Komyo ga Tsuji/Synopsis Eps 1-30

Synopsis By Episode

• Komyo ga Tsuji/Synopsis Eps 31-49

Episodes 1 thru 10

Episode 1 - 桶狭間 (Okehazama) - 19.8

In 1560 in Omi, current Shiga Prefecture. Chiyo is the daughter of a samurai who serves the feudal lord Asai. The time is the Age of the Civil War and the lord Asai has been fighting small battles against the lord of the neighboring domain. During a battle in the year, Chiyo’s father is killed and Chiyo escapes to the mountains with her mother. Losing her mother as well during the escape, Chiyo wanders around alone. When she comes to a river bank in Owari, a region which is a part of present Aichi Prefecture, Chiyo meets a down-and-out warrior Kazutoyo Yamauchi. Kazutoyo has been roaming about looking for a lord to serve and waiting for the opportunity to take revenge on Nobunaga Oda, a feudal lord based in Owari, for his father’s death. Kazutoyo advises Chiyo to visit his mother who has been taking refuge with a friend. After he parts from Chiyo, Kazutoyo becomes acquainted with Tokichiro Kinoshita, who later becomes Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Urged by Tokichiro to see how Nobunaga fights a battle, Kazutoyo goes to Okehazama where Nobunaga is preparing for a fight against Yoshimoto Imagawa, a feudal lord who leads a great army.

Episode 2 - 決別の河 (A River of Farewell) - 22.7

Kazutoyo comes to see his mother to ask for her permission to serve Nobunaga Oda because Nobunaga has caused his father’s death. At his mother’s place, Kazutoyo meets Chiyo again. Chiyo tells him that she soon will leave for Mino, a region which is a part of current Gifu Prefecture, to stay with her mother’s relatives. Knowing that Nobunaga is going to invade Mino, Kazutoyo tries to stop her but Chiyo is determined. Chiyo leaves Owari for Mino. Before long, Nobunaga begins to make inroads into Mino. The battle lingers as the commanders of the both sides, Hanbe Takenaka for Mino and Tokichiro for Owari, hold their respective forts with sharp tactics. A few years pass. One day, Chiyo visits a strategic point with Hanbe and happens to find Kazutoyo at the other side of the border river.

Episode 3 - 運命の再会 (The Fateful Encounter) - 22.6

Rokuheita, one of Chiyo’s old acquaintances from Omi, comes to see Chiyo. Hearing that he has acquired espionage skills, Chiyo asks him to see if Kazutoyo is fine in Owari. Around that time, Tokichiro is given the name Hideyoshi by his master Nobunaga and Kazutoyo, who has been working as Tokichiro’s right-hand man, is officially admitted by Nobunaga to be a Tokichiro’s retainer. One day, Kazutoyo accompanies Hideyoshi on a visit to Hanbe Takenaka, who has protected the domain of Mino from Nobunaga’s attacks. Hideyoshi tries to persuade Hanbe to side Nobunaga, but Hanbe declines the offer. In Mino, Kazutoyo meets Chiyo who has matured into a beautiful woman. Since then, Kazutoyo cannot stop thinking about her. After a while, Hideyoshi receives a letter from Hanbe which asks him to visit Hanbe with Kazutoyo. At Hanbe’s place, Kazutoyo finds Chiyo waiting for him.

Episode 4 - 炎の中の抱擁 (An Embrace Amidst Flames) - 22.0

At Hanbe’s place in Mino, Chiyo and Kazutoyo express their feelings to each other. Although they find they care about one another, the two have to be parted since Kazutoyo works for Nobunaga who is trying to seize Mino while Chiyo lives as the adopted daughter of a samurai family of Mino. Meanwhile, Hanbe changes his mind and decides to side Nobunaga. Nobunaga prepares to attack the major castle of Mino, gaining other warlords to his side as well. Chiyo and her aunt’s family shut themselves in the castle with other retainers of Mino. Hearing Nobunaga’s order to kill everybody in the castle even women and children, Kazutoyo is worried about Chiyo. The impregnable castle does not fall easily, which makes Nobunaga irritated. Hanbe tells Nobunaga about a secret path into the castle and at the same time he secretly urges Kazutoyo to getting into the castle first to save Chiyo.

