1. Theme: Survival
1.1. Taro hiding from the Takeda soldiers when his father's castle was attacked.
1.2. Harutomo leads a defense team of the "Konidatai" with few men by his side to fend off the soldiers coming from Iwamura Castle.
1.3. Conflict with the ronin bandit when inspecting a stray horse.
2. Setting
2.1. Feudal Japan
2.1.1. Southern Japan
2.1.2. 'Kai' province
2.1.2.1. Iwamura Castle
2.1.2.1.1. Lord Akiyama captures this castle during a heated battle. Sadly, it would also be his last
2.1.2.2. Iida Castle
2.1.2.2.1. This castle would serve as Taro's primary castle for assignments.
2.1.2.3. Toko-Ji Temple
2.1.2.3.1. This temple would serve as the temple where Takeda Yoshinobu would commit seppuku.
2.1.2.4. Kofuchu Castle
2.1.2.4.1. This is the first castle that Taro would be sent to.
2.1.2.5. "Murakami family" Castle
2.1.2.5.1. This is the first castle we see Taro in.
2.1.2.6. In modern day "Chubu" and "Kanto" region of Japan
2.1.2.6.1. In modern day "Kanagawa" prefecture and "Yanamanshi" prefecture.
2.1.2.7. En-ko Temple
2.1.2.7.1. This is the temple where Taro did Zazen.
2.2. 1500s
2.2.1. "Warring States Period"
2.2.1.1. This is one of the bloodiest time periods of feudal Japan. The winner of the wars would be Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was formerly allied with Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Lasted from c. 1467 to c. 1573. At the end, the Tokugawa shogunate would last until 1868.
2.2.2. Between 1550 and 1582
2.2.2.1. This time period is within the "Warring States Period" (Not to confuse with the Chinese period of Warring states.).