Original subtitles

Toei Company, LTD

THE KISARAGI SWORD (Kisaragi Muso Ken)

Cast

ICHIKAWA Utaemon

MATSUKATA Hiroki SATOMI Kotaro

OKAWA Keiko YOHIKAWA Hiroko

WAKAYAMA Tomisaburo KONOE Jushiro

Directed by SASAKI Ko

Make way! Make way!

Anego, this is Goro.

Please, open the door!

What happened, Goro?

Did you stumble upon something bad again?

No. Please don't get upset, but...

Brother's leaving.

Get ready to go. If you go now, you still can see him before he leaves.

Yuno's leaving? But he still should be in Kodenma Town's...

...prison, supposedly, but this is how the world spins.

There is a raging fire in town.

The Bugyo are occupied with it. So it turned out to be tonight.

Be careful.

If you get in trouble, it'll be more trouble for brother.

Who's there?

It's me.

Oh, Yuno!

I missed you.

I missed you so much.

You are talking about me, who might be sent away to Hachijojima for ten years.

What happened? Did you escape?

Stop joking.

I have to run some errands somewhere far away.

To where?

I can't say where.

But if everything works out, I might be with you, instead of back in Hachijojima.

I can't promise anything, so don't wait for me.

Wait, Yuno.

I don't know what on earth is going on.

Of course you don't.

But, regardless whether I'm alive or not...

...don't sleep with your feet laying towards the Minamino Bugyo.

Minamino? Is that Lord Oka Echizen?

Yes. I must leave.

Hey, even when I was in my cell, I always dreamed about you.

See you.

Yuno...

I beg you to quit frequenting the gambling den

Yakuza are such troublemakers

Drawn alongside the river as if it's pushing me

I go on and on as if I'm a migrating bird

I certainly passed it to him.

Now, go and wait for him tomorrow at Urakaido Street.

Yes, and whom I will wait for?

His name is Rindo Tsukinosuke.

Rindo Tsukinosuke?

You will recognize him by the Kisaragi figure, Tsuba, on his sword.

Kisaragi figure, Tsuba...

He will accompany you to Edo.

Other than that, he will give you orders on the way.

Is Mr. Tsukinosuke from the Mikazuki bloodline?

I won't speak about that.

You, too, don't ask.

By the way, Inikichi, is it true that you left Edo on 7th?

Yes, sir.

That's fast. That's as fast as a carriage.

If I hadn't put on this outfit, I could've been here half a day earlier.

That's amazing.

All right, go now.

Tomorrow at noon, at Urakaido Street. Don't forget.

Yes, sir. I will wait for Rindo Tsukinosuke there.

I have no idea which one is Rindo Tsukinosuke.

A real disciple doesn't behave the way you just did.

Tsuba...

You're Rindo Tsukinosuke.

Let's go.

Yes, sir.

You are with us too.

I'm somebody else. Don't speak to me.

Yes, sir.

He's really fast.

I can never compete with him.

We're a little bit behind schedule.

Hey, here.

Careful of your diction.

We're already in Owari territory.

Welcome.

Green tea and sweets.

Certainly.

Hey, disciple.

I think you remember this face.

No, not at all.

Not at all, huh?

Well, it doesn't matter.

By the way, is this Boronja your company?

No.

Well, is that so?

Hey, take off your Tengai.

Why don't you reply?

I said, take off your Tengai!

Stop it!

What?

Don't try to pick up the fight with us.

"Do I remember your face?"

"Take off your Tengai."

It's all none of your business.

You changed the diction.

That's not the way a disciple talks.

It's a lot more like Itsutsume Kozo!

Sahe, go and report this.

Take it off! Take that Tengai off!

No, I won't!

What's under this Tengai is nothingness.

It's a completely different world from where you live.

Take it off!

Stop!

I will take care of this. You go back on your way.

From your expertise, I suppose you are well experienced.

Splendid!

You use a very interesting technique.

You are not an ordinary Boronja.

Shut up! - Don't bother us!

You shut up!

We are in the middle of a conversation.

You dare!

Now, I want you to show me your technique one more time.

You have remarkable skill.

Who are you?

Rindo Tsukinosuke.

And you are?

Gamo Tekkan.

Sir.

Okay, let me take care of this.

But I oblige you.

With?

We will definitely fight again some day.

I have been looking all over for someone like you.

That sounds like a problem for me.

It is.

That's what I live for. Go now, quickly.

