.
Why was such a mystifying creature arranged to be delivered here?
I actually intended to buy a peacock.
"Tsushima"
"Yaraj (Captain of a foreign ship)"
I couldn't get my hands on a peacock. Instead, keep this pet!
--You were a real pigeon for that trick, my lord.
--Who are you calling a pigeon? --You were a real pigeon for that trick, my lord.
It doesn't look like a pigeon to me...
Nobunaga-sama, what is that bird called?
I'm sure he said...
Osutori... [Osutori: male bird]
"Ohana" "Kichou"
That means it won't lay any eggs...
"Ohana" "Kichou" Would've liked to see its chicks hatch, huh?
No way! I was just thinking about how many it could serve as a rolled omelette!
Be that as it may, if Nobukatsu has something he wants to say,
he should just come here and say it directly!
That's not feasible, my lord, since he's now lord and master of Suemori Castle.
He can't get away easily.
It'd be nice if he'd be more easygoing about us meeting; we are brothers.
It's not feasible.
It would be different if there were some special reason, though.
A special reason...
Nobunaga-sama!
The preparations for making mochi are done, my lord!
Ah--that's it!
A New Year's party!
"Sakuma Nobumori" "Maeda Toshiie" That's right! To celebrate the New Year,
"Sakuma Nobumori" "Maeda Toshiie" Nobunaga-sama's family will all gather here in Nagoya Castle.
And can you believe that we've received received permission to join them too?
That's amazing! But for New Year's, I was intending a solitary wilderness retreat,
"Sakuma Morishige" "Sassa Narimasa" "Takigawa Kazumasu" That's amazing! But for New Year's, I was intending a solitary wilderness retreat,
"Sakuma Morishige" "Sassa Narimasa" "Takigawa Kazumasu" to practice swordsmanship.
Stop with your talk of austerities.
"Murai Sadakatsu" He's right. None of us have anywhere to go home to for New Year's anyway.
Yeah. I'm absolutely going to participate.
I'll bet we can drink delicious saké to our hearts' content.
Stop eating, though, you. We won't have any left for New Year's!
There's one more proclamation. Those who join the New Year's celebration
will all, without exception, have to perform some sort of talent.
Everyone has to perform?
Hold on, we don't all possess artistic talent, apart from martial arts!
Come on, no need to put it like that;
it's for the sake of livening up Nobunaga-sama's banquet!
Everybody do your part!
"Board breaking"
"Monkey training"
Show remorse!
"Monkey training"
I'd say this isn't bad.
If it's about New Year's greetings, it's hard to say no.
Same as ever, my elder brother.
A New Year's banquet, my lord?
He says there's lots he'd like to talk about, so let's all get together when New Year's comes.
You must not.
Huh?
Mother!
"Dota Gozen" Nobunaga has left the Principal Line in Kiyosu with a grudge against him.
If we cozy up to Nobunaga, we'll also come under the Principal Line's scrutiny.
It's fine... I'll handle it carefully.
Nobukatsu!
However, the New Year came, and no banquet was held.
"Sunpu"
This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Okazaki" This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Shigehara" This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Kutsukake" This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Narumi" "Ootaka" "Ogawa" This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Atsuta Shrine" This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Kiyosu" This was because Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been targeting Owari with a focused, hungry eye,
"Kiyosu" began constructing a fort at the neck of the Chita Peninsula, at Muraki.
If this continues, it's only a matter time until Ogawa Castle, under Mizuno-dono, falls.
We'll send aid!
If we leave this castle empty, my lord, without a doubt
the Principal Line from Kiyosu will take the opportunity to descend upon it.
But we don't have troops enough to divide our forces in two.
How about asking my father?
Dousan-dono?
We could have him defend Nagoya while you're away, Nobunaga-sama.
Let's go with that.
What's that?!
"Hayashi Hidesada" "Hayashi Michitomo" You're saying he allowed Mino's troops into Nagoya?
"Hayashi Hidesada" "Hayashi Michitomo" Has Nobunaga-sama never heard of mistrusting others?
There's simply nothing more to discuss. We'll wash our hands of him.
So it's come to this after all.
What do we do, my lord?
There's no way around it. In such circumstances,
it would be reassuring if Nobukatsu would lend us a hand...
Nobukatsu-sama! Where are you intending to go?!
I'm off to Muraki, to assist my elder brother!
Don't do this, my lord!
Now that his senior retainers have pulled away,
Elder Brother is alone and without aid; if I don't go, who will help him?
Troops from Mino are already stationed at Nagoya, my lord.
If they assault Suemori Castle while you're away, what's to be done?
My brother wouldn't resort to such an underhanded act.
