Original subtitles

Thank you.

That's the other psychos out. Let's get a move on it.

Billy, you missed some trash over there.

Yes, sir.

Planned you again, man.

Shut up, man. It's really about your own trash.

Everybody grab a trash bag and let's head back to the dojo.

Okay, I want you guys to grab a spot on the floor. I want you to practice that

technique. Everybody got it?

Line up, please.

Okay, have a seat.

What's the most important thing about learning karate?

Kicking some butt, man.

Is that right?

No.

Come here.

It's called respect and responsibility.

You got a lot to learn about how we behave in this dojo.

You understand me?

Yes, sir.

I want everybody else to grab a spot on the floor and get your partner and

practice the technique. All right, everybody up.

I want you to come with me.

Let's go.

You finally got what you wanted?

You got it.

Don't say a word.

Joey, did you deposit our bottom money into the school's account?

Yes, sir.

We're up to $129 .60.

You're doing a good job with the school finances.

I'm proud of you.

Take it to my office, okay?

Okay, Sensei.

Bye, Sensei.

See you guys on Monday.

Hey, Billy.

What?

Yes, sir? You have a nice weekend, okay?

And keep your little narrow butt away from that playground.

Oh, man, I told you not to go to that playground no more. First of all, where

you go, don't go.

Has nothing to do with that whining tone of voice you just addressed me in.

Second of all, Mr. Big Shot, you watch that quick mouth of yours around these

younger students. You got that?

Yes, sir.

Now give me 100 push -ups.

This has been our most profitable quarter to date.

Gambling is up by 40%.

Our overseas ventures have exceeded their quotas considerably.

And our Colombian suppliers, in appreciation of our ever -increasing

have even reduced their price.

You couldn't ask for more.

I've been told the quality of our product is no longer the best in the

I haven't heard any complaints.

It must be reprocessed with more shine.

There should be a mother of pearl quality to the rock.

Yes, sir.

There are times when my indulgences trouble me.

Business is good.

Why shouldn't it be?

But tell me.

Why is it that an honest businessman like myself cannot provide his

with the quality sport they have come to expect of me? Why is that, Mr. Slater?

I don't know. The death match is in two weeks.

The qualifying elimination rounds are coming to a close.

And I've been told the quality of the last two rounds is very weak.

My associates will look down on me if the games are not of the highest

Do you understand me, Mr. Slater?

Absolutely.

Are there no great warriors left?

I think we've killed them all. They're an endangered species.

Nonsense!

You will find me more vital.

You will provide me with what I wish. Will you not, Mr. Slater?

Absolutely.

Of course you will.

And what of Matamoto?

That old man is no good to you.

Besides, he's not training anymore.

Tell me more of this.

He says the games have become more of a trial of gambling than a trial of honor.

Why was I not informed of this?

I didn't think he wanted to be bothered with the grumblings of an old man.

Matsumoto is responsible for finding Takamura.

Our greatest fighter to date.

Do not underestimate his abilities.

That was an expensive tie.

You will keep me informed.

Is that clear?

Get out.

You poured it out pretty good with Billy today, Nick. I had to. I'm trying to

keep him out of trouble.

Well, he's a good boy.

I know that.

But he's at that vulnerable age.

There's a lot of temptations out there.

Well, if he chooses to serve burgers or goes for fast cars or fast chicks, he

has to make that choice. You know that, Nick?

Maybe so.

But it's our job to point him in the right direction.

Hold it, Nick. Hold it. I think we've got company.

Something I can do for you, gentlemen?

We have not received payment yet.

I'm not going to pay any protection money. I already told you a minute later

that.

That's unfortunate.

Wait a minute.

Structure is easy.

Building is hard and expensive.

Think about it.

You have 24 hours to come up with the money.

Ancient saying, gentlemen, a sword is tested by fire.

A warrior is tested by actions.

So what are we going to do now?

Nothing. What do you mean nothing? You heard what the guy said.

We're no good to them dead.

Then we can't pay them.

Now there's logic for you.

My only concern is our kids.

These gangbangers already messed up this neighborhood around here with drugs.

And this dojo is the only safe place around here. And I'm not giving in to

Look, Nick, I'm with you all the way, but I got a bad feeling about this.

May I be of service, Mr. Slater?

You expected me.

I did.

Did I touch to inform you of my visit?

He did not.

Then how did you... What is it that you want?

I want to talk to you.

You are now doing so.

What do you want?

Some tea, perhaps?

Some hay and warm stable for your men?

Stop!

Wait outside.

Since you are so wise, old man, you must know why I am here.

Your contests, your precious sport.

You do not have enough fighters to satisfy the death matches.

