Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Zubari iu wayo!
It has been some time since I last watched Zubari but I swear, it is STILL hilarious! 
And yappari Kazu-chan STILL 
Takki very much. XDDD Was watching this recent epi (but I don't know exactly when it was aired...) and seriously laughing non-stop! And may I take the opportunity here to warn everyone...
DO NOT EAT AND WATCH ZUBARI AT THE SAME TIME.
No, it is not because they showed gross food scenes in it ala Fear Factor, but rather because it is soo funny you will choke on your food!! I did!! And what's worse, I was actually eating TOM YAM INSTANT NOODLES!!! *chokes and coughs non-stop* So take it from me. You have been warned...
Anywayzzz, there is a new segment called "Oshiete, Kazuchan!" (meaning "Pls tell me, Kazu-chan!"). Here, they gather young children to ask Kazu-chan questions and oh man, the children are really cute!! Hahahha~ And since it is a children segment, all the hosts and even the guests dressed up as if on a children show and OH MY GAWD!!! Ueda dressing up as a monk is ok, but Hosoki actually agreeing to dress up as a Little Red Riding Hood obaachan?!!?!? LMAAAOOOO~~~
And yappari Kazu-chan STILL Takki very much. XDDD Was watching this recent epi (but I don't know exactly when it was aired...) and seriously laughing non-stop! And may I take the opportunity here to warn everyone...DO NOT EAT AND WATCH ZUBARI AT THE SAME TIME.
No, it is not because they showed gross food scenes in it ala Fear Factor, but rather because it is soo funny you will choke on your food!! I did!! And what's worse, I was actually eating TOM YAM INSTANT NOODLES!!! *chokes and coughs non-stop* So take it from me. You have been warned...
Anywayzzz, there is a new segment called "Oshiete, Kazuchan!" (meaning "Pls tell me, Kazu-chan!"). Here, they gather young children to ask Kazu-chan questions and oh man, the children are really cute!! Hahahha~ And since it is a children segment, all the hosts and even the guests dressed up as if on a children show and OH MY GAWD!!! Ueda dressing up as a monk is ok, but Hosoki actually agreeing to dress up as a Little Red Riding Hood obaachan?!!?!? LMAAAOOOO~~~
THANK GOD THEY DIDN'T DISFIGURE TAKKI!!! Maybe Hosoki made a special request. Fufufu... thou hmm, that white outfit, what issit supposed to be?? Reminds me of Diamond nonetheless. They had the children ask questions and the most innocent (yet not necessary easy to answer) questions came up.
"Do ghosts exist?"
"How did I come about?"
Then there was boy who asked... "Why are my ears so big?" LOLLL~~~~ *starts choking on Tom Yam soup*
Ueda: "O-Jizo-san, the boy wants to know why his ears are so big!"
(Teppei was dressed up as a stone statue of Jizo, a certain deity in Japanese culture.)
And it's absolutely hilarious here because Jizo has HUGE ears as you can see from the screencap! And the Teppei trapped inside the Jizo costume even has a wire to tug on to open and close the mouth of the crow with popping eyes perched on his shoulder!! LOL~~
Teppei: "Eh... isn't it hereditary?"
Children: "... ..."
Ueda: "What kind of answer is that??"
Teppei: "Do you all understand?? Reply!"
(And Teppei started walking towards the children causing a ruckus! Hahahha, a walking stone figurine!!)
Then there was this other boy named Kazuma who took forever to get his question out! He was initially very talkative but the moment Hosoki picked on him, he suddenly got nervous.
Boy: "How... How..."
Guests: "Gambare, Kazuma!"
Boy: "How... ..."
Ueda: "Why did you get nervous all of a sudden?"
Hosoki: "Ask in your own words!"
And it took like one whole minute of hearing him say "Doushitara..." (meaning "How") before THE QUESTION finally popped.
Boy: "How do you get married to a beautiful person?"
LMAAAOOO~~~ Suddenly the male guests in the studio were commenting what a brilliant question it was!
But I must say Hosoki has a way with talking to kids. She will be a very wise grandmother kana.. hahahaha, i suddenly wish he will be the god-grandmother of Takki's kids in future. XDDD
Then for the regular segment where celebrities go on the show, the guest that day was an ojiisan called Murano. Takki learnt that he had went to Hosoki's house in Kyoto before and starts whining that Hosoki has never invited him before. LOL~~
Takki: "You went to sensei's house before? Even I haven't gone before. She never really invites me yo. Mou~~"
Hosoki: "What are you talking about??"
Murano: "Ahh, why is that so, sensei?"
Hosoki: "Because if I invite him to my house, I will want to hug him. "
Takki literally FLIPPED. Hosoki-baba!! LMAO~~~~ You know what?? WE UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL!!!! Hahahhahahahhahah~~~~
And then it is the usual talk with the guest... many funny stuff here and there but I shall skip to the funniest part at the end, where Hosoki went a little bersek. XDDD The climax of the segment is usually at the end, when Hosoki tells the fortune of the guest. So it's always chotto nerve-wrecking for the guest. She tells Murano this time that there is one critical and life threatening issue soon to evolve in his life and everyone went silent and serious...
BUT HOSOKI STARTS BURSTING OUT IN LAUGHTER!!! LOL~~~~ The guest totally went like -__-... Then, Hosoki finally got her act together...
Hosoki: "Pls visit the doctor."
Murano: (who wears such a grave look on his face) "Doctor? Which field?"
Hosoki: "Urology."
Murano: (pauses) "... .... Heh??"
Hosoki: (admist giggles) "To check your o xxxn xxxn..."
(Hosoki actually said "o chin chin", which means the male genitals but they block out the sound using some sound effects instead.. Hahah~)
Murano: "O xxxn xxxn?!"
Hosoki: "There are dekimono so pls visit the doctor!"
(Hosoki had to struggle to finish her sentence before she burst out in laughter. Dekimono means boils or blotches.)
Murano: "There are dekimono??... Well, it's true there are times when I feel itchy down there..."
LMAOOO~~~ Takki totally went wild laughing here... Wakakakka~
*chokes somemore and spews out noodles*
Then there was this part when Hosoki was at a loss of words and couldn't help NOT looking at the guest's crotch area.
Hosoki: "Sono... eh... sono..."
(eyes waver to and back the guest's crotch)
Ueda: "Sensei, pls stop staring at people like that!"
And Hosoki got so embarrassed. LMAO~~~ What happened to the always cool and calm Hosoki?? I feel like one year plus with Zubari had definitely soften her somewhat. And though she always scolds Cream Stew for their baka-ness, she really likes them a lot too. But of course, her NUMBER ONE will always be Takki.. hiakhiak~
I love this show. ^^
And to the person who sent me Zubari epis, you know who you are! Thank you!! *muacks*
And oh, I was calculating and if I am not wrong, I am a 火星人（－）, "negative Mars" according to the system of divination that Hosoki developed. Maybe I can go invest in one of her books and see what kind of advice she offers! Hahaha~ By the way Takki is a 木星人（＋）, "positive Jupiter". You can find out what you are from here too! Have fun! Gotta run and work on Yoshi Epi 44!
31 days to Takki solo con!!! =333
Monday, November 21, 2005
Yoshitsune #43: The Night Raid of Horikawa 堀川夜討
Yoshitsune learns from Go-Shirakawa that Yoritomo has sent his own administrator to Iyo, thus taking away Yoshitsune's right to control the area. Go-Shirakwa pretends to be sympathetic and helpless against Yoritomo's tactics. He tells Yoshitsune he will assign him another area. (Oh man, BULLY YORITOMO at work... crap)
Masako and Tokimasa reports to Yoritomo about their "progress" with Yoshitsune. (Eg, confiscating Iyo, sending assailants after Yoshitsune etc)
Suzaku no Okina notices suspicious characters wandering around Yoshitsune's residence at Horikawa.
Karasumaru: "If these bandits are after this residence, they are definitely not from the capital."
(Because Yoshitsune is respected even by the underworld in the capital and on close terms with Suzaku, the underworld leader. So no one from the capital will dare disturb Yoshitsune.)
Otoku informs Benkei about these intruders. Karasumaru had done a bit of investigation and found out that they are not bandits, but monks from elsewhere. Benkei realises one of them, Tosanobou Shoshun is his old acquaintance. He looks him up at the temple where he and the rest are staying at. Initially there for a friendly reunion, Benkei becomes suspicious at Shoshun's odd behaviour. He feels the latter hiding something from him. Returning to Horikawa, Yoshitsune asks if he found anything unusual but Benkei pretends everything is alright. Without letting Yoshitsune know, the kerai try to prepare themselves for any unanticipated attacks.
Moe looks up Yoshitsune one day.
Moe: "Maybe I think too much, but I feel that your kerai are wary of me."
Yoshitsune: "Is that true?"
Moe: "If you do not trust me, please just tell me straight."
Yoshitsune assures Moe that he does not distrust her. (Moe is such a poor thing... a victim of circumstances stuck in between. But Yoshitsune-sama... YASASHIIIIIIIIII~~~~~!!!! The way he looks at Moe with assuring eyes... DOKI!)
Meanwhile, Yukiie also learns of Shoshun's presence in the capital. He figures out since Shoshun's master is a kerai of Yoritomo, his intention of coming to Kyoto must be after Yoshitsune. He orders his men to not take their eyes off Yoshitsune's residence in Horikawa. (Oh my, is Yukiie protecting Yoshitsune in secret? Moe~~ LOL)
Yoshitsune confides in Shizuka one night.
Yoshitsune: "I thought it was me being over-sensitive, thinking that Benkei and the rest are acting weird recently. But Moe telling me she is being watched by them confirms my doubts."
