Episode 1
NHK's year-long historical drama for 2009, features Naoe Kanetsugu, a loyal and devoted samurai in Echigo Province in the 16th century. Kanetsugu was trained in his early childhood by Uesugi Kenshin and after his death, served Kenshin's adopted son Kagekatsu and is known for his extreme loyalty to the Uesugi family. He also made every effort to protect the people of Echigo with a strong sense of justice and genuine sympathy toward commoners. The drama is based on a novel by Masashi Hisaka. ―― Naoe Kanetsugu's life made a major turn in 1564, when Nagao Masakage, the head of the Nagao family and the ruler of southern Echigo, drowned with Uesugi Terutora's aide. Nagao family assumed their master was assassinated by Terutora and prepared for war at their castle where Terutora pays a sudden visit. Terutora meets Momo, Masakage's wife and Terutora's sister, and her 10-year-old son, Kiheiji. Kanetsugu, then named Yoroku, also sees Terutora at the castle with his father Higuchi Souemon. Later Terutora adopts Kiheiji and sends him to a temple to be educated as a samurai, where Yoroku, who was chosen to serve Kiheiji in the future, accompanies his young master at the age of 5 amid painful separation from his family.
Episode 2
Yoroku goes through tough training while missing his family. On a snowy night, Kiheiji sees Yoroku fleeing the temple and follows him. When Yoroku finally reaches home, he is shocked to see his mother, Fuji, telling him to return to the temple. It was then that Kiheiji calms Yoroku by telling him that she was also under pain but had presented her son to Kijeiji. This was the moment the two boys realized their tight bond and lasting trust. In 1573, 14-year-old Yoroku is renamed Kanetsugu, and Izumizawa Hisahide, a retainer of Kagekatsu, are in a mountain on the border of Shinano and Echigo spying on the Takeda family. They run into Takeda's retainer.
Episode 3
In April 1573, Kagekatsu and Kagetora, who is also an adopted son of Terutora, engage in an intense discussion on Uesugi's military plan. Terutora, who was renamed Kenshin, sides with Kagetora who goes for restoring order in Echigo rather than sending their army to Kyoto to monitor Takeda's move. On his way back from the meeting, Kanetsugu runs into his uncle, Naoe Kagetsuna, and his daughter, Sen. Few days later, Kanetsugu finds out from Kagekatsu's sister, Hana that Kagekatsu was attracted to Sen. Kanetsugu secretly writes to Sen to fix a date with his master, however, it fails.
Episode 4
By July 1573, the Uesugi army had successfully restored order in Echigo and was hailing Kagekatsu and Kagetora's leadership. Kenshin decides to arrange a marriage between Kagetora and Hana, in a sign of appreciation to Kagetora who had joined the Uesugi family from the Hojo family. A year later, Kenshin receives a painting of challenging content, from Oda Nobunaga, who plots to seize control over the country. Kanetsugu leaves for Gifu Castle with Oda's envoy, Hatsune, to find out Nobunaga's intention of sending the gift.
Episode 5
In 1574, Kanetsugu meets Nobunaga in Gifu Castle with Hatsune's help. Kanetsugu's belief in loyalty and justice frustrates Nobunaga who secretly orders his retainer, Hideyoshi, to assassinate Kanetsugu. His life, however, is saved by Hideyoshi's retainer, Ishida Mitsunari, then named Sakichi, who later ties a firm friendship with Kanetsugu. The following year, Nobunaga defeats Takeda army through using guns as his weapon, and sets his next target on Uesugi's territory which makes Kenshin to finally decide to enter war with Nobunaga.
Episode 6
Kenshin leads his army to fight with the Oda army. Despite his mounting morale, Kanetsugu fails to kill a young enemy who begs for mercy which disappoints his master. Meanwhile, a marriage between Sen and Kagetaka, the adopted son to the Naoe family, is being arranged. As Uesugi takes lead in the war, Kanetsugu is upset by Kagetora's retainers who disgrace Kagekatsu behind his back and tries to attack them. Kanetsugu is punished for causing the trouble and is sent back to Echigo by Kenshin.
Episode 7
Kanetsugu is ordered to be confined in the temple where he had spent his childhood. One day, Kanetsugu finds out from his younger brother of Fuji's illness. Kanetsugu, however, refuses to visit his mother because of his position. Meanwhile, the Hojo army tries to invade Uesugi's territory while Kenshin is away in war with the Oda army. Kenshin pulls out of the war and returns to meet the Hojo army. As Kenshin resumes the war with Oda, Kanetsugu finds out that Fuji was dying.
Episode 8
With his clever tactics, Kenshin finally defeats the Oda army led by Shibata Katsuie. However, Kenshin halts the attack and returns to Echigo. Meanwhile, Hatsune visits Kanetsugu, who was still confined in the temple, and brings the news of Uesugi's victory. Early in the following year, Kanetsugu is finally pardoned and returns to Kasuga Castle, where he receives a warm welcome from Kagekatsu and his people. Kanetsugu is deeply moved by Kenshin, who says Kanetsugu is his only true disciple, however, Kenshin suddenly falls ill.
