Original subtitles

THEATER OF LIFE

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SHIRŌ OZAKI (PUBLISHED BY SHINCHŌ PAPERBACKS & KADOKAWA PAPERBACKS)

STARRING

TOSHIYUKI NAGASHIMA

KEIKO MATSUZAKA (SHOCHIKU CO.)

KIE NAKAI MORIO KAZAMA

AIKO MORISHITA WAKIKO KANO

EIJI OKUDA MITSURU HIRATA

TOSHIRŌ MIFUNE (SPECIAL APPEARANCE)

KŌ NISHIMURA MIKI SANJO

HIDEO MUROTA KANTARŌ SUGA MIKIO NARITA

HIROKI MATSUKATA

TOMISABURŌ WAKAYAMA

DIRECTED BY KINJI FUKASAKU, JUNYA SATŌ, AND SADAO NAKAJIMA

LATE MEIJI ERA

KIRA, SANSHŪ

[Narrator] This area was the domain of Lord Kira,

[Narrator] known as the villain in the Chūshingura, the tales of the 47 rōnin.

[Narrator] It was also the home of Kira no Nikichi,

[Narrator] a traveling samurai in the late Edo period.

[Narrator] Due to this, the Chūshingura performances in this village

[Narrator] were often adapted in peculiar and unusual ways.

Damn you!

You likened me, Naganori Asano, Master of the Palace Carpenters, to a carp!

Surely you can't mean that!

Have you gone mad, Lord Kira?

Quiet!

You're saying the head of a high-ranking family has gone mad? What nonsense!

- What is your hand doing? - My hand is--

You're inside the castle!

If you unsheathe a sword three inches in the castle, your family loses its domain!

Understand? If so, then go ahead and strike me!

Go on, strike! Strike! Strike! Strike!

Damn you! I won't let you get away with this!

Damn you! I won't let you get away with this!

Wait!

Who are you supposed to be?

Though he has no connection to this matter, a handsome man appears!

He's famous in these parts. It's Kira no Nikichi!

That's me!

[Asano] Damn you! Damn you! Hey, everyone!

Get him! Get him!

Come on! Come get me!

Little Master! Little Master! That's my ancestor right there!

Kira no Nikichi is Japan's greatest!

Japan's greatest!

[Narrator] Hyōkichi Aonari's family

[Narrator] had been the village's leading fertilizer wholesalers for generations.

[Narrator] When Hyōkichi entered elementary school,

[Narrator] his father Hyōtarō fell ill.

[Narrator] He closed his business and began to show signs of decline.

[Narrator] Both parents' hopes

[Narrator] were therefore pinned on the future of young Hyōkichi alone.

[Orin] Don't tell anyone.

[Hyōkichi] I won't tell.

[Hyōkichi] Can I touch it?

- [Orin] No. - [Hyōkichi] Why not?

[Orin] I have to leave for Tokyo soon.

Tokyo?

I'm going to Tokyo to become a geisha.

So I can't let anyone touch it.

[Children] Hyō-tan! Hyō-tan! Little weakling Hyō-tan!

My name's not Hyō-tan! It's Hyōkichi Aonari!

Heh! Naughty Hyō-tan!

What were you and Orin doing?

You were playing husband and wife, naughty!

- No, we weren't! Come on! - [Children] Wait!

[Children] If Orin and Hyō-tan play with her pussy,

[Children] their baby will be a little weakling too!

Damn you!

[Children] Get him! Get him!

Come on! Admit it!

You were playing husband and wife with Orin!

Admit it! Admit it!

[Kira] Hey!

[Kira] Stop being so rowdy!

You brat!

[Jin] What are you doing, hitting a kid?

[Jin] Oh!

Kiratsune!

- Jin. - Yes, sir?

Is this your brat?

- Yes, sir. - Oh?

You didn't raise him right!

Come on! Come on!

Master, just-- Just wait a moment, please!

Go on. Shoot!

Hmm?

Fine. Then watch me.

Ma-- Master! Please wait a moment.

That's a bit--

You don't want me to?