Shizuka tells Yoshitsune not to doubt his kerai. They must have their reasons for keeping something from him.
That night, Benkei and Tadanobu return to the temple intending to sound out Shoshun's real intentions. However, they find the temple empty and realise they are too late. Shoshun and his men have already left to Yoshitsune's house. Luckily, the rest of the kerai who are on alert anticipated the attack. (Pause: Yoshitsune's DO-NOT-MESS-WITH-ME-LOOK is soooo kakkoiiii~~~~~~!!! *Play*) They manage to counterattack with support from Yukiie. (Anoo, was there really a need for him to dress up for the event?? Friend! It's a night raid, isn't it considered an emergency?? Can't believe you still have time to put on your complicated armour.. -_-) Yukiie yells at Yoshitsune to wake up to reality, that his brother Yoritomo is trying to kill him. The kerai try to get Shoshun to tell them who instructed him to kill Yoshitsune but the latter claims there is no one. He reveals that someone put up a reward for anyone to assassinate Yoshitsune and he is doing it for that reward (which I think he said he needs the money for his mother or something). Although he doesn't say who is offering that reward, Yoshitsune knows it is Yoritomo. He feels deeply hurt. (I think Yoritomo is resorting to this so that it will not be obvious to outsiders that he is trying to kill his own brother.)
Later, Benkei and the rest seeks Yoshitsune for forgiveness, for keeping him in the dark about the anticipated attack, thinking that they could have handled it themselves. Yoshitsune forgives them and announces a death penalty for Shoshun. This is to be a sign to Yoritomo that he is officially breaking all ties with him (since he is executing HIS man).
(All the while, Yoshitsune has been addressing his brother as "ani-ue" or "Kamakura-dono". But now he starts calling him by name "Yoritomo" instead, which signifies that he no longer considers himself as his subordinate. Well, cos there is no need to.)
The next day, Yoshitsune executes Shoshun personally. After that, he visits Go-Shirakawa and requests for an imperial decree to go after Yoritomo. (Yoshitsune has the right to ask for it, since he is one of Go-Shirakawa's appointed imperial subjects. Yoritomo going after Yoshitsune is akin to him going against Go-Shirakawa, so that makes him an imperial traitor.)
Yoritomo soon receives news of Shoshun's execution as well as the imperial decree issued at the request from Yoshitsune. He announces his decision to go after Yoshitsune too and led an army out of Kamakura. (Finally, the bully is moving his butt and doing some work.. -_-)
Yoshitsune learns from Kichiji that Yoritomo's army numbers about 100,000. He is troubled because if that large an army storms the capital, the capital will be destroyed. He is unwilling to sacrifice the capital and the lives of people living there.
Yukiie reports to Yoshitsune that amassing of allies has been most unsuccessful. Even those who lent him a hand in previous battles against the Heike were unwilling to join him for fear of going against Yoritomo.
Tomoyasu tells Go-Shirakawa that combined with Yukiie, Yoshitsune's army numbers at only 300.
Tomoyasu: "All is well if Yoshitsune manages to win the battle, but if Yoritomo wins instead, what is he going to do to you, the one who passed the decree to kill him?"
Tsubone: "Was it too hasty of us to pass the decree then??!"
Go-Shirakawa: "We need to think about this.... we must think of a plan..."
Go-Shirakawa starts to panick and fears for his life.
That night, Yoshitsune announces to his kerai that he will not allow the capital to burn because of the battle between him and Yoritomo. He decides to leave the capital. (Note: Yoshitsune actually has a higher chance of winning if he stays in the capital, because he knows the area well and being a city, the streets are too narrow for Yoritomo's large army to make a one-shot forceful attack. Yet he is willing to give up this advantage to protect the capital and the lives of those he loves who live in the capital. SASUGA YOSHITSUNE-SAMA DA!!!! DAKARA DAISUKI!)
~End of Episode 43~
Masako and Tokimasa reports to Yoritomo about their "progress" with Yoshitsune. (Eg, confiscating Iyo, sending assailants after Yoshitsune etc)
Suzaku no Okina notices suspicious characters wandering around Yoshitsune's residence at Horikawa.
Karasumaru: "If these bandits are after this residence, they are definitely not from the capital."
(Because Yoshitsune is respected even by the underworld in the capital and on close terms with Suzaku, the underworld leader. So no one from the capital will dare disturb Yoshitsune.)
Otoku informs Benkei about these intruders. Karasumaru had done a bit of investigation and found out that they are not bandits, but monks from elsewhere. Benkei realises one of them, Tosanobou Shoshun is his old acquaintance. He looks him up at the temple where he and the rest are staying at. Initially there for a friendly reunion, Benkei becomes suspicious at Shoshun's odd behaviour. He feels the latter hiding something from him. Returning to Horikawa, Yoshitsune asks if he found anything unusual but Benkei pretends everything is alright. Without letting Yoshitsune know, the kerai try to prepare themselves for any unanticipated attacks.
Moe looks up Yoshitsune one day.
Moe: "Maybe I think too much, but I feel that your kerai are wary of me."
Yoshitsune: "Is that true?"
Moe: "If you do not trust me, please just tell me straight."
Yoshitsune assures Moe that he does not distrust her. (Moe is such a poor thing... a victim of circumstances stuck in between. But Yoshitsune-sama... YASASHIIIIIIIIII~~~~~!!!! The way he looks at Moe with assuring eyes... DOKI!)
Meanwhile, Yukiie also learns of Shoshun's presence in the capital. He figures out since Shoshun's master is a kerai of Yoritomo, his intention of coming to Kyoto must be after Yoshitsune. He orders his men to not take their eyes off Yoshitsune's residence in Horikawa. (Oh my, is Yukiie protecting Yoshitsune in secret? Moe~~ LOL)
Yoshitsune confides in Shizuka one night.
Yoshitsune: "I thought it was me being over-sensitive, thinking that Benkei and the rest are acting weird recently. But Moe telling me she is being watched by them confirms my doubts."
Shizuka tells Yoshitsune not to doubt his kerai. They must have their reasons for keeping something from him.
That night, Benkei and Tadanobu return to the temple intending to sound out Shoshun's real intentions. However, they find the temple empty and realise they are too late. Shoshun and his men have already left to Yoshitsune's house. Luckily, the rest of the kerai who are on alert anticipated the attack. (Pause: Yoshitsune's DO-NOT-MESS-WITH-ME-LOOK is soooo kakkoiiii~~~~~~!!! *Play*) They manage to counterattack with support from Yukiie. (Anoo, was there really a need for him to dress up for the event?? Friend! It's a night raid, isn't it considered an emergency?? Can't believe you still have time to put on your complicated armour.. -_-) Yukiie yells at Yoshitsune to wake up to reality, that his brother Yoritomo is trying to kill him. The kerai try to get Shoshun to tell them who instructed him to kill Yoshitsune but the latter claims there is no one. He reveals that someone put up a reward for anyone to assassinate Yoshitsune and he is doing it for that reward (which I think he said he needs the money for his mother or something). Although he doesn't say who is offering that reward, Yoshitsune knows it is Yoritomo. He feels deeply hurt. (I think Yoritomo is resorting to this so that it will not be obvious to outsiders that he is trying to kill his own brother.)
Later, Benkei and the rest seeks Yoshitsune for forgiveness, for keeping him in the dark about the anticipated attack, thinking that they could have handled it themselves. Yoshitsune forgives them and announces a death penalty for Shoshun. This is to be a sign to Yoritomo that he is officially breaking all ties with him (since he is executing HIS man).
(All the while, Yoshitsune has been addressing his brother as "ani-ue" or "Kamakura-dono". But now he starts calling him by name "Yoritomo" instead, which signifies that he no longer considers himself as his subordinate. Well, cos there is no need to.)
The next day, Yoshitsune executes Shoshun personally. After that, he visits Go-Shirakawa and requests for an imperial decree to go after Yoritomo. (Yoshitsune has the right to ask for it, since he is one of Go-Shirakawa's appointed imperial subjects. Yoritomo going after Yoshitsune is akin to him going against Go-Shirakawa, so that makes him an imperial traitor.)
Yoritomo soon receives news of Shoshun's execution as well as the imperial decree issued at the request from Yoshitsune. He announces his decision to go after Yoshitsune too and led an army out of Kamakura. (Finally, the bully is moving his butt and doing some work.. -_-)
Yoshitsune learns from Kichiji that Yoritomo's army numbers about 100,000. He is troubled because if that large an army storms the capital, the capital will be destroyed. He is unwilling to sacrifice the capital and the lives of people living there.
Yukiie reports to Yoshitsune that amassing of allies has been most unsuccessful. Even those who lent him a hand in previous battles against the Heike were unwilling to join him for fear of going against Yoritomo.
Tomoyasu tells Go-Shirakawa that combined with Yukiie, Yoshitsune's army numbers at only 300.
Tomoyasu: "All is well if Yoshitsune manages to win the battle, but if Yoritomo wins instead, what is he going to do to you, the one who passed the decree to kill him?"
Tsubone: "Was it too hasty of us to pass the decree then??!"
Go-Shirakawa: "We need to think about this.... we must think of a plan..."
Go-Shirakawa starts to panick and fears for his life.
That night, Yoshitsune announces to his kerai that he will not allow the capital to burn because of the battle between him and Yoritomo. He decides to leave the capital. (Note: Yoshitsune actually has a higher chance of winning if he stays in the capital, because he knows the area well and being a city, the streets are too narrow for Yoritomo's large army to make a one-shot forceful attack. Yet he is willing to give up this advantage to protect the capital and the lives of those he loves who live in the capital. SASUGA YOSHITSUNE-SAMA DA!!!! DAKARA DAISUKI!)
