SW3 Empires Takeda Story Path translation
Only one more left after this! Perhaps I might even finish it before SW4 is out :D
Notes:
1. Japanese script (transcribed from the game by me) here.
2. It's been a while since I played this story, so I don't remember exactly where each chapter begins and ends, and where the cutscenes fit in. I kinda guessed based on the battles and chapter titles but I might have gotten some of them wrong. The events are in the correct order though.
3. Shingen's main motivation is to rule the land through the Kingly Way. This character theme has been in place as early as SW2 (I can't verify for SW1) but hasn't been explained in the localised versions, probably because "Kingly Way" looks like a really awkward translation. I'm keeping it as "Kingly Way" in this translation because I don't know what's a better way to translate it and I think it's kinda important to roughly know what it is given the events in this story mode.
I quote from here:
In the Confucian political tradition, ba dao 覇道 (Hegemonic Rule) is commonly identified as a mode of statecraft squarely opposed to the Kingly Way (wang dao 王道), an ideal statecraft relying on virtue and rites… "One who uses force while borrowing from benevolence will become the leader of the feudal lords … [whereas] one who puts benevolence into effect through the transforming influence of moral virtue will become a true King" …
4. As usual, let me know if there are any mistakes!
Chapter 1: Father-Son Rivalry
Cutscene: (this video has all three cutscenes that appear in the story mode)
Nobutora: "Think of the people"?
Nobutora: This weakling of a son, spouting hypocritical nonsense again.
Nobutora: Eat this, son.
Shingen: Yes, Father.
Nobutora: Weakling!
Nobutora: In this era of chaos, the Takeda clan would be ruined if it were to be left in the hands of a weakling!
Nobutora: The child betrays the parent, the parent kills the child; such is the way of the era of chaos.
Nobutora: We Takeda have no use for weaklings!
Kunoichi: Young master!
Shingen: Don’t worry. I knew I was going to get kicked, so I was ready for it.
Shingen: It’s alright.
Shingen: Father is the head of the Takeda clan. He has much to worry about.
Shingen: If Father can feel better this way…
Kunoichi: But-
Shingen: Is this… the way of the era of chaos…
Capturing Shinano
After Takeda Nobutora unified the province of Kai, he set the target of his ambitions on Shinano.
Around that time, Murakami Yoshikiyo was expanding his power in Shinano. The Sanada clan who had been driven out by Yoshikiyo requested for help from the Takeda clan to recover their former territory.
Yukimura: For the sake of recovering the land that had been ours for generations, I humbly beg of you to lend us your strength.
Nobutora: Lend you our strength? Insolent! Listen, the strong will always win. Let me tell you why we have the strong and the weak in this world.
Nobutora: It's because the ones who win continue to plunder and to harm. They are feared and they kick the losers down until they are completely weakened, and thus the winners continue to hold on to their position.
Nobutora: Who in their right mind would help you bring your clan back to power? It's because of such weakness and naivete that you are the losers! We will only invade Shinano, take everything it has, and lay waste to the land!
Yukimura: Urgh…
Shingen: Father, please wait. We are not familiar with their land. If we don't help them, we won't gain a foothold in Shinano.
Nobutora: …Quiet, no one asked for your opinion, weakling.
Shingen: Yes… I spoke too much…
Nobutora: Fine. I'll leave this youngster in your care. Do a good job of getting a foothold in Shinano. Failure is not allowed. Do you understand, weakling?
Shingen: Yukimura, wasn't it? …You should understand this. The land will not be in order if my father, Lord Nobutora, has his way.
Shingen: I won't do things badly like what Father said. Will you trust me?
Yukimura: Y-Yes!
Shingen: Mm. Now, let us move to have the Sanada recover Shinano.
Invasion of Shinano
The preparations to attack Shinano were complete. The full-scale attack on Shinano was about to begin.
Shingen had requested to be in the vanguard with Sanada Yukimura, but Nobutora did not allow it.
Nobutora: A weakling like you in the vanguard?! So you can go easy on the enemy when you are out of my sight? The Kingly Way, benevolence and justice, such things are useless in this era of chaos!
Nobutora: Both you and Yukimura are to draw back to the reserve troops, weakling! Now, let us invade Shinano, plunder it, and lay waste to it! Prepare for battle!
Itagaki Nobukata: Young master…
Shingen: Don't worry about it. Father has his own thoughts. The era now is chaotic, there are things that cannot be solved with benevolence and justice.
Nobukata: However… Lord Nobutora's actions are, if I may be permitted to say this, too much. There are many among the retainers and the people who cannot abide by his cruel ways. Young master, if you are resolved, we retainers are ready…
Shingen: If someone like myself who has no achievements were to stand and fight, the clan won't come together.
Shingen summoned Yukimura to relay his father's orders that they should draw back to the reserves.
Shingen: Yukimura, my father praised you greatly. He said that you must be tired from all your efforts and has ordered the both of us to retreat to the reserves for the next battle.
Yukimura: I am grateful for his orders, but I am not tired. For the sake of recovering the Sanada's former territory, I will do anything…
Kunoichi: Young master! Is it true that you weren't allowed to be in the vanguard?!
Yukimura: …Eh…
Shingen: Looks like the secret's out… It's fine, Yukimura. Even in the reserves, you can achieve battle victories. Our enemy is Murakami, the vanguard alone won't be able to conclude the battle.
Kunoichi: …But, why is Lord Nobutora making things difficult for you? Are families… not satisfied with just living and being with each other?
Kunoichi: I don't really understand, but… helping each other, caring for each other… that's what a family is… isn't it?
Shingen: In a time of peace, yes.
Kunoichi: That's… Even in a time of chaos, surely…
Yukimura: Yes, even in a time of chaos, family is family. That's what I think.