I'm going to make some fireworks for Hyōkichi.

There's no law that says festival fireworks are acceptable but this isn't.

Listen, Hyōkichi. Don't sulk when you lose a fight, got it?

Someone who's afraid to fight can never become a real man.

Uh-huh.

All right! Here I go.

You got it!

Hahahahahaha!

A perfect shot.

All right, here I go again.

Big trouble! Big trouble!

Make way!

What? Someone's coming to my home to fight me?

[Barber] Yeah! Sugigen of Matsunoki Village!

Yeah! That bastard Jin went crying to Sugigen!

You remember, the Master got Jin and his son into trouble over Little Master!

[Jin] Even if he is a respected descendant of Kira no Nikichi,

he shouldn't meddle in a fight between children!

It's ridiculous for a man to stoop so low!

Oh, I'm so upset! I'm so upset!

All right! All right!

Leave it to me.

I'll pay a visit to this Tsune asshole and force an apology out of him.

All right, I understand.

Little Master.

I have some business to handle, so please excuse me.

- Hanko, take the boy home. - All right!

Tsune! Open up, Tsune!

They're coming! There's four of them!

Can you handle them alone? Can you handle them, Tsune?

Tsune! Please answer!

Tsune! Please answer! Tsune! Please answer!

Little Master...

I'm sorry to cause you worry.

This is not something for children.

Hurry back home!

That's the place.

Kiratsune!

Are you in there? Show your face!

Tsune! It's Sugigen of Matsunoki Village!

Stop cowering and come out!

Just bow and apologize and it'll all be over.

[Sugigen] Nothing to say?

Tsune, I know you're in there.

Come out or we're coming in!

Uuuggghhh!

Aaaggghhh!

Uuuggghhh!

Aaaggghhh!

Who's next? Who's next?

Move it! Move it! Move it!

Move it!

D-d-d-don't move! Resist and we'll strike you down!

Drop the blade! Drop it!

Tsune! Stop it!

Little Master!

Tsune!

Tsune!

Little Master...

Tsune...

Please tell the Master

that I'm thankful to him for his many years of support.

And also

that I, Kiratsune, will never forget

what Little Master did for me!

Tsune!

[Narrator] And so, Kiratsune departed.

[Narrator] In his young mind,

[Narrator] Hyōkichi wondered when the time would come

[Narrator] that he too would leave this strangely old-fashioned village.

TAISHŌ ERA, YEAR 7

WASEDA UNIVERSITY DORMITORY FESTIVAL

HYŌKICHI AONARI DAYBREAK DORMITORY, ROOM 25

WASEDA UNIVERSITY TOKYO, YODOBASHI DISTRICT TOTSUKA VILLAGE

- Were those sent from home? - Uh-huh.

I'll take one.

I worked in a night stall all night and all I earned was 8 sen. Tsk!

It makes me look completely stupid!

Uh-huh.

[Fukioka] Drinking and singing.

Is that really what youth is all about?

It's infuriating!

Mmm-hmm.

Aonari!

Are "uh-huh" and "mmm-hmm" the only things you can say? Huh?

Or is talking to me too stupid for you?

I'm not saying that!

I'm not saying that.

[Yokoi] Aaahahahaha!

Hahahahahahaha!

Let's go! Hahaha!

To make the foolish revelry of youth even more foolish,

I've been guzzling down all their sake!

Oof!

Aonari! Fukioka!

You two aren't joining in the drunken revelry with the others!

All alone--

All alone up here like moody philosophers!

Stop it! Stop it!

Go drink, you two!

Drink up the foolishness! Eat up the vulgarity!

Go and wallow in your own insignificance even more!

[Narrator] During the Taishō era, Tokyo was celebrating democracy,

[Narrator] but the common people were leading difficult lives.

[Narrator] Hyōkichi, along with his classmates Fukioka and Yokoi,

[Narrator] was living a depressing life working part-time.

Hey.

What are they doing?

[Tanaka] Hey, it's been a while.

- What are they doing over there? - They're erecting another statue.

A statue? Of whom?

