Thursday, August 25, 2005
Yoshitsune #31: Fly to Yashima! 飛べ屋島へ
Yoshitsune returns home and informs his kerai that he has been appointed as General for the mission to capture the Heike at Yashima. He apologises to them for making them spend their days in vain (cos their Master was left out of the previous mission...). The kerai are quick to assure Yoshitsune that they do not hold anything against him.
Benkei: "Our bonds and loyalty for you run deeper than that."
Yoshitsune is glad to know he has such good kerai.
Kagetoki is ordered by Yoritomo to aid (and check??) Yoshitsune in this mission. His son Kagesue is excited to work with Yoshitsune again after Ichinotani.
Yoshitsune has an intimate talk with Shizuka one evening before he left.
Yoshitsune: "This may be the deciding battle between Heike and Genji."
Shizuka: "Please take good care of yourself... You seem a bit strange today. I feel as if you are going to sacrifice yourself this time."
Yoshitsune: "I lost Yoritomo's trust for a while this time, by accepting the imperial post without his permission. I believed he will understand me eventually and that time has come! By giving me this mission now, he is showing me kindness. Therefore I must work hard this time to repay his kindness and redeem his trust, even if it costs me my life."
The day of departure arrives. (Yoshitsune says something to Moe here but wakaranaaaiiii..... The poor girl just doesn't look very happy. All victims ofcircumstances Yoritomo.) The hunter siblings that helped Yoshitsune at Ichinotani suddenly appears. Magome begs Yoshitsune to take her brother Washio no Saburo along as his kerai. Yoshitsune agrees. Saburo protests that they will have the same name. Washio decides to call himself by his childhood nickname "Kuma" (meaning bear) in respect of the senior Saburo. (Haaa, this part is very funny... so now the senior Saburo is the Crab and the junior Saburo is the Bear... LOL)
Meanwhile in the palace...
Go-Shirakawa: "They have left? Will they win..."
Tsubone: "It will be troublesome if they don't. We need to get the Three Treasures back from the Heike."
Go-Shirakawa: "But I feel Yoshitsune will get them back for me... I don't think he will hand it over to Yoritomo, you think?"
Tsubone: "I don't think so. Afterall everyone from the Genji clan seems to listen to only Yoritomo, but Yoshitsune in particular seems to honour you very much."
The Heike in Yashima learns of Yoshitsune's advance. Munemori is confident that they will win since the Genji are not good with naval warfare. However, Tomomori is worried that if Noriyori's forces in the west works with Yoshitsune's in the east and attacks them from both sides, they may lose. He decides to attack Noriyori's troops first before they get a chance to combine attack.
Muneko hears from Tokitada (Memory refresh: Tokitada is Tokiko's brother, also one of Kiyomori's trusted follower. Muneko is Tokitada's wife.) that Yoshitsune is coming to Yashima and is worried. She notices that Yoshiko has been acting weird lately and fears she may be spying for her brother Yoshitsune. She interrogates her in front of Tokiko and Tokitada. Yoshiko claims that the reason she has not been herself these few days is because she received news from Naganari in the capital that her mother has passed away.
Yoshitsune arrives in Settsu, which is located on the shore across the Seto Inland Sea from Yashima. He meets with the head of the Watanabe clan (some naval clan), Watanabe no Manabu. Manabu is willing to be Genji's ally and lend out his 40 boats. Combined with those under Kagetoki's rule, they will have 150 boats. However, Kagetoki's fleet is delayed and will reach only in a week's time.
Yoshitsune: "The Heike knows we are coming. They are already on the alert for us. We can't just sit around and wait for the remaining fleet to arrive. We must think of another plan to attack them!"
That night, Yoshitsune sent his kerai out to scout the area. Kagetoki wonders what Yoshitsune is up too, but Kagesue is confident he will think up of something after he witnessed Yoshitsune at Ichinotani.
The kerai bring back valuable information about the area around Yashima. Yoshitsune analyses the information and makes a decision. Instead of making a full frontal attack on Yashima by sea, he decides to use Manabu's 40 boats first and travel to Awa (another part of Shikoku) and then make a land attack on Yashima from the back. The journey to Awa takes 3 days and the waters are rough. The Heike will not expect them to take that route. Yoshitsune announces his decision during the next strategy meeting but faces opposition from Kagetoki.
Kagetoki: "There are Heike allies along the way from Awa to Yashima. Even if you manage to beat them, you still have the mountainous terrain to conquer. By the time you reach Yashima, both soldiers and horses will be tired and unfit for battle. I suggest we wait for our remaining naval fleet and make a concentrated attack together."
Yoshitsune: "But we are unfamiliar with naval warfare. And even if we wait for the remaining fleet to arrive, the Heike will still win us in numbers. If we attack them this way, we will definitely lose."
Even Kagesue agrees with Yoshitsune's plan and Kagetoki relunctantly accepts the arrangement.
However, on the day Yoshitsune is to depart for Awa, a fierce storm damages many of Manabu's boats. Kagetoki suggests to Yoshitsune again to wait for the remaining fleet since they are going to take time to repair the boats anyway but Yoshitsune is adamant.
Yoshitsune: "Once a samurai makes a decision to attack, there must be no thought of withdrawing!"
Kagetoki: "No, withdrawing is also a valuable tactic in warfare."
Yoshitsune: "If we always think like this, it will affect the soldiers' morale and we will be unfit to fight."
Kagetoki: "If the numbers are small, it doesn't matter. But if you are leading a large army, things are different!"
Benkei: "You are saying my lord is unfit to be General for a large army??!"
Kagetoki calls Yoshitsune a reckless boar who only thinks of going forward and Benkei gets real irritated. A fight almost breaks out.
(OK PAUSE. I must say something here. LOL~ Yoshitsune/Takki looks EXTREMELY MANLY here!!! His 1001% focused look!!! *diessss* He remained calm throughout the argument while Kagetoki got so agitated... uwaaaahahahah... Kakkeee~~~~ Everyone go see~~~~~)
Rain starts to pour and cools down both parties a bit. Yoshitsune tells Kagetoki that he treats every battle as the last battle. There is no next time. Kagetoki tells him if that is the case, he will not follow him this time and then leaves.
Back in his own camp, Kagetoki tells his son he cannot understand Yoshitsune at all. Kagesue thinks however believes that Yoshitsune is a man who thinks quickly in times of crisis. In Yoshitsune's camp, Tsugunobu assures Yoshitsune that he and the rest of the kerai all understand his intentions and support him wholeheartedly. Benkei informs Yoshitsune that the waters have grown rougher and the latter sees this as a chance to use the storm as a cover to avoid the enemy's eyes. He decides to set off rightaway with the undamaged 5 boats that remained. Kagesue asks to go along too. He tells his father he will regret if he doesn't follow Yoshitsune. Kagetoki asks Yoshitsune for the last time.
Kagetoki: "You really want to waste your life like this?"
Yoshitsune: "I do this for the sake of winning the battle."
There is the problem of finding men who are willing and able to steer the boats in that rough waters but it is soon solved by Jiro and the friends he found. With that, Yoshitsune brings with him 150 of his men and sets off for Awa in that rough night.
~End of Episode 31~
Benkei: "Our bonds and loyalty for you run deeper than that."
Yoshitsune is glad to know he has such good kerai.
Kagetoki is ordered by Yoritomo to aid (and check??) Yoshitsune in this mission. His son Kagesue is excited to work with Yoshitsune again after Ichinotani.
Yoshitsune has an intimate talk with Shizuka one evening before he left.
Yoshitsune: "This may be the deciding battle between Heike and Genji."
Shizuka: "Please take good care of yourself... You seem a bit strange today. I feel as if you are going to sacrifice yourself this time."
Yoshitsune: "I lost Yoritomo's trust for a while this time, by accepting the imperial post without his permission. I believed he will understand me eventually and that time has come! By giving me this mission now, he is showing me kindness. Therefore I must work hard this time to repay his kindness and redeem his trust, even if it costs me my life."
The day of departure arrives. (Yoshitsune says something to Moe here but wakaranaaaiiii..... The poor girl just doesn't look very happy. All victims of
Meanwhile in the palace...
Go-Shirakawa: "They have left? Will they win..."
Tsubone: "It will be troublesome if they don't. We need to get the Three Treasures back from the Heike."
Go-Shirakawa: "But I feel Yoshitsune will get them back for me... I don't think he will hand it over to Yoritomo, you think?"
Tsubone: "I don't think so. Afterall everyone from the Genji clan seems to listen to only Yoritomo, but Yoshitsune in particular seems to honour you very much."
The Heike in Yashima learns of Yoshitsune's advance. Munemori is confident that they will win since the Genji are not good with naval warfare. However, Tomomori is worried that if Noriyori's forces in the west works with Yoshitsune's in the east and attacks them from both sides, they may lose. He decides to attack Noriyori's troops first before they get a chance to combine attack.
Muneko hears from Tokitada (Memory refresh: Tokitada is Tokiko's brother, also one of Kiyomori's trusted follower. Muneko is Tokitada's wife.) that Yoshitsune is coming to Yashima and is worried. She notices that Yoshiko has been acting weird lately and fears she may be spying for her brother Yoshitsune. She interrogates her in front of Tokiko and Tokitada. Yoshiko claims that the reason she has not been herself these few days is because she received news from Naganari in the capital that her mother has passed away.
Yoshitsune arrives in Settsu, which is located on the shore across the Seto Inland Sea from Yashima. He meets with the head of the Watanabe clan (some naval clan), Watanabe no Manabu. Manabu is willing to be Genji's ally and lend out his 40 boats. Combined with those under Kagetoki's rule, they will have 150 boats. However, Kagetoki's fleet is delayed and will reach only in a week's time.
Yoshitsune: "The Heike knows we are coming. They are already on the alert for us. We can't just sit around and wait for the remaining fleet to arrive. We must think of another plan to attack them!"
That night, Yoshitsune sent his kerai out to scout the area. Kagetoki wonders what Yoshitsune is up too, but Kagesue is confident he will think up of something after he witnessed Yoshitsune at Ichinotani.
The kerai bring back valuable information about the area around Yashima. Yoshitsune analyses the information and makes a decision. Instead of making a full frontal attack on Yashima by sea, he decides to use Manabu's 40 boats first and travel to Awa (another part of Shikoku) and then make a land attack on Yashima from the back. The journey to Awa takes 3 days and the waters are rough. The Heike will not expect them to take that route. Yoshitsune announces his decision during the next strategy meeting but faces opposition from Kagetoki.
Kagetoki: "There are Heike allies along the way from Awa to Yashima. Even if you manage to beat them, you still have the mountainous terrain to conquer. By the time you reach Yashima, both soldiers and horses will be tired and unfit for battle. I suggest we wait for our remaining naval fleet and make a concentrated attack together."
Yoshitsune: "But we are unfamiliar with naval warfare. And even if we wait for the remaining fleet to arrive, the Heike will still win us in numbers. If we attack them this way, we will definitely lose."
Even Kagesue agrees with Yoshitsune's plan and Kagetoki relunctantly accepts the arrangement.
However, on the day Yoshitsune is to depart for Awa, a fierce storm damages many of Manabu's boats. Kagetoki suggests to Yoshitsune again to wait for the remaining fleet since they are going to take time to repair the boats anyway but Yoshitsune is adamant.
Yoshitsune: "Once a samurai makes a decision to attack, there must be no thought of withdrawing!"
Kagetoki: "No, withdrawing is also a valuable tactic in warfare."
Yoshitsune: "If we always think like this, it will affect the soldiers' morale and we will be unfit to fight."
Kagetoki: "If the numbers are small, it doesn't matter. But if you are leading a large army, things are different!"
Benkei: "You are saying my lord is unfit to be General for a large army??!"
Kagetoki calls Yoshitsune a reckless boar who only thinks of going forward and Benkei gets real irritated. A fight almost breaks out.
(OK PAUSE. I must say something here. LOL~ Yoshitsune/Takki looks EXTREMELY MANLY here!!! His 1001% focused look!!! *diessss* He remained calm throughout the argument while Kagetoki got so agitated... uwaaaahahahah... Kakkeee~~~~ Everyone go see~~~~~)
Rain starts to pour and cools down both parties a bit. Yoshitsune tells Kagetoki that he treats every battle as the last battle. There is no next time. Kagetoki tells him if that is the case, he will not follow him this time and then leaves.
