SW3 Empires Uesugi Story Translation
All the story modes in SW3 Empires have been translated! They can be found in my SW3:E tag.
Notes:
1. Japanese script transcribed by
professor-tammi. Thank you for your help!
2. It's been a long time since I played the game so I don't remember the chapter divisions, or where each cutscene and battle takes place. So I mostly guessed their placements.
3. Shingen's Kingly Way thing is mentioned a lot here. I've kinda explained it a bit in the Takeda story translation so I won't repeat it here.
4. Let me know if you see any mistakes!
Chapter 1: The Storm at Kantō
The Request from the Lords of Kantō
Internally, Echigo was pushed to the brink of ruin due to the prolonged conflict. However, once Uesugi Kenshin assumed the role of ruler of the province, the situation changed completely.
Kenshin had shown signs of being a reliable strategist since young, had never lost a battle he faced, and was a man of purity and integrity. Before long, the detractors in the province were suppressed and peace came to Echigo.
His fame extended as far as Kantō.
Kenshin: …………
Nagao Masanaga: The lords of Kantō are now facing an unprecedented crisis. We humbly beg of you to go in person…
Kenshin: …………
The lords of Kantō served the Kantō Kanrei, Uesugi Norimasa. They were under attack from the Hōjō, who were expanding their territory, and had come to request for aid from Kenshin.
Kanetsugu: The supervision of Kantō is under the authority of the Kantō Kanrei, Lord Uesugi Norimasa. There is no honour in ignoring his authority and turning our blades against the mongrel from Sagami.
Aya: You are loud, Kanetsugu. However, there is only one person in this land who can bring order to Kantō… Kenshin, it is you.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Masanaga: That means…!
Kenshin: Purge the evil, reveal the truth. We will destroy the evil that is the Hōjō.
Masanaga: We are grateful to you!
Aya: Victory or defeat is decided before the battle. Do not forget to prepare adequately before the battle, Kenshin.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Nobunaga's Messenger
More than the abundant resources and fertile earth in the province, Kenshin's military ingenuity and popularity was what increased Echigo's strength to the extent that it was admired throughout the land.
Aya: Kenshin, we have reserved enough strength to take on the mongrel of Sagami.
It was during that time that a messenger came from the Oda.
Aya: What a cute messenger. Thank you for your hard work on this long journey.
Ranmaru: Pardon me for imposing. I am here to deliver a letter from my lord, Oda Nobunaga. I humbly request that you peruse it.
Kenshin read Nobunaga's letter and then silently handed it to Aya.
Ranmaru: Having heard of Lord Kenshin's valour, my lord has expressed his desire to form friendly relations with Lord Kenshin. I have brought with me various items as proof of his friendship.
At Ranmaru's signal, a folding screen with gold brocade, an imported velvet cloak and other items were brought in.
Aya: The picture on this folding screen depicts the capital, Kyoto. Is this a challenge, an implication that Lord Nobunaga intends to march to the capital?
Ranmaru: N-No, such a thing… I heard that the screen was specially made to extol Lord Kenshin's unparalleled loyalty to the imperial court.
Kenshin: …………
Kenshin's eyes were on neither the folding screen nor the cloak, but on several bottles lined up before him.
Ranmaru: These are imported wine made of grapes. They are fragrant and of good quality. Do they suit your taste…
Kenshin: Fine wine…
Aya: It seems like Kenshin is interested in the gifts… If we were to ally with the Oda, we can devote our full attention to Kantō. What do you think, Kenshin?
Kenshin: Indeed… Ranmaru, tell Nobunaga that we agree. We will return the favour at a later date.
Ranmaru: Understood!
Aya: I will leave the decision of allying with Lord Nobunaga to you. …However, Kenshin, don't get drunk on the fine wine and forget about the agreement to send troops to Kantō.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Dispatching Troops to Kantō
Ujiyasu: So the battle-crazy fool from Echigo is finally here. If your strategy is said to be the strongest spear, then this Odawara Castle here is the strongest shield.
Ujiyasu: If you're going to force your way in for that worthless, good-for-nothing Kantō Kanrei, then I'll entertain you with Odawara Castle!
At that time, Kenshin met up with the lords of Kantō and laid siege on Hōjō Ujiyasu's Odawara Castle. They began their battle formation.
Uesugi Norimasa: Achooo!
Kenshin: The bell that signals the start of the battle has rang…
Battle: Odawara Castle
Becoming Kantō Kanrei
After crushing the Hōjō army with his divine strategies, Kenshin turned his troops northwards to return to Echigo.
Norimasa: Lord Kenshin, wait! You won the battle, didn't you? Are you going back without taking the castle?
Kenshin: The Kantō Kanrei is the one who should restore the land of Kantō… My duty has ended… Farewell.
Norimasa: W-Wait, please wait! I no longer have the power to restore Kantō. Even if the Hōjō surrender, there's still the Takeda and the Imagawa to deal with…
Aya: Kenshin isn't one to bend the rules. Without a just cause, we cannot stay.
Norimasa: I-In that case… I will hand over the position of Kantō Kanrei to Lord Kenshin. With this, you have a just cause. Please accept the position.
Aya: Lord Norimasa, to think that you are prepared to go so far. Kenshin, it would be dishonourable of you not to accept the position of Kantō Kanrei.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Norimasa: Ooh, so you'll accept it!
Kenshin: As you wish… I will protect Kantō with my life.
