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TOEI PRESENTS

REVENGE

Produced by HIROSHI OKAWA

Planning by SHIGERU OKADA, MIKIO OGAWA

TAKAO ONAGA, NOBUSABURO HONDA

Screenplay by SHINOBU HASHIMOTO

Cinematography by SHUNICHIRO NAKAO

Art Direction by TAKATOSHI SUZUKI

Music by TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI

Editing by SHINTARO MIYAMOTO

Starring

KINNOSUKE NAKAMURA

TETSURO TAMBA, YOSHIKO MITA

TAKAHIRO TAMURA, AI SASAKI, SHOICHI OZAWA

EITARO SHINDO, KEN MITSUDA

KINZO SHIN, HARUO TANAKA

YOSHI KATO, MASAO MISHIMA

SHIGERU KOYAMA, KIKUE MORI, TOSHIE KIMURA, TETSUO ISHIDATE

JUNKICHI ORIMOTO, RINICHI YAMAMOTO, KINJI NAKAMURA

Directed by TADASHI IMAI

What's going on here, then?

You don't need no fence like that for a horse race.

Get a move on! You have until noon!

NOTICE OF VENDETTA TO BE SETTLED BY DUEL

CLAIMANT: TATSUNOSUKE OKUNO RESPONDENT: SHINPACHI EZAKI

TIME: NOON, JULY 10, 1722 LOCATION: KIKYOGAHARA

It has long been said that a morning mist promises a fine day.

It will clear up.

Anyhow, Ezaki, I hope Shinpachi won't fall prey to any sudden illnesses.

He is well prepared.

I can assure you, there's no need for any concern.

I'm pleased to hear that he's ready.

Well, I shall see you at the riding grounds at Kikyogahara.

- Well, then... - It has been a pleasure.

You can rest assured that, as his second,

I will not allow Tatsunosuke to do anything cowardly or underhand.

Please assure Sheriff Ogawa...

Don't worry. I'm just pleased to hear that he's ready.

I shall see you by noon at Kikyogahara.

I feared it would rain last night, but thankfully the sun is out.

Indeed, it is most fortunate, sir.

I want as many people as possible to see this,

from the noblest families to the lowliest commoners.

Even the farmers from the neighbouring villages.

Both claimant and respondent are samurai.

Whoever wins, it can only improve our fortunes.

- What could be better? - Quite right, sir.

- Jinza... - Yes, sir?

Has this fence been erected the correct way?

You've done this by the book, haven't you?

Six-foot-long green bamboo shafts,

cut in half and placed on the outside of the fence,

tied in place with two lengths of cord.

That's how it's always been done.

What's the distance between each post?

Ten feet, sir.

This will be the first time our clan has overseen a properly held duel.

Correct, sir.

I expect a big crowd will have gathered by noon.

Make sure they don't cut any corners.

Don't cut any corners, you hear?

I wonder...

In front of how many hundreds of people must they settle this score today?

And to think what a trivial matter it was that started it all!

Peace be praised.

Look. The spear has lost its shine.

These long spring days are no excuse for the guards to be this lazy.

Wait.

All they need is a quick polish, and they'll be as good as new.

You're being needlessly harsh.

Since when have you been a guard?

Whoever your family is, you're a man without title.

Think before you open your mouth.

Master Okuno, you haven't forgotten that today is the fifth, have you?

What?

I may hold no title, but today I am a mounted guard.

And my house has always held the title of armourer.

As such, though I may not inherit my father's title...

...I expect to be treated with the respect the station holds!

You? A guard?

You can't even keep your spears in good condition!

As I said, all they need is a polish.

It's not as if you polish your spears every day, is it?

Did you say something?

- Stop... - Yes.

I said you don't polish your spears, do you?

- How dare you? - Stop!

Hands off me!

- Stop! - You ought to know your place!

- Stop! - Hands off me! Hands off me!

TO SHINPACHI EZAKI FROM MAGODAYU OKUNO

I, Magodayu Okuno, Official Master of Ceremonies,

wish to show you just how well our family's spears are kept.

If you are the fine warrior you purport to be,

then you will face me like a man.

Meet me by the Katsura River near Kikyogahara.

Six o'clock this evening.

I expect you to keep this a fair duel and speak of it to no one.

Shinpachi!

Shinpachi!

Shinpachi...

What is this duel about?