Back in his own camp, Kagetoki tells his son he cannot understand Yoshitsune at all. Kagesue thinks however believes that Yoshitsune is a man who thinks quickly in times of crisis. In Yoshitsune's camp, Tsugunobu assures Yoshitsune that he and the rest of the kerai all understand his intentions and support him wholeheartedly. Benkei informs Yoshitsune that the waters have grown rougher and the latter sees this as a chance to use the storm as a cover to avoid the enemy's eyes. He decides to set off rightaway with the undamaged 5 boats that remained. Kagesue asks to go along too. He tells his father he will regret if he doesn't follow Yoshitsune. Kagetoki asks Yoshitsune for the last time.
Kagetoki: "You really want to waste your life like this?"
Yoshitsune: "I do this for the sake of winning the battle."
There is the problem of finding men who are willing and able to steer the boats in that rough waters but it is soon solved by Jiro and the friends he found. With that, Yoshitsune brings with him 150 of his men and sets off for Awa in that rough night.
~End of Episode 31~
Monday, August 22, 2005
Takki in Shokura VTR (21 Aug 2005)
And so, Takki appeared on 21 Aug's Shokura... arara, the producers are definitely zurui! They put his vtr all the way at the end of the epi so those who want to see Takki have to watch the whole episode. Not that this epi was bad, but let's just say it was made with a minimal budget because it was 80% flashback! Jin and Yamap were the hosts and they just moved around some park/street (Loracyn even complained that they din even need to spend money to rent the NHK Hall.. lol) as they reminisced about past Shokura epis and then snippets from back epis will be played. But it wasn't boring, i kinda enjoyed it.. ahah~ Thou i wondered is the epi produced this way because of Uchi's absence...
Anyway, sasuga Takki's pet-jrs, thou both of them dun really qualify as jrs anymore. Or should i say, sasuga Takki's fan-jrs??
LOL~ I dunno was it just me who felt the two of them looked a tad bored initially but when it was finally time to show Takki's vtr, the 2 of them suddenly became REALLY GENKI! Wakakkaak~~ Just look at their happy faces in the screencap below!!! 
It was so amusing to watch the 2 of them giggling away as they talked about their favourite senpai! (p/s: I love the way the part under Yamap's eyes will crinkle up when he smiles... so cute! I'm sure Takki likes this thing about Yamap too! Hahahah~ And oh, Jin mentioned something about him going to work out at the gym cos he is tired of being a hosoi bishounen... *listens intently for screams* Hoho, is he suddenly inspired by Takki?? XDDD)
And there's one part where he called himself "Takizawa".. Hahaha~ so cute!
And then came the real funny part as Takki attempted to show favouritism. LMAO~~~
Staff: Akanishi and Yamashita!
Takki: Eto... Yamashita and?
Staff: Akanishi!!
Takki: Yamashita!
Takki totally ignores Jin's name here... LMAO~~ Poor kid! Reminds me of the time Takki pushed Jin away and hooked Kame's arm on Shokura.
Anyway, sasuga Takki's pet-jrs, thou both of them dun really qualify as jrs anymore. Or should i say, sasuga Takki's fan-jrs??
LOL~ I dunno was it just me who felt the two of them looked a tad bored initially but when it was finally time to show Takki's vtr, the 2 of them suddenly became REALLY GENKI! Wakakkaak~~ Just look at their happy faces in the screencap below!!! It was so amusing to watch the 2 of them giggling away as they talked about their favourite senpai! (p/s: I love the way the part under Yamap's eyes will crinkle up when he smiles... so cute! I'm sure Takki likes this thing about Yamap too! Hahahah~ And oh, Jin mentioned something about him going to work out at the gym cos he is tired of being a hosoi bishounen... *listens intently for screams* Hoho, is he suddenly inspired by Takki?? XDDD)
Yamap: It is a bit abrupt but (Jin already starts giggling non-stop here... XD) we received a weird vtr!
Jin: (getting very excited) A weird vtr?? ehh~? Weird??
Yamap: It's weird yo! If I say 'weird', can you guess who? (laughs)
Jin: Uh! Takizawa-kun!!
And then the two of them just looked at each other and laughed really mischievously... wakakka, so cute!! So even idols themselves behave like us when they talk about their own idol... hiakhiak~ we have hope yet. XDD Anyway, Takki's vtr FINALLY CAME ON!!! This was like at the last 5 min of the show! And Takki wore pinku!! 
Yappari "My Boom" da~ Huay was saying his hair looked a bit flat, but i was thinking more like, he looked like he just came out of the bathroom after a shower!!! Wakakakakkakak~~~~ *ero tots*
Takki: Hai, doumo! This is サービス登場 desu (means sthg like special appearance). Takizawa desu! (And then the seriousness suddenly disappears. LOL) Nanda omae!? Putting on a kawa... kawaii (he stumbled with his words again! Hahaha, i wonder if Hosoki is watching this. XDD) face and saying i'm weird. Maa, maybe i always do weird things but today, i'm going to be serious. (LMAAAO~~ Did he just admit to being weird? Wakakkaka~)
Takki then talked about the Dannoura scene coming up in Episode 35 of Yoshitsune and they even showed snippets of it! That famous jump that Yoshitsune did from his boat to the Heike's boat. The visuals looked a bit unreal thou but maa, i'm getting used to Taiga's style of action/effects. LOL~ Takki then said that previously (i dunno when) when he said he will appear on Shokura, he wasn't lying. He will really appear. (Yeaaah!!!) And then i lost what he was saying here, something about appearing on NHK and on TV worldwide... hmm, is it because both Shokura and Taiga are shown real-time on NHK World all over the world?? Makes sense eh? And there's one part where he called himself "Takizawa".. Hahaha~ so cute!And then came the real funny part as Takki attempted to show favouritism. LMAO~~~
Staff: Akanishi and Yamashita!
Takki: Eto... Yamashita and?
Staff: Akanishi!!
Takki: Yamashita!
Takki totally ignores Jin's name here... LMAO~~ Poor kid! Reminds me of the time Takki pushed Jin away and hooked Kame's arm on Shokura.
Takki: Yamashita ne! P-chan ne! You are always around to "heal me" (for lack of a better word). Let's play together again sometime this month ne!
The way Takki talks to Yamap here is soooo cute!!! He sounds sooo gentle, like talking to his own child. Hahahah~ Sasuga Takki-papa da!!
You thought this is the end but noo, Takki is not done with teasing Jin yet. Hahahahhaha~~ He turned to the staff and asked again.
Takki: There is only Yamashita ne? Nobody else?
Staff: Akanishi!
Takki: Huh?
Staff: AKANISHI!!
Takki: Yamashita ne! (staff laughs) Jaa, Yamap ne! I will mail you again, reply ne! Ja ne, Yamap! (waves like a kid)
And Takki's vtr ended here. Jin didn't complain immediately, but he said something about Takki looked young (I think so too! Yappari it's that hair colour!!). And THEN they said something that really MADE MY DAY! Hahahhahah~~~~~ I don't think i heard it wrongly cos i repeated it a thousand times. XDD
Yamap: 俺はね、滝沢くんが好きだよ。(I like Takazawa yo!)
Jin: へっ？それはみんな好きだよ。だって、あんなさ、面倒を見る良い先輩はいないよ！(Well, everyone likes him. Because there is no other senpai who takes care of us the way he does.)
Yamap: それはそうですね～ (That's right ne~)
Jin: でもね、毎回山Ｐ、山Ｐでね、そろそろね、ほかのジュニアーにも目をつけてもらいたい。(But ne, he's always talking about Yamap Yamap *a whiff of jealousy*, I think it is about time he pays more attention to other juniors.)
Yamap: いやっ！困る！(No way!)
LMAAOOO~~~ Here is Yamap refusing to let go of Takki's affection. Fufufu~ But anyway, cuteness aside, I am really touched by what they said. There is no reason for them to lie here. And I am not being bias, but Takki is REALLY a very caring guy. Even though he already graduated from Juniors and is so busy, he is still a lead figure to the young ones. People always go to him for help. いい人だ！～
Jin said he really wants Takki to appear on Shokura. He feels assured when Takki's around (his exact words were 「いると、心強い」), like nothing can go wrong and Yamap agreed with him. Gyaaaah, nanka ne, this is so heartwarming to hear. ^__^ This is the first time I see Jin and Yamap really talking about how they feel about Takki.
Woah~ Look what a loooooong entry I wrote for a less than 5 min clip... Hahahah~ Hope i didn't lose any readers on the way. Anyway, I think the clip is already up somewhere for download. But if anyone of you can't get it, just tag me I can try and upload it. It's not super clear thou, my TV card sucks dakara.
ということで、i shall go back to my Yoshitsune synopsis!! Til then!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Takki's Interview in Duet (Sept '05)
Thanks to Huay who lent me her copy of Sept's Duet after i was screeching about that CHOU-KAWAII pic that Yvie put up on her site... im still feeling doki doki just THINKING about that pic... mama miaaa~~~ How can someone be sooooo adorable??? *diessss* And after flipping thru the mag, i realised that there are even MORE kawaii pics!!! KYAAAHHH!!! Demo, Takki's not on cover, so technically, it doesn't make it into my list of must-buy... must restrain, Must Restrain, MUST RESTRAIN!!!! *shakes self*
Anyway, thought I will share with you all some of the interesting things he said.. ahha~
I wonder if that "something" is Hosoki... Haha~ And my poor boy has no free personal time at all that he actually has to buy his clothes from the photoshoot stylist?? Maa yoku kangaereba, it may not be such a bad thing... In any case, I LOVE TAKKI IN PINKU TOO!!! XDDD
I just found it so erm.. delightful to know that Takki even knows Jin's father... hahaha. The play-dad versus the real-dad. I wonder... do they sit down and discuss Jin?? LMAO~
Oh dear, it's Sunday! Failed to catch up on Yoshitsune's synopsis as I wanted. Sooo tied down by work this week. Hmph!
Anyway, thought I will share with you all some of the interesting things he said.. ahha~
Recently, pink has been "my boom". Something prompt me to wear a pink tee and everyone around me gave good comments. After that, i am always in pink. Because I have no time to shop, I buy the clothes that I used during photoshoots. When I was a Jr, i used to hate wearing pink. It doesn't seem like something a guy should wear. I used to think, guys must wear black! (laughs)
I wonder if that "something" is Hosoki... Haha~ And my poor boy has no free personal time at all that he actually has to buy his clothes from the photoshoot stylist?? Maa yoku kangaereba, it may not be such a bad thing... In any case, I LOVE TAKKI IN PINKU TOO!!! XDDD
The aircon in my room is in a bad condition. It keeps leaking water yo. For the moment, I just threw a towel there to absorb the water. (laughs) Previously when there was something wrong with my aircon, Jin's father repaired it for me. But now... I think I have to get a new one!
I just found it so erm.. delightful to know that Takki even knows Jin's father... hahaha. The play-dad versus the real-dad. I wonder... do they sit down and discuss Jin?? LMAO~
Oh dear, it's Sunday! Failed to catch up on Yoshitsune's synopsis as I wanted. Sooo tied down by work this week. Hmph!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Yoshitsune #30: The Creeping Hand of the Devil 忍び寄る魔の手
Being left out from the mission this time, Yoshitsune busies himself keeping Kyoto in law and order. Jiro and Saburo makes some noise about the task being mundane and gets chided by Yoshitsune. Just then, Utsubo barges in and demands to see Yoshitsune. She is angry with Yoshitsune for accepting Moe even though he already has Shizuka. The kerai try to stop her (because Moe can hear them and I think she is still in the unknown about the relationship between Yoshitsune and Shizuka) and explain that Yoshitsune has his reasons. Shizuka arrives on the scene and everyone is stunned. (Kisanta's expression here is sooooo funny!!! LMAO~)
Utsubo follows Shizuka to her room. She now stays in the side wing of the house instead of the main building in consideration of Moe. She tells Utsubo that Yoshitsune is in a difficult position and it is not his will to accept Moe. She is contended as long as they have each other in their hearts.
Utsubo: "That is very brave of you."
Shizuka: "Everyone is capable of this, even you Utsubo."
Utsubo: "It is hard ne."
Shizuka: "That is why we all need to find a person we want to support and protect."
Utsubo: "I came here wanting to comfort you, but end up getting comforted instead."
The relationship between the two grows stronger.
Meanwhile, Noriyori is having a hard time fighting the Heike troops in the west.
At the palace in Kyoto, Tsubone tells Go-Shirakawa that Yoritomo's decision to leave Yoshitsune out of the current mission confirms their suspicion that Yoritomo has something against his brother. Go-Shirakawa is happy to hear that things are going the way he envisioned.