Chapter 2: A Chance Encounter between the Tiger and the Dragon
Murakami Yoshikiyo's Request
Takeda Shingen invaded Shinano from Kai, crushing Murakami Yoshikiyo and the other powerful clans of northern Shinano who had been stubbornly resisting him, and banishing them from Shinano.
Having lost their castles, Yoshikiyo and the others fled to Echigo and requested for help from Uesugi Kenshin to recover their former territory.
Murakami Yoshikiyo: That despicable Takeda Shingen is greedily invading the territory of others. He has driven us out of our birthplace.
Yoshikiyo: Furthermore, the despicable Sanada…! They hate that they have lost to us before. They proposed a scheme to the Takeda and sold out Shinshū.
Uesugi: The Sanada… huh.
Yoshikiyo: If Lord Kenshin should grant us our wish of driving out the Takeda from Shinano, we will give Shinano to you! I humbly beg of you, please raise an army to suppress the villains, the Takeda and the Sanada!
Kenshin: No.
Yoshikiyo: W-Why…!?
Kenshin: We do not fight to expand our territory.
Yoshikiyo: I-I beg your pardon for my insolence! I humbly beg of you, please save us! Lord Kenshin is the only one we can rely on!
Kenshin: In that case, yes. The decisive battle with the Takeda will take place once we are prepared. We'll begin the battle preparations.
Departure for the Front
The news reached Kenshin via smoke signals. Takeda Shingen was on the move and had gathered troops at Kawanakajima, the border of the Uesugi and Takeda territories.
Kenshin, who had been face-to-face with Bishamonten, came out of his prayer hall and stood before his troops.
Kenshin: Fate is in Heaven, the armour is on the breast.
Kenshin: Fight believing that you will die and you shall survive; fight believing that you will survive and you shall die…
Kenshin: We'll depart for the front…
The two armies of Uesugi and Takeda clashed at Kawanakajima. Due to the smoke from the Takeda camps' cooking fires, Kenshin saw through the Takeda's plan to use the Woodpecker strategy to trap the Uesugi in a pincer attack.
Kenshin: Heaven shines upon our battle. I shall drink the fine wine of victory in one gulp.
Cutscene:
Kenshin: Destroy the Woodpecker strategy.
Soldier: Enemy attack!
Aya: Kenshin.
Shingen: The next round will come immediately. This is the Wheel formation that Kenshin excels at.
Shingen: Four more hours before the mobile unit returns…
Shingen: This is my order for the entire army.
Shingen: Survive.
Battle: Kawanakajima
Nemesis
At the Battle of Kawanakajima, the Uesugi army narrowly took the upper hand in an intense battle but the losses on both sides were great and it could hardly be called an absolute victory.
Kenshin: He was a match for me in battle…
Aya: Have you found your nemesis?
Kenshin: Nemesis…
Aya: Oh my, Kenshin is smiling…
Kenshin: Nemesis… when we next meet, I shall treat you to even more excellent strategies.
On the other side, Takeda Shingen withdrew his troops and temporarily stopped his war against Kenshin. He set his eyes on the north, on Suruga.
Shingen: If Kenshin were to attack us from the back now, he wouldn't face any resistance at all.
Yukimura: In that case, we have to increase our preparation in the south…
Shingen: No, Kenshin won't attack. The man loves battles but he can't move his army without a just cause… Or rather, he won't move.
Yukimura: Why?
Shingen: Who knows. Perhaps that is what he has decided himself?
Sending Salt to the Enemy
The Takeda army, who had changed their target to the north, broke their alliance and invaded the Imagawa territory of Suruga.
In retaliation, the Imagawa joined hands with the Hōjō and blocked the delivery of salt to the Takeda territory. The people in the landlocked provinces of Kai and Shinano were suffering from the lack of salt.
Kenshin: We will send salt to the Takeda territory.
Unexpectedly, it was Shingen's nemesis, Uesugi Kenshin, who rescued Shingen from this crisis. The Takeda were saved thanks to the delivery of salt from the Uesugi territory.
Shingen: Messenger from Kenshin, I am grateful for the salt. Thanks to you, the people are saved. I am humbled to receive the message from Kenshin.
Kanetsugu: Lord Kenshin has said, "My nemesis is not the people; it is you, Shingen. Let us compete on the battlefield once again with our strategies."
Upon listening to Kanetsugu's words, Shingen seemed to be unable to hold back on a bright smile, and spoke.
Shingen: Looks like he only knows how to converse in terms of battles, that Kenshin. Messenger, tell this to Kenshin. Let us converse with our strategies. At Kawanakajima.
Before the Rematch at Kawanakajima
Takeda Shingen again assembled his army at Kawanakajima.
News of it flew to Kenshin through smoke signals.
Kenshin: Depart for the front…
Kenshin smiled thinly and set off for Kawanakajima.
Once again, the Dragon and the Tiger faced off at Kawanakajima.
Battle: Kawanakajima Rematch
A Promise for a Rematch
After the battle had ended, without any prior agreement, the Dragon and the Tiger left their respective camps and walked to the center of the Kawanakajima battlefield.
Yukimura: My lord, it's dangerous to go alone!
Shingen turned to face Yukimura, who had rushed forward to caution him, and spoke.
Shingen: It's strange. This foe whom I have risked my life to battle, whom I have fought with all the arts of strategy at my disposal… I have a peculiar affinity for him… I feel an attachment to him.
A gentle smile appeared on Shingen's face as he spoke.
He jutted his chin towards Kawanakajima. Kenshin was standing there alone.
Shingen: It's probably the same for him. He can't help but love the nemesis that he can give his all to. It's all right. We are just regreting our separation.