You know the noble families are forbidden from killing one another

without due cause.

Magodayu Okuno sent me a challenge.

I know, I saw it!

But you mean to tell me you'll put yourself in such danger...

...because of a foolish letter?

Stop.

Shume, you take the lead.

We must not be seen. We'll take the back roads.

Uncle, we can't just let this matter slide.

But it was all over nothing more than a mere quibble.

It was Magodayu's fault for being so short-tempered.

Nonsense!

Whatever their quarrel was, it is our duty to take revenge for his death.

- That's how it has always been done. - I suppose you're right.

But don't forget, Shume, the original purpose of filing a vendetta

was for when an unexpected death put an inheritance in jeopardy.

You may well be right, but allowances can be made.

If you will permit it, Uncle,

I shall request official permission to seek vengeance tomorrow.

If only so that we, his brothers, are not slandered as cowards.

Shume, if you file a vendetta, the Sheriff will conduct an investigation.

Then what if he judges Magodayu to have been at fault

for violating the laws of the noble families,

and he decides to ruin the Okuno family?

There will be no vendetta!

I shall visit Sheriff Ogawa at his home.

You are not to notify any relatives or carry out any formalities until I return.

Understood?

Niwa, is what you have told me nothing but the truth?

That is correct.

What about you, Ezaki?

Do you also swear that the testimony you gave was entirely true?

I do, sir.

I have taken into account what each of your houses has to say.

I shall relate what you've told me to Minister Katagai.

Both of you, please wait here.

- Insanity? - Indeed, Minister.

Master of Ceremonies, Magodayu Okuno,

and mounted guard Jubei Ezaki's younger brother, Shinpachi,

due to the insanity of both parties, engaged in a duel,

whereupon Okuno was wounded.

They are both insane?

That is correct.

You mean to say, they were both out of their right minds?

Yes, sir.

That is to say, it was a fight between two lunatics?

- Yes. - You are quite sure of this?

Okuno's uncle, Niwa, and Ezaki's older brother, Jubei,

came to report the matter to me directly,

and were in total agreement as to the facts of the case.

Furthermore, Niwa also had a request.

In case the worst happens and Magodayu Okuno loses his life,

he wondered if it would be possible for the younger brother, Shume,

to be named as the official successor.

How bad is Magodayu's wound?

He is not expected to recover.

So even a madman like him can be made sane again

when faced with death, eh?

And what of this Shinpachi Ezaki?

- He didn't suffer any injuries? - Correct, sir.

Jubei intends to deal with his younger brother's madness

by imprisoning him in a room at their house,

and ensuring he never takes one step outside.

Keeping him imprisoned at their home simply won't do.

He is a menace, cutting people down at random.

- We can't have him in our town. - As you wish, sir.

So, I shall see to it that he is immediately exiled

and forbidden from coming within seven miles of the city walls.

Kobe...

Both are wealthy families.

The Okunos have a stipend of 120 koku.

And though Shinpachi is without title,

his older brother is responsible for him,

who I believe receives a stipend of about 40 koku.

If it weren't for this insanity,

that 160 koku would certainly have come in handy for us.

No, no, we'll be generous this once,

and accept their plea of insanity.

Tell Niwa and Ezaki that we've heard their petitions,

and they are to await further instructions.

Brother, I am not insane. I'm no lunatic!

- I appreciate how you must feel, but... - No, Samon!

However you reason it, I am not mad!

Okuno and I fought like true samurai.

And I'm not the only one being tarred as a madman.

How will Okuno's soul know peace?

Shinpachi!

We must consider our family's future.

For seven generations, we have served the clan, and we can't throw that away!

I'm not the heir. I'm going to be married off into some other family.

Why should I care about the Ezakis' future?

What a bloody spectacle!

They are going to slaughter him before a baying crowd.

Shinpachi may have done wrong, but this is beyond the pale.

His three months' penance at the monastery,

all ruined by one mistake.

Where is the compassion? Where is the mercy?

May the Lord Buddha bless him.

I was at my wits' end,

having to look after that deranged murderer.

- What a thing to be tasked with! - I can only apologise.

The thing is, though, the madman is behaving himself very well now.

He's no more trouble than a house cat!

I can't thank you enough.

What seemed to help him regain his senses in particular was a visit

from his younger sister, Michi.

I had her bring him some lighter clothes for the summer.

Speaking of which, Michi did not come alone.