~End of Episode 43~
Monday, November 14, 2005
Finally, a non-Yoshitsune entry (or so i hope)...
Yahho~~~~ How's everybody?? Hahaha, as promised, a non-Yoshitsune entry!! For those pple who are getting bored of Yoshi or have no interest *pause* HOW COULD YOU??!?!? IT'S TAKKI'S MASTERPIECE!!! [triple whacks!! recomposes self, take a deep breathe...] *play* Oh where was i? Well, yeah, 4 consecutive Yoshi synops posts. You can't blame me. Blame my stinky company and shitty job instead. I have been getting home well past 10pm most of the time and by the time I bathed and everything, I am too drained to blog. Only motivated to keep my Yoshi synops from not lapsing too much with the current episode. Once again, IF ONLY I AM HALF THIS MOTIVATED AT WORK... 
ボーナスを出せぇ～～～っ！出さないと、辞めますから！いや、違う。どうせ辞めることにします！ただ、時間の問題だ！そんなに残業をさせられば、ボーナスは当たり前だろう？！もらう資格があるではないかよ？！？？
And then, as if my senpai knows i need some Takki motivation, she got me Takki stuff when she came back from Japan! Hahahhaha, I had asked her to help me get Fine Boys but she came back before the release date. So, afraid that I will get mad at her for not getting me anything(LOL), she got me Popolo instead. Because I had specifically told her, to get any magazine with Takki's PICTURE on the cover (as in the cover celeb). Last month, i had another senpai who went back to Japan and she misunderstood me when i said "help me get mags with Takki on the cover". She ended up buying EVERY SINGLE MAG with Takki's NAME on the cover...
I nearly died-ed. How about Takki's NAME appears on every mag every month?!!! Major wallet massacre. I dunno to be happy or not receiving soooo many mags. So, afraid that history will repeat itself, i reminded this senpai it's Takki's pic on cover that I am looking for, not just name. And she got me Popolo...... LMAO~ But Takki is NOT Popolo's cover celeb! In fact, Popolo has NO COVER CELEB. It's always small thumbnail pics of every single Johnny's group jyan~ And Takki's pic is one of them. Aiyayaya, I failed again. I realised, SPECIFICITY is very important. LMAO. Maa iiya. *chants* i shall be grateful i shall be grateful i shall be grateful...
So anyway, I went back to work after my off day to find this plastered on the wall behind my table!!!
My senior lied to me! Hahahah, she told me over the phone at first that she only got Popoplo and didn't manage to get the Olympus pamplets but she did! She happen to drop by my office on my off day and took the opportunity to "redecorate my desk". LMAO~ And she even told my manager, "You can get maumau to do anything tomorrow cos she will be in a good mood." Hahahahhahah~~~ Maa, tashikani. 残業以外ね。And then there was this stack of more Olympus pamplets stashed inside the Popolo mag on my table. She got me extras of everything! The other new Olympus pamplet is this.
監督： 「プロ中のプロ。心から尊敬しています。」
Director: A pro among the pro. I respect him from the bottom of my heart.
It also included what Ujiki-san (aka Jiro) said about Takki, which was captured in the Yoshi crankup clip. He had returned to the studio at like 730am in the morning (he finished his shots the previous night) to present flowers to Takki, who is the last to finish. In the actual clip, this is what he said.
うじき： 「滝沢義経でなければ、ここまで絶対にこれなかったと思います。これだけは全員、もう否定することできない大きな、大きな感じだと思います。タッキーでなければ、ここまでこれなかったと思います。そうだよな？！」
Ujiki: If it is not for Takizawa Yoshitsune (I think he meant like Takki acting as Yoshitsune), we definitely wouldn't have made it here. This I think is a very strong feeling that everyone of us cannot deny. If it is not for Takki, we wouldn't have made it here today. (To the other staff) Agree?!
(And there was this guy behind Ujiki who kept nodding his head.)
Others: Yeaah, banzai!!
うじき： 「タッキー、ありがとう！」
Ujiki: Takki, arigatou!
And so Ujiki and those behind him that the camera captured actually bowed to Takki. Uwaaah, I'm soo super touched. *sniffs* And Takki just stood there all choked up in emotions unable to talk.
I AM SO PROUD TO BE HIS FAN!!!
Despite being a super-idol, you don't feel very detached from him. At his concerts, you can *FEEL* his sincerity. He's not like up there, far and away kinda. And he posts on his Takiren and tells us stuff like as if we are his friends. And worse, he ALWAYS seem to know what we are thinking... ahahhah... it's really as if he reads our blogs! (well, he better with his SEVEN computers! LOL~) Oh I can just go on and on here so I shall stop here for the moment.
Dithers was saying something about Kimura Takuya and Takki on her blog which reminds me of something interesting that I found on Wikipedia about Takki sometime ago. It has since been updated but I still thought it was quite funny.
... ... ...
ALTHOUGH I CAN GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE LAST POINT!!
*crosses heart with saliva-smeared finger*
"Adored by the fortuneteller Hosoki Kazuko."
LMAO~~~
ボーナスを出せぇ～～～っ！出さないと、辞めますから！いや、違う。どうせ辞めることにします！ただ、時間の問題だ！そんなに残業をさせられば、ボーナスは当たり前だろう？！もらう資格があるではないかよ？！？？And then, as if my senpai knows i need some Takki motivation, she got me Takki stuff when she came back from Japan! Hahahhaha, I had asked her to help me get Fine Boys but she came back before the release date. So, afraid that I will get mad at her for not getting me anything(LOL), she got me Popolo instead. Because I had specifically told her, to get any magazine with Takki's PICTURE on the cover (as in the cover celeb). Last month, i had another senpai who went back to Japan and she misunderstood me when i said "help me get mags with Takki on the cover". She ended up buying EVERY SINGLE MAG with Takki's NAME on the cover...
I nearly died-ed. How about Takki's NAME appears on every mag every month?!!! Major wallet massacre. I dunno to be happy or not receiving soooo many mags. So, afraid that history will repeat itself, i reminded this senpai it's Takki's pic on cover that I am looking for, not just name. And she got me Popolo...... LMAO~ But Takki is NOT Popolo's cover celeb! In fact, Popolo has NO COVER CELEB. It's always small thumbnail pics of every single Johnny's group jyan~ And Takki's pic is one of them. Aiyayaya, I failed again. I realised, SPECIFICITY is very important. LMAO. Maa iiya. *chants* i shall be grateful i shall be grateful i shall be grateful...So anyway, I went back to work after my off day to find this plastered on the wall behind my table!!!
UWAAAHHHH~~~~ LMAO!!! KAKKOII!!!!!
My senior lied to me! Hahahah, she told me over the phone at first that she only got Popoplo and didn't manage to get the Olympus pamplets but she did! She happen to drop by my office on my off day and took the opportunity to "redecorate my desk". LMAO~ And she even told my manager, "You can get maumau to do anything tomorrow cos she will be in a good mood." Hahahahhahah~~~ Maa, tashikani. 残業以外ね。And then there was this stack of more Olympus pamplets stashed inside the Popolo mag on my table. She got me extras of everything! The other new Olympus pamplet is this.
監督： 「プロ中のプロ。心から尊敬しています。」
Director: A pro among the pro. I respect him from the bottom of my heart.
It also included what Ujiki-san (aka Jiro) said about Takki, which was captured in the Yoshi crankup clip. He had returned to the studio at like 730am in the morning (he finished his shots the previous night) to present flowers to Takki, who is the last to finish. In the actual clip, this is what he said.
うじき： 「滝沢義経でなければ、ここまで絶対にこれなかったと思います。これだけは全員、もう否定することできない大きな、大きな感じだと思います。タッキーでなければ、ここまでこれなかったと思います。そうだよな？！」
Ujiki: If it is not for Takizawa Yoshitsune (I think he meant like Takki acting as Yoshitsune), we definitely wouldn't have made it here. This I think is a very strong feeling that everyone of us cannot deny. If it is not for Takki, we wouldn't have made it here today. (To the other staff) Agree?!
(And there was this guy behind Ujiki who kept nodding his head.)
Others: Yeaah, banzai!!
うじき： 「タッキー、ありがとう！」
Ujiki: Takki, arigatou!
And so Ujiki and those behind him that the camera captured actually bowed to Takki. Uwaaah, I'm soo super touched. *sniffs* And Takki just stood there all choked up in emotions unable to talk.
Don't you just want to jump into the screen and hug him???!
I AM SO PROUD TO BE HIS FAN!!!
Despite being a super-idol, you don't feel very detached from him. At his concerts, you can *FEEL* his sincerity. He's not like up there, far and away kinda. And he posts on his Takiren and tells us stuff like as if we are his friends. And worse, he ALWAYS seem to know what we are thinking... ahahhah... it's really as if he reads our blogs! (well, he better with his SEVEN computers! LOL~) Oh I can just go on and on here so I shall stop here for the moment.
Dithers was saying something about Kimura Takuya and Takki on her blog which reminds me of something interesting that I found on Wikipedia about Takki sometime ago. It has since been updated but I still thought it was quite funny.
... ... ...
ALTHOUGH I CAN GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE LAST POINT!!
*crosses heart with saliva-smeared finger*
"Adored by the fortuneteller Hosoki Kazuko."
LMAO~~~
Friday, November 11, 2005
Yoshitsune #42: Kamakura's Conspiracy 鎌倉の陰謀
Yoshitsune finally returns to the capital and is welcomed by Go-Shirakawa warmly. He pretends to sympathise with Yoshitsune, who has been rejected a meeting with his brother Yoritomo.
