Original subtitles

A DAIEI CO. LTD. PRODUCTION

Damn flies.

All right. You're asking for it.

So there.

ZATOICHI'S FLASHING SWORD

Produced by IKUO KUBODERA Original Story by KAN SHIMOZAWA

Screenplay by MINORU INUZUKA and SHOZABURO ASAI

Cinematography by YASUKAZU TAKEMURA Art Direction by YOSHINOBU NISHIOKA

Original Music by SEI IKENO Edited by TAKASHI TANIGUCHI

Starring:

SHINTARO KATSU

NAOKO KUBO MAYUMI NAGISA

RYUTARO GOMI TATSUO ENDO, YASUSHI SUGITA

YUTAKA NAKAMURA BOKUZEN HIDARI, RYOSUKE KAGAWA

KOICHI MIZUHARA TAKASHI EDAJIMA, SHINTARO NANJO

HACHIRO MISUMI YOICHI FUNAKI, IKUKO MORI

Directed by KAZUO IKEHIRO

What could that be?

Probably shot an otter or something.

Seiroku.

I did it.

I shot Zatoichi with this.

I got the man all the bosses in Joshu couldn't kill,

all by myself.

Yeah? Where's the evidence?

I don't see you carrying Ichi's head.

Are you calling me a liar?

You cooked up this ruse to get some money.

I didn't do it for money.

I suppose you did it to earn points with your gangster friends.

In any case, I haven't seen any proof.

Where's your proof?

I'll show you the proof, damn it.

- He's hit in the back. - Hold on, friend.

- Is he all right? - Don't worry, Okuni.

He'll be all right.

You're going to be all right.

Watch out!

Is everybody all right?

You're lucky your wound wasn't more serious.

And lucky to have such a generous benefactor too.

It's not every day a complete stranger

pays for your doctor and leaves you travel money too.

That's not something just anyone would do.

- It's hot. - Thanks.

He said he was from Edo

but was on his way to Kajikazawa to make fireworks.

Fireworks?

He wouldn't say his name.

Is that right?

I guess the world isn't only filled with demons.

Could I have one of those, please?

Here you go.

Can we have one too?

We've got kids, do we?

Sure thing, kids. Give them each one of these.

- Are you sure? - Sure.

Hey, kids. This nice man says he'll buy you all some candy.

How many of them are there?

Must be 15 of them.

That many?

Thanks, mister!

Thank you!

Hey, mister,

there's a big hole on the left up there.

Right, everyone?

Kids can be real rascals.

I buy them some candy and they're already playing tricks.

Look, kids.

You shouldn't tell lies like that.

You may think I'm blind, but I can actually see.

You're just trying to make me go to the right,

which is where the hole really is, I bet.

You can't fool me.

Just watch.

I guess they weren't lying after all.

- Get lost, you son of bitch! - What're you trying to do?

You don't know what you're talking about.

Zatoichi has already left for Kajikazawa.

That's impossible. I don't believe it.

Well, believe it. It's straight from the lady who took care of him.

Listen up, men.

We're going to get Zatoichi ourselves.

Kill the man who cut down the boss, and we'll be the talk of the province.

Don't let your guard down.

Let's get moving.

So he's in Kajikazawa, is he?

Perfect.

So what's it going to be? Are you mute?

We're challenging you to a match.

With a dojo like this, you must be a man of some skill.

Answer him!

This is just a small-town dojo.

Townsmen and farmers come here to work out for fun.

Quiet! You think the martial arts are just fun and games?

I'll show you the true way of the sword. On your feet!

Please do not ask this of me.

You refuse even a practice round?

Then pay us each a ryo, five ryo altogether.

- Five ryo? - Or shall we tear this place to pieces?

No, sir.

Damn it! What's with this rabble?

Scram! Get out of here!

This isn't a show.

What's so funny, mister?

I said it's not a show.

I'm a blind man,

so I couldn't see it even if it were a show.

Don't get smart with me!

What?

What do you want with me?

We're going to teach you a lesson for laughing at us.

You mean to say

you want to cross swords with me, a blind man?

That's right.

But what can you prove by -

All right, I'll do it.

I'll accept your challenge.

Just give me a minute.

Master swordsman Shusaku Chiba used to say,

"Close your eyes

and wait for your foe's sword to move.

