Original subtitles

SHIRANUI KENGYO

Cast

Shintaro Katsu

Tamao Nakamura Meiko Kondo Fujio Suga Jyoji Tsurumi

Directed by Kazuo Mori

Uncle, sorry this Sake isn't drinkable.

What, why's that?

I dropped a booger in there.

What? - Why'd you do that?

That's enough!

So you wanna kill me? Go ahead and try! Lemme go! Lemme go!

You're acting like children! Stop it already!

You aren't even being a provider like a man!

I'm sick of you and your arrogant talk!

So what if I'm ordering my husband about?

Hell, you're eating off of your daughter you sold to a whorehouse!

Stop acting so proud!

What? You damn bitch!

I usually let you run your mouth only because you're a woman!

Now you think you can get away with anything!

I'll do whatever I want with my own daughter...

it's my damn prerogative!

You bore a friggin' blind boy 'cause you make the gods angry! Suit your damned self!

Hey, hey, don't say that.

Tome, you brat, where have you been?

We went to see the parade and the floats.

Shit! Go inside the house.

Ma!

Ma!

Ma...

Has something happened?

Nothing happened. Here, ma.

Smell it.

It's Sake.

That's right. It's fine quality stuff.

How did you get it?

I know some tricks.

Carry it home.

Alright.

Has this Sake gone bad?

It's not bad. Have a little taste.

It's fine Sake.

Is it salty?

No. Why?

It's okay if you don't taste it, but a little salt got in there.

It didn't do anything.

Well, I'll have a cup for myself.

We're a mother and a child, so we don't worry about hygiene.

Ah, it's really good.

I haven't had a good Sake like this in a long time.

Did you get into a fight with him again?

Yeah. He's going around spreading bad rumors around behind my back.

He calls you a Buddha husband and a demon wife, right?

Did you know about it already?

I did for a long time.

It's so stupid.

Let them talk. Don't pay any attention.

Shichi.

Yup.

It's little Tome, isn't it?

Give me my tip.

I helped you carry the Sake.

What do you want? Shut up!

Did you send him away?

Pop's home.

They're giving a fancy festival this year.

Where have you been?

Well, I went to pray at the shrine.

Then I got blocked by the long parade and couldn't get through.

They might be having a festival out there but...

we can't afford to be festive in this household.

Did you have a drink?

Yeah.

My husband's out of work so Shichi-no-suke brought it for me.

Shichi-no-suke, I hope you didn't steal it, did you?

We may be poor but we shouldn't take what belongs to someone else.

Darling, did you say something about being poor?

You may be fine with that...

but I don't wanna keep living wearing rags like this forever.

Don't even joke about that.

I wish I'd had some fun just once in my life.

Paint the town red.

I wish we had money, I wish we had money.

Don't be unreasonable. We simply don't have it.

Keep saying we don't have it and we never will.

I know it's just a pipe dream...

but if we had 1,000 ryo...

Shichi-no-suke could have a fine career as the Secretary of Religious Affairs.

Secretary of Religious Affairs means making it to the top of the nation.

Ah, money, money, money.

Money's all that counts in today's world.

Young master, thanks for waiting.

My teacher wouldn't let me go home.

Sorry.

I see, your teacher means much more to you than I do.

Don't say that. My teacher's 73 this year.

73 or 80, old men can be slick these days.

You're so mean.

What's with the crocodile tears?

Excuse me. Please read this letter.

What is it, out of the blue?

It's a letter from my uncle.

I'm blind so I can't read it. Forgive me.

It's not convenient for me right now.

Yikes, it's terrible handwriting.

I'm sorry.

"Uncle is always concerned about you.

The seasons are changing, so take good care of your health.

I'm sending 1 ryo to you separately.

Hope you can use it. From Chobei."

What? Then, is there money in the other package?

Sounds like it.

Would you please open that one too?

What, there's a rock in here.

You're lying.

But you see?

It's a lie. He says he sent me 1 ryo in his letter and you say it's a rock.

Please don't fool me because I'm blind.

What are you saying?

Thief! Thief!

Thief!

You're wrong.

I'm not wrong! Give it back! Give me back my money!

I told you there's no money in it.

You're lying! You can't fool me just because I'm blind!

He's a thief! He stole my 1 ryo! Someone please get it back from him!

Hey, give it back to him.

It's evil to steal from a blind child.

It's a lie. It's a lie. All I did was...

Damn it, aren't you giving it back to me? Thief! Thief!

Young master.

Here, take it.

Ah, 1 ryo!

Trying to take advantage of the blind.

Grownups can be terrible, can't they, Tome?

Yeah.

At last he gave it back to me. Tome, let's go home.

Thank you very much, everyone.

So long.

I want to go to Shodobashi next. Let's go.

