Berserk (Anime Series) (1997) s01e15 Episode Script
The Decisive Battle
Feel no shame about shape.
Weather changes the phrase.
Even mother will show you another way.
So, put your glasses on.
Nothing will be wrong.
There's no blame, there's no fame.
It's up to you.
The first words should be found.
Whatever holds you back.
I can I can get it off.
Tell me what Tell me what Tell me what you want.
I don't know why I don't know why I don't know why you are afraid.
Tell me what Tell me what Tell me what you'd say.
I don't know why I don't know why Too late It's too late.
Message! Message! I have a report! Our army has endured immense damage! Only this headquarters remains intact! What a fine state of affairs! We, the White Tiger Knights, have one of the strongest armies in all of Midland and we have been beaten so easily! This Castle of Doldrey is quite impregnable! I have a report! Now what? We've confirmed a thousand cavalrymen marching from the main gate of the fort! They are charging our headquarters! What? The strongest of all Chuder's armies The Purple Rhino Knights? This Hundred Year War was triggered by the Chuder Empire's invasion on Midland's territory.
The Castle of Doldrey once belonged to our kingdom as an integral part of our defenses.
Ironically, this fort has become a staging point for attacks by the Chuder army ever since they captured it.
However, civil war may break forth at any moment in the Chuder Empire in regards to the matter of imperial succession.
Most likely, the Empire cannot afford to spare all of its great military forces for this war.
Indeed, this is a rare opportunity for us! We can't miss this opportunity to achieve the conquest of Doldrey! No, to recapture of our fief! Very well, what shall we do about it? The principal garrison stationed there is the Purple Rhino Knights.
They are led by the fierce general Boscogn, and there are no stronger knights anywhere in the Empire! Even our most powerful asset the White Tiger Knights, suffered great losses when engaging them.
An all out attack that might be our final option.
That is very risky! Consider the overall campaign we've already lost forty percent of our total fighting strength.
There is no guarantee that we will conquer Doldrey even if we deploy all of our assets.
If the war is prolonged We'd likely be caught between their main army and the occupation forces! If we are rash, we'll risk the annihilation of our entire armed forces.
I predict that this campaign will eventually lead us to victory.
Therefore, such a dangerous gamble is not worth the risk.
But, our final objective in this war is to take control of Doldrey! Occupying Doldrey is absolutely essential if we want to recapture our fief! However, which unit will be considered for the role of the vanguard? Remember this, we lost the White Tiger Knights.
Well What would you say, Sir Griffith? Even your invincible band, the Hawks, wouldn't be able to handle this, right? We could, if given the order.
I understand, the matter goes over your head Hey If Your Majesty gives me an order Nonsense! Do you think you can really do it? Your Lordship understands nothing about the difficulties! He has gotten a rather swelled head on account of his lucky victories in the past.
I agree.
During the past one hundred years, that castle has never been damaged even though it has frequently stood against our desperate attempts to capture it.
However, you still say you could conquer it? My Lord, Griffith Can you truly do this? He is just reckless, Your Majesty! The Doldrey conquest requires us to employ an enormous armed force! If we fail at this time, it will cause a great deal of permanent damage to us I do not need to engage them with a large army.
The Band of the Hawk alone will cope with this matter.
What! It's impossible! Who do you think you are? Don't be ridiculous! A mere force of five thousand men can deal with the enemy's occupation force, thirty thousand men strong? Don't get carried away with your playing around, boy! I bet you wish your cunning little schemes could be used forever! General There is no use raising your eyebrows.
What? Sooner or later, we will have to venture into total war.
Apparently, we are left with no other options in this matter.
Since it's apparent that a defeat or two won't harm our army's morale, we can them try out their maneuver before calling for an all out attack.
And considering the Band of the Hawk's past achievements it's unfair to say that they will have no chance at all.
Do not underestimate Doldrey! Damn Majesty, you had best pass judgment.
I command that the Hawks commit themselves to the conquest of Doldrey! His Majesty has certainly aged.
How could he rely upon a newcomer, a boy like him? The army of Midland has lost all of its dignity.
Well I can imagine how he feels, but there's nothing I can do about it You have quite a high opinion of that man, don't you? I wonder if the White Hawk will rise to the occasion, as you expect he will.
Well, I told them the truth either way.
