Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Yoshitsune #47: The Ataka Pass 安宅の関
Yoshitsune and his kerai continue their arduous journey towards Hiraizumi.
In Kamakura, Yoritomo suspects Yoshitsune is heading towards Hiraizumi, but has yet been able to pinpoint his location. His kerai remind him that Yoshitsune must be stopped at all cost before he has a chance to join hands with Fujiwara no Hidehira. Masako notices that Yoritomo's resoluteness to hunt down Yoshitsume seems to be shaking.
Arriving in Kaga, Yoshitsune and his kerai initially plan to use the sea route which will help them get to Hiraizumi faster. However, Yoritomo's men are guarding the coastline very tightly and they are unable to find a boat. They will have to take the more difficult route by land. Saburo manages to find a woodcutter who is willing to provide them with food and a shed as shelter for the night.
At the shed, Benkei shows the rest a scroll with a picture of Buddha that he drew. (I am not sure what it is really, but after that, Benkei was recalling how he met Yoshitsune at Gojo Bridge many years ago. How he resolved to follow him as his kerai after they sparred.) The woodcutter comes and visit them. Benkei, who is taking the role as leader of the group asks him how they can get to the north. The woodcutter tells them they have to go through the Ataka Pass, a checkpoint in Ataka. However, security seems to have step up there ever since Yoritomo issues a order to capture Yoshitsune.
Benkei: "Isn't there another way?"
Woodcutter: "There is another way through the eastern mountains, but in this weather, it will be a very harsh journey."
Benkei: "No other way?"
Woodcutter: "Until summer, there is no other way."
Yoshitsune has to make a tough decision whether to go by Ataka or take the mountain route.
The next morning, the woodcutter's wife brings the men food and Yoshitsune realises it is Tomoe, the late Yoshinaka's lover. After Yoshinaka was killed, she had wandered around aimlessly in the forest and fainted. It was the woodcutter who saved her life. Now she is known as Moyo and is married to the woodcutter with a baby girl. Yoshitsune is glad to know that she has survived the ordeal and has become a mother with a happy family.
Moyo: "I am glad to be living."
Yoshitsune: "Really?"
Moyo: "You are the one who made me live. In front of where they hung Yoshinaka's head, you asked me to forget my grief and hatred."
Moyo thanks Yoshitsune for saving her life then. Before leaving, she encourages Yoshitsune.
Moyo: "Do not give up. Persevere and you will find a way."
Returning to the shed, the kerai are happily talking about what they are going to when they reach Hiraizumi and build their dream country. Jiro wants to invite his buddies from his childhood days to Hiraizumi and work for Yoshitsune. Saburo wants to find a wife and bear a son, then teach his son archery in front of their house. Yoshihisa wants to call for his sister to join him. (Seems like Saburo holds a torch for his sister. LOL~) Benkei wants to get Mokusuke and Chihiro over too. And Kisanta wants to marry Utsubo and have a happy family just like the woodcutter. Yoshitsune is touched to hear all their dreams, because that means they believe in him and his dream. Kisanta tells Yoshitsune Shizuka will definitely join them someday. (Gaaah, setsunaaaiii... knowing that their dreams will never... ... ... T-T *wails*) With that, Yoshitsune makes us his mind.
Yoshitsune: "We will go through Ataka."
The next day, they leave for the checkpoint. The deputy head of the checkpoint asks to see proof that they are really yamabushi from Mt Hiei. Benkei shows him the letter written by the head monk of Enryakuji Temple, previously given to him by Otoku. The deputy head is satisfied and lets them pass. Just as they are about to leave, the head of Ataka Pass, Togashi no Yasuie arrives. Although appearing like a drunkard, Togashi is a very sharp man. (Oh my gawd, this entire scene i'm like holding my breathe!! Kinchou, kinchou!! *sweatdrop*) He notices that they seem to be in a hurry to leave, unlike other yamabushi who often take the chance to rest their legs. He interrogates them for the longest time. Anxious to get away, Benkei lies that they are actually in a hurry to go to Mt Haguro to raise money for the rebuilding of Buddhist sanctum of Todaiji Temple. Hearing that, Togashi asks Benkei to show him the “kanjincho,” a record book of fund-raising. (*sweatdrop*) The men are stumped for a moment, because that they do not have. Benkei realises he cannot hesitate as they will put them under suspicion.
