"Good morning, sir" "Morning" "Oda Nobunaga-Oda clan Liege Lord Most powerful daimyo in Japan" "What a stink..." "Pardon me" "Akechi Mitsuhide is in rebellion" "Oda Nobutada-Nobunaga's eldest son" "Akechi is a powerful warrior" "More than a match for my father" "Our Liege is dead?" "Akechi's sure to march on us here" "I'll hold out as long as I can" "You two must flee immediately" "We'll stay with you" "Absolutely not!" "Take Sanboshi, head to Kiyosu" "I won't leave you!" "You'll be in my way" "That's why I didn't want you here" "Matsu, my dear..." "Take care of our boy" "Gen-i, I entrust them to you" "Certainly, sir" "And so the world slides back into war..." "Lord Niwa is here" "Lord Niwa..." "Nice to see you" "You did well to make it back, Tokichiro" "On horseback for 5 days straight" "Akechi has at least 10,000 troops to our 3,000" "We didn't stand a hope, so I'm glad you're here" "With my 20,000, I'll scatter him to the wind" "Lord Oda Nobutaka is here" "Oda Nobutaka-Nobunaga's 3rd son" "Tokichiro, well done for getting here" "Begin our advance" "I, Oda Nobutaka, demand revenge for my father and brother!" "I still can't believe it..." "To think our Liege is no more of this earth..." "But in a manner of speaking, it was a fitting end, perhaps?" "To be cremated amid the temple" "To vanish, leaving not a trace" "No more killing here" "Get lost" "We'll forbid entry" "What will become of the Oda clan?" "Lord Nobutaka must take over the reins, with you, Lord Shibata, as supporting guardian" "Me?" "That's your role, as Chief Vassal" "Lord Shibata Katsu-ie" "The problem is Tokichiro" "Don't talk of him to me" "But he's the one who killed Akechi" "No doubt he'll grow in power" "I fought alongside our Liege since Tokichiro was a mere sandal-bearer" "Do we let that monkey take over?" "Which is precisely why we need to act" "What should we do?" "Convene a conference" "A conference?" "Gather vassals from far and wide to decide the future of the Oda clan" "We'll announce your role to the world" "The town of Kiyosu will be the place" "Kiyosu..." "The former seat of clan power" "Steeped in memories" "This will mean... more war..." "Indeed, it means war... but in the guise of a conference" "Don't just watch, help out" "I mustn't do farm work anymore" "Mother, ever since he avenged Lord Oda, he's become a totally different person" "As if he'd subdued the whole damn world" "No matter what finery you wear, that's still peasant blood in your veins" "Shut your mouth, you old cow!" "Look at the size of this eggplant" "It might get bigger, don't pick it" "Listen to him..." "Fool!" "Why?" "They get tough if they're overripe" "Don't you remember that?" "Forgetting his roots" "Idiot" "Be quiet!" "Big ears" "That's your fault" "My Lord..." "The message arrived" "That was quick" "A conference at Kiyosu castle to settle the succession and distribute land to the vassals" "Shibata's being unusually efficient" "I dare say." "Lord Niwa is behind it" "Of course" "They're all terrified you'll aim for the post of Chief Vassal" "Pathetic" "I'm not after such a paltry goal" "Kiyosu, huh?" "Kanbei, are you ready for this?" "Kiyosu Castle" "The Kiyosu Conference" "Day One" "Morning, everyone" "Good morning" "From today, here in Kiyosu there will be an important meeting to decide the future of the Oda clan" "The success of the meeting depends on our work behind the scenes" "Please take a moment to dwell on this" "Marvelous view, wonderful air..." "Just as it always was" "How long's it been?" "About 20 years, sir" "I remember campaigning under this same sky..." "The great sky of Kiyosu" "Takigawa not here yet?" "Delayed by fighting at Odawara" "Take an audience with Lord Nobutaka" "I've only just arrived" "Exactly why you go now" "As our champion, you have everything to gain" "First, there's someone I must see" "His Lordship comes first" "God forbid Tokichiro should beat you to it" "I'll be just a minute" "A souvenir from the north, My Lady" "Thank you, kind sir" "I remember you saying you liked fragrant things" "Fragrant things?" "Pickled shallots from Kaga Province" "Originally used medically to impart vigor, when pickled they are delicious" "Shibata..." "Yes" "Our clan faces unprecedented threats" "Please help us band together and ride out the storm" "I'm absolutely at your service" "Who do you think should be the heir?" "Nobutaka would fit the role" "I am sure he would respect my elder brother's dying wish and work to unite our country" "I pledge to uphold his claim and work with all my might for the good of the Oda clan" "Understand this" "By no means must Tokichiro have his way" "You, our Chief Vassal, must guide the clan" "Not that monkey" "I never said I liked pickles" "Perhaps you talked about fragrances?" "Who confuses incense with pickles?" "One wonders if he's up to the task?" "He's the only one keeping Tokichiro in check and he'd give his life for me in a heartbeat" "I'd rather the clan was wiped out than yield to the monkey" "I'll never forgive Tokichiro" "Never" "The monkey's back!" "The monkey's returned!" "Thank you all!" "Hey, cutie..." "Good folk of Kiyosu..." "Tokichiro is back!" "I return with the traitor's head in vengeance for our Liege's death!" "The victorious Hashiba Tokichiro returns!" "Rice-cake gifts for all!" "Am I right for the job?" "I beseech Your Highness to assume the role of heir" "What of my elder brother?" "Don't be absurd" "Nobukatsu is an absolute clown." "He could never lead the clan" "Watch your tongue" "Forgive me" "Although he's regarded as the elder brother" "Your Highness was actually born 20 days earlier" "That's correct" "You need have no misgivings" ""To unite our nation"" "My father died with his holy vow half-completed" "If it is in me, I shall pick up his mantle so allow me to accept the challenge" "Now Lord