"He's a council member named Kuramochi." "To be killed in a single strike..." "If this continues on... it will affect the governing of this capital." "ShinEmon, can you help us out?" "Why?" "Why did you become an assassin with your skills?" "No matter how you put it, sword skills are there to kill people." "I'll kill you with my Sword of Kashima." "You will become like me someday." "I'm not like you!" "You are me." "Once you've tasted human blood, you'll only sink into the darkness." "Am I going to become like him?" "Or am I already...?" "Tsukahara Bokuden" "(Episode 6 Hitotsu no Tachi:" "One sword)" "Timer, Subtitles and Translation by Danburi Editor and QC by \( -o _ o-)" "(Oouchi-clan Capital Palace)" "My brother ShinEmon has accepted Yamamoto Kansuke-sama as his pupil and spends his day instructing swordplay as always." "You have improved Kansuke." "Not yet." "But even someone like me can improve this much with this training." "You can only learn from killing is an old story." "Without proper training, you can't fight efficiently in the war zone." "Yes, sir!" "But I've noticed that, Tsukahara-sama is going to the mountainside everyday." "I wonder if he's practicing with a Tengu (long nose Goblin)?" "He's practicing alone." "He's already passed the stage of practicing Kata (form) and he's aiming for free form movement." "You're here again." "I will not lose to you." "It's been more than ten years since he left for travel training." "His sword skills has improved tremendously but darkness has started to show in his eyes." "(Kanginshu is a collection of Japanese songs." "This is one of the song) Rapids of Uji..." "Waterwheel in the rapids..." "It's beautiful." "I'm so sorry, while you were away." "No, I do appreciate your thoughtfulness." "What was that?" "Something about waterwheel..." "Oh?" "You were listening?" "I was listening at the doorway." "How long have you been listening." "It's just a popular song." "Please sing for me again." "I don't want to." "Please, one more time." "Rapids of Uji..." "Waterwheel in the rapids..." "Rapids of Uji" "In these turbulent days, the only time he felt at ease was the time spent with Kano-sama." "Don't get too close." "ShinEmon is a successor of the Tsukahara family." "He must return home someday." "I must find a good husband for you and hand over the house of Hiraga someday." "Well, I too wish ShinEmon would become my son." "However..." "You're the one who ordered me to take care of him." "I'm simply following your orders." "Yes, you are right." "If you'll excuse me." "(Hitachi no kuni Kashima)" "My lord, are you planning to re-build this castle?" "Correct." "We're going to re-build until it's invincible." "However, it'll cost too much." "I am already consulting with Hitachinosuke with regards to financing it." "(Retainer;" "Tamatsukuri Hitachinosuke)" "Everyone!" "Re-building this castle is to fulfill my brother, previous lord's wish!" "Ha!" "Once again that Tamatsukuri Hitachinosuke is the instigator." "Curses!" "That treacherous vassal!" "(Kanno, Monoimi palace)" "Ever since Monoimi-sama collapsed she's not shown any signs of recovery and continues to sleep." "Eishou 13 nen (1516) Summer" "It was the summer of Eishou 13 nen (1516)" "My brother was asked to guard Yoshioki-sama who was visiting the Shogun's palace that day." "I'll inform you when he's ready to leave." "Please wait in the meantime." "Understood." "Once the rain stops, it should cool down a little." "Who is it?" "Oono Hidetaka." "Are you lost?" "Enchin." "NanEi." "What are you doing here?" "Once you've tasted human blood, you'll only sink into darkness." "You..." "Leave." "Dead souls." "Leave now!" "We are the same." "You too..." "No, Don't let them pull you in." "Monoimi-sama." "Brother." "Mahiro." "What was that?" "Was I daydreaming...?" "I'll inform you when he's ready to leave." "Please wait in the meantime." "Did he go mad?" "What happened?" "What is this commotion?" "Isn't this Moriuchi?" "What happened?" "He attacked me from behind." "Hey, Why did you..." "Oh no!" "He took poison." "He is dead." "This man worked for this family for a long time and his background is known." "And then a few days later the truth about the incident came to light." "Moriuchi who attacked you has served this family since his father's time." "However, his true identity was a spy." "Who did he serve?" "It was Kanrei-sama." "Rokuro Jiro has investigated and found out the truth." "For two generations, He and his father has spied and reported to the Hosokawa-clan." "I still don't understand why he attacked me." "In some kind of predicament he must've planned to kill you and then commit suicide." "Predicament?" "Tango-sama." "I guess I have to tell you everything." "However, this is a govt secret." "You mustn't tell anyone." "I understand." "It's about the trade with the Ming." "Kenminsen (envoy ships dispatched to Ming China) which came back last year, had 100 Kango from the Ming government..." "Then all of the Kango are already in your possession?" "Haha!" "Yes that's correct." "If that's the case, Takakuni will not keep quiet." "As suspected" "Hosokawa-sama's anger was unimaginable." "Curses!" "Yoshioki!" "The reason my lord went to the shogunate palace that day