Flower and Sword (花戦さ)

In the sixteenth century.

One hundred years after the Onin Rebellion, Kyoto was still in ruins.

The warlords were fighting each other, and the civil war period continued

Oda Nobunaga the Overlord of Owari,

Began to move towards the goal of unifying the world

But years of war have left the streets of Kyoto desolate.

The living conditions of the inhabitants of Kyoto, went from bad to worse.

At the Dohoji Temple in the center of Kyoto,

there is a group of "flower monks" who worship Buddha by arranging flowers.

They are called Ikenobo of Rokkakudo Pond Square

They arranged flowers to express people's prayers for peace,

and hopes for a better life.

As expected of the abbot, the flowers are so beautiful

Hey, Senko!

Kicchie

the abbot is looking for you

What do you want me to do?

There is one thing,

Lord Oda Nobunaga wants us to make him a flower arrangement

Is that right?

I want to send you to Gifu

Did you mean I am going alone?

It's because the abbot is not in good health,

and I'm afraid everyone else needs to stay here.

You can use your favorite pine branches.

Pine branches?

i would like to go!

He was really in high spirits.

yes

But do you think it is wise to send him?

Then why don't you go!?

thank you very much.

Those pesky samurai.

Everyone says that, what can I do?

Senbo is with him, it should be fine.

Senbo.

(Same disciple and younger brother, specializes in martial arts)

What kind of person is Lord Nobunaga?

What?

Didn't you ask before you left?

Oda Nobunaga-sama, although only Owari's guardian daimyo

But he became famous for defeating Imagawa Yoshimoto

Now he is like a flying dragon, intending to unify the world

By the way, he has a very short temper

I heard that some teahouse owners made mistakes

He was hacked to death on the spot, so please be careful

Flying Dragon

Would you like some new pine branches?

Yes, thank you

Can it be raised a little higher? -Yes

Yes, just knock it in like this.

This way.

Yes, it's in.

That branch seems to be bearing too much weight.

Would you like me to trim it a little?

Look at that, amazing!

It's rare.

It's like it's breaking through the clouds.

This is "Pine of the Rising Dragon"

"The dragon pine"?

Yes, that's how people describe Oda-sama.

I see.

It's very interesting, I'm looking forward to it.

Yes

What do you think of this flower arrangement?

Speak up!

Yes, my Lord, I think it's a bit too clever

I don't like it too

It doesn't feel calm enough.

Why are the pine branches inserted like this?

Yes

Speak up!

Look up.

This is "Rising Dragon's Pine"

just...towards the sky,

proudly stretched pine branches roaring loudly.

We use pine branches to show the momentum of Lord Nobunaga

And pray for the prosperity of Wu Yun with the calamus flower

That's right.

Excellent.

Well done, Ikenobo.

Rising Dragon's Pine, I like it

My Lord, you really have magic powers,

Using only a fan to break the pine branch is really amazing

My Lord, you really have magic powers,

Oh, your excellency.

You little monkey.

Ikenobo.

Yes

Continue to perfect this flower arrangement,

pay special attention to the junctions of the branches.

Yes my Lord.

Excuse my rudeness.

Lift it up here.

Listen everyone...

samurai should use tea and flowers to train their minds,

to advance to the next level.

Monkey!

Are you listening!?

Yes my Lord.

A little lower.

Push it in.

Brother Senko, let's lift it up a little.

up? -yes

Like this?

Wouldn't it be better to twist it?

This is a wonderful gift.

I heard that it was sent directly by Lord Nobunaga.

It seems that Senko's flower arrangement was very successful.

Maybe it was the right decision to send him.

Maybe he is really gifted...

in the art of flower arrangement.

Twelve years have passed.

Oda Nobunaga passed away, he was betrayed and killed at the Basiji Temple.

His dream of unifying the world,

was realized in the rule of the retainer Toyotomi Hideyoshi

The year 1585

Peace was finally restored in Kyoto in 1585.

People's lives were slowly returning back to normal.

Who wants to buy flowers?

Beautiful flowers anyone?

May I have a look?

Of course. Thank you for your patronage.

Pick and choose, it's all worth it

At this time, the Ikebo in Rokkakudo also ushered in a new era.

After the death of the former abbot Zhuanrong,

and as requested by the late abbot,

Senko Ikenobo became the abbot as his successor.

The main branch is the longest trunk, it is the center and the theme of the whole bonsai.

The yuck is the support of the main branch and is used to hold everything together.

So it's not right if each branch is pointing in the same direction.

See?

Kichiemon, I don't want to learn from you, I want to learn from Senko.

Yes but Senko is now the abbot.

He is the most respected person in Rokkakudo,

he has no time to waste on people like you.

Be content with me teaching you.

Xinzang, that's a very nice arrangement.

Uncle is very suitable to be a flower monk

Yeah?

You don't even need to shave your head.

Yes, my hair is gone, you...!

Dark night,

did I see the moon on that dark night?

No, it's a bald head,

how cold it must feel as the wind is always sensed...

That's right

Thank you

Are you going to do flower arrangement at Hosokawa-sama's house today?

The abbot is so busy.

Are you listening?

I'm just temporarily taking my place before Senior Brother Zhuanbo comes back.

It's been ten years since Uncle Zhuan went on a trip

Do you think he will be coming back soon?

I don't know.

Thank you.

Thank you as well.

There are so many corpses in this place.

How can one do this?

Can you handle it from here when I go home?

Thank you Ms. Dendai for your help.

Please, don't mention it!

Remember to eat well

goodbye

Please say hello to Kichiemon for me.

I will.

You must be hungry.

Please eat something.

Our master has saved you.

Did you hear what I said?

Wonderful Lotus Sutra Viewing the World…

Doesn't seem deaf..

It's so fragrant!

Zhuanwu, this is no ordinary porridge, is it?

The Buddha is in this bowl of porridge right?

I guess so...?

Ah it's delicious!

It's so delicious!

This bowl of porridge is delicious.

Yes

I'm opening the door.

I am taking it away.

What a mess.

Senior Senko

Did she eat?

Is there really anything we can do for her?

Pay attention to your manners.

I'm sorry.

What are you doing?!

This is the power of "Flowering"

"Flowering..."?

The power of flowers.

You know the Buddha is in this flower,

Do you see?

Those flowers are poisonous,

eat one and you'll get sick, eat three and you'll die.

Best not to touch it.

little sister

What's your name?

It's hard to talk to you when I don't know your name.