Nobutaka is ours." "we've got the advantage" "I can just imagine the monkey's fury" "How will he respond, I wonder..." "Kanbei, I'm off to see Lady O-lchi" "She's probably stricken with grief" "I'll go console the poor thing" "Here's hoping she likes the Kyoto souvenir" "It was I who avenged your brother, y'know" "You thought that'd bring me pleasure?" "I despise you and my brother equally" "What the heck?" "How come she didn't like it?" "It would rather suggest the depth of her hatred for you" "How long's it been, for heaven's sake?" "The pain of a son's murder does not easily diminish" "I didn't kill him for fun, y'know" "I was just obeying her brother's orders" "Not a valid reason from her standpoint" "Give me a break..." "Her husband plotted against our Liege" "It's not me she should be angry with" "My Lord..." "Please forget about her" "Aren't I allowed to fall for her?" "Because she's clan royalty..." "and I'm just a peasant?" "Lord Shibata's conference is tomorrow." "They're busy laying the groundwork" "He's already teamed up with Lord Nobutaka" "That was quick..." "They beat us to it" "It's time we made a move" "If Lord Nobutaka's out, our line of defense" "rests with one man" "Wait..." "Shibata's championing Nobutaka?" "It would appear so" "Oh, deary me" "Help me get off this thing, quick" "Oda Nobukatsu-Nobunaga's 2nd son" "Mind your head" "You nearly made me fall" "I'm second in line, he's third..." "It's completely unreasonable" "Damn right" "He's only here 'cause Dad knocked up some strumpet" "What about me?" "I beseech you, sir, please assume the role of heir" "Okey-dokey" "The well-being of the clan is assured" "Tokichiro..." "Don't take me for an actual fool" "Wait" "This is an act I put on for the world" "I'll fulfill my Dad's wish yet and unite the entire nation" "Spoken like a true clan leader!" "Leave it to me" "That was worth waiting for" "Shibata..." "Long time, no see!" "Thank you for subduing Akechi" "If you'd been with me, we could've settled it sooner" "It wasn't as easy as I thought" "Drinking like this sure takes you back" "Back in the day we got together most nights" "Right?" "No-one reminds me of those days any more" "However high you climb," "I'll always think of you as you were" "Know what I mean?" "Sure" "Tokichiro..." "I'm thinking of having Lord Nobutaka head up the clan" "So I've heard" "Plans are going ahead." "Is that fine with you?" "I think Lord Nobukatsu is more suitable" "You really think so?" "I sure do" "What's wrong with Lord Nobutaka?" "He's only third in line" "But Lord Nobutaka was born first" "Our Liege selected Lord Nobukatsu to be next in line" "You intend to go against his wishes?" "Is Lord Nobukatsu able to govern?" "No way." "He's an imbecile" "But the clan has you...it has Lord Niwa" "Although I don't compare, it also has me" "If the vassals unite as one" "I'm convinced we'll get through these tough times" "The Oda clan is safe, as long as it has you" "I see your point" "You just left it at that?" "It was too easy for him to dupe you" "It's the drink" "How I despise myself" "Tokichiro's pushing Lord Nobukatsu, eh?" "The showdown approaches" "What should we do?" "Niwa, you're my only hope" "We stay with Lord Nobutaka at all times" "Rumors will soon spread" "If the Chief Vassal is by his side, everyone will assume he's the natural choice" "Tokichiro, just between us..." "Tell me what you're really after" "Really?" "Surely you're not planning on taking over the clan?" "Don't be so rude" "You chose Lord Nobukatsu as a puppet right?" "When our Liege died, you can't imagine how I cried" "I owed everything to him" "Now it's time for me to pay back that debt" "Should I believe you?" "I'll never lie to you" "If I catch you in a lie, I'll cut you down" "Go ahead" "Cut away" "This is hardly room enough for 3" "All the vassals and their retainers have been summoned" "Obviously space is limited" "Still. we should be afforded our status" "I don't mind sleeping outside" "Don't take it like that." "Sorry" "Good night, gentleman" "Tomorrow's meeting could get rough" "But the way things stand, I reckon Tokichiro will win it" "Though I'm for Lord Shibata myself" "What do you think?" "Asleep already?" "That was quick." "Let's drink..." "Day Two" "Morning, everyone" "Good morning" "Owing to Lord Takigawa's late arrival, the conference scheduled for today has been postponed" "So, apart from the scheduled events, there may be multiple gatherings that need last-minute support" "Prepare for tea sessions and be in constant banquet readiness" "Thank you for coming from so far away" "Your presence means more than a 1,000 troops" "Kiyosu has changed so much" "Not as lively as before" "In the days of Our Liege, of course it was flourishing" "Lord Tokichiro, I still don't get it" "What?" "Why did you call for me?" "All will be revealed in good time" "Make way!" "Lord Nobutaka is passing through" "Prostrate yourself" "Acting as if it were his fatherpassing by..." "A charade to show that the succession is already decided" "A cheap trick, I must say" "Not to be outdone." "let's do the same" "Really?" "Make way for Lord Nobukatsu!" "I wish I'd been there" "Nobukatsu never had what it takes to command" "What's wrong?" "Nobukatsu and Tokichiro have too many people in their camp" "A bunch of hangers-on ingratiating themselves" "Tokichiro is more popular than you think" "My apologies for not being more popular" "We have to do something" "What?" "Cha-Cha..." "Hatsu..." "Goh..." "What a surprise" "Lord Shibata" "Want a ride on my shoulders?" "No..." "She still stinks of him" "I'm sorry" "Maybe he gave her fleas, too Make sure to check" "Certainly" "So. how was Tokichiro's reaction?" "He looked thoroughly downcast" "That's good news" "If that throws Tokichiro off balance the girls might have to endure Shibata