was to secretly receive the Gechijo (notification) to do business with the Ming." "I see." "However, why did they target me?" "On the way to the palace they may have planned to attack our lord." "It was a secret meeting so the guards was kept to a minimum." "As long as you are not around they thought they would succeed." "Mahiro." "There's no doubt I would have been killed if he attacked a bit earlier." "More than ten years have passed since he came to the capital." "My brother was in many battles and bloodshed and felt fear of falling into deeper darkness." "Let's return... to Kashima." "Think of the wind." "The sky." "The earth." "Let's return... to Kashima." "Oouchi-clan's dream for 30 years has finally come true." "Congratulations!" "Now there's no reason for us to risk our lives to protect this capital anymore." "We are going home." "To Suo, Yamaguchi." "Finally... you are returning home." "It's been 10 years since Kubo-sama and I have come to this Capital." "I've been here for too long." "Leaving the army to this capital will only keep costing us money." "So true." "Oh, but you'll need to return home first to prepare for my return." "Me?" "Your work at this capital, well done." "From this day forward, come back to Yamaguchi and work closely with me." "You'll need to find a nice husband for your daughter and secure the future of Hiraga family." "Understood?" "Haa!" "Good." "I've lived there until I was 17 but" "Yamaguchi is a beautiful place." "There's an Ichinose river which is very similar to the Kamo-river (river in the Capital)," "The wide and narrow streets runs like a checker board." "Very much like the Capital." "Ho." "I would like to see it someday." "So right." "Then, why don't you come with us." "Actually, my lord has decided to return home." "And he ordered me to go first and prepare for his return." "I see." "Yamaguchi is a great place." "I want to go back as soon as possible." "However, I'm concerned about you." "Lately, I feel like you are my son." "Going separate ways is just too sad." "I feel the same way." "Oh!" "Good good." "I've decided to go home too." "Then go to Yamaguchi together..." "Eh?" "I wish to return to Kashima." "The Sword of Kashima is given by the Deity and developed through the generations." "Fight in the name of the Deity." "That's what I wished for and left my home." "At that time, I did feel the Deity close to me." "However, now..." "I'm far away from the Deity." "These hands have been tainted with blood and my soul is filled with the fear of death." "I can't even shake away the grudge of the dead souls around me." "Am I using a sword of the Deity?" "Or a sword of carnage that's tainted in blood?" "I'm not sure anymore." "Young master." "I would like to go home and face the Deity once more." "If not, I won't be able to make claims to the Sword of Kashima." "I will be leaving." "ShinEmon-sama." "I heard you are going back to Kashima." "Yes." "Are you going to Yamaguchi?" "I will go with my father." "When are you leaving for Kashima?" "In 3 days." "So soon." "Then... we must hurry and prepare." "There's nothing to prepare." "I travel light." "You're returning for the 1st time in a long time." "I'll prepare a new kimono for you right away." "Kano-dono" "Thank you for taking care of me for such a long time." "I'll head east and you will head west." "We will be far apart but please take care of yourself." "I will not go to Yamaguchi." "I will stay here and wait for your return." "What are you...?" "If you are not coming back to the Capital," "Please..." "Please take me with you to Kashima." "ShinEmon-sama." "That's not possible." "I'm returning to Kashima to get rid of everything." "I cannot take you with me." "I don't want to be apart." "You have your father." "And the house of Hiraga." "I will leave everything behind." "Please don't be unreasonable." "Please go with your father." "I've spoken foolish words." "Let's make your Kimono." "It's a gift for your journey." "Please accept it." "Thank you very much for your hospitality for such a long time." "Take care of yourself." "Same to you all." "Then, let's get going." "You should have made him your son-in-law." "You really let the big fish go." "I tried but I was turned down." "It's very unfortunate." "Rapids of Uji" "Waterwheel in the rapids..." "Monoimi-sama was at her final moments." "Mahiro." "Yes." "Soon, ShinEmon will be back." "My brother?" "He'll be back with a tormented soul." "I'll be gone soon, but before that, tell him to just pray for the Deity's blessing." "Yes." "A divine revelation has been given." "I'll leave it with you." "When the time is right." "Pass it to ShinEmon." "ShinEmon!" "Mother." "ShinEmon!" "ShinEmon..." "Glad you are home safe." "Sorry to worry you for so long." "Welcome home." "Yes." "I'm home." "Brother." "I have a last message from Monoimi-sama." "Monoimi-sama... has passed away?" "She said "Just pray for the Deity's blessing"" "The next day, there was a party to celebrate my brother's return at the home of Tsukahara." "My son has accomplished many achievements and has returned home." "Everyone, let's celebrate!" "Now the home of Tsukahara is assured." "Yes it is." "Your feats in the capital was mentioned by many and has even reached