Are we doing it again?

Of course.

They'll beat us up when they find us out.

You fool.

With the two of us, no one will ever find out.

Oh, I dropped the money. Tome, please pick it up.

What are you looking for?

I dropped my money.

Hey, look for it for me.

Where is it?

Oh, I was dreaming.

Well, it's okay.

I dropped money in a dream.

How much?

1 ryo. - 1 ryo? What a pity.

They say a dream during a nap is a reverse prophecy.

I might come into the money. Hey, Tome.

Give me a change of clothes.

I hear people call me Secretary of Religious Affairs by night and a beggar by day.

But don't ever think it's so easy to attain the position of Secretary.

In order to become a Secretary, you must go through real hardship training.

But first and foremost, you must have a good family background.

Plus a personality.

You also need money.

I'm not talking just a little money.

I pray day and night that one of you, my dear students...

will climb and reach that position to be a fine successor for me.

But look around.

Is there anyone among you who has the potential?

There isn't. How pathetic.

Or, prove me wrong.

If any of you thinks you can do it, give me a yes.

Say yes.

Yes.

Who was it that answered?

It's Sugi-no-ichi, sir.

Sugi-no-ichi, are you saying you're going to be a Secretary?

Yes.

How silly!

I see.

Well, that's alright.

If ever it happened, I'll walk on my hands all over Edo.

Why don't you tell him about his errand in Kawasaki?

Oh, that's right.

Sugi-no-ichi, come over here.

Yes.

I want you to go to Kawasaki on an errand.

Yes.

Do you mean Kawasaki on the other side of the Tsutsu-ga-mori Woods?

Excuse me...

Is something the matter? What's the matter?

I'm having a piercing pain. It's unbearable.

Pain.

Can you give me a massage?

Oh, yes.

Oh, don't arch your back.

You're soaking in sweat. You must have had a heat stroke.

I think so.

How do you feel now?

I feel a bit better.

But, sir, how lucky you are that a masseur happened by.

So true. You saved me.

So, where are you going?

Kakegawa.

I produce a show in Ryogoku.

I heard there's a boneless girl in Kakegawa, and I'm on my way to buy her.

A boneless girl?

Wow, she must be expensive.

I'd say about 200 ryo.

Really? 200 ryo for a boneless girl.

Then, how much would a blind man sell for?

What, it still hurts?

It's some kind of acute pain.

Well, hold on just a moment. I'll fix you right away.

Just one moment, and you'll feel better.

Acupuncture does wonders for such pain.

Are you sure? - Yeah.

In no time.

Alright?

Just a moment.

Now, how do you feel?

The pain's not going away. It hurts.

Just one moment.

This will fix it in no time.

Now, the root of the pain is gone.

This will end all pain in your life.

And also your breath.

Mr. Masseur.

Yes.

Can you do me a favor?

Do you need treatment?

Stop kidding. I don't wanna die yet.

Oh, I don't know who you are, but you saw me, didn't you?

I did.

Please come.

What?

100 ryo!

A 50-50 split.

So generous.

Don't flatter me.

Thanks.

You're going westward, aren't you?

Yeah, to Osaka. Things got too tight in Edo.

See you if our paths cross again.

Hey, wait a minute. What's your name?

I'm Sugi-no-ichi. And you?

I'm Kurakichi the Severed Neck.

Go visit Toba-ya Tanji in the 2nd ward of Shibaguchi, and he'll tell you about me.

I see. Mr. Toba-ya Tanji in the 2nd ward of Shibaguchi.

Yeah. - I certainly will visit.

Can you give me anything to prove that I know you?

Let me think. Oh yeah.

I'll give you this charm.

Yes.

Well, anyone who sees this will recognize it belongs to...

Kurakichi the Severed Neck, right?

Yeah. There's a memo inside.

Well, then, I'll borrow it.

Well, take care.

Yeah. The same to you.

Bye.

So long.

Here, hold it tight.

They've already found him.

Crows are creepy.

Mr. Tajima-ya, Takeno and the mistress in Hama-cho...

three clients called for treatment...

but I told them you went to Kawasaki and wasn't here.

Did Hama-cho send O'Kimi-san here?

Yeah. So, I gave her that hairpin.

You gave her the hairpin? - Yeah.

Why did you have to do that?

Why did you do that? Why did you?

'Cause you were gonna give it. - Stupid fool!

I was going to give her myself. And you...

You remember things only when I'm not around. Stupid!

The hairpin's here.

See.

What? How come it's still here?

She gave it back saying she doesn't want it.

She gave it back? - Yeah.

Hello.

It's O'Kimi-san.

I heard Sugi-no-ichi's been back. Can you make it this evening?

Yes, I can. I will.

Then, please come at five.