Benkei: "The kanjincho is a important holy item, we cannot just show it to anyone!"
Togashi: "In that case, let's hear it!"
Benkei: "Hear?"
Togashi: "If you will not even let me hear its contents, I will have to retain your group for suspicious behaviour. How about that?"
Benkei realises he has no choice but to accept the request. He takes out the scroll that he showed the rest at the woodcutter's shed. Benkei starts reading from the scroll, which is actually blank! (Apparently the "kanjincho" is not just any record book, but something really holy, as it cannot be seen by just anyone and everyone has to kneel in respect when Benkei reads it.) Togashi has nothing to say after Benkei read the scroll. The group gets up to leave when something catches Togashi's eyes and he stops Yoshitsune. (*SWEATDROP*) Togashi notices Shizuka's flute that Yoshitsune is carrying. This is a most strange and unlikely item to be found on a yamabushi. He starts to suspect that Yoshitsune is an imposter. With quick thinking, Benkei throws Shizuka's flute on the ground and starts reprimanding Yoshitsune.
Benkei: "You are stealing things again!? How many times have I warned you??"
Benkei starts beating Yoshitsune real hard to the shock of the rest of the kerai and even Togashi. (@_@!!!!!! OH MY GAWD!!! YAMETE!!!!! OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!! STOP HITTING HIM!!!! YAMENASAAIII!!! IYAAAAA~~~~~~~~ THIS IS SOOOOO *PAINFUL* TO WATCH!!!! YAMETEEEE!!! NANITOZO YAMETE!!!! IMA SUGU YAMENASAI!!!!! *CRIES*) Yoshitsune apologises for stealing again but Benkei continues to beat him and tramples on Shizuka's flute. (IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOU~~~~~~ BENKEI-SAMA!!!!! MUST YOU BE SOOO CONVINCING???? Why can't you just kick away the flute???? IYAAA~~~~ THAT IS SHIZUKA'S O-MAMORI TO YOSHITSUNE YO!!! *WAILS*) The other kerai watches on in pain, but unable to do anything. Yoshitsune tolerates the beating without a word. Finally, Togashi stops Benkei. Touched by what he saw, he encourages Yoshitsune and urges him not to steal again. (Can't really catch what Togashi said here, but he gave his sake bottle to Yoshitsune. I think like asking him to drink sake instead to divert his attention whenever he feels like stealing?? But Togashi was really sincere to Yoshitsune. He seems to sympathise with him. And Takki's expression is SUPER CONVINCING HERE!!!!!!!) He finally lets the group go. The kerai hurries to help Yoshitsune up and leaves. When they are out of sight...
Togashi: "Kuro-dono..." (what Yoshitsune is also called)
Togashi bows and stares at the broken flute on the ground. (Ehhhh~~~~????? That DEFINITELY means Togashi knows that he *is* Yoshitsune after all!! But still he lets them go. He must be really touched by what he saw, how Benkei must have felt to beat up his own master, and Yoshitsune's perseverance in the face of hard times. I am sure he respects Yoshitsune too and wouldn't have wanted to capture him if not for Yoritomo's order. STILL, this is a uber SETSUNAI scene!!!!!!! I was gaping at the TV with watery eyes throughout Yoshitsune's beating!!! *WAILS* NO WONDER MATSUKEN WANTED TO APOLOGISE TO TAKKI FANS AFTER THEY SHOT THIS SCENE!! He was asking Takki's fans not to hate him... Now I know why... Yoshitsune/Takki, Otsukare sama deshita!!)
When they are out of Ataka, Benkei cries and begs Yoshitsune for forgiveness. All the kerai cries with Benkei. Yoshitsune of course does not blame Benkei.
Yoshitsune: "Benkei, your pain is my pain. It is also everyone's pain. Don't carry the burden yourself. I forgive you."