Kunoichi: Lord Yukimura…
Yukimura: Surely the day will come when Lord Nobutora and Lord Shingen can understand each other.
Shingen: Thank you, both of you. I'll believe in your words.
Collapse at Toishi
Takeda Shingen, who advanced the invasion of Shinano, led a large army to attack Murakami Yoshikiyo at Toishi Castle.
However, even though Yoshikiyo's force was small, they fought back with vigour and the Takeda army was overpowered in a tough battle. The land would call it "Toishi Kuzure" (Collapse at Toishi).
Nobukata: Lord Nobutora, our allies have suffered great losses! On the other hand, our enemies' morale is as high as ever… Anymore of this and we'll…
Nobutora: Fie! This is annoying! This can't be helped, we'll retreat. Is there anyone who will volunteer to be the rearguard?!
Shingen: Father, I will.
Nobukata: N-No, you can not. If you stay in this place and face Murakami's attack, you won't be able to survive and return to Kai!
Nobutora: No… It's fine. Son, work as much as you wish to. Do not let the enemy pass even if it costs you your life.
Nobukata: Lord Nobutora!
Shingen: Thank you...
After the Takeda dismantled their main camp, only Shingen's minuscule army remained ready for battle near Toishi Castle.
Kunoichi: The Murakami side is not sending out troops in pursuit, they're just confining themselves in the castle.
Shingen: Looks like our plan is working. …Isn't that so, Yukimura.
Yukimura: Yes. The smoke signal should be set off soon.
Shingen and the rest had made use of the Shinano-born Sanada clan's connections to convince the generals under Murakami Yoshikiyo's command to defect.
Kunoichi: Lord Yukimura, how naughty of you too~♪ Ah, it's the smoke signal! There's a smoke signal coming from the castle!
Yukimura: The bolt on the castle door should be drawn back. Let us go!
Shingen: Mm… Let us capture Toishi Castle!
Nobutora Banished
Shingen captured Toishi Castle and made a triumphant return to Kai. He went to the residence to make his report but Takeda Nobutora was not there.
Nobukata: Young master, I am glad that you are unharmed…! And you even capture Toishi Castle which Lord Nobutora had attacked to no avail…
Shingen: Where's Father?
Nobukata: …Lord Nobutora has been summoned by Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto, and has just left for Suruga.
Nobukata: …Young master, you have just captured the impregnable Toishi Castle. This is an achievement that no one can deny. Fortunately, Lord Nobutora only brought with him a small retinue…
Nobukata: Young master, this is for the sake of the people and the vassals. This is also the way of this era of chaos…
Shingen: Chaos… huh.
Nobukata: Young master, once you say the word, we will close the borders immediately.
Shingen: …………
Shingen: All right… We will banish Father. Close the borders, do not allow Father to enter Kai. From now on, I will lead the Takeda clan!
Nobukata: Yes, my lord!
Shingen: I've betrayed my own family and grabbed the seat of the clan head, and still, there is just one thing that I am determined to accomplish. I will rise up from Kai and spread the Kingly Way throughout the land!
A few days later, after his audience with Yoshimoto, Nobutora was on his way back when soldiers aimed their spears at him at the border of Kai, and he finally learned of what his son, Shingen, had done.
Nobutora: Did that weak and cowardly Shingen plan this…?! Damn you… this is my province, my castle…! Just you watch… I won't hand them over to a weakling…!
Chapter 2: Towards Kawanakajima
Towards Kawanakajima
Murakami Yoshikiyo, who had been chased out of Shinano by Takeda Shingen, relied on the man of honour, Uesugi Kenshin, and escaped to Echigo.
Shingen: That damned Yoshikiyo, looks like he made Kenshin take action… In that case, we need to prepare to depart for the front. …Sakon, isn't it? That's the situation now. Sorry, but you'll have to come another time.
Sakon: Hold it, wait a minute. As I have said, I came here to learn the art of strategy. If a battle is about to begin now, the timing is perfect.
Shingen: Hmm… In that case, I'll put you to work, is that okay?
Sakon: Yes, of course, allow me to be of assistance. I may still be a student in the art of strategy but I have confidence in my physical strength.
Shingen: Ooh, in that case, can I leave all the preparations for the battle against the Uesugi to you? I'm glad I can take it easy.
Sakon: That's a bit…
About Family
Shingen: Yukimura, I can feel a sense of danger from you. This occurred to me when I saw you standing on the battlefield. Are you seeking to die a glorious death?
Yukimura: For the sake of engraving the warrior's way of life on this world… For the sake of following through with my faith, I do not mind death.
Shingen: That's not good. You can only do something if you live. Even my Kingly Way can only move on with your support.
Kunoichi: That's right. My lord, please reproach Lord Yukimura more. I don't know what he's thinking, but he's always engaging in dangerous battles…
Shingen: Talking about that, it's the same for you. Missions are fine, but you can only do them if you're alive. You need to treasure your life too, you know?
Kunoichi: Well, I'm a ninja… It's like our selling point is that even if we die no one's going to pick up our bodies. It feels really weird to be concerned with our lives…
Shingen: What's weird about that. There's nothing strange about a parent being concerned with their children.
Kunoichi: Yeah, but, a parent, for me…
Shingen: I am your parent. Everyone calls me "oyakatasama, oyakatasama". There's an "oya" (parent) in "oyakatasama".
Shingen: Anyone who calls me that and looks up to me is the same as my children to me. If you should be so unfilial as to die before your parent, I'll be angry.
Kunoichi: Wow… that pun… was way too forced… Hey, Lord Yukimura, what do you think?