Then,

if you bring your sword down at the same moment,

the worst that can happen is you'll both go down."

In my case, my eyes are closed to begin with.

What're you muttering about? Are you ready?

Just a second.

I don't want to get beat up over and over,

so perhaps you could all hit me at once.

You've got a real lip on you.

All right. You asked for it.

The shoulder litter is 90 mon.

You're heavier than you look, mister.

You're covering my eyes.

You're sure that when I get to Kajikazawa

I'll find this man from Edo?

He must be the fireworks maker that Boss Bunkichi called in from Edo.

I see. I'm glad to hear it.

He's been here four or five days now.

Thanks to Bunkichi, we'll have some great fireworks again this year.

Fireworks like you'd normally have to go to Edo to see.

Since last year, we've had them right here at home.

Is that right?

Is the fireworks maker staying at that boss's place, then?

I think he stays in his workshop by the river.

Here we are.

Thank you very much.

You really are heavy, aren't you?

I suppose so. Here you go.

- Thanks. - And the change -

- Keep the change? Thanks. - No, I'd like to have my change.

Hello.

I'm the blind man you helped in Katase.

Sir?

What the hell? Something's not right.

Is he deaf?

If he's deaf and I'm blind, we could have a problem.

Excuse me,

but I'm the blind man you helped in Katase.

The blind man? That was you?

I want you to know how indebted I am to you.

It wasn't me.

The one who helped you was Okuni.

Okuni?

Where can I find this Okuni?

That way.

That way?

I could really use something to eat.

- We're on our way. - Thanks.

Boss says he's going out and needs an escort.

All right.

He's crossing the river to talk to Yasugoro

about the fireworks show we're putting on.

- Here you go. - Thank you, sir.

I don't know why Boss thinks he has to talk to Yasugoro.

If he wants to open his own purse to give the village folk a show,

why should he care what Yasugoro thinks?

That's just the way he is.

Don't scare me like that! What do you want?

Oh, no. You made me lose my place.

The boss is leaving.

Take care, Father.

Your sword, Father.

- I don't need that. - But, Boss -

I'm not going to pick a fight.

Take care, sir.

Excuse me.

You're that man from Katase!

You must be Okuni.

I wanted to tell you how grateful I am.

If you hadn't come to my rescue, I would have -

Please, you mustn't.

Okuni, we're going down to check on things at the ford.

Thank you.

Mekichi, promise me you'll watch your temper.

I know how disagreeable those folks across the river can be,

but you're not to let them provoke you.

With their endless insults, anybody's blood would boil.

I know, but we don't want any trouble before the fireworks.

I understand. We'll see you later.

Please get up off your knees and come with me.

I'm much obliged.

I'm so glad you came.

You must be hungry.

Thanks, but I ate just a little while ago.

Really? You needn't be polite.

Mine, could you lend him a hand? He's blind.

Right this way, sir.

Get him something to eat - whatever we have on hand.

Please don't go to any trouble.

We don't have much to offer,

but now that you're here, I hope you can stay a while.

For the summer festival we'll be having beautiful fireworks.

You should at least stay until then and see the -

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.

Think nothing of it.

I sometimes see fireworks in my dreams.

I hear the sound of the fireworks shooting up,

and then a huge flower of color bursts open in the sky.

They really are beautiful, aren't they?

Even if I can't see the fireworks, I love just hearing them go off.

What are you babbling about? Okuni went on inside.

Is that right? I was actually wondering.

Miss Mine?

Goodness! You've already learned my name?

Yes, I'm very good with names.

Here's your rice.

- Your chopsticks. - Thank you.

Can I ask you something?

I'll bet Okuni is a very pretty woman, isn't she?

She certainly is.

She makes even a woman's heart skip a beat.

But a woman can be too pretty, you know.

Why do you say that?

When a woman's so pretty,

men can find it hard to approach her.

Okuni hasn't had any luck finding a husband.

Let me get you some tea.

Thanks.

You must really be hungry.

Check.

You're sure you want to do that?

It's time for me to throw up my hands, Boss.

What're you talking about?

If you move here, you can still get away.

Check.

Check.

Now you really are finished.

There's a right moment for everything.

Sit around twiddling your thumbs too long,

and your king winds up getting knocked off the board.