again" "Miss Goh, please wait..." "Miss Goh..." "You went too far this time" "What do you mean?" "I thought I did well" "You just don't understand" "Spending time with her suggests I'm at the center of things" "She's the sister of our late Liege..." "practically a sacred presence" "Some will think you've besmirched her" "You talk as if I'm unclean" "I know you're in love with her" "What?" "Don't be silly..." "Are you mad?" "Control yourself." "You're not to see her" "Please, forget about her" "Don't get the wrong idea" "I'm not jealous of Shibata" "I know that..." "If she aligns herself with them we'll be in peril, right?" "That's all I'm saying" "Then let's do this..." "Cancel her out with a blood relative" "Recruit an Oda clan member with equal or greater power" "Our late Liege had many brothers chose one he favored and recruit them" "Lord Oda Nobukane. for instance..." "Sanjuro?" "Will he come to our side?" "He is kind of eccentric" "So we need to plan our approach" "It's a unique incense holder, from Kyoto" "What do you need me to do?" "I have no ulterior motive" "I couldn't come empty-handed after so long" "It's most strange" "When my brother was alive, nobody was interested in me." "There are those who think you should lead the clan" "But you're promoting Nobukatsu as heir" "Your ears are sharp as ever" "You want me on your side?" "If you would" "I refuse" "I don't like to get my hands dirty" "And I couldn't care less who leads the clan" "How very typical of you" "Sorry for your wasted visit" "If you'll excuse me" "Tokichiro..." "You forget something" "When I bought this in Kyoto it cost me 3,000" "For that?" "With your brother's death, and the return of civil war." "the clan coffers will be diverted for military expenses" "Clan member allowances will be restricted." "I should think" "It might prove wisest to keep this close at hand" "He's a tough customer" "What was your impression?" "He didn't reject the gift so I assume he accepts" "In the end, his entire existence rest on the clan's name" "He puts on airs but you can see right through him" "Tokichiro went to see Lord Sanjuro?" "Not a moment to lose." "I'll go visit!" "Calm down" "Any shallots left?" "Shibata!" "Sanjuro will never be a major player" "And there's no way he'll ally with them." "Calm down" "Anyway..." "What's next?" "To separate Tokichiro from his entourage" "What's this all about?" "Prior to the conference, Lord Niwa wishes to convene the senior vassals" "We need to limit attendee numbers" "Why's that?" "Unreasonable numbers of retainers will prolong the decision-making process" "I propose we decide the key issue amongst ourselves alone" "I see your point" "Too many cooks and the proverbial broth" "It's best if we resolve the matter first" "I wonder..." "Why summon the retainers in the first place?" "And dare we decide such a weighty issue behind closed-doors?" "Our priority is to avoid further delay in the choice of clan chief" "The power vacuum allows our enemies time to take advantage" "I see..." "The conference must be swift" "Of course" "We senior vassals decide, then present our conclusions" "My dear fellow, a brilliant idea" "A brilliant idea from my colleague" "What say you, Tokichiro?" "If you two are in accord..." "That's settled" "Our Liege's two sons and you three plus Lord Takigawa make a committee of six" "Great." "Meeting adjourned" "Just a moment" "I don't agree with Takigawa's inclusion" "He neither participated in the battle to avenge our Liege nor is he present here" "He's no right to attend the conference" "How dare you?" "He's a senior vassal" "Lord Shibata, are you saying we wait for him?" "Most certainly" "Surely not forgetting Lord Niwa's injunction?" "What?" "Our priority is not to lose a moment in the choice of clan chief" "We don't have the luxury of time" "You're saying 5's enough?" "Let's elect another senior vassal" "Make up the numbers and then we're good" "Since when do you order me around?" "Goddamn monkey!" "Lord Shibata!" "Calm down" "I'm falling..." "Go on...fall!" "Shibata, stop this!" "Lord Sanjuro" "What a racket" "Lord Niwa..." "The most important thing is to decide my brother's heir without delay" "Am I right?" "Yes. indeed sir" "Then hurry up and decide" "Understood" "Sir, do you like shallots?" "When they're pickled..." "Silence!" "We wait one more day for Takigawa" "Meanwhile, we select a new member" "Whether Takigawa turns up or not the conference commences the day after tomorrow" "No objections" "You too." "Shibata?" "But..." "Let it go..." "Incense holderproved its worth, eh?" "Shibata's such a thorn in my side" "Now the problem is who to pick as the new vassal" "Of course I want someone on our side." "but I need the others' consent" "Where do we find such a convenient fellow?" "Ikeda Tsuneoki shared a wet-nurse with our Liege" "Status-wise, he's not a problem" "His sole motive in life is profit" "Reward him well and he'll be loyal" "Lord Ikeda" "It'll have to wait." "Lord Shibata summoned me" "I'm being promoted to senior vassal" "Precisely my point" "Is it Tokichiro?" "It was he who recommended you" "Is that right?" "What's he scheming?" "For you to side with him at the meeting" "Don't underestimate me" "I am neither for you nor for the other" "I am only for myself" "My Lord said he could press your suit regarding land rights" "Let him know which province you desire" "Something near Osaka" "And the Hyogo region" "I'll let him know" "We can count on your allegiance?" "I'll consider it" "I'd prefer a more explicit answer" "Didn't you know?" "I'm a man who only deals with the implicit" "Firstly, congratulations on your nomination" "It is an honor far greater than I merit." "I am humbly grateful" "I've had my eye on you for years" "It always perplexed me why Tokichiro made senior vassal but you didn't" "I