Shingen slowly walked towards Kenshin. Kenshin acknowledged Shingen's presence. A wide smile, with no ill intentions, appeared on his face.
Kenshin: Nemesis…
Shingen: You are surely my beloved nemesis. You are strong, absurdly strong. This time too, I've lost.
Kenshin: However, we could not determine who is stronger.
Shingen: Therefore, we shall have a rematch… right? You really can only speak in terms of battles.
Shingen: That's fine, I'll fight, no matter how many times. No matter how many times it takes, I'll face your strategies and weather through them. I'll stuff my strategies down your throat.
Kenshin nodded, full of satisfaction. He pointed to the west, and spoke.
Kenshin: Then, our next battle shall take place after you have fulfilled your wish… After you have marched to the capital and spread the Kingly Way throughout the land.
Shingen: Kenshin… you understand my desire! A bosom friend that knows you inside out, that's none other than you!
Shingen: Kenshin, my nemesis, my friend. I will reach the capital and return here to Kawanakajima… I definitely will.
Kenshin: I will polish my skills, and wait.
Kenshin nodded deeply. The Tiger and the Dragon went their separate ways.
Later on, the Uesugi announced that they would attack the Hatakeyama's territory of Noto. The Hatakeyama had seemed to be cooperating with the Oda.
On the question of whether this was to aid Shingen's march to the capital, Kenshin would not say a word.
Shingen's Death
Around the time when Kenshin destroyed the Hatakeyama, Shingen collapsed from a serious illness on his march to the capital.
Shingen: To the west… the west… quick…! To reach the capital, for the Kingly Way…! My dearest wish…!
Sakon: It's impossible, Lord Shingen! Your body can't take it.
Shingen: I have to… return to Kawanakajima… While I… still live…
Yukimura: My lord…!
Shingen got up unsteadily and tried ever more to walk towards the west. Yukimura and his retainers chased after him in worry.
Sakon: Lord Kenshin!
Shingen: Ooh… look… It's the capital… The Takeda banner… is flying… at the capital…
They were in the middle of the mountains in Mikawa. Shingen was looking at an illusionary capital.
Shingen: The Kingly Way… My dream… has come true… A dream… ooh… it's a dream…! Yukimura… is this… a dream…
Yukimura: No…!
Sakon: Yukimura!
Shingen: I see… Nemesis… Now… I will go to meet you… To… Kawanakajima…
Shingen passed away with a calm face. Yukimura swore an oath over Shingen's body.
Yukimura: The Kingly Way that my lord sees so clearly with his eyes…! I will surely make it come true!
Due to Shingen's death, the Takeda army did not reach the capital. They turned back to Kai.
Kenshin received news of Shingen's death in the middle of a meal. He dropped his chopsticks.
Kanetsugu: Lord Kenshin! Please get a hold of yourself!
Kenshin: A man as great as Shingen will not appear again. All the Uesugi generals shall mourn for Nemesis.
Kenshin: Sister, everyone, I want to step out for a while.
Aya and the rest left Kenshin alone.
Kenshin: UOOOOOOOOHHHH!
Kenshin's grief-stricked cry rang out from behind Aya.
Aya: Kenshin…
Chapter 3: Waiting for Kawanakajima
Thinking of Nemesis
Shortly after Shingen's death… Kenshin suddenly gave orders to march out.
Kanetsugu: Lord Kenshin, what's the matter?!
Kenshin: Nemesis… is waiting… I must go… to Kawanakajima.
Aya: Shingen has already passed away, Kenshin.
Kenshin: Yes. But, Sister… I have made a promise. I promised Nemesis that we will have a rematch at Kawanakajima…
Kenshin: I must go… to Kawanakajima.
Aya: Kenshin…
Battle: Kawanakajima #6
Cutscene:
Kenshin: Nemesis……?
Kenshin: Hmph, Nemesis……
The One Who Inherits the Mantle
After the battle, Sanada Yukimura appeared before Kenshin and knelt down.
Yukimura: My thousand apologies for the sin of tarnishing the battle between the Dragon and the Tiger. However, I watched my lord die, and I… I had to do this…
Kenshin shook his head silently. He pointed to Yukimura and to his own chest.
Yukimura: Huh…! You mean to say…
Kanetsugu: Lord Shingen lives on… He has become the determination that is deeply rooted in Yukimura's and Lord Kenshin's chests. He is not gone, he lives on!
Kenshin nodded satisfactorily at both names.
Kenshin: Life does not end at death. People connect with other people, and they live on… That is life.
Yukimura: My lord lives on in me…
Kenshin: Yukimura, the Shingen in you shall resonate with my inner Shingen. Thus, Shingen's determination will be eternal.
Yukimura: Yes, sir!
Kenshin: And then, Kanetsugu, Yukimura… all who bear the burden of the next generation. Carry this determination to the future.
Kanetsugu: Yes, my lord!
Yukimura and Kanetsugu withdrew. Alone in the camp, Kenshin looked up at the sky and spoke.
Kenshin: Nemesis… Just as promised, you were waiting for me at Kawanakajima…
Chapter 4: Nemesis Is with Me
The Demon King Invades
Oda Nobunaga finally made the decision to battle the Uesugi. He led his main force and began to attack the Uesugi territory of Kaga.
Uesugi Kenshin too, departed for the front. Both armies confronted each other with Tedorigawa in between them.
Nobunaga: What do you desire, Uesugi… Kenshin…
At the front of his army, Nobunaga asked. Kenshin too emerged at the front of his army, together with Yukimura and Kanetsugu, and answered.
