Original subtitles

Look...

What the...? it's a kid. A kid pulling a prank!

Hey! Wait!

Hey!

Observe!

Without doubt, you are ninja, here to spy on our Demon's Lair.

Kill them!

Finish him!

Demons! Demons!

Not bad... Normally, I would praise you, but alas...

Stop!

Burn this into your souls! None of you are human. You're all demons!

Losing your demon mask... showing your human face... means instant death!

Demon Spies (Oniwaban)

Observe carefully.

This is the organ I just removed.

Understand?

Begin!

Begin! Sir!

Good.

Aramaki Keiko Takamine Keiji

Kishida Shin Oki Shoji

Obori Sanae Kitagawa Yoichiro Ayukawa Hiroshi Uenoyama Koichi

Kimura Hiroto Hisamoto Noboru Kirishima Yoshio

Sato Kei

Tsuboshima Takashi

Kaime and Kineji.

When it comes to sexual skills, these two oniwaban are our finest.

Spycraft consists of attack, defense, and espionage.

That is, a spy must be able to strike, escape, and obtain information.

You've been our apprentices for over ten years.

You have mastered the first two arts.

Therefore...

lt is time for you to learn the art of espionage.

Lesson one:

The Art of Sex!

As you have seen, in order to master the art of sexual espionage...

...the male must exercise rigid control of his sexual urges.

And the female must forsake her feminine tenderness...

...and consider her body to be simply another weapon in her arsenal.

Do you understand?

There's only one way to truly understand it. You must study it with your own bodies!

Koboshi!

Stand and strip!

Koboshi!

Strip! Do not hesitate!

Koboshi! Your demon mask is your true face.

A female demon knows no shame!

Koboshi, you've become a woman...

...but now you must forsake your femininity...

...by mastering female sexuality.

All of you, have sex with Koboshi, and become men!

Uzuhiko!

No!

No more!

Don't, Uzuhiko!

Next, Jimushi.

Next, Fukimame.

Next, Rokujizo.

What you've done so far, anyone can do.

Your instruction in the true art of sex will now begin.

Koboshi!

Koboshi! Uzuhiko!

Pursue! lf Koboshi can't forsake her femininity, slay her!

Koboshi.

What's the problem? What is bothering you?

There were sixteen of us kids at the start. Five of us died during training.

Six were killed trying to escape. But we have endured!

No. I don't want to continue being a demon!

Then we must fight! lf you can defeat me, a demon, you can do as you wish!

I'll kill you!

Uzuhiko! You can't be a demon now!

Uzuhiko...

Those who show their human faces...

Those who show their human faces... ...must die.

Attend! You will all leave wearing your masks, never having seen each other's faces.

ln this way, you will never be able to betray a comrade to the enemy, even by accident.

This is one of the founding principles of our organization.

Jimushi, cut Uzuhiko's throat.

Jimushi...

Jimushi! You too?

Have you forgotten that you're demons?

Have you forgotten our code?

I haven't forgotten. I'm just tired of it.

Don't.

They can't kill us. For we are... five.

That's right. Live or die, we'll do it...

...together!

...together! Silence!

Wait!

We oniwaban...

...are a clan of demons who vigilantly watch over the sixty provinces of the realm.

By pledging your lives to one another...

...you have created a harmony that will forge you into great oniwaban.

I appreciate the irony. Your demonic instincts have made you rise up against your elders!

Who knows? You just might become the greatest oniwaban that have ever lived.

"The wrath of heaven brings down fire."

"The sorrow of heaven brings down rain."

"lndeed, this is a fitting day for demons to be born."

Come to the courtyard when you've prepared yourselves.

You are indeed splendid in your formal attire.

Now it is time for us to go our separate ways.

lt is only appropriate that I present you with a parting gift.

Number Four!

Number Four! Sir!

Sir!

Number Five! Sir!

Number Five!

Number Five! Sir!

My gift is the lives of your demonic fathers.