Yukimura: As expected of my lord! I, Yukimura, will take heed and will not be unfilial by dying first!
Kunoichi: …This is hopeless. It can't be helped, I'll follow Lord Yukimura.
Arrival of the Dragon of Echigo
Uesugi Kenshin made his move.
Word of this reached Takeda Shingen through smoke signals.
Sakon: So Kenshin's finally making his move. That means the location of the decisive battle will be around Kawanakajima.
Shingen: You have pretty good foresight, Sakon. Well then, let us entertain him with the Takeda clan's unrivalled Woodpecker strategy.
Sakon: I see, so we're using that Woodpecker strategy. Will you let me lead the mobile force? I would love to learn the Takeda's art of strategy by experience.
Shingen: Good of you to be so energetic. I'll leave it to you.
Sakon: Understood!
Cutscene: (the same cutscene appears in Kenshin's and Shingen's story mode in SW3, so I'll just use the lines from the localised version.)
Shingen: Enjoying yourself, Kenshin?
Sakon: I will lead the mobile unit to where Kenshin is camped on Mount Saijo.
Shingen: Give him a little nudge, that ought to get him moving.
Sakon: And then, your main force will swallow them whole. A brilliant strategy.
Shingen: Merely a bit of fun.
Sakon: Charge!
Soldiers: They're gone!
Sakon: The God of War indeed… My lord is in danger.
Shingen: This will be interesting…
Kenshin: Playtime is over.
Nobutora's Scheme
After an intense battle, Shingen repelled the invasion of his nemesis, Kenshin, and the Takeda celebrated their victory at their camp.
In the middle of the celebration, Kunoichi's face changed and she rushed into Shingen's tent.
Kunoichi: Lord Nobutora… He's… backing the Imagawa military forces and planning to return to Kai...
Shingen: I see. I did think that it wouldn't be so easy to make Father retire…
Shingen: Everyone, we can assume that our alliance with the Imagawa is dissolved. We will hurry back to Kai and prepare to attack Suruga. We must be ahead of the plans laid by my father, Nobutora.
Yoshinobu: Father, p-please wait! …Are you planning to wage war against the Imagawa?!
Yoshinobu: We should first send a messenger to Suruga and look for a way to reach a truce!
Shingen: There's no point… If we hesitate now, we'll end up giving in to Father's schemes.
Shingen: I have resolved to implement the Kingly Way throughout the land even if it means dirtying the Takeda name with dishonour. Yoshinobu, as a warrior of the Takeda, you should make your resolve too.
Yoshinobu: Urgh…
The Son's Dissatisfaction
The Takeda army was preparing to invade Suruga. Yoshinobu did not show himself to Shingen, who was busy rushing around. Shingen told Kunoichi to look for Yoshinobu.
Yoshinobu was found immediately. He was standing still on his own under the shade of a tree, gazing up at the sky.
Kunoichi: Lord Yoshinobu, my lord is looking for you.
Yoshinobu: Nrghh… nrghh…
Kunoichi: Umm… Lord… Yoshinobu?
Yoshinobu: I won't forgive him! Father is wrong! He banished his own father and grabbed the position of clan head and on top of that, he's pointing his blade at and attacking his father!
Yoshinobu: Furthermore… my wife is from the Imagawa. He knew that and still he is attacking Suruga…! Father's actions are heinous!
Kunoichi: Um, calm down…!
Yoshinobu: What Kingly Way?! Even if he continues to rack up more battle victories, the people in the land will scorn our clan for lacking in honour and filial piety! A Kingly Way paved on hatred, can there be such a thing?!
Yoshinobu: I won't go to see Father. I am ashamed to have a father like that, lacking in honour and filial piety.
Kunoichi watched as Yoshinobu left, then dashed away at lightning speed.
Yukimura: Yah! Hah! Toh! …Hm?
Leaping from branch to branch, rushing by like a whirlwind, Kunoichi lost her footing and crashed down in front of Yukimura, who was training alone with his spear late in the night.
Yukimura: What's the matter?
Kunoichi: It's nothing, I'm a ninja after all. I don't understand the emotional relationship between parents and their children. I don't understand but… somehow, I feel sad...
Kunoichi: Is it because my lord was joking about being a parent, yeah, I must just be too caught up with that. Somehow, I just can't look at it impartially.
Kunoichi: Hanzō has said before that we should always separate our emotions from our thoughts but… I guess a mediocre ninja like myself won't become as strong as Hanzō, who fights without emotion.
Kunoichi: What am I saying? Someone like me doesn't need emotions, so I wish I could just become a mechanical puppet… unaware of anything except combat.
Kunoichi: Smile no matter what you see. Don't let anything into your heart. I guess it's no different from now… Yeah, I think I'll be fine.
Yukimura kept quiet and gently pat Kunoichi on the head.
Nobutora Escapes
After Takeda Shingen's invasion of Suruga, the Imagawa clan was destroyed. Takeda Nobutora, who was under the protection of Imagawa Yoshimoto, disappeared. Takeda Yoshinobu's wife who was divorced from him before the event, lost her home and had no choice but to become a nun, and eventually disappeared from the secular world.
Yoshinobu: Father does not think of his parent as his parent, nor does he think of his child as his child. In that case, I too, won't think of him as my parent…
Yoshinobu: Those who commit atrocity with no care for retribution will one day come to ruin. No… they must come to ruin…
Around then, Takeda Nobutora, who had escaped from Suruga alone, ran away to the west and eventually reached the borders of Mikawa and Owari.
Nobutora: Son… Don't think it's over already… If you destroy the Imagawa… then next, I will make the Oda take action…
Nobutora: Until I send him to hell… I will not die… I will not die!
