Now it Begins: Hosokawa Katsumoto's Story [MV]

This historical ballad tells the story of Hosokawa Katsumoto. As a succession crisis is rising in the Ashikaga Shogunate Hosokawa Katsumoto supported Ashikaga Yoshimi, the brother of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasu while his rival and father-in-law Yamana Sōzen supported the wife of the shogun, Hino Tomiko, who was the mother of Ashikaga Yoshihisa. As tension rose skirmishes broke out between the two camps and the mansion of an officer of Hosokawa Katsumoto was burned and in an attempt to quell further conflict the shogun declared that however attacked first within Kyoto would be declared a rebel. Eventually Hosokawa Katsumoto decided to strike the first blow and attacked the mansion of Isshiki, a general of Yamana Sōzen, within Kyoto. As he was summoned to the shogun he managed to shift the blame to Yamana Sōzen who was declared a rebel as a result. ・The first illustration depicts Hosokawa Katsumoto preparing for a nighttime assault on the Isshiki mansion. ・The second illustration depicts Hosokawa Katsumoto burning the Isshiki mansion. ・The third illustration depicts Hosokawa Katsumoto summoned before Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasu. ・The fourth illustration depicts Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasu declaring Yamana Sōzen a rebel. Verse 1 Blades were drawn, blood spilled Now It shall be answered in kind In the dark of night I hunt my prey Tonight shadows shall reign in Kyoto Chorus My heart is true My blade is sharp My night is crimson Now it begins Verse 2 My prey lies ready before me Torches light the Isshiki mansion The flames shall turn it to ash Tonight fire shall reign in Kyoto Chorus My heart is true My blade is sharp My night is crimson Now it begins Verse 3 Summoned before the shogun I tell him that Sōzen is the cause All the blame falls on my enemy Tonight blood shall reign in Kyoto Chorus My heart is true My blade is sharp My night is crimson Now it begins Verse 4 All the lords are summoned In the great hall it is declared My father-in-law is now a rebel Tonight death shall reign in Kyoto Chorus My heart is true My blade is sharp My night is crimson Now it begins Concept & Lyrics: Toshiro Music & Vocals: Suno Illustrations: OpenAi Translation & Writing Assistance: Grok