TOKUGAWA IEYASU
Episode 27: The Battles of Komaki and Nagakute
Lord Hideyoshi forced Lord Nobutaka to die?
The 2nd son, Nobutaka's chief retainer
came to report this to you in person.
He's waiting.
I'll see him.
After the defeat of Shibata Katsuie,
Lord Hashiba ordered my lord, Oda Nobukatsu
to attack his brother, Nobutaka's Gifu castle.
His reason was that Lord Nobutaka
was preventing the Oda clan from being united.
My lord was forced to obey his order.
Most of Lord Nobutaka's retainers had escaped,
and was forced to surrender his castle to us.
If he surrendered, why did he have to die?
My lord, Lord Nobutaka, and my men all thought that
if he surrendered he would be spared and givena castle.
However, one of Lord Hashiba's messengers arrived and
in the name of our lord, Nobukatsu, he had to die.
hat? In Lord Nobukatsu's name?
Tell my brother that he's next!
That Hideyoshi didn't dirty his own hands, but
ordered Nobutaka to die in the name of Nobukatsu.
He's frightening.
It sends chills to us straightforward Mikawa men.
My Lord.
Ishikawa Kazumasa is also a Mikawa man.
Who knows what trap he's laid for him.
I don't want to lose Kazumasa.
Hideyoshi's objective was to destroy all obstacles
which came in the way of his conquering the country.
Kazumasa was sent as a messenger to Hideyoshi...
I was waiting for you Kazumasa.
I was so happy that I forgot something important.
I'll listen to Ieyasu's message first.
He had always called him "Lord Tokugawa",
but now he was on a first name basis.
Congratulations on your victory in the Hokuriku wars.
My lord Ieyasu would've come, however,
he has gained much weight and travel is hard in this heat.
Therefore, I have come in his place.
You mean to say he has thigh sores?
Exactly.
Ieyasu? He's too fat and got thigh sores?!
Kazumasa?
Shall we go to Kyoto on June 2nd?
It's the first anniversary of our late lord's death.
I shall summon 30 or so lords to build my castle in Osaka.
The Mori clan has come to me.
It's my sign of loyalty to my late lord
to control the country as soon as possible.
Exactly.
What has Ieyasu sent me as a gift?
I have brought a tea jar for you. It's called "Hatsuhana".
What? A "Hatsuhana" tea jar? That famous jar?
I have heard about it from tea masters.
I see. I'd have to exhibit to the country.
At Hamamatsu, we call it "the 5,000 koku tea jar".
"The 5,000 koku tea jar"?
When Matsudaira presented it to our lord,
he was so happy he wanted to give 5,000 koku to him.
Kazumasa.
I gave 5,000 koku to low-ranking pages who did a reasonable job
during the battle with Shibata Katsuie.
Kazumasa.
I think Ieyasu values his wealth too much.
He lives a simple life which the residents emulate.
Yet the lands are rough...
No, no, I mean he's too stingy
when it comes to rewarding good deeds.
I'm afraid that all his men are satisfied.
I'll tease him a bit.
What do you mean?
Depending on the amount of land one governs,
I'll make them pay for the construction of my castle.
Ieyasu controls 5 provinces, I control over 20.
He'll have to pay 1/4 of the expenses of building the castle.
Isn't this fun, Kazumasa?
I wonder what Ieyasu would say....
Why not have him pay 1/2 of your expenses?
What? Half?
Is he that rich?
No, but then he'll decide he'll have to fight you.
I'm just teasing you. Don't take me seriously.
If Ieyasu doesn't betray me I won't betray him.
Why are we talking about this? Bring the tea jar.
I appreciate that.
Kazumasa.
When you return to Hamamatsu, erase that silly name.
I wonder...
Supposing you worked for me,
I would grant you a fief worth 100,000 koku, a castle
and name you as one of my lords.
You're worth it.
Isn't 5,000 koku a bit low?
I'm talking about the jar.
Therefore, rename it the "100,000 koku tea jar".
That tea jar is lucky.
It may have remained 5,000 koku...
Ieyasu is lucky.
He might've given me this tea jar, but
he employs several good retainers with low compensation.
Let Kazumasa have a cup.
Does Ieyasu know my motives?
It seems to me he's more worried about his land than the country itself.
Absurd!
If so he would've joined forces with Shibata
and Lord Nobutaka to try to conquer you.
But his intentions are the same as yours.