had no idea..." "At the conference, I'm supporting Lord Nobutaka" "I'd really appreciate your help" "Can you imagine anyone more suitable than him?" "No, right?" "A foregone conclusion" "Well, I certainly see the merits of his case" "Exactly, Lord Ikeda" "If I could count on your support... the province of Echizen produces great rice, which I'd happily send you every year" "We've known one another since childhood" "I've saved your life many times during battle" "I won't have you side with Tokichiro, okay?" "You're putting me on the spot..." "Good lad." "Lord Ikeda" "Now, let's drink" "You like green beans?" "There you go" "Make sure to enjoy yourself" "Things are looking up for you" "Everyone, let your hair down!" "Master Gen-i, are you having fun?" "I am indeed" "Let me collect the empties" "Do you know..." "If it weren't for this man, this castle wouldn't function" "Take good care of him" "Let me pour your drink" "Congratulations again" "This ties the 3 of us" "While Tokichiro sits alone" "Victory is surely ours" "We can forget Takigawa" "He's proving as lightweight as ever" "What is it?" "Feeling a little chill...maybe a summer cold" "Eat pickled shallots and get to bed" "Thank you, I will" "We're counting on you" "Take 'em" "Go ahead" "Lord Ikeda, we were waiting for you!" "Come sit over here" "Take a drink" "Thank you for accepting the nomination" "Don't mention it" "Here you go" "You needn't have bothered" "Please align with me at the conference" "Listen..." "I know what you're after in terms of land grants" "Let's talk about that..." "With Hyogo and Amagasaki you'll nearly control the entire region" "Can I trust you on this?" "So shall I throw in Osaka as well?" "Osaka, too?" "You don't want it?" "I want it" "It's the least I could do" "I'm exhausted..." "I've been dancing non-stop" "Give it another spin." "You're the soul of the party" "Now I know why you brought me here" "Do it for my sake, please" "If I must..." "Here we go again, boys!" "Me, too" "Have fun tonight" "Let's drink 'til dawn" "What a noise." "Who's room is it?" "Lord Tokichiro's" "He's treating the domestic staff to a party" "The damn monkey's partying while Rome burns" "Maybe it's best to side with Lord Shibata, after all" "Don't you think?" "That's Tokichiro's war strategy in action" "Day Three" "Lord Takigawa of the Oda clan" "Sarashina Rokubei of the Hojo clan" "I've got no time to fight with you now" "Excuse me" "Thank heavens..." "When a man dies it's the end of everything..." "Thank goodness..." "Today, as we await Lord Takigawa's arrival," "Lord Niwa has proposed a game of "Race for the Flag"" "under his Lordship's sponsorship" "What a marvelous idea this is" "Had to do something while awaiting Takigawa" "A perfect showcase for Lord Nobutaka's skill and bravery" "That way" "Your Highness" "Why am I on your damn team?" "My allegiance isn't decided yet" "It was a number's thing." "Let it go" "My Lord..." "You killed my father!" "Let's go" "I don't like this..." "Lady Matsu..." "My dear" "It's been a long while" "I'd heard you were here and was looking forward to this" "Much has happened since" "My father killed, my brother, too" "And the man who killed him, my husband, also gone" "My heart greaves" "When I left my clan to marry I was prepared for it" "Do you still like confetto candy?" "Confetto?" "Remember that shop selling barbarian delicacies?" "How we used to peek inside?" "You loved their confetto candies" ""ls this the taste of the West? "" "The flavor has come back to me now" "I'd completely forgotten" "I'm so glad you remember" "Does that shop still exist?" "So sweet..." "Excuse me" "Shino..." "Awake at last" "What a beautiful boy" "He has our Liege's nose" "But the rugged body of my father" "Strange to think in this small body runs the blood of Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga" "Red team, captain" "Master Maeda Toshi-ie" "Win this and set the pace" "Lord Shibata, let me just say" "What?" "I'm a master of sword and spear but I don't run so well" "What?" "White team, captain" "Lord Ikeda Tsuneoki..." "Get on with it" "I feel awkward" "I won't hold anything against you" "You'll be Chief Vassal some day" "I will?" "Then where will you be?" "Shall we get going?" "The games will begin" "Move your arms" "Swing your arms" "Keep going, Lord Ikeda!" "I pulled a muscle!" "Ikeda!" "Red team, 1 point" "Red team, vice-captain" "Lord Shibata Katsu-ie..." "White team, vice-captain" "Lord Hashiba Tokichiro" "Let the game begin" "I got it!" "White team, 1 point" "You're not young any more, don't overdo it" "Red team. next contender" "Lord Oda Nobutaka" "My Liege, win the flag here and your name will echo through the land" "That's a lot of pressure" "Your late father often said." ""Always retain presence of mind"" "Presence of mind..." "That's it." "Have a blank mind, just run" "Don't think about the succession" "I get it..." "Victory here will guarantee the inheritance" "White team. next contender" "Lord Oda Nobukatsu" "Sir, please drop the idiot act and really go for it" "Don't worry." "There's no need to think so running is my forte" "Don't pull a muscle..." "like some idiots here" "The game will begin" "Get back here!" "Red team, 1 point" "Well done, sir!" "Damn fool" "I'd love to see the river" "Remember we used to play there?" "You'd get soaked and your husband would chide you" ""No way for a lady to behave!"" "Seeing you makes me want to go there again" "Then let's go!" "Halt" "Sir, please wave to them" "Just as we planned" "This will seal the news of his victory" "I'm going on ahead" "Where to?" "Go back to the castle without me" "Let's go" "His idiocy exceeds our calculations" "We need another plan" "It's kinda late." "but should I have got the flag?" "Kinda late, yeah..." "Can I try again?" "I need to simmer down." "Take