（とっても、とっても、感動致しました。）
~End of Episode 47~
In Kamakura, Yoritomo suspects Yoshitsune is heading towards Hiraizumi, but has yet been able to pinpoint his location. His kerai remind him that Yoshitsune must be stopped at all cost before he has a chance to join hands with Fujiwara no Hidehira. Masako notices that Yoritomo's resoluteness to hunt down Yoshitsume seems to be shaking.
Arriving in Kaga, Yoshitsune and his kerai initially plan to use the sea route which will help them get to Hiraizumi faster. However, Yoritomo's men are guarding the coastline very tightly and they are unable to find a boat. They will have to take the more difficult route by land. Saburo manages to find a woodcutter who is willing to provide them with food and a shed as shelter for the night.
At the shed, Benkei shows the rest a scroll with a picture of Buddha that he drew. (I am not sure what it is really, but after that, Benkei was recalling how he met Yoshitsune at Gojo Bridge many years ago. How he resolved to follow him as his kerai after they sparred.) The woodcutter comes and visit them. Benkei, who is taking the role as leader of the group asks him how they can get to the north. The woodcutter tells them they have to go through the Ataka Pass, a checkpoint in Ataka. However, security seems to have step up there ever since Yoritomo issues a order to capture Yoshitsune.
Benkei: "Isn't there another way?"
Woodcutter: "There is another way through the eastern mountains, but in this weather, it will be a very harsh journey."
Benkei: "No other way?"
Woodcutter: "Until summer, there is no other way."
Yoshitsune has to make a tough decision whether to go by Ataka or take the mountain route.
The next morning, the woodcutter's wife brings the men food and Yoshitsune realises it is Tomoe, the late Yoshinaka's lover. After Yoshinaka was killed, she had wandered around aimlessly in the forest and fainted. It was the woodcutter who saved her life. Now she is known as Moyo and is married to the woodcutter with a baby girl. Yoshitsune is glad to know that she has survived the ordeal and has become a mother with a happy family.
Moyo: "I am glad to be living."
Yoshitsune: "Really?"
Moyo: "You are the one who made me live. In front of where they hung Yoshinaka's head, you asked me to forget my grief and hatred."
Moyo thanks Yoshitsune for saving her life then. Before leaving, she encourages Yoshitsune.
Moyo: "Do not give up. Persevere and you will find a way."
Returning to the shed, the kerai are happily talking about what they are going to when they reach Hiraizumi and build their dream country. Jiro wants to invite his buddies from his childhood days to Hiraizumi and work for Yoshitsune. Saburo wants to find a wife and bear a son, then teach his son archery in front of their house. Yoshihisa wants to call for his sister to join him. (Seems like Saburo holds a torch for his sister. LOL~) Benkei wants to get Mokusuke and Chihiro over too. And Kisanta wants to marry Utsubo and have a happy family just like the woodcutter. Yoshitsune is touched to hear all their dreams, because that means they believe in him and his dream. Kisanta tells Yoshitsune Shizuka will definitely join them someday. (Gaaah, setsunaaaiii... knowing that their dreams will never... ... ... T-T *wails*) With that, Yoshitsune makes us his mind.
Yoshitsune: "We will go through Ataka."
The next day, they leave for the checkpoint. The deputy head of the checkpoint asks to see proof that they are really yamabushi from Mt Hiei. Benkei shows him the letter written by the head monk of Enryakuji Temple, previously given to him by Otoku. The deputy head is satisfied and lets them pass. Just as they are about to leave, the head of Ataka Pass, Togashi no Yasuie arrives. Although appearing like a drunkard, Togashi is a very sharp man. (Oh my gawd, this entire scene i'm like holding my breathe!! Kinchou, kinchou!! *sweatdrop*) He notices that they seem to be in a hurry to leave, unlike other yamabushi who often take the chance to rest their legs. He interrogates them for the longest time. Anxious to get away, Benkei lies that they are actually in a hurry to go to Mt Haguro to raise money for the rebuilding of Buddhist sanctum of Todaiji Temple. Hearing that, Togashi asks Benkei to show him the “kanjincho,” a record book of fund-raising. (*sweatdrop*) The men are stumped for a moment, because that they do not have. Benkei realises he cannot hesitate as they will put them under suspicion.