Ayako Ōkuma, wife of the university's ex-president.

That's stupid!

Yeah! Why does a university need a statue of its ex-president's wife?

You can ask all you want, but I don't know!

Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop erecting that right now!

That's right! We refuse to accept such a stupid statue! Take it down now!

Hey, everyone!

As students of Waseda University,

we can't let such a ridiculous statue be erected!

It's just a statue, isn't it? Don't make such a fuss!

Listen up, everybody!

Is Waseda University still the private academy founded by Mr. and Mrs. Ōkuma?

No, it's not! Not at all!

Under the banner of freedom and independence,

we came to this university to explore the workings of national governance,

not to become followers of the Ōkumas!

[Students] That's right!

Hey! Hey! Everybody! Settle down!

That statue's being erected at the request of the ex-president's wife!

The board of trustees and the faculty association approved it!

So what? A university doesn't belong to just the trustees and faculty!

What are you doing? Stop! Stop! Stop!

Aaaahhh!

What are you doing? What are you doing?

Bastard!

[Students] Keep going! Keep going! Keep going!

[Students] Ooooooohhhhh!

What have you done?

This isn't the end of this! There will definitely be some disciplinary action!

Shut up! Get lost! Get lost!

[Students] That's right! Get lost! Get lost! Get lost!

Get lost! Go on! Hurrah!

Academic independence! Hurrah!

- Hurrah! - Hurrah!

WILLOW RIVER PAVILION

As you gentlemen have already pointed out, the erection of Mrs. Ōkuma's statue

is clearly nothing but an attempt to privatize and trivialize the university!

As your senior,

and as a Democratic Party representative involved in national affairs,

I, Kōjirō Okabe, would like to express my deepest respect

for your actions of resistance.

He's making tonight a self-promotional party.

However, gentlemen,

it is not just the statue that needs to be toppled.

President Nishino and his faction, who erected the statue of Ōkuma's wife

to curry favor with him and perpetuate their power within the university,

are the true enemies within who must be defeated!

- Down with President Nishino! - Down with the money-grubber!

Tanaka, don't get carried away.

[Okabe] President Nishino's resignation!

[Okabe] That should be the true objective of your struggle!

- [Students] That's right! - [Okabe] I assure you,

[Okabe] without Nishino's resignation,

[Okabe] this issue of statues will surely arise again!

[Okabe] In fact, the university authorities

[Okabe] are only pretending to stop the erection of the statue for now

[Okabe] while they wait for your anger to subside.

[Students] That's right!

[Okabe] But, gentlemen, no enemy can match our zeal!

[Okabe] In your struggle...

What were you looking at just now?

What are you talking about?

From that meeting room.

What are you doing here?

I was forced to drink a lot, so I came outside to get some fresh cool air.

Why did you call me over here?

I called you over?

You waved for me to come.

Oh!

No particular reason.

I was just trying it out.

I don't like university students.

All of the students at Keio and Waseda are so rowdy and violent.

But you don't seem that way.

Come on, have a seat.

The moon will be coming up soon.

Let's watch it together. Here.

St-- Stop! I said stop!

[Fukioka] Hey! Aonari!

[Yokoi] Aonari!

[Fukioka] Where have you gone?

This way!

[Yokoi] Aonari!

Where has he gone off to?

Maybe he got bored with Okabe's speech and slipped out early.

He's not that clever.

[Fukioka and Yokoi] ♪ The sound of birds chirping in the sky, ♪

[Fukioka and Yokoi] ♪ the sound of the waterfall falling from the peak, ♪

[Fukioka and Yokoi] ♪ big waves and small, roaring sounds, ♪

[Fukioka and Yokoi] ♪ resounding ceaselessly. ♪

CREAKY DOOR INN

I can't wait anymore! Do it! Hurry up and do it!

Do what? I don't know what to do! Tell me what to do!

Hey, is this really your first time?

Yeah.

I want you. I want you so much it's driving me crazy!

I'll teach you how it goes.

You don't have to do anything. Just relax.

I want you more.