Stop!

What?

All four of the Akatakura unit from Edo were killed?

Yes, sir. The one who killed them called himself Gamo Tekkan.

What? Gamo Tekkan?

The master of the Shinnen-Ryu style, that Gamo Tekkan?

Gamo Tekkan, is he that strong?

Throughout Japan, it is safe to say he is one of the best of the best.

What a huge figure we have just encountered.

More importantly, Inokichi...

Who was that man who recognized you?

He's an undercover officer from Edo.

But I don't know why he would be here in Owari.

They might have been after you...

...for having realized that you've escaped from Kodennma...

...and gone to Banshu Mikazuki to call for me.

Yes, but Minamino Bugyo...

Wait, sir, who really are you?

Rindo Tsukinosuke. That's all you need to know.

Sir, that's not the right rout.

I know this way is a detour, but...

I have to go all the way to Edo as Rindo Tsukinosuke.

I can't afford to have any more squabbles and such.

I see.

If they've already discovered who I am...

I don't know what's going on, but they're pretty serious about it.

Hey, this is the Bugyo of this county.

Owari is now even more of a bizarre place.

The Bugyo of Owari shows up for just a local squabble.

You men, go.

I'd like to talk to you as Gamo Tekkan, Master of Shinnen-Ryu.

It depends on what.

You honestly say that you don't know the identity of that Komuso and disciple?

Right, I don't know them.

Can you kill them?

Owari, as a country, wants to ask for the help of your sword.

Owari, as a country...

Edo

You're saying that he's coming to Edo with a private letter from the Bugyo of Owari?

Gamo Tekkan is just a wanderer nowadays.

We can definitely utilize him and his sword.

When he comes to Edo, we will salute him with courtesy.

The more people on our side, the better it is, especially one so strong.

Excuse me.

What?

Sir Yanagizawa, Sir Bingo of the Sakuji Bugyo just arrived to see Dainagon.

Sir Dainagon...

Sir Yanagisawa Bingo came as a messenger of the Roju.

Sir Dainagon, the climax is looming.

What?

According to Roju Mizuno Izumi...

All important figures of the Edo Government will all be on your side.

After Huze Yamato of Kishu fell into sickness...

Shogun Yoshimune is left on his own.

We assume he will abandon his position anytime soon.

Then, it's all in your hands, Sir Dainagon.

Wait. I believe that it won't go so smoothly.

Even if all the important figures of the government are on my side...

A successor is a successor.

I don't think he'll abandon his position so easily.

If so, don't miss this opportunity, and take the power from the Shogun at once.

We have already prepared for it as well.

Please take a look at this.

If this many people have come together...

...it'll justify the deed to Milord as well.

We have already been anticipating for that part.

Bizenya Toge is who's working on this.

This is something.

Roju and twenty-some-odd other people...

...every single person is all first, or second level important figures.

With this many high rankers...

...it's not a story to surprise not only Edo, but all of Japan.

So, the boss's work will also be paid off.

Excuse me.

Is it you Shino?

Yes.

Come in.

Thank you.

Where are you going?

I'm sorry.

I don't need your apology.

You're not going out for some fun, are you?

Where are you going?

Yes. I had heard that my father was sick.

Your father?

Yes, I'm sorry.

I'd been busy during the day today, so...

If that's the case, you could've just told me.

Go to your father first thing in tomorrow morning. I allow you to do so.

Yes. I'm sorry, again.

Shino!

Mr. Bando...

Shino, you know my feelings for you.

You can't do this.

Shino. Shino.

You can't do this. I will shout if you do.

What the... The Master's indulged you, that's why.

You are just a maid, yet doing this to me, here.

What is this note?

Stay here!

You...

Confess! Who asked you to do this?

This is what it's like to be bitten by your pet dog.

Should I torture her further?

I would say yes...

...but there'll trouble if other servants hear anything of this.

Oh, bring her to the dorm tonight.

That place is safe.

We will make her talk eventually.

Anyway, that was a close call.

I have to inform Yanagisawa immediately.

What? Your maid?

Yes, it was nearly done.

Sir Yanagisawa, we have to be extra cautious with this.

That maid, what's her background?

A man named Genbei from a bar in Nihonbashi is her father.

Check him out too.

Amano! Is Amano here?

We're closed.

Step aside.

Is Genbei here?

What's happening?

You're Genbei, aren't you?

The father of Shino, who is working for Bizenya, correct?