In a bid to cut down burglary in the capital, Yoshitsune approaches one of his old acquaintances Suzuka no Okina (who is actually the underworld leader) to help arrange a meeting between him and the leaders of the thieves. Many of them were orphans or men who have lost their family during war. He tries to persuade them to stop what they are doing. The leaders are all convinced by his earnestness. Slowly, burglary begins to decrease in the capital.
Pleased with the capital slowly regaining stability under Yoshitsune, Go-Shirakawa offers him a further promotion. The new rank this time will be just one rank lower than Yoritomo. Yoshitsune asks to seek permission from Yoritomo before he makes a decision and Go-Shirakawa agrees. Yoshitsune then writes a letter to his brother and ask if he can accept this promotion.
Yoritomo receives the letter in Kamakura and debates the situation with Masako.
Yoritomo: "At least I know Yoshitsune has not forgotten his position (as my kerai) by writing this letter. Although he accepted the previous post without my permission..."
Masako: "All these are obviously Go-Shirakawa's tricks. He is making use of Yoshitsune against us. We must not reply him immediately. We must let Yoshitsune and especially Go-Shirakawa realise that, without our permission, they cannot move forward."
The imperial court keeps pressing Yoshitsune for an answer but there is no reply from Yoritomo. One day, Go-Shirakawa summons Yoshitsune to a temple.
Go-Shirakawa: "You must be wondering why I am meeting you in a temple instead of the palace. I heard your mother just passed away so I thought it might comfort you to be near Buddha."
Go-Shirakawa pretends to empathise with Yoshitsune, claiming to understand how it feels like to grow up without both parents by the side etc. It is all his scheme to win over Yoshitsune's trust. (Man, the way the cranky evil old man lurches at Yoshitsune... scary!)
A few days later, Tomoyasu calls for Yoshitsune and pressures him to take up the promotion.
Tomoyasu: "Do not disappoint O-kami."
At this point, Yoshitsune realises he can no longer delay nor reject the offer without offending the imperial court. He finally accepts the promotion as he feels he is not accepting the promotion for himself, but for Yoritomo as well.
Yoshitsune's kerai are worried for him. Shizuka reveals that she is worried too and urges him to be careful.
In Kamakura, Yoritomo created two new sections to his governance. He assigns Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin to head each section. Tokimasa is disappointed that his family (the Houjo) is left out.
Meanwhile, O-hime falls sick pining for Yoshitaka. Masako is distressed and looks up Yoritomo.
Masako: "She hasn't talk to anyone since Yoshitaka left her. You shouldn't have killed Yoshitaka! Now do something! You are her father!!"
Yoritomo visits O-hime and is shocked to find his daughter in such a state. In a daze, O-hime mutters something that shocks Yoritomo.
O-hime: "Yoshitaka-sama, I will go to you soon."
Worried, Yoritomo immediately erects a memorial pagoda for Yoshitaka and arranges a ritual to pray for the dead boy. But O-hime's health does not improve. (RETRIBUTION!!!! For doing soo much evil, you got your daughter into trouble... you ebil ebil man!!)
Around this time, news that Yoshitsune took up the promotion reaches Kamakura. Masako thinks they are being cursed for killing Yoshitaka. Ever since he died, nothing has gone well for them. Yoshitsune taking up two promotions without their permission, Go-Shirakawa obviously plotting himself against them, Noriyori facing difficulties in his fight against the Heike, outsiders given leadership positions instead of Yoritomo's kerai...
Yoritomo: "So that is what bothers you. That your father was not given a role in my new governance?"
Masako: "It is not just my father and the Houjo but also your other kerai who has served you loyally for so many years and understand your way and reason for doing things. By giving such important posts to men who only just started working for you, it is impossible for them not to think that you are bias."
Yoritomo: "I am just assigning the right man for the right job."
Masako: "If you continue to do this, you will cause a rift among your men!"
Yoritomo: "Be quiet! From now on regarding my new governance, you will have no say in it!"
Tokimasa is angry to hear that Yoritomo now disregards Masako's opinions. However, Masako has another thinking.
Masako: "I think I can understand Yoritomo better now. He is not a man who rules only by reason afterall. He craves for sentiments more than others and is a very careful man. From the way he arranged a ritual for Yoshitaka for the sake of O-hime, and how he actually gets angry over my complaints... Usually he shows no emotions on the outside but now, i am convinced that he is a sentimental man."
With that, Masako advises her father to be patient.
Kichiji brings a message from Fujiwara no Hidehira for Yoshitsune.
Kichiji: "He asks you to be wary of the people around you."
(Hianz, even Hidehira who is FAR AWAY at Hiraizumi can see that Yoritomo and Go-Shirakawa are up to no good... why can't Yoshitsune see that??? Now the two are like shooting secret darts at each other while Yoshitsune is caught in between. -_-;;;)
Jiro arrives and brings information of Noriyori's progress. Apparently he is facing trouble moving forward. Heike's naval armies are too strong for the Genji and they are now stuck in a place where the Heike has blocked off their supply routes. Kichiji asks what Yoshitsune will do if he is leading the army.
Yoshitsune: "I will attack the main army at Yashima."
Tsugunobu: "Even with naval armies?"
Yoshitsune: "I just need ships that can take us to Shikoku."
(Yashima is an island off the northeastern coast of Shikoku.)
Back in Kamakura, Yoritomo is feeling troubled. The battle against the Heike is stagnant. O-hime's condition does not improve. Dissatisfaction among his men is starting to appear. He confides in Morinaga.
A few days later, he makes a decision that shocks his men.
Yoritomo: "I will ask Go-Shirakawa for permission to attack the Heike at Yashima."
Tokimasa: "And who will be the general?"
Yoritomo: "Kurou Hougan Yoshitsune."
(Hougan is the name of his imperial title. By calling him that, it is as if Yoritomo finally acknowledges the promotion.)
Tokimasa: "Did you just call him Hougan? Are you now showing 'kindness' (for lack of better word) to him (despite the fact that he accepted the promotion without your permission)?"
Yoritomo: "No. This is not kindness. He made the critical move that won us the Ichinotani Battle. Now I want to see how he will deal with this situation. I am testing him."
(-___________-;;;)
Go-Shirakawa receives the letter from Yoritomo about this decision and summons Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune cannot believe that his brother finally acknowledges his promotion and is letting him rejoin the battle. Filled with emotions, he gamely takes up the mission.
~End of Episode 30~
Utsubo follows Shizuka to her room. She now stays in the side wing of the house instead of the main building in consideration of Moe. She tells Utsubo that Yoshitsune is in a difficult position and it is not his will to accept Moe. She is contended as long as they have each other in their hearts.
Utsubo: "That is very brave of you."
Shizuka: "Everyone is capable of this, even you Utsubo."
Utsubo: "It is hard ne."
Shizuka: "That is why we all need to find a person we want to support and protect."
Utsubo: "I came here wanting to comfort you, but end up getting comforted instead."
The relationship between the two grows stronger.
Meanwhile, Noriyori is having a hard time fighting the Heike troops in the west.
At the palace in Kyoto, Tsubone tells Go-Shirakawa that Yoritomo's decision to leave Yoshitsune out of the current mission confirms their suspicion that Yoritomo has something against his brother. Go-Shirakawa is happy to hear that things are going the way he envisioned.
In a bid to cut down burglary in the capital, Yoshitsune approaches one of his old acquaintances Suzuka no Okina (who is actually the underworld leader) to help arrange a meeting between him and the leaders of the thieves. Many of them were orphans or men who have lost their family during war. He tries to persuade them to stop what they are doing. The leaders are all convinced by his earnestness. Slowly, burglary begins to decrease in the capital.
Pleased with the capital slowly regaining stability under Yoshitsune, Go-Shirakawa offers him a further promotion. The new rank this time will be just one rank lower than Yoritomo. Yoshitsune asks to seek permission from Yoritomo before he makes a decision and Go-Shirakawa agrees. Yoshitsune then writes a letter to his brother and ask if he can accept this promotion.
Yoritomo receives the letter in Kamakura and debates the situation with Masako.
Yoritomo: "At least I know Yoshitsune has not forgotten his position (as my kerai) by writing this letter. Although he accepted the previous post without my permission..."
Masako: "All these are obviously Go-Shirakawa's tricks. He is making use of Yoshitsune against us. We must not reply him immediately. We must let Yoshitsune and especially Go-Shirakawa realise that, without our permission, they cannot move forward."
The imperial court keeps pressing Yoshitsune for an answer but there is no reply from Yoritomo. One day, Go-Shirakawa summons Yoshitsune to a temple.
Go-Shirakawa: "You must be wondering why I am meeting you in a temple instead of the palace. I heard your mother just passed away so I thought it might comfort you to be near Buddha."
Go-Shirakawa pretends to empathise with Yoshitsune, claiming to understand how it feels like to grow up without both parents by the side etc. It is all his scheme to win over Yoshitsune's trust. (Man, the way the cranky evil old man lurches at Yoshitsune... scary!)
A few days later, Tomoyasu calls for Yoshitsune and pressures him to take up the promotion.
Tomoyasu: "Do not disappoint O-kami."
At this point, Yoshitsune realises he can no longer delay nor reject the offer without offending the imperial court. He finally accepts the promotion as he feels he is not accepting the promotion for himself, but for Yoritomo as well.
Yoshitsune's kerai are worried for him. Shizuka reveals that she is worried too and urges him to be careful.
In Kamakura, Yoritomo created two new sections to his governance. He assigns Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin to head each section. Tokimasa is disappointed that his family (the Houjo) is left out.
Meanwhile, O-hime falls sick pining for Yoshitaka. Masako is distressed and looks up Yoritomo.
Masako: "She hasn't talk to anyone since Yoshitaka left her. You shouldn't have killed Yoshitaka! Now do something! You are her father!!"
Yoritomo visits O-hime and is shocked to find his daughter in such a state. In a daze, O-hime mutters something that shocks Yoritomo.
O-hime: "Yoshitaka-sama, I will go to you soon."
Worried, Yoritomo immediately erects a memorial pagoda for Yoshitaka and arranges a ritual to pray for the dead boy. But O-hime's health does not improve. (RETRIBUTION!!!! For doing soo much evil, you got your daughter into trouble... you ebil ebil man!!)
Around this time, news that Yoshitsune took up the promotion reaches Kamakura. Masako thinks they are being cursed for killing Yoshitaka. Ever since he died, nothing has gone well for them. Yoshitsune taking up two promotions without their permission, Go-Shirakawa obviously plotting himself against them, Noriyori facing difficulties in his fight against the Heike, outsiders given leadership positions instead of Yoritomo's kerai...
Yoritomo: "So that is what bothers you. That your father was not given a role in my new governance?"
Masako: "It is not just my father and the Houjo but also your other kerai who has served you loyally for so many years and understand your way and reason for doing things. By giving such important posts to men who only just started working for you, it is impossible for them not to think that you are bias."
Yoritomo: "I am just assigning the right man for the right job."
Masako: "If you continue to do this, you will cause a rift among your men!"
Yoritomo: "Be quiet! From now on regarding my new governance, you will have no say in it!"
Tokimasa is angry to hear that Yoritomo now disregards Masako's opinions. However, Masako has another thinking.
Masako: "I think I can understand Yoritomo better now. He is not a man who rules only by reason afterall. He craves for sentiments more than others and is a very careful man. From the way he arranged a ritual for Yoshitaka for the sake of O-hime, and how he actually gets angry over my complaints... Usually he shows no emotions on the outside but now, i am convinced that he is a sentimental man."
With that, Masako advises her father to be patient.
Kichiji brings a message from Fujiwara no Hidehira for Yoshitsune.
Kichiji: "He asks you to be wary of the people around you."
(Hianz, even Hidehira who is FAR AWAY at Hiraizumi can see that Yoritomo and Go-Shirakawa are up to no good... why can't Yoshitsune see that??? Now the two are like shooting secret darts at each other while Yoshitsune is caught in between. -_-;;;)
Jiro arrives and brings information of Noriyori's progress. Apparently he is facing trouble moving forward. Heike's naval armies are too strong for the Genji and they are now stuck in a place where the Heike has blocked off their supply routes. Kichiji asks what Yoshitsune will do if he is leading the army.
Yoshitsune: "I will attack the main army at Yashima."
Tsugunobu: "Even with naval armies?"
Yoshitsune: "I just need ships that can take us to Shikoku."
(Yashima is an island off the northeastern coast of Shikoku.)
Back in Kamakura, Yoritomo is feeling troubled. The battle against the Heike is stagnant. O-hime's condition does not improve. Dissatisfaction among his men is starting to appear. He confides in Morinaga.