over" "But I was fast, wasn't I?" "Yeah. sure" "Lord Nobutaka!" "Congratulations, sir!" "Which one was the flag?" "Hello..." "Welcome back" "What a surprise!" "Hello, Lady Matsu" "It's been a while." "Tokichiro" "I'm happy to see you so well" "Which must mean..." "This is Sanboshi" "This big guy?" "I'm Tokichiro but you can call me "Monkey"" "How did the race go?" "Let's not talk of it" "Ain't you lovely?" "Who does he look like?" "Let's see..." "Our late Liege" "You're right...our Liege!" "Like a mini-version of him" "A mini..." "Mini-Liege indeed" "That's it!" "Not a moment to lose." "Let's go!" "Well done, m'dear!" "It's a pretty reckless idea" "So it'll take careful handling" "Getting that man on our side is the only way of winning this thing" "Niwa Nagahide..." "A tricky opponent indeed" "But if you examine it carefully even the strongest suit of armor reveals a tiny chink..." "Thanks to my father's words, "Always retain presence of mind"" "I was able to focus on the race" "In this small way, I was able to honor his memory" "Magnificent!" "Please enjoy a wonderful evening" "Heartfelt congratulations, sir" "Congratulations" "Please begin..." "Where's Shibata?" "I invited him but he said not to wait" "Where is he?" "Shibata..." "What are you doing?" "Doesn't the smell give it away?" "Grilling shellfish" "Why?" "I got some from those fishermen earlier" "Ever seen one this big, eh?" "Return to the party." "We can't begin without you" "I'm busy." "These won't wait" "Forget them" "The smell's divine..." "Lady O-lchi will be delighted" "You're a man of the world..." "Can you tell me, the way to a younger woman's heart?" "Would you please come sit with us?" "It's the perfect chance to tie your name to Lord Nobutaka" "I'll pop by later" "Do not fall for that woman!" "You know what..." "I finally found something in my life besides warfare" "that gives my life meaning" "Won't you leave me be?" "Ready at last" "The liver's very good for you, apparently" "It lends a bloom to the skin" "Shibata, you're saying my skin lacks bloom?" "No, not at all" "I won't eat these." "They stink" "Forgive me" "My Lady doesn't care for seafood" "What a damn fool" "What a stupid assumption to think everyone likes seafood" "Are they especially for me?" "Yes, I got them from a local fishermen" "But it doesn't matter..." "Damn, they're hot" "Shibata" "Thank you for your hard work today" "You've almost secured Nobutaka's succession" "Keep it up, please" "Now for some seafood..." "Ouch" "Lord Niwa" "What are you doing?" "I have a special favor" "Before the conference, it's imperative that we talk" "Talk then" "I implore you to align with me tomorrow" "Please cut your ties to Shibata" "Are you quite mad?" "Shibata hasn't the power to rally the clan" "Shut your mouth!" "I will not" "An overall perspective is vital" "He doesn't have it." "As you must know" "Don't worry, I'll support him" "I acknowledge the bond between you but surely duty dictates that rather than backing him, it's the clan itself that you must support" "He and I will support Lord Nobutaka" "I agree that Nobutaka is a good person but he lacks experience" "That's true of anyone" "Even of our late Liege, when he took over" "Our Liege had a natural gift" "Do you think Lord Nobutaka has it?" "That's why we pool our strengths" "However..." "Although he's Chief Vassal" "Shibata's so besotted by love he can't act his age" "He didn't even attend Lord Nobutaka's dinner" "The two of them were holed up in her room" "You don't miss a trick" "Speaking honestly, it made me sick to my stomach" "I was much aggrieved, also" "Please, put aside your personal feelings" "As a wise man, I'm sure you understand" "If left to Shibata's care, the clan will be destroyed" "By the same token, Nobukatsu doesn't have the caliber" "I agree." "That fool's useless" "What's important is pedigree" "Who has the most suitable lineage to gather clan support?" "Next in line was Lord Nobutada" "But sadly he's with us no more" "Which means..." "Nobutada's son should head the clan" "Master Sanboshi?" "Yes" "You fool" "Neither brother could dispute his claim" "What do you think?" "What's your goal in this?" "For heaven's sake, Lord Niwa." "Trust me" "Okay, I'll come out and say it" "I just want to ensure Lord Nobutaka doesn't inherit the title" "The worst thing for me is an increase in Shibata's power" "In that case, my influence would vanish" "I see" "Please, I need your help" "At the meeting we'll also discuss the matter of land grants" "If you align with me tomorrow" "I'm prepared to promote your case" "I know it's rude of me to broach but..." "Although you were nearby when our Liege was murdered, you made the obvious blunder of waiting for me before advancing" "Normally, you'd be punished by land forfeiture" "But I'll overlook that" "Conversely, in recognition of your services to the clan" "I'll grant you land in the Shiga region" "Lord Niwa..." "Let me think on it overnight" "Tomorrow we decide the fate of the Oda clan" "Tonight, do more thinking than sleeping" "Day Four" "Where the hell am I?" "Shibata, I'll be there soon!" "Niwa..." "Shibata..." "We've made it this far, my thanks to you" "Please don't" "You and I are lifelong friends" "I count on your continued support" "I worry about Ikeda" "Best give him one last talk before the conference" "Yes sir..." "As Chief Vassal." "I've served two generations of the Oda" "You're the bedrock of the clan" "I'll devote my life to serving Lord Nobutaka" "The clan's well-being rests on you" "Trust me, you should earn my gratitude" "From henceforth" "I'll send you Echizen crabs" "Goddamn, those things are delicious" "To unite the Oda clan is to unite our country" "It needs someone of suitable status" "Just between you and me," "I'd like to attain a higher rank" "Unhappy with your present