She brought a young lady called Ritsu with her from town.

Ritsu?

It's a long walk to make from Tatsuno for ladies like yourselves.

Come in.

Please, over here.

- Ryonen! - Coming!

- Where's Shinpachi? - He went to get firewood this morning.

We have visitors all the way from Tatsuno. Find him, will you?

Actually, have Gosuke prepare some tea first.

No, wait, Ryonen!

He probably went up Mount Kumomi.

You two ladies must have been up at dawn.

It'll be much nicer to have lunch with that view than in this stuffy old temple.

Tell Gosuke.

Well, I tell you, having to manage a wild man like him,

my hands are more than full.

I'm so sorry for the trouble.

He has calmed down a little lately.

Up here in the mountains, he won't find anyone to pick a fight with,

save for the monkeys and the rabbits!

However hard he looks!

What choice does he have, but to stop acting like such a madman?

What do you think, Shinpachi?

Being considered a madman was for the best, wasn't it?

What are you pulling that gloomy face for?

You're a brute, who sent a man to his grave.

If you weren't a samurai, they'd have long since strung you up!

And to atone,

you ought to become a monk now and pray for your victim's soul.

Get yourself ordained, that's what I say.

What, and then lust after peasants' widows like you do?

- You dirty old man! - What rubbish!

Giving lonely widows the companionship they're so starved of feeling

is the righteous thing to do!

Actually, Shinpachi, for today only, I'll forget about making you a monk.

But I want you to abandon that bloody sword of yours,

and run away to another province, hand-in-hand with this young lady.

Being a samurai isn't the only way to live.

How long will you cling to this nonsense about pride and honour?

Heaven and hell don't exist in the next world, but in this one.

In this life.

Now, Michi, I think we'd better leave them to it.

Important discussions like this are best done alone.

Abbot, that won't be necessary.

I'm not leaving this place.

Shume has succeeded Magodayu with no objections raised.

It's only a matter of time before I too can return.

I agree.

My father says that people have short memories.

It won't be long until the sentence of exile is lifted.

I just need to be patient, he says.

Well, if that's how you both feel, I won't force you.

However, if you do take my advice, I fear it's now or never.

The world of the samurai does not follow ordinary rules.

There's no telling what might happen next.

Come and get them, come and get them!

Sweet, juicy watermelons! Only two mon!

Yes, two mon! We have other melons, too!

Freshly made steam buns!

Hey, you! How about a delicious, freshly made bun?

Get your hats here! All sizes, big to small!

Get your hats! It's hot today!

This is a reserved area, friend.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime duel. If you want the best view, it'll be 16 mon.

It'll be 25 mon later, so don't miss out now.

You won't see a better show for the rest of your life.

Not so fast, you bastard!

Come back when you've got some cash!

Lowlife scum.

- Gangway! - Out of the way!

Move it!

Alright.

Niwa... Doing some reconnaissance?

Yes, sir.

As Tatsunosuke is still so inexperienced,

it's vital he be well informed so that he can be ready.

The lay of the land, the position of the sun, the direction of the wind...

You wouldn't have to worry about these things,

if Shume had been your champion instead of Tatsunosuke, I suppose.

Indeed, sir.

If it were Shume, none of this would be...

Excuse me.

Shume... Damn you, Shume!

Your quick temper has laid waste to my plans!

I can't say I blame you, though.

You were driven to do what you did...

...by other people, not just Ezaki himself.

As long as his succession is confirmed, that's all that matters.

Why start a bloodbath when you don't have to?

If you ask me, I don't think Shume ever planned on killing Shinpachi.

If he wanted to kill him, he could do it with one swing of his sword.

But he values the family title more than his reputation as a swordsman.

He's wilier than you think, that one.

Magodayu must be in hell, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

He challenged Shinpachi like a true samurai.

Yet his little brother is more interested in the easy life than in honour.

I don't like it when people stop talking as I enter a room.

Please continue.

In that case, allow me.

In the coming days, I will depart to the fringes of our domain,

to kill a madman who hides in a mountain monastery.

- Okuno! - Do not worry.

I have not been spurred on to do this by your idle gossip.

Nor do I intend to defy the authorities by taking vengeance without permission.

I merely intend to cut down an insolent fool who offended me,

as is my right.

Shinpachi Ezaki is not sane.

He is no different from a rabid dog.