A few days later, he makes a decision that shocks his men.
Yoritomo: "I will ask Go-Shirakawa for permission to attack the Heike at Yashima."
Tokimasa: "And who will be the general?"
Yoritomo: "Kurou Hougan Yoshitsune."
(Hougan is the name of his imperial title. By calling him that, it is as if Yoritomo finally acknowledges the promotion.)
Tokimasa: "Did you just call him Hougan? Are you now showing 'kindness' (for lack of better word) to him (despite the fact that he accepted the promotion without your permission)?"
Yoritomo: "No. This is not kindness. He made the critical move that won us the Ichinotani Battle. Now I want to see how he will deal with this situation. I am testing him."
(-___________-;;;)
Go-Shirakawa receives the letter from Yoritomo about this decision and summons Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune cannot believe that his brother finally acknowledges his promotion and is letting him rejoin the battle. Filled with emotions, he gamely takes up the mission.
~End of Episode 30~
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Ah Huay, WELCOME HOME!!!
This is already late but oh well, better late than never...
AH HUAY~ お帰りなさいませ！！！
タッキー：待ってましたよ～
なんかさ、いらっしゃいなんて、おかしいよね。だけど、お帰りって言う写真はないもん。だから、文句言うな！わざわざスキャンしたから。ところで、うちわありがとう！あの「自分のボイフレンドみたいな写真」もありがとう！見たら、萌え～ "現実"に戻るのは、いやだよね・・・ 気持ちわかるよ。でも、がんばって！楽しみにするものは絶対あるから！まあ、とりあえず、タッキーソロコン！！あと、来年の春コンもね！！あいつはそんなに頑張ってくれるから、私たちも現実に負けるな！！！一緒に頑張ろう！
Monday, August 08, 2005
Yoshitsune #29: Mother's Last Words 母の遺言
Noriyori and the rest return to Kamakura as Yoshitsune arrives back in Kyoto. Yoritomo assigns Yoshitsune to take care of the city in his place. For some time, Yoshitsune spends peaceful but busy days fulfilling his duties such as recruiting new soldiers, settling lawsuits and hunting down Heike spies in the capital. His popularity slowly grows among the people.
Meanwhile in Kamakura, Yoritomo wonders what he should do with Yoshitsune. Everyone else seems to be impressed with Yoshitsune and thinks he should be rewarded (with an official post?) but Yoritomo is hesitant. He later reveals to Tokimasa and Masako that he is impressed by Yoshitsune but suspicious of Go-Shirakawa and the imperial court's real motive for singling him out for praises and promotion. (Well, it's because you are SOOOO paranoid of losing your power over your men, soooo adamant that you must be the ONLY ONE in control that Go-Shirakawa has a chance to play with your mind you BAKA!!!
)
Back in Kyoto, Tomoyasu tells Go-Shirakawa that Yoritomo has employed the services of Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin and suspects he is trying to build a new capital in Kamakura, just like Kiyomori did with Fukuhara. Go-Shirakawa receives a letter from Yoritomo recommending some of his men for promotion but the list does not include Yoshitsune's name despite his critical role which helped win the Ichinotani battle. The ex-emperor senses that Yoritomo has something against Yoshitsune and plots to make use of this to deal with the former. (i think at the end of the day, whether it be Heike or Genji, Go-Shirakawa just does not want any samurai clan to grow too powerful and climb over him. Just like how the Heike grew too influential that the ex-emperor decides to betray them in order to get rid of them.)
Kichiji informs Yoshitsune that Tokiwa has fallen ill. Shizuka suggests he go visit her but Yoshitsune is hesistant as his mother had made him promise not to see her again previously. Kichiji then offers to keep him updated about her health.
One day, Tsuneko arrives in Yashima where the main Heike clan has escaped to. Apparently she did not flee with the rest previously but remained in the capital. She informs the rest that her son Koremori had killed himself and wants to know why her son has been forced to leave Yashima. Tomomori tells her he was not forced to leave, but left quietly by himself. Apparently Koremori had been blaming himself for Heike's consecutive losses and is depressed and disappointed with life. Tomomori reminds the rest that they have not lost the battle yet. He encourages the clan to unite and fight against the Genji so that Koremori's death will not go unjustified.
June 1184. Noriyori together with the rest that Yoritomo nominated receive their official posts from the imperial court. Yoshitsune however, is not accredited with anything. Many in the capital who support Yoshitsune begin to voice out the unjust treatment.
Yoshitsune's kerai are upset over the situation too. Yoshitsune tells them he does not care about not having any official posts although this is the reason why he is facing problems conscripting people for the Genji's army. However, he is bothered by Yoritomo's aloofness and apparent non-acknowlegdement of his efforts.
The Heike ladies gather for a talk at night. Tokiko reminds them that they will not go down. They will survive with the emperor (Antoku) and restore the Heike clan to its former glory. Muneko suddenly picks on Yoshiko again and wonders if she is a Genji or Heike. Yoshiko declares herself as a Heike. Later, Tokiko reveals to Akirakeiko alone that Kiyomori's death wish of wanting Yoritomo dead is a lie. Initially, after Kiyomori passed away, the entire clan was downcast and lost without a leader. She wanted to give everyone a goal to fight for and that is why she decided to lie. However, she feels that her lie is a mistake as it had resulted in the Shigehira's capture, Koremori's death etc... Surprisingly, Akirakeiko tells her to keep the truth between the two of them. She explains, it is because of her lie that Tomomori and the rest now are so motivated to unite and win the Genji. Kiyomori might not have said the "death wish" himself, but Akirakeiko believes Tokiko simply put his thoughts into words. Tokiko is very relieved to hear that and gains back her confidence.
1184, July. The new emperor appointed by Go-Shirakawa ascends the throne in place of Antoku. However, the accession cannot be considered official without the Three Treasures.
1184, August. Go-Shirakawa summons for Yoshitsune and offers him an official post. (The actual title is lost in translation but it is a pretty high post. Something like governor.) Yoshitsune is shocked and asks if Yoritomo approves this decision.
Tomoyasu: "You are saying that O-kami (loosely translated as The Divine One, referring to Go-Shirakawa. The Japanese had this thinking back then that their Emperor is a god descended from heaven.) needs to ask Yoritomo before he can make any decisions?"
Yoshitsune: "Of course not..."
Tsubone: "O-kami is offering you this post as a reward for your good performance in keeping the capital in peace and order. He thinks you are a epitome of what a samurai should be. Anyway, Yoritomo is the one who placed you here to take care of the capital. So rewarding you is like rewarding Yoritomo."
Hearing that, Yoshitsune has no choice but accepts the post "on behalf" of Yoritomo.
Tokiwa hears about this from Naganari and is worried for his son. Yoshitsune has always been a very honest child and is not good at reading people's ulterior motives. She worries about him getting caught between Go-Shirakawa and Yoritomo.
News of this appointment soon reaches Kamakura too. Hiromoto tells Yoritomo that ever since he left Yoshitsune out of his recommendation list, many people have been requesting to the imperial court to reward Yoshitsune as he deserves. Masako is mad with the decision of course.
Masako: "We have already rewarded everyone accordingly for the Ichinotani battle, Go-Shirakawa knows that!"
Tokimasa: "Well, Go-Shirakawa claims that this post is not in reward for the battle, but for Yoshitsune's exemplary performace of keeping the capital in law and order."
Masako: "He can twist it whichever way he wants. This is obviously an act of opposition to us. If this continues, Yoshitsune will be won over by the ex-emperor. This will be our deathblow!"
Yoritomo: "Kurou, why can't you see that Go-Shirakawa's real motive?" (Because he is not evil like you! *kicks*)
Yoritomo decides to send his army (led by Noriyori) to the capital. They will now go after the Heike in Yashima. However, he leaves Yoshitsune out of this mission on purpose. Yoshitsune is shocked.
More shock as messengers from Yoritomo bring news that Yoritomo has arranged a lady called Moe to be his wife. She is actually the daughter of Yoritomo's nanny and will be arriving in a few days. Yoshitsune is very troubled as he does not want to hurt Shizuka. (YORITOMO, WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???!!??! *PUI!* YOU ARE NOT YOSHITSUNE'S FATHER YO!!! WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO DECIDE YOUR BROTHER'S MARRIAGE??? HE IS NOT A CHILD ANYMORE, YOU BAKA BAKA BAKAAA!!!!) Tsugunobu points out that this might have something to do with Yoshitsune's acceptance of the post from Go-Shirakawa. Yoritomo's motive is obviously to show Go-Shirakawa that Yoshitsune is still under him. (Great, now Yoshitsune becomes like a property, a toy. Grrr..) Yoshitsune realises he must accept this marriage as a pledge of allegiance to Yoritomo. Shizuka offers to leave the house but Yoshitsune and the rest refuses to let her go.
Yoshitsune: "It may be hard but I will like you to stay by my side."
Shizuka agrees finally but claims she will leave if problems arise because of her presence.
Moe arrives in a few days as expected. (And Yoshitsune shows the least of interest in her. Poor girl, she also becomes Yoritomo's pawn. YORITOMO, YOU CRAP!!
IS THIS HOW YOU REPAY YOUR NANNY'S KINDNESS AND CARE FOR YOU WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?? BY GIVING HER DAUGHTER AWAY TO A MAN WHO DOES NOT LOVE HER??? I'M SO FUMING!!!)
One night, Tokiwa suddenly arrives at Yoshitsune's house despite her weak health.
Tokiwa: "I heard you have been greatly troubled recently. Being left out of the mission to capture the Heike, the sudden arrival of a wife from Kamakura..."
Yoshitsune: "I am sorry for making you worry."
Tokiwa: "I used to be the same, always finding myself at the mercy of things I did not expect. At that time (after Yoshitsune's father died), I only thought of protecting my children, keeping them alive. I let my heart die (to be with Kiyomori). I am worried about you now being like what I used to be, caught between things, a victim of circumstances... and especially so because you are so honest and trusting of people. But things are not always as nice as they seem. Do not get caught up in other people's plots and schemes. Be sure where to place yourself, and evaluate everything carefully. Don't just look at the surface, but underneath as well. Don't be too trusting of people, not even Yoritomo and Go-Shirakawa!"
With that, Tokiwa takes her leave. She tells Yoshitsune sternly not to bother about what happens to her anymore, and never to visit her. Yoshitsune watches in silence as his mother walks away. This is to be the last time they will ever talk to each other.
Two days later, Benkei brings news that Tokiwa is in a critical condition. Yoshitsune rushes to Naganari's house but he is too late. Tokiwa has already breathed her last. Naganari tells her she had been calling his name before she passed away. Picking up her flute, Yoshitsune thinks back of the times he had with his mother.
Yoshitsune: "Mother, for watching over me all the time, I thank you from the bottom of my heart." (SO SAD HERE!!!!
)
~End of Episode 29~
Meanwhile in Kamakura, Yoritomo wonders what he should do with Yoshitsune. Everyone else seems to be impressed with Yoshitsune and thinks he should be rewarded (with an official post?) but Yoritomo is hesitant. He later reveals to Tokimasa and Masako that he is impressed by Yoshitsune but suspicious of Go-Shirakawa and the imperial court's real motive for singling him out for praises and promotion. (Well, it's because you are SOOOO paranoid of losing your power over your men, soooo adamant that you must be the ONLY ONE in control that Go-Shirakawa has a chance to play with your mind you BAKA!!!
)Back in Kyoto, Tomoyasu tells Go-Shirakawa that Yoritomo has employed the services of Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin and suspects he is trying to build a new capital in Kamakura, just like Kiyomori did with Fukuhara. Go-Shirakawa receives a letter from Yoritomo recommending some of his men for promotion but the list does not include Yoshitsune's name despite his critical role which helped win the Ichinotani battle. The ex-emperor senses that Yoritomo has something against Yoshitsune and plots to make use of this to deal with the former. (i think at the end of the day, whether it be Heike or Genji, Go-Shirakawa just does not want any samurai clan to grow too powerful and climb over him. Just like how the Heike grew too influential that the ex-emperor decides to betray them in order to get rid of them.)
Kichiji informs Yoshitsune that Tokiwa has fallen ill. Shizuka suggests he go visit her but Yoshitsune is hesistant as his mother had made him promise not to see her again previously. Kichiji then offers to keep him updated about her health.