Yes, I certainly will. Thanks for your business.

Come and get me in one hour, okay?

Yeah.

We're here.

Good evening.

Sorry I'm late. It's Sugi-no-ichi.

Hello.

Thanks for coming in the snow.

It must be cold outside. Please come in.

Yes. Thank you.

Good evening. It's Sugi-no-ichi.

Thanks for your business again.

Thank you for coming out in the cold.

Not at all.

Have some Sake.

Yes. Thanks.

Thank you very much.

Oh, thanks.

Do you want another?

Well, if I may.

Stick this in the back of the frame over there.

Well, shall I start the treatment?

What? Oh, that's right.

O'Kimi, you can go to bed now.

I'm sure you work hard every day.

But you know, your body is quite youthful.

Well, let me work on this side now.

Who on earth are you?

Give us your money.

Give us money and we won't do anything to you.

I have no money.

Accounts receivable of 120 ryo from Nara-ya in Oshima-cho for lumber.

You took it and came straight here, so you must have it hidden around here.

You'd better hand it to us.

Sis! Sis!

O'Kimi-san!

Hey, where do you think you're going?

Please don't be rough.

What's taking you so long?

Quick, give it to us.

You're mistaken that I received money from Nara-ya.

If you think it's here, go ahead and search.

Damn you, telling a lie!

If you don't, you'll be in big trouble.

Tama, go and look around.

Bastard, fooling around like that.

What are you doing to me?

Are you going to tie me up too?

Thieves! Thieves!

Tama, don't do anything stupid.

But I had no choice. - Hurry up.

Should we shut him up too?

Guess so.

Kurakichi the Severed Neck.

You can't treat me like a stranger.

Who the hell are you?

Kurakichi, please answer me.

Why, it's you.

Well, it's been a while. When did you come back to Edo?

Do you know this guy?

I told you about him. In the Tsutsu-ga-mori Woods.

Oh, that's him.

Oh, you must be Mr. Toba-ya Tanji from the 2nd Ward in Shibaguchi.

What?

Damn, he even knows my name.

We can't let him live.

Now, don't be so hasty.

If you kill me, you won't know where the money is.

Do you know where the money is?

I sure do.

Tell us if you do.

Will you give me half of it if I did?

What?

Half of 120 ryo is 60.

I will tell you if you'll give me that much.

You stupid blind...

Hold it.

Hey, there are three of us here.

Taking half of it is a bit greedy.

Say, how about splitting it among the four of us?

That's fine.

Since you're the boss, I'll give you a discount.

Kurakichi, there's a young woman in the other room, isn't there?

She's fainted in shock.

She's alive, isn't she? - She is.

Well, there must be some kind of a frame around here. A frame.

Stick your hand behind it.

Please untie my hands already.

Oh, here it is. Here. This is it.

I see. He did have it.

Well, please give me 30 ryo.

Thanks.

Boss, please consider me for your business again.

In return, I'll share useful information with you.

Tome, listen, go stay with your sister tonight.

Why?

Don't ask questions.

Shut up and go.

I'll give you 1 bu if you do.

I'll go.

Hi, O'Kimi-san.

You must be exhausted now.

Don't think about anything tonight. Have a good rest, all right?

Tome. Tome?

Send him for an errand and he disappears.

Can't do anything about him.

Well, let me lie down now.

Sure, sure. Go ahead.

Sleep late tomorrow morning. All right?

Please rest now. Good night.

Excuse me. - Go ahead.

Make yourself at home.

Who is it, please?

We're already in bed.

Who is it?

What happened?

What happened?

It's strange.

It seems like there's someone outside.

I'm scared. - It's okay.

I'm here.

Just hold on to me and you'll be all right.

It's strange. Hold me tightly. Hold me.

No!

Let me go!

Let me go. Let me go.

No... someone help, someone!

Open up.

Come on, open up.

Sister says her man's staying tonight, so, I can't.

So, I came home.

Hey, open up.

Please open up.

Be quiet. Shut up.

So annoying.

Can I turn on the lantern?

Yeah, go ahead if you want.

O'Kimi-san's dead.

What, dead?

Yeah, drowned, floating belly up under Oohashi Bridge.

What shall we do?

Did you see her?

Yeah.

She's dead. We can't do anything about it.

But I feel sorry for her.

Shut up!

What are you saying? Stupid.

It wasn't such a big deal that she had to die.

She didn't have to kill herself.

But she did 'cause she wanted to. So, what can I do about it?

What a stupid woman.

I don't understand why she did it.

Hello.

Yes.

It's Kurakichi.

Yes, please, come in.

Hello. Is something up?

Well, I wanna talk to you about something.

I can't if it's anything bad. I'm a masseur, I help people.

