EPISODE 106: The Forge of the Samurai: The Genpei War Part 1

“The sound of the Gion Shoja bells echoes the impermanence of all things; the color of the sala flowers reveals the truth that the prosperous must decline. The proud do not endure, they are like a dream on a spring night; the mighty fall at last, they are as dust before the wind.” - The Tale of the Heike “When you grow up, if you still feel raw about it, I'll be waiting.” - Kill Bill "Let those in the distance hear me! Let those close at hand see me with their own eyes! I am Matataro Tadatsuna, son of Ashikaga no Taro Toshitsuna and descendant in the tenth generation of that Tawara no Toda Hidesato who won rewards by destroying the enemies of the emperor. Seventeen is my age! A mere warrior devoid of rank and office wielding bow and arrow against an Imperial Prince risks the wrath of the gods, but let’s see who is favored by the gods of the bow. If any among Lord Yorimasa' s men consider themselves my equals, let them come forward. I'll meet them!" - The Tale of the Heike “When I die, do not build a temple or pagoda. Do not perform any ceremonies for me. Instead, you must send an army at once to vanquish Yoritomo. You must cut off his head and hang it before my tomb. I ask for noth…