One day, Tsuneko arrives in Yashima where the main Heike clan has escaped to. Apparently she did not flee with the rest previously but remained in the capital. She informs the rest that her son Koremori had killed himself and wants to know why her son has been forced to leave Yashima. Tomomori tells her he was not forced to leave, but left quietly by himself. Apparently Koremori had been blaming himself for Heike's consecutive losses and is depressed and disappointed with life. Tomomori reminds the rest that they have not lost the battle yet. He encourages the clan to unite and fight against the Genji so that Koremori's death will not go unjustified.
June 1184. Noriyori together with the rest that Yoritomo nominated receive their official posts from the imperial court. Yoshitsune however, is not accredited with anything. Many in the capital who support Yoshitsune begin to voice out the unjust treatment.
Yoshitsune's kerai are upset over the situation too. Yoshitsune tells them he does not care about not having any official posts although this is the reason why he is facing problems conscripting people for the Genji's army. However, he is bothered by Yoritomo's aloofness and apparent non-acknowlegdement of his efforts.
The Heike ladies gather for a talk at night. Tokiko reminds them that they will not go down. They will survive with the emperor (Antoku) and restore the Heike clan to its former glory. Muneko suddenly picks on Yoshiko again and wonders if she is a Genji or Heike. Yoshiko declares herself as a Heike. Later, Tokiko reveals to Akirakeiko alone that Kiyomori's death wish of wanting Yoritomo dead is a lie. Initially, after Kiyomori passed away, the entire clan was downcast and lost without a leader. She wanted to give everyone a goal to fight for and that is why she decided to lie. However, she feels that her lie is a mistake as it had resulted in the Shigehira's capture, Koremori's death etc... Surprisingly, Akirakeiko tells her to keep the truth between the two of them. She explains, it is because of her lie that Tomomori and the rest now are so motivated to unite and win the Genji. Kiyomori might not have said the "death wish" himself, but Akirakeiko believes Tokiko simply put his thoughts into words. Tokiko is very relieved to hear that and gains back her confidence.
1184, July. The new emperor appointed by Go-Shirakawa ascends the throne in place of Antoku. However, the accession cannot be considered official without the Three Treasures.
1184, August. Go-Shirakawa summons for Yoshitsune and offers him an official post. (The actual title is lost in translation but it is a pretty high post. Something like governor.) Yoshitsune is shocked and asks if Yoritomo approves this decision.
Tomoyasu: "You are saying that O-kami (loosely translated as The Divine One, referring to Go-Shirakawa. The Japanese had this thinking back then that their Emperor is a god descended from heaven.) needs to ask Yoritomo before he can make any decisions?"
Yoshitsune: "Of course not..."
Tsubone: "O-kami is offering you this post as a reward for your good performance in keeping the capital in peace and order. He thinks you are a epitome of what a samurai should be. Anyway, Yoritomo is the one who placed you here to take care of the capital. So rewarding you is like rewarding Yoritomo."
Hearing that, Yoshitsune has no choice but accepts the post "on behalf" of Yoritomo.
Tokiwa hears about this from Naganari and is worried for his son. Yoshitsune has always been a very honest child and is not good at reading people's ulterior motives. She worries about him getting caught between Go-Shirakawa and Yoritomo.
News of this appointment soon reaches Kamakura too. Hiromoto tells Yoritomo that ever since he left Yoshitsune out of his recommendation list, many people have been requesting to the imperial court to reward Yoshitsune as he deserves. Masako is mad with the decision of course.
Masako: "We have already rewarded everyone accordingly for the Ichinotani battle, Go-Shirakawa knows that!"
Tokimasa: "Well, Go-Shirakawa claims that this post is not in reward for the battle, but for Yoshitsune's exemplary performace of keeping the capital in law and order."
Masako: "He can twist it whichever way he wants. This is obviously an act of opposition to us. If this continues, Yoshitsune will be won over by the ex-emperor. This will be our deathblow!"
Yoritomo: "Kurou, why can't you see that Go-Shirakawa's real motive?" (Because he is not evil like you! *kicks*)
Yoritomo decides to send his army (led by Noriyori) to the capital. They will now go after the Heike in Yashima. However, he leaves Yoshitsune out of this mission on purpose. Yoshitsune is shocked.
More shock as messengers from Yoritomo bring news that Yoritomo has arranged a lady called Moe to be his wife. She is actually the daughter of Yoritomo's nanny and will be arriving in a few days. Yoshitsune is very troubled as he does not want to hurt Shizuka. (YORITOMO, WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???!!??! *PUI!* YOU ARE NOT YOSHITSUNE'S FATHER YO!!! WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO DECIDE YOUR BROTHER'S MARRIAGE??? HE IS NOT A CHILD ANYMORE, YOU BAKA BAKA BAKAAA!!!!) Tsugunobu points out that this might have something to do with Yoshitsune's acceptance of the post from Go-Shirakawa. Yoritomo's motive is obviously to show Go-Shirakawa that Yoshitsune is still under him. (Great, now Yoshitsune becomes like a property, a toy. Grrr..) Yoshitsune realises he must accept this marriage as a pledge of allegiance to Yoritomo. Shizuka offers to leave the house but Yoshitsune and the rest refuses to let her go.
Yoshitsune: "It may be hard but I will like you to stay by my side."
Shizuka agrees finally but claims she will leave if problems arise because of her presence.
Moe arrives in a few days as expected. (And Yoshitsune shows the least of interest in her. Poor girl, she also becomes Yoritomo's pawn. YORITOMO, YOU CRAP!!
IS THIS HOW YOU REPAY YOUR NANNY'S KINDNESS AND CARE FOR YOU WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?? BY GIVING HER DAUGHTER AWAY TO A MAN WHO DOES NOT LOVE HER??? I'M SO FUMING!!!)One night, Tokiwa suddenly arrives at Yoshitsune's house despite her weak health.
Tokiwa: "I heard you have been greatly troubled recently. Being left out of the mission to capture the Heike, the sudden arrival of a wife from Kamakura..."
Yoshitsune: "I am sorry for making you worry."
Tokiwa: "I used to be the same, always finding myself at the mercy of things I did not expect. At that time (after Yoshitsune's father died), I only thought of protecting my children, keeping them alive. I let my heart die (to be with Kiyomori). I am worried about you now being like what I used to be, caught between things, a victim of circumstances... and especially so because you are so honest and trusting of people. But things are not always as nice as they seem. Do not get caught up in other people's plots and schemes. Be sure where to place yourself, and evaluate everything carefully. Don't just look at the surface, but underneath as well. Don't be too trusting of people, not even Yoritomo and Go-Shirakawa!"
With that, Tokiwa takes her leave. She tells Yoshitsune sternly not to bother about what happens to her anymore, and never to visit her. Yoshitsune watches in silence as his mother walks away. This is to be the last time they will ever talk to each other.
Two days later, Benkei brings news that Tokiwa is in a critical condition. Yoshitsune rushes to Naganari's house but he is too late. Tokiwa has already breathed her last. Naganari tells her she had been calling his name before she passed away. Picking up her flute, Yoshitsune thinks back of the times he had with his mother.
Yoshitsune: "Mother, for watching over me all the time, I thank you from the bottom of my heart." (SO SAD HERE!!!!
)~End of Episode 29~
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Yoshitsune #28: The Cold-Hearted Yoritomo 頼朝非情なり
Shizuka breaks out in tears when Yoshitsune returns to her safe and sound.
At Noriyori's place, there is a difference of opinion within the Genji men as they debate what to do with the captured Shigehira. Noriyori thinks they should consult Yoritomo, but Kagetoki thinks they should just execute him. Yoshitsune (who is trying to keep Shigehira alive) cleverly suggests that they try and trade Shigehira with the Heike for the Three Treasures. The rest agrees.
Munemori rejects the offer, much to the distress of Shigehira's wife Sukeko. The Three Treasures are vital to the survival of the clan, and returning them will not keep the Genji/Go-Shirakawa from coming after them. Tomomori agrees with Munemori, albeit reluctantly. He suggests that there is a faint hope that Shigehira will survive, since Yoshitsune is there. He and Shigehira grew up with Yoshitsune when they were young, and he believes Yoshitsune is not so ruthless. Munemori thinks otherwise, reminding the rest that it was Yoshitsune who led the attack down the cliffs afterall. The Yoshitsune that their father Kiyomori let live.
Yoshitsune is disappointed to hear that the Heike rejected the offer and worries about Shigehira's life. Just then, a letter arrives from Yoritomo to send Shigehira to Kamakura. Yoshitsune immediately volunteers for the job.
Before he departs for Kamakura, Yoshitsune apologises to Shizuka for having to leave her again so soon.
On the way, he has an intimate talk with Shigehira.
Yoshitsune: "Do you hate me?"
Shigehira: "Hate?"
Yoshitsune: "You had not a word for me since we left the capital."
Shigehira: "I cannot bring myself to look upon you as an enemy."
Yoshitsune: "I feel the same. When I was young, I looked upon Kiyomori as my own father. I still remember him telling me his dream to build a new country. One where families do not get separated, one where is no war. But that all became an illusion when he died (because the Heike under Munemori was not concerned about the people's welfare at all). That is why I joined my brother Yoritomo, who has a similar dream to build a new country."
Shigehira: "At that time, i really thought I found a new brother."
Yoshitsune: "Me too."
The two of them think back of the times when they were young and played together.
Yoshitsune: "I really thought of you and Tomomori as my brothers, even now... ... if only I really hated the Heike, maybe I wouldn't feel so terrible facing you all in battle..."
Shigehira: "Such is destiny..."
(Muaaaaahhhh... so sad. Brothers having to fight each other. Why did it have to get to all these.. All the stupid Yukiie's fault!! 
Why did he have to tell Yoshitsune that he is a Genji??? 
LEAVE HIM ALONE YO!!! Anyway, i thought Shigehira looks really manly here... ahah.. gomen for the SUPER-DIVERSION. *whacks self*)
Arriving in Kamakura, Yoritomo congratulates Yoshitsune on his achievement at Ichinotani. He introduces Yoshitsune to two scholars he invited to advise him on politics, Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin (both who look very sinister to me... -_-;;;). Yoritomo asks Yoshitsune to rest for a few days in Kamakura before returning to Kyoto. (Seems like Yoritomo is plotting to build a new capital at Kamakura, that is why he employs the help of the 2 scholars to advise him on political systems and stuff.)
Next, Yoshitsune meets Masako and her father. Masako tells him that Yoshitaka already knows of his father's death, but warns Yoshitsune not to let Oohime know. (Oh man, everyone should see how the face of this ebil woman changes... So bash-able.... gaah!!!
)
Yoshitsune finally meets Yoshitaka and Oohime. He is glad to see Oohime as lively as ever. The innocent Oohime then ask Yoshitaka to ask Yoshitsune whether he met his father. The atmosphere suddenly turns heavy. Yoshitsune tells Yoshitaka the message his father has for him. That he is "sorry".
A few days later, Yoritomo meets Shigehira. The other men try to pick on him.
Tokimasa: "What do have to say about Heike not returning the Three Treasures?"
Shigehira: "The Three Treasures should stay with the rightful emperor (refering to Emperor Antoku). There is no reason for Munemori to return it."
Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin then reminds him about his burning of Buddhist temples 4 years ago and wonder if that is the reason for Kiyomori's death. (As in, punishment for offending the gods) Shigemori takes responsibilty for that incident like a man, but claims that his intention wasn't to offend the gods, but because the Buddhist monks were plotting against the Heike and bad-mouthing his father. Yoritomo finally speaks and asks if Shigehira has anything else to say.
Shigehira: "The Heike have worked hard to repay the imperial family's kindness. I have not foreseen that they will turn against us. But I accept this as fate. I am a samurai, and I am not ashamed to be decapitated by my enemy. Please do it!"
Yoritomo is impressed by Shigehira's character. He decides to spare his life and send him to Izu. (he said some other reasons for sparing his life, but I can't catch... hurhur~ But Shigehira didn't die!! Yeaaahh~~~~)
Yoshitsune and his kerai visits Chidori and his father for dinner, after which Chidori and Benkei shares a quiet moment. Chidori tells him she wants to visit Kumano because her father once saved some men from the naval armies of Kumano during a storm. (This will become useful to Yoshitsune later on...)
Meanwhile, Oohime finds out from her maids about Yoshinaka's death. She swears to protect Yoshitaka. With that, she arranges for Yoshitaka to escape. However, he soon gets caught. Brought back before Yoritomo, the small boy utters not a single word.
Yoshitsune finds out about this incident and hurries to Yoritomo's place to plead for Yoshitaka's life but Yoritomo refuses to meet him. Surprisingly, Masako pleads Yoritomo to spare Yoshitaka's life instead.