That's the truth.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Bunkichi.

Not at all.

Perhaps I can go head-to-head with you sometime.

When you and I go head-to-head, it may not be across a chess board.

Want to meet me down by the river, make it a real spectacle?

That would be a spectacle.

I understand you're planning some fireworks again this year.

That's what I came to see you about.

Hold it right there.

Look, Bunkichi.

For gamblers like you and me,

the summer festival and New Year's are our peak seasons.

We don't have to raise a finger, and the money comes rolling in.

So why do you have to go and distract people

with a free fireworks show?

It cuts into our business.

I don't want to hear about it.

By the way, Bunkichi,

have you reached a decision about what we discussed before -

the concession at the ford on the river?

I'd rather not talk about that.

Does that mean you're turning me down?

I'm offering to pay you 300 ryo for the rights to the ford.

- It's not about the money. - What, then?

Let's just talk about the fireworks today.

I don't want to hear about that!

Look, Bunkichi.

I suggest you keep one thing in mind.

The magistrate himself is the one who's saying

the concession at the ford should pass from you to me.

Boss Bunkichi's back.

Welcome back, sir.

- How did it go? - Huh? Fine.

Welcome back, sir.

So it's all settled.

Shows you what our boss is made of.

Yasugoro talks big, but he's no match for Boss Bunkichi.

You're damn right.

They didn't settle a thing.

The boss only said that so Okuni and the others wouldn't worry.

But we're the ones putting on the fireworks.

- Who cares whether they like it or not? - It's not just the fireworks.

Yasugoro has been eyeing the concession at the ford for a long time.

Our boss charges so little at the ford

that travelers and locals call him "Buddha Bunkichi."

That's what bugs Yasugoro.

He wants to take over and charge three and four times more.

- He figures it's easy money. - But there's not a chance in hell -

The bastard is trying to bring in the magistrate.

His sister is the magistrate's mistress,

so she must be sweet-talking the magistrate for him.

Damn that son of a bitch.

- Master Ichi. - Yes?

You needn't do that.

You've been so generous with your hospitality.

I need to at least make myself useful.

There's really no need. Just enjoy yourself.

- I appreciate your kindness. - Master Ichi,

this is one of the summer kimonos we're giving out for the festival.

It's for you to wear on the night of the fireworks.

You're much too kind. I can't -

Please take it. I want you to have it.

Well, if you insist.

I haven't worn a summer kimono in years.

- I hope you like it. - Of course I do.

It's not every day I receive a gift from such a pretty lady.

Oh, my, as if you can tell what I look like.

I can tell, all right.

If I could see, I probably wouldn't even dare come near you

on account of being too embarrassed.

Let's go inside for some tea.

- Excuse me, but - - What?

I heard talk of some boss across the river

who's trying to make trouble for you here.

- It's nothing serious, really. - I see.

A yakuza who joins hands with the magistrate is lower than low.

It's because of men like that

that people treat yakuza with scorn.

Forgive me. I've spoken out of place.

Not at all. It's exactly as you say.

Master Ichi.

You're a special person, Master Ichi.

I'll take you across for just 30 mon.

How about it, lady?

I'm looking for a ride across the river.

At your service, sir.

Not you.

- I'll take you, then. - No, not you either.

You're awfully choosy for a man who can't even see.

Not really.

Excuse me. Could you take me across?

Yeah, all right, I'll take you.

Thanks. I know I'm a heavy load.

Just a second.

And as for the change -

I know. You want your change.

Keep it.

Please watch your step, sir.

Who are you?

A masseur.

You're a masseur, but you can see?

No.

If you can't see, what's the point of peeping?

It kind of makes me feel like I can see.

What are you all looking at? A bathing woman?

So there.

Who's there?

- A masseur. - A masseur?

Great. I'll have you massage me later.

Certainly, ma'am.

You must be getting on well with the magistrate.

This whole area feels pretty tight.

Don't be silly.

Are you spending the night here tonight?

Thank you very much, sir. It would be nice if I could.

Idiot! I'm not talking to you.

I beg your pardon.

He asked if you'll be spending the night.

Just one night.

She says just one night.

Have you brought that matter up with the magistrate?

You mean about the concession at the ford?