Chapter 3: Yoshinobu Disinherited
Order to Mobilise
Having destroyed the Imagawa clan and acquired Suruga, Takeda Shingen worked diligently to restore the war-ravaged territory.
When the fruits of his labour were gradually starting to take shape, Shingen gathered his family and vassals in one place and talked about their next step.
Shingen: Everyone, listen carefully. As long as this era of chaos continues, the people won't be able to live as people should. Someone must bring an end to the chaos.
Shingen: This must end! We cannot rely on others to achieve this. Thus, I will march to Kyoto. I will give the order from the imperial capital, and build a land upon the Kingly War…!
Yukimura: …But it's a long journey to Kyoto. There will probably be people who will try to stop us.
Shingen: If there are any who opposes us, we will step over them. We will take our entire army and march along the Tōkaidō to the west. The Tokugawa of Mikawa will be the first one we clash with.
Yukimura: Yes, my lord! The Takeda army will prepare to march out!
Yoshinobu: Hoisting the banner of justice while attacking the territory of others, waging war on a whim… aren't we the ones causing the chaos?
Yoshinobu: Is this what the land is wishing for? I can't see this as anything but Father's sanctimony.
Yoshinobu's Rebellion
Ieyasu's forces which went out to intercept the Takeda were soundly defeated by the Takeda army. In the midst of the celebrations at the camp, a secret missive was delivered from Kai.
Shingen: …………
Yukimura: My lord…?
Shingen: It appears that my son, Yoshinobu, is planning a rebellion.
Yukimura: Is there a mistake?
Shingen: It seems certain.
Kunoichi: That's…
Shingen: Yoshinobu should commit seppuku.
Kunoichi: Ehhhh…! Um, why don't you first summon Lord Yoshinobu, ummm, anyway, perhaps you should talk to him first…? There's a chance that it may be just a misunderstanding….
Shingen: Because he's my son, it's all the more why I cannot show him pity. Sorry, but you are to leave for Kai as soon as possible.
Kunoichi: Ugh… I understand…
A few days after Shingen received news of Yoshinobu's rebellion, Kunoichi, who had went to Kai, returned to the camp.
Kunoichi: I have returned.
Shingen: ………
Kunoichi: Lord Yoshinobu… has passed… in a grand manner.
Shingen: …I see… Yoshinobu must have hated me.
Kunoichi: N-No… He definitely did not…
Out of consideration for Shingen's feelings, Kunoichi had wanted to make a false report but Shingen's gaze seemed to see through it all. Finally, she gave up her plan and told it as it had happened.
Yoshinobu had died while hating Shingen.
Shingen: Mm… That is fine.
Shingen: Yoshinobu… Hate me. Hate your father, who caused you to die for the sake of the Kingly Way, in accordance to the way of this era of chaos! Do not let my sin be lost to the ages!
Chapter 4: March to the Capital
March to the Capital
Shingen: Let us head for Kyoto without any delay! The Takeda banner shall fly at the capital.
Kunoichi: Be cautious! Lord Nobutora has joined the Oda and is instigating them to attack the Takeda.
Kunoichi: Furthermore, the head of the Oda clan, Nobunaga, is purchasing large quantities of muskets.
Shingen: As I've said before, if anyone tries to stop us, we will step over them. No matter who or what stands in our way, they will not stop me on my way to the Kingly Way.
Shingen: First, we will follow the Tōkaidō to the west and break through Owari! Everyone, let's go!
Nobutora's Crisis
The Oda army was defeated by the Takeda army. However, even after the defeat, Nobutora's desire for revenge did not die.
Nobutora: My son has done a lot… but, there is still a long way to Kyoto. Next time, we'll definitely…
Nobunaga: …Next time? Your usefulness has ended.
Nobutora: Wha… Please wait! As long as I'm here, I am sure I can be of some use! I know, we'll use a scheme next. All right, I will go to the Takeda camp myself…
Nobunaga: You are of no use. O-Ran, throw him out.
Ranmaru: Yes, my lord!
Nobutora: How impudent! Fie, unhand me! Unhand me!
Nobunaga: …Worthless.
Cutscene:
Shingen: With this, the Kingly Way is attained.
Shingen: Father...
Nobutora: Son…
Shingen: I put on an act and you let your emotions get the better of you. Weakling!
Nobutora: Just look! This is the end of that naive Kingly Way of yours...
Nobutora: That’s why I couldn't leave the Takeda clan to you…
Nobutora: That’s why…. That’s why…
Shingen: F-Father, the Kingly Way is attained.
Nobutora: What...?
Shingen: The child betrays the parent, the parent kills the child; that era has come to an end!
Shingen: The pain of killing your child for the sake of the clan. More than anyone else, I understand it.
Shingen: It must have been painful, Father…
Nobutora: Son…
Shingen: However, you don’t have to feel that way anymore…
Nobutora: Son...
Nobutora: SOOOOOON!!!
Epilogue
Takeda Shingen was taken down by Nobutora's hidden dagger. A few days later…
Shingen: Just kidding.
Shingen lived. He stood there with a smile on his face.
Kunoichi: After being stabbed… are you all right?
Shingen: Yeah, I stuffed an onigiri into my armour. That allowed me lived and ensured no harm to my life.
Kunoichi: An onigiri…
Shingen: Well, I predicted that Father will do something at that point. A stitch in time saves nine. Strategies are essential to the Kingly Way too.
Shingen: Well then, until my wound is healed, I'm going to the hidden onsen. I'm going to slowly take my time to recover. Together with Father.
Yukimura: So that means… the two of you have reconciled…
Shingen: Mm. I'm glad I believed in the two of you.
There was a shy smile on Shingen's face. Both Kunoichi and Yukimura brightened up in joy.