Kenshin: "Life".
Kenshin: What I desire is, together with these young men, to receive and realise Nemesis's determination… his core… his life, and to bring them to the future.
Nobunaga: Haha… hahaha… hahahahaha!
Nobunaga: Your contemplations borne of idle drunkenness can express nothing but strife.
Nobunaga: However, strife brings destruction. It is nothing but violence. There is nothing else you can convey from that.
Nobunaga: You are a chain of contemplations and destruction, drunken dreams and pointless warring! Your very existence is a waste.
Kenshin: No. I shall explain it to you from now on, through battle.
Nobunaga: I look forward to it.
Battle: Tedorigawa
Carrying on Nemesis's Dying Wish
The camp was celebrating the victory. Kanetsugu raised his fist and spoke loudly.
Kanetsugu: My dear soldiers! We have repelled the Demon King's main army! This is due to our determination to achieve the Kingly Way, which brings our hearts together as one, and enables us to fight to the bitter end!
Kanetsugu: The souls of every soldier here shelters an indivisible will, the determination to achieve the Kingly Way, that is to say, honour, and it is the bond that ties us all together!
Kanetsugu: Lord Shingen left this world with his determination to march to the capital incomplete. And we, who have inherited his will, what must we do?! My dear soldiers, say it with me!
All the soldiers shouted in unison. "March to the capital! We will destroy the era of chaos by our own hands and achieve the Kingly Way!"
Kanetsugu: That's right! What we must do, is to build a world of honour under the leadership of Lord Kenshin!
Kanetsugu: My dear soldiers! My brethren! Let us go together, to the capital! We will drive off the Demon King's forces, and dedicate to the world love and honour!
An acclamation, loud enough to pierce the sky, enveloped the whole army. Kanetsugu turned back to look at Yukimura and Kenshin. Yukimura replied Kanetsugu with a firm nod.
Kenshin: From now, we shall begin our march to the capital.
The soldiers' acclaim was louder than ever. Shouldering his nemesis's soul, Kenshin's march to the capital began.
Yukimura's Education
After Yukimura joined the Uesugi army, he visited Kenshin when he had free time and receives Kenshin's teachings.
Yukimura: What is the source of your strength?
Kenshin: Do you remember the battle at Kawanakajima?
Yukimura: Yes. You set up your camp at Mount Saijo. On the other hand, my lord set off from Kaizu Castle, aiming to provoke a battle in the open field.
Kenshin: My strength lies in battles in open fields. That's why I set up my camp at Mount Saijo, and lured Nemesis out.
Yukimura: Seeing the Uesugi army at a geographical disadvantage, the Takeda army responded with an open field battle. It was just as you predicted… That was surely… a divine strategy!
Kenshin let out an abrupt laugh and retrieved a map from a shelf in the room. Kenshin had written on it with densely packed words.
Yukimura: This is… the map of Kawanakajima…
Kenshin: Sun Tzu, whom Nemesis was fond of, had once said. "Win the battle before it has begun."
Yukimura: Study the land before the battle, read the enemy's movements, and victory is certain. So this is the source of Lord Kenshin's strength…
Yukimura: People say that your strength is due to divine possession, but behind that strength is extensive calculations. They back you up firmly…
Kenshin: Yukimura, this is strife.
Yukimura: Yes, sir. I will keep your words firmly in mind!
Kenshin nodded and stood up. Then, he looked up at the moon through the window, a lonely expression on his face.
Kenshin: Divine possession… that is Nemesis. Even the battles where I was sure of victory, I could not win completely.
Kenshin: A genius like Nemesis will never appear again…
Yukimura: Lord Kenshin…
Battle: Yamashiro-Ōmi
Cutscene:
Kanetsugu: My dear soldiers! Through honour, finally, the Kingly Way has dawned on the land!
Kanetsugu: What's the matter, Yukimura?
Yukimura: No…
Yukimura: For some reason, the wind feels nostalgic…
Kenshin: Nemesis…
Kenshin: I have inherited that determination, and now, I have put an end to the era of chaos.
Kenshin: I live as the link to the next generation, the generation of Kanetsugu and Yukimura.
Kenshin: Are you watching, Nemesis?
Shingen: Oh, I knew you could do it, Kenshin.
- END -
Translation notes:
1. An explanation on the role of Kantō Kanrei.
2. In the first event, Kenshin says "破邪顕正" re: fighting the Hōjō. Haja kenshō is a Buddhist phrase that translates into something like "crushing evil, spreading truth". I think it's more to do with spreading religion rather than fighting retributory battles but well… This phrase is also one of Kenshin's battle quotes. In SW3, he says it at the end of his musou hi-ougi. Kagekatsu also says it sometimes in SW4.
3. Before the first Kawakanajima battle, Kenshin speaks to his soldiers and says "Fate is in Heaven, the armour is on the breast. Fight believing that you will die and you shall survive; fight believing that you will survive and you shall die." This is one of Kenshin's famous historical quotes. There's a translation here and the full quote in Japanese is below.
『運は天にあり、鎧は胸にあり、手柄は足にあり
何時も敵を我が掌中に入れて合戦すべし。
死なんと戦えば生き、生きんと戦えば必ず死するものなり。
運は一定にあらず、時の次第と思うは間違いなり。
武士なれば、わが進むべき道はこれほかなしと、自らに運を定めるべし』
I can't find the link again, but when I was looking up the original quote, I read a comment that said that during a time when superstitions were common and generals would use divination and fortune-telling to determine which date would be a good date for them to start a battle, this quote shows that Kenshin believed that victory or defeat depends on oneself.