Even if Nobunaga-sama doesn't, Dousan is liable to do it!
Nobukatsu-sama. Gozen-sama calls for you.
What might be the matter, Mother?
Is it true, that Mino is coming in as an occupying force?
Who told you such things?
This castle, Suemori, is a crucial location, one Nobuhide-sama left to you.
Whatever the situation, it must be defended.
If all we do is defend, eventually we'll fall!
I'll ask you to leave matters of warfare to us.
Mother?
Sorry; did we wake you?
Elder Brother!
Hidetaka...
Are you leaving for somewhere?
"Oda Hidetaka"
He's not going anywhere. That's a valued promise he made to you, Hidetaka...
Right, Nobukatsu?
"Suemori" "Nagoya"
Ultimately, Nobukatsu-sama made no move;
"Suemori" "Nagoya" Nobunaga-sama left Nagoya's defense to Dousan and led his troops out.
"Nagoya" "Arako" Nobunaga-sama left Nagoya's defense to Dousan and led his troops out.
"Furuwatari"
He launched an assault on Muraki Fortress in the midst of a storm.
"Narumi" He launched an assault on Muraki Fortress in the midst of a storm.
"Muraki" He launched an assault on Muraki Fortress in the midst of a storm.
This surprise attack succeeded, and the Imagawa forces withdrew.
Nobunaga-sama defended Owari.
Why did you not fulfill your promise to us?
Was not the arrangement that while we were drawing Nobunaga out, you would take Nagoya?
"Kawajiri Yoichi (Retainer to Oda)" "Sakai Daizen (Senior Retainer to Oda)" It couldn't be helped. Nobody imagined that Mino forces would occupy Nagoya.
Then pass on a message directly.
Y-you can't mean...
Is that person coming into Owari?!
Imagawa-sama, with 100,000 troops, will invade and utterly destroy Owari.
If you want to survive...
...then you must perform some deed that shows you're worthy of it.
Rumor is that Imagawa has allied himself with Takeda of Kai, and Houjou of Sagami.
That number, 100,000, is no bluff.
It can't be put off even a moment longer...
Nobukatsu, are you well?
Though we'd agreed to meet at New Year's, the cherry blossoms are already in bloom.
Actually, our ostrich I'd thought was male all this time laid eggs yesterday.
They were huge, the size of gourds!
The bird showed no inclination to incubate them,
so we had them made into rolled omelettes and we all ate them.
How they tasted... you can probably guess.
Another letter, my lord?
Oh, it's you, Tsuneoki. I'm writing one every day, but I get no reply.
If you're too persistent, he'll start to dislike you.
You're right...
Nobukatsu, how are things there? You haven't caught cold, have you?
I won't say I want to see your face. But I'd like a reply, at least.
I want to see my big brother too.
How wonderful if we could ride together, or stargaze together, the way we used to.
"Takugen Oshou"
If so, then put those feelings into words to tell him.
Even for brothers, it's very difficult to convey feelings without using words.
Well look who's here: Takugen Oshou.
Did you have some business with Nobukatsu-sama?
Since today is Kanbutsu-e, meaning the day of Lord Buddha's birth,
I paid a visit in hopes of asking Nobukatsu-sama for a donation.
That presents problems. I'll ask you to please present such matters through me.
We've finished. I'll take my leave now.
Good grief. That monk's a nuisance.
Huh?
Nobukatsu-sama...
I've picked some flowers for Kanbutsu-e, my lord.
Put them in that vase for me.
Is that a ball, my lord?
I once received it as a birthday gift from my elder brother.
A birthday gift?
Thank you, Elder Brother!
I'm the one who should thank you.
Eh?
The morning I heard you crying when you were born, I was really happy.
Thanks for being born. This is to express my gratitude.
This is an important treasure to me.
It may be intrusive to say this, my lord,
but how about reciprocating, to convey that feeling back to Nobunaga-sama?
Eh?
Send Nobunaga-sama a gift on his birthday.
I believe that would convey your feelings better than words.
You think so? Yes, you're right. Thanks, Tsuzuki.
What am I seeing?
A letter from Nobukatsu-sama arrived, so he's crying from gladness.
What's if he wrote that he's breaking off all contact?
Why did you have to say that?! Now I'm powerful affrighted to open it.
Kichou! Read this for me.
I don't want to.
Please!
"Dear Elder Brother...
The season has come when the spring wind feels pleasant upon one's face.
How have you been?"
We don't need those parts; get to the more important stuff, please!
"Your birthday will be here soon, Elder Brother."
I'd like to send a gift in celebration, but is there anything you might wish for?