After Yoshitsune leaves, Go-Shirakawa, Tomoyasu and Tsubone discuss about how they have to guard against Yoritomo, who is slowly amassing power. (I think they talk about how to use Yoshitsune against Yoritomo.)
In Kamakura, Morinaga reports to Yoritomo that although Yoshitsune questions Yoritomo's decision to execute Munemori and his son at first, he eventually completes the task without hesitation. Masako reminds them that that does not mean he will not rebel as Go-Shirakawa may make use of him to turn against them. (Oh, Masako, YOU WA DAMAREE!!! Shut up!! It's cos people like you exist that is why the world is so messed up. Grrrrr~~~~)
Shizuka notices Yoshitsune is feeling down and consoles him that Yoritomo will understand and let him into Kamakura someday. She is shocked when Yoshitsune tells her he has decided to pursue a different path from his brother. She asks what is going to happen to Moe, who has been sent to Yoshitsune by Yoritomo. Just then, Benkei and Tadanobu brings news that Yoritomo confiscated all his territories.
Not long after, a huge earthquake hit the capital. Many people lost their homes and are injured. Yoshitsune and his kerai busy themselves with providing relief aid to the people and rebuilding the capital. Peace is restored quickly under their charge. As such, Yoshitsune grows more popular with the masses.
One day, Otoku brings a dazed and injured Utsubo to Yoshitsune's house. Utsubo has lost her husband in the quake and has wandered aimlessly on the streets for many days before finally ending up at Otoku's place. Yoshitsune asks her to stay at his place but Utsubo refuses. She wants to depend on herself. However, the rest are worried leaving her alone and decides to put her up with Kichiji. Utsubo agrees.
Sometime later, Go-Shirakawa summons Yoshitsune and praises him for his efforts in rebuilding the capital. He appoints him the Governor of Iyo (present day Ehime prefecture in Shikoku) after learning that his original territories have been confiscated by Yoritomo. Yoshitsune hesitates but eventually accepts the appointment.
Saburo and the rest are happy that Yoshitsune has been awarded such a rank. However, Tadanobu reminds them that accepting an offical rank from Go-Shirakawa again without Yoritomo's permission will worsen their relationship with Yoritomo. In private, Benkei reminds Yoshitsune of the same thing but Yoshitsune replies that he took up the appointment precisely to show Yoritomo that he is pursuing another path.
Yoshitsune: "Someone once told me, to realise your dream, you need power. A place where we have power, that will be Iyo isn't it?"
(As in, since Iyo will be in Yoshitsune's control, he will be able to start building his dream country from there. And of course, the person who told him one needs power to realise a dream is none other than Kiyomori. He told him that during their very last meeting at this temple.)
Soon, news of Yoshitsune's appointment reaches Kamakura. Tokimasa complains why Go-Shirakawa purposely offers official posts to Yoshitsune knowing very well that Yoritomo's kerai are not allowed to accept such posts without the latter's permission. Yoritomo decides to send Kagetoki to the capital to check on Yoshitsune, on the pretext of acquring Buddhist altar fittings.
Later, Tokimasa discusses Yoritomo's decision with Masako in private. (Don't really catch here but I think Masako said something about returning Yoshitsune a blow, taking revenge. She still holds a grudge against him for refusing to her request of meeting Oohime. Ebil ebil ebil....)
Kagetoki arrives in Kyoto and looks up Yoshitsune. He pretends to be nice and respectful but everyone knows he has an ulterior motive for being there. Moe arrives in the room and Yoshitsune and Benkei leave to let them talk alone (he knows Kagetoki is expecting a "report" from her).
(Moe's father is one of Yoritomo's men. The initial reason for sending her to Yoshitsune was to spy on his actions and report to Yoritomo. Yea, Yoritomo is that distrusting kind of a man. Mukatsuku.)
Moe: "What messages does my father have for me?"
(Wow, she sure gets to the point fast. She looked pissed off here. I would too! Seeing how fake and fat Kagetoki is. Obviously here to demand info out from her, but pretends to be respectful and all. Cut the act!)
Kagetoki looks around to make sure that no one is around first before asking...
Kagetoki: "He asks how is the situation here."
Moe: "Everything is peaceful."
Kagetoki: "If things get messy, you can return to Kamakura."
Moe: "I do not plan to do that."
(Moe gives snappy answers to Kagetoki to make him feel unwelcomed. You go girl!! *thumbs up*)
Later, Moe looks up Yoshitsune.
Moe: "I heard that something happened between you and Yoritomo."
Yoshitsune: "Un."
Moe: "... ... What should I do so that it is best for you? Must I leave this house?"
Yoshitsune: "No. I wouldn't make you leave. Don't let it affect you."
(Yoshitsune is fully aware that Moe is sent to spy on him by Yoritomo, but he trusts her.)
A few days later, Yukiie looks up Yoshitsune. He congratulates Yoshitsune on his new appointment and says he is there to support him.
Benkei: "What do you mean?"
Yukiie: "Isn't it obvious? You took up the post and Yoritomo is already taking steps to guard against you. You don't really think he sent Kagetoki here to purchase Buddhist altar fittings do you? He is obviously sent to check on you and Go-Shirakawa as well. This is clearly a manifestation of his distrust and suspicion towards you. So we should react first and topple him!"
Yoshitsune: "I did not take up the post with an intention of going against him. It is just that my goal differs from him so I decide to pursue a different path from him."
Yukiie: "That is treason! To Yoritomo, that is already considered treason! If you think differently from him and do not agree with his goal, he will only treat you as his enemy. He will come after you eventually. What are you going to do then?!"
Yoshitsune: "I will... ... ..."
Yoshitsune is at a loss of words.
Yukiie: "You have to decide!!"
Benkei asks Yukiie to stop pressing Yoshitsune for an answer. The latter replies he will continue to look Yoshitsune up until he has an answer. Yoshitsune is shocked realising he is suddenly seen as a rebel by Yoritomo. He has no intentions of going against him at all. But unfortunately, Yoritomo's thinking is, if you are not with him, then you are against him. (See how possessive of his power he is. Truly a dictator.)
In Kamakura, Yoritomo soon learns of Yukiie's repeated visits to Yoshitsune from Kagetoki.Tokimasa suggests that they need to take down Yoshitsune as soon as possible. Hiromoto warns them against sending troops to Kyoto to attack Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune is considered a subject of Go-Shirakawa afterall. Sending troops after him will make themselves look like the traitors instead. Yoritomo realises he has to think of a way to deal with Yoshitsune without going against the imperial family outright.
(The problem with Yoritomo. He is so distrusting of Yoshitsune. He trusts everybody except Yoshitsune. He thinks Yoshitsune associates himself as his brother instead of his kerai because he wants to share power with him. There is no hard proof that Yoshitsune is staging a rebellion. But he just assumes he is because Yukiie visits him. In fact, it is exactly this distrust that forces Yoshitsune to eventually go against him.)
That night, Yoritomo ponders about what to do with Yoshitsune. (He still has a liiiiitle reservation about going after his own brother afterall.) Evil Masako appears and probes him not to hesitate anymore. She offers to relive Yoritomo of this burden by letting her deal with Yoshitsune for him.
(ebiiillll, Ebbilllll, EBBBIILLLL!!!)
Back in Kyoto. Some time has passes but Kagetoki still remains in the capital. Benkei wonders if what Yukiie said is true, that his real intention is really to keep a watch over Yoshitsune.
Unknown to Yoshitsune, suspicious men are gathering in the capital...
~End of Episode 42~
After Yoshitsune leaves, Go-Shirakawa, Tomoyasu and Tsubone discuss about how they have to guard against Yoritomo, who is slowly amassing power. (I think they talk about how to use Yoshitsune against Yoritomo.)
In Kamakura, Morinaga reports to Yoritomo that although Yoshitsune questions Yoritomo's decision to execute Munemori and his son at first, he eventually completes the task without hesitation. Masako reminds them that that does not mean he will not rebel as Go-Shirakawa may make use of him to turn against them. (Oh, Masako, YOU WA DAMAREE!!! Shut up!! It's cos people like you exist that is why the world is so messed up. Grrrrr~~~~)
Shizuka notices Yoshitsune is feeling down and consoles him that Yoritomo will understand and let him into Kamakura someday. She is shocked when Yoshitsune tells her he has decided to pursue a different path from his brother. She asks what is going to happen to Moe, who has been sent to Yoshitsune by Yoritomo. Just then, Benkei and Tadanobu brings news that Yoritomo confiscated all his territories.
Not long after, a huge earthquake hit the capital. Many people lost their homes and are injured. Yoshitsune and his kerai busy themselves with providing relief aid to the people and rebuilding the capital. Peace is restored quickly under their charge. As such, Yoshitsune grows more popular with the masses.
One day, Otoku brings a dazed and injured Utsubo to Yoshitsune's house. Utsubo has lost her husband in the quake and has wandered aimlessly on the streets for many days before finally ending up at Otoku's place. Yoshitsune asks her to stay at his place but Utsubo refuses. She wants to depend on herself. However, the rest are worried leaving her alone and decides to put her up with Kichiji. Utsubo agrees.
Sometime later, Go-Shirakawa summons Yoshitsune and praises him for his efforts in rebuilding the capital. He appoints him the Governor of Iyo (present day Ehime prefecture in Shikoku) after learning that his original territories have been confiscated by Yoritomo. Yoshitsune hesitates but eventually accepts the appointment.
Saburo and the rest are happy that Yoshitsune has been awarded such a rank. However, Tadanobu reminds them that accepting an offical rank from Go-Shirakawa again without Yoritomo's permission will worsen their relationship with Yoritomo. In private, Benkei reminds Yoshitsune of the same thing but Yoshitsune replies that he took up the appointment precisely to show Yoritomo that he is pursuing another path.