Notes:
1. Japanese script transcribed by
professor-tammi. Thank you for your help!
2. It's been a long time since I played the game so I don't remember the chapter divisions, or where each cutscene and battle takes place. So I mostly guessed their placements.
3. Shingen's Kingly Way thing is mentioned a lot here. I've kinda explained it a bit in the Takeda story translation so I won't repeat it here.
4. Let me know if you see any mistakes!
Chapter 1: The Storm at Kantō
The Request from the Lords of Kantō
Internally, Echigo was pushed to the brink of ruin due to the prolonged conflict. However, once Uesugi Kenshin assumed the role of ruler of the province, the situation changed completely.
Kenshin had shown signs of being a reliable strategist since young, had never lost a battle he faced, and was a man of purity and integrity. Before long, the detractors in the province were suppressed and peace came to Echigo.
His fame extended as far as Kantō.
Kenshin: …………
Nagao Masanaga: The lords of Kantō are now facing an unprecedented crisis. We humbly beg of you to go in person…
Kenshin: …………
The lords of Kantō served the Kantō Kanrei, Uesugi Norimasa. They were under attack from the Hōjō, who were expanding their territory, and had come to request for aid from Kenshin.
Kanetsugu: The supervision of Kantō is under the authority of the Kantō Kanrei, Lord Uesugi Norimasa. There is no honour in ignoring his authority and turning our blades against the mongrel from Sagami.
Aya: You are loud, Kanetsugu. However, there is only one person in this land who can bring order to Kantō… Kenshin, it is you.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Masanaga: That means…!
Kenshin: Purge the evil, reveal the truth. We will destroy the evil that is the Hōjō.
Masanaga: We are grateful to you!
Aya: Victory or defeat is decided before the battle. Do not forget to prepare adequately before the battle, Kenshin.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Nobunaga's Messenger
More than the abundant resources and fertile earth in the province, Kenshin's military ingenuity and popularity was what increased Echigo's strength to the extent that it was admired throughout the land.
Aya: Kenshin, we have reserved enough strength to take on the mongrel of Sagami.
It was during that time that a messenger came from the Oda.
Aya: What a cute messenger. Thank you for your hard work on this long journey.
Ranmaru: Pardon me for imposing. I am here to deliver a letter from my lord, Oda Nobunaga. I humbly request that you peruse it.
Kenshin read Nobunaga's letter and then silently handed it to Aya.
Ranmaru: Having heard of Lord Kenshin's valour, my lord has expressed his desire to form friendly relations with Lord Kenshin. I have brought with me various items as proof of his friendship.
At Ranmaru's signal, a folding screen with gold brocade, an imported velvet cloak and other items were brought in.
Aya: The picture on this folding screen depicts the capital, Kyoto. Is this a challenge, an implication that Lord Nobunaga intends to march to the capital?
Ranmaru: N-No, such a thing… I heard that the screen was specially made to extol Lord Kenshin's unparalleled loyalty to the imperial court.
Kenshin: …………
Kenshin's eyes were on neither the folding screen nor the cloak, but on several bottles lined up before him.
Ranmaru: These are imported wine made of grapes. They are fragrant and of good quality. Do they suit your taste…
Kenshin: Fine wine…
Aya: It seems like Kenshin is interested in the gifts… If we were to ally with the Oda, we can devote our full attention to Kantō. What do you think, Kenshin?
Kenshin: Indeed… Ranmaru, tell Nobunaga that we agree. We will return the favour at a later date.
Ranmaru: Understood!
Aya: I will leave the decision of allying with Lord Nobunaga to you. …However, Kenshin, don't get drunk on the fine wine and forget about the agreement to send troops to Kantō.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Dispatching Troops to Kantō
Ujiyasu: So the battle-crazy fool from Echigo is finally here. If your strategy is said to be the strongest spear, then this Odawara Castle here is the strongest shield.
Ujiyasu: If you're going to force your way in for that worthless, good-for-nothing Kantō Kanrei, then I'll entertain you with Odawara Castle!
At that time, Kenshin met up with the lords of Kantō and laid siege on Hōjō Ujiyasu's Odawara Castle. They began their battle formation.
Uesugi Norimasa: Achooo!
Kenshin: The bell that signals the start of the battle has rang…
Battle: Odawara Castle
Becoming Kantō Kanrei
After crushing the Hōjō army with his divine strategies, Kenshin turned his troops northwards to return to Echigo.
Norimasa: Lord Kenshin, wait! You won the battle, didn't you? Are you going back without taking the castle?
Kenshin: The Kantō Kanrei is the one who should restore the land of Kantō… My duty has ended… Farewell.
Norimasa: W-Wait, please wait! I no longer have the power to restore Kantō. Even if the Hōjō surrender, there's still the Takeda and the Imagawa to deal with…
Aya: Kenshin isn't one to bend the rules. Without a just cause, we cannot stay.
Norimasa: I-In that case… I will hand over the position of Kantō Kanrei to Lord Kenshin. With this, you have a just cause. Please accept the position.
Aya: Lord Norimasa, to think that you are prepared to go so far. Kenshin, it would be dishonourable of you not to accept the position of Kantō Kanrei.
Kenshin: Yes, Sister.
Norimasa: Ooh, so you'll accept it!
Kenshin: As you wish… I will protect Kantō with my life.
Chapter 2: A Chance Encounter between the Tiger and the Dragon
Murakami Yoshikiyo's Request
Takeda Shingen invaded Shinano from Kai, crushing Murakami Yoshikiyo and the other powerful clans of northern Shinano who had been stubbornly resisting him, and banishing them from Shinano.