Using your demon weapons, spill their blood!

That's absurd.

That's absurd. They've been doting fathers to us!

They've been doting fathers to us!

Where's your demonic spirit? They've been doting fathers to us!

Kill them! Strike them down!

Fools!

Fools! lf you won't attack first, we will!

Well done... but don't get sloppy about your timing...

Next. Number Two, Number Three.

Next. Number Two, Number Three. Right!

Kill them using your swords and claws.

Prepare yourselves!

Do not be sad.

Do not be afraid.

Behold!

Their life as demons is over; they have rejoined humanity.

What is a demon? The time has come to explain.

Our nation, once ravaged by civil wars...

...has found peace under Shogunate rule.

Do you know how?

There are those who would destroy the nation to satisfy their lust for power.

lt has ever been so. What, then, keeps the peace and protects the people?

Demons!

We, unbeknownst to the people, crush conspiracies and destroy evildoers!

This is why the nation is at peace. Understand?

You must dry your tears and let your blood run cold.

It's your duty as demons... as oniwaban!

Now go! Go and fight the legions of evil!

Before we go, please permit us to see your face.

I would show you, but I have no face.

When death is certain, a true demon commits face-destruction suicide.

For your final lesson, I will show you how to do this correctly.

We'll never forget our demon master's instructions.

We'll become worthy oniwaban, the five of us as one.

Hah... such a noble attitude, Rokujizo.

What?

Sure, it'd be fun to run amuck as demons...

...but wouldn't it be just as fun to run away from it all?

Jimushi. You just don't get it.

We've been raised as demons for over ten years.

What else can we be but demons?

I'm going to do it, Uzuhiko. I'll become the best oniwaban in the country!

What's that?

The demon lair is on fire!

It's too late, it's been doused with oil.

ls this your doing?

Who are you guys?

What's the idea?

What's the idea? Fools!

Why dig graves for demons?

Know that you have no need for houses or graves!

My name is...

...lwai Jubei, the Shogunate superintendant of Oniwaban.

We shall proceed to Edo immediately!

Edo Castle

Subversive activity has been reported in Kishu. lnfiltrate them, and thwart their ambitions.

Kishu Wakayama is a clan of unequaled power, and yet, even that is not enough for them.

They have amassed an immense arsenal of weapons over the last few years.

We must crush this conspiracy.

But do not underestimate them.

Kishu's superintendant, Yokobue Shogen, has come to be known as the "demon hunter."

Look.

I sent him off to spy on Kishu.

We covertly retrieved his corpse from the grave.

See it for yourselves. This is the result of Yokobue Shogen's demon hunting!

But even crafty Shogen makes mistakes.

Such as this!

We dissected the spy and retrieved this from his intestines.

It's a bullet from a new type of foreign gun, one of terrifying power.

We haven't a moment to lose.

Before Kishu rises in revolt, you must destroy their weapons and ammunition...

...thus rendering them impotent.

lndeed, your burden is a heavy one.

Thousands, tens of thousands...

...nay, hundreds of thousands of lives will be lost if you fail.

The Kishu fief is guarded so closely that even an ant cannot sneak in.

Of the spies we've tried to insert...

...over ten have been killed at the border.

So then... how do we infiltrate Kishu?

Shikaiha Tokubei, chief pimp of the red light district of Nishikoji in Kishu Wakayama...

...will be coming to Edo to obtain new courtesans.

Patron Shikaiha, we have eagerly awaited your arrival.

Looks like you've put together a nice batch.

Yes, a collection of the highest quality.

Would you honor us with your opinion?

What's her name?

Hisano. She's the pick of the litter.

Koboshi must captivate Shikaiha.

Thus, Koboshi will become our little "Hermit Crab."

Uzuhiko's cover will be that of a besotten young man who chases Hisano all the way to Kishu.

Given all the running around he'll do, his code-name will be "Rabbit."

Meanwhile, Jimushi, Fukimame, and Rokujizo will travel through Kawachi to the border.