Episode 5 - 新妻の誓い (A New Wife's Vow) - 21.5

Having become a married couple and started living together, Chiyo and Kazutoyo talk with each other a lot every night. Hearing Kazutoyo’s dream to become a feudal lord, Chiyo decides to pursue his dream together. Around that time, Nobunaga prepares to draw to his side the Azai family, a feudal lord in Omi. Ichi, Nobunaga’s younger sister, volunteers to be married into the Azai family to make them the Oda family’s relatives by marriage. Since Chiyo is originally from Omi, Ichi visits her to ask about the region.

Episode 6 - 山内家旗揚げ (The Yamauchi Family Banner) - 21.8

Shinemon Sofue, one of Kazutoyo’s retainers, moves into Kazutoyo’s house together with his wife and seven children. Feeding Shinemon’s family makes the household budget of Kazutoyo hard-pressed. Chiyo skips her meals to make ends meet. One day, Kazutoyo finds Chiyo collapsed from hunger. Moved by how well Chiyo cares for his retainer’s family and wanting to reward her efforts, Kazutoyo goes hunting and prepares a boar stew for Chiyo, his retainers and Shinemon’s family. In July 1568, Kazutoyo and his followers leave for Kyoto accompanying Nobunaga and his great army. Before his departure, Chiyo hands Kazutoyo a flag on which she has embroidered the crest of the Yamauchi family.

Episode 7 - 妻の覚悟 (A Wife's Preparation) - 21.9

Nobunaga suddenly visits the main castle of the Azai family accompanied by only a few attendants. Nagamasa Azai, Ichi’s husband, stops his father and retainers who insist on assassinating Nobunaga. Meanwhile, Shinemon’s wife Fune suffers a miscarriage and dies. Chiyo listens to Fune’s last words that her death must be kept secret from her husband in the battlefield, finding the way how samurai’s wife should be. Next spring, Nobunaga appoints Hideyoshi one of the officials governing Kyoto. Having no choice since he is working for Hideyoshi, Kazutoyo stays in the capital as well.

Episode 8 - 命懸けの功名 (A Deadly Feat) - 20.8

Nobunaga starts a battle against the Asakura family who has been allied with the Azai family. During the battle, Kazutoyo achieves a great feat of defeating a renowned warrior of the enemy, despite suffering a severe wound in the face. Although his army is sweeping all before them, Nobunaga decides to retreat since Ichi secretly lets him know that her husband Nagamasa Azai is taking part in the battle to support Asakura. Hideyoshi volunteers to bring up the rear, resolutely prepared to die if necessary. Despite his deep wound, Kazutoyo asks Hideyoshi to let him join the rearguard.

Episode 9 - 初めての浮気 (His First Affair) - 20.3

Despite great loss of soldiers, Hideyoshi and his followers fulfill their duties as the rearguard and return to Kyoto. Kazutoyo, who fought in spite of his wound, gains a pay raise for his achievement in the battle. Kazutoyo stays at a hut in a temple compound with his retainers for a while, waiting for the wound to heal. One day, a young woman comes to the temple looking for someone. The woman, Korin, ends up staying at the hut with them.

Episode 10 - 戦場に消えた夫 (Kazutoyo Disappears in Battle) - 20.5

Hearing Kazutoyo’s confession that he had an affair, Chiyo cries aloud. Becoming unable to stand the awkwardness between her and Kazutoyo, Chiyo goes to stay with her uncle and aunt in Mino. When Chiyo’s uncle is thundering out at Chiyo to go back, they hear a conch shell horn sound to call out troops. Chiyo hurries back home, but too late to see off Kazutoyo. Chiyo is afraid that something wrong may happen to Kazutoyo and learns her worry has become a reality when she hears that Kazutoyo has gone missing during the battle.