Having lost their castles, Yoshikiyo and the others fled to Echigo and requested for help from Uesugi Kenshin to recover their former territory.
Murakami Yoshikiyo: That despicable Takeda Shingen is greedily invading the territory of others. He has driven us out of our birthplace.
Yoshikiyo: Furthermore, the despicable Sanada…! They hate that they have lost to us before. They proposed a scheme to the Takeda and sold out Shinshū.
Uesugi: The Sanada… huh.
Yoshikiyo: If Lord Kenshin should grant us our wish of driving out the Takeda from Shinano, we will give Shinano to you! I humbly beg of you, please raise an army to suppress the villains, the Takeda and the Sanada!
Kenshin: No.
Yoshikiyo: W-Why…!?
Kenshin: We do not fight to expand our territory.
Yoshikiyo: I-I beg your pardon for my insolence! I humbly beg of you, please save us! Lord Kenshin is the only one we can rely on!
Kenshin: In that case, yes. The decisive battle with the Takeda will take place once we are prepared. We'll begin the battle preparations.
Departure for the Front
The news reached Kenshin via smoke signals. Takeda Shingen was on the move and had gathered troops at Kawanakajima, the border of the Uesugi and Takeda territories.
Kenshin, who had been face-to-face with Bishamonten, came out of his prayer hall and stood before his troops.
Kenshin: Fate is in Heaven, the armour is on the breast.
Kenshin: Fight believing that you will die and you shall survive; fight believing that you will survive and you shall die…
Kenshin: We'll depart for the front…
The two armies of Uesugi and Takeda clashed at Kawanakajima. Due to the smoke from the Takeda camps' cooking fires, Kenshin saw through the Takeda's plan to use the Woodpecker strategy to trap the Uesugi in a pincer attack.
Kenshin: Heaven shines upon our battle. I shall drink the fine wine of victory in one gulp.
Cutscene:
Kenshin: Destroy the Woodpecker strategy.
Soldier: Enemy attack!
Aya: Kenshin.
Shingen: The next round will come immediately. This is the Wheel formation that Kenshin excels at.
Shingen: Four more hours before the mobile unit returns…
Shingen: This is my order for the entire army.
Shingen: Survive.
Battle: Kawanakajima
Nemesis
At the Battle of Kawanakajima, the Uesugi army narrowly took the upper hand in an intense battle but the losses on both sides were great and it could hardly be called an absolute victory.
Kenshin: He was a match for me in battle…
Aya: Have you found your nemesis?
Kenshin: Nemesis…
Aya: Oh my, Kenshin is smiling…
Kenshin: Nemesis… when we next meet, I shall treat you to even more excellent strategies.
On the other side, Takeda Shingen withdrew his troops and temporarily stopped his war against Kenshin. He set his eyes on the north, on Suruga.
Shingen: If Kenshin were to attack us from the back now, he wouldn't face any resistance at all.
Yukimura: In that case, we have to increase our preparation in the south…
Shingen: No, Kenshin won't attack. The man loves battles but he can't move his army without a just cause… Or rather, he won't move.
Yukimura: Why?
Shingen: Who knows. Perhaps that is what he has decided himself?
Sending Salt to the Enemy
The Takeda army, who had changed their target to the north, broke their alliance and invaded the Imagawa territory of Suruga.
In retaliation, the Imagawa joined hands with the Hōjō and blocked the delivery of salt to the Takeda territory. The people in the landlocked provinces of Kai and Shinano were suffering from the lack of salt.
Kenshin: We will send salt to the Takeda territory.
Unexpectedly, it was Shingen's nemesis, Uesugi Kenshin, who rescued Shingen from this crisis. The Takeda were saved thanks to the delivery of salt from the Uesugi territory.
Shingen: Messenger from Kenshin, I am grateful for the salt. Thanks to you, the people are saved. I am humbled to receive the message from Kenshin.
Kanetsugu: Lord Kenshin has said, "My nemesis is not the people; it is you, Shingen. Let us compete on the battlefield once again with our strategies."
Upon listening to Kanetsugu's words, Shingen seemed to be unable to hold back on a bright smile, and spoke.
Shingen: Looks like he only knows how to converse in terms of battles, that Kenshin. Messenger, tell this to Kenshin. Let us converse with our strategies. At Kawanakajima.
Before the Rematch at Kawanakajima
Takeda Shingen again assembled his army at Kawanakajima.
News of it flew to Kenshin through smoke signals.
Kenshin: Depart for the front…
Kenshin smiled thinly and set off for Kawanakajima.
Once again, the Dragon and the Tiger faced off at Kawanakajima.
Battle: Kawanakajima Rematch
A Promise for a Rematch
After the battle had ended, without any prior agreement, the Dragon and the Tiger left their respective camps and walked to the center of the Kawanakajima battlefield.
Yukimura: My lord, it's dangerous to go alone!
Shingen turned to face Yukimura, who had rushed forward to caution him, and spoke.
Shingen: It's strange. This foe whom I have risked my life to battle, whom I have fought with all the arts of strategy at my disposal… I have a peculiar affinity for him… I feel an attachment to him.
A gentle smile appeared on Shingen's face as he spoke.
He jutted his chin towards Kawanakajima. Kenshin was standing there alone.
Shingen: It's probably the same for him. He can't help but love the nemesis that he can give his all to. It's all right. We are just regreting our separation.