position?" "I'll take you with me, of course" "Really?" "I like the idea of Executive Chancellor Ikeda" ""Executive Chancellor"?" "Executive Chancellor Ikeda" "Sounds pretty good, eh?" "Like a dream come true" "So let's have no talk of you siding with Shibata" "I'm counting on that" "I'll take my leave" "The clan's future rests with you" "I'm counting on you" "Certainly" "As for Tokichiro..." "Do your best to take the wind from his sails" "I've done all that I can" "I'll pray for your victory" "But if I put a foot wrong it'll be the end of me" "You're at your best when your back's against the wall" "You know what, darling..." "With life as it is now." "I'm already perfectly happy" "Well, I'm not" "I've dragged myself up this far" "No turning back now" "I'm aiming for the very top" "With no more ado... it's time for battle" "Do you remember... that military parade in Kyoto?" "Not starting yet, Nobutada?" "Can I go home?" "Dear Uncle, don't say that." "It won't be long now" "It's getting very lively outside" "I think all of Kyoto has come to watch" "This parade will go down in history" "It's all beyond me" "Is there any point in wasting all that money on this?" "Akechi, mind your language" "It's a perfect showcase of the clan's prestige" "Akechi, I see your point but you know how my father is fond of a spectacle" "Please go along with it this time" "Lord Nobunaga approaches" "Everybody is present and ready" "Is that so..." "Prepare to depart" "Outside everyone" "Where the hell am I?" "I declare the conference in session" "First item on the agenda is the succession" "There after the issue of land grants" "Before that..." "I'd like to say one thing" "Lord Tokichiro..." "In discussing matters of the succession the presence of the two heirs concerned makes conversation difficult" "Might they wait elsewhere until we finish?" "What are you talking about?" "Lord Niwa, don't you agree?" "It does make sense" "Aren't I allowed to be here?" "It's not a question of permission" "Your presence might create awkwardness for us and vice versa, perhaps" "I'm not bothered..." "I fully understand Tokichiro's point" "Speaking in front of family can also be difficult" "If there are no dissenting opinions, my Lords Nobutaka and Nobukatsu if you'd be so kind as to withdraw" "I don't mind staying" "Leave it to us, sir" "I'm happy to stay" "Nobutaka and Nobukatsu have left the room" "It's Tokichiro's doing" "What's he up to?" "Only Lord Nobutaka can succeed our late Liege" "As skilled with the pen as with the sword, he's the rightful leader of the Oda clan" "Lord Ikeda, what say you?" "A most admirable opinion" "Any other voices on this?" "Tokichiro, you've nothing to say?" "Then I shall speak" "Regretfully and with respect," "I do not think Lord Nobukatsu a suitable heir" "In terms of ability and character," "Lord Nobutaka would make a good leader" "Well said" "However... his being illegitimate is problematic" "One has a lineage issue, the other. a character flaw" "Whichever inherits, resentment would remain" "In the worst case." "we risk a schism within the clan" "Then what should we do?" "In the light of this... only one path is open to us" "I propose Master Sanboshi as clan head" "Tokichiro's ditched Lord Nobukatsu in favor of Master Sanboshi" "This is getting interesting" "Inconceivable!" "Why?" "He's Lord Nobutada's legitimate son" "The true Oda clan heir" "He's just a child" "Which is why we'll support him" "What say you, Lord Ikeda?" "A most admirable opinion" "What's wrong with Nobutaka?" "He's the one with the ability to lead the clan" "It's the only way to fulfill our late Leige's vision of a united country!" "It seems Lord Shibata is at cross-purposes" "How dare you?" "Our task is deciding the Oda clan heir not choosing Japan's supreme ruler!" "Have you forgotten?" "6 years ago in 1576 our Liege stepped aside as clan leader in favor of Nobutada" "Right, Lord Ikeda?" "That's actually true" "Our task is not to select our Liege's heir, but that of his late son and who else is there but Sanboshi?" "Lord Ikeda" "A most admirable opinion" "Am I at all mistaken?" "Wait a moment!" "Niwa..." "Lord Niwa, say something..." "Niwa!" "Get lost!" "It appears all minds are made up how about we cast ballots?" "Ballots?" "What a nuisance!" "A show of hands will do" "I prepared these though" "Since he took the trouble, let's use those" "Please write a name on these slips of paper to indicate your choice" "To make clear our positions, shall we sign the ballots?" "Sign them?" "That's hardly necessary." "Why?" "That's the same as raising hands" "Which I proposed all along!" "Does Lord Ikeda hesitate to make clear his position?" "Don't be stupid!" "Cut the crap." "We raise hands" "Lord Nobutaka!" "Anyone else?" "Master Sanboshi" "Come on" "Lord Ikeda?" "First I want to ask Tokichiro a question" "What is it?" "Earlier, you spoke of resentment that one brother would feel if not chosen" "What of it?" "Don't we risk the same thing if we chose Sanboshi?" "What are your thoughts?" "I'm not worried by this" "Putting it simply, for Lord Nobukatsu better the child be chosen than his brother" "The same is true for Lord Nobutaka" "But if they still have complaints," "Shibata and I will take the time to win them over" "Right?" "I'm satisfied" "I vote for Master Sanboshi" "You bastard!" "At present count... 