Shingen: Well then, let us go on our long-awaited father-and-son trip.
-THE END-
Notes:
1. Japanese script (transcribed from the game by me) here.
2. It's been a while since I played this story, so I don't remember exactly where each chapter begins and ends, and where the cutscenes fit in. I kinda guessed based on the battles and chapter titles but I might have gotten some of them wrong. The events are in the correct order though.
3. Shingen's main motivation is to rule the land through the Kingly Way. This character theme has been in place as early as SW2 (I can't verify for SW1) but hasn't been explained in the localised versions, probably because "Kingly Way" looks like a really awkward translation. I'm keeping it as "Kingly Way" in this translation because I don't know what's a better way to translate it and I think it's kinda important to roughly know what it is given the events in this story mode.
I quote from here:
In the Confucian political tradition, ba dao 覇道 (Hegemonic Rule) is commonly identified as a mode of statecraft squarely opposed to the Kingly Way (wang dao 王道), an ideal statecraft relying on virtue and rites… "One who uses force while borrowing from benevolence will become the leader of the feudal lords … [whereas] one who puts benevolence into effect through the transforming influence of moral virtue will become a true King" …
4. As usual, let me know if there are any mistakes!
Chapter 1: Father-Son Rivalry
Cutscene: (this video has all three cutscenes that appear in the story mode)
Nobutora: "Think of the people"?
Nobutora: This weakling of a son, spouting hypocritical nonsense again.
Nobutora: Eat this, son.
Shingen: Yes, Father.
Nobutora: Weakling!
Nobutora: In this era of chaos, the Takeda clan would be ruined if it were to be left in the hands of a weakling!
Nobutora: The child betrays the parent, the parent kills the child; such is the way of the era of chaos.
Nobutora: We Takeda have no use for weaklings!
Kunoichi: Young master!
Shingen: Don’t worry. I knew I was going to get kicked, so I was ready for it.
Shingen: It’s alright.
Shingen: Father is the head of the Takeda clan. He has much to worry about.
Shingen: If Father can feel better this way…
Kunoichi: But-
Shingen: Is this… the way of the era of chaos…
Capturing Shinano
After Takeda Nobutora unified the province of Kai, he set the target of his ambitions on Shinano.
Around that time, Murakami Yoshikiyo was expanding his power in Shinano. The Sanada clan who had been driven out by Yoshikiyo requested for help from the Takeda clan to recover their former territory.
Yukimura: For the sake of recovering the land that had been ours for generations, I humbly beg of you to lend us your strength.
Nobutora: Lend you our strength? Insolent! Listen, the strong will always win. Let me tell you why we have the strong and the weak in this world.
Nobutora: It's because the ones who win continue to plunder and to harm. They are feared and they kick the losers down until they are completely weakened, and thus the winners continue to hold on to their position.
Nobutora: Who in their right mind would help you bring your clan back to power? It's because of such weakness and naivete that you are the losers! We will only invade Shinano, take everything it has, and lay waste to the land!
Yukimura: Urgh…
Shingen: Father, please wait. We are not familiar with their land. If we don't help them, we won't gain a foothold in Shinano.
Nobutora: …Quiet, no one asked for your opinion, weakling.
Shingen: Yes… I spoke too much…
Nobutora: Fine. I'll leave this youngster in your care. Do a good job of getting a foothold in Shinano. Failure is not allowed. Do you understand, weakling?
Shingen: Yukimura, wasn't it? …You should understand this. The land will not be in order if my father, Lord Nobutora, has his way.
Shingen: I won't do things badly like what Father said. Will you trust me?
Yukimura: Y-Yes!
Shingen: Mm. Now, let us move to have the Sanada recover Shinano.
Invasion of Shinano
The preparations to attack Shinano were complete. The full-scale attack on Shinano was about to begin.
Shingen had requested to be in the vanguard with Sanada Yukimura, but Nobutora did not allow it.
Nobutora: A weakling like you in the vanguard?! So you can go easy on the enemy when you are out of my sight? The Kingly Way, benevolence and justice, such things are useless in this era of chaos!
Nobutora: Both you and Yukimura are to draw back to the reserve troops, weakling! Now, let us invade Shinano, plunder it, and lay waste to it! Prepare for battle!
Itagaki Nobukata: Young master…
Shingen: Don't worry about it. Father has his own thoughts. The era now is chaotic, there are things that cannot be solved with benevolence and justice.
Nobukata: However… Lord Nobutora's actions are, if I may be permitted to say this, too much. There are many among the retainers and the people who cannot abide by his cruel ways. Young master, if you are resolved, we retainers are ready…
Shingen: If someone like myself who has no achievements were to stand and fight, the clan won't come together.
Shingen summoned Yukimura to relay his father's orders that they should draw back to the reserves.
Shingen: Yukimura, my father praised you greatly. He said that you must be tired from all your efforts and has ordered the both of us to retreat to the reserves for the next battle.
Yukimura: I am grateful for his orders, but I am not tired. For the sake of recovering the Sanada's former territory, I will do anything…
Kunoichi: Young master! Is it true that you weren't allowed to be in the vanguard?!
Yukimura: …Eh…
Shingen: Looks like the secret's out… It's fine, Yukimura. Even in the reserves, you can achieve battle victories. Our enemy is Murakami, the vanguard alone won't be able to conclude the battle.
Kunoichi: …But, why is Lord Nobutora making things difficult for you? Are families… not satisfied with just living and being with each other?
Kunoichi: I don't really understand, but… helping each other, caring for each other… that's what a family is… isn't it?
Shingen: In a time of peace, yes.
Kunoichi: That's… Even in a time of chaos, surely…
Yukimura: Yes, even in a time of chaos, family is family. That's what I think.