He says if you cook up something he can use as a pretext,

he'll take the concession away from Bunkichi and give it to you.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

That's why I've been trying so hard to pick a fight with Bunkichi.

But, Boss, you can't just pick a fight for no reason.

Why the hell not? Fights aren't won by reason.

I'll just keep insulting him,

and eventually I'll find a pretext for challenging him to a fight.

That damn Bunkichi and his fireworks.

It's nothing but a cheap popularity stunt.

Maybe you should just dump some water

on the powder in the fireworks shack.

Ouch! Take it easy, will you?

- Did I push too hard? - You have to ask?

Ow, it still hurts. That'll be enough.

I'm sorry if I hurt you.

- May I - - You may go.

Thank you, ma'am, but I was wondering about my pay.

Forget it.

Why should I pay a masseur who can't even give a decent massage?

Get lost, masseur.

There's your pay. Eat up.

Who are you?

Master Seiroku?

You've got some nerve, Seiroku, coming back here after what you did.

Father -

I don't want to hear it.

I wish you wouldn't say that.

Your firstborn son has come home.

Couldn't you be a little happy? - Seiroku.

Have you forgotten what made you leave Kajikazawa?

You used Father's name to borrow money and not pay it back.

You drank up a storm and refused to pay.

You let people flatter you as heir to this house,

then went and smeared mud on all our faces,

getting one of the young men hurt, and nearly getting arrested.

Do you have any idea what Father and Okuni went through for you?

Of course you don't. You're nothing but a brute.

Get out of our house.

I know I wasn't a model son. I'm not proud of the things I did.

That's why I went away, to learn what I needed to know as heir to -

Mekichi, please go heat up the bath.

Yes, Okuni.

Oshizu, let's celebrate by making some red-bean rice.

Or perhaps some sweet rice cakes.

Okuni.

Father.

Hurry and get the bath started.

- Yes, sir. - Father.

Master Kyubei. Hard at work, I see.

We're celebrating today,

so I brought you some sake too.

Why the celebration?

My little brother came home after being gone for a year.

Your brother? That's good news.

This year's fireworks will be that much more special.

Just two more days, Kyubei. Will everything be ready?

Don't worry.

You're the -

Maybe not.

Mekichi, come here a second.

Why is that guy Ichi staying here?

The masseur? He showed up three days ago.

What did he come for?

To thank Okuni for saving him

when he almost got killed on the road.

Okuni saved him?

I see.

So that's why he's still alive.

Did the masseur say anything about me?

- No. - You're sure?

Do you know him from somewhere?

How would I know a guy like that? Go back to work.

So that's what happened. I don't think he's on to me yet.

Just you wait.

It won't be long before I take control of this ford,

and all of Kajikazawa.

Boss.

I hear Bunkichi's son has come home.

That good-for-nothing Seiroku's back?

Why should I care?

Who are those guys?

I haven't seen them around here before.

You think they might be on their way to Bunkichi's place?

Let's see what we can find out.

If we can get them on our side, they could come in handy.

Takematsu, go talk to them.

Hello there.

Where might you swordsmen be going?

If you're looking for a place to stay, we'd be happy to oblige.

If you're good with a sword, you might even get something extra.

My good sir.

Perhaps you could consider that enough of a lesson.

Who might you be?

This is Boss Yasugoro of Takeya.

- What's that? - It's to repair my man's offense.

I wonder if I could interest you swordsmen

in a small moneymaking proposition.

Nothing more than child's play, really.

I'll pay you well for your trouble.

Give me some sake, will you?

Here you are, sir.

Thanks.

What's going on here?

Some guys came to us from Yasugoro across the river -

From Yasugoro?

They said the ford's soon going to be under Yasugoro's control,

so we shouldn't go to work tomorrow.

What?

They said we should all go to Yasugoro's place instead.

We told them Boss Bunkichi has been good to us,

so we can't turn our back on him, and suddenly they start -

Damn bastards! Are they still around?

- Probably, at the ford. - They're asking for it!

I suppose you're all aware

that this ford is part of Boss Bunkichi's territory.

So?

If you cross the river looking for trouble,

be ready for the consequences.

You sound like a live one. Who the hell are you?

Me?

I'm Boss Bunkichi's son.

So you're him?

Catching you was easier than I expected.