That's true. You cured a guy of his pain by stopping his heart...

Hey, remember I gave you my charm?

Oh, I didn't want to lose it, so I put it in a chest at my master's.

Shall I go and get it?

All right, then, bring it back to me, will you?

So, what did you want to talk to me about?

A job. Do you know of any good jobs?

I actually do.

But I don't know which one to go with.

Well, is it suppertime?

What are you doing here?

What I'm doing here is because master wanted to see me.

You're lying.

If you don't believe me, come to the back with me.

Hell, he says he's got several freeloaders around and none of them is useful.

You see, when it comes to important business, he calls for me.

Let's see...

It's pot boiled fishcake and cabbage. Poor guys.

Damn him.

He'll get it one day.

Someone's coming.

It's Sugi-no-ichi.

Already here.

Sorry I'm late, it's Sugi-no-ichi.

Master, did you call me?

Will you go to Sir Iwai's mansion?

Do you mean Daimyo Iwai?

Yeah, well, his wife has asked me to loan her money.

I want you to go there and decline her request.

Certainly.

She says her brother illegally spent the government's money.

She needs to somehow make up for it, or his clan may be dissolved.

Well, it would have been one thing if it came directly from Sir Iwai.

But it's solely his wife's idea, and he doesn't even know about it.

It's too risky and I don't want to take the chance.

Of course you don't.

So, how much did she ask for?

Well, 50 ryo for 3 months.

Listen.

Say no in a way that doesn't cause any bad feelings between us.

Yes.

Sugi-no-ichi is here.

Let him in.

Thanks.

Madam, sorry to visit you so late. It's Sugi-no-ichi here.

It's been a while, so, I came around to see how you're doing.

Thank you for your trouble.

Unfortunately, my lord is away this evening.

He isn't home? How unfortunate.

Do you carry a message from the Secretary?

No, not really. About what?

I asked him a favor.

About the money?

Well, I think master mentioned something about having little cash at hand right now...

and being unable to help you.

Then...

If the Secretary cannot help, I have no one else to ask.

Well, madam, if it's not imposing on you, may I get it for you?

You?

Yes.

I happen to have 50 ryo with me.

For you, I won't ask any paperwork or interest.

No, you shouldn't.

I appreciate your concern, but I can't make you do that.

No.

There's nothing that makes me happier than to be of your help.

To tell you the truth, I'm afraid of carrying such a big amount at night.

So, I really wanted you to have it.

Madam, just keep it, will you?

If you insist, I will borrow it for now.

Yes, please do.

Sorry to trouble you.

Not at all.

Thank you for your help.

Madam, I came here to say hello and also wanted to give Sir Iwai a massage.

But what a pity. I don't feel like leaving so early.

I have an idea.

Would you let me give you a massage instead?

Sure. My shoulders are stiff.

Is that so?

Then, if it gets too late...

Please let me sleep in the corner of a maid's room or something.

That's fine.

Yes. Then, let's begin.

Is this a good pressure?

There's much tension.

It must be hard.

You must have much to deal with that we don't even understand.

Sorry that's none of my business.

Now, your arm too.

I've never wished so much that I could see.

I'm sure you're beautiful.

Now, please lie on your back.

Yes, that's fine.

It smells nice. What is this fragrance?

Madam, well, you're not telling your husband about the 50 ryo?

It must be difficult for you.

You know, whenever you're in need, you can always come to me.

I'd be glad to be of your help any time at all.

No. What are you doing? Be respectful.

I know the money's important for your brother and his clan.

So, I'm loaning it to you without any paperwork.

I don't need the money back.

I'm loaning it to you without paperwork.

It's raining.

Madam, milord is back.

Welcome home.

Welcome back.

Sugi-no-ichi, so you came to visit.

I heard you were away on business.

I came by last night to give you a massage because it's been a while.

Madam was suffering from an acute pain, so I had the honor of treating her instead.

Is that so? How do you feel?

I'm fine now.

I'm glad to hear that.

Luckily I happened to be here...

so I gave her a treatment through the night, and stayed over.

I appreciate it. - You're welcome.

Then, I'll be on my way.

Oh, you don't have to go.

I'll come back another day to see you.

Oh, Madam, I'd like to have the thing I gave you last night returned.

What?

The 50 ryo.

But...

Really, I'm not used to carry such a large amount of money, so it makes me nervous.

Yes. Well...

What's the matter?

Yes.

I seem to remember you were keeping it for me right around here.

Well, thank you so much.

Thanks for your help.

Well, milord, excuse me.

Give my regards to the Secretary.

Well, madam, excuse me.

Madam, you gave me a hard time last night.

You hit me, you scratched me.

You didn't have to be like that, did you?

Well, I can bring you the money later again.

50 ryo or even 100 ryo.