Kunoichi: Lord Yukimura…
Yukimura: Surely the day will come when Lord Nobutora and Lord Shingen can understand each other.
Shingen: Thank you, both of you. I'll believe in your words.
Collapse at Toishi
Takeda Shingen, who advanced the invasion of Shinano, led a large army to attack Murakami Yoshikiyo at Toishi Castle.
However, even though Yoshikiyo's force was small, they fought back with vigour and the Takeda army was overpowered in a tough battle. The land would call it "Toishi Kuzure" (Collapse at Toishi).
Nobukata: Lord Nobutora, our allies have suffered great losses! On the other hand, our enemies' morale is as high as ever… Anymore of this and we'll…
Nobutora: Fie! This is annoying! This can't be helped, we'll retreat. Is there anyone who will volunteer to be the rearguard?!
Shingen: Father, I will.
Nobukata: N-No, you can not. If you stay in this place and face Murakami's attack, you won't be able to survive and return to Kai!
Nobutora: No… It's fine. Son, work as much as you wish to. Do not let the enemy pass even if it costs you your life.
Nobukata: Lord Nobutora!
Shingen: Thank you...
After the Takeda dismantled their main camp, only Shingen's minuscule army remained ready for battle near Toishi Castle.
Kunoichi: The Murakami side is not sending out troops in pursuit, they're just confining themselves in the castle.
Shingen: Looks like our plan is working. …Isn't that so, Yukimura.
Yukimura: Yes. The smoke signal should be set off soon.
Shingen and the rest had made use of the Shinano-born Sanada clan's connections to convince the generals under Murakami Yoshikiyo's command to defect.
Kunoichi: Lord Yukimura, how naughty of you too~♪ Ah, it's the smoke signal! There's a smoke signal coming from the castle!
Yukimura: The bolt on the castle door should be drawn back. Let us go!
Shingen: Mm… Let us capture Toishi Castle!
Nobutora Banished
Shingen captured Toishi Castle and made a triumphant return to Kai. He went to the residence to make his report but Takeda Nobutora was not there.
Nobukata: Young master, I am glad that you are unharmed…! And you even capture Toishi Castle which Lord Nobutora had attacked to no avail…
Shingen: Where's Father?
Nobukata: …Lord Nobutora has been summoned by Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto, and has just left for Suruga.
Nobukata: …Young master, you have just captured the impregnable Toishi Castle. This is an achievement that no one can deny. Fortunately, Lord Nobutora only brought with him a small retinue…
Nobukata: Young master, this is for the sake of the people and the vassals. This is also the way of this era of chaos…
Shingen: Chaos… huh.
Nobukata: Young master, once you say the word, we will close the borders immediately.
Shingen: …………
Shingen: All right… We will banish Father. Close the borders, do not allow Father to enter Kai. From now on, I will lead the Takeda clan!
Nobukata: Yes, my lord!
Shingen: I've betrayed my own family and grabbed the seat of the clan head, and still, there is just one thing that I am determined to accomplish. I will rise up from Kai and spread the Kingly Way throughout the land!
A few days later, after his audience with Yoshimoto, Nobutora was on his way back when soldiers aimed their spears at him at the border of Kai, and he finally learned of what his son, Shingen, had done.
Nobutora: Did that weak and cowardly Shingen plan this…?! Damn you… this is my province, my castle…! Just you watch… I won't hand them over to a weakling…!
Chapter 2: Towards Kawanakajima
Towards Kawanakajima
Murakami Yoshikiyo, who had been chased out of Shinano by Takeda Shingen, relied on the man of honour, Uesugi Kenshin, and escaped to Echigo.
Shingen: That damned Yoshikiyo, looks like he made Kenshin take action… In that case, we need to prepare to depart for the front. …Sakon, isn't it? That's the situation now. Sorry, but you'll have to come another time.
Sakon: Hold it, wait a minute. As I have said, I came here to learn the art of strategy. If a battle is about to begin now, the timing is perfect.
Shingen: Hmm… In that case, I'll put you to work, is that okay?
Sakon: Yes, of course, allow me to be of assistance. I may still be a student in the art of strategy but I have confidence in my physical strength.
Shingen: Ooh, in that case, can I leave all the preparations for the battle against the Uesugi to you? I'm glad I can take it easy.
Sakon: That's a bit…
About Family
Shingen: Yukimura, I can feel a sense of danger from you. This occurred to me when I saw you standing on the battlefield. Are you seeking to die a glorious death?
Yukimura: For the sake of engraving the warrior's way of life on this world… For the sake of following through with my faith, I do not mind death.
Shingen: That's not good. You can only do something if you live. Even my Kingly Way can only move on with your support.
Kunoichi: That's right. My lord, please reproach Lord Yukimura more. I don't know what he's thinking, but he's always engaging in dangerous battles…
Shingen: Talking about that, it's the same for you. Missions are fine, but you can only do them if you're alive. You need to treasure your life too, you know?
Kunoichi: Well, I'm a ninja… It's like our selling point is that even if we die no one's going to pick up our bodies. It feels really weird to be concerned with our lives…
Shingen: What's weird about that. There's nothing strange about a parent being concerned with their children.
Kunoichi: Yeah, but, a parent, for me…
Shingen: I am your parent. Everyone calls me "oyakatasama, oyakatasama". There's an "oya" (parent) in "oyakatasama".
Shingen: Anyone who calls me that and looks up to me is the same as my children to me. If you should be so unfilial as to die before your parent, I'll be angry.
Kunoichi: Wow… that pun… was way too forced… Hey, Lord Yukimura, what do you think?
Yukimura: As expected of my lord! I, Yukimura, will take heed and will not be unfilial by dying first!