Yes, Shino is my daughter.

You, dare say that out loud. Arrest him!

What are you doing?

I don't know what's going on.

If you don't know, we will make you know.

Allow me to ask, who are you?

If this is about Shino working for Bizenya, why are officers coming to me?

Shut up!

Hey, don't let the woman get away!

What's the problem with you?

What are you doing? Please let me go!

Why are you doing this? My wife has done nothing wrong!

Be quiet! Just come with us!

Oh! Young Lord!

Young Lord?

Who are you?

As if you want to know.

Hey, I was listening your conversation as I was waking up.

Mr. Genbei sounded more coherent.

So, why don't you go home for tonight.

What?

Or what?

Bizenya is running a lumber business.

You guys are here to cause trouble for Bizenya.

Then you're pawns of a lumber dealer dressed in samurai costumes?

Why, you...

I've thrown my life away with Sake.

When I drink, I become belligerent.

So, if you anger me, it's not going to be pretty.

This is Mr. Genbei's house, the man takes good care of me...

...so I feed very good if anything gets broken here.

Go outside.

I said go outside! Go!!

Pull back! Pull back!

That man was well trained.

He made a good choice by pulling back.

Young Lord, thank you for your help.

Well, don't worry about it.

It was good sobering-exercise.

When I go home drunk, my wife grumbles about it.

No joking.

Anyway, Mr. Genbei, I don't know who's favor you're doing...

...but don't get involved in troublesome matters. All right?

I'll go now.

Do you know that man?

His name is Takada Sakon.

He is a legitimate samurai with his land.

What? A Hatamoto?

Yes. But this guy is a hopeless drunk.

Four or five years ago, he was drunk and killed some one at a table.

So, he handed over his land to his brother...

...and is living in the city. Just a weird guy.

While I was away, Edo has changed.

Yes, sir, it has.

Young Lord!

Oh, were you waiting for me?

I looked all over for you. Where were you?

Edo's huge.

Until today, I thought you were the only one to be afraid of.

But I just met a dreadful one.

What? A lady!?

Dreadful.

Only with a glance, I felt like I was completely sliced apart.

That feeling still petrifies me.

Well, I've got to shake it off...

Or should I go back to my Dojo with a Bento and Sake?

All right!

Take a short break!

I come by to learn some, and the Master isn't here.

That's unusual.

Did he go get some food or something?

No. He left with the proper attire.

It doesn't matter. I'll drink while I'm waiting.

That huge fire was also started by someone from Owari?

Yes. The arsonists were pretending to be wanderers...

...but after close interrogation...

...we know for a fact that they were, until recently, Owari samurais.

Echizen, hasn't Aki come to Edo yet?

As for that...

Owari has even turned people inside of Bugyo Town against us.

What?

Even among your men?

I've released a man named Yunokichi from Kodenma Town's prison...

...and ordered him to call for Aki of Banshu Mikazuki.

However, they have already discovered this and have taken action.

Then, on the way to Edo...

Possibly, obstructed.

Not good.

Then, what's going to happen?

Roju...

If worse comes to worst...

I, Ooka Echizen, will shatter the ambition of Lord Owari.

If, this is to be known by the Shogun...

...he would immediately abandon his position...

And if that happens...

The next shogun might be chosen from Owari, just as Lord Owari intends.

Then, what will happen to the order and discipline...

With the moral and justice corrupt...

...could our people have a happy life...

Roju!? Roju...

Roju, for now, we all would want you to rest and recover your health.

Even if Lord Aki dosen't show up, fortunately, we have Hayatonosho here.

He and I together will definitely take care of this.

I count on you, Hayatonosho. I count on you.

I certainly received your words.

With Bizenno Kami, I will surely.

I've heard that there will be a Tsukimino meeting at the Shinagawa Dorm.

I wonder what faces are going to be there.

When is that Tsukimino meeting?

I believe it's tonight.

Are you saying you have no interest in gaining your own land?

Not at all.

I, Gamo Tekkan, only want to fight and measure my skill.

If I could face two extremely skilled men...

...the Komuso I met in Owari days ago, named Rindo Tsukinosuke...

...and Tachibana Hayatonosho, who I once fought for the instructor position in Kishu...

...that will suffice my needs.

It's just that Tsukinosuke happens oppose you, I'm on your side temporarily.

Thus, I don't find any problem exposing my face.

Okay, I see.

By the way Bizenya...

I heard that there was a female spy living under your household.