Nobody will complain if I put him out of his misery.

I failed to see it myself until just the other day.

Which means that Shinpachi has lived 50 days too long!

KANNO-JI MONASTERY

You have to leave at once.

This will cover your travel.

You will never beat Shume Okuno.

And even if you somehow did, you could never come back.

Please listen to me, Shinpachi.

You can't pass through there on horseback.

The samurai will have to leave his horse here.

If he sees you, he may ask the way to the monastery or where I am.

Listen closely.

When he does that, I need you to send him down the main road.

Alright?

Then run round the back way to the monastery and come and tell me.

The back way is steep, but three times shorter.

Make sure you come. Understand?

He slept in here last night? Are you sure?

- Yes. - That's strange.

I saw him in his room this morning, looking half asleep.

That's the thing, Abbot. He sleeps in a different place every night.

Sometimes it's the monks' quarters, then it's the hall, then the outhouse...

What's got into him again, all of a sudden?

Ryonen...

What was the name of that samurai from the city? Koyama, was it?

He's a mounted guard.

- Samon Koyama, or something. - It must be to do with him.

Ever since he visited,

he has made Shinpachi act strangely, like a real lunatic.

What on earth is going on?

I see. That explains his sudden erratic behaviour.

Now I understand.

Shume has inherited the Okuno title without any objections.

Now that everything's settled down, I doubt he would do anything reckless.

However, Shume is also a proud fighter,

and he has the skill to back it up.

He may feel forced to save face by avenging his brother.

Well, I can't have that!

Two samurai at each other's throats in my monastery?

You can take Shinpachi away with you.

I was mistaken.

Killing someone is not a crime that one can be cleansed of so easily.

Please go home. It's best that you don't see him.

It seems he really has gone mad.

When I try to get rid of him,

he acts like the hero, saying he won't flee or hide from his enemies.

He just won't listen to reason.

I've had enough of him. He's long outstayed his welcome.

Take it from me,

it's in your best interests to forget all about that mad fool.

Besides, he's a murderer.

I don't expect your family would ever allow you to marry Shinpachi.

What do you want?

I haven't finished talking to the lady. Get out of here!

- I need to speak with Ritsu. - What?

Abbot, Sanzaemon from Nishitani village is here

with offerings for the deceased.

Ritsu... you're marrying someone else, aren't you?

Who is he?

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not jealous.

Nor do I blame you.

I just wanted... to wish you a happy life.

You're like a different person.

You're not the same man I met when I first came visiting with Michi.

People change.

Having Shume Okuno out for your head will do that.

Ritsu...

Ritsu... Ritsu!

Let me go.

Ritsu!

You brute!

What are you doing?

Shinpachi! Please stop...

Shinpachi...

Shinpachi...

As you already know, I live alone with my father.

He's a good man.

He does whatever I ask, no matter how...

No...

I haven't been any trouble to him since I was a little girl.

If I were to ask him, in all earnest...

It would be a once-in-a-lifetime request. I'm sure he'll agree.

He only receives a meagre salary, anyway.

He won't mind if his title dies with him.

We'll leave this place... go somewhere far away.

Just the two of us.

I am sure I can persuade my father.

No! We may not be rich, but don't be so foolish!

I can't throw away the post our family has held for so long.

If I don't find you a decent husband to succeed me,

how can I show my face to the world?

Let alone to our ancestors?

- Is the Minister's place ready? - Yes, sir. All prepared.

So, the commanders will be over there,

with the mounted guard and samurai next to them?

Actually, I believe the mounted guards and the infantry guards are over there.

Very well, then.

The claimant will be served one pickle and the respondent three.

It is said to bring good luck to the former and bad luck to the latter.

That's just a superstition!

It's hardly a meal with only one pickle.

See to it that both men have four pickles each.

Nishida, four pickles for each duellist. Understood?

By the way, what's the time now, Jinza?

Two hours to go, Sheriff.

I hope they're both well prepared.

That jacket will weigh you down.

But it will offer you some protection.

Here, use this.

You've really improved. Young men are quick to learn.

She's a fine horse, though.

You've improved, but she's still wasted on you.

This one's no good.

My brother haggled too hard and was tricked into taking him.

That's not my horse, either. She's my brother's.

Not one horse between us. How pathetic.

In my next life, I'll make damn sure I'm not born a younger brother!