Posing as a wandering monk is one of the most overused clich�s in our business.

Accordingly, the enemy will never expect us to be stupid enough to try it.

You may pass.

We serve Lord Shogen. Our business is extremely urgent!

Please wait. ln such a case, the captain of the guard must check your credentials.

We're fully aware of that!

We're fully aware of that! But there's no time!

But there's no time!

We must pass! But there's no time!

We must pass!

We must pass! Stop!

Move!

Let's go!

Stop!

Hey! You must wait here!

Hey! You must wait here! Sorry, no can do.

Get them!

Stop! Don't let them get away!

Just as we planned.

Just as we planned. They're falling for it.

They're falling for it.

Let's do it! They're falling for it.

Let's do it!

Let's do it! Right! Right!

Where'd they go?

No doubt about it, they're oniwaban!

Shit!

Shit! You've kept us waiting, you morons!

Be quick, Fukimame.

Be quick, Fukimame. Yeah.

The other two will go with Shikaiha Tokubei's entourage...

...though lse and Yamato, entering Kishu here.

That is where Rabbit and Hermit Crab will make their move.

Hey, wait! Wait up!

Hey, palanquins, wait up!

Wait! Wait for me! Please!

What's going on?

Please. I beg of you! I couldn't get a pass to enter Kishu.

After you pass the checkpoint, I'll never see my O-Hisa again! So please!

Uta!

Uta! O-Hisa!

O-Hisa!

Bastard! O-Hisa!

Bastard!

Bastard! Just lemme talk to her!

You're clearly close friends.

But I didn't purchase her pimp too.

lf you know what's good for you, you'll get your ass out of here.

Please, please hear me out.

We are engaged to be married.

I'll be your slave, anything... just please let me be near her. Please! I beg you!

ldiot! Quit dreaming!

Wai... Wait!

Uta!

Damn it all!

Gimme a break!

Hold him!

Lord Kagemaru. How can I be of service?

We have reason to be suspicious. We will interrogate the women.

What? These whores were purchased in Edo.

Fool! Make one mistake and you'll lose your head!

Look at this. This morning we found a secret note, dropped by spies being chased by our guards.

Read it well, Shikaihai Tokubei.

"Shikaiha Tokubei, chief pimp of the red light district of Nishikoji..."

"...will return from Edo with some newly purchased prostitutes."

"Contact our agent who is posing as a prostitute."

Stake it all on a single roll of the dice.

That is the true way of the demon!

Wakayama Castle, Kishu

So you don't know... which woman is the oniwaban?

Well... we thoroughly inspected their clothes and belongings...

...as well as those of a man who appears to be a pimp.

And you found nothing...

That is only to be expected. A real demon won't show its horns that easily.

Raise your heads.

Congratulations, oniwaban. You're well hidden.

Enough is enough! What's all this demon stuff? I'm flipping out.

O-Hisa and I are children of penniless fishermen in Shimousa.

We grew up together! Check it out, you'll see!

Spare me! I truly, honestly, know nothing about any of this.

Shut up! Shut up!

Lord Shogen, we should torture them all.

Relax, Kagemaru. Have you forgotten your orders?

Oniwaban are to be captured alive, broken, and enlisted in our cause.

I'm well aware of that sir, but...

Lord Shogen!

News from the checkpoint in the valley.

lwai Jubei, the Shogunate superintendant of Oniwaban, is on his way here.

What? Jubei's coming here?

What business does he have in Kishu?

What business does he have in Kishu? Pardon me...

Well, if it isn't lwai Jubei...

What dire emergency brings you here?

l've come in place of Lord Ookubo, the chief superintendant.

The master of the oniwaban running errands for the chief superintendant? How odd.

The Shogun is dismayed by rumors of an impending revolt in Kishu.

He has finally ordered that the arsenal of the Kishu clan be properly inspected.

And thus, I made my way here as fast as I could.