Did you hear, Tsuneoki?
Glad to hear it, Nobunaga-sama.
How are you going to answer, my lord?
I don't need a gift or anything.
If I could just see Nobukatsu's face, that would be enough!
But Nobunaga-sama's wish was not fulfilled.
Shiba Yoshikane-sama, son to Shiba Yoshimune, Lord Protector of Owari.
"Shiba Yoshikane" Shiba Yoshikane-sama, son to Shiba Yoshimune, Lord Protector of Owari.
Treat these wounds immediately!
Yes, sir!
What on earth happened?
Sakai Daizen was covertly communicating with Imagawa.
My father rebuked Sakai, but Sakai flew into a rage...
Hold on; what does this mean?
Shiba Yoshimune-sama holds the highest title in all of Owari.
Uh-huh.
Until now, the Principal Line in Kiyosu has stood proxy for him as protectors.
"Oda Nobutomo" "(Head of Oda Principal Line)" But Nobutomo-sama of the Principal Line just isn't a man who can be relied upon.
The one holding the reins is his representative, Sakai Daizen.
Oh, so that guy plotted this treason; is that it?
We're ready to treat those wounds!
I can stand on my own!
Nobunaga-sama! Let's give that Sakai bastard his just deserts.
Let's do it!
What do we do?
Nobunaga-sama!
There's trouble, my lord!
I know Shiba Yoshikane-sama is here! I ask that you hand him over to us!
For starters, you'll give your name!
Sakai Kounosuke--retainer to acting Lord Protector of Owari, Oda Nobutomo-sama!
Should I fire?
Wait.
If he is not handed over, we will take him by force!
Enough of these brazen demands!
Toshiie, don't!
What the...?
Scamper off home!
I guess I'll have to protect this baby bird who's flown into my care...
...and fend off the sparks that are about to fly.
Sound the horns! Prepare to ride out!
Yes, sir!
To report: Kiyosu's defenses are stouter than expected; we cannot break through.
This... is Imagawa fletching.
So that bastard Sakai is tangled up with them...
We can safely assume they've stocked up weapons and provisions
in preparation for a siege.
So their plans accounted for this.
Send them off with a volley the way Nobunaga tried to do.
My damned powder's damp...
These bloody...!
I'm in your debt!
Don't mention it.
They're going to attack the rear gate! Shoot more volleys of arrows!
A contingent of Nobunaga's troops has circled around to the East Gate.
Stop this, the Oda clan killing amongst its own...
Stop your complaining, Tono-sama. There's no turning back for us now!
We're sending out a sortie!
Here's the situation: we still see no breach in their defenses.
The tide keeps shifting: advance and retreat, attack and defense.
What shall we do?
My elder brother asks for reinforcements.
Though it was treason against the Shiba, the Lord Protectors,
still, to defy the Principal Line...
Let's go.
The time has come to reciprocate Nobunaga-sama's brotherly love for you.
Thank you, Tsuzuki. We ride forth!
I won't allow it!
Mother...
To side with Nobunaga and defy the Principal Line
is certain to bring disaster down upon us!
Nothing from Nobukatsu yet?!
No word yet, my lord!
Nobunaga-sama! Leave the rearguard to me, and retreat, please!
So this is where it ends...
Oh! Is that...?
Nobukatsu!
Charge!
You say you're determined to go?
To defend my elder brother will serve to defend all Owari, including you, Mother.
Thank you, Nobukatsu!
All right! Counterattack!
Stand fast!
Kawajiri-dono has been slain!
That fiend Nobunaga!
Nobukatsu!
If so, I have one condition:
You are absolutely not to dismount from your horse.
Return home unharmed to your mother: that is your duty.
Tell me one thing: why do you despise my elder brother this much, Mother?
That's not something for you to know.
Let's go home. Gozen-sama awaits your return.
I know that.
It's dusk. Perhaps he couldn't see your face from over there.
Let's call him back.
No, it's all right. The fact that he came is enough.
Thus the conflict ended.
"July 18, 1554"
Oda Nobutomo took responsibility for this conflict and committed seppuku.
Oda Nobunaga-sama acquired Kiyosu Castle and made it his new command post.
Did I manage to pay back, at least a little...
...those feelings of thankfulness you gave me, elder brother?
I was searching for you, my lord.
Tsuzuki?
Were you reliving old memories again?
No; this is--
Your loneliness...
Let me cure you of it, my lord.
Eek!
Are you all right?!
Nobunaga-sama...
"Next Episode"
"Love and Death"
"Kochoki" "Young Nobunaga" "Look forward to next week's episode!!!" "Illustration by Fuyuka Tsukimori"