I have that spy confined in another room...

If you'd like, please take a look at her later.

No need for that. I know whose spy she is.

She is most likely of Ookaechizen.

But, it's going to be a little entertainment to bring her in front of all of us.

Excuse me.

The Roju just arrived.

Bizenya, bring that spy here.

Stop being mulish already!

If you obey us, we won't take your life.

Confess. If you keep doing this, there's no way you'll get out of this alive.

Come on, I'm only trying to help you. Now confess.

Who made you come to my house? Who? Who?

Lord... Lord!

I troubled you.

Lord!

I am overwhelmed.

Sir, it's starting.

I will state the process by order.

Wait.

What is it?

I sense a strangely high level of frenzy in this room.

What?

How many people are supposed be here tonight?

Including you, it's 21.

Count the number carefully.

There are 23 people in this room. Two are uninvited.

Hyogo, clear this with Tekkan.

Yes, sir.

Nobody moves.

To confirm your identity, when these men stand in front of you, remove your mask!

Kizuka Chuzaemon.

Take off your mask!

Oh!? Hayatonosho!?

Tekkan.

Long time no see.

Kill those two!

Who are you!?

Rindo Tsukinosuke!

Hey, open the door.

Is it Yuno?

Yes, it's me.

Who is this woman?

Someone important.

You! I'm so jealous.

You, fool! Don't do that.

I'll drop her. I was asked to take care of her.

By who?

It doesn't matter who. Close the door, quickly.

She must be exhausted, passed out on the way here.

What are you being so huffy about?

Well, what's happening?

When did you get back to Edo?

Just now.

Since I took an awful detour, it delayed me about a day and a half.

Yuno, what are you really doing?

What I'm doing? Don't be surprised.

You're doing that?

I thought, if anyway I get caught, I should do something huge.

So, I sneaked in the Bugyo's house. Well, I was beaten there.

I lost by myself. So that was okay.

But before that, I also sneaked in the house of the Owari lord.

And there, I heard it.

So, you told that to Bugyo.

Yes, I did.

I wasn't thinking to reduce my penalty by obliging them or anything like that...

...but I'm a man of Edo.

Forcing the Shogun off the throne is unthinkable...

Sir!

How did it go?

I managed to escape in the dark. Where's Shino?

She is in the back, sleeping. This way.

She is, umm, my female friend.

Lord!

Stay still.

I don't know where to start. I feel as if I'm living a dream.

It must have been really hard to you.

You did an extremely good job. I thank you.

Your words are precious for me.

From the beginning, I was prepared to die for you.

I could carry this out because every time I reported of Bizenya to Mr. Oka...

I believed that was also reached to you too.

I received every single report you made.

You as a woman carried such a tremendous job.

I feel proud even to Echizen...

...but I had some sleepless nights worrying about you.

Me too...

I thought of biting my tongue off many times after I was caught.

But I believed in you coming to save me.

Though, in case, I decided to shout "Lord" one last time before I die.

Shino!

You no longer have to be afraid.

I'm here with you.

Ouch. That hurt.

No, that tickles!

But you said it hurt.

Is she his servant?

Yes, she devoted her life to him.

That kind of women's feeling, I understand so well.

Don't get me in the mood. I'm not a king.

I'm a thief.

Where is he from?

Well, I was told not to ask that, so I'm just calling him 'sir.'

But as far as I know, He's from Banshu Mikazuki...

Please come this way.

I can't really stay though.

This is a nice house.

Thank you, sir. It's nothing special.

Miss, Inokichi is quite an interesting man.

No, no. He's just a clumsy guy.

What? What are you saying, you... silly girl.

I'd like to ask you a favor.

Could I rest here tonight?

Certainly. She will accommodate you.

Then, you're not staying here tonight?

No, I ought not to.

I've got to help Sir, and moreover...

Think about it, I should be in Kodenma Town now.

I'm just having my double there.

Wait, Echizen.

This is not a place you should be walking.

Turn back.

Rochu, I admire your good work in this early morning.

Since you are at work already this early...

...do you have any special intention with the Shogun?

What?

Lord Izumi...

I believe, you held a pretentious meeting yesterday in Shinagawa.

Shut up!

I am Lord Izumi.

I am one of the Rochu-post members.

And you are a Machi Bugyo, underneath my authority.

What kind of demeanor is that?

Oh, if I somehow offended you, please forgive me.

I was just wondering what you were doing there so early in the morning.