My home is in the 3rd ward of Hisamatsu-cho.

So long now.

Hey, Sugi-no-ichi hasn't been showing his face around lately. What's he been up to?

Guess he's sick or something.

He can't be. He wouldn't die if you killed him.

Here comes the one who wouldn't die if you killed him.

Boss, here's a tip.

Oh, my share from last job, please.

Here's 5 ryo.

What is it? Tell us.

There's this chief priest of a big temple...

and the wife of a trading company owner.

The two are making out with each other. They're lovers.

A holy man sleeping with someone else's wife.

Blackmail? - Yes, that's right.

So you're here.

Oh, hello.

Did you bring me my charm?

Oops, I forgot again.

You're sloppy. - What can I do? I'm sorry.

What brought you here today?

A juicy plot.

I'm home.

What? A guest?

Who is it?

Tome, you stay outside.

What do you want me to do outside?

Don't come in. All right?

I'll come and get you when we're done.

Madam, I'm glad you came.

I swallowed my shame and came here.

Why, please say you were happy you came.

Yes.

Well, I can lend you the money.

Please.

Well, please wait one moment.

Sorry to bother you but please sign this paper.

"This is an I.O.U."

Is that all right?

"The amount: 5 ryo."

5 ryo, right?

I need 50 ryo, please.

Oh, that's right.

Well, let's keep it at 5 ryo today.

Every time you come, I'll lend you 5 ryo.

10 days will make it 50 ryo, you see?

Please spare me.

I can't do that again.

Mr. Sugi-no-ichi, I beg you.

Please lend me 50 ryo.

Can't you come back?

It was extremely difficult just to come here today.

Please consider my predicament.

I need your help.

You made it here thought it was difficult.

Listen, madam...

I understand it's a matter of life or death for your dear little brother.

Now, write it.

"The amount: 5-ryo.

I hereby certify that I owe the above amount."

Ah, it smells nice.

It's aloeswood.

Three more.

Welcome home.

You're back early today.

Are you not going to Koji-machi today?

Yes, I was planning to go just now...

but I'll cancel it.

Namie, you told me your mother back home was ill.

Yes.

I went to visit her in Koji-machi today.

Why do you tell me a lie?

You said you were taking care of her.

Where have you really been to the past few days?

You've been acting strange lately. You're hiding something.

Don't hide it from me. Tell me the truth.

I heard you brought her 30 ryo.

How did you get the money?

Where did it come from?

Tell me the whole truth.

Tell me, Namie!

Yes.

Madam's late. Maybe she won't come here anymore.

She will.

I'm telling you.

Listen, someone from her house is here.

Someone else?

Who is it?

Don't know.

I wonder who.

Who is it?

It's Sanpei.

Oh, Sanpei-san, hello. What can I do for you?

I need to speak with you. Can you come outside?

Yes. You mean right now?

Yeah, right now.

Yes. Just a moment, please. Let me change.

Hurry up.

Tome.

Get me a change of clothes.

Sugi-no-ichi, are you ready yet?

Yes, I'll be right there.

I can't get a death sentence now.

Sugi-no-ichi!

Milord, Sugi-no-ichi's gone.

It's a busy place, but you can stay here as long as you want.

Thank you.

Boss, I'll bring you lots of good information.

Speaking of which...

Isn't there a big hit?

Sure, there are some.

It doesn't make sense to do many small jobs.

I want to do one big job and then stay clean for a while.

Stay clean?

You shouldn't say such a thing, boss.

Listen, if you stop now, all the things we've done will be exposed.

Instead you should think about getting good hits...

and get rich and achieve social status.

If you have high status...

you can do a few bad things and people won't even know.

Isn't that true?

Boss, listen, you shouldn't think about pulling out now.

You shouldn't get yourself in trouble like that. Right?

Oh, Kura-san.

What do you want?

I have a favor to ask of you.

I want you to go and get this money back.

It says 5 ryo, right?

There are 7 of them, for 35-ryo in total.

With interest it'll be 36-ryo and 3-bu.

Here.

He's a daimyo who earns 800 koku.

Iwai Tojuro who lives in Sakuma-cho.

They'll be asking about me...

so, let's see...

Tell them I'm dead.

Dead? - Yeah.

Well, hello, you must be the lord.

What do you want?

I have something I wanted to show you.

Did Sugi-no-ichi send you?

No, he didn't. That man's been dead.

What, dead?

He was found dead floating by Ryogoku Bridge this morning.

May I ask you something?

Yes, what is it?

I heard they found a drowned body by the bridge this morning.

Yes, they did.

I heard it was a masseur. Is it true?

Yes, indeed. It was a young masseur of about 23-24.

Did they identify him?

