Harima, Heshikiri-Hasebe, Hideyoshi

Friends and vassals wait with baited breath as Kanbei finally meets Oda Nobunaga. In those thrilling moments as our hero presents himself and speaks strategy against the Mouri, it appears unclear whether Nobunaga is impressed or will lop off his head. Luckily, when the warlord reaches for his sword, it is to offer it to Kanbei along with his blessing. For history nerds like me, this is the Heshikiri-Hasebe, supposedly Nobunaga’s favorite sword. With this lofty gift, he also sends Hashiba Hideyoshi, whom we get to know more intimately in a serious of heart-warming and funny scenes. Kanbe seems to have met a kindred spirit in this "Saru."

I wonder if Kanbei knows just how helpful his wife Teru is, though. With the lord at Himeji so easily manipulated, the Kodera might have lost everything. Thanks to some quick thinking by those at home, our hero’s efforts are not wasted.

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