Yoshitsune: "Someone once told me, to realise your dream, you need power. A place where we have power, that will be Iyo isn't it?"
(As in, since Iyo will be in Yoshitsune's control, he will be able to start building his dream country from there. And of course, the person who told him one needs power to realise a dream is none other than Kiyomori. He told him that during their very last meeting at this temple.)
Soon, news of Yoshitsune's appointment reaches Kamakura. Tokimasa complains why Go-Shirakawa purposely offers official posts to Yoshitsune knowing very well that Yoritomo's kerai are not allowed to accept such posts without the latter's permission. Yoritomo decides to send Kagetoki to the capital to check on Yoshitsune, on the pretext of acquring Buddhist altar fittings.
Later, Tokimasa discusses Yoritomo's decision with Masako in private. (Don't really catch here but I think Masako said something about returning Yoshitsune a blow, taking revenge. She still holds a grudge against him for refusing to her request of meeting Oohime. Ebil ebil ebil....)
Kagetoki arrives in Kyoto and looks up Yoshitsune. He pretends to be nice and respectful but everyone knows he has an ulterior motive for being there. Moe arrives in the room and Yoshitsune and Benkei leave to let them talk alone (he knows Kagetoki is expecting a "report" from her).
(Moe's father is one of Yoritomo's men. The initial reason for sending her to Yoshitsune was to spy on his actions and report to Yoritomo. Yea, Yoritomo is that distrusting kind of a man. Mukatsuku.)
Moe: "What messages does my father have for me?"
(Wow, she sure gets to the point fast. She looked pissed off here. I would too! Seeing how fake and fat Kagetoki is. Obviously here to demand info out from her, but pretends to be respectful and all. Cut the act!)
Kagetoki looks around to make sure that no one is around first before asking...
Kagetoki: "He asks how is the situation here."
Moe: "Everything is peaceful."
Kagetoki: "If things get messy, you can return to Kamakura."
Moe: "I do not plan to do that."
(Moe gives snappy answers to Kagetoki to make him feel unwelcomed. You go girl!! *thumbs up*)
Later, Moe looks up Yoshitsune.
Moe: "I heard that something happened between you and Yoritomo."
Yoshitsune: "Un."
Moe: "... ... What should I do so that it is best for you? Must I leave this house?"
Yoshitsune: "No. I wouldn't make you leave. Don't let it affect you."
(Yoshitsune is fully aware that Moe is sent to spy on him by Yoritomo, but he trusts her.)
A few days later, Yukiie looks up Yoshitsune. He congratulates Yoshitsune on his new appointment and says he is there to support him.
Benkei: "What do you mean?"
Yukiie: "Isn't it obvious? You took up the post and Yoritomo is already taking steps to guard against you. You don't really think he sent Kagetoki here to purchase Buddhist altar fittings do you? He is obviously sent to check on you and Go-Shirakawa as well. This is clearly a manifestation of his distrust and suspicion towards you. So we should react first and topple him!"
Yoshitsune: "I did not take up the post with an intention of going against him. It is just that my goal differs from him so I decide to pursue a different path from him."
Yukiie: "That is treason! To Yoritomo, that is already considered treason! If you think differently from him and do not agree with his goal, he will only treat you as his enemy. He will come after you eventually. What are you going to do then?!"
Yoshitsune: "I will... ... ..."
Yoshitsune is at a loss of words.
Yukiie: "You have to decide!!"
Benkei asks Yukiie to stop pressing Yoshitsune for an answer. The latter replies he will continue to look Yoshitsune up until he has an answer. Yoshitsune is shocked realising he is suddenly seen as a rebel by Yoritomo. He has no intentions of going against him at all. But unfortunately, Yoritomo's thinking is, if you are not with him, then you are against him. (See how possessive of his power he is. Truly a dictator.)
In Kamakura, Yoritomo soon learns of Yukiie's repeated visits to Yoshitsune from Kagetoki.Tokimasa suggests that they need to take down Yoshitsune as soon as possible. Hiromoto warns them against sending troops to Kyoto to attack Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune is considered a subject of Go-Shirakawa afterall. Sending troops after him will make themselves look like the traitors instead. Yoritomo realises he has to think of a way to deal with Yoshitsune without going against the imperial family outright.
(The problem with Yoritomo. He is so distrusting of Yoshitsune. He trusts everybody except Yoshitsune. He thinks Yoshitsune associates himself as his brother instead of his kerai because he wants to share power with him. There is no hard proof that Yoshitsune is staging a rebellion. But he just assumes he is because Yukiie visits him. In fact, it is exactly this distrust that forces Yoshitsune to eventually go against him.)
That night, Yoritomo ponders about what to do with Yoshitsune. (He still has a liiiiitle reservation about going after his own brother afterall.) Evil Masako appears and probes him not to hesitate anymore. She offers to relive Yoritomo of this burden by letting her deal with Yoshitsune for him.
(ebiiillll, Ebbilllll, EBBBIILLLL!!!)
Back in Kyoto. Some time has passes but Kagetoki still remains in the capital. Benkei wonders if what Yukiie said is true, that his real intention is really to keep a watch over Yoshitsune.
Unknown to Yoshitsune, suspicious men are gathering in the capital...
~End of Episode 42~
Yoshitsune #41: The End of Brotherly Ties 兄弟絶縁
Without seeing Yoritomo, Yoshitsune leaves for Kyoto with Munemori and his son Kiyomune. Deep in his heart, Yoshitsune starts to suspect Yoritomo for his real intention.
During one of the stops in the journey, Munemori asks to see Yoshitsune.
Munemori: "What are you going to with us from now on?"
Yoshitsune: "I am bringing you and your son back to the capital."
Munemori: "And what happens after that? Will it be death penalty for us? Or are you going to behead us halfway through the journey?"
Benkei assures that they will do nothing to them as they are only instructed to escort them back to Kyoto. However, Munemori still feels insecure as he notices that Yoshitsune wears a burdened look on his face. (Although that burden is to do with Yoritomo and not Munemori.)
Meanwhile in Kamakura, Masako sees Yoritomo who seems to be somewhat troubled too. She tells him not to regret his decision to send Yoshitsune away without seeing him.
Masako: "According to Hiromoto, in Yoshitsune's letter, he only talked about winning the battles for you as your brother. He doesn't see himself as one of your kerai at all! It was a right decision to send him away."
Yoritomo: "It is not that..."
(Masako is blaming Yoshitsune for not seeing himself as Yoritomo's servant but his brother... nanto??!?! Yoshitsune doesn't OWE Yoritomo anything!! He came all the way from Oushuu and put his life on the line for Yoritomo and this is all he gets??!?)
The truth is, Yoritomo is troubled not because he regrets his decision to send Yoshitsune away but because he is worried about Yoshitsune's loyalty to him. He reveals to Hiromoto and Tokimasa that he is worried Munemori will win Yoshitsune over and they will join hands against himself. (Well, if you haven't treat Yoshitsune so bad, you wouldn't have to worry about him rebelling against you, stupid.)
Yoritomo: "We will need to bind Yoshitsune's power."
Hiromoto suggests confiscating the 24 territories that originally belonged to the Heike and were given to Yoshitsune after he defeated them. Tokimasa suggests getting rid of Munemori and his son.
Stopping at a temple on the journey back, Yoshitsune learns that Shigehira was there a few days ago too. He informs Munemori and the latter starts to talk about his own brothers. He has always felt jealous of them and now regrets his pettiness. He knows he will never get to see Shigehira again. Yoshitsune gets upset hearing Munemori talks about his own brothers with pride.
Meanwhile, Shigehira has been escorted to a temple in Kizu and handed over to (some mean-looking) monks from the "southern capital" of Nara. They have pressurised Yoritomo to surrender him as they want to punish Shigehira for setting fire to the sacred Todaiji and Koufukuji previously. (Hey, I have been to these two shines in Nara! You mean the reason why I wasn't able to see the original huge Buddha statue (the one inside Todaiji now is a replica of the original, thou it is pretty darn big too) anymore was because Shigehira burnt it down hundreds of years ago??? Aiyaiyaii..) Sukeko receives news of this and hurries to the temple to see Shigehira but is denied entry.
The monks interrogate Shigehira for his actions in the past and the man admits to all of them gamely. The next day, Shigehira prepares for his execution when he suddenly hears his wife Sukeko yelling for him outside. Initially calm and composed, he begs the head monk to let him see his wife for a last time. Sukeko is let in and allowed a final reunion with her husband, whom she has not met since the Ichinotani battle. (SAAAAAADDDDD~~~~~~~~~~~ Shigehira is my favourite Heike yoooo!!!! Why is it that the end of Taiga dramas is always marked with lots of deaths??!) Shigehira bites off a lock of his hair and gives it to Sukeko as a momento. He makes her promise not to follow him to death, but live her life to the fullest. (OH MY GAWD!!! The scene where he tries to bite off his hair is sooooo heartbreaking!!! Yadaaa.....)
Shigehira: "We will reunite again in the other world."
With that, Sukeko is taken away and Shigehira beheaded. He was 29.