So, he kept the Hojo's and Lord Nobukatsu in check
and he helped you until you conquered the Kinki areas.
He was more important to you
than any warrior who fought with you in the battlefield.
I envy Ieyasu. He has good retainers.
This is my treat. Have a drink.
I'll accept.
Kazumasa was aware that this cup would lead him to destruction.
From past experiences, as soon as Hideyoshi starts a rumor
that Kazumasa is secretly serving him, the tragedy will begin.
That tragedy struck 3 of Oda Nobukatsu's retainers.
They were victims of false rumors of betrayal.
Nobukatsu killed those 3 to show Hideyoshi his rancor
and sought alliance with Ieyasu.
...a stupid heir...
The Kiyosu lands were controlled by those three.
To kill them off would be to reduce his own power by half.
He's a big fool.
He killed them in spite of that. Ieyasu may be behind him.
Ieyasu would be disgusted and won't side with him.
Besides me, Ieyasu is the most calculating warrior.
Lord Nobukatsu's fate is plain to see.
It may be better to unite strengths.
You have a cause to fight for.
You were the late Nobunaga's relative and ally.
If you aided Nobukatsu in fighting Hideyoshi,
that would be a good reason to attack.
Our flag is decided now.
We'll use Nobukatsu to shield us from the power.
Shield us...
I wonder if he'll fight Nobukatsu
knowing that Ieyasu is behind him.
He sure will.
The proof is he drove Nobukatsu into killing the retainers.
Let's let Hideyoshi panic a bit.
I hope we won't fail.
We'll cause a riot in the Kishu territory,
and cause as much rebellion against Hideyoshi as we can.
It would hurt him the most to divide his armies.
Now that confrontation with Hideyoshi was inevitable
Ieyasu could not hesitate.
He left with 8,000 men on March 7th, 1584.
This was a decisive battle for Ieyasu.
When Hideyoshi heard the news he moved quickly.
He ordered Ikeda to attack the Inuyama castle.
Now that Inuyama castle is taken,
it would be harder for Lord Ieyasu.
But he is cautious, so he must have a plan.
This may be a collusion.
A collusion?
Once they join forces,
Lord Nobukatsu of Kiyosu would be destroyed.
If such a rumor exists,
it may be Lord Hideyoshi's strategy.
If this is indeed a collusion,
Lord Nobukatsu's allies in Shikoku would lose fight.
That Hideyoshi is admirably cunning...
Though in appearance this was between Nobukatsu and Hideyoshi,
in fact, this war was between Ieyasu and Hideyoshi.
Ieyasu set up camp in Komakiyama.
What does Hideyoshi hate the most?
Probably to lose.
I hate to lose even more than he does.
Anything else?
Maybe the word "traitor".
That's the excuse with which he fought Mitsuhide.
I see. Traitor?
Well...
Not only did he steal his lord's territories,
but he is trying to kill off his lord's children.
This is a heinous crime
unknown in the history of our country or in China!
Therefore, I, Ieyasu, have taken up arms
to fight for the sake of Nobunaga's son, Nobukatsu!
Those who have any sense of justice, join me,
to punish the traitor Hashiba Hideyoshi!
Shall we put up notices?
Examine the notice well. Make it stir everyone up.
Yes, lord.
The more the better.
Cross the river into Mino and put them up there! Get to work!
Don't let Ikeda and Mori advance!
Yes!
Sire!
What's that?
Ieyasu's page has put up some inexcusable notices.
It's unforgivable!
Don't be so upset. What does it say?
May I really read it?
For you to be so upset it must be bad. Read it.
I will.
"Hideyoshi is of lowly birth and was a stablehand..."
What?!
Go on.
Forget it. The enemy is only trying to anger you.
Shut up! Do you think I don't know that?
Pardon me.
Read it so I can test myself and see how much I can tolerate.
You insist?
Read it. Ieyasu is a mere lord...
The stablehand was liked by Nobunaga and promoted.
"Now he has forgotten his obligation and stole his lands..."
I knew it.
What about Nobutaka?
It says you killed Nobutaka, his wife and daughters,
and now you're a traitor who is after Nobukatsu.
I knew it...
he's got the point.
You know...
What?
He wrote what he should.
That page, Sakakibara is admirable.
Ieyasu's men put this notice up. What do you suggest we do?
If you have no ideas, Ieyasu's page was far better than you.
Offer a reward of 100,000 koku for Sakakibara's head.
What?