I heard it was someone named Sugi-no-ichi who lived in Hisamatsu-cho.

No one claimed his body, so they buried him in the graveyard down the road.

Sir, were you related in some way?

No, not really. I see.

So he's dead. Sorry for the trouble.

Not at all.

Old man, you're such a ham.

Here, take another 2-bu.

Really? Thanks a lot.

You were right. He really came.

Of course he did.

I set him up to do so.

My life's been saved again.

Hey, what's the word about the big hit?

Money's rolling, treasures overflowing, and the security's sloppy.

Is there such a place?

There is, in Yokoyama-cho.

Yokoyama-cho?

In the 2nd ward of Yokoyama-cho...

It's the house at the end when you turn the corner of the store.

There's a big willow tree by the entrance.

That's your master's house.

That's right.

You're telling us to break into your master's house?

It's the first best place I can think of for a big job.

He's your master.

You want the money, right?

Well, it doesn't matter to us. But he's your own master.

Tomorrow his student Ya-no-ichi will take...

two other blind students to represent him and visit Benten Shrine in Enoshima.

So, he's asked me to come and stay with him.

You can come after 9 in the evening, and I'll show you in.

I'd say there's at least 1500 ryo in the safe in the alcove.

1500 ryo?

I'm not looking for a cut from this job.

Instead, I want my master and his wife dead.

What? Kill them?

On the side.

Don't be stupid.

Hey, it's not worth killing them if we get the money.

Yes, it is.

If he dies...

I can succeed in his position as Secretary of Religious Affairs.

Then, I'll have free access to daimyo's houses.

That'll give us many big jobs.

What a guy.

I'm too good to be a simple masseur, right?

He's scary. He wants to guide us to kill his own master.

I've never known anyone as creepy as him.

We'd better watch out for our own life.

That thought crossed my mind.

Shall we do the job and kill him too?

It'll be for our own good to get rid of him.

You have a point.

We won't have to worry about any mess later. It's done.

Right.

Sugi-no-ichi.

Sugi-no-ichi.

Damn it, what the hell is he doing?

He said he'd be sleeping in the small room on the left hand side.

All right, let's go.

Damn you.

Who is it?

Be quiet.

My, it's burglars.

What, burglars?

Burglars. - Someone help!

Help! Wait, please!

Be quiet, you bitch!

Murderer! Murderer!

I killed Sugi-no-ichi.

All right. We've got the money. Let's hurry.

Burglars! Burglars!

Damn it, what a bastard.

I know that voice. That was Sugi-no-ichi.

Damn it, he set us up.

He guided us in. He has the nerve to call us burglars, damn it.

What a weird guy.

What a bastard, to do something like this to us.

I guess he won't be showing his face again.

I'd think so.

That was his plan from the beginning, that bastard.

I'm not that kind of a guy.

The bad will hang with the bad.

As you can see, I do show my face.

But, really, you're such awful people.

You're the one who's awful.

What a joke. Stop kidding.

You two had discussed killing me, hadn't you?

I know what you're doing. I hate it.

That's why I got back at you.

We need to keep working together.

Don't underestimate me, damn it.

Well, hats off to you.

Well, I'll let you slide this one time.

So, at last I can become the Secretary of Religious Affairs of Shiranui.

Oh, yeah.

I want you all to please help me from now on, all right?

5 years later

I see, so, this is O'Han of Yushima.

She must be such a beauty to inspire an artist like Toyokuni to portray her.

She sure is.

Have you already set your eyes on her?

I've stopped by her teashop once.

I'd like to see her in person, not in a picture.

Just seeing her wouldn't be as fun.

Anyone dare to take her and...

All right, I'll go ahead and do it first.

You can try but it's money that talks after all.

You can have a sharp staff...

but it wouldn't work without gold coins attached to the blade.

How much? 30 ryo? Or 50 ryo?

Probably more.

She models for Toyokuni.

The most beautiful woman in Japan, so to speak.

It can't be less than 100 ryo.

100 ryo?

Hey, Shiranui. Loan me 100 ryo, will you?

Any time you wish.

Hey, the blind man's loan has high interest.

Right, Mr. Secretary?

Are you up?

Yeah.

Had a stupid dream.

What kind of a dream?

That I could see.

Oh, Kurakichi...

Do you know about this woman called O'Han who models for Toyokuni?

Yeah, I do.

I hear she's beautiful.

I guess so if she can be a pinup model.

Can you arrange for me to meet her?

O'Han?

What do you want to do when you meet her?

Well, I just want to meet her.

I can try, but she'll cost you.

Of course, I'll pay as much as necessary.

How strange of you.

Did you hear the news? O'Han of Yushima became Shiranui's wife.

Shiranui's wife? That O'Han?

What a surprise.

I see.

Well, it's money.