Kunoichi: …This is hopeless. It can't be helped, I'll follow Lord Yukimura.
Arrival of the Dragon of Echigo
Uesugi Kenshin made his move.
Word of this reached Takeda Shingen through smoke signals.
Sakon: So Kenshin's finally making his move. That means the location of the decisive battle will be around Kawanakajima.
Shingen: You have pretty good foresight, Sakon. Well then, let us entertain him with the Takeda clan's unrivalled Woodpecker strategy.
Sakon: I see, so we're using that Woodpecker strategy. Will you let me lead the mobile force? I would love to learn the Takeda's art of strategy by experience.
Shingen: Good of you to be so energetic. I'll leave it to you.
Sakon: Understood!
Cutscene: (the same cutscene appears in Kenshin's and Shingen's story mode in SW3, so I'll just use the lines from the localised version.)
Shingen: Enjoying yourself, Kenshin?
Sakon: I will lead the mobile unit to where Kenshin is camped on Mount Saijo.
Shingen: Give him a little nudge, that ought to get him moving.
Sakon: And then, your main force will swallow them whole. A brilliant strategy.
Shingen: Merely a bit of fun.
Sakon: Charge!
Soldiers: They're gone!
Sakon: The God of War indeed… My lord is in danger.
Shingen: This will be interesting…
Kenshin: Playtime is over.
Nobutora's Scheme
After an intense battle, Shingen repelled the invasion of his nemesis, Kenshin, and the Takeda celebrated their victory at their camp.
In the middle of the celebration, Kunoichi's face changed and she rushed into Shingen's tent.
Kunoichi: Lord Nobutora… He's… backing the Imagawa military forces and planning to return to Kai...
Shingen: I see. I did think that it wouldn't be so easy to make Father retire…
Shingen: Everyone, we can assume that our alliance with the Imagawa is dissolved. We will hurry back to Kai and prepare to attack Suruga. We must be ahead of the plans laid by my father, Nobutora.
Yoshinobu: Father, p-please wait! …Are you planning to wage war against the Imagawa?!
Yoshinobu: We should first send a messenger to Suruga and look for a way to reach a truce!
Shingen: There's no point… If we hesitate now, we'll end up giving in to Father's schemes.
Shingen: I have resolved to implement the Kingly Way throughout the land even if it means dirtying the Takeda name with dishonour. Yoshinobu, as a warrior of the Takeda, you should make your resolve too.
Yoshinobu: Urgh…
The Son's Dissatisfaction
The Takeda army was preparing to invade Suruga. Yoshinobu did not show himself to Shingen, who was busy rushing around. Shingen told Kunoichi to look for Yoshinobu.
Yoshinobu was found immediately. He was standing still on his own under the shade of a tree, gazing up at the sky.
Kunoichi: Lord Yoshinobu, my lord is looking for you.
Yoshinobu: Nrghh… nrghh…
Kunoichi: Umm… Lord… Yoshinobu?
Yoshinobu: I won't forgive him! Father is wrong! He banished his own father and grabbed the position of clan head and on top of that, he's pointing his blade at and attacking his father!
Yoshinobu: Furthermore… my wife is from the Imagawa. He knew that and still he is attacking Suruga…! Father's actions are heinous!
Kunoichi: Um, calm down…!
Yoshinobu: What Kingly Way?! Even if he continues to rack up more battle victories, the people in the land will scorn our clan for lacking in honour and filial piety! A Kingly Way paved on hatred, can there be such a thing?!
Yoshinobu: I won't go to see Father. I am ashamed to have a father like that, lacking in honour and filial piety.
Kunoichi watched as Yoshinobu left, then dashed away at lightning speed.
Yukimura: Yah! Hah! Toh! …Hm?
Leaping from branch to branch, rushing by like a whirlwind, Kunoichi lost her footing and crashed down in front of Yukimura, who was training alone with his spear late in the night.
Yukimura: What's the matter?
Kunoichi: It's nothing, I'm a ninja after all. I don't understand the emotional relationship between parents and their children. I don't understand but… somehow, I feel sad...
Kunoichi: Is it because my lord was joking about being a parent, yeah, I must just be too caught up with that. Somehow, I just can't look at it impartially.
Kunoichi: Hanzō has said before that we should always separate our emotions from our thoughts but… I guess a mediocre ninja like myself won't become as strong as Hanzō, who fights without emotion.
Kunoichi: What am I saying? Someone like me doesn't need emotions, so I wish I could just become a mechanical puppet… unaware of anything except combat.
Kunoichi: Smile no matter what you see. Don't let anything into your heart. I guess it's no different from now… Yeah, I think I'll be fine.
Yukimura kept quiet and gently pat Kunoichi on the head.
Nobutora Escapes
After Takeda Shingen's invasion of Suruga, the Imagawa clan was destroyed. Takeda Nobutora, who was under the protection of Imagawa Yoshimoto, disappeared. Takeda Yoshinobu's wife who was divorced from him before the event, lost her home and had no choice but to become a nun, and eventually disappeared from the secular world.
Yoshinobu: Father does not think of his parent as his parent, nor does he think of his child as his child. In that case, I too, won't think of him as my parent…
Yoshinobu: Those who commit atrocity with no care for retribution will one day come to ruin. No… they must come to ruin…
Around then, Takeda Nobutora, who had escaped from Suruga alone, ran away to the west and eventually reached the borders of Mikawa and Owari.
Nobutora: Son… Don't think it's over already… If you destroy the Imagawa… then next, I will make the Oda take action…
Nobutora: Until I send him to hell… I will not die… I will not die!
Chapter 3: Yoshinobu Disinherited
Order to Mobilise
Having destroyed the Imagawa clan and acquired Suruga, Takeda Shingen worked diligently to restore the war-ravaged territory.