Episodes 11 thru 20

Episode 11 - 仏法の敵 () - 21.3

A few days after he returned safely to Chiyo, Kazutoyo heads for Omi with Hideyoshi and other soldiers to watch for the Azai family’s movements. Around that time, Nobunaga’s enemies begin surrounding his dominion from west and north. The Azai and Asakura families also deploy their armies in Mount Hiei. Nobunaga approaches Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the School of Tendai Buddhism that rules the mountain, with a demand to force his enemies off or stay neutral at least. The temple sends no reply and Nobunaga is driven into a corner. Meanwhile, Chiyo spends days teaching Hideyoshi’s nephew reading and writing, asked by Hideyoshi’s wife, Nene.

Episode 12 - 信玄の影 () - 17.2

Kazutoyo and Hideyoshi’s troops continue staying in Omi for quite a long time containing the Azai family’s main troops. To turn the tide, Hideyoshi attempts to gain a local ruling family on their side by offering them his nephew as a hostage. At the nephew’s departure, Chiyo tells him to be strong and outlive any hardships. Around that time, Shingen Takeda, the influential lord of Kai, advances his troops west defeating the army of Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of Nobunaga’s right hands. Being attacked from east by Shingen and from west by Yoshiaki Ashikaga, Nobunaga is put in a predicament. One day, however, word comes that Shingen has died.

Episode 13 - 小谷落城 (The Shadow of Shingen) - 20.1

Nobunaga is going to launch an all-out attack on the Azai family’s castle. Going inside the castle as a member of the vanguard led by Hideyoshi, Kazutoyo sees Ichi. She is determined to die with her husband Nagamasa, the head of the Azai family, but Hideyoshi changes Ichi’s mind by promising her to spare the life of the couple’s only son. As soon as Ichi and her children escape from the castle, the Oda army starts full-scale attack and Nagamasa kills himself in the castle. Despite Hideyoshi’s promise with Ichi, Nobunaga orders to kill Nagamasa’s son. Assigned the task, Kazutoyo opposes but the crucifixion is carried out.

Episode 14 - 一番出世 (First to Succeed) - 20.9

Gaining the northern part of Omi as his dominion, Hideyoshi starts to build a new castle in Nagahama. Kazutoyo also receives a pay raise, but that makes him feel loneliness since his comrades whose salaries have become much lower than his keep some distance from him. One day, Chiyo is called by Nene, who rails about Hideyoshi’s girl-chasing. Happening to meet Hideyoshi’s mother the other day, Chiyo tells the mother Nene’s suffering.

Episode 15 - 妻対女 (Wife Versus Women) - 21.7

Shinemon, one of Kazutoyo’s loyal retainers, asks Kazutoyo to allow his retirement. Chiyo makes arrangements so that Shinemon will be able to be around Kazutoyo and offer advice as before. Meanwhile, Rokuheita becomes a guest retainer of the Yamauchi family, pretending to be a masterless gunner. To Kazutoyo’s surprise, Rokuheita brings with him Korin, the young woman with whom Kazutoyo had an affair in Kyoto.

Episode 16 - 長篠の悲劇 (Tragedy at Nagashino) - 20.8

Nobunaga leads his army to Nagashino to help Ieyasu who has been fighting with the Takeda family’s army there. Hearing Nobunaga’s tactics to build a long fence in the battlefield, Hideyoshi decides to take his sister’s husband Gensuke with him as he is a good carpenter. Ordered by Hideyoshi, Kazutoyo calls up Gensuke. However, Chiyo opposes the idea of taking Gensuke to the battlefield since Kazutoyo has once promised Hideyoshi’ sister not to make her husband go to the war front.

Episode 17 - 新しきいのち (A New Life) - 20.8

While Kazutoyo has been away fighting in battles or building a castle, Chiyo gives birth to a baby girl. Chiyo names the baby Yone. A year later, Kazutoyo comes back home in Nagahama. Kazutoyo is happy to see Yone, but the daughter is afraid of the father whom she sees for the first time. Meanwhile, Chiyo visits Hideyoshi’s sister, who has remarried and has been heavy-hearted since then.