Anyway, it's time I taught you how to swim.

- I'll show you how to handle the cold. - That would be great!

Who slew Magodayu, holder of the Okuno family title?

Shinpachi Ezaki.

And who took the life of his brother and successor, Shume Okuno?

Tatsunosuke!

Who was the bastard who killed Shume? Say his name!

Brother, I know you want to avenge Magodayu.

But things are peaceful now, I can't approve of this.

People say I'm happy to benefit from our brother being killed by a madman.

Don't let those fools bother you.

I have no choice.

They know I'm a skilled swordsman.

Besides, this was never about avenging Magodayu.

It was only ever about quietly ridding this world of a troublesome little pest.

Stop!

I saw him on his horse!

Then what?

He hitched his horse and changed his sandals outside my house.

Stop there!

Shume...

Prepare yourself.

Are you ready for this?

REQUEST FOR OFFICIAL DUEL

That madman's killed again?

Shume was said to be the best in the Shinkage-ryu sword school.

Yet he was beaten so easily?

That madman must really have some skill.

What excuse did the Okuno family give this time?

Niwa is as shrewd as they come.

But surely he can't plead insanity again,

and ask that the next brother, Tatsunosuke, succeeds?

No, sir.

They made a formal request for a duel to settle the vendetta...

...so that their house might live on.

Our hands are tied.

All we can do now is put on a big show and let them settle their blood feud.

A high-ranking family has not one but two of their heads

killed by a titleless samurai, only to have their fortunes seized?

What would we do when word of that spreads across the country?

All of this happened because you neglected to investigate properly

what happened between Magodayu and Shinpachi

so you could keep the peace!

And you have the nerve to call yourself a sheriff?

Ezaki...

This all goes back to your false version of events,

which I turned a blind eye to, out of sympathy.

And now look at the mess we're in. Eh, Ezaki?

This latest incident was caused by our inept handling of the first.

That's what some are saying.

If I may, Sheriff... this affair is no fault of the clan's.

- It's all because Shume... - What good will saying that do us now?

What matters is how we deal with the aftermath.

Ezaki... the time has come to fulfil your duty.

Sheriff... I must respectfully disagree.

Jubei, the clan has accepted the Okunos' request for an official duel.

Even if Shinpachi were to run,

the Okunos would search high and low until they found him,

and put his head on a pike.

He's beyond saving.

You should worry more about your family's survival than Shinpachi.

Wouldn't that be the wise thing to do?

Don't you think... I mean, can't you see that, man?

Jinza, do you think we need to send for them?

No, sir. I visited each house early this morning.

I'm certain neither of them will be late.

- If you'd prefer, though, just to be sure... - No, no, that's alright.

You know, Jinza...

It goes without saying how brave young Tatsunosuke is to face Shinpachi.

But you also have to admire Shinpachi's fearless resolve.

It can't be easy for him to come here, knowing what he has to face.

Indeed, sir.

Brother, why must I stand there like a fool and let Tatsunosuke kill me?

I am a samurai, too.

Who ever heard of such a ridiculous duel?

I can't abide it!

Our mother... Shinpachi...

...she wanted to tell you something.

Mother?

She said this would be one last favour.

That for the sake of the family, you should die like a true samurai.

Like a true samurai?

Brother, listen to me!

Rightly or wrongly, Magodayu challenged me to a fair fight, and I obliged.

Even against Shume, I fought with nothing but honour.

What's cowardly, what's not befitting a true samurai,

is telling someone to let themselves be killed without a fight!

May the Lord Buddha bless their souls.

- Abbot... - This is your mess. You sort it out.

Don't drag others into it.

- Ryonen, time for dinner. - Yes, sir.

Abbot...

I told you. Don't come to me with problems I can't help you solve.

Run away from here.

We live in a small world, but Japan is vast.

There are places everywhere for a man to hide.

You know nothing of what it means to be a samurai.

How so?

The clan has already accepted a request for a duel.

Wherever I run...

...I'll be treated as a criminal.

It's not that simple.

You mean you're going to wait here for someone to come and kill you again?

Next time, there won't be just one or two of them.

Remember, Shinpachi?

You asked me to pray morning and night for these two souls.

The thing is, though, it's the survivor who is far more lost than the dead.

From now on, I shall pray for the lost soul of the man who still lives.

Because that's just about all I can do, after all.