I don't know how much he put out.

He must be drooling making the most beautiful woman in Japan his own.

What an annoying cripple.

Here, have a sip too.

Thank you.

Let me.

Tell me, are you happy to be with me?

Of course I am.

You gave me so much money, and treat me so well.

I must be the luckiest woman ever.

You know how to talk, don't you?

I'm telling you the truth.

O'Han.

Well, shall we go to bed now?

What brought you here out of the blue?

The blind bastard went to the mansion in Koishikawa today.

So, I told him I was going to visit my mother.

I wanted to see you so much.

What, don't you want to hold me?

My hands are a bit dirty.

Why, you're so slow.

I can't stay too long.

No one seems to be around.

Matsu went to Hanakumado, Otokichi is in Ryogoku.

That's convenient. Quick, wash your hands.

You're so much in a hurry.

We can't see each other that much. Understand how I feel.

They say the blind gets emotionally attached.

You promised not to talk about him.

I'm home.

Were you home all alone? Poor thing.

He didn't want me to go, so I was late coming home.

It's been a while, so it's understandable, right? Good girl.

Did you just get home?

Yes.

Mother didn't want me to leave, so I obliged.

Is your mother doing well?

Yes.

She sends you her regards.

You had a drink, didn't you?

Yes, just a little. She insisted that we had some.

Go take a bath.

Yes.

Tanji-san of Toba-ya is here.

Go take a bath now.

Sir Secretary, how are you today?

Not so well.

Did something happen?

It seems you're having a problem.

Well, there's this girl about to turn 16.

They're poor and want to sell her to the red light district.

But how would you like taking care of her?

She's a virgin beauty.

I have O'Han.

Eels are good, but so are sardines.

The heart is attached to the body.

I'll make hers mine someday.

Enough about me. How did the job go?

Well, actually, they didn't have as much as expected.

I can never beat you.

Here, 30 ryo.

So, back to the girl I was telling you about...

No, I'm going to take a bath and have O'Han wash my back.

Come back again.

He's a bitch.

Oh, by the way, I just noticed something today, O'Han.

Yes.

It's been 5 years since I became Secretary of Religious Affairs.

I can't keep the gifts I receive from everyone lying around the house like that.

So, I think I'll order a nice treasure chest, no matter how much it costs.

Talk to Kurakichi about it.

Yes.

I hope we'll find a good craftsman.

Indeed.

Do you know of anyone?

Well, I kind of do.

Go tell Kurakichi about it.

Yes.

Kurakichi. Kurakichi.

Kurakichi?

Fusagoro the craftsman's arrived, right?

Yes, he has.

Let O'Han speak with him about the chest.

She must be anxious to see him.

What?

I was dying to see you.

What if someone sees us?

We're safe.

I was told you referred me to him.

Do you think it's safe to be so bold?

Don't worry. No one knows about us.

But make sure you build a nice chest. He says if he likes it he'll hire you again.

Yeah, I'll work hard. Well, it's not good if someone comes by, so, go now.

I said it's all right.

Come on now.

O'Han.

Welcome home.

Welcome home.

Well, big news. O'Han.

Listen, can I tell you about a big surprise?

What is it?

I've been invited to Hama Palace at 8:30 tomorrow evening.

Hama Palace?

I've been asked to massage the shogun's daughter.

My, massage the princess?

Yeah. Sure, Sir Mizuno's recommendation helped.

But now I get to serve the highest place of all.

Hey, Kurakichi, bow down.

Bow down.

O'Han. I want Sake. Bring some out.

Kurakichi, see?

Things are turning out exactly as I had predicted.

See, one must climb up the social ladder.

Well, now I have a seal of approval as the highest Secretary in the world.

Maybe next time they may ask me to massage the Emperor.

Well, it's quite possible.

Kurakichi, go to Toba-ya tomorrow...

and get someone with a pleasant personality to accompany me.

Yes, I will.

All right?

Kura-san, he says the chest is ready, he brought it here.

What? Ready?

Yeah.

Fusa, I was waiting for you.

I'll show this to Secretary and I have to go right back home.

Oh, why?

'Cause you see, I can't hang around having nothing to do.

It hurts to hear you say that. You may not have any but I do.

I'm Fusagoro. Thank you for your business.

Oh, thank you for your trouble.

He made such a fine chest.

Is that so?

Oh, it came out beautifully.

Yes, I like it.

Thank you.

Fusagoro, I promised you 5 ryo for this.

But I really like it, so here's 10 ryo.

Oh no, I'm happy with 5 ryo as promised.

Take it.

Accept his generosity. Keep it.

If you insist, I humbly accept.

I'll have more work for you later.

Yes, thank you for your patronage.

O'Han, give him some Sake.

Yes.