Hatasta was told that I no longer wish to train people.

When he heard this, he became very upset.

You are well informed.

I am an old man.

I hear many things. Then you must know.

That one does not just walk away from our organization whenever one pleases.

Oh, Thor?

Mr. Attached and I, we're depending on you to find us new fighters.

And if I refuse?

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

Charming child.

Your granddaughter, I believe.

How the world has changed.

Has it?

You may tell Hatasta that I will comply.

If you have a cause to visit me again, please do not insult my home with your

trained dog.

I just wanted to make sure that we understand each other.

Yes, it is wise that we understand each other.

Good day.

Get up.

So what's up, Charlie?

Little Joe stopped Billy hanging out at the playground again this afternoon.

He what?

Damn.

What are you going to do with him?

I don't know.

I know what I'd like to do with him.

There are laws against that kind of thing, Nick.

Man, my father would have killed me if I'd have gone someplace he told me to

stay away from.

Well, since he doesn't have a dad, and his mother can't help him with all the

problems she has, you're the only thing he's got, Nick.

No, the school's the only thing he's got.

Charlie, I got an idea.

Billy, how would you like to assist me in the beginner's class next week?

Me? Be an assistant instructor?

You're kidding.

No, I'm serious.

But the job comes with a lot of responsibility.

Oh, man, I'd love to. I mean, yes, sir. I'd be honored.

What's wrong?

Well, I got something to tell you, and you ain't gonna like it.

Spit it out.

Well, this is girl, see, Keisha? I mean, man, oh, man, she's like, you know,

special. But she won't even give me the time of day.

You know, she just blows me off. Until last Saturday, when I was walking home

from here, she said, you know, want to come down to the playground?

And I said, no, wait. She said, come on, I'll be waiting.

So I went.

I'm sorry.

So you went to the playground that I told you not to?

Yes, sir.

Was it worth it, being this girl?

No. She left me hanging.

That's a dangerous part of town.

Yes, sir.

So what do we do now, Billy?

I swear, I'll never go there again.

Not even if 50 goes out to 50. The point is, you shouldn't have been there in

the first place.

Yes, sir.

What if you became an assistant instructor and you give an order to one

students? What are you going to do if he disobeys it?

I don't know. You don't know?

Well, when you figure it out, why don't you come back and tell me?

Go work out.

What's the matter?

Did our warrior lose again?

Takamura played well.

I'm sure he did.

Then again, it's not exactly chess, is it? No, Mr. Slater.

Chess is a game for pompous intellectuals.

Go is a game for warriors.

Something you know nothing about.

You know, you're right.

While you've been sitting here playing games, I've been out collecting

Some of them might actually pose a threat to you, Takamura.

Shinji, you have other matters to attend to.

I am certain that these fighters will receive invitations to the Hall of the

Plum Tree.

You have done well, Mr. Slater.

Only your best interests concern me.

As they should, Mr. Slater.

As they should.

Hey, guys, where did Billy go?

Oh, yeah, I said something about meeting the girl and Keisha.

Back to the playground again.

Man, I can't believe it. You want me to come with you?

I guess not.

All right, let's go, Jack. Come on.

Can we help you, old man?

Yeah, I'm looking for a girl named Keisha. You know her?

Keisha?

My, my, my.

Keisha sure getting around these days.

What you want her for, man?

She's with a student of mine named Billy Scott.

You know him?

Good -looking black kid?

Came around last Saturday? Yeah, that's him.

Don't know him.

But I know you, motherfucker.

You that Kunta Kente Bruce Lee wannabe running school down the street, right?

Check this out.

I got

some shit. Make your karate go sky high.

What the fuck is wrong with you, man? See, it scums like you to come around

neighborhood and mess it up with drugs, and I'm sick of it. Yeah? Yeah, well,

how you like I bust a cap in your ass?

How'd you like if I take my foot and bust it upside your head?

Shut the fuck up, bitch. See, that's cool, man.

You dissing me, man?

I don't like nobody.

I'm going to ask you one more time. Where's Billy Watson?

That I don't know.

Wrong answer.

Once again, where's Billy Watson?

Kiss my ass.

Kiss your own ass.

A dentist stands me up.

The 24 hours are up.

It's time to send a message.

My house is stupid.

Can you hear me?

I wouldn't mean it. Lie still, lie still. Help is on its way.

Billy. Billy.

Billy.

Billy.

Billy.

Billy.

Billy.

Billy, I'm sorry.

Arouse a beast that strikes back a dragon.

You seem to be having a terrible day.

Yeah, it's okay. Go away.

This isn't exactly the safe place.

So it seems, Mr. Nico.