Episode 9
Despite Kanetsugu's attentive care, Kenshin passes away. He had fallen ill while preparing for the next battle. After his death, the Uesugi family is divided over whether to name Kagekatsu or Kagetora as the successor. To settle the situation, Myochinni, the wife of Kenshin's late aide, lies that Kenshin had appointed Kagekatsu as successor in his last words. However, Sentoin, who knew that Kenshin left no such words, reveals the truth to Kanetsugu and Osen and decides to take responsibility for the lie and keep it a secret among them.
Episode 10
Feeling suspicious over Kenshin's last words, Kagetora's retainer Kakizaki launches a night attack on Kagekatsu, however, Kakizaki gets killed in the fight. Kagekatsu's retainers blame Kagetora for ordering the attack, to which he denies and gets upset with Kanetsugu who persistently asks him for an explanation. On the night of Kenshin's funeral, Souemon, who came to know of a secret letter addressed to the Hojo family from Kagetora, tells his sons, Kanetsugu and Yoshichi, to seize Kasuga Castle's donjon to avoid Kagetora taking control of the castle with Hojo's support.
Episode 11
Disturbed by Kanetsugu's maneuvering to take control of the donjon, Kagetora decides to fight with Kagekatsu. Osen persuades Sentoin, who had moved to Kagetora's place after he married her daughter, to return to Kagekatsu, however, she decides to stay with Kagetora to stop them from starting a battle. Despite her effort, the battle breaks out and Kagetora, who was losing, moves to Otate. Kagetora tells Hana to seek refuge with her brother, Kagekatsu's, however, she is determined to remain at his side.
Episode 12
As the war continued, Kagekatsu's army faced serious food shortages but all the supply routes were blocked by Kagetora. Finally they find a village that could bring supply and once regarded by Kenshin as a strategically important foothold to protect Mt. Kasuga. Although the villagers were known to be difficult, Kanetsugu makes a bold visit to ask for supply. En route he saves an injured old woman to whom he leaves his sword. In the village he gets attacked by the hostile villagers. However, the woman, who was saved by Kanetsugu, appears and tells his son, who was the village head, that Kanetsugu had abandoned his sword as a sign of his sincerity, which moves the head's heart.
Episode 13
As the battle between Kagekatsu and Kagetora stood at a stalemate, Takeda moved its army to back Kagetora. Hojo's support for Kagetora also raised tension among Kagekatsu's men. To find a breakthrough, Kanetsugu proposes allying with Takeda through advice from Souemon. Although Kagekatsu and his retainers strongly opposed the idea, Kanetsugu convinces Kagekatsu to send him to Takeda. Kanetsugu, Izumizawa and Yoshichi meet Takeda's retainer, Kosaka, who is moved by Kanetsugu's faithful attitude and agrees to ally.
Episode 14
Despite its military alliance with Uesugi, Takeda suddenly advances its troops to Echigo. Kanetsugu learns that Takeda's hostility was due to the death of Kosaka, who had backed the alliance. He asks Kagekatsu, who prepares to meet the attack, to allow him to negotiate with Takeda again to avoid war. Although the proposal was refused at first, Kanetsugu manages to convince Kagekatsu and succeeds in convincing Takeda to retreat. Meanwhile, the Hojo army moves to Echigo to support Kagetora. Uesugi tries to marry Kiku, Takeda Katsuyori's sister, with Kagekatsu to forge close ties between the two warlords.
Episode 15
With Takeda's support, Kagekatsu gains ascendancy over Kagetora. Kanetsugu tries to save Sentoin and Hana who remains with Kagetora. Sentoin desperately convinces Kagetora to surrender. As a sign of peace, Kagetora sends out his young son as hostage however the boy is attacked on the way which outrages Kagetora. Assuming the attack was ordered by Kagekatsu, Kagetora revenges by launching an attack on his step brother. Upon their defeat, Kagetora and Hana decide to commit suicide.
Episode 17
Nobutsuna, Osen's husband, is killed by Kagekatsu's retainer who was discontent with Kanetsugu's promotion. Feeling guilt over his death, Kanetsugu asks for demotion but is rejected. Sentoin tells Kanetsugu to marry Osen to succeed the Naoe family. In 1581, Kanetsugu joins Naoe family as Osen's husband and is named Naoe Kanetsugu. Meanwhile, Takeda is destroyed by Oda. Kagekatsu tells Kiku, who is at despair over Takeda's defeat, to remain at his side the rest of her life which strengthens their trust. The Oda army gains its momentum and besieges Echigo, and the battle between the Oda and Uesugi intensifies.
Episode 16
Oda moves his army to Echigo which raises tension among Uesugi's troops. Meanwhile, Kiku marries Kagekatsu to seal the alliance between the two families. Although her heart at first remained closed to Kagekatsu, she gradually opens herself as she learns Sentoin and Kanetsugu's kindness. Kagekatsu wipes out the remnants of Kagetora's army which puts the battle to an end. Kanetsugu becomes the chief retainer while other retainers are also offered their own castles. However, some retainers show discontent over Kanetsugu's promotion.