What do you mean by that?

Damn it! What do you think you're doing?

Let me go, damn it!

Let me go!

You say Seiroku never came home last night?

No.

He probably got caught up in some all-night dice game again.

We should just forget about him.

You didn't really expect him to turn over a new leaf, did you?

Boss, Matsuji is here from Yasugoro's place.

What? Seiroku drew his sword on Yasugoro?

That's right. As the boss was getting out of the bath,

Seiroku came charging at him from the garden.

Fortunately, the boss escaped with barely a scratch,

but why would your son want to kill our boss?

He must have had a reason.

Forgive me for being blunt, Boss Bunkichi,

but we figure you must have sent him.

Don't be ridiculous.

Why should I want to harm Yasugoro? That's complete nonsense.

What reason could Seiroku have for trying to kill our boss?

I have no idea.

Sorry, but you're not getting off that easy.

You're his father.

You can't distance yourself from what he's done.

Where's Seiroku now?

He's tied up in our backyard.

Under our code of honor,

we have every right to truss him and throw him in the river,

or to slowly torture him to death.

But since he's the heir to the Tsumugi house,

we've come to see what you have to say about it.

What exactly does Yasugoro want? Speak plainly.

All right. He offers you three options.

Come out and fight him man-to-man, according to our code of honor.

Or if you'd rather settle the matter quietly,

turn the concession at the ford over to him.

If you don't agree to either of these options,

then we'll torture your son to death.

Those are your choices, and he wants a clear answer.

All right.

I'm not going to fight, and I refuse to turn over my rights at the ford.

So that leaves the third option - your son's life.

Are you saying we can do with him as we please?

- Father. - Stay out of this.

Boss Bunkichi,

we'll give you until nightfall to reconsider.

If we don't hear from you by then, you know what to expect.

That son of a bitch!

Prepare for battle, men!

Hold it!

We're not going to fall into their trap.

It's obvious what Yasugoro is up to.

He wants to draw us into a fight in order to take over at the ford.

He's got the magistrate behind him.

What do you intend to do, Father?

Unless we do something, Seiroku will be killed.

I'm not especially fond of Seiroku,

but he's the only brother I have, and he's your only son.

How can you stand idly by and let them kill him?

Don't worry, Oshizu.

Your brother's not going to die that easily.

They need him as bait.

But -

One misstep now and we'll play right into their hands.

Don't anybody try to be a hero!

I see.

He says we can do what we want with Seiroku?

That's right.

I said we'd give him until nightfall to reconsider.

Son of a bitch.

He refuses to fall into our trap.

He must have something up his sleeve.

What's the matter? They're not taking the bait?

- That's right. - Then how about this?

Kill the bastard and deliver him to Bunkichi with a letter of challenge.

It may come to that, as a last resort.

Matsuji, send someone to get my sister.

Look! It's Zatoichi.

He's ours now,

that son of a bitch.

Come on. Who'd like to be first?

Sorry to ask you to rush home like this.

We have a problem.

- So I heard. - What did the magistrate say?

He recommends that you kill your prisoner

and start a war.

You do that, and - - He'll take care of the rest?

You can count on it.

As they say,

no one can say no to a weeping child or the lord of the land.

Whatever the merits may be,

it's the magistrate who gets the final word.

That's what I wanted to hear.

Of course, he expects to be paid handsomely.

I know that.

Who's there?

- Good evening. - What're you doing here?

You're that masseur from the other day.

It was a pleasure to be of service.

How did you get in here?

I'm blind, Boss, so I couldn't really tell.

How d-d-dare -

You needn't work yourself into a stutter like that.

Let's just have us a leisurely chat, shall we?

You blind son of a bitch. Shut your -

You want me to shut my trap?

That's right.

I believe that should be my line.

I could shut your trap for good, if you like.

Be careful, Boss.

If you harbor hopes of dying a natural death,

I'd urge you not to get any stupid ideas.

Yasugoro,

I don't think you know what it means to be a yakuza.

It's not the place of a yakuza

to go strutting around in broad daylight like he owns the world.

A proper yakuza bows his head

and politely yields the way to the common folk.

But I understand you make a habit of swaggering grandly

through the magistrate's gate.

It's scum like you

who give yakuza a bad name.

You needn't strain so to talk.