But why are you informing me of this grave matter?

Lord Shogen, you are indeed cunning. As you've guessed, it is because...

...you have arrested one of my agents.

One of your agents, eh?

I sincerely apologize for having attempted to infiltrate the Kishu fief.

However, since we now have direct instructions to inspect your weaponry, we don't need to spy.

Your mission is at an end. Return to Edo posthaste!

You fool! Your assignment is over! Didn't you hear me? Leave!

What?! Have you no ears?

All right, all right, that's enough, Otomaru.

Yes sir.

H... hey...

H... hey... Even the impersonation trick didn't work.

How stubborn.

Throw them all in the cells. I'll ferret out the demon tonight.

Human.

Human. Demon.

Sir Genkai?

I'm so glad you all made it.

So far so good, but...

...we have reasons for concern.

...we have reasons for concern. You mean, the two who were caught?

Please tell us what you know. Why did Lord Jubei arrange for them to get arrested?

ln truth, they were probably sent as decoys...

...to distract the enemy and ensure your success.

Decoys?

Decoys? That's crazy!

Nevertheless...

They haven't confessed to being oniwaban yet.

Hence, if you actually do succeed in blowing up the arsenal...

...you should be able to rescue them without much difficulty.

Until then, you must have patience.

Are we to proceed straight to the armory?

Have you uncovered its location?

At long last.

The hidden armory is right here.

But this is...

But this is... The armory is in a public place?

It's hidden in plain sight.

It's just the kind of thing Shogen would think of.

You'll launch your assault this evening.

As for the infiltration route... and methods of causing the required explosion...

I will now give you a briefing.

Please, have mercy!

Please, have mercy! Shut up and get in!

Shut up and get in!

Please let me go! Shut up and get in!

Please let me go!

Please let me go! Get in!

Get in!

Please spare me! Get in!

Please spare me!

Please spare me! I'm not a...

Let go, you bastards!

Let go, you bastards! Shaddap!

Shaddap!

Stop that! Shaddap!

What's that? What's that sound?

I'm scared. it's so dark I can't see anything!

Uta. Why? Why must we be treated this way?

How do I know? Hey! Let us out! We haven't done anything wrong! Bastards!

Uta!

O-Hisa, stay by my side! Don't let go!

Now you must walk! Walk straight, through the darkness!

There's an exit at the end.

lf you can reach it, I'll let you out. And let you go.

Right...

Shit!

The smoke is a mixture of hemp, poisonous herbs, and mercury.

Breathe enough of it, and you'll fall asleep, and eventually die.

So if you don't want to die, start walking.

The demon's acute night vision will give them away. They'll instinctively avoid the blades.

They're damned if they do, and damned if they don't.

O-Hisa! Shit!

O-Hisa! Shit! Uta! I can't breathe!

Uta!

Oooh! O-Hisa!

Uta!

Uta! Come on! Come on!

Uta!

It's them!

It's not here.

There's supposed to be something that opens the hatch to the underground arsenal.

But it's not here.

lt stands to reason. The arsenal isn't here.

What...?

Rokujizo! Hey!

Alas! To die in a place like this...

Why...?

Why was I even born?

Rokujizo!

Not very smart, demons; you walked right into our trap.

Wouldn't you agree, Abbot Genkai?

lndeed.

Genkai!

You bastard! I'll get you...

The defeated should act defeated.

So, do you believe me now?

Lord Shogen's first principle is "never trust a traitor."

But seeing this, I have no choice but to believe you.

My Lord... I have no idea which of these is the oniwaban.

Sir, if I may have a word in private.

We've trapped three oniwaban at the old armory, two of whom are still alive.

So, Genkai's defection appears genuine...

Yes. l've brought him here to you.

Approach.

Take a good look. Do you see any of Jubei's oniwaban among them?

Yes.

The moles by her right eye, and under her left ear.

There's no mistake, it's her. But, alas...

She must've known she'd be detected, so she died before she could be unmasked.