He got you angry, so you should display your anger,
an announce the 100,000 reward to both friend and foe.
You're telling me not to hide my anger?
Rather than that, display your anger like a peal of thunder!
Alright. I'm angry!
Kanbei, paper and ink!
Just as expected Ieyasu has an ideal spot for a camp.
This is dangerous.
Fool! Enemy arrows won't hit me.
Here I am! Come and get me!
Set up a fence 330 ft. east and 20 ft. north-south.
They're positioned to fight. We'll solidify our fort here.
Ieyasu had a route to Mikawa and commuted, but
for Hideyoshi, who had to come from Osaka
it was difficult to keep an ample supply.
The longer the battle lasted the better for Ieyasu.
Look, Kazaumasa.
Look, I'd like to avoid a contest of endurance, but
I can almost see Hideyoshi's face.
Exactly.
I believe it's time for your plan.
So... it's time...
Hideyoshi spread a rumor that
Hideyoshi and Ieyasu are conspiring together
to affect Nobukatsu's fighting spirit.
If we pretend to have fallen into that trap,
and send someone to tell Hideyoshi that
in time, Ieyasu intends to do just that...
We can strike back.
Exactly.
But...
When he thinks of the fate of that messenger,
I'm sure our lord is mortified.
That's strange... that messenger would be a traitor.
He has a lot to learn if he sympathizes with him.
I don't know about others,
but I'll appear to betray our lord numerous times
if that is the best way to serve him.
You know how he feels...
There's still time. Now's the time...
At Inuyama castle,
Ikeda Shonyu was spreading the conspiracy rumor.
Make Ieyasu return?
If you would allow me to, I'll go south to Obata,
to cut their route to Mikawa and get the Nagakute castle.
Then hit Okazaki.
That's quite a plan.
If we hit Okazaki, Ieyasu can't be helping Nobukatsu in Owari.
The war will be over in at most 2 weeks at least 10 days.
Not bad...
But...
I'd like your nephew Hidetsugu to lead the army there.
Hidetsugu? For general?
Hideyoshi, in order to avoid a prolonged war, approved.
Hideyoshi sent Hori Hidemasa along with Hidetsugu
and gave him 20,000 men.
They passed behind Ieyasu in the night.
Ieyasu learned of this the following morning.
What? Heading south?
He's our general. Tell him what you saw.
I'll report... it was night...
Ieyasu decided quickly once he learned that the general
was Hidetsugu, the greenhorn.
He left 3 generals at Komakiyama,
and Ieyasu himself secretly descended the mountain.
This chase must not take time.
As soon as Hideyoshi learns I'm after Hidetsugu, he'll come after us.
We'll treat them to our skills in outdoor fighting!
April 8th, 1584.
This was the famous Komaki-Nagakute battle.
Hidetsugu's army of 8,000 spent a sleepless night
and headed for Mikawa.
They took a break at Inokoishi.
The enemy, my lord!
The Tokugawa's are attacking us!
Don't bring shame upon my uncle! Get every one of them!
After having thrown Hidetsugu's army into utter chaos,
they faced Hori Hidemasa who had come to aid Hidetsugu.
Ii Naomasa, who was waiting for his chance,
took 600 guns and 3,000 men to face the Hori army.
Hideyoshi was still unaware of that battle...
Today's battle is decisive.
Ieyasu will realize what Ikeda has done.
That's when we display our true strength.
I wonder if Ieyasu doesn't know...
How can he not move?
If I heard my lands were being attacked,
I wouldn't be here eating.
Reporting!
Ieyasu is no longer at Komakiyama!
He's not there? We're off!
A moment's miscalculation determind defeat in wars.
When their army of 38,000 arrived at Nagakute,
there was no sign of battle.
Ieyasu gathered his men and entered Obata castle.
Where is my lord?!
Nabe! What's up?
That Monkey panicked and chase after me.
Hideyoshi is shocked to see you gone from Nagakute.
The control over the country is now up for grabs!
Your helmet, lord.
Don't rush, have a seat.
Chances are important in war. Now is our chance!
Hideyoshi is panicking!
Nabe.
One must not win too much.
What?
If I kill Hideyoshi now, the country would be in chaos.
You can gain control!
I'm not as powerful as Hideyoshi is.
If I get him now, I'll suffer the same fate as Mitsuhide.
That's strange...
Nabe.
The country is tired of wars.
I shouldn't kill Hideyoshi and bring more chaos to the lands.