I want you even more!

Darling!

All right, let's go!

Go ahead. YOKOHAMA

YOKOHAMA

Go ahead. YOKOHAMA

- [Foreigner] Match! - [Announcer] Let's see!

[Announcer] Two!

All right, let's go!

Here we go.

- [Player 1] Go ahead. - [Dealer] All right.

- [Player 2] Go ahead.

- [Foreigner] Match! - [Dealer] So that's that?

[Announcer] Let's see! Three!

I saw what you did! Hand over that money!

Damn!

Oh!

Damn you!

Bastard!

Listen!

Japanese people aren't so naive

that we can be fooled by the tricks of hairy foreigners!

Hand over the money! Hand it over, you bastard!

Arrrggghhh!

Bastard!

I wish we could always stay like this.

We can.

I'll be here for a week.

But someone has offered to buy me out of my contract.

Turn him down.

Mr. Senba is a nouveau riche.

What a bastard. Just turn him down.

But...

You're my girl, Otoyo.

But it's 1,200 yen...

No! I don't want to part with you!

Don't worry, Otoyo.

I'll figure something out.

[Speaker] Some students, incited by the despicable Kōjirō Okabe,

have formed a faction calling for the resignation of President Nishino

and for Professor Shirakawa to be his replacement!

If the kind and honest President Nishino resigns

and Professor Shirakawa, that corrupt puppet of the Minseito Party, takes over,

[Speaker] all justice will disappear from this school!

Hey! Are you here to spy on us?

You're the one who started all this trouble, aren't you?

- Get him! - Let's talk! Let's talk!

What are you doing?

Stop him!

- Stop him! - Stop him!

Let go of me! Let go of me, bastard!

Fukioka! Are you all right?

Are you guys all right?

My friends and I formed the Waseda University Reform Faction under Mr. Okabe.

We should all join together to stand for university reform!

- Right? - [Students] Right! Right!

W-- Wait a second!

I don't remember us agreeing to support Shirakawa for president!

We're not with the Nishino faction or the Shirakawa faction!

If anything, we're the Waseda faction! The Waseda University Student Faction!

That's right!

Everyone, listen up! Listen up, everyone!

Hey, are you all right?

Listen up! Everyone, listen up!

We are the Waseda University Student Faction!

We cannot forgive the foolishness of President Nishino

[Hyōkichi] for sowing the seeds of this conflict between us!

[Hyōkichi] At the same time,

[Hyōkichi] we cannot forgive the despicableness of Professor Shirakawa,

[Hyōkichi] who is attempting to exploit this conflict to seize power!

[Hyōkichi] To protect academic freedom and academic independence,

[Hyōkichi] both the Nishino faction and the Shirakawa faction must be defeated!

- That's right! That's right! - Absolutely! Hear, hear!

- Aonari! - That's right!

- Suddenly he's a good talker. - Must be because he got laid.

Quiet! Quiet!

And if ex-President Ōkuma

silently ignores the power struggle

between the Nishino faction and the Shirakawa faction

and ignores the deterioration of our school,

then this statue must also be toppled!

- That's right! - Absolutely!

WILLOW RIVER PAVILION

[Hyōkichi] Osode!

[Hyōkichi] Osode!

[Hyōkichi] Osode!

What is it?

I wanted to see you!

Then use the front entrance!

I don't have any money! Just come meet me! I'll wait by the river!

I can't! I'm busy tonight. I'll take the day off tomorrow.

Then take the rest of tonight off too!

- And if I can't? - Then I'll wait all night!

Hey! Hey! Hey!

[Geisha] Osode!

Yes!

You insistant child! I really got chewed out!

- Sorry. - Let's go.

[Speaker] Why has Kōjirō Okabe brought up the Waseda issue in the Imperial Diet?

He's trying to use the turmoil on campus for his own political gain!

[Students] That's right!

[Speaker] The point I'm making is simple.

[Speaker] Having a fool for a university president

is a public disgrace for our Waseda!

[Students] That's right!

[Fukioka] What good is academic independence

[Fukioka] if students can't protect their own school?