Episode 18 - 秀吉謀反 (Hideyoshi Rebels) - 19.8

Nobunaga gives Hideyoshi a strict order not to leave his home, as punishment for leaving the battlefield without permission. If Nobunaga suspects that Hideyoshi intends to rebel against him, Hideyoshi and his followers including Kazutoyo will be executed. Worrying about the possibility, Chiyo leaves her daughter Yone to the care of Kazutoyo’s mother. Around that time, Hideyoshi indulges himself in partying—following Hanbe Takenaka’s advice on how to show Nobunaga that he has no intention of rebelling.

Episode 19 - 天魔信長 (Demon Nobunaga) - 20.6

Kazutoyo is in Harima with Hideyoshi’s army, confronting the army of a warlord who rose against Nobunaga. Rokuheita, who is spying for one of Nobunaga’s enemies, tempts Kazutoyo to betray Nobunaga saying Nobunaga’s rule will soon collapse from within. Meanwhile, Chiyo spends days with Yone, cherishing the two-year-old daughter and wishing that she leads a peaceful life.

Episode 20 - 迷うが人 (To Waver is Human) - 20.9

Another warlord revolts against Nobunaga. Kanbe Kuroda, one of Nobunaga’s retainers, goes to the warlord’s castle for persuasion but he suddenly becomes unable to be contacted. Suspecting Kanbe’s betrayal, Nobunaga commands Hideyoshi to kill Kanbe’s son. As the son has been taken care of by Chiyo at the Yamauchi’s residence in Nagahama, Kazutoyo unwillingly heads to his home by order of Hideyoshi. Soon it turns out that Kanbe have been confined in the rebel’s castle. Kazutoyo tells Nobunaga that Kanbe’s son is alive, having been hidden by Chiyo.

Episodes 21 thru 30

Episode 21 - 開運の馬 (The Horse of Fortune) - 20.4

Kazutoyo and Chiyo are given a house in Azuchi, a part of current Shiga Prefecture, where Nobunaga has built a castle. One morning, Kazutoyo tells Chiyo about a great horse he has seen at a horse fair—he liked the horse at first sight but it is inconceivably expensive for him. To Chiyo’s surprise, the price is exactly the same as the amount of money she was given by her uncle when she got married. Bringing the money from the house in Nagahama, Chiyo hands it to Kazutoyo. The rumor that Kazutoyo has obtained a splendid horse passes from mouth to mouth and it reaches Nobunaga’s ears as well. Nobunaga calls the couple to his castle and praises the brilliant way Chiyo used the money for her husband.

Episode 22 - 光秀転落 (The Fall of Mitsuhide) - 21.2

Kazutoyo is at the front line with Hideyoshi’s army, which is trying to flood the castle of one of the Mori family’s retainers. Chiyo writes about what is happening back home almost every day to Kazutoyo. Meanwhile, Nobunaga is in his glory, having fulfilled his ambition to beat the Takeda family. Hearing Nobunaga say he is going to show the Imperial court that he is the "king," Mitsuhide remonstrates with his master not to slight the Imperial court. Nobunaga orders Mitsuhide to make preparations to entertain Ieyasu. At the banquet for Ieyasu, Nobunaga reviles Mitsuhide saying he has served rotten fish and confiscates his dominions.

Episode 23 - 本能寺 (Honno-ji Temple) - 24.1

Mitsuhide raises a rebellion against Nobunaga and makes an attack on him at Honnoji Temple in Kyoto. Nobunaga fights back with a gun at first, but kills himself in the end. In Nagahama, Chiyo supports Nene in helping people escape from the town, hearing that Mitsuhide’s army is expected to launch an assault on the castle town. Hideyoshi, who has been trying to capture a castle of the Mori family, learns his master’s death through a Mori’s messenger Kazutoyo catches.