Just listen carefully to what I tell you.

You got that, Boss?

Ichi?

Boss!

We should be safe now,

Master Seiroku.

Don't expect me to thank you for this.

I was going to escape on my own tonight.

So don't think you did me a favor.

Fool! Get out of my house!

You don't have to fly off the handle like that.

They were the ones who laid the dirty trap.

Look, Dad, how about you lend me half your men?

- What for? - I want to get back at them.

They can't get away with this, damn it!

Is there no end to your stupidity?

How did you escape, Seiroku?

It was easy. Chop chop chop.

- Come on, Dad. Let me do it. - Never!

Forget it, then. I won't ask for your help.

I'll go by myself and cut that Yasugoro bastard down.

Fool! You're nothing but a fool!

You have no idea how worried we all were.

There's no cure for a fool like you, so go ahead and let them kill you.

Did you get him?

He's nowhere to be found!

Idiots! He's got to be out there somewhere!

- Yes, sir. - That's no answer, you idiots!

A blind man with tricks like these -

It has to be Zatoichi.

Zatoichi?

You don't know about him?

The man has made himself notorious all over Joshu Province.

He cut down Sukegoro of lioka,

felled Miki Hirate,

and even attacked the magistrate's residence.

I've heard people speak of Zatoichi.

So this is the guy.

If he's on Bunkichi's side in this fight,

it could make things difficult.

Get rid of him for us, Master Tengen.

I could do that.

But there might be a way

to separate him from Bunkichi without bloodying our hands.

What does Yasugoro say, Father?

He says the magistrate is going to mediate between us.

- Do you think it's true, Father? - Senzo, help me get ready.

Don't you think it's strange, Father?

What is?

It says for you to come to Yasugoro's place.

What's strange about that?

Why didn't the magistrate summon both of you to his own residence?

He probably wants to settle things without a big public display.

You're being too suspicious.

- You really intend to go, Father? - Absolutely.

Boss, Bunkichi has arrived.

Thank you for your letter.

Where's the magistrate?

I didn't invite the magistrate. Think of it as a professional favor.

What do you mean by that?

I understand you've got a blind fellow staying with you.

What's that got to do with anything?

What do you have in mind by harboring that man?

I've got nothing in mind at all.

He and my daughter happened to meet while traveling, and -

Don't play dumb with me!

Why are you trying to stand up to the magistrate?

I don't understand what you're talking about, Yasugoro.

Why don't you stop talking in riddles

and come straight to the point?

I presume you're aware that Zatoichi is a wanted man.

Harboring a fugitive is a serious crime, you know.

So you're saying that that man is -

You can't tell me you didn't know.

You're really saying that man is the notorious Zatoichi?

What're you going to do, Bunkichi?

If I were to tell the magistrate about this,

that blind dog would be arrested in no time.

As a favor to you, I've chosen not to do that.

It's a professional courtesy, as I said.

You shouldn't feel indebted to me or anything.

So what're you going to do?

Is something the matter, Bunkichi?

There, it's done.

No, no! Don't do that!

What if you dropped it?

Sorry about that.

Master Kyubei,

have you finished making all the fireworks for tonight?

That's not anything for you to worry about.

I suppose that's true.

There are going to be a hundred altogether.

And every tenth one will be

a special new kind I created just for here.

No one has ever seen anything like them, even in Edo.

You say every tenth one

will be a new kind never before seen, even in Edo?

They must really be beautiful.

Listen to you. You can't even see

and you're trying to tell me how beautiful they are.

Actually, even though I made them myself,

I have no idea what they're going to be like

until they go off.

Master Ichi is Zatoichi?

This really puts me on the spot.

It's hard to believe such a nice man

could be a fugitive.

I don't think Master Ichi is a bad man either.

No matter how good he is with a sword,

he's still a blind man.

I'm sure there must be some explanation.

But if we let him stay on,

there's no telling what Yasugoro will do.

I wish he could stay forever, Okuni,

but I think we'll have to ask him to move on.

It's such a shame.

He was so looking forward to tonight's fireworks.

- Everyone hard at work? - Welcome back.

Miss Mine. It's finally time for the fireworks.

You need to hurry up with your bath and shave.

Yes, thank you.

I finally get to wear the summer kimono Okuni gave me.