Even if he loses the battle after all this in Midland today there is no other man capable of executing the conquest of Doldrey.
Certainly.
It may be strange for a man to say this but he looks as if he just stepped out of a painting.
A commander beyond all others Perhaps, we have fought by a hero such as that one who only emerges once in a hundred years.
Doldrey, huh? Whatever, I don't care about that.
You'll win any war or dice game, if that's what is meant to be! There! There you go! Get outta here! Winning ten times in a row? The Commander won everything again.
You really have the devil's own luck, boss! All right! I'll never give up until I get my money back! What's wrong? Is there something worrying you? N-No Don't worry.
We've been through this kind of thing before.
If a self-respecting man like him offered to fight The odds must be in his favor.
I hope he keeps his head Do you remember what I told you some time ago? When the Hawks became involved in a territorial dispute in a certain region Griffith I mean That nobleman you mentioned Shit, the Commander won again? Give me a break! That nobleman was promoted to governor in a certain empire His bribe money spoke the loudest when the position was awarded.
Hey, don't tell me he The governor of the Empire of Chuder's Northlands, Governor Gennon.
That's the title he currently holds.
Sir Adon, we are glad to see you safe.
l, Lord Adon, known far and wide as an invulnerable and highly resourceful general, would never die so easily! Anyway, that boy If I meet him in the battlefield again, I definitely won't let him get away! For shame, Adon! Your Grace, General Boscogn! To settle a personal grudge You deployed all of those mercenaries, and all you achieved was total defeat! Even worse than that, your brother Samson's life was lost! You've got a lot of nerve, coming back here alone after causing such disgrace! No, uh I-It is not true, Your Grace Truthfully This is outrageous! From now on, I thoroughly divest you of the right to command in this war.
You should appreciate the fact that I'm not going to throw you into the dungeons! The opponent was reportedly only one soldier, just as was rumored That cannot be You were strict as usual.
I could even hear your shouting from up here.
Please excuse my manner, which seems unpleasant to your ear.
All right then.
By the way, according to my spies the second wave for the conquest of Doldrey has been chosen.
You know them well by now the Band of the Hawk.
You look happy.
No, I do not mean to But they seem to be much more difficult to deal with than the other opponents, who rely only on numbers and reputation.
Anyhow, I need to have a word with you before you set off for battle.
The leader of the Hawks is known as the White Hawk Griffith.
You must not kill that one.
Keep him alive and bring him to me.
However Keep it in mind, this is your governor's order.
How are your wounds, still hurt? I'm fine now.
Thanks to the medicine you gave me.
Even so, the more I see that fortress, the less confident I feel.
The castle walls are doubly built, twice as high and thick as any other castle.
The far side is protected by a sheer cliff And, the Purple Rhinos are stationed there as well.
No big deal, it's just like any castle, only bigger.
We just do it the way we always have.
I hope so, anyway.
Either way, I'm surprised.
He burned all the boats.
What on earth is the White Hawk thinking? I wonder if his tactic is to take a position with his back to the river? All right, then.
They can hold out temporarily just because of their numbers.
Our army will march squarely into their ranks.
However Does the governor happen to have some relation to him? Well, it's a waste of time for me to worry about such absurdities! My duty is only to tear my opponents apart until the end! The White Hawk I have never imagined that I would see him alive again.
I'll definitely have him.
Look at all of this dust! It's a part of my plan.
Are you all right? Good.
It's about time to move.
I hope he keeps his head It'll never happen.
He's the last man to lose his calm This is the last time I wield my sword under this flag First formation, advance! But I'm not going to leave any loose ends behind me I'm going to take full responsibility as the leader of the Hawk's Raiders! Draw your swords! First formation, charge! The first formation contains two thousand men directly under the control of Griffith and his top companies! What nonsense Dividing his army into two formations, when he only has five thousand men? What is he trying to prove by relying on his cunning alone? Very well, I'll accept your challenge! All units, charge! Grind the enemy's first formation into dust! Are these the Hawk's Raiders we've heard so many reports about? Interesting! One of the enemy's companies is bursting through our front line! They aim to get at our army's leaders by breaking through head-on Is this the scheme of the White Hawk? Follow the Commander! This can't be! Nothing has ever checked the Purple Rhino's assault before We can't keep pressing forward now, we might even be repelled! General! That's him.