Masako: "Please spare Yoritaka... for our daughter, please!"
Morinaga tells Yoshitsune that Yoritomo will not meet him and the latter begs him to tell Yoritomo to spare Yoshitaka. Morinaga is touched by Yoshitsune's effort but he can do nothing.
The next day, Yoritomo orders Morinaga to execute Yoshitaka.
Benkei, Saburo and Jiro report to Yoshitsune in tears that Yoshitaka is dead. Yoshitsune is speechless. He is disappointed with himself for failing to keep his promise to Yoshinaka and Tomoe to protect Yoshitaka. (
YORITOMO, YOU CHILD-MURDERER!!!!) He hurries to visit Oohime but the little girl blames him for being on the same side as her father and refuses to see him.
Yoritomo finally summons for Yoshitsune. (Who the hell needs to see him anymore?? -_-)
Yoritomo: "Previously, I executed one of my men who said Yoshitaka should be killed. I had protected him to that extent. But then, he chose to run away. Isn't that a form of betrayal?"
Yoshitsune: "But he is just a boy! He will not plot to betray someone!"
Yoritomo: "He might when he gets older. Listen Yoshitsune, we were once like Yoshitaka. Our lives were spared by Kiyomori. If I had spared Yoshitaka now, one day, he may come after us like we are going after the Heike."
Yoshitsune: "But Yoshitaka is a Genji."
Yoritomo: "The people who killed our father is from the Genji clan too."
Yoshitsune: "When you said you want to build a new country, don't you need the help and support of fellow Genjis? Isn't the bond of the clan important?" (can't really translate this part...)
Yoritomo: "No, bonds are possible even without family ties. The Heike clan fell because they rely too much on family ties. In any case, I am not trying to build a new Genji country. I am trying to build a new samurai country. A country where people will obey me. The people working for me now, the Hokujo and the Kajiwara, they were once Heike's people. Yorimori, whom I invited to Kamakura, isn't he Kiyomori's brother? I don't care about the Genji nor the Heike clan. What I want is a samurai country."
Yoshitsune leaves the room feeling dejected. He starts to feel a rift between him and his brother, a difference in ideals.
Soon, Yoshitsune and his kerai leaves for the capital. Unknown to him, that will be the last time he ever meets Yoritomo.
~End of Episode 28~
At Noriyori's place, there is a difference of opinion within the Genji men as they debate what to do with the captured Shigehira. Noriyori thinks they should consult Yoritomo, but Kagetoki thinks they should just execute him. Yoshitsune (who is trying to keep Shigehira alive) cleverly suggests that they try and trade Shigehira with the Heike for the Three Treasures. The rest agrees.
Munemori rejects the offer, much to the distress of Shigehira's wife Sukeko. The Three Treasures are vital to the survival of the clan, and returning them will not keep the Genji/Go-Shirakawa from coming after them. Tomomori agrees with Munemori, albeit reluctantly. He suggests that there is a faint hope that Shigehira will survive, since Yoshitsune is there. He and Shigehira grew up with Yoshitsune when they were young, and he believes Yoshitsune is not so ruthless. Munemori thinks otherwise, reminding the rest that it was Yoshitsune who led the attack down the cliffs afterall. The Yoshitsune that their father Kiyomori let live.
Yoshitsune is disappointed to hear that the Heike rejected the offer and worries about Shigehira's life. Just then, a letter arrives from Yoritomo to send Shigehira to Kamakura. Yoshitsune immediately volunteers for the job.
Before he departs for Kamakura, Yoshitsune apologises to Shizuka for having to leave her again so soon.
On the way, he has an intimate talk with Shigehira.
Yoshitsune: "Do you hate me?"
Shigehira: "Hate?"
Yoshitsune: "You had not a word for me since we left the capital."
Shigehira: "I cannot bring myself to look upon you as an enemy."
Yoshitsune: "I feel the same. When I was young, I looked upon Kiyomori as my own father. I still remember him telling me his dream to build a new country. One where families do not get separated, one where is no war. But that all became an illusion when he died (because the Heike under Munemori was not concerned about the people's welfare at all). That is why I joined my brother Yoritomo, who has a similar dream to build a new country."
Shigehira: "At that time, i really thought I found a new brother."
Yoshitsune: "Me too."
The two of them think back of the times when they were young and played together.
Yoshitsune: "I really thought of you and Tomomori as my brothers, even now... ... if only I really hated the Heike, maybe I wouldn't feel so terrible facing you all in battle..."
Shigehira: "Such is destiny..."
(Muaaaaahhhh... so sad.
Brothers having to fight each other. Why did it have to get to all these.. All the stupid Yukiie's fault!! Why did he have to tell Yoshitsune that he is a Genji??? LEAVE HIM ALONE YO!!! Anyway, i thought Shigehira looks really manly here... ahah.. gomen for the SUPER-DIVERSION. *whacks self*)Arriving in Kamakura, Yoritomo congratulates Yoshitsune on his achievement at Ichinotani. He introduces Yoshitsune to two scholars he invited to advise him on politics, Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin (both who look very sinister to me... -_-;;;). Yoritomo asks Yoshitsune to rest for a few days in Kamakura before returning to Kyoto. (Seems like Yoritomo is plotting to build a new capital at Kamakura, that is why he employs the help of the 2 scholars to advise him on political systems and stuff.)
Next, Yoshitsune meets Masako and her father. Masako tells him that Yoshitaka already knows of his father's death, but warns Yoshitsune not to let Oohime know. (Oh man, everyone should see how the face of this ebil woman changes... So bash-able.... gaah!!!
)Yoshitsune finally meets Yoshitaka and Oohime. He is glad to see Oohime as lively as ever. The innocent Oohime then ask Yoshitaka to ask Yoshitsune whether he met his father. The atmosphere suddenly turns heavy. Yoshitsune tells Yoshitaka the message his father has for him. That he is "sorry".
A few days later, Yoritomo meets Shigehira. The other men try to pick on him.
Tokimasa: "What do have to say about Heike not returning the Three Treasures?"
Shigehira: "The Three Treasures should stay with the rightful emperor (refering to Emperor Antoku). There is no reason for Munemori to return it."
Ooe no Hiromoto and Zenshin then reminds him about his burning of Buddhist temples 4 years ago and wonder if that is the reason for Kiyomori's death. (As in, punishment for offending the gods) Shigemori takes responsibilty for that incident like a man, but claims that his intention wasn't to offend the gods, but because the Buddhist monks were plotting against the Heike and bad-mouthing his father. Yoritomo finally speaks and asks if Shigehira has anything else to say.
Shigehira: "The Heike have worked hard to repay the imperial family's kindness. I have not foreseen that they will turn against us. But I accept this as fate. I am a samurai, and I am not ashamed to be decapitated by my enemy. Please do it!"
Yoritomo is impressed by Shigehira's character. He decides to spare his life and send him to Izu. (he said some other reasons for sparing his life, but I can't catch... hurhur~ But Shigehira didn't die!! Yeaaahh~~~~)
Yoshitsune and his kerai visits Chidori and his father for dinner, after which Chidori and Benkei shares a quiet moment. Chidori tells him she wants to visit Kumano because her father once saved some men from the naval armies of Kumano during a storm. (This will become useful to Yoshitsune later on...)
Meanwhile, Oohime finds out from her maids about Yoshinaka's death. She swears to protect Yoshitaka. With that, she arranges for Yoshitaka to escape. However, he soon gets caught. Brought back before Yoritomo, the small boy utters not a single word.
Yoshitsune finds out about this incident and hurries to Yoritomo's place to plead for Yoshitaka's life but Yoritomo refuses to meet him. Surprisingly, Masako pleads Yoritomo to spare Yoshitaka's life instead.
Masako: "Please spare Yoritaka... for our daughter, please!"
Morinaga tells Yoshitsune that Yoritomo will not meet him and the latter begs him to tell Yoritomo to spare Yoshitaka. Morinaga is touched by Yoshitsune's effort but he can do nothing.
The next day, Yoritomo orders Morinaga to execute Yoshitaka.
Benkei, Saburo and Jiro report to Yoshitsune in tears that Yoshitaka is dead. Yoshitsune is speechless. He is disappointed with himself for failing to keep his promise to Yoshinaka and Tomoe to protect Yoshitaka. (
YORITOMO, YOU CHILD-MURDERER!!!!) He hurries to visit Oohime but the little girl blames him for being on the same side as her father and refuses to see him.Yoritomo finally summons for Yoshitsune. (Who the hell needs to see him anymore?? -_-)
Yoritomo: "Previously, I executed one of my men who said Yoshitaka should be killed. I had protected him to that extent. But then, he chose to run away. Isn't that a form of betrayal?"
Yoshitsune: "But he is just a boy! He will not plot to betray someone!"
Yoritomo: "He might when he gets older. Listen Yoshitsune, we were once like Yoshitaka. Our lives were spared by Kiyomori. If I had spared Yoshitaka now, one day, he may come after us like we are going after the Heike."
Yoshitsune: "But Yoshitaka is a Genji."
Yoritomo: "The people who killed our father is from the Genji clan too."
Yoshitsune: "When you said you want to build a new country, don't you need the help and support of fellow Genjis? Isn't the bond of the clan important?" (can't really translate this part...)
Yoritomo: "No, bonds are possible even without family ties. The Heike clan fell because they rely too much on family ties. In any case, I am not trying to build a new Genji country. I am trying to build a new samurai country. A country where people will obey me. The people working for me now, the Hokujo and the Kajiwara, they were once Heike's people. Yorimori, whom I invited to Kamakura, isn't he Kiyomori's brother? I don't care about the Genji nor the Heike clan. What I want is a samurai country."
Yoshitsune leaves the room feeling dejected. He starts to feel a rift between him and his brother, a difference in ideals.
Soon, Yoshitsune and his kerai leaves for the capital. Unknown to him, that will be the last time he ever meets Yoritomo.
~End of Episode 28~
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Zubari iu wa yo (26 Jul 2005)
Aiyoyo~~~!!!! i CANNOT stop rewatching 26 Jul's epi of Zubari!!! Hahhaha, too funny!!! And Takki's sooooooo cute in it!! Actually, he has been real cute in it in every other episode. Hahahha, Zubari is so darn hilarious these days cos Hosoki does not even attempt to be subtle about her infatuation/biasness with Takki anymore!! XDDD Every other sentence she talks about Takki is attached with a at the end... LOL~ The fridge arrangement segment on 19 Jul's episode was the ultimate one where the biasness was sooooo darn OBVIOUS that Ueda sweared he is going to write an expose-all book about it in future someday. It was PLAIN HILARIOUS, that epi... i will talk about it another time, if i ever have time... lol~ But anyway, last week's Zubari!! So many CLASSIC MOMENTS!!!! LOL~~~
This time, from the START, Hosoki was praising Takki, like how he has become very good in talking. Then out of the BLUE, she suddenly asked...
Hosoki: "Seems like you lost a little weight recently (even Hosoki noticed...), do you have relationship problems?"
See how Takki steals the limelight from the guest again. This is supposed to be the segment where they talk about the guest, but Hosoki pulled the attention to Takki, as usual. LOL~
Takki: "Nai, nai, nai!" (No, no, no!)
Audience: "Ehhhhhh~"
Hosoki: "Don't you have a girlfriend?"
Takki: "Nan nan da?!" (What are you talking about?!) *gives Hosoki a cute little angry stare*
Hosoki: "HaHAhh~ (to the audience) Wasn't that very manly?" *claps her hands like a little girl* She was so happy to tease her little baby... Hahha~
And Takki was so helpless but of cos he couldn't scream at Hosoki-sensei so he just yelled to the ceiling "BAKAA!!!" LMAOOO~~~~ *dies laughing*
Ueda and Teppei then appeared and before they could do anything, Hosoki went over and gave them a whack each on their heads. The 2 guys were totally baffled. It turned out that Hosoki was mad with them for making her appear like a cold woman to this celeb called Tsurube or something. He has approached Cream Stew (i.e, Ueda and Teppei's unit name) to be a go-between to help him arrange a meal with Hosoki and apparently, Teppei told him that Hosoki wasn't interested. Cream Stew and Hosoki then started having this big fight on stage (LOL~~~). Teppei said they DID ask her and she gave that exact reply but Hosoki insisted she said no such things. Ueda even asked Hosoki if she got attacked by a virus that's why she forgot but she still kept denying having turned down the meal request. Then suddenly, Takki who had been watching this fight from the side with the guest all along suddenly got dragged in... ahahhahah!!