I'm always prepared to be generous for information about oniwaban.

I'm grateful.

Dispose of the other three.

Sir!

Take that woman to my room.

Yessir...

I shall take my leave of you now.

Let's go.

Talk! What's the plan? You had to be up to more than just spying on the arsenal!

How much does lwai Jubei know? Well?!

Listen well, Shogen! Listen carefully!

I was planning to ditch the oniwaban group.

But you've gone and changed my mind!

Thanks to you, I'm learning what it means to be a true demon!

Same here, Shogen!

I didn't know what being a demon really meant.

Now l do!

What're you laughing about?

Until ten years ago, I was a kind-hearted youth who liked to play the flute.

Thus, people called me "Shogen the Flautist."

So why am I as you see me now?

It's because I too had to become a demon.

I swore to become a demon; a fiend that would bedevil the corrupt regime of the Shogunate.

I don't give a damn about that, you asshole!

It's all just lies; you can't fool us!

Bastard!

You can torture them any way you please; just don't kill them. Got that?

What, Rokujizo?

So he's dead...

What happened to Jimushi and Fukimame?

No... They won't be killed.

Shogen plans to co-opt as many oniwaban as possible.

I can't accept that! Why must they be sacrificed?

We don't mind blowing up an arsenal or two...

...but if Jimushi and Fukimame are killed...

You die too!

Uzuhiko...

Calm yourself.

l've been operating undercover in this fief for five years.

l've been working alone, with only my secret skills to rely upon.

I found out about the purchase of the newfangled guns.

But... I never found the armory.

Kishu can rise in revolt at any time.

There is not a moment to lose.

So you betrayed Koboshi to Kagemaru?

Even gods have a weakness for women, and we have to get him to talk.

Can you think of a better ploy?

Even if five were to become four...

Even if two were to be captured by the enemy...

Even then, our demon circle won't collapse. lsn't that the true measure of it's strength?

lf that's the life of a demon, then don't die on me...

Live, no matter what, Koboshi!

"Obtain the location of the armory, then be at the pine tree out back at the tenth hour."

"--- Genkai."

What do you want?

What do you want? I'll treat you well. Come here.

Please don't.

You can't get away.

ldiot! Hurry! Help me put this out!

What are you doing?

Keep your eyes open!

Keep your eyes open! Yes sir!

Woman... your disguise was excellent.

The secret letter... Genkai's betrayal...

I finally realized they were all just ploys to ensure your insertion.

Men! l've found a demon!

One of them is out there. Don't let him get away!

Yes sir!

Get her!

My Lord... what's going on?

My Lord... what's going on? Fool!

Speak! What did you write in that letter? What did you tell them?

Abbot!

Koboshi's letter...

The armory lies beneath Shogen's mansion.

Shogen's...?

What about Koboshi? Was she captured?

Shogen doesn't know about you yet.

Go! Destroy the armory!

Abbot!

Abbot! Uzuhiko. You're the only one...

...who can still do something. Do not hesitate...

Blow up the armory!

Koboshi...

Koboshi... Let's go.

Toss her.

Right. Let's go.

Koboshi! Koboshi!

Uzuhiko!

You're alive, Uzuhiko. I missed you so... Uzuhiko!

Wake up, Koboshi. I'm going to blow up the armory.

I'm here because I need all the help I can get.

The armory...

The armory... That's right, the armory.

Someone was saying... "use the woman..."

Run, Uzuhiko! It's a trap!

You fell for our trap, demon. We knew you were alive because we dug up your grave!

Then why don't you fight? What's the idea?

lf you climb up here, you'll be shot. lf you stay down there, the heat will fry you.

Day by day, the volcano's strength will sap yours!

You're in Hell's Canyon; a most appropriate trap for demons!

Pull yourself together.

Jimushi!

This ain't nothing.

We're finally together.

So how about it, demons?

Run or sit; you choose the manner of your deaths. Do as you like.