1 for Lord Nobutaka and 2 for Master Sanboshi" "Lord Niwa's vote remains" "Niwa..." "Lord Takigawa" "We've been expecting you" "How's the conference going?" "Shibata's waiting." "Take me there now" "It's already finished" "Finished?" "The Oda clan will be lead by" "My Lord's choice, of Master Sanboshi" "Lord Niwa?" "Say something!" "Everything alright?" "I need the water closet" "What?" "My stomach's troubling me" "I don't think you ought to leave now" "Well." "I can't hold it" "I'll leave the rest to you" "So I'll call an adjournment" "Damn Niwa..." "I never heard anything so stupid" "That Tokichiro's gone crazy" "Lord Nobutaka is the best choice, surely?" "We await Lord Tokichiro's return" "For hell's sake why?" "It's his fault for leaving!" "There are 2 votes for Sanboshi" "Niwa and I are 2 for Nobutaka" "With Takigawa's vote, that wins it for Lord Nobutaka" "Don't be so overbearing" "Get lost, you fair-weather friend" "Wait a moment..." "I support Master Sanboshi" "He's the most suitable, in terms of pedigree" "Master Sanboshi" "What's going on?" "Nothing's going on" "Why align with Tokichiro?" "He deserves credit for the achievement of killing Akechi and naturally one must respect his opinion" "I am Chief Vassal!" "Where was the Chief Vassal when our Liege was killed?" "You only arrived after the fall of Akechi" "Please..." "As Tokichiro previously stated," "Sanboshi is the rightful heir" "Niwa..." "Accordingly... 3 votes for Sanboshi, 1 for Nobutaka" "Sanboshi is hereby chosen heir" "You dirty bastard!" "Shibata. the battle's over" "Is that Lord Tokichiro?" "Is that you, Kyukyu?" "How's the conference going?" "I'm no good in that formal atmosphere" "Came out to get some fresh air" "Which makes me think..." "What is it, sir?" "This is perfect timing." "Sit" "I've got a favor to ask" "I'm at your service, sir" "You're famed for tact and ability" "Know anything about crying babies?" "Since I've got no kids, I'm clueless" "Playing horsey is best" "Horsey?" "Crawling around with the kid on your back" "It soon gets my nephews chuckling" "Anything else?" "Let me think..." "A string puppet?" "String puppet?" "A wooden figure" "The jointed legs make it move oddly" "It's really funny to watch" "Could you get hold of one quickly?" "By when?" "This evening" "I'll sort something out" "Tokichiro!" "Go" "There you are." "I was looking for you" "Stomach feeling better?" "It sure was a relief to get to the WC" "Lord Niwa voted for us" "It all went your way" "Master Sanboshi is the heir" "For now..." "Let's go back." "They won't start without you" "Guess I should..." "Lord Niwa sided with Lord Tokichiro" "He did?" "Lord Tokichiro wins." "Time's are changing" "He did it." "The old man did it!" "Lord Shibata..." "May I make a suggestion?" "Until Master Sanboshi comes of age, how about we appoint a guardian?" "I propose Lord Nobutaka for this" "I'd like to hear your opinions" "Wait a sec..." "Marvelous idea!" "The only man for the job" "This ties up all loose ends." "Let it go" "Lord Tokichiro heartily agrees" "How about it, Shibata?" "I'm not talking to you" "How about Lord Nobutaka for guardian?" "No objections" "Great!" "Now everyone's taken care of" "Fantastic news" "What on earth do you mean?" "It's inconceivable!" "I demand you reconsider!" "If I may remind you, sirs" "You must abide by the duly-arrived decision of your entrusted vassals" "Overturning this amounts to negating the clan's existence" "That's why they got us out" "We were tricked" "Shibata betrayed us" "That's not true" "He argued your case until the very end" "And Tokichiro?" "It was Tokichiro who championed Sanboshi" "We'd like Lord Nobutaka to be the child's guardian" "Being guardian is almost the same as leading the clan." "How about it?" "A guardian is a guardian" "You'll be able to pull Sanboshi's strings" "A guardian is a guardian" "If you decline, it means we ask someone else" "What?" "Shall I do it?" "I'm delighted to be his guardian" "Shut up, Nobukatsu!" "I don't want to!" "I don't want to!" "Will you please cheer up?" "No, I don't want to!" "Leave it to me" "Want to play with your old friend?" "What are you doing?" "Please stop!" "What shall we do?" "Everyone's waiting" "My turn, I guess..." "Master Sanboshi, look at this puppet" "He's a natural. it seems" "He's won Master Sanboshi's heart" "It would appear he likes you" ""l love you, Master Sanboshi"" "Gentlemen" "I present our new clan leader, Master Sanboshi" "Bow your heads!" "Bow your head" "That is acceptable" "I can't express how sorry I am" "It's all over now" "Niwa's betrayal was the worst of it" "Hark at you, you hypocrite" "I beg your pardon" "Thanks to my persuasion, Lord Nobutaka is now guardian" "I won't have you forget it" "If only I'd made it in time" "Who'd have imagined..." "One thing we've learned... even working together," "Tokichiro is more than a match for us" "Keep up the good work" "Next person" "Good to meet you finally" "I offer my congratulations" "I'm counting on your help" "It's turned out okay." "You did the right thing." "God didn't grant us the power to unite the nation but we did get the ability to judge those that can" "So now we don't let him out of our sights" "Life rewards the survivors" "And I intend to survive" "Enjoying yourselves, gents?" "We sure are" "Thanks to you for this great sake!" "Here's to our friendship" "Drink up, everyone" "Let's open another!" "Kill Tokichiro" "There's no other way" "That's going too far..." "You'll just let him have his way?" "Of course not but..." "Stand by while he subverts the clan to his will?" "You will kill him" "I'm your ally." "I'll follow you anywhere" "Shibata..." "For my sake, kill that man" "They're colleagues from my ninja days" "Don't fail" "He must not live" "Understood" "You're sure about this?" "They left from Lord Shibata's room." "We must tell Tokichiro" "Indebting him to us will profit us later on" "But it'll be hell to pay if Shibata finds out we told Tokichiro" "It's a tough call to make" "What would you do?" "It's already too late" "I've come to tell you to leave" "Shibata's targeting me?" "A woman?" "Retreat" "That was mostly for show" "You pushed it too far" "I don't think so" "Lady O-lchi is behind this things aren't over yet" "But I'll have to have it out with Shibata some