Shingen slowly walked towards Kenshin. Kenshin acknowledged Shingen's presence. A wide smile, with no ill intentions, appeared on his face.
Kenshin: Nemesis…
Shingen: You are surely my beloved nemesis. You are strong, absurdly strong. This time too, I've lost.
Kenshin: However, we could not determine who is stronger.
Shingen: Therefore, we shall have a rematch… right? You really can only speak in terms of battles.
Shingen: That's fine, I'll fight, no matter how many times. No matter how many times it takes, I'll face your strategies and weather through them. I'll stuff my strategies down your throat.
Kenshin nodded, full of satisfaction. He pointed to the west, and spoke.
Kenshin: Then, our next battle shall take place after you have fulfilled your wish… After you have marched to the capital and spread the Kingly Way throughout the land.
Shingen: Kenshin… you understand my desire! A bosom friend that knows you inside out, that's none other than you!
Shingen: Kenshin, my nemesis, my friend. I will reach the capital and return here to Kawanakajima… I definitely will.
Kenshin: I will polish my skills, and wait.
Kenshin nodded deeply. The Tiger and the Dragon went their separate ways.
Later on, the Uesugi announced that they would attack the Hatakeyama's territory of Noto. The Hatakeyama had seemed to be cooperating with the Oda.
On the question of whether this was to aid Shingen's march to the capital, Kenshin would not say a word.
Shingen's Death
Around the time when Kenshin destroyed the Hatakeyama, Shingen collapsed from a serious illness on his march to the capital.
Shingen: To the west… the west… quick…! To reach the capital, for the Kingly Way…! My dearest wish…!
Sakon: It's impossible, Lord Shingen! Your body can't take it.
Shingen: I have to… return to Kawanakajima… While I… still live…
Yukimura: My lord…!
Shingen got up unsteadily and tried ever more to walk towards the west. Yukimura and his retainers chased after him in worry.
Sakon: Lord Kenshin!
Shingen: Ooh… look… It's the capital… The Takeda banner… is flying… at the capital…
They were in the middle of the mountains in Mikawa. Shingen was looking at an illusionary capital.
Shingen: The Kingly Way… My dream… has come true… A dream… ooh… it's a dream…! Yukimura… is this… a dream…
Yukimura: No…!
Sakon: Yukimura!
Shingen: I see… Nemesis… Now… I will go to meet you… To… Kawanakajima…
Shingen passed away with a calm face. Yukimura swore an oath over Shingen's body.
Yukimura: The Kingly Way that my lord sees so clearly with his eyes…! I will surely make it come true!
Due to Shingen's death, the Takeda army did not reach the capital. They turned back to Kai.
Kenshin received news of Shingen's death in the middle of a meal. He dropped his chopsticks.
Kanetsugu: Lord Kenshin! Please get a hold of yourself!
Kenshin: A man as great as Shingen will not appear again. All the Uesugi generals shall mourn for Nemesis.
Kenshin: Sister, everyone, I want to step out for a while.
Aya and the rest left Kenshin alone.
Kenshin: UOOOOOOOOHHHH!
Kenshin's grief-stricked cry rang out from behind Aya.
Aya: Kenshin…
Chapter 3: Waiting for Kawanakajima
Thinking of Nemesis
Shortly after Shingen's death… Kenshin suddenly gave orders to march out.
Kanetsugu: Lord Kenshin, what's the matter?!
Kenshin: Nemesis… is waiting… I must go… to Kawanakajima.
Aya: Shingen has already passed away, Kenshin.
Kenshin: Yes. But, Sister… I have made a promise. I promised Nemesis that we will have a rematch at Kawanakajima…
Kenshin: I must go… to Kawanakajima.
Aya: Kenshin…
Battle: Kawanakajima #6
Cutscene:
Kenshin: Nemesis……?
Kenshin: Hmph, Nemesis……
The One Who Inherits the Mantle
After the battle, Sanada Yukimura appeared before Kenshin and knelt down.
Yukimura: My thousand apologies for the sin of tarnishing the battle between the Dragon and the Tiger. However, I watched my lord die, and I… I had to do this…
Kenshin shook his head silently. He pointed to Yukimura and to his own chest.
Yukimura: Huh…! You mean to say…
Kanetsugu: Lord Shingen lives on… He has become the determination that is deeply rooted in Yukimura's and Lord Kenshin's chests. He is not gone, he lives on!
Kenshin nodded satisfactorily at both names.
Kenshin: Life does not end at death. People connect with other people, and they live on… That is life.
Yukimura: My lord lives on in me…
Kenshin: Yukimura, the Shingen in you shall resonate with my inner Shingen. Thus, Shingen's determination will be eternal.
Yukimura: Yes, sir!
Kenshin: And then, Kanetsugu, Yukimura… all who bear the burden of the next generation. Carry this determination to the future.
Kanetsugu: Yes, my lord!
Yukimura and Kanetsugu withdrew. Alone in the camp, Kenshin looked up at the sky and spoke.
Kenshin: Nemesis… Just as promised, you were waiting for me at Kawanakajima…
Chapter 4: Nemesis Is with Me
The Demon King Invades
Oda Nobunaga finally made the decision to battle the Uesugi. He led his main force and began to attack the Uesugi territory of Kaga.
Uesugi Kenshin too, departed for the front. Both armies confronted each other with Tedorigawa in between them.
Nobunaga: What do you desire, Uesugi… Kenshin…
At the front of his army, Nobunaga asked. Kenshin too emerged at the front of his army, together with Yukimura and Kanetsugu, and answered.
Kenshin: "Life".