You know me?

Who are you?

Jasmine Matsumoto, beloved granddaughter, confidant, and faithful

my grandfather, the Honorable Master Toto Matsumoto.

Who?

You asked for a while, and I have just told you.

Are you seriously injured?

Your head, perhaps?

Did you forget the question? Or maybe my sudden appearance overwhelms you. As

much as the humans who took this cue have also successfully overwhelmed you.

look awful.

I mean, no insult, but you look worse than any other man I've ever seen alive.

What'd you say his name was?

Maximodo.

Maximodo, the old martial arts master?

Yes. You were to accompany me to my grandfather's at once.

For what?

So that he may tend to you impersonally, a great honor, I can assure you.

And because he wishes an audience with you concerning your current problems.

Which are?

That is rather obvious, considering your present location and your less than

desirable state of physical condition.

You should see yourself in the mirror.

Not a very good sight, Miss Zuko.

Here.

I'll easily wake up in an alley.

Grandfather, eyes and ears are many.

But why do you think you... I can only assume that after suffering a total

annihilation of the spirit, you will be more receptive to the charming innocence

of a lovely child.

You really pull yourself, aren't you?

Yes. I'm glad you know this.

Come, grandfather, awake.

Fortunately, your ribs are not broken.

And you still have some teeth.

You will heal quickly.

I appreciate your help.

But how did you know I was in that alley?

Lie still.

I am almost finished. We will talk later.

May I?

May what?

I was admiring your stomach.

I would like to hit it.

Okay.

But, sir, I said it was okay.

Martinotto has two children now.

Jasmine, please bring some tea.

Yes, sir.

You're a good fighter.

I can hold my own.

I suppose holding your own bleeding head in an alley is a good discussion.

Jasmine.

My apologies, grandfather.

I'm sorry, Nico.

My granddaughter's tongue wagged like puppy's tail all the time in all

directions. I think I have some more work to do in the kitchen.

You have many problems, no?

I'm looking for a killer.

I can help.

Oh, yeah?

Why?

This whole city gets worse every day.

Actions of people affect everyone.

I live here. My granddaughter lives here. My daughter Sumiko.

Jasmine's mother.

She got involved with these men.

Got involved with drugs.

It changed her. She would not listen to me.

Eventually, the drugs killed her.

I'm sorry, sir.

I'm sorry, too.

Jasmine is all I have now.

I need a good life for her.

I feel the same way about the kids in my dojo.

They don't have homes like this to go to and people to care about them.

Then it's time to do something besides watch.

I need a fighter for a contest.

I need a good fighter.

I will train him, make him better.

Why? Because it is the only way to defeat the enemy.

And the enemy is?

Hatashita.

You know him.

All drugs coming to the city comes from Hatashita.

The men who killed your student all work somewhere under Hatashita. Hatashita is

an enemy to all honest people.

Someone like that is untouchable. Maybe. Maybe not.

I need a good fighter to challenge Hatashita's best.

And if you win?

We will fight in Hatashita's death match where his associates bet large sums of

money. What? That's just becoming one of them. If my fighter wins, Hatashita's

empire will crumble.

Hatashita does not think an outsider can defeat his champions.

No more money for Hatashita.

No more Hatashita.

I need a good fighter.

An honest man to compete under Matsumoto's direction.

And if I say yes, where will we start?

So this is it.

The nursery school for fighters.

they have a referee.

Oh, yes.

Referee is very important.

Do what?

What? See?

I told you. Referee is very important.

So what do we do now?

Come.

Another fighter?

To New York?

I want to see him fight.

Then I will decide if I want him for a spirit.

Doesn't look like he'll last too long.

But I'll put him in the next boat.

Can you take him?

What? Just got beat, that's all.

No excuses.

Good.

Where the hell did you go anyway? I turned around and you were gone.

I was not the one fighting.

I'm an old man. I sat down and watched you fight.

Yeah, good show I put on tonight, huh? If I would have paid money to see that

show, I would have asked for my money back.

Rub it in, why don't you?

Listen.

You went into the fight with your body, but you did not go into it with your

head. You think too much of rules.

Your world has rules.

They don't have any.

So much for our plan.

The plan is good.

I saw what I wanted to see.

I have trained fighters for 40 years.

I do not look at the technique.

I don't look at the outcome.

I look at the spirit of the warrior.

You made no excuses after being cheated.

You did not cry like a schoolboy after you lost.

Your spirit is strong.

Your body is strong.

My mind is weak, is that it?

I did not say that.

Your mind was somewhere else.

Matsumoto will train you.

Next time, we will bring spirit, body, and mind.