When the fruits of his labour were gradually starting to take shape, Shingen gathered his family and vassals in one place and talked about their next step.
Shingen: Everyone, listen carefully. As long as this era of chaos continues, the people won't be able to live as people should. Someone must bring an end to the chaos.
Shingen: This must end! We cannot rely on others to achieve this. Thus, I will march to Kyoto. I will give the order from the imperial capital, and build a land upon the Kingly War…!
Yukimura: …But it's a long journey to Kyoto. There will probably be people who will try to stop us.
Shingen: If there are any who opposes us, we will step over them. We will take our entire army and march along the Tōkaidō to the west. The Tokugawa of Mikawa will be the first one we clash with.
Yukimura: Yes, my lord! The Takeda army will prepare to march out!
Yoshinobu: Hoisting the banner of justice while attacking the territory of others, waging war on a whim… aren't we the ones causing the chaos?
Yoshinobu: Is this what the land is wishing for? I can't see this as anything but Father's sanctimony.
Yoshinobu's Rebellion
Ieyasu's forces which went out to intercept the Takeda were soundly defeated by the Takeda army. In the midst of the celebrations at the camp, a secret missive was delivered from Kai.
Shingen: …………
Yukimura: My lord…?
Shingen: It appears that my son, Yoshinobu, is planning a rebellion.
Yukimura: Is there a mistake?
Shingen: It seems certain.
Kunoichi: That's…
Shingen: Yoshinobu should commit seppuku.
Kunoichi: Ehhhh…! Um, why don't you first summon Lord Yoshinobu, ummm, anyway, perhaps you should talk to him first…? There's a chance that it may be just a misunderstanding….
Shingen: Because he's my son, it's all the more why I cannot show him pity. Sorry, but you are to leave for Kai as soon as possible.
Kunoichi: Ugh… I understand…
A few days after Shingen received news of Yoshinobu's rebellion, Kunoichi, who had went to Kai, returned to the camp.
Kunoichi: I have returned.
Shingen: ………
Kunoichi: Lord Yoshinobu… has passed… in a grand manner.
Shingen: …I see… Yoshinobu must have hated me.
Kunoichi: N-No… He definitely did not…
Out of consideration for Shingen's feelings, Kunoichi had wanted to make a false report but Shingen's gaze seemed to see through it all. Finally, she gave up her plan and told it as it had happened.
Yoshinobu had died while hating Shingen.
Shingen: Mm… That is fine.
Shingen: Yoshinobu… Hate me. Hate your father, who caused you to die for the sake of the Kingly Way, in accordance to the way of this era of chaos! Do not let my sin be lost to the ages!
Chapter 4: March to the Capital
March to the Capital
Shingen: Let us head for Kyoto without any delay! The Takeda banner shall fly at the capital.
Kunoichi: Be cautious! Lord Nobutora has joined the Oda and is instigating them to attack the Takeda.
Kunoichi: Furthermore, the head of the Oda clan, Nobunaga, is purchasing large quantities of muskets.
Shingen: As I've said before, if anyone tries to stop us, we will step over them. No matter who or what stands in our way, they will not stop me on my way to the Kingly Way.
Shingen: First, we will follow the Tōkaidō to the west and break through Owari! Everyone, let's go!
Nobutora's Crisis
The Oda army was defeated by the Takeda army. However, even after the defeat, Nobutora's desire for revenge did not die.
Nobutora: My son has done a lot… but, there is still a long way to Kyoto. Next time, we'll definitely…
Nobunaga: …Next time? Your usefulness has ended.
Nobutora: Wha… Please wait! As long as I'm here, I am sure I can be of some use! I know, we'll use a scheme next. All right, I will go to the Takeda camp myself…
Nobunaga: You are of no use. O-Ran, throw him out.
Ranmaru: Yes, my lord!
Nobutora: How impudent! Fie, unhand me! Unhand me!
Nobunaga: …Worthless.
Cutscene:
Shingen: With this, the Kingly Way is attained.
Shingen: Father...
Nobutora: Son…
Shingen: I put on an act and you let your emotions get the better of you. Weakling!
Nobutora: Just look! This is the end of that naive Kingly Way of yours...
Nobutora: That’s why I couldn't leave the Takeda clan to you…
Nobutora: That’s why…. That’s why…
Shingen: F-Father, the Kingly Way is attained.
Nobutora: What...?
Shingen: The child betrays the parent, the parent kills the child; that era has come to an end!
Shingen: The pain of killing your child for the sake of the clan. More than anyone else, I understand it.
Shingen: It must have been painful, Father…
Nobutora: Son…
Shingen: However, you don’t have to feel that way anymore…
Nobutora: Son...
Nobutora: SOOOOOON!!!
Epilogue
Takeda Shingen was taken down by Nobutora's hidden dagger. A few days later…
Shingen: Just kidding.
Shingen lived. He stood there with a smile on his face.
Kunoichi: After being stabbed… are you all right?
Shingen: Yeah, I stuffed an onigiri into my armour. That allowed me lived and ensured no harm to my life.
Kunoichi: An onigiri…
Shingen: Well, I predicted that Father will do something at that point. A stitch in time saves nine. Strategies are essential to the Kingly Way too.
Shingen: Well then, until my wound is healed, I'm going to the hidden onsen. I'm going to slowly take my time to recover. Together with Father.
Yukimura: So that means… the two of you have reconciled…
Shingen: Mm. I'm glad I believed in the two of you.
There was a shy smile on Shingen's face. Both Kunoichi and Yukimura brightened up in joy.
Shingen: Well then, let us go on our long-awaited father-and-son trip.
-THE END-