Go-Shirakawa learns of Shigehira's death. This means that Munemori is the only surviving son of Kiyomori. Tsubone asks if they have any use for Munemori when they return to the capital but Go-Shirakawa says, Yoshitsune is more useful to him now. (I seriously wonder how Tomoyasu remains sane working for these two severly whacked out masters. -_-)
Yoshitsune's group arrives in Shinohara just outside the capital. Munemori reveals that he has been feeling tense throughout the journey, knowing that he could be killed anytime. But now that they have come this far and about to enter the capital the next day, he finally feels relieved. He wants to visit Go-Shirakawa and asks for forgiveness. If he does forgive him, Munemori plans to enter a temple and become a monk to pray for the lost souls of his clan for the rest of his life. Hearing this, Yoshitsune tells Munemori he will help and speak up for them in front of Go-Shirakawa. Just then, one of Yoritomo's men Morinaga arrives with a message. The message is from Yoritomo to execute Munemori and his son at once. Yoshitsune is against this cruel treatment as he feels Munemori is no longer a threat to the Genji. He tries to protect the two by delaying any action until they return to the capital but Morinaga insists an answer immediately. Yoshitsune has no choice but to agree. He feels depressed that he is unable to save Munemori and his son despite assuring to help them earlier.
Munemori asks to see Yoshitsune since their journey is ending and they may never meet again. He reminisces about their childhood and admits to Yoshitsune that he once thought Kiyomori was not his real father. He has always felt sidelined and incredibly jealous of his other brothers and even Yoshitsune (when he was still known as Ushiwaka). He felt Kiyomori favoured Yoshitsune over his own sons. He still remembered how happy Kiyomori looked when he told Yoshitsune his dream of a new capital even though he doddled on his precious divider screen. So jealous he was, he damaged the screen with stones. Through this intimate convesation, the two of them realise they have a common point, that Kiyomori meant a lot to them. Munemori knows Yoshitsune has received an order from Yoritomo to execute them. He guessed it from Yoshitsune's expression when he first entered the room. He begs Yoshitsune to spare his son's life, as killing him too will mean the end of the Heike bloodline. Kiyomune appears at this moment and tells his father not to put Yoshitsune in a dilemma. Yoshitsune feels helpless and is at a loss of words.
The next morning, Munemori prepares for his execution. Kiyomune has already been executed earlier. Yoshitsune asks if he has any last things to say.
Munemori: "There is nothing left worth to say." (As in, since everyone around him is dead, there is no point for him to beg for his life anymore.)
Although Munemori has acted cowardly at times, he takes his final execution with fortitude. He smiles at Yoshitsune as if to thank him for his gracious treatment. He was 39.
Morinaga watches Yoshitsune like an eagle as tears well up in Yoshitsune's eyes. (pokes Morinaga's eyes. ARRGHHH!!)
Later that night, Yoshitsune ponders alone in his room. The distrust from Yoritomo hurts him greatly and he finally makes up his mind.
He announces to his kerai the next morning.
Yoshitsune: "Whether I execute Munemori or not, it is obviously a test set by Yoritomo. To go to this extent means that he no longer trusts me. If this is how he feels, there is no need for me to work for him anymore. He is prepared to throw away all compassion and resort to such cruel methods to build his new country. This is not what I hope for. Our journey to build a new country with him together ends here. From today onwards, I will take a different path from him."
~End of Episode 41~
During one of the stops in the journey, Munemori asks to see Yoshitsune.
Munemori: "What are you going to with us from now on?"
Yoshitsune: "I am bringing you and your son back to the capital."
Munemori: "And what happens after that? Will it be death penalty for us? Or are you going to behead us halfway through the journey?"
Benkei assures that they will do nothing to them as they are only instructed to escort them back to Kyoto. However, Munemori still feels insecure as he notices that Yoshitsune wears a burdened look on his face. (Although that burden is to do with Yoritomo and not Munemori.)
Meanwhile in Kamakura, Masako sees Yoritomo who seems to be somewhat troubled too. She tells him not to regret his decision to send Yoshitsune away without seeing him.
Masako: "According to Hiromoto, in Yoshitsune's letter, he only talked about winning the battles for you as your brother. He doesn't see himself as one of your kerai at all! It was a right decision to send him away."
Yoritomo: "It is not that..."
(Masako is blaming Yoshitsune for not seeing himself as Yoritomo's servant but his brother... nanto??!?! Yoshitsune doesn't OWE Yoritomo anything!! He came all the way from Oushuu and put his life on the line for Yoritomo and this is all he gets??!?)
The truth is, Yoritomo is troubled not because he regrets his decision to send Yoshitsune away but because he is worried about Yoshitsune's loyalty to him. He reveals to Hiromoto and Tokimasa that he is worried Munemori will win Yoshitsune over and they will join hands against himself. (Well, if you haven't treat Yoshitsune so bad, you wouldn't have to worry about him rebelling against you, stupid.)
Yoritomo: "We will need to bind Yoshitsune's power."
Hiromoto suggests confiscating the 24 territories that originally belonged to the Heike and were given to Yoshitsune after he defeated them. Tokimasa suggests getting rid of Munemori and his son.
Stopping at a temple on the journey back, Yoshitsune learns that Shigehira was there a few days ago too. He informs Munemori and the latter starts to talk about his own brothers. He has always felt jealous of them and now regrets his pettiness. He knows he will never get to see Shigehira again. Yoshitsune gets upset hearing Munemori talks about his own brothers with pride.
Meanwhile, Shigehira has been escorted to a temple in Kizu and handed over to (some mean-looking) monks from the "southern capital" of Nara. They have pressurised Yoritomo to surrender him as they want to punish Shigehira for setting fire to the sacred Todaiji and Koufukuji previously. (Hey, I have been to these two shines in Nara! You mean the reason why I wasn't able to see the original huge Buddha statue (the one inside Todaiji now is a replica of the original, thou it is pretty darn big too) anymore was because Shigehira burnt it down hundreds of years ago??? Aiyaiyaii..) Sukeko receives news of this and hurries to the temple to see Shigehira but is denied entry.
The monks interrogate Shigehira for his actions in the past and the man admits to all of them gamely. The next day, Shigehira prepares for his execution when he suddenly hears his wife Sukeko yelling for him outside. Initially calm and composed, he begs the head monk to let him see his wife for a last time. Sukeko is let in and allowed a final reunion with her husband, whom she has not met since the Ichinotani battle. (SAAAAAADDDDD~~~~~~~~~~~ Shigehira is my favourite Heike yoooo!!!! Why is it that the end of Taiga dramas is always marked with lots of deaths??!) Shigehira bites off a lock of his hair and gives it to Sukeko as a momento. He makes her promise not to follow him to death, but live her life to the fullest. (OH MY GAWD!!! The scene where he tries to bite off his hair is sooooo heartbreaking!!! Yadaaa.....)
Shigehira: "We will reunite again in the other world."
With that, Sukeko is taken away and Shigehira beheaded. He was 29.
Go-Shirakawa learns of Shigehira's death. This means that Munemori is the only surviving son of Kiyomori. Tsubone asks if they have any use for Munemori when they return to the capital but Go-Shirakawa says, Yoshitsune is more useful to him now. (I seriously wonder how Tomoyasu remains sane working for these two severly whacked out masters. -_-)
Yoshitsune's group arrives in Shinohara just outside the capital. Munemori reveals that he has been feeling tense throughout the journey, knowing that he could be killed anytime. But now that they have come this far and about to enter the capital the next day, he finally feels relieved. He wants to visit Go-Shirakawa and asks for forgiveness. If he does forgive him, Munemori plans to enter a temple and become a monk to pray for the lost souls of his clan for the rest of his life. Hearing this, Yoshitsune tells Munemori he will help and speak up for them in front of Go-Shirakawa. Just then, one of Yoritomo's men Morinaga arrives with a message. The message is from Yoritomo to execute Munemori and his son at once. Yoshitsune is against this cruel treatment as he feels Munemori is no longer a threat to the Genji. He tries to protect the two by delaying any action until they return to the capital but Morinaga insists an answer immediately. Yoshitsune has no choice but to agree. He feels depressed that he is unable to save Munemori and his son despite assuring to help them earlier.
Munemori asks to see Yoshitsune since their journey is ending and they may never meet again. He reminisces about their childhood and admits to Yoshitsune that he once thought Kiyomori was not his real father. He has always felt sidelined and incredibly jealous of his other brothers and even Yoshitsune (when he was still known as Ushiwaka). He felt Kiyomori favoured Yoshitsune over his own sons. He still remembered how happy Kiyomori looked when he told Yoshitsune his dream of a new capital even though he doddled on his precious divider screen. So jealous he was, he damaged the screen with stones. Through this intimate convesation, the two of them realise they have a common point, that Kiyomori meant a lot to them. Munemori knows Yoshitsune has received an order from Yoritomo to execute them. He guessed it from Yoshitsune's expression when he first entered the room. He begs Yoshitsune to spare his son's life, as killing him too will mean the end of the Heike bloodline. Kiyomune appears at this moment and tells his father not to put Yoshitsune in a dilemma. Yoshitsune feels helpless and is at a loss of words.
The next morning, Munemori prepares for his execution. Kiyomune has already been executed earlier. Yoshitsune asks if he has any last things to say.
Munemori: "There is nothing left worth to say." (As in, since everyone around him is dead, there is no point for him to beg for his life anymore.)
Although Munemori has acted cowardly at times, he takes his final execution with fortitude. He smiles at Yoshitsune as if to thank him for his gracious treatment. He was 39.
Morinaga watches Yoshitsune like an eagle as tears well up in Yoshitsune's eyes. (pokes Morinaga's eyes. ARRGHHH!!)
Later that night, Yoshitsune ponders alone in his room. The distrust from Yoritomo hurts him greatly and he finally makes up his mind.
He announces to his kerai the next morning.
Yoshitsune: "Whether I execute Munemori or not, it is obviously a test set by Yoritomo. To go to this extent means that he no longer trusts me. If this is how he feels, there is no need for me to work for him anymore. He is prepared to throw away all compassion and resort to such cruel methods to build his new country. This is not what I hope for. Our journey to build a new country with him together ends here. From today onwards, I will take a different path from him."