Reportedly, he wiped out one hundred mercenaries all by himself It seems that report was not altogether false.
Well, the White Hawk possesses good personnel.
Remain steadfast! They're just trying to disrupt our discipline! Fall back into formation, then counterattack! The Hawks fight well against the Purple Rhino Knights But they will soon realize their limits.
Boscogn, it seems you see this battle as an opportunity to kill Griffith Someone, attend to me! Yes, sir! Have my personal guard prepare to take the field.
I will command directly from the battlefield! However, what about defending the castle? Pay no mind! Under these circumstances, the Hawks cannot get any closer to the castle walls.
Yes, sir! My precious hawk is coming back to me I'm not going to let him be killed for nothing.
It's time, Captain! All companies, retreat! Regroup at the base camp! Come on men, get moving! The enemy is retreating! Start the pursuit! Strange! They must have foreseen the consequences since they chose this particular strategy.
Did the invincible White Hawk really plot this scheme? I'm not going to contradict you but maybe you think too highly of those men, General? Never mind that, just give us the command to pursue them! If we let them get away the soldiers will miss their chance to win the spoils of war and they will complain to their superiors.
What are you doing, Boscogn? Governor-general! The enemy is retreating.
Will you miss a chance for victory just to observe them? No, but I order everyone! Do not kill the enemy's leader, Count Griffith! Capture him alive! I promise that anyone who succeeds in capturing him will be immediately promoted two ranks! I will reward you with whatever you want! Governor! You should not promise such things.
I care not! But it affects military discipline! Boscogn! From now on, I am taking command directly! The Purple Rhino Knights are to immediately pursue the enemy! Notify the entire army of my orders! Make sure it is enforced! General It has nothing to do with me.
All units, move to pursue the enemy! We're completely outnumbered, and I'm bringing up the rear all by myself.
But after everything, they are taking the bait, just as Griffith planned.
Yeah, everything was executed so it would play perfectly into your hand As always What a thrilling view! We're not going to deal with all of that, are we? Formations, regroup! We are reaching a crucial moment.
Our backs are to the river! There's no way to escape! Stake your lives on this fight! To survive, we have no choice but to stake our lives on this fight! If we are able survive we are as good as victorious!
Weather changes the phrase.
Even mother will show you another way.
So, put your glasses on.
Nothing will be wrong.
There's no blame, there's no fame.
It's up to you.
The first words should be found.
Whatever holds you back.
I can I can get it off.
Tell me what Tell me what Tell me what you want.
I don't know why I don't know why I don't know why you are afraid.
Tell me what Tell me what Tell me what you'd say.
I don't know why I don't know why Too late It's too late.
Message! Message! I have a report! Our army has endured immense damage! Only this headquarters remains intact! What a fine state of affairs! We, the White Tiger Knights, have one of the strongest armies in all of Midland and we have been beaten so easily! This Castle of Doldrey is quite impregnable! I have a report! Now what? We've confirmed a thousand cavalrymen marching from the main gate of the fort! They are charging our headquarters! What? The strongest of all Chuder's armies The Purple Rhino Knights? This Hundred Year War was triggered by the Chuder Empire's invasion on Midland's territory.
The Castle of Doldrey once belonged to our kingdom as an integral part of our defenses.
Ironically, this fort has become a staging point for attacks by the Chuder army ever since they captured it.
However, civil war may break forth at any moment in the Chuder Empire in regards to the matter of imperial succession.
Most likely, the Empire cannot afford to spare all of its great military forces for this war.
Indeed, this is a rare opportunity for us! We can't miss this opportunity to achieve the conquest of Doldrey! No, to recapture of our fief! Very well, what shall we do about it? The principal garrison stationed there is the Purple Rhino Knights.
They are led by the fierce general Boscogn, and there are no stronger knights anywhere in the Empire! Even our most powerful asset the White Tiger Knights, suffered great losses when engaging them.
An all out attack that might be our final option.
That is very risky! Consider the overall campaign we've already lost forty percent of our total fighting strength.
There is no guarantee that we will conquer Doldrey even if we deploy all of our assets.
If the war is prolonged We'd likely be caught between their main army and the occupation forces! If we are rash, we'll risk the annihilation of our entire armed forces.
I predict that this campaign will eventually lead us to victory.