Benkei: "The kanjincho is a important holy item, we cannot just show it to anyone!"
Togashi: "In that case, let's hear it!"
Benkei: "Hear?"
Togashi: "If you will not even let me hear its contents, I will have to retain your group for suspicious behaviour. How about that?"
Benkei realises he has no choice but to accept the request. He takes out the scroll that he showed the rest at the woodcutter's shed. Benkei starts reading from the scroll, which is actually blank! (Apparently the "kanjincho" is not just any record book, but something really holy, as it cannot be seen by just anyone and everyone has to kneel in respect when Benkei reads it.) Togashi has nothing to say after Benkei read the scroll. The group gets up to leave when something catches Togashi's eyes and he stops Yoshitsune. (*SWEATDROP*) Togashi notices Shizuka's flute that Yoshitsune is carrying. This is a most strange and unlikely item to be found on a yamabushi. He starts to suspect that Yoshitsune is an imposter. With quick thinking, Benkei throws Shizuka's flute on the ground and starts reprimanding Yoshitsune.
Benkei: "You are stealing things again!? How many times have I warned you??"
Benkei starts beating Yoshitsune real hard to the shock of the rest of the kerai and even Togashi. (@_@!!!!!! OH MY GAWD!!! YAMETE!!!!! OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!! STOP HITTING HIM!!!! YAMENASAAIII!!! IYAAAAA~~~~~~~~ THIS IS SOOOOO *PAINFUL* TO WATCH!!!! YAMETEEEE!!! NANITOZO YAMETE!!!! IMA SUGU YAMENASAI!!!!! *CRIES*) Yoshitsune apologises for stealing again but Benkei continues to beat him and tramples on Shizuka's flute. (IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOU~~~~~~ BENKEI-SAMA!!!!! MUST YOU BE SOOO CONVINCING???? Why can't you just kick away the flute???? IYAAA~~~~ THAT IS SHIZUKA'S O-MAMORI TO YOSHITSUNE YO!!! *WAILS*) The other kerai watches on in pain, but unable to do anything. Yoshitsune tolerates the beating without a word. Finally, Togashi stops Benkei. Touched by what he saw, he encourages Yoshitsune and urges him not to steal again. (Can't really catch what Togashi said here, but he gave his sake bottle to Yoshitsune. I think like asking him to drink sake instead to divert his attention whenever he feels like stealing?? But Togashi was really sincere to Yoshitsune. He seems to sympathise with him. And Takki's expression is SUPER CONVINCING HERE!!!!!!!) He finally lets the group go. The kerai hurries to help Yoshitsune up and leaves. When they are out of sight...
Togashi: "Kuro-dono..." (what Yoshitsune is also called)
Togashi bows and stares at the broken flute on the ground. (Ehhhh~~~~????? That DEFINITELY means Togashi knows that he *is* Yoshitsune after all!! But still he lets them go. He must be really touched by what he saw, how Benkei must have felt to beat up his own master, and Yoshitsune's perseverance in the face of hard times. I am sure he respects Yoshitsune too and wouldn't have wanted to capture him if not for Yoritomo's order. STILL, this is a uber SETSUNAI scene!!!!!!! I was gaping at the TV with watery eyes throughout Yoshitsune's beating!!! *WAILS* NO WONDER MATSUKEN WANTED TO APOLOGISE TO TAKKI FANS AFTER THEY SHOT THIS SCENE!! He was asking Takki's fans not to hate him... Now I know why... Yoshitsune/Takki, Otsukare sama deshita!!)
When they are out of Ataka, Benkei cries and begs Yoshitsune for forgiveness. All the kerai cries with Benkei. Yoshitsune of course does not blame Benkei.
Yoshitsune: "Benkei, your pain is my pain. It is also everyone's pain. Don't carry the burden yourself. I forgive you."
（とっても、とっても、感動致しました。）
~End of Episode 47~
// posted by snuffles @ 2:06 AM 