If I kill Hideyoshi, I'll have to fight all the other lords.
How pitiful!
Just listen!
Even if Hideyoshi gains control, I just won't submit to him.
You're lying. You're timid.
What if their army of 40,000 attacks us here?
Don't worry. There will be no war.
What?
I won't be here 'til morning.
I'll leave when the moon rises.
What?
We can embarrass him more than once.
When he is ready for an all-out attack,
this castle would be empty.
Mitsunari?
If you were Ieyasu, what would you do?
What?
Ieyasu won the war, but
now he has to face me at that small castle.
This is victory leading to defeat.
You intend to defeat Ieyasu at Obata?
I can't forgive him.
Ieyasu's probably aware of that.
He sure is.
If you were Ieyasu, what would you do?
I'd've abandoned that Obata castle...
My lord.
Call my generals! We're leaving!
After I subjugate Japan, I will go to China.
I'll spare Ieyasu!
Ieyasu returned to Komakiyama and Hideyoshi to Inuyama,
and they both held out.
There were no more war and they returned to their lands.
Peace negotiation began...
What message did Kazumasa bring from Osaka?
To bring our lord's son escorted by Kazumasa's and Sakuza's sons.
Never heard off a victor providing hostages!
Why couldn't he refuse? Whose side is he on anyway?
He was tricked by Hideyoshi.
We should fight!
We're not afraid of Hideyoshi!
I'd kill Kazumasa first!
Hideyoshi's using him!
Wait, we'll hear our lord's thoughts first.
...Hideyoshi is too demanding.
That war was a draw.
But if we give up hostages, it's as if we lost.
Should we refuse and wars ensue again, both clans would lose out.
You agree to send hostages?
I have an idea.
Tell me.
Hideyoshi doesn't have a son.
What about having him adopt our Omimaru?
Adopt him?
We'll send yours and my son to escort him.
Then our two clans would become relatives
and is different from sending hostages.
Can you carry out that plan?
If I can't I'll commit seppuku.
With my blood, I'll paint a picture of a true Mikawa man
on the screens of Osaka castle!
Alright.
What's alright?
Send Chaya Shirojiro to Naya Shoan in Sakai.
Ask him for ideas on another strategy.
Then what?
Hideyoshi is influenced by the merchants of Sakai.
Manipulate them to our advantage.
I'd like to hear about Ieyasu.
I asked Ieyasu for hostages. Did you hear anything?
I invited you here today to talk of more important issues.
Important issues? The country?
Yes.
The country is not limited to the 60 or so provinces in Japan.
There's Korea, China, Southern island and even Europe.
A man of your caliber shouldn't be bothered with Ieyasu
fighting over such small provinces.
You're flattering me to help Ieyasu out somehow.
Yes, I'd like you to make plans for abroad.
If you destroy Ieyasu now,
people would think you're only emulating our late lord.
You're blunt, aren't you?
Trade is important.
Open your eyes to the world and do what Nobunaga could not do.
You'll begin to regard people differently.
You're telling me to open my eyes to the world
and judge people on the basis of whether I'll need them
to carry out my desires...
Exactly, I'm struck with awe.
I see... then this Ieyasu may be useful to me. Right?
To think Ieyasu influenced you... he's formidable...
Misunari!
I hate Ieyasu!
Sire!
Bring Isuda Hayato, my emissary to Hamamatsu.
I'll adopt the hostage from Ieyasu.
What did you say?
As a father, he'll bring his son to me.
Then, I'll make him bow down to me.
I hate him...
Don't tell anyone.
Yes.
Hideyoshi's emissary was sent to Hamamatsu castle.
He intends to summon you to Osaka castle for a greeting.
If I don't go, he'll lose face as if I rejected his offer.
I heard Hideyoshi's true intentions from the emissary.
He told you?
Let's hear it.
If your clansmen resist, he wants you to feign illness.
It must be serious. You'll go when you're cured.
And make the procession an imposing one.
Such cheap tricks!
- Sakuza. - What!
Hideyoshi is under pressure, too.
For the sake of our country and peace
I'll have to accept.
But I won't submit to him.
I'm ill, and can't go to Osaka.
Yes.
I shall escort Omimaru.
Sakuza and Kazumasa were forced to be pitted
against one another for Ieyasu's good.
They had both served since their father's generation.
To have to throw mud on Kazumasa's loyal service
was a painful decision that came to Ieyasu in middle of his path.