~End of Episode 41~
Yoshitsune #40: Tears of Blood 血の涙
A monk from Manpuku Temple informs Yoshitsune that his letter (the Koshigoe Petition) has been delivered to Hiromoto as requested. The kerai wonder if he will help them. Yoshitsune tells them they have done all they could. Now they can only wait.
Hiromoto is shocked to receive Yoshitsune's letter and informs Masako. Masako instructs him not to alert Yoritomo but read the letter himself first.
Yoshitsune continues to wait for news from Kamakura in vain.
At one of the meetings in Kamakura, the topic of what to do with Yoshitsune is brought up. Masako suddenly suggests to Yoritomo to meet Yoshitsune much to everyone's surprise. Hiromoto is concerned what Go-Shirakawa will think if they meet.
Masako: "It's just two brothers meeting each other, what troubles can it possibly bring? Why think so much of it?"
Yoritomo: "From now on, do not think of us as brothers."
(Masako is so evil!!!! She knows Yoshitsune is bonded to Yoritomo because of the brotherly tie. And Yoritomo is troubled about what to do with Yoshitsune because of this very same tie. Yoritomo doesn't want the others to think he give preferential treatment to his own brother, so he tries to be strict with him. That is why Masako deliberately brings up this topic hoping that Yoritomo will announce, in front of all the others that he will not give special treatment to Yoshitsune. And of course, she got her way. So immediately after Yoritomo says that, she reveals the existence of the Koshigoe Petition that Yoritomo is still in the unknown of. And what is so evil about this? Because had Yoritomo read the petition before this meeting, he will definitely be moved by Yoshitsune, who pledge allegiance to Yoritomo precisely because they are brothers. Note: Masako prevented Hiromoto telling Yoritomo about the letter earlier. But now, no matter how sincere Yoshitsune is in his letter, Yoritomo cannot allow himself to be moved by it anymore, because he has announced in front of his other men that "brotherhood" is of no concern to him. I realised i'm talking in circles, but I hope you guys reading this get what I mean. Masako is truly SCHEMING!!!)
Masako: "Oh~ by the way, Hiromoto, didn't Yoshitsune send you a letter?"
(yeah, pretend somemore, you stupid baba!!)
Hiromoto is taken aback for a while, as Masako was the very one who told him not to let Yoritomo know about the letter.
Hiromoto: "Er.... hai."
Yoritomo glares at Hiromoto, as if angry that he is keeping things from him. Hiromoto confesses that the letter exists. Masako asks if Yoritomo wants to read the letter but he rejects it. (Well, what else can he say after he publicly announce that he no longer treats Yoshitsune as his brother one minute ago?!?)
Later in private, Masako tells her father and brother.
Masako: "I have made sure that Yoritomo will not read the letter nor meet Yoshitsune. We cannot let them meet. If they do, Yoritomo will be moved by Yoshitsune because deep down, Yoritomo is really a person who yearns for sentiments. He is no different from Yoshitsune. He has simply suppress his to survive until now. We must cut off his bond to Yoshitsune."
Masako's brother ask what will happen if Yoshitsune is allowed into Kamakura. Tokimasa tells him that Kamakura might break into two opposing factions, since there are people who admire Yoshitsune since his achievements with the Heike.
Masako: "No, there is a worse fear. The two brothers may join hands and work together. With Yoritomo's strength and control over the samurai in the country and Yoshitsune's clever battle tactics and popularity with the masses, if they join hands, they will create a strong Genji empire. We cannot allow the Genji to become so powerful. This is for the sake of Kamakura (a samurai stonghold where warriors are bound to the lord but not by family ties) and also us, the Hojo clan."
(OH MY GOD, YOU EVIL WOMAN!! YOU FINALLY REVEAL YOUR TRUE COLOURS!! I wouldn't have known that you are MORE EVIL than I thought had I not paid attention to the dialouge... MY GOODNESS!!! AND YOU DARE PRETEND TO BE LOYAL TO YORITOMO??? Ultimately, you are just concerned about keeping the Hojo clan in power! *BASHES Masako left right up down front back in out* And I am beginning to see how this Kamakura govt that Yoritomo created works. The warriors pledge allegiance to Yoritomo not because they believe in him, but because they can be strong and powerful if they work with/for him. Great, this is just great. -__-)
Benkei tells Yoshitsune he is concerned about what is happening in Kamakura and intends to send Chidori to check it out. Yoshitsune tells him to be patient and wait.
Tomoyasu informs Go-Shirakawa that Yoshitsune has been refused entry into Kamakura by Yoritomo.
Hiromoto looks Yoritomo up and asks him what he intends to do with Munemori and son, since there is no point keeping them at Kamakura. Yoritomo says he may send them back to Go-Shirakawa and let him decide what to do with them. But it is still too early to do that. Then, unable to restrain himself anymore, he asks Hiromoto what Yoshitsune wrote in his letter. Hiromoto (who has been carrying the letter with him) passes the letter to Yoritomo and asks him to read it.
Hiromoto: "It is too heavy a burden for me to be the only one who knows the contents (and Yoshitsune's feelings). Please, take the letter."
In Koshigoe, Yoshitsune sees his kerai making baskets for the temple and hunting and praises them for their good skills. Kisanta accidentally makes a slip of his tongue.
Kisanta: "Well, we can't just stay here and do nothing. It will be a waste of time, so we thought why not help the temple by..."
Yoshitsune: "... ..."
The rest hurries to shut Kisanta up.
Kisanta: "Oh no! I don't mean to say that we are bored of staying here or anything..."
Yoshitsune: "I am sorry."
Kisanta: "Why are you apologizing to us?"
Yoshitsune: "For making all of you do these mundane things..."
Saburo gets angry (or at least, pretends to be) hearing that.
saburo: "My Lord, what are you saying?? I will get angry yo! We are your kerai! How can you apologize to us??"
No one takes Saburo seriously and Jiro makes fun of Saburo that he is becoming a "boiling crab" instead. (LMAO~)
Unable to watch their master wait in vain for news from Yoritomo, Saburo and the rest attempts to sneak to Kamakura in the night to find out what is happening but Benkei stops them.
Alone in the room, Yoshitsune rethinks the way of his life.
At the same time in Kamakura, Yoritomo is troubled over whether or not to read Yoshitsune's letter. Deep down, he is afraid of reading it.
In Koshigoe, Saburo suggests that there is no news from Kamakura maybe because the letter was never delivered. They should send someone to check with Hiromoto.
Yoshitsune: "No, we must not press Hiromoto. Perhaps the letter is already delivered to Yoritomo. And this no-reply is his reply. He is not replying to it because I am no longer of use to him."
Yoshitsune tells his kerai to be prepared that they may not be considered as Yoritomo's men soon and will become warriors without a master. Tadanobu reminds Yoshitsune that there is always Hiraizumi. Fujiwara Hidehira will definitely welcome them with open arms. However, Yoshitsune says they cannot return to Hiraizumi because that will make it seem like they are rebelling against Yoritomo.
Saburo: "Why still be bothered about what he thinks?"
Yoshitsune: "No! I don't want my brother... I don't want Lord Kamakura to misunderstand me."
(Note: Yoshitsune stops calling Yoritomo as his "brother" here.)
Benkei suddenly wants to make an announcement and the rest rush forward to try and stop him, worried that he might say something wrong like the last time.
Benkei: "We never think that we are without a master! We have our master! Our master is Kurou Yoshitsune!"
Yoshitsune is touched and the rest are relieved that for once, Benkei says something good.
One day, Yoritomo passes by the sea and realises that the headland in the distance is Koshigoe. He is reminded of Yoshitsune. Returning home, he finally makes up his mind to read the letter.
Yoshitsune expresses in the letter his sorrow at being rejected by his brother. Is the brotherly ties between them no more? He begs Yoritomo to give him a chance to talk to him himself.
(Flashback)
Yoshitsune meeting Yoritomo and calling him brother for the first time.
Yoshitsune: "I am a Genji. I am your brother. If he is your enemy, he is also my enemy. (refering to Kiyomori) From now on, this brotherly tie will be my strength and foundation."
(Yoritomo weeps when he finished reading Yoshitsune's letter. It touched him but he laments why Yoshitsune hold on to their brotherly bond so strongly. I think Yoritomo is in a dilemma himself. He built his Kamakura empire on the foundation of "reason over sentiment". So now he cannot simply forgive Yoshitsune even though he wants to, for that will seem like he is being unfair.)
Yoritomo: "Why do I feel so wretched inside? I shouldn't have read it..."
Days later, Yoritomo announces that his decision not to allow Yoshitsune into Kamakura is final. Masako is pleased.
One day, Tokimasa visits Yoshitsune and tells him that Yoritomo has ordered him to bring Munemori and his son back to Kyoto. He will not meet Yoshitsune afterall. Yoshitsune is extremely disappointed.
Alone in his room that night, Yoshitsune cries over his brother's cold treatment. His kerai worry about him inside but dare not enter the room. They wait for him outside the room throughout the night. (OK! I know Taiga is a loooooong drama, but how many times are they going to make Takki cry??!?!?!?!?!?? MOU IYAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! T-T KURUSHIIII~~~~)
Dawn breaks and Yoshitsune finally steps out of his room.
Yoshitsune: "There is nothing more we can do but leave."
Since they may never return to Kamakura (or Koshigoe for that matter), the kerai say their final farewell to Mokusuke, who has taken good care of them.
In another place, Benkei tells Chidori to look for another good man. The two cry in each other's arms realising that they may never meet again.
Munemori asks Yoshitsune for what reason did they come to Kamakura? Yoshitsune has no answer for him.