Jubei Ezaki, you are held responsible

for the murder of Magodayu Okuno and Shume Okuno

by your younger brother, Shinpachi Ezaki.

After careful deliberation, it has been decided

that you will be held as a prisoner of the court, starting today.

Ezaki, come closer.

All of the high-ranking officials are absolutely furious.

What's more, now that my lord has got word of this,

any further delays will be unacceptable.

Should your younger brother fail to show up in time,

the clan will send men out to find him.

They will catch Shinpachi and keep him locked up,

then wait until he's half-starved and lost all of his strength,

before handing him over to Tatsunosuke.

That's what they've been planning together in secret.

But that will put a permanent stain on the Ezaki name.

So get yourself to Kanno-ji Monastery without a moment's delay!

Brother...

About Ritsu Nishida...

Did she... get married after all?

I heard the second son of the Muroi family proposed to her.

That's no more than a rumour, though.

That's very kind of you.

Shinpachi, the Abbot is treating us.

It's still a little early, but would you care to join me?

Sake, eh? He's a very generous host.

He's more worldly than you think.

So, Shinpachi. What will you do?

I've told you what the fiefdom wants.

It's up to you now.

As far as I can see, there are two ways ahead.

Which one you take is solely your choice.

You can do the brave thing and die at Tatsunosuke's hand like a man.

Or you can abscond, and live as long as you are able.

I don't know what you did in a past life

that would warrant being born as my little brother.

You've always had to play second fiddle to me.

I've always wished I could do something for you, just once.

And now look where we are.

This is your last chance.

You have no need to worry about the family, or anything else.

Just do what you want to do.

Brother...

- I'm coming in. - What is it?

If it's more sake you need, I'll have Ryonen fetch it.

What's the matter?

I have been a real nuisance to you.

I'm heading back home with my brother first thing in the morning.

Are you, now?

Drink up.

Well, now that I'm to be free of this nuisance...

...I can finally put my feet up and relax.

Although I would have liked you to stay through the summer.

It's much cooler up here.

You can nap in the hall and forget all about the heat, it's divine.

Well, I suppose I'd better pack my things.

Spears at hand, matchlocks on our backs

The time draws nigh

Towards the field of battle we advance

We shall not look back once

Do you know that song, Ryonen?

Why would you? I don't know it, either.

It's a war song.

My grandfather...

No, it was my great-grandfather...

...he would have sung it when heading into battle.

Saddles on our horses, banners on our saddles

The wind in our banners, the clouds in the wind...

Why, you're in good spirits!

I need to clean off the stench of rat shit...

...that this decrepit old temple has left on me!

I beg your pardon? You're full of it, you damned ingrate!

Saddles on our horses, banners on our saddles

The wind in our banners, the clouds in the wind

The time draws nigh

We journey to the afterlife

You know, by the time you arrived,

Shinpachi had already made his mind up a few days ago.

Don't misunderstand me.

When he thought no one was watching,

Shinpachi placed memorial tablets for Magodayu and Shume in front of him,

and he quietly prepared to cut his belly open.

If he runs away, the Ezaki family is done for.

If he waits here for them to come, he'll be hopelessly outnumbered.

He's already a dead man,

so you can see why he would contemplate suicide.

But then today, you arrived.

I don't know what you said to him,

but it seems that Shinpachi has resigned himself

to letting Tatsunosuke take vengeance on him.

I just pray he can die painlessly, and that his soul will be at peace.

I know you have your family's reputation to consider.

But preparing oneself to die is not easy for any man.

For my sake, too, do as Shinpachi wishes,

and ensure that he has an easy death.

No. However you put it, I simply can't approve of such a duel.

- You're not listening... - No!

What I read in that notice yesterday

sounds like he's going to be slaughtered for the pleasure of a bloodthirsty crowd!

"Slaughtered"? Watch your mouth, Koyama!

Fine. It's not slaughter, it's an ambush!

Shinpachi has returned,

because he has resigned himself to letting Tatsunosuke kill him.

Shiraki, most of the clansmen are absolutely against this!

You will face a serious backlash!

Oh, that business again?

Jubei Ezaki has already driven me to distraction with his endless pleading.

But it's too late now. The clan council has made its decision.

Tongues may wag,

but who would respect our authority if we listened to everyone?

Not to mention the fact that even if he insists he's willing,

who knows what Shinpachi will do

when he actually has to go through with it?