What?

Did you, by any chance, hear some malign rumors at the meeting?

Or, was there some important intention for you, Rochu...

...to go to the house of some local merchant.

Shut up! Shut up!

What are you implying?

The reason why I stopped you was because you, a Machi Bugyo, walking here was...

About that, I was summoned by the Shogun this morning...

...and was on the way to see him.

Were you waiting for somebody inconvenient for you to pass here?

Your impudence is unacceptable.

Please Rochu, you're inside the Castle!

Excuse me.

Rochu.

Are you certain about this?

Yes. I am sorry but I am certain about this.

I, Echizen, with my eyes, surely witnessed it.

I've succeeded the shogun position as was indicated by the Shogun's last word.

I never thought of the whereabouts of my birth, being from Kishu.

I've only thought of keeping the justice for my people.

But, if this sort of movement has been emerging...

I must say it's all because of the lack of my capability.

It is easy to hand over the shogun position to Owari Dainagon...

...but if I do so, the justice we've practiced would collapse.

Nonetheless, with Lord Roju Yamato being sick...

...only you, a Machi Bugyo, can't really do anything.

Shogun, I'm afraid that I need to ask you ride with me.

What? You want me to ride a horse?

Yes. I'm devoted my life to prevent this conspiracy happening.

Shogun, I have brought in someone, who's worthy of a million army men, on our side.

Someone worthy of a million army men?

Oh!? Then, he of Banshu Mikazuki is here!?

I am sorry to interrupt. I have Lord Roju Mizuno Izumi here on an emergency...

...and he'd like to see you immediately.

What's happening, Lord Izumi?

Yes, sir. I have confirmed some unacceptable facts.

Ever since the first Shogun of Edo, all Daimyo are to stay in their territory...

...unless commanded by the Shogun otherwise...

...and this law is unevadable to anybody for any reason.

Of course. There is no need to say it.

However, in these days, the ruler of Banshu Mikazuki, Lord Mori Aki Nagatoyo...

...has secretly broken the law...

...and been roaming in strange disguise in Edo, claiming he is Rindo Tsukinosuke.

If this is true, it is a total corruption of the law...

...and we can't face the some three hundred other Daimyo.

I'd like to say a word.

What is it?

As for this matter, I, as a Machi Bugyo to regulate the town, have heard as well.

What? You have too?

I have investigated this closely, and then found that this man...

...who calls himself Rindo Tsukinosuke, is just a lowly thief.

He has nothing to do with Lord Mori Aki.

Then, Echizen, you are asserting in front of the Shogun...

...that this Rindo Tsukinosuke and the story of his are untrue.

Yes, sir.

Then, you are saying that if Rochu...

...kills this man, Rindo Tsukinosuke, you have no problem, correct?

Correct.

If Banshu Mikazuki's substantial territory becomes vacant...

...up in the air as a consequence, you have no problem, correct?

Correct.

Very well.

Then, here in front of the Shogun, I as a Rochu give you, a Machi Bugyo, an order.

Machi Bugyo, with its best ability, arrest Rindo Tsukinosuke.

Or, even with the support of other Daimyo, will kill him at once.

Izumi, was that what your emergency was?

Yes, sir.

Good. Good work. Now go.

I will go ride a horse now. Echizen, come with me.

Aki, I recall the time when the two of us rode horses away from the city.

Shogun...

I'm not Lord Aki.

I'm someone else, named Rindo Tsukinosuke.

Please remember that.

I'm glad you've come all the way to Edo.

Too precious a word for me from you.

Aki, I mean Tsukinosuke, be disgusted by me.

Even being the Shogun, I cannot ensure your safety.

However, if something happens to you...

I'm ready not to be in my position any longer.

Shogun, I, Tsukinosuke...

...came to Edo determined to maintain the justice and peace of the nation.

Even if I fall under the sword, I have no regret doing what I'm doing.

Just...

I never ever forget you inviting me, a rural-area Daimyo with little power...

...and saying, " Stay, be my friend as you always were to me"

...when you became the Shogun.

Never. Ever.

Aki...

Shogun, I am Tsukinosuke.

Now, Shogun, as a messenger...

I pass a message to you from your long-time friend, Lord Mori Aki.

What did my friend say?

Even Owari's pressure is dreadful...

Even all the important figures in the government are acting against you...

...even you feel as if you are left alone powerless, there is only one truth.

One truth...

The Shogun position is not only yours.