Ueda: "Takki, you were there (when Hosoki rejected the request) right??"
Takki: "Ehhh~" *sweatdrop*
Teppei: "Takki, seriously, you were there when she said that she wouldn't go right??"
LMAO~~~ and he stood up and ran to the side of the stage immediately. LOL~ Hosoki immediately went up to him and gave him a whack on his head, "You are my ally, aren't you?!" Wakakakkakaka, it's so funny! How Takki found himself caught in the midst of a fight... XDDD His reaction was so KAWAIIIIIII. Really, no other word to describe. Fufufu~
Then at the bride training school segment, they learnt ikebana (japanese flower-arrangment). Takki looked sooooooo CUTE *pinch pinch* sitting down there hugging his knees. Hahahhaha, like a little boy!!! *heartmarkssss*
Teppei: "Sumimasen, but recently for this corner... ever since the fridge segment last week, sensei has been acting weird!"
Ueda: "They are always huddling together... it is obviously a "two-platoon" attack!"
Hosoki just ignored their complaints and continued helping Takki to choose his flowers while our boy just gave an embarassed laugh. SOOO CUTE!!!! Hahahhaha! But for the record, Takki really has good taste choosing his flowers! Before Hosoki gave him any advice, he was ALREADY holding the vase and lilies, which happen to be Hosoki's fav flowers, or so she claimed. XDD A really nice colour combination of pink and white lilies and some leaves. Hosoki only helped him to pick out some baby's breath. Whereas Ueda chose flowers with such clashing colours. Sunflowers, carnations and roses. LMAO~~~ But anyway anyway, there was this part that got me so moe~~~~!!!!
at the end... LOL~ The fridge arrangement segment on 19 Jul's episode was the ultimate one where the biasness was sooooo darn OBVIOUS that Ueda sweared he is going to write an expose-all book about it in future someday. It was PLAIN HILARIOUS, that epi... i will talk about it another time, if i ever have time... lol~ But anyway, last week's Zubari!! So many CLASSIC MOMENTS!!!! LOL~~~This time, from the START, Hosoki was praising Takki, like how he has become very good in talking. Then out of the BLUE, she suddenly asked...
Hosoki: "Seems like you lost a little weight recently (even Hosoki noticed...), do you have relationship problems?"
See how Takki steals the limelight from the guest again. This is supposed to be the segment where they talk about the guest, but Hosoki pulled the attention to Takki, as usual. LOL~
Takki: "Nai, nai, nai!" (No, no, no!)
Audience: "Ehhhhhh~"
Hosoki: "Don't you have a girlfriend?"
Takki: "Nan nan da?!" (What are you talking about?!) *gives Hosoki a cute little angry stare*
Hosoki: "HaHAhh~ (to the audience) Wasn't that very manly?" *claps her hands like a little girl* She was so happy to tease her little baby... Hahha~
And Takki was so helpless but of cos he couldn't scream at Hosoki-sensei so he just yelled to the ceiling "BAKAA!!!" LMAOOO~~~~ *dies laughing*
Ueda and Teppei then appeared and before they could do anything, Hosoki went over and gave them a whack each on their heads. The 2 guys were totally baffled. It turned out that Hosoki was mad with them for making her appear like a cold woman to this celeb called Tsurube or something. He has approached Cream Stew (i.e, Ueda and Teppei's unit name) to be a go-between to help him arrange a meal with Hosoki and apparently, Teppei told him that Hosoki wasn't interested. Cream Stew and Hosoki then started having this big fight on stage (LOL~~~). Teppei said they DID ask her and she gave that exact reply but Hosoki insisted she said no such things. Ueda even asked Hosoki if she got attacked by a virus that's why she forgot but she still kept denying having turned down the meal request. Then suddenly, Takki who had been watching this fight from the side with the guest all along suddenly got dragged in... ahahhahah!!
Ueda: "Takki, you were there (when Hosoki rejected the request) right??"
Takki: "Ehhh~" *sweatdrop*
Teppei: "Takki, seriously, you were there when she said that she wouldn't go right??"
Takki: "... ... yes."
LMAO~~~ and he stood up and ran to the side of the stage immediately. LOL~ Hosoki immediately went up to him and gave him a whack on his head, "You are my ally, aren't you?!" Wakakakkakaka, it's so funny! How Takki found himself caught in the midst of a fight... XDDD His reaction was so KAWAIIIIIII. Really, no other word to describe. Fufufu~
Then at the bride training school segment, they learnt ikebana (japanese flower-arrangment). Takki looked sooooooo CUTE *pinch pinch* sitting down there hugging his knees. Hahahhaha, like a little boy!!! *heartmarkssss*
Teppei: "Sumimasen, but recently for this corner... ever since the fridge segment last week, sensei has been acting weird!"
Ueda: "They are always huddling together... it is obviously a "two-platoon" attack!"
Hosoki just ignored their complaints and continued helping Takki to choose his flowers while our boy just gave an embarassed laugh. SOOO CUTE!!!! Hahahhaha! But for the record, Takki really has good taste choosing his flowers! Before Hosoki gave him any advice, he was ALREADY holding the vase and lilies, which happen to be Hosoki's fav flowers, or so she claimed. XDD A really nice colour combination of pink and white lilies and some leaves. Hosoki only helped him to pick out some baby's breath. Whereas Ueda chose flowers with such clashing colours. Sunflowers, carnations and roses. LMAO~~~ But anyway anyway, there was this part that got me so moe~~~~!!!!
LOOK AT TAKKI'S ARM!!!!!
The tan is soooo even and sooo nice! OISHII!!!!! *GLOMPS*
It may not be as muscular as last time but ohh, i dunno! It just looks SOOO GOOD!
MOE! MOE! MOE!
So anyway, everyone did their own ikebana and as usual, Hosoki criticised everyone's creations (which were really quite fugly i hafta admit... Hahah) but when she came to Takki, she became all yasashii again. And TAKKI LOOKED SOOOOOO KAWAII TOOO!!!!
HORA!!! See how cuuuute he looked as he watched Hosoki-mama rearrange his flowers. Wakakkaka, KAWAII SUGI!!!!! *pinch pinch pinch*
AND FOR THE RECORD AGAIN!!! BEFORE Hosoki came and helped Takki with his ikebana, Takki's creation looked pretty good already! I guess that his overall colour combination helped. But anyway, Hosoki came along and just pulled a chair to sit in front of Takki. Without a single word of criticism (that she generously gave to everyone else... lol), she praised Takki for choosing a nice otoko-ppoi vase (which he chose himself!! yeah~). She then started rearranging his creation.
Hosoki: "Ara~ You cut the lily this way? You cut it too much yo, Takki. Maa, i forgive you. "
Ueda: "If it's another person, he will be so getting it from sensei." (and Ueda gave this shinjirarenai/unbelievable look on his face which was sooo funny!!)
There were many many other funny moments but i shall stop here cos it is already 3am. Hahah. Wakakakka, tonikaku, i LOVE Zubari! Hosoki-sensei, please continue to be amai to Takki ne!!! YOROPIKO! XDDD
p/s: To you who sent me the Zubari epi, DOUMO ARIGATOU!!! *chuuu* You know who you are~ =333
Monday, August 01, 2005
Yoshitsune #27: The Miracle at Ichinotani 一の谷の奇跡
(Narration) 29th January, 1184. The Genji leaves the capital for Ichinotani under Go-Shirakawa's order. They split into two groups, one led by Yoshitsune and the other by Noriyori. However, Ichinotani remains a tough nut to crack. With mountains and stiff cliffs to its north and the sea to its south, it is a location easy to defend yet difficult to attack. The Genji's plan now is for Noriyori's troop to make a frontal attack from the east of Ichinotani, while Yoshitsune is to go around the north of Ichinotani and attack from the west.
Tomoyasu informs Go-Shirakawa that the Genji had left for their mission. However, judging from sheer numbers, Heike has the upper hand as Genji has only a combined troop of 60,000 while the Heike has managed to amass 100,000.
As Yoshitsune's group ponders over how to overcome the tough terrain to the north of Ichinotani, the Heike receive news of Genji's impending attack. Although confident of their strategic location, Tomomori decides to send Sukemori and some soldiers to Mt. Mikusa to ambush Yoshitsune's karamete troop.
Yoritomo receives news from the capital that Noriyori and Yoshitsune had left for their mission. (Seems like he doesn't believe Yoshitsune's group will make it... duhz~ *does a Chun Li kick*)
Meanwhile, Yoshitsune's group approaches Mt. Mikusa. Somehow, Yoshitsune senses that there are enemies in ambush up ahead. (Having spent many years living in the mountains in Kurama, he can sense it when the forest has been disturbed.) He sends Saburo and Jiro up ahead to scout the situation and true enough, they find their enemy's camp.
Go-Shirakawa tells Tsubone that he is going to write a letter to the Heike which will help the Genji win the battle.
Utsubo hears that the Heike has a larger army and is worried but Otoku tells her numbers do not decide a battle's outcome. (Thou Otoku is also visibly worried for Yoshitsune.)
Saburo and Jiro reports back to Yoshitsune that they found the enemy's camp at Mt. Mikusa, numbering about 7000 men. They also bring with them a pair of siblings, Washio no Saburo and Magome. These 2 are hunters and have given directions to Saburo and Jiro when they got lost on their way back. The latter thinks they may be of help. Yoshitsune finds out from them that to get to the west coast of Ichinotani, going through Mt. Mikusa is the only way. However, that will put them in direct conflict with the Heike troop lying in ambush and he may lose men in the process, something he cannot afford. (Yoshitsune's troop is but only 10,000.) Yoshitsune decides to hold his troop for the moment and asks the hunter siblings to bring him to see Ichinotani. He wants to observe the location first so that he can make better decisions. (Yeaah~ The makings of a good leader indeed. Fufufu.)
Ustubo visits Shizuka. She tells her she promised Yoshitsune to look after her while he is gone and assures Shizuka that Yoshitsune will be alright.
Yoshitsune returns from his secret trip to Ichinotani and concludes that they will definitely lose if they engage in a direct battle with the Heike at Ichinotani. He decides that their best bet will be to scatter their enemy troops before the main battle (with Noriyori's troop) on the 7th Feb. He suggests they pretend to launch a full-scale attack under the cover of night on the Heike troop at Mt. Mikusa. Allow the news of this "attack" to reach the main troops at Ichinotani and the Heike will definitely send more men out to Mt. Mikusa (thus less men at Ichinotani). Then during this time when the Heike soldiers at Mikusa are dispersed, they will quickly make their way west. Worries about killing their own men if they launch a night attack (where visibility is low) is dispelled when Yoshitsune announces that all they need are fire arrows and drums.
With the help of the hunter siblings, Saburo persuades the villagers staying at the foot of Mt. Mikusa to evacuate their homes. Nightfalls and everyone prepares for the night "attack". Yoshitsune launches the first arrow into the empty village and sets it on fire. (MAMAMIA~~~~ KAKKOII YOSHITSUNE DAYO!!!! The intense look as he fires the arrow... *diessss*) More arrows are launched and they start to make a lot of noise with the drums which echo through the mountains, tricking Sukemori's troop at Mt. Mikusa into believing that the Genji are coming on them full-scale. Sukemori calls for a quick retreat (and escapes to Yashima instead of returning to main camp i think??). Yoshitsune's group enters the Heike base to find it deserted. They have won the battle without losing a single man. Yoshitsune then suggests they waste no time and hurriedly moves his troops west to be in time for the main battle.
Early morning of 6th Feb. Munemori receives news that of the night attack and that Sukemori has fled. Shigehira thinks they should send reinforcement to Mt. Mikusa to stop the Genji's advance but Tomomori thinks otherwise. They cannot afford to split up their troops anymore, but should concentrate on guarding their east and west coasts. Munemori orders to move the Three Treasures, child Emperor Antoku and the womenfolk to the ship out at sea for safety.
In the afternoon, Munemori receives a letter from Go-Shirakawa, telling him to hold any attacks against the Genji as he is negotiating for reconciliation between the two samurai clans. Munemori naively believes that if peace can be achieved, they may get to return to the capital again, so he decides to wait for the ex-emperor's news of the peace talks. Tomomori warns that they should still keep up their vigiliance.
However, Yoritomo at Kamakura receives nothing regarding these "peace talks". He wonders what the crafty Go-Shirakawa is up to.
Go-Shirakawa sings a song at his place with an evil smile on his face. (The song is about some snail that gets trampled on by other animals... he is likening the snail to Munemori, for being so slow and naive.)
Shizuka plays her flute alone in Yoshitsune's house as she thinks of him...