day" "Tokichiro..." "Master Maeda..." "Let me confide in you" "Our Liege's legacy as Japan's ruler, is now mine" "With him gone, who else is capable of it?" "Who else but me?" "Don't forget yourself, Tokichiro" "Kill me if you must" "But it'll bring 100 years of warfare" "Think about it" "Neither son is capable of ruling" "Lord Shibata lives only for combat" "The era of men like that is over" "A new world is beginning" "I will build that new world" "If you still want to, kill me then!" "It takes a true friend to understand" "Master Maeda, will you help me?" "I simply work for Shibata" "There's no future sticking with him" "Such is fate" "I'll still wait for you" "Tokichiro, please take my advice" "Get away from here" "Wait a moment" "I mustn't be killed here" "But you also mustn't flee" "A Lord must proceed through the front gate" "It's different with ninjas around!" "That's why you disguise yourself" "Let's get out now" "There's no place to hide within the castle" "No" "There is one safe place" "Correct, there is one" "But will he shelter me?" "I'm sorry to trouble you so late" "Someone is after my life" "For just one night," "I'd like to seek refuge here" "How dare you come here..." "That takes guts" "I respect that" "Stand down for tonight" "Withdraw" "I'm counting on your good care of the child" "Certainly" "But I can't be there every day" "I thought the servant Kyukyu would be a good aide" "He's very experienced with children" "I see." "Good idea" "Tokichiro..." "Shibata..." "Tell me something" "Can I be of help in supporting the clan?" "The Oda clan is no longer a mere provincial power" "Our Liege was aiming for national destiny which is now within our reach" "No place for me, then?" "No" "No, huh?" "I'm sorry to say" "Hey, I don't mind" "I knew you'd say that" "Truth be told..." "I wish I'd died alongside our late Liege" "But here I am" "So as long as I live..." "I'll devote the remainder of my life to the clan" "So get this..." "I'll stake my life in battle against he who hinders me in my duty" "I was beaten at the conference but you won't beat me in battle" "I can only pray that day is far off" "Day Five" "Tokichiro..." "I trust you'll take care of the Oda clan" "Certainly" "I have one thing to tell you" "What might that be?" "It is my intention in the coming days to wed Lord Shibata Katsu-ie" "You have no words of congratulation?" "My heartfelt congratulations" "I am happy you feel that way" "But why on earth, did you decide on him?" "Of course it wasn't out of affection" "You took everything at the conference" "You even survived when I ordered your death" "All that was left within my power was to do this one thing" "You'd go that far in order to spite me?" "As long as I live, I'll never forgive you" "The man who killed my husband" "The man who killed my son" "Because of this..." "Because of you..." "I chose the man you despise most in the world to be the one I marry" "If you hate me that much, then you have my blessings" "Everything's ready." "I'll leave soon" "I shall send you off" "Heard the happy news?" "When shall we do the ceremony?" "At your convenience, my dear" "Let's talk outside, c'mon" "Such a shame for you, sir" "You'll be heading home soon?" "There's still some time." "Let's go to the river" "The weather's lovely" "Sanboshi will be so happy" "I don't like the river" "It's filled with dead warriors" "I often saw that as a child" "That river's bad luck" "But..." "I went to the river then thinking I might see a certain passer-by" "Someone on the way back from the race" "My husband?" "Then, when he saw my son, it was decided" "That my boy would inherit the Oda clan" "You were planning that all along?" "My father, Takeda Shingen commanded me," ""Never let the Takeda line expire"" "So that the Takeda bloodline will one day come to rule Japan" "Now this child of Takeda lineage will head the entire Oda clan" "Dear father... your daughter has fulfilled her promise" "Your grandson will rule the nation" "I doubt we'll meet again" "Thank you for everything" "You're too impetuous" "In future, before you do something pause to consider its wisdom" "Imagine a conversation with me" "Treat a young wife like an old one and an old wife, like a new one" "That's the secret of marital bliss" "I'll bear that in mind" "Admit it" "Pardon?" "What on earth might you mean?" "You've set your sights on the throne" "Right?" "We clan members are your ultimate obstacle" "At some point... you mean to get rid of us" "To destroy Nobutaka" "To destroy Nobukatsu" "To destroy Sanboshi" "To destroy me" "I should get ready to leave..." "Excuse me" "Do what you must" "Go ahead and destroy us" "When my brother died in Honno temple, the Oda clan was doomed" "That day..." "I was as good as dead, too" "It's all up to you now" "My brother... would surely wish this" "Certainly, sir" "I do his bidding" "Excuse me" "My Lord, we must hurry" "One task still remains" "Go" "Excuse me" "Hurry!" "My Liege!" "Too early to call me that" "Wait!" "Hurry" "Out of the way" "Out of the way" "Lord Shibata, please wait!" "All halt!" "Pardon my many insolent acts" "Though motivated by clan considerations" "I must beg your forgiveness" "After a night's thought," "I realize your continued value to the clan and offer the post of Chief Vassal that you may guide us, henceforth" "Get your head down" "We humbly beseech you" "Keep up the good work" "Advance" "Tokichiro, see you soon" "Let's head home, shall we?" "Kanbei's waiting for us" "I reckon Shibata will lie low in his fiefdom for a while" "Didn't you mean what you said to him?" "Of course not" "Goodness gracious" "Just wanted to put his mind at rest" "To win time to group my forces" "I make it my vow" "Within a year, I'll destroy Shibata, and control the Oda clan..." "And after that..." "I'll be king of the world!"