And moreover, of course it's not only Owari's or Kishu's.

It is of and for the people of this nation.

Then, if you believe what your belief and principle is upright...

...you will continue your way through any obstacle.

Very well said.

And, I, Rindo Tsukinosuke, am also ready along side of you to battle.

Rindo Tsukinosuke, tell Lord Mori Aki...

I will fight for my people.

Shogun!

Rindo Tsukinosuke is roaming in Edo with malign intentions.

Arrest or kill this man under the name of the Edo Shogun.

Accordingly, we are notifying our people.

Rochu, Mizuno Izumi.

No way am I going to let any one take him.

I will kill him.

Master's out today again?

That's so unusual.

Sakon, this is unusual that you're coming to the Dojo everyday.

It'll rain in Edo everyday for that to happen.

Anyway, I think I'll come back.

Mr. Ishiwari, we have a challenger.

What?

He wants to talk to the Master.

Reject him!

Is Hayatonosho here?

What impudence.

Identify yourself.

Gamo Tekkan.

Don't be so baffled.

I lost to your Master 10 years ago and have became a wanderer.

I want to see the technique of your style again. Someone spar with me.

I meet you again.

Are you one of Rindo Tsukinosuke's companions?

What?

If Hayatonosho's not here, I ask you to spar with me.

Wait. Not you, Sakon.

I'll take this.

Good.

Well, I'm next.

You are Takada Sakon, right?

I was trained by Yagimono Zaemon, whom you just killed.

Wait!

Tsukinosuke?

When did the respected Gamo Tekkan lower himself to be Owari's bodyguard?

That's a lie.

I joined them only to kill you and Hayatonosho.

Tsukinosuke, prepare yourself!

I won't.

Why?

Rindo Tsukinosuke's Kisaragi Sword is only to serve for the peace of the nation.

What?

Let's go!

I won't.

Leave!

I see.

I won't kill a man who doesn't draw his sword...

...but I will make you draw your sword!

I will fight and kill you even by disturbing the peace of this nation you said.

If you hadn't stopped the fight, I would have lost an arm at least.

No, you have good skill but, you're a bit drunk.

You just said that sword is only to serve for the peace of the nation.

Yes, it is. And that peace is about to collapse now.

What? Collapse?

Hayatonosho did stand up for that reason, but there are enemies all over.

For a while, he won't come back to this Dojo either.

If he comes back, this Dojo will be covered in blood.

Sir Takada Sakon...

I heard about you from Hayatonosho, and came to ask you to come with me.

Me?

Sister, Brother has come back!

Brother!

Kigu, Tanenosuke, I have something to talk to you.

Yes, what is it?

Anyway, please.

Welcome back. Welcome back.

This territory of Mikawa was given over to Tanenosuke, so I can't really give an order.

But I'd like to ask a favor.

Brother, why are you saying this?

Please just tell us.

Exactly, don't be a stranger.

Then... If tonight...

Rindo Tsukinosuke, Tachibana Hayatonosho...

...and Inokichi of Kanda visit here...

...let them in and hide them even at the cost of our name.

Rindo Tsukinosuke?

Who is he?

He has stood up for the peace of this nation.

This alcoholic brother of yours has quit drinking because of him.

You did quit!?

Yes.

Then, you won't pick fights any more, right?

Well, from now, I will pick a real fight!

You are under arrest!

Rindo Tsukinosuke, you are under arrest!

Rindo Tsukinosuke, you are under arrest!

Report! Just now, we have cornered Rindo Tsukinosuke in Aoyama Motomachi.

Good.

This is it.

Yes, it's here!

But it's a Hatamoto's resident.

Wake them up!

Hey, open the door! Open up!

It's still before the dawn and you're making all this noise!

What's the matter!?

You, are you of this house?

I'm the loyal Takada Sakon you are talking about.

Leave or else!

Then, I ask you.

There just escaped a man named Rindo Tsukinosuke.

We demand you to hand him over.

Silence!

When I'm drunk, I become pretty violent, so watch what you say!

Something of Rindo, or leaves of the trees of my house...

It's within the premises of this house and none of your business.

Get lost!

What!?

You want to fight me?

Interesting.

I'll show you a real fight.

I don't know who ordered you to come here and, but I state this one more time.

I'm Takada Sakon the Loyal.

If you have any problem with me, come back with a direct order from the Shogun.

Or else...

You have some reason not to be able to face the Shogun?

Cowards!