I can't stand it... I'm so thirsty.

Fukimame!

Shit...

Shit... Don't move around.

Conserve as much of your strength as possible.

That's all we can do.

Here's some nutrition pills. Eat them.

Jimushi.

What about you?

What about you? I'm in good shape.

I... I don't want it.

Jimushi.

What's the point?

I'm not gonna last that long.

Don't say that!

You silly bastard... We're not going to let you die on us.

It's been four days. The volcanic heat is roasting them alive.

With neither food nor water, an ordinary person would already be dead.

They were moving around at night, up until last night, at least.

Demons they may be, but they probably can't last another day.

No, don't underestimate them.

Give them two more days. Give them time to become living corpses.

Then, when they no longer have the strength to think clearly, we'll make our move.

When those demons are barely clinging to life, then we will be able to force them to submit.

Today's the fifth day.

lf they don't want us dead... they'll be making their move soon.

Uzuhiko. The nutrition pills...?

Fukimame. You didn't eat yours?

I never liked being alone. I won't abide losing any more friends.

Jimushi! What are you doing?

Jimushi!

Jimushi.

l've finally become a demon. A true oniwaban!

Drink my demon blood, and regain your strength!

Drink my blood, and avenge me and Rokujizo!

Day six...

Why...

Did you say something?

Those who've died... they all... as if they were desperately trying to grab something...

They all died making a fist!

Why is that?

Uzuhiko. Whatever happens, soon we'll know our fate.

So please, tell me the truth.

When you pursued me here, was the armory all you were thinking about?

Yes...

I see...

They're coming!

They're coming! How are they?

How are they?

After one of them died, they haven't moved much. How are they?

Your rifle.

Your rifle. Sir!

There's no point in letting them all die.

There's no point in letting them all die. Right!

He doesn't even have the strength to talk.

Koboshi! Fukimame! Let's give them a lesson in the art of attack!

They're late.

They're late. I'll go and check.

Demons!

Demons! There are five of them!

There are five of them!

Kill them! Kill them! There are five of them!

To arms! To arms! To arms!

Don't let them into the mansion! Kill them all!

Don't let them into the mansion! Kill them all! Yessir!

Let's do it.

This way!

Shogen the Flautist. You're beaten, you bastard!

Where's the entrance to the armory?

l want to see the faces of those who have defeated me. Remove your masks.

Ah, it's you. You're young, but you've done well.

Most excellent work. Nevertheless, I'm curious: what do you think you've accomplished?

We've crushed your conspiracy, Shogen.

The Kishu rebellion; the plot to overthrow the Shogunate!

Rebellion...? Conspiracy...? Nothing could be further from the truth.

What?!

You can believe me, or not. I leave that up to you. But know this...

It was the Shogun himself who ordered the Kishu clan to purchase the new guns.

He gave this order so that he could later accuse us of insurrection, and crush us utterly.

lt was this vile plot that forced me to become a demon.

You're lying.

And even if what you say is true, would the nation fare better with you as its ruler?

Schemers, opportunists, and those who lust for power would spread like a plague of chaos.

Surely the world would fall into darkness. We can't let that happen!

Well said! And indeed, you are entirely correct.

But am I the only one at fault here? Young demons, is our current world that perfect?

Shogen! Stop!

Stop!

Huh...?!

Koboshi! Fukimame!

Uzuhiko!

Die!

Run for it, Fukimame!

lf it was the Shogun's plan to plunder the wealth and power of the Kishu clan...

...then he certainly succeeded.

But Uzuhiko... I have a bone to pick with you!

When we were in the canyon, why didn't you tell Koboshi that you loved her?

I always knew, you know... How much you and Koboshi loved one another.

Don't say it.

I won't cry. l won't weep.

I just want to know. Rokujizo... Jimushi... and Koboshi...

What did they die for?

What were they trying to grasp in their hands?

Until I find out, I can't die.

Even if it means becoming a demon!

The End