Episode 18
Uozu Castle came under the fierce attack of the Oda army and Kagekatsu decides to send in his troops for support. Kanetsugu prepares for the battle while Osen arranges her late father's ally to join forces with Kanetsugu and sends Naoe's treasure and a wisp of her hair in sign of her love and faith to her second husband. Echigo was under Oda's threat and Kanetsugu makes his way into Uozu Castle to convince his fellow retainers desperately withholding in the donjon, to surrender and retreat for the sake of saving Echigo. Despite Kanetsugu's patient persuasion, the retainers chose to remain and fight back until they die as samurai.
Episode 19
When Uesugi forces returned to Echigo to meet Oda troops, they find Oda had already left and Kagekatsu blames himself for the failed counterattack. Kagekatsu worries over Kanetsugu and orders him to take a rest at home, where he finally finds time with Osen and reassures their feelings for each other. In Kyoto, Oda's retainer Akechi Mitsuhide revolts resulting in the death of Oda Nobunaga. Meanwhile, Uozu Castle finally falls to Oda which raises tension among the Uesugi. Oda troops, however, gradually withdraw and Uesugi soon learns of Oda Nobunaga's death. In revenge for his master, Hideyoshi, kills Akechi.
Episode 20
After Oda's death, Hideyoshi gains power as the guardian to Oda's grandson, and is appointed the Emperor's chief advisor after defeating his longtime rival, Shibata Katsuie. Hideyoshi asks for a meeting with Kagekatsu. Under Kanetsugu's advice Kagekatsu agrees to meet Hideyoshi. Kagekatsu, Kanetsugu, Hideyoshi and his retainer, Mitsunari, meet in Uesugi's territory. In the meeting Kagekatsu refrains from speaking a word which intimidates Hideyoshi thus making the relationship advantageous for Kagekatsu, who agrees to see Hideyoshi in Kyoto. Kanetsugu gets upset over Mitsunari's arrogance during a banquet that night.
Episode 21
Despite their row, Kanetsugu and Mitsunari find interest in each other as they exchange their thoughts for the future of the country. Meanwhile, Tokugawa Ieyasu plans to strike Sanada. While Kanetsugu is busy settling a flurry caused by Sentoin's misconception of Kiku's pregnancy, Mitsunari pays a sudden visit. His arrogance irritates Kagekatsu's retainers but Mitsunari comes to think of Kanetsugu as his important friend after seeing Kanetsugu's friendly and open character.
Episode 22
Hatsune sees Kanetsugu as Sanada's envoy which surprises Kanetsugu. For the first time he learns she was the daughter of Sanada Masayuki who proposes Uesugi to back Sanada to save the family now under Tokugawa's threat. Despite Izumisawa's disapproval, Kagekatsu decides to ally with Sanada in pursuit of justice. Sanada Yukimura, Hatsune's step brother, is sent to Uesugi as a pledge of alliance and hostage. Meanwhile, Tokugawa sends in its forces to Sanada's territory. Kagekatsu sends his troops including Yukimura to support Sanada. Sanada marks a miraculous victory over Tokugawa. Yukimura, who had closed his heart due to his life mired in betrayal, is moved by Uesugi's spirit and asks Kanetsugu to make him his disciple.
Episode 23
Kagekatsu, who had agreed to visit Hideyoshi in Kyoto, suddenly cancels the plan. Kanetsugu takes Kagekatsu to their hometown under Osen's advice. They visit the temple where they had spent their childhood together, and reassure their tight bonding and trust. Kagekatsu decides to visit Kyoto after seeing the temple's priest. Kanetsugu searches for a word to express his loyalty and integrity, and chooses to adorn his helmet with word "love" to display his consideration for his people.
Episode 24
In May 1586, Kagekatsu leads his troop into Kyoto. On the way, they are greeted by Maeda Toshiie, Hideyoshi's retainer, who advices Kagekatsu to remain patient in Kyoto. In Kyoto Oryo, a daughter of tea master Sen no Rikyu, takes care of Uesugi troops. Oryo advises Kanetsugu to add a golden bag for a sword he was to forward to Hideyoshi. Kagekatsu is disappointed with Hideyoshi who is delighted over the bag and not the sword. Kanetsugu makes courtesy visits to Hideyoshi's wife and his retainers. Kanetsugu, who is invited to meet Hideyoshi's retainers, asks Kagekatsu to join him, but Kagekatsu refuses the visits and suddenly falls ill.
Episode 25
Kanetsugu's attitude impresses Toshiie and Kanetsugu is summoned by Hideyoshi who asks him to become his retainer. Kanetsugu evades answering the offer. Meanwhile, Hatsune, who was under Hojo's captivity, runs away and asks Kanetsugu to protect her. Hatsune's step brother, Sanada Yukimura who was under Hideyoshi's protection, demands Hatsune's handover. Yukimura says the only way to rescue Hatsune was for Kanetsugu to serve Hideyoshi. Hatsune, however, disappears. Sen no Rikyu warns Kagekatsu that he was in danger. Kagekatsu and Kanetsugu realize that Hideyoshi was maneuvering to destroy Uesugi, and vow to stand firm.