[Students] That's right!

[Fukioka] What is academic freedom?

[Students] That's right!

Now is the time to rise up and strike!

[Students] Yeah!

This is a conspiracy by the Democratic Party

to shake up the Constitutional Party, to which ex-President Ōkuma belongs!

[Students] That's right!

That is why we, the stalwart youths of Waseda,

will elect a president who won't bring shame to us!

[Speaker] How about it? [Students] Agreed!

- Hey. - Hey.

- What happened to Aonari? - Well...

I asked at the Willow River Pavilion,

and they said Osode has taken a leave from work too.

He's shacking up with a woman at a critical time like this?

[Hyōkichi grunts]

[Worker] May I come in?

Yes.

[Worker] I'll put the sushi here.

- [Osode] I'll take it. - [Worker] All right.

[Osode] All right. Thank you.

It's here.

Yeah!

What's that funny smell in this room?

Hmm? Smell?

Like something stale.

Like something sour.

- It's this! - Stop it! Stop it!

I said stop it!

All right.

Do you like me?

I don't know.

I've gone stupid.

I don't know anything anymore.

I still know one thing for sure.

I like you.

Women are amazing.

I feel like my insides are completely drained.

It all went inside me!

I'm going to die if we keep at it like this.

It's all right if you die. I'll die with you.

All right. As a souvenir for the afterlife,

- shall we eat some sushi? - Let's eat!

- Octopus! - Squid!

Delicious!

CURRENT EVENTS

WASEDA UNIVERSITY ANARCHY: PRESIDENT NISHINO TAKES RESPONSIBILITY AND RESIGNS

RINGLEADERS EXPELLED FROM UNIVERSITY

HAYAO FUKIOKA (LIBERAL ARTS) YASUTA YOKOI (COMMERCE) HYŌKICHI AONARI (POLITICS)

- Hey! Let me see that! - No! You shouldn't make that face!

- Just let me see it! - Come on, don't go anywhere!

I went to a lot of trouble to take this time off.

There's big trouble at school! Sorry, but I have to go!

What's more important, me or school?

It's not about that!

I didn't fall in love with Hyōkichi Aonari the student.

I fell in love with your naked self!

Which one are you? Decide right now!

Your school or me? Decide!

- Stupid! - Sorry! I really have to go!

Stupid Hyōkichi!

Stupid!

I won't ever meet with you again!

I swear I won't ever meet with you again!

[Okabe] Gentlemen, I understand that you are occupying this building

because you feel that the expulsion of Aonari, Fukioka, and Yokoi is unjust.

I am also deeply moved by your close camaraderie.

However, gentlemen, this occupation is illegal.

Legally, this constitutes trespassing.

That is why the Metropolitan Police Department is gathering out front

preparing to arrest you all!

What do we care about the police?

[Fukioka] We are students of this university!

This university is our home!

How can we be trespassing in our own home?

[Yokoi] That's right!

If we're trespassing, then so are you as well as all of the students outside!

If we're going to be arrested, then all the students should be arrested!

That's right! This is our home!

That's right! You're the ones who should get out!

[Students] Get out!

Quiet! Quiet!

Listen, gentlemen. Please listen carefully.

Don't let a brief moment of anger lead you astray from your path in life.

That fool Nishino has finally resigned as president.

Your three fellow students, Aonari, Fukioka, and Yokoi,

are revolutionary activists who fell fighting the president.

It is only natural to mourn these fallen heroes.

However... However...

I do not want the rest of you gentlemen overflowing with cameraderie

to be disgraced with arrest!

I negotiated with the police,

and I was assured that they will not arrest you, provided you leave promptly!

[Hyōkichi] Don't be fooled, gentlemen!

Listen, everyone!

We stood up and shouted for academic freedom and independence!

Well? Isn't that right?

[Students] That's right!

Those who use the power of political parties and the authorities to oppress us

and impose a reign of terror on our school are our real enemies!

[Students] That's right!

[Hyōkichi] Gentlemen, who cares about being arrested?

