- Opening Title Card: In the Straits of Shimonoseki, warships from the Western nations wait for a chance to attack Japan. A time of turmoil. The fires of war rage across the nation. Brother against brother. Japan is facing a crisis.
- Takeuchi: I'm going to die, fulfilling my duty to my Lord. But those who come after me must bear in mind a greater duty. Tomonojo, things will only get more difficult. The Americans and the British are looking to attack. We must be the last ones to die for our domain.
- Tomonojo, Son: Whether you live or die, winning a war is a joy for the nation. We must be joyful often. Those killed in the war died so we could have joy.
- Tomosuke Takagi: Are you daydreaming? The house will burn down while you're daydreaming.
- Tomonojo, Son: The Choshu militia will win in the end, Dad.
- Tomosuke Takagi: Fool, is this the time to say our enemy will win?
- Tomonojo, Son: On May 10th, His Majesty the Emperor issued an imperial edict to return Liaodong Peninsula. More than any of us citizens, His Majesty carried a bigger burden and had to make a decision. We citizens are so impertinent. How can we complain? We were so ignorant. How dare we get angry. I'm so ashamed. I should know my place. But someday, we must avenge this indignation. One day we must strike a blow to Russia. We must bear it until then.
- Nishina: I've already lost my chance to die on the front line. But I've already found my future place to die. It's the only way to live. It's to live by the five principles of His Imperial Rescript. I think that's my mission for the future. Your life has just begun. You'll find many more ways to serve the country.
- Waka: You or I aren't cut out to spend our days managing complicated finances. Let's change businesses. We can stock up goods, sell them and collect the profits. A life like that would neat and tidy.
- Tomonojo, Son: In 1882, His Majesty issued the Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors. Loyalty. Manners. Valor. Honor. Frugality. We must live by His five edifying teachings. The best way to do so is to become a soldier.
- Nishina: Stupid bastard! The way I see you, you're only worried about your son. It's not important if your son lives or dies. Act like a man.
- Waka: [Shintaro steps on his textbook] Idiot! How many times do I have to tell you? Books carry people's spirits. I've been telling you. How could you be so careless?
- [slaps Shintaro]
- Waka: Now, put your hands down and apologize. You're a man. Don't cry. Apologize properly. Haven't I told you over and over? You must listen. You must feel it. It's your school textbook, of all things. Think of it as your teacher sent by your country. It's more than we deserve. Don't you get it? How can you be so stupid? Apologize now. What a shame.
- Waka: Boys - we only look after them for our Emperor. Until we give them back, it's nerve-racking. We've returned him successfully to His Majesty. We've done it all right.
- Waka: We have no idea when Tsunekichi might die in China. We don't know when our Shintaro might die. We're at war. We mustn't trouble them if they're to die. Right?
- Waka: One: A soldier's true duty is to serve with loyalty. Two: A soldier must maintain polite manners. Three: A soldier must value valor. Four: A soldier must value honor. Five: A soldier must lead a life of frugality.
- Title Card: A time for war. China looked down on us, and we had no choice but to send troops. The Americans and the British schemed behind the scenes. It was an important flash point which would lead to World War II.
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