Are you saying that a number of Rindo Tsukinosukes have appeared?

Yes. Probably it's Echizen's last resort.

Eventually, there will be many more running about.

I disagree.

Just a man cannot pretend to be Tsukinosuke.

There are probably one or two who can pretend to be Tsukinosuke in Edo.

Have you spread guards about this house?

Of course.

What an expertise.

Do you have any business with me?

Itsutsume Kozo, long time no see.

Is that so?

Sir, are you of this house?

If I'm not allowed to come in without permission, I can leave.

Sir, let's not make a big fuss here.

He's better than regular a Samurai.

Something happened?

Trespasser?

Look around.

Sir, I'm a bit ashamed.

I failed. It was so close but that Tekkan showed up.

Tekkan's there too?

Yes. Faces there, as usual, are men like Yanagisawa of Sakuji Bugyo.

Sakuji Bugyo...

What audacity and courage!

Showing up in the Machi Bugyo's house.

There are two fake Tsukinosuke now in Edo...

...manipulating police as they will.

Great job.

Thank you.

Anyhow, how's the recent movement of Lord Owari?

We have Yunokichi on this matter, and there seems a little haste in his mind.

That's the scariest of all.

Driven by the desire for power...

...he might use insane methods to achieve his objective.

Lord Daidoji Suruga, monarch of the enormous Owari, is that kind of man.

A special method?

Mr. Echizen, what are you researching?

Well, I'm not proud to announce this, but...

...recently, there are more outlaws around in Edo.

The number of people we have put in jail has increased.

This is all due to our Machi Bugyo's incapability.

More in jail?

Sir Echizen, that's strange.

And, talk about the special method that Owari might take.

Sir Echizen, I heard the prison in Kodenma has recently been rebuilt.

Yes. The Sakuji Bugyo has suggested the plan to the Rochu...

I believe that the new prison's opening should be within two or three days.

What? The Sakuji Bugyo?

Then, all the prisoners of old prison are transferred to the new prison.

Exactly.

How many staff would be required to accomplish this?

Well, of course, these are vicious criminals.

So even if only one of them escaped, that's a big problem.

We're talking about moving hundreds, so, all of the Machi Bugyo are needed.

Then, on that day, Edo will be totally defenseless.

What are you talking about?

When a man and a woman are speaking of love and hate, social rank doesn't matter.

But...

No buts.

Listen, I'm having a good, close relationship with Inokichi of Kanda now.

But Inokichi is a thief...

...whether or not he looks like one, and I'm the daughter of an officer.

But that's how the world turns.

It's him.

Hi, Yuno...

No time for hellos. Miss, you can't stay here.

There is someone from another house already waiting for you outside.

Another house?

Yes, the house of a Hatamoto, Takadano Sakon. This place's a bit perilous now.

All right? You must hurry.

Yes. Thanks for taking care of me.

My pleasure. We will pick up where we left off someday soon. Now, you hurry.

I have no idea what he will come up with next.

Yuno, you will stay here for a while, right?

No kidding. Someone's going to be here soon to take me out again.

From where?

I'm a thief, and you are the daughter of an officer.

Of course, from Kodenma Town.

The Young Lord is...

What's going on around him?

I'm glad that he quit drinking, but...

I'm concerned if he goes back to the residence again.

No. That's not going to happen.

He always said he's worried about you getting all worked about on his drinking.

I mean he really likes you.

But...

We're closed today.

Oh! My Lord!

Hey, can I have one!

Are you going to drink?

I'm glad.

Oh, your hand is ice cold.

Here you go.

Please warm some sake for him, and some pickles and tofu, too.

Right.

So, you're coming back to me, right?

Before that, someone's going to come pick me up.

Again, from your residence?

No, I raged about the city, so it's from Kodenma Town.

Master, is it true?

Yes, it is.

Well, I have never given enough money to you.

So, I will eat shit-food for a while.

Master, officers are gathering right at the entrance.

They're already here.

Make them wait until I finish my supper.

Give me more.

Yes, sir.

Tomorrow at 2:00...

We're going to transfer all 866 criminals from the old prison into the new.

Good. Make sure nothing goes wrong.

Yes, sir.

866...

Probably at least 200 of those are involved.

About 200 of our fellows, whom we have managed to sneak in the prison...

...will riot as soon as the transferring begins.

Edo would be chaotic once the people know that...

...hundreds of criminals have escaped and are roaming in the city.