[Hyōkichi] Being arrested is nothing to fear!

Now is the time for us to fight back

against the outrageous move of bringing in the police

and the reign of terror that seeks to crush academic independence and freedom

with the swords of the authorities!

Let us mount a university-wide strike--

Shut up!

Get out of the way!

Aonari!

METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT TOTSUKA POLICE STATION

Aaaaaaaaah!

It's really over, huh?

Mmm-hmm. I guess so.

I have no regrets about leaving university like that,

but I'm glad I went there.

All right, shall we gaze at the moon over the ruined castle

and have a defeated warriors' feast?

All right! The drinks are on me! Hahahahahahaha!

All right! We're going to drink a bunch tonight!

Osode!

- You were waiting for me? - Don't be so conceited!

I wasn't waiting for you!

I just happened to be briefly passing by.

- Osode! - Don't touch me!

I told you I wouldn't ever meet with you again. I won't ever again!

- Osode! - No!

Stupid!

Stupid Hyōkichi!

Stupid!

♪ O Love! Sweet tender flower that blossoms in a day, ♪

[Fukioka and Yokoi] ♪ beneath truth's warm and radiant sun, it never knows decay... ♪

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE PORT OF YOHOKAMA

No matter how much you don't like it, enough is enough.

It has been three months your customer Mr. Senba made his offer.

I've respected your wishes long enough.

Use your head!

He's better than that drifter from who knows where.

Let yorself be pampered by your husband.

A life of luxury with a maid--

Are you listening? This is how we make a living, you know.

The fifteenth of this month.

It says that'll be a lucky day for love, so I'll have him take you out then.

It's over for us.

Let's run away together.

Let's escape.

Darling!

I can't live without you.

Let's slip out while they're distracted by the fireworks.

But if we're caught--

I'll go first and get the boat ready.

I'll be waiting at the bridge.

I'm scared.

Be brave!

The fireworks show is about to start.

Act like you're watching the fireworks and sneak out of here.

Got it? After that, just run.

Run straight to the bridge without stopping.

Madam!

- Madam! - What is it?

The fireworks show is about to start!

Oh, it is?

Otoyo!

- Has the god of poverty left? - Yeah.

What's wrong? Stop looking sad!

Hey, let's go see the fireworks! What do you say? Let's go!

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE PORT OF YOHOKAMA

Come on! Give us more! Hahahahaha!

This is a great viewing spot, isn't it, Otoyo?

[Madam] Ahh, isn't it lovely?

It says, "60th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama". Haha!

That's great! That's great! Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

Ahh!

Ahh, it's wonderful, isn't it, Otoyo?

Otoyo!

[Ōyokota soldier 1] Hey!

Otoyo!

Jump down!

- Jump! Jump! - Darling!

Hurry!

[Ōyokota soldier 2] Just you wait, you!

- [Ōyokota soldier 3] Brother! - [Ōyokota soldier 2] Oh!

[Ōyokota soldier 2] That bastard!

- Is my brother here? - Darling!

- What happened? - You can see what happened.

I helped her escape, so now we're in trouble.

What?

It's just for tonight.

Since she can't walk anymore.

Heh. It doesn't have to be just for tonight. Stay as long as you like.

Sit, sit, sit.

Oh, sake! Sake!

Sake, sake...

Looks like you've had a tough time.

I'm sorry.

Nice-looking woman!

I need money. Any amount I can get.

I'll take care of it. It'll be fine.

But isn't it unsafe here too?

The Ōyokota Family knows that we're sworn brothers.

Then we'll leave tomorrow.

No, I didn't mean it like that.

But they'll come looking for you here soon enough.

I got it! I'll ask Boss Kokin of Sunamura!

He and I are related. Hey, call a taxi!

Darling, there's no need to hurry.

Idiot! Good things come to those who hustle!

Wake them up and say it's a medical emergency or something!

Are you all right?

Oh, it's raining so hard! How many days has it been now?

Everything is getting moldy!

How irritating!

Hmm? What is it?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

Want to eat some?

I don't need any.