Then, I'll go around Toba-ya for a minute.

Yeah. Please do.

Fusagoro, please make yourself at home.

Thank you.

Fusagoro...

Follow me.

Have you forgotten my face?

Well, who are you, sir?

I want to ask you some questions.

It won't be long, let's go somewhere.

Oh, you're...

I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

I see.

Sugi-no-ichi is Secretary Shiranui, as I suspected.

He wasn't dead.

I'm sorry.

There's no point blaming you.

You can go.

Hold on a minute.

Kurakichi the Severed Neck, it's been a long time.

I hear you put a lot of heart into your work.

Your shoulders must get tense.

Yes. Every time I finish a piece, they're all stiff.

All right, I'll treat you with acupuncture. O'Han, bring me the box.

You mustn't! I can't make you do that, you treat daimyo only.

It's all right. You're a master craftsman.

No, you mustn't. - Don't be shy.

Oh, it's pretty stiff.

Here.

O'Han here is closely attentive to my needs.

She cares for a blind man like me from head to toe.

She makes me totally defenseless.

How is it?

It works. I feel much better, thank you.

Yeah.

Sir Secretary, Mr. Toba-ya is here.

Oh, I'm coming.

Here, have a drink.

Oh, no need to get up.

Make yourself at home.

Yes. Thank you.

What he said isn't true.

You don't have to make excuses.

Are you saying I'm making excuses?

The mouth is a convenient tool.

Well, make him defenseless or whatever...

and take good care of him.

Do you really mean it?

It hurts.

Fusa. Fusa?

The mouth...

What's the matter?

You didn't see Kurakichi?

Maybe you missed each other?

Missed each other?

We'd have run into each other unless he made a stop on the way.

Oh, is this it?

Well, it's fine work.

I want this carried in my room. Give me a hand.

Hey, Tama, give me a hand.

Here we go.

Fusa!

You've been poisoned.

Fusa! Fusa. Fusa.

I didn't think you'd kill the woman too.

I realized she'd never be mine.

It pisses me off to let her live, so I killed her.

Put them both in there.

I had it made for one, but I guess it's okay, they should fit in there.

Give me a hand.

At Daimoku mound in the Tsutsu-ga-mori Woods 7 years ago...

there was a man's body being pecked by crows.

It was a man named Kanji, a freak show producer in Ryogoku.

We found him holding this charm tightly in his hand.

What?

It was just around that time when you left Edo, wasn't it?

You mean to say it was in the man's hand?

You killed him and took the 200 ryo, didn't you?

No! It wasn't me.

Don't lie to us! Arrest him!

No, it wasn't me who did it. What are you doing?

I see.

Damn bastard, that's what he used my charm for.

Hey, what are you doing with that?

Hey! Hold up! Hold up! Stop!

Secretary Shiranui is here. He says he's going to Hama Palace.

He says he's in a hurry, so we must let him pass.

Okay, everyone, get the floats to move out of the way.

Stop, Sugi-no-ichi!

It's Iwai Tojuro here. Don't say a word and step outside.

I don't know who you are, but you're mistaken.

I'm Secretary Shiranui.

I'm on my way to treat the shogun's daughter.

You'll be punished if you interfere.

Shut up! Get out of the carrier!

Tanji.

Go and get the police.

Out of the way!

Hold it. Hold it.

Oh, officers, thanks for coming.

I'm on my way to Hama Palace by the shogun's appointment...

You're Secretary Shiranui, I believe?

Yes, I am indeed Secretary Shiranui.

I'm on my way to the Hama Palace to treat the shogun's daughter...

Secretary Shiranui, you're under arrest!

Why are you arresting me?

Shut up!

We know that you were an accomplice in the murder of former Secretary and his wife...

and in numerous other crimes.

I'm Chief Detective Ishizaka here to arrest you. Surrender.

I don't know anything about that.

I'm innocent.

Toba-ya, I'm innocent, right? Tama? I'm innocent.

You're under arrest!

I'm innocent.

I don't know what the Severed Head told you, but I'm innocent!

Don't arrest the wrong guy or you'll regret it later.

I don't care. Arrest him!

Calm down. Calm down.

Let go!

Calm down. He's in the hands of law now.

We can't allow you to kill him for personal retribution.

He killed our master!

Thief! Evil Murderer! Thief! Murderer!

Wait, wait. I'm innocent.

I really am innocent. I'm innocent.

Toba-ya? Tama?

Damn it, everyone set me up.

Chief, I really am innocent.

Shut up.

I... I'm innocent! I'm innocent.

Stop it and surrender now.

Outta my way!

Drag him out!

Get him! Get him!

Shut up!

Stupid fools.

Translated by Ann Jiitsu Subtitled and Mastered by Cannibal King