Plus, we are going to have the mobs we hired go amok at the same time, then...

Good.

You go ask Dainagon to come to the House, along with the Rochu.

We will demand the Shogun to step off of the throne.

Tekkan, you go ahead and join the Shichu unit of Hyogo, and...

No. I will be where Tsukinosuke will be.

Until then, I'll wait at the entrance door.

Anyway, this war will be over within a day.

We're going to dispatch so many men from the Sakuji Bugyo with some pretext.

So, Lord Owari, too, bring in certain amount of men around the prison.

All right.

We're going to overwhelm that wise-ass Echizen.

Including me, it's 25 people.

We will hand out the numbers, so line up.

All right? You guys understand?

Bugyo, why is that?

We are talking about moving 800 prisoners at once...

...and still we won't get any help from the Machi Bugyo?

Jailers only won't be able to handle this.

Bugyo, what are the over several hundreds of officers of Machi Bugyo doing today?

Every single one of them is patrolling in the city.

That's nonsense. Why today?

No explanation. Just do what I command.

Stop.

Bugyo, the Deputy of Owari Dainagon, Daidoji Suruga is here.

Thank you for coming today, we, the Sakuji Bugyo, appreciate it.

My pleasure.

This is one well-built prison.

Sir Echizen, when are the prisoners going to be transferred?

At 2:00, sir. It should be soon.

Quiet! Keep it down! Keep it down!

Go.

Close the gate! Close the gate!!

Have you gone mad, Lord Bingo?

Shut up! Kill him!

You men! Do not follow this abetment!

Anyone tries to escape, I will stand firm to prevent it.

Hey hey! What kind of low-life punks trying to escape!

Let's kill them!!

What impudence.

We are of Owari, get out of the way!

Even if you are of Owari, we are not going to step aside and let you through here.

Anywhere and anyhow, just burn down the town! All right?

Yes.

Now go!

Tsukinosuke!?

This is the consummate criminal of the nation, Rindo Tsukinosuke, kill him!!!

For the peace of the nation, I will draw my sword!

Call Tekkan. Bring Tekkan here now!

Echizen, get to the prison! Quickly!

Tsukinosuke!!

So, you're here, Gamo Tekkan!

You've drawn your sword!

Good! Let's go!

How is it going?

Yes. We've almost entirely control the situation.

Quiet! Quiet!

Quiet! Quiet!

This plot to plunge Edo into chaos has been foiled by us.

Now be quiet! Cut it out!

You, the dual sword style... I've never seen before.

Splendid!

Echizen, how is the prison!?

Takada Sakon, Tachibana Hayatonosho, and Inokichi of Kanda...

...have the situation under control.

What about Edo city?

Officers of all departments of the Machi Bugyo have it under control.

Good job.

Splendid job, Echizen.

We have tidings: The Shogun has just arrived.

What?

Shogun!

You've completed a splendid job.

I stated in front of Owari and Izumi that I, Yoshimune, am not a doll or decoration.

I am the Shogun of Edo, who is to maintain the peace of the nation.

Splendid. That is you, Shogun.

You, when you see Lord Mori Aki, be sure to tell him that.

Yoshimune will never stop fighting.

Shogun...

Mori Aki will be happy.

Daidoji Suruga and the others, stay right there and wait for my word.

Echizen, you are in charge here.

Mr. Echizen, it's time to part.

The raging gusts in Edo now has turned into a pleasant wind.

Then, I'm just a wanderer no longer needed here.

Rindo Tsukinosuke will leave this pleasant wind of Edo.

I'll come with you.

Inokichi, but you are...

Well, there are innumerous Itsutsume Kozo imposters here in Edo.

Right, Bugyo?

Hey, everyone!

Who do you think I am?

If you don't listen to me, Itsutsume Kozo, you will face a punishment!

Now, we all are going to give a farewell salute together.

Master, take care now.

Did you all get it?

The more you do a good deed, the sooner you will get out of here.

Understand?

Would you like Haneda's specialty, rice scoop and a pair of chopsticks?

Would you like?

Would you like these?

These are rice scoop and a pair of chopsticks blessed by Benten.

Would you like? Would you like?

Thank you.

Shogun, what are you taking pleasure in?

It's Lord Aki. He seems to want to stay as Rindo Tsukinosuke.

Hey, he's here.

Sir!

Oh? You have them too?

Well, let's go!

Translated by Koichiro Subtitled and Mastered by Cannibal King