Episode 24 - 蝶の夢 (A Dream) - 21.1

In the battle at Yamazaki, Hideyoshi’s troops overwhelm Mitsuhide’s army. Mitsuhide flees to Omi and Kazutoyo chases him. When Kazutoyo catches up with him and asks him why he revolted against Nobunaga, Mitsuhide is killed by another soldier. Kazutoyo goes to a temple in the mountains to save Chiyo and others who have been sheltering themselves. After coming back to Nagahama, Chiyo learns the tragic fate of Mitsuhide’s wife and daughters. Meanwhile, the retainers of Nobunaga gather to decide which of the dead master’s possible successors will be the heir to the Oda family.

Episode 25 - 吉兵衛の恋 (Kichibei's Love) - 21.9

Chiyo is called over by Ichi, who bids her a last farewell as she remarries Hideyoshi’s rival Katsuie Shibata. Kazutoyo gets a pay raise for his achievements in the battle at Yamazaki and hires new retainers and servants. Kichibe, one of Kazutoyo’s old retainers, takes care of those who are newly employed. One day, Chiyo hears a rumor that Kichibe is in love with one of the new housemaids. Making sure of Kichibe’s feeling, Chiyo thinks out a plan to bring the two together.

Episode 26 - 功名の旗 (The Flag of Distinguishment) - 20.2

Hideyoshi launches an attack on one of the Oda retainers. For Kazutoyo and his fellows, this is a chance to perform feats and be promoted. Kazutoyo and his retainers besiege the enemy’s castle. However, Kazutoyo allows the enemy’s breakthrough, which enrages Hideyoshi. Kichibe, one of Kazutoyo’s senior retainers, blames himself thinking it is his fault that the foe has breached their defenses. Next morning, Kichibe spearheads the vanguard in an all-out attack on the castle, determined to make up for the disgrace. Fighting in the middle of the enemy, he gets heavily injured and dies in his master’s arms. Chiyo grieves at the news of Kichibe’s death.

Episode 27 - 落城の母娘 (The Fallen Castle) - 21.1

Hearing Hideyoshi’s attack, Katsuie Shibata, a high-ranking Oda retainer, defies Hideyoshi with military action. The troops of the two fight against each other at Shizugatake Mountain. During the battle, Kazutoyo feels being ignored by Hidesyoshi since his master has given important positions to younger followers. After a stalemate, Hideyoshi plays a trick and beats Katsuie. Kazutoyo goes into the castle to save Ichi, who has married to Katsuie. Entrusting her three daughters to Kazutoyo, Ichi commits suicide together with her husband.

Episode 28 - 出世脱落 (Falling Off the Ladder of Success) - 20.9

Having finished his fight to obtain the highest position among the Oda retainers, Hideyoshi grants rewards to his followers. While his fellows are given castles and become feudal lords, Kazutoyo receives only a small raise. Being unaware of Hideyoshi’s real intention, Kazutoyo gets frustrated and tells Chiyo that he would quit serving for Hideyoshi. Feeling disappointed a little with Kazutoyo but at the same time attached to the man who never loses his tender heart, Chiyo goes to see Kazutoyo’s mother for a talk. Meanwhile, Chacha, one of Ichi’s daughters and now Hideyoshi’s new concubine, openly competes against Nene.

Episode 29 - 家康恐るべし (Beware of Ieyasu) - 22.9

Hideyoshi starts constructing a castle in Osaka. Suspecting that Hideyoshi is building the castle for Chacha, Nene orders Chiyo to sound her out. Having already known Chacha’s intention to take revenge on Hideyoshi, Chiyo faces a dilemma. Around that time, Ieyasu Tokugawa, who has expanded his domain in the east, suddenly raises an army against Hideyoshi.

Episode 30 - 一城の主 (A Lord of a Castle) - 20.6

Kazutoyo finally becomes a feudal lord, given Nagahama Castle by his master Hideyoshi. Chiyo is delighted that Kazutoyo has fulfilled his promise he made on the night of their marriage. To add to their joy, Kazutoyo’s younger brother Yasutoyo, who has been missing after the Incident at Honnoji Temple, pays a visit to them. For some little time, the Yamauchi family lives in peace, together at Nagahama.

• Komyo ga Tsuji/Synopsis Eps 31-49