Therefore, such a dangerous gamble is not worth the risk.
But, our final objective in this war is to take control of Doldrey! Occupying Doldrey is absolutely essential if we want to recapture our fief! However, which unit will be considered for the role of the vanguard? Remember this, we lost the White Tiger Knights.
Well What would you say, Sir Griffith? Even your invincible band, the Hawks, wouldn't be able to handle this, right? We could, if given the order.
I understand, the matter goes over your head Hey If Your Majesty gives me an order Nonsense! Do you think you can really do it? Your Lordship understands nothing about the difficulties! He has gotten a rather swelled head on account of his lucky victories in the past.
I agree.
During the past one hundred years, that castle has never been damaged even though it has frequently stood against our desperate attempts to capture it.
However, you still say you could conquer it? My Lord, Griffith Can you truly do this? He is just reckless, Your Majesty! The Doldrey conquest requires us to employ an enormous armed force! If we fail at this time, it will cause a great deal of permanent damage to us I do not need to engage them with a large army.
The Band of the Hawk alone will cope with this matter.
What! It's impossible! Who do you think you are? Don't be ridiculous! A mere force of five thousand men can deal with the enemy's occupation force, thirty thousand men strong? Don't get carried away with your playing around, boy! I bet you wish your cunning little schemes could be used forever! General There is no use raising your eyebrows.
What? Sooner or later, we will have to venture into total war.
Apparently, we are left with no other options in this matter.
Since it's apparent that a defeat or two won't harm our army's morale, we can them try out their maneuver before calling for an all out attack.
And considering the Band of the Hawk's past achievements it's unfair to say that they will have no chance at all.
Do not underestimate Doldrey! Damn Majesty, you had best pass judgment.
I command that the Hawks commit themselves to the conquest of Doldrey! His Majesty has certainly aged.
How could he rely upon a newcomer, a boy like him? The army of Midland has lost all of its dignity.
Well I can imagine how he feels, but there's nothing I can do about it You have quite a high opinion of that man, don't you? I wonder if the White Hawk will rise to the occasion, as you expect he will.
Well, I told them the truth either way.
Even if he loses the battle after all this in Midland today there is no other man capable of executing the conquest of Doldrey.
Certainly.
It may be strange for a man to say this but he looks as if he just stepped out of a painting.
A commander beyond all others Perhaps, we have fought by a hero such as that one who only emerges once in a hundred years.
Doldrey, huh? Whatever, I don't care about that.
You'll win any war or dice game, if that's what is meant to be! There! There you go! Get outta here! Winning ten times in a row? The Commander won everything again.
You really have the devil's own luck, boss! All right! I'll never give up until I get my money back! What's wrong? Is there something worrying you? N-No Don't worry.
We've been through this kind of thing before.
If a self-respecting man like him offered to fight The odds must be in his favor.
I hope he keeps his head Do you remember what I told you some time ago? When the Hawks became involved in a territorial dispute in a certain region Griffith I mean That nobleman you mentioned Shit, the Commander won again? Give me a break! That nobleman was promoted to governor in a certain empire His bribe money spoke the loudest when the position was awarded.
Hey, don't tell me he The governor of the Empire of Chuder's Northlands, Governor Gennon.
That's the title he currently holds.
Sir Adon, we are glad to see you safe.
l, Lord Adon, known far and wide as an invulnerable and highly resourceful general, would never die so easily! Anyway, that boy If I meet him in the battlefield again, I definitely won't let him get away! For shame, Adon! Your Grace, General Boscogn! To settle a personal grudge You deployed all of those mercenaries, and all you achieved was total defeat! Even worse than that, your brother Samson's life was lost! You've got a lot of nerve, coming back here alone after causing such disgrace! No, uh I-It is not true, Your Grace Truthfully This is outrageous! From now on, I thoroughly divest you of the right to command in this war.
You should appreciate the fact that I'm not going to throw you into the dungeons! The opponent was reportedly only one soldier, just as was rumored That cannot be You were strict as usual.
I could even hear your shouting from up here.
Please excuse my manner, which seems unpleasant to your ear.
All right then.
By the way, according to my spies the second wave for the conquest of Doldrey has been chosen.
You know them well by now the Band of the Hawk.
You look happy.
No, I do not mean to But they seem to be much more difficult to deal with than the other opponents, who rely only on numbers and reputation.