this land." "The Sword of Kashima has really been spread throughout." "Since my son is back, that Hitachinosuke will need to keep quiet." "ShinEmon has the backing of the Kanrei-dai Oouchi Sakyo no Dayu-sama." "ShinEmon, tell us some stories!" "Oh, that's right!" "Instead, I want to see how strong you have gotten." "Bizen, would you have a match with your number one pupil?" "As you wish." "Please forgive me." "I can't do it." "What baggage are you carrying around with you?" "Irrelevant thoughts." "Human grudges" "Blood stains" "A Soul filled with the fear of death." "All these have became a chain that's wrapped around me." "Until I can get rid of them, I cannot have a match with you." "The reason I've returned to Kashima is to give myself up to the Deity." "I see." "I would like to begin one thousand days of confinement prayers to the Kashima Shrine." "Please allow me to do this." "What are you saying?" "Confine yourself for 3 years?" "Out of the question!" "ShinEmon." "Ha!" "The home of Urabe Yoshikawa is within the holy areas." "Would you like to confine yourself in the cottage for the prayers?" "If I may." "Give up the human interaction, give up the consumption of fish and meat." "At times you must even give up the grains to practice the strenuous religious austerities." "You may not even finish this confinement prayers alive." "Are you prepared for it?" "Yes." "Tosa no Kami dono." "Think of ShinEmon as having not returned yet from travel training." "And please allow him to do the confinement prayers." "I thought you have finally returned and now..." "My brothers training days of renewal have begun." "(Great Kashima Shrine)" "The first task of this training is to calm the souls of those killed by my brother in the fights." "In the cottage of the Yoshikawa estate he spoke to no one." "Prepared the meals by himself." "A life in isolation from others." "This continued on day after day." "He hasn't eaten today too?" "It seems that he's entered a fasting phase." "He will give up the grains for seven days and live only on water." "It's been a year since he's started." "There's still two more years left." "I wonder if he'll be able to complete this task." "Mother, "Just pray for the Deity's blessing"" "that's what Monoimi-sama said." "But Monoimi-sama has passed away and the successor has not been decided yet." "In times like this, I'm not sure if he can receive the Deity's blessing..." "Don't worry." "I've traveled with him for a long time." "His mind and body are strong." "Then why must he do this asceticism?" "That's because, what he aims for is something we cannot comprehend." "Something sublime." "Are you not cold?" "I'm fine." "Mahiro." "Yes." "Our sword style founder Kuninazu no Mahito-sama when he received enlightenment for the swordplay" "You know the story too." "Yes." "Over 800 years ago" "Urabe Yoshikawa family's forefather Kuninazu no Mahito-sama has, received the divine Futsu no Mitama no Tsurugi (Sacred Sword) from the great Deity Takemikazuchi no Ookami." "He prayed at the field of Takamagahara in Kashima for several years." "And finally he received the secrets of the Shinmyou-ken." "That's how the Sword of Kashima came about." "Yes." "ShinEmon has been talented ever since he was young." "He's truly a direct descendent of Mahito-sama." "I've raised him to be a successor of the Sword of Kashima." "Once he can overcome the irrelevant thoughts and the fear of death" "ShinEmon may be able to master the innermost secrets of the sword." "Father, it's snowing." "I can't wait for the day of fulfillment." "Someone is calling me." "Someone is waiting for me." "It was the night before the end of the thousand days of confinement prayers." "Are you my guardian deity?" "My ancestor Kuninazu no Mahito-sama?" "Feel my presence." "The one to inherit the Sword of Kashima." "Don't be afraid." "Take care of the matter with renewed spirit." "I see it now." "The opponent and myself" "This is the heart of swordsmanship." "One and only skill given by the guardian deity." "Hitotsu no Tachi (One sword)." "Take care of the matter with renewed spirit." "Ever since the thousand days of confinement prayers, your fame as a swordsman has increased even more." "Get rid of Hitachinosuke and have Yoshimoto-sama retire from the Castle lord of Kashima." "Are you trying to rebel against the lord?" "What ancestor/guardian deity would grant you is to bring peace to this world, it is "Heihou no ken" (Sword of harmony)." "The Sword of Kashima is a defensive style." "There's no way to win without a fight!" "Hirosaki-city in Aomori prefecture." "In this Hokushin-do gym," "Bokuden-ryu sword, which came in the Edo era, is still being practiced." "It is passed down in the Oyama family who worked as a sword master for the Tsugaru domain." "Iwasaki area in Yuzawa city Akita prefecture." "Here, large straw dolls named "Kashima-sama" is enshrined." "Kashima-sama which is a Deity of Kashima, Takemikazuchi no Kami will protect the village from ill fortune." "Such beliefs can be found throughout the Tohoku area" "Every fall, the residents will gather the straw and repair "Kashima-sama"." "Bokuden's hopes and thoughts he put in his sword is still alive in the hearts of the people in Tohoku."