- That's right. - Thank you.

Master Ichi, the boss wants to see you.

All right. Thanks.

Did you wish to see me?

Come on in.

Everyone in the village is getting really excited

about tonight's fireworks.

I'm as excited as a kid myself.

Okuni,

I can hardly wait to put on that summer kimono you gave me.

Master Ichi.

I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave us immediately.

I want you to get out of Kajikazawa.

Here's a little travel money for you.

What's this about?

Have I done something to offend you?

I asked you to leave. Now just go quietly.

But why?

- Master Ichi - - You stay out of this.

As you wish, sir.

I'm afraid I've imposed on your generosity too long.

I'll be on my way as soon as tonight's fireworks are over.

I said you're to leave immediately.

What could I have done to offend you so?

I don't owe you an explanation.

I don't suppose you do.

I came here to repay a kindness,

and instead I've increased my debt.

As a blind man, there's so little I can do,

but my only wish

was to repay some small part of my debt to Okuni.

I'm aware of that. I'm not blind.

Father.

I'm sorry to have been an eyesore to you for so long.

Master Ichi!

I'm still going to put on that summer kimono before I go.

I guess a blind man shouldn't stay in one place too long.

Let this be a lesson to me.

I'd like to thank you all for your kindness.

I'll be going on my way now.

You're not staying for the fireworks?

Take care of yourself.

- Good-bye. - Thanks.

Master Seiroku.

You really shouldn't go around shooting people with guns.

The boss is ready to go.

Hurry up, Father. The fireworks are going to start.

- Don't be in such a rush. - I'm going on ahead.

Enjoy the fireworks, sir.

I hear you let Zatoichi go.

That's just what I expected you to do.

From now on, the concession at the river is mine.

- Any objections? - You son of a bitch!

If you care to object, I'll have to ask you to die.

The fireworks have started.

Master Kyubei was boasting

that every tenth one would be special.

Wish I could see them.

There's the fifth one.

Hey, he's back.

Yasugoro's having himself some fun at Bunkichi's.

This is for taking care of Ichi.

- What do you want to do? - About what?

Ichi.

You guys are no match for him.

You got your money. No sense in getting hurt.

That's true.

That Yasugoro is a scheming son of a bitch.

And what a fool Bunkichi was!

First he harbors a fugitive, then he helps him escape.

Sooner or later the magistrate was going to string him up.

He was a dead man no matter what he did.

That's what you get for being so nice.

You mean like us.

Let's get going.

Is it true, what you said just now?

Why wouldn't it be?

I imagine it's all over by now.

So that's why he told me to leave.

What do you intend to do? Go back?

Are you going back?

It's all mine now.

Boss, you're sure Ichi's taken care of?

Don't worry about him. He's got five samurai on his tail.

You posted those guards, didn't you?

Yes, sir. All the way from here to the river.

Okuni.

Please open up!

I have a message from Master Ichi.

He says to go on with the fireworks, in memory of the boss and Seiroku.

Where's Master Ichi now?

He said it's the least he can do

and went across the river to pay Yasugoro a visit.

Master Ichi.

Damn these mosquitoes. What a raw deal.

The others are drinking it up, and we're stuck standing guard.

It's a raw deal, all right.

Even Bunkichi's dead. Who's left to retaliate?

That's right.

Maybe we should just go home.

Let's go home.

Lay off, will you?

- It's just a horse. - Don't scare us.

It's the fireworks!

Son of a bitch!

Who do they think they are?

Boss!

Where are you going in such a hurry?

If you're looking for me, I've saved you the trouble.

I've been sitting right here waiting for you.

You blind son of a bitch.

Yasugoro.

I never draw first,

but I've had about all I can take from you.

Yeah?

What can a blind swordsman do?

Drive him into a corner and strike him down.

In the dark, the advantage is mine.

It turns you all into blind men.

If you want to throw away your life, come right on in.

What's the matter? What're you waiting for?

Go get him!

Damn it! Can't any of you kill one lousy blind man?

Go get him!

They say when you stutter like that, you're ready to be killed.

What's the matter? Aren't you going to draw?

Your boss is trapped in a corner,

and none of you has the guts to save him?

Yasugoro,

you sure know how to pick 'em, don't you?

THE END