Anyhow, I need to have a word with you before you set off for battle.
The leader of the Hawks is known as the White Hawk Griffith.
You must not kill that one.
Keep him alive and bring him to me.
However Keep it in mind, this is your governor's order.
How are your wounds, still hurt? I'm fine now.
Thanks to the medicine you gave me.
Even so, the more I see that fortress, the less confident I feel.
The castle walls are doubly built, twice as high and thick as any other castle.
The far side is protected by a sheer cliff And, the Purple Rhinos are stationed there as well.
No big deal, it's just like any castle, only bigger.
We just do it the way we always have.
I hope so, anyway.
Either way, I'm surprised.
He burned all the boats.
What on earth is the White Hawk thinking? I wonder if his tactic is to take a position with his back to the river? All right, then.
They can hold out temporarily just because of their numbers.
Our army will march squarely into their ranks.
However Does the governor happen to have some relation to him? Well, it's a waste of time for me to worry about such absurdities! My duty is only to tear my opponents apart until the end! The White Hawk I have never imagined that I would see him alive again.
I'll definitely have him.
Look at all of this dust! It's a part of my plan.
Are you all right? Good.
It's about time to move.
I hope he keeps his head It'll never happen.
He's the last man to lose his calm This is the last time I wield my sword under this flag First formation, advance! But I'm not going to leave any loose ends behind me I'm going to take full responsibility as the leader of the Hawk's Raiders! Draw your swords! First formation, charge! The first formation contains two thousand men directly under the control of Griffith and his top companies! What nonsense Dividing his army into two formations, when he only has five thousand men? What is he trying to prove by relying on his cunning alone? Very well, I'll accept your challenge! All units, charge! Grind the enemy's first formation into dust! Are these the Hawk's Raiders we've heard so many reports about? Interesting! One of the enemy's companies is bursting through our front line! They aim to get at our army's leaders by breaking through head-on Is this the scheme of the White Hawk? Follow the Commander! This can't be! Nothing has ever checked the Purple Rhino's assault before We can't keep pressing forward now, we might even be repelled! General! That's him.
Reportedly, he wiped out one hundred mercenaries all by himself It seems that report was not altogether false.
Well, the White Hawk possesses good personnel.
Remain steadfast! They're just trying to disrupt our discipline! Fall back into formation, then counterattack! The Hawks fight well against the Purple Rhino Knights But they will soon realize their limits.
Boscogn, it seems you see this battle as an opportunity to kill Griffith Someone, attend to me! Yes, sir! Have my personal guard prepare to take the field.
I will command directly from the battlefield! However, what about defending the castle? Pay no mind! Under these circumstances, the Hawks cannot get any closer to the castle walls.
Yes, sir! My precious hawk is coming back to me I'm not going to let him be killed for nothing.
It's time, Captain! All companies, retreat! Regroup at the base camp! Come on men, get moving! The enemy is retreating! Start the pursuit! Strange! They must have foreseen the consequences since they chose this particular strategy.
Did the invincible White Hawk really plot this scheme? I'm not going to contradict you but maybe you think too highly of those men, General? Never mind that, just give us the command to pursue them! If we let them get away the soldiers will miss their chance to win the spoils of war and they will complain to their superiors.
What are you doing, Boscogn? Governor-general! The enemy is retreating.
Will you miss a chance for victory just to observe them? No, but I order everyone! Do not kill the enemy's leader, Count Griffith! Capture him alive! I promise that anyone who succeeds in capturing him will be immediately promoted two ranks! I will reward you with whatever you want! Governor! You should not promise such things.
I care not! But it affects military discipline! Boscogn! From now on, I am taking command directly! The Purple Rhino Knights are to immediately pursue the enemy! Notify the entire army of my orders! Make sure it is enforced! General It has nothing to do with me.
All units, move to pursue the enemy! We're completely outnumbered, and I'm bringing up the rear all by myself.
But after everything, they are taking the bait, just as Griffith planned.
Yeah, everything was executed so it would play perfectly into your hand As always What a thrilling view! We're not going to deal with all of that, are we? Formations, regroup! We are reaching a crucial moment.
Our backs are to the river! There's no way to escape! Stake your lives on this fight! To survive, we have no choice but to stake our lives on this fight! If we are able survive we are as good as victorious!