On the way to the west coast, Yoshitsune decides to split up his troop. He will bring 70 elite men (including his own kerai of course) to Hyodori-goe, the cliff north of Ichinotani and attack from there instead. The rest are to proceed to the west as per the original plan under the lead of Yoshisada (just another of Yoritomo's men with similar names).
7th of February finally arrives. Noriyori launches his attack on the eastern coast and Yoshisada on the west. Tomomori is furious to learn that Go-Shirakawa has tricked them. Yet although a surprise attack, the Heike is holding up well as they have a much larger troop. The Genji puts up a tough fight.
At this moment, Yoshitsune arrives with his group and overlooks Ichinotani from Hyodori-goe. The Heike soldiers in the middle camp are still unaware of the attacks at the east and west coasts. Kagesue tells Yoshitsune he found a way down around the cliff but Yoshitsune asks him to wait. He asks Washio no Saburo if animals walk these cliffs and Washio replies deers often do. Yoshitsune surprises everyone by announcing that they will charge down the cliffs. (I think Yoshitsune asks Washio that question to judge whether their horses will be able to make it. Charging down the cliffs will also be must quicker than had they gone round the route that Kagesue found. No one from the Heike clan will expect enemy troops to attack from the north too.) A moment of silence as Yoshitsune prepares himself before he finally gives the order.
Yoshitsune: "Katagata, mairu!!" (Gentlemen, charge!!)
(Gaaaahhhhh~~~~ And so, we finally return to the scene where this whole Taiga started out. Oh man!! Looking back at how the story has developed til this point, I AM SO BLOODY PROUD OF TAKKI!!!)
Yoshitsune takes the lead and charges down the cliff on his horse. The rest of his men follow suit. Their sudden attack surprises the Heike soldiers totally and throws the entire camp into panic mode as everyone is unprepared for battle. (The Heike guards the east and west coasts tightly but not the middle camp since they didn't expect enemies to attack from the cliffward-side.)
Munemori who is on the ship with Antoku and the womenfolk watches helplessly as their main camp gets attacked. He calls for his naval troops to gather around the main ship to protect the child emperor. Word of this attack gets to Tomomori and Shigemori who are fighting at the east coast against Noriyori's troop. Shigehira decides to go and help out that side ahead of Tomomori.
Witnessing the watch towers fall one by one, Munemori is devastated to learn that his dear Go-Shirakawa had betrayed them. Yoshitsune and his men continues their fight and is gaining the upper hand. Suddenly, Benkei sees someone aiming an arrow at Yoshitsune and dashes forward to knock him off his horse. Yoshitsune yells at Benkei to leave that man alive.
Yoshitsune is shocked to learn that that man is Shigehira, just as the latter is shocked to learn that the one who has captured him is his childhood playmate Ushiwaka, someone he thought of as his own brother when he was young.
Shigehira falls to the hands of the Genji while the rest escape to Yashima via the sea. Watching back as their ship sails further and further from the fallen Ichinotani, Tomomori laments.
Tomomori: "We were careless to leave Hyodori-goe unguarded. Still, that cliff is so steep. The one who charged down that cliff, who is he??!"
(The rest of the Heike are unaware that it is Yoshitsune.)
The Genji thus won this famous battle as a result of Yoshitsune's clever and brave decision. They would have lost the battle had Yoshitsune not created chaos at the middle camp, drawing away many soldiers from the east and west coast. However, they fail to retrieve the Three Treasures as they are onboard the ship that escaped.
In any case, the Genji troop returns to the capital victorious and Yoshitsune gained lots of praise and admiration from the masses for his famous descent. Go-Shirakawa watches as he sits concealed inside a cart with Tsubone.
Go-Shirakawa: "They didn't reclaim the Three Treasure but this Yoshitsune turns out to be much smarter in battle than I thought... ... We can use him."
An evil smile appears on the crafty old man's face.
~End of Episode 27~
Tomoyasu informs Go-Shirakawa that the Genji had left for their mission. However, judging from sheer numbers, Heike has the upper hand as Genji has only a combined troop of 60,000 while the Heike has managed to amass 100,000.
As Yoshitsune's group ponders over how to overcome the tough terrain to the north of Ichinotani, the Heike receive news of Genji's impending attack. Although confident of their strategic location, Tomomori decides to send Sukemori and some soldiers to Mt. Mikusa to ambush Yoshitsune's karamete troop.
Yoritomo receives news from the capital that Noriyori and Yoshitsune had left for their mission. (Seems like he doesn't believe Yoshitsune's group will make it... duhz~ *does a Chun Li kick*)
Meanwhile, Yoshitsune's group approaches Mt. Mikusa. Somehow, Yoshitsune senses that there are enemies in ambush up ahead. (Having spent many years living in the mountains in Kurama, he can sense it when the forest has been disturbed.) He sends Saburo and Jiro up ahead to scout the situation and true enough, they find their enemy's camp.
Go-Shirakawa tells Tsubone that he is going to write a letter to the Heike which will help the Genji win the battle.
Utsubo hears that the Heike has a larger army and is worried but Otoku tells her numbers do not decide a battle's outcome. (Thou Otoku is also visibly worried for Yoshitsune.)
Saburo and Jiro reports back to Yoshitsune that they found the enemy's camp at Mt. Mikusa, numbering about 7000 men. They also bring with them a pair of siblings, Washio no Saburo and Magome. These 2 are hunters and have given directions to Saburo and Jiro when they got lost on their way back. The latter thinks they may be of help. Yoshitsune finds out from them that to get to the west coast of Ichinotani, going through Mt. Mikusa is the only way. However, that will put them in direct conflict with the Heike troop lying in ambush and he may lose men in the process, something he cannot afford. (Yoshitsune's troop is but only 10,000.) Yoshitsune decides to hold his troop for the moment and asks the hunter siblings to bring him to see Ichinotani. He wants to observe the location first so that he can make better decisions. (Yeaah~ The makings of a good leader indeed. Fufufu.)
Ustubo visits Shizuka. She tells her she promised Yoshitsune to look after her while he is gone and assures Shizuka that Yoshitsune will be alright.
Yoshitsune returns from his secret trip to Ichinotani and concludes that they will definitely lose if they engage in a direct battle with the Heike at Ichinotani. He decides that their best bet will be to scatter their enemy troops before the main battle (with Noriyori's troop) on the 7th Feb. He suggests they pretend to launch a full-scale attack under the cover of night on the Heike troop at Mt. Mikusa. Allow the news of this "attack" to reach the main troops at Ichinotani and the Heike will definitely send more men out to Mt. Mikusa (thus less men at Ichinotani). Then during this time when the Heike soldiers at Mikusa are dispersed, they will quickly make their way west. Worries about killing their own men if they launch a night attack (where visibility is low) is dispelled when Yoshitsune announces that all they need are fire arrows and drums.
With the help of the hunter siblings, Saburo persuades the villagers staying at the foot of Mt. Mikusa to evacuate their homes. Nightfalls and everyone prepares for the night "attack". Yoshitsune launches the first arrow into the empty village and sets it on fire. (MAMAMIA~~~~ KAKKOII YOSHITSUNE DAYO!!!! The intense look as he fires the arrow... *diessss*) More arrows are launched and they start to make a lot of noise with the drums which echo through the mountains, tricking Sukemori's troop at Mt. Mikusa into believing that the Genji are coming on them full-scale. Sukemori calls for a quick retreat (and escapes to Yashima instead of returning to main camp i think??). Yoshitsune's group enters the Heike base to find it deserted. They have won the battle without losing a single man. Yoshitsune then suggests they waste no time and hurriedly moves his troops west to be in time for the main battle.
Early morning of 6th Feb. Munemori receives news that of the night attack and that Sukemori has fled. Shigehira thinks they should send reinforcement to Mt. Mikusa to stop the Genji's advance but Tomomori thinks otherwise. They cannot afford to split up their troops anymore, but should concentrate on guarding their east and west coasts. Munemori orders to move the Three Treasures, child Emperor Antoku and the womenfolk to the ship out at sea for safety.
In the afternoon, Munemori receives a letter from Go-Shirakawa, telling him to hold any attacks against the Genji as he is negotiating for reconciliation between the two samurai clans. Munemori naively believes that if peace can be achieved, they may get to return to the capital again, so he decides to wait for the ex-emperor's news of the peace talks. Tomomori warns that they should still keep up their vigiliance.
However, Yoritomo at Kamakura receives nothing regarding these "peace talks". He wonders what the crafty Go-Shirakawa is up to.
Go-Shirakawa sings a song at his place with an evil smile on his face. (The song is about some snail that gets trampled on by other animals... he is likening the snail to Munemori, for being so slow and naive.)
Shizuka plays her flute alone in Yoshitsune's house as she thinks of him...
On the way to the west coast, Yoshitsune decides to split up his troop. He will bring 70 elite men (including his own kerai of course) to Hyodori-goe, the cliff north of Ichinotani and attack from there instead. The rest are to proceed to the west as per the original plan under the lead of Yoshisada (just another of Yoritomo's men with similar names).
7th of February finally arrives. Noriyori launches his attack on the eastern coast and Yoshisada on the west. Tomomori is furious to learn that Go-Shirakawa has tricked them. Yet although a surprise attack, the Heike is holding up well as they have a much larger troop. The Genji puts up a tough fight.
At this moment, Yoshitsune arrives with his group and overlooks Ichinotani from Hyodori-goe. The Heike soldiers in the middle camp are still unaware of the attacks at the east and west coasts. Kagesue tells Yoshitsune he found a way down around the cliff but Yoshitsune asks him to wait. He asks Washio no Saburo if animals walk these cliffs and Washio replies deers often do. Yoshitsune surprises everyone by announcing that they will charge down the cliffs. (I think Yoshitsune asks Washio that question to judge whether their horses will be able to make it. Charging down the cliffs will also be must quicker than had they gone round the route that Kagesue found. No one from the Heike clan will expect enemy troops to attack from the north too.) A moment of silence as Yoshitsune prepares himself before he finally gives the order.
Yoshitsune: "Katagata, mairu!!" (Gentlemen, charge!!)
(Gaaaahhhhh~~~~ And so, we finally return to the scene where this whole Taiga started out. Oh man!! Looking back at how the story has developed til this point, I AM SO BLOODY PROUD OF TAKKI!!!)
Yoshitsune takes the lead and charges down the cliff on his horse. The rest of his men follow suit. Their sudden attack surprises the Heike soldiers totally and throws the entire camp into panic mode as everyone is unprepared for battle. (The Heike guards the east and west coasts tightly but not the middle camp since they didn't expect enemies to attack from the cliffward-side.)
Munemori who is on the ship with Antoku and the womenfolk watches helplessly as their main camp gets attacked. He calls for his naval troops to gather around the main ship to protect the child emperor. Word of this attack gets to Tomomori and Shigemori who are fighting at the east coast against Noriyori's troop. Shigehira decides to go and help out that side ahead of Tomomori.
Witnessing the watch towers fall one by one, Munemori is devastated to learn that his dear Go-Shirakawa had betrayed them. Yoshitsune and his men continues their fight and is gaining the upper hand. Suddenly, Benkei sees someone aiming an arrow at Yoshitsune and dashes forward to knock him off his horse. Yoshitsune yells at Benkei to leave that man alive.
Yoshitsune is shocked to learn that that man is Shigehira, just as the latter is shocked to learn that the one who has captured him is his childhood playmate Ushiwaka, someone he thought of as his own brother when he was young.
Shigehira falls to the hands of the Genji while the rest escape to Yashima via the sea. Watching back as their ship sails further and further from the fallen Ichinotani, Tomomori laments.
Tomomori: "We were careless to leave Hyodori-goe unguarded. Still, that cliff is so steep. The one who charged down that cliff, who is he??!"
(The rest of the Heike are unaware that it is Yoshitsune.)
The Genji thus won this famous battle as a result of Yoshitsune's clever and brave decision. They would have lost the battle had Yoshitsune not created chaos at the middle camp, drawing away many soldiers from the east and west coast. However, they fail to retrieve the Three Treasures as they are onboard the ship that escaped.
In any case, the Genji troop returns to the capital victorious and Yoshitsune gained lots of praise and admiration from the masses for his famous descent. Go-Shirakawa watches as he sits concealed inside a cart with Tsubone.
Go-Shirakawa: "They didn't reclaim the Three Treasure but this Yoshitsune turns out to be much smarter in battle than I thought... ... We can use him."
An evil smile appears on the crafty old man's face.
~End of Episode 27~