Kenshin: What I desire is, together with these young men, to receive and realise Nemesis's determination… his core… his life, and to bring them to the future.
Nobunaga: Haha… hahaha… hahahahaha!
Nobunaga: Your contemplations borne of idle drunkenness can express nothing but strife.
Nobunaga: However, strife brings destruction. It is nothing but violence. There is nothing else you can convey from that.
Nobunaga: You are a chain of contemplations and destruction, drunken dreams and pointless warring! Your very existence is a waste.
Kenshin: No. I shall explain it to you from now on, through battle.
Nobunaga: I look forward to it.
Battle: Tedorigawa
Carrying on Nemesis's Dying Wish
The camp was celebrating the victory. Kanetsugu raised his fist and spoke loudly.
Kanetsugu: My dear soldiers! We have repelled the Demon King's main army! This is due to our determination to achieve the Kingly Way, which brings our hearts together as one, and enables us to fight to the bitter end!
Kanetsugu: The souls of every soldier here shelters an indivisible will, the determination to achieve the Kingly Way, that is to say, honour, and it is the bond that ties us all together!
Kanetsugu: Lord Shingen left this world with his determination to march to the capital incomplete. And we, who have inherited his will, what must we do?! My dear soldiers, say it with me!
All the soldiers shouted in unison. "March to the capital! We will destroy the era of chaos by our own hands and achieve the Kingly Way!"
Kanetsugu: That's right! What we must do, is to build a world of honour under the leadership of Lord Kenshin!
Kanetsugu: My dear soldiers! My brethren! Let us go together, to the capital! We will drive off the Demon King's forces, and dedicate to the world love and honour!
An acclamation, loud enough to pierce the sky, enveloped the whole army. Kanetsugu turned back to look at Yukimura and Kenshin. Yukimura replied Kanetsugu with a firm nod.
Kenshin: From now, we shall begin our march to the capital.
The soldiers' acclaim was louder than ever. Shouldering his nemesis's soul, Kenshin's march to the capital began.
Yukimura's Education
After Yukimura joined the Uesugi army, he visited Kenshin when he had free time and receives Kenshin's teachings.
Yukimura: What is the source of your strength?
Kenshin: Do you remember the battle at Kawanakajima?
Yukimura: Yes. You set up your camp at Mount Saijo. On the other hand, my lord set off from Kaizu Castle, aiming to provoke a battle in the open field.
Kenshin: My strength lies in battles in open fields. That's why I set up my camp at Mount Saijo, and lured Nemesis out.
Yukimura: Seeing the Uesugi army at a geographical disadvantage, the Takeda army responded with an open field battle. It was just as you predicted… That was surely… a divine strategy!
Kenshin let out an abrupt laugh and retrieved a map from a shelf in the room. Kenshin had written on it with densely packed words.
Yukimura: This is… the map of Kawanakajima…
Kenshin: Sun Tzu, whom Nemesis was fond of, had once said. "Win the battle before it has begun."
Yukimura: Study the land before the battle, read the enemy's movements, and victory is certain. So this is the source of Lord Kenshin's strength…
Yukimura: People say that your strength is due to divine possession, but behind that strength is extensive calculations. They back you up firmly…
Kenshin: Yukimura, this is strife.
Yukimura: Yes, sir. I will keep your words firmly in mind!
Kenshin nodded and stood up. Then, he looked up at the moon through the window, a lonely expression on his face.
Kenshin: Divine possession… that is Nemesis. Even the battles where I was sure of victory, I could not win completely.
Kenshin: A genius like Nemesis will never appear again…
Yukimura: Lord Kenshin…
Battle: Yamashiro-Ōmi
Cutscene:
Kanetsugu: My dear soldiers! Through honour, finally, the Kingly Way has dawned on the land!
Kanetsugu: What's the matter, Yukimura?
Yukimura: No…
Yukimura: For some reason, the wind feels nostalgic…
Kenshin: Nemesis…
Kenshin: I have inherited that determination, and now, I have put an end to the era of chaos.
Kenshin: I live as the link to the next generation, the generation of Kanetsugu and Yukimura.
Kenshin: Are you watching, Nemesis?
Shingen: Oh, I knew you could do it, Kenshin.
- END -
Translation notes:
1. An explanation on the role of Kantō Kanrei.
2. In the first event, Kenshin says "破邪顕正" re: fighting the Hōjō. Haja kenshō is a Buddhist phrase that translates into something like "crushing evil, spreading truth". I think it's more to do with spreading religion rather than fighting retributory battles but well… This phrase is also one of Kenshin's battle quotes. In SW3, he says it at the end of his musou hi-ougi. Kagekatsu also says it sometimes in SW4.
3. Before the first Kawakanajima battle, Kenshin speaks to his soldiers and says "Fate is in Heaven, the armour is on the breast. Fight believing that you will die and you shall survive; fight believing that you will survive and you shall die." This is one of Kenshin's famous historical quotes. There's a translation here and the full quote in Japanese is below.
『運は天にあり、鎧は胸にあり、手柄は足にあり
何時も敵を我が掌中に入れて合戦すべし。
死なんと戦えば生き、生きんと戦えば必ず死するものなり。
運は一定にあらず、時の次第と思うは間違いなり。
武士なれば、わが進むべき道はこれほかなしと、自らに運を定めるべし』
I can't find the link again, but when I was looking up the original quote, I read a comment that said that during a time when superstitions were common and generals would use divination and fortune-telling to determine which date would be a good date for them to start a battle, this quote shows that Kenshin believed that victory or defeat depends on oneself.