Yes. Quite right, sir.

His Excellency the Minister!

- It's a bigger turnout than expected. - Yes, sir.

- Everything's in order, I presume? - Yes, sir.

All that's left is to wait for the duellists to arrive, Minister.

This side is the respondent's... and that one the claimant's?

That's correct, sir.

You're all wearing your chainmail and greaves, aren't you?

And you've double-checked the rivets in your sword hilts? And your sandal cords?

Please take this amulet.

Ritsu Nishida visited me late last night.

She asked me to give it to you, brother.

So that Shinpachi has as little time as possible to act,

you will state your names as soon as I give the signal.

As for the duel itself,

while Shinpachi is supposed to let himself be killed,

we can't be certain that he won't make a last, desperate stand.

As we've discussed, no matter what happens,

Tatsunosuke is not to cross swords with Shinpachi.

Understood, Tatsunosuke?

You six assistants will surround Shinpachi and attack him relentlessly.

Cut him down, knock him down.

You will only retreat once he can no longer stand.

Without hesitation, Tatsunosuke will then take his revenge.

The moment Shinpachi falls to the ground,

you will finish him by cutting his throat or stabbing him in the heart.

Gentlemen, Tatsunosuke, make sure you remember this strategy.

Very well, it is time to leave.

Ancestors, forgive me.

You have handed this fine sword down the generations.

And I have dulled the blade.

However, once I am dead,

a swordsmith will restore its splendour.

Die with honour...

...like a true samurai.

Brother, it's almost time.

They're here! They're here!

Hey! Hey, he's here! He's here!

Just look at his face! There's evil in those eyes.

He killed two men. Two men!

He's just how I pictured him!

- Murderer! - Bastard!

- Hurry up and die! - Kill him!

- Die like the dog you are! - Scum!

Shinpachi...

The claimant, Tatsunosuke Okuno.

The respondent, Shinpachi Ezaki.

This vendetta was brought forward by Tatsunosuke Okuno,

whose older brothers, Magodayu and Shume,

were slain by Shinpachi Ezaki.

This duel will be held in strict accordance

with the rules as dictated by the Edo shogunate.

The result will be final and beyond dispute.

I, Minister Katagai, have the honour of overseeing today's contest.

I expect a good, clean duel from both men.

I, Seibei Fujimaki, shall assist Tatsunosuke!

- As shall I, Buei Satomura! - As shall I, Keiichiro Ogasawara!

- As shall I, Tetsunoshin Yamaguchi! - As shall, I, Kinbei Yamaguchi!

As shall I, Tetsuma Sawajima!

Hey...

No seconds! Seconds are forbidden!

Seconds are forbidden!

Tatsunosuke!

Tatsunosuke!

Seconds are forbidden!

Someone, help! Kobe! Send some good men!

Kobe! Someone! Anyone!

Mounted guard! Infantry!

Your Minister is ordering you! Go!

You hear me? These are orders!

Now go! Go!

Out of my way!

Out of my way!

The coup de grâce, Tatsunosuke!

It has to be him!

Tatsunosuke!

Tatsunosuke!

The conch shell sounds, our swords at our sides

Spears at hand, matchlocks on our backs

The time draws nigh

Towards the field of battle we advance

We shall not look back once

I happened to hear that Jubei Ezaki's stipend is going up by 20 koku.

Those damn ministers!

They'd all be dead if it weren't for Ezaki.

What a splendid duel that was, though.

Nishida! Get all this cleared away as fast as you can.

Oh, Shiraki.

What good timing. I have a request for you.

Could you please bring us more sake?

Leave it, Nishida.

Our duty today has been a gruesome one.

We need to forget all about the horrors that we've witnessed.

If we can't drink, my men and I can't rest at ease.

Please, Shiraki? More... sake.

Don't be so unreasonable.

Just clean this mess up as fast as you can.

Nishida!

- Nishida! - What is it now?

I was told Shinpachi's body was to be removed after dark.

His body is the only one left.

Hurry up and remove it, will you?

What?

I saw Jubei Ezaki here about an hour ago.

He was sitting beside Shinpachi...

He's too busy thanking him for his promotion to move the body!

What did you say?

It's too dark to see. Where's his body?

By the two pine trees in the middle!

Ezaki...

Ezaki?

Ezaki!

Somebody help!

Over here!

Over here!

THE END