(Narration) Why did they go to Kamakura? The same question burns in Yoshitsune's heart. This is the last time Yoshitsune will set foot anywhere near Kamakura.
~End of Episode 40~
Hiromoto is shocked to receive Yoshitsune's letter and informs Masako. Masako instructs him not to alert Yoritomo but read the letter himself first.
Yoshitsune continues to wait for news from Kamakura in vain.
At one of the meetings in Kamakura, the topic of what to do with Yoshitsune is brought up. Masako suddenly suggests to Yoritomo to meet Yoshitsune much to everyone's surprise. Hiromoto is concerned what Go-Shirakawa will think if they meet.
Masako: "It's just two brothers meeting each other, what troubles can it possibly bring? Why think so much of it?"
Yoritomo: "From now on, do not think of us as brothers."
(Masako is so evil!!!! She knows Yoshitsune is bonded to Yoritomo because of the brotherly tie. And Yoritomo is troubled about what to do with Yoshitsune because of this very same tie. Yoritomo doesn't want the others to think he give preferential treatment to his own brother, so he tries to be strict with him. That is why Masako deliberately brings up this topic hoping that Yoritomo will announce, in front of all the others that he will not give special treatment to Yoshitsune. And of course, she got her way. So immediately after Yoritomo says that, she reveals the existence of the Koshigoe Petition that Yoritomo is still in the unknown of. And what is so evil about this? Because had Yoritomo read the petition before this meeting, he will definitely be moved by Yoshitsune, who pledge allegiance to Yoritomo precisely because they are brothers. Note: Masako prevented Hiromoto telling Yoritomo about the letter earlier. But now, no matter how sincere Yoshitsune is in his letter, Yoritomo cannot allow himself to be moved by it anymore, because he has announced in front of his other men that "brotherhood" is of no concern to him. I realised i'm talking in circles, but I hope you guys reading this get what I mean. Masako is truly SCHEMING!!!)
Masako: "Oh~ by the way, Hiromoto, didn't Yoshitsune send you a letter?"
(yeah, pretend somemore, you stupid baba!!)
Hiromoto is taken aback for a while, as Masako was the very one who told him not to let Yoritomo know about the letter.
Hiromoto: "Er.... hai."
Yoritomo glares at Hiromoto, as if angry that he is keeping things from him. Hiromoto confesses that the letter exists. Masako asks if Yoritomo wants to read the letter but he rejects it. (Well, what else can he say after he publicly announce that he no longer treats Yoshitsune as his brother one minute ago?!?)
Later in private, Masako tells her father and brother.
Masako: "I have made sure that Yoritomo will not read the letter nor meet Yoshitsune. We cannot let them meet. If they do, Yoritomo will be moved by Yoshitsune because deep down, Yoritomo is really a person who yearns for sentiments. He is no different from Yoshitsune. He has simply suppress his to survive until now. We must cut off his bond to Yoshitsune."
Masako's brother ask what will happen if Yoshitsune is allowed into Kamakura. Tokimasa tells him that Kamakura might break into two opposing factions, since there are people who admire Yoshitsune since his achievements with the Heike.
Masako: "No, there is a worse fear. The two brothers may join hands and work together. With Yoritomo's strength and control over the samurai in the country and Yoshitsune's clever battle tactics and popularity with the masses, if they join hands, they will create a strong Genji empire. We cannot allow the Genji to become so powerful. This is for the sake of Kamakura (a samurai stonghold where warriors are bound to the lord but not by family ties) and also us, the Hojo clan."
(OH MY GOD, YOU EVIL WOMAN!! YOU FINALLY REVEAL YOUR TRUE COLOURS!! I wouldn't have known that you are MORE EVIL than I thought had I not paid attention to the dialouge... MY GOODNESS!!! AND YOU DARE PRETEND TO BE LOYAL TO YORITOMO??? Ultimately, you are just concerned about keeping the Hojo clan in power! *BASHES Masako left right up down front back in out* And I am beginning to see how this Kamakura govt that Yoritomo created works. The warriors pledge allegiance to Yoritomo not because they believe in him, but because they can be strong and powerful if they work with/for him. Great, this is just great. -__-)
Benkei tells Yoshitsune he is concerned about what is happening in Kamakura and intends to send Chidori to check it out. Yoshitsune tells him to be patient and wait.
Tomoyasu informs Go-Shirakawa that Yoshitsune has been refused entry into Kamakura by Yoritomo.
Hiromoto looks Yoritomo up and asks him what he intends to do with Munemori and son, since there is no point keeping them at Kamakura. Yoritomo says he may send them back to Go-Shirakawa and let him decide what to do with them. But it is still too early to do that. Then, unable to restrain himself anymore, he asks Hiromoto what Yoshitsune wrote in his letter. Hiromoto (who has been carrying the letter with him) passes the letter to Yoritomo and asks him to read it.
Hiromoto: "It is too heavy a burden for me to be the only one who knows the contents (and Yoshitsune's feelings). Please, take the letter."
In Koshigoe, Yoshitsune sees his kerai making baskets for the temple and hunting and praises them for their good skills. Kisanta accidentally makes a slip of his tongue.
Kisanta: "Well, we can't just stay here and do nothing. It will be a waste of time, so we thought why not help the temple by..."
Yoshitsune: "... ..."
The rest hurries to shut Kisanta up.
Kisanta: "Oh no! I don't mean to say that we are bored of staying here or anything..."
Yoshitsune: "I am sorry."
Kisanta: "Why are you apologizing to us?"
Yoshitsune: "For making all of you do these mundane things..."
Saburo gets angry (or at least, pretends to be) hearing that.
saburo: "My Lord, what are you saying?? I will get angry yo! We are your kerai! How can you apologize to us??"
No one takes Saburo seriously and Jiro makes fun of Saburo that he is becoming a "boiling crab" instead. (LMAO~)
Unable to watch their master wait in vain for news from Yoritomo, Saburo and the rest attempts to sneak to Kamakura in the night to find out what is happening but Benkei stops them.
Alone in the room, Yoshitsune rethinks the way of his life.
At the same time in Kamakura, Yoritomo is troubled over whether or not to read Yoshitsune's letter. Deep down, he is afraid of reading it.
In Koshigoe, Saburo suggests that there is no news from Kamakura maybe because the letter was never delivered. They should send someone to check with Hiromoto.
Yoshitsune: "No, we must not press Hiromoto. Perhaps the letter is already delivered to Yoritomo. And this no-reply is his reply. He is not replying to it because I am no longer of use to him."
Yoshitsune tells his kerai to be prepared that they may not be considered as Yoritomo's men soon and will become warriors without a master. Tadanobu reminds Yoshitsune that there is always Hiraizumi. Fujiwara Hidehira will definitely welcome them with open arms. However, Yoshitsune says they cannot return to Hiraizumi because that will make it seem like they are rebelling against Yoritomo.
Saburo: "Why still be bothered about what he thinks?"
Yoshitsune: "No! I don't want my brother... I don't want Lord Kamakura to misunderstand me."
(Note: Yoshitsune stops calling Yoritomo as his "brother" here.)
Benkei suddenly wants to make an announcement and the rest rush forward to try and stop him, worried that he might say something wrong like the last time.
Benkei: "We never think that we are without a master! We have our master! Our master is Kurou Yoshitsune!"
Yoshitsune is touched and the rest are relieved that for once, Benkei says something good.
One day, Yoritomo passes by the sea and realises that the headland in the distance is Koshigoe. He is reminded of Yoshitsune. Returning home, he finally makes up his mind to read the letter.
Yoshitsune expresses in the letter his sorrow at being rejected by his brother. Is the brotherly ties between them no more? He begs Yoritomo to give him a chance to talk to him himself.
(Flashback)
Yoshitsune meeting Yoritomo and calling him brother for the first time.
Yoshitsune: "I am a Genji. I am your brother. If he is your enemy, he is also my enemy. (refering to Kiyomori) From now on, this brotherly tie will be my strength and foundation."
(Yoritomo weeps when he finished reading Yoshitsune's letter. It touched him but he laments why Yoshitsune hold on to their brotherly bond so strongly. I think Yoritomo is in a dilemma himself. He built his Kamakura empire on the foundation of "reason over sentiment". So now he cannot simply forgive Yoshitsune even though he wants to, for that will seem like he is being unfair.)
Yoritomo: "Why do I feel so wretched inside? I shouldn't have read it..."
Days later, Yoritomo announces that his decision not to allow Yoshitsune into Kamakura is final. Masako is pleased.
One day, Tokimasa visits Yoshitsune and tells him that Yoritomo has ordered him to bring Munemori and his son back to Kyoto. He will not meet Yoshitsune afterall. Yoshitsune is extremely disappointed.
Alone in his room that night, Yoshitsune cries over his brother's cold treatment. His kerai worry about him inside but dare not enter the room. They wait for him outside the room throughout the night. (OK! I know Taiga is a loooooong drama, but how many times are they going to make Takki cry??!?!?!?!?!?? MOU IYAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! T-T KURUSHIIII~~~~)
Dawn breaks and Yoshitsune finally steps out of his room.
Yoshitsune: "There is nothing more we can do but leave."
Since they may never return to Kamakura (or Koshigoe for that matter), the kerai say their final farewell to Mokusuke, who has taken good care of them.
In another place, Benkei tells Chidori to look for another good man. The two cry in each other's arms realising that they may never meet again.
Munemori asks Yoshitsune for what reason did they come to Kamakura? Yoshitsune has no answer for him.
(Narration) Why did they go to Kamakura? The same question burns in Yoshitsune's heart. This is the last time Yoshitsune will set foot anywhere near Kamakura.
~End of Episode 40~