Yeah, and a Louisville slugger. Ah, that too.

What is Louisville, Flaga?

Hello. Charlie.

Where are you, Nick?

That's not important.

I got something important.

I'm ready to go now. What were you saying?

Listen, I got something important I want to tell you, Nick, okay? Hey, listen to

me for one second.

You have to take care of the dojo for a while and keep the kids out of trouble.

There's something I have to do.

Now. But, Nick.

We're going for a little run, huh?

It's not us. You run.

Good. I'm in shape.

Now, fill your mouth, but do not swallow.

Close your eyes and meditate.

Count slowly to 100.

With each deep breath, we will go down the beach.

When you reach 100, open your eyes, run to us, and spit the water into the cup.

Now start counting slowly.

One, two, three.

Do it right this time

Now

start counting

How come you guys are not tired?

Well, it's not long. We just got into the car and rode through the parking

Tomorrow, we train again.

In shape.

Ha!

Ha!

It's all right.

We won't fall today.

Me and you? You wouldn't have an old man, would you?

Jasmine, what do you think? Think I should take it easy on him?

Oh, yes, Mr. Nichols.

He's a very old and unwise man who swore with you.

Like this?

We swore like this?

It's easy for me.

Ah,

you're mad.

Now you listen.

You went into rings the other day like a sleeping baby.

You weren't ready for him.

The other fighter cheated?

Yes.

You must always be ready.

Never get mad.

Getting mad makes you tired, makes you foolish.

Make the other fighter mad.

Understand? Yes, sir. All right. You ready now?

Yes, sir. Good.

You say you are ready. I'm ready, sir.

Good night, Grandfather.

Good night.

Good night, Nico.

And thanks for not hurting my grandfather this morning.

Good night, Jandra.

I hope I did not hurt your face today.

No, sir. It taught me a good lesson. How so?

About being ready.

And your temper?

Yes, sir. I should work at that also.

Nico -san, I want to show you something.

When I slapped you today,

I made you lose your temper, no?

Yes, sir.

When a warrior is angry, he cannot understand combat.

Angry now?

No. Where did my hand start from?

How many fingers touched your face?

Where was my balance?

How hard did I slap you?

Three inches off your right hip. Your thumb didn't touch. Your forefingers

You shifted your weight from your center line to a 70 -30. Weight on your left

leg. Straight in to a follow -through strike.

But not hard to hurt, but you could feel it was a portion of your strength.

Good.

Now, what do you remember about the slap today?

It stung.

And when I blinded you with sand?

I was surprised.

What did you learn?

My mind was not where it should have been.

Good.

You understand now.

Why do we have to be up here? I hate the cold.

Must learn to balance the heat with the cold.

Don't you just love it here, Nico?

You must utilize all your muscles.

Legs, arms, stomach, everything.

See you brought your fighter. I fight already good the audience could use a

laugh You bring spirit body and mind this time

Is that my invitation to the prom?

Keep your sense of humor.

There it is.

Look at the size of that house.

Mr. Hatashita is a very wealthy man.

Yes, sir.

Sensei, where's the halls of the plum tree?

Ah, behind the house is a secret cave which takes you there.

The halls of the plum tree used to be a trial of honor and a holy place, but

Hatashita has changed all that.

The teachings of the monks lay on deaf ears now.

Warriors now train and fight only for profit.

How should I prepare myself?

You must be ready for anything.

There are many who will want to see you fail, but failure is not an option.

Ah, the great master.

Have a drink.

No time for small talk.

My fighter is ready.

He has earned the right to challenge the halls of the plum tree.

And when he fails today, what will you tell Hatashda?

He will not fail.

We shall see.

Take the fighter.

We start now.

Start? What do you call this?

Call this.

Leave thought free.

Cup beads.

Put back beads.

Take a skull.

Go through the doorway.

Are you crazy?

No one can run that fast.

The distance from the skull to the door is twice as long as ever before.

Go through the door and sit.

Must stay one hour.

You may quit at any time.

Get the waiter, gentlemen.

Why do you bet?

The test of the sun is not difficult.

This one will be.

Why so much speed?

You will kill him.

Alas, he can walk at any time he like.

You'll walk out soon.

If not, I will not allow man to die for dishonest rules.

No, no, no, no

Impossible. Don't believe it.

Drink. Drink more.

Quick. Bring a drink.

Are you all right, my friend?

Yes, sir.

Well, rest a while. Yes, sir.

The ultimate combat.

The fighting platform has been surrounded by facts about it. Stop the

Place your bet.

before he changed.

Now you tell me.

I've seen Mr. Niko fight.

He's very strong.

Perhaps you should bet on him in the next round.

Let's cut the bullshit. I want him.

Mr. Niko, in order to get what you want, you must earn it.

I'm coming for you.

I thought you learned to control your temper.

Come. It's time to go.

A lot of money bet into butter.

283 ,000.

We did very well.

He must not be allowed to win.

Sure you don't think he can beat Takamura?

Can you guarantee me?

A wonderful evening of sport.

The final match will be in three days.

Mr. Niko will engage in combat with Shinji Takamura.

Do you hurt anywhere?

No, I feel pretty good.

Why did you give the fighter so many chances?

What chances?

You let him up.

You told him to quit.

You should have finished him quickly.

He wasn't going to beat me.

Nikoton, you're a fine warrior and a good man.

But there's still something missing.

What is that?

Inner balance.

Do you understand yin and yang?

Sure. Dualistic, simplicity, hard, soft, white, black, male, female.

And there, there's some of the other. Or there's no balance.

Yes. Why am I out of balance?

Too much yang.

What?

You're still angry.

You blame yourself for your student's death.

Can't help it.

I didn't want to give it to a toxicist man.

They only got Billy killed, and now it's my turn.

Nikotan, you still have much to learn.

So how did I go about getting him balanced?

Matsumoto does not know.

You're kidding.

No.

I don't understand.

That is your problem.

Nico -san, a man has three hearts.

One here, that he shows to all of world.

One here, he only shows it to his family and his closest friends.

And a third one?

The third one, he keeps it to himself.

Only he knows what lives in the house of his heart.

What?

Two.

Two.

Hey, Jazza. Hmm?

What's that all about?

Oh, he's making a traditional fighting garment from the Journal of Warriors.

It'll make people very angry.

Don't worry. Keep on doing push -ups.

Good.

Not

bad.

But you could do better, though.

Here, have some water.

Did you know you're supposed to drink it, not wear it? I'm not thirsty, I'm

And incredibly silly.

Hey, what's in that locket?

Oh, the picture of my mother.

You miss her, don't you?

Yeah, I loved her.

I bet she loved you, too.

Then why can't you stay off the drugs?

If you really love somebody, you should be able to do anything for them, right?

Sometimes that's not so easy.

Maybe I was just a fool to her.

Come on, Jasmine, you know that's not true.

I was talking to your grandfather last night.

He told me not to blame myself for something that happened to me.

I think he was right.

What do you think?

He has a very, very wise mind.

Yes, he is.

Up to the top of the hill and back again. And this time, try not to fall

You know what? You and your grandfather are a lot alike.

Well, here we go. I started the car watch already.

Go, you slow...

They took Jasmine.

I know.

She's ransom for your fight.

Then call off the fight.

It is too late for that now.

Are you crazy?

That's your granddaughter they got. I know that. But Hataka must be stopped.

You are crazy.

All this is not worth Jasmine's life.

You're right, Niko -san.

But they will not kill her. I have a plan.

You have the granddaughter.

Oh, yeah.

You are to spread the word that Takamura is injured.

The rumor must be subtle and kept from reaching my ears.

Next, you are to exaggerate the strength of Matsumoto's fighter.

That won't be difficult.

Silence!

Tell the people you have informed me of this, and I have dismissed it at no

length. I know this Niko cannot defeat Takamura. Do you understand?

I want them to think they know things that I do not.

The final figure.

Forty million dollars.

Bet on Matsumoto's fighter.

These fools deserve to lose their money.

They all secretly bet on this meat.

But they will all cheer Takamura.

And the girl.

They've locked in the halls of the plum tree.

I took the liberty to send a couple of my men to keep an eye on them.

And on the monks.

You have done well.

Did you and Grandfather?

You're here?

Yes, all connected all the way.

Take turns and go ahead. I'll sit here and slow him down. Hurry!

Stupid old man.

You have caught me a great deal.

Let the girl go as many as you want. You flatter yourself, Mr. Nico.

You are in no position to bargain.

Yeah, I'm okay.

I think I have something that belongs to you.

Thank you, Nico.

Class, I want to congratulate you all. You all worked very, very hard tonight,

and I'm very proud of you.

Now, next time we're on the floor... Sensei!

Heard you guys have an opening for an instructor here.

What are you, nuts? Where have you been?

Had some business I had to take care of.

Sensei?

Billy?

I hung in there, man, like you told me.

You did.

God,

thank you.

So, where have you been?

I'll talk to you about that later.

After some money, I want you guys to meet somebody special.

He's going to be teaching here for a long time.

I want you to meet my sensei and good friend, who will soon be your sensei and

good friend.

Master Matsumoto and his granddaughter, Jasmine.