Weirdo.

You're always eating.

I'm happiest when I'm eating

and when I'm making love with you.

Don't say such stupid things.

Yesterday, today, tomorrow...

We're going to die if we keep at it like this.

That's all right.

I won't let that happen. I'm a man, after all.

I can't keep sponging off you forever.

Am I bothering you?

It's all right. If you're tired of me, just go ahead and say it.

I don't want to cause you any suffering.

If you say so, I'll make sure to disappear without anyone noticing.

Really.

Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!

Why did I fall in love so deeply with this man?

Hey... Hey...

Isn't it time for you to go to work yet?

It's fine. Not yet.

Hey.

"Hey," I said.

[Fukioka] Hey, Aonari! Let's go drink!

Hi there! Please, come on in.

It's all right. Come in. Come in.

Let me introduce you. This is Teruyo Ogishi,

a talent who writes for the same amateur literature magazine I do.

She slapped her husband with a divorce so she could pursue literature studies--

- You're always telling too much. - Hahaha!

I'm Ogishi.

Pleased to meet you.

Sorry for intruding.

It's fine. Let me just tidy up quickly. Excuse me.

It's fine, it's fine. I told her all about you two.

She knows that you're supporting him by working at a beef hotpot café.

- [Osode grumbles] - [Fukioka laughs]

Must be tough.

No, it's fine.

Excuse me.

- Oh, we'll handle the tea ourselves. - May I?

- Yes, please. - All right!

Oh! You've started writing it?

I only just started. It's not good enough to read yet.

- I'll show you when I'm done. - It's all right, it's all right.

What's the topic?

Uh...

I thought I would write about my hometown, but it's difficult.

[Ogishi] What is it?

Give it back. Hey, give it back, I said. Give it back!

- What is it? - Just listen!

"'Speak ill of Lord Kira if you will,

But no matter how popular the Chushingura play becomes in theaters across Japan,

you will be in trouble if you set foot in this village.'

Thus declared Kira Harbor, Sanshū, proudly puffing out its chest."

Ow!

Is that supposed to be literature? It's like a sentimental ballad!

No, it's like a script for a movie!

No, it's not.

Huh?

I think it's interesting.

How so?

It's not prose, but it's not reportage either.

It's not one particular style.

I really like it.

[Fukioka] Well!

Is that so?

And it's very fresh and vibrant.

Like a turnip that still smells like the soil.

Well!

I hope you'll finish it in this style.

Excuse me!

Darling!

Oh. Excuse me.

You're going out drinking after all, aren't you?

Mmm-hmm.

My coin purse is in the tea cabinet.

Sorry about this.

I don't like those people!

I'm heading out!

♪ Life is brief, ♪

♪ fall in love, maidens, ♪

♪ before the raven tresses-- ♪

Hey! Are you still hung up on what happened earlier?

No.

I take back what I said about the ballad and movie script.

Here! Drink up! Drink up!

I'm not hung up on it!

But isn't it nice that Ogishi stood up for you?

- I wasn't standing up for him! - Understood.

I really felt that way.

Because from just those few pages

I felt like I could picture Kira, Sanshū in my head.

Kira, Sanshū?

Kira, Sanshū...

What's the deal, mister?

Teacher! Mr. Kurōma!

Yeah?

It's me, Aonari!

You helped me out a bunch in junior high school. I'm Hyōkichi Aonari!

Now I remember!

- You're the boy from Tatsumiya Estate. - That's right!

You're the brat who got suspended from school for smoking.

- That's right! - Ah, what an unexpected meeting!

Life is just a series of meetings and partings, isn't it?

This is Mr. Kurōma, a teacher at Okazaki Junior High School--

No!

I quit teaching!

Huh?

I got into a fight with that stubborn principal

and have been living as a high-class tramp ever since.

So he's from Kira, Sanshū?

- Right. - [Kurōma] Yeah.

That place is full of peculiar people.

Hey, you're very perceptive!

Come on, youngsters!

Let's drink together and talk about life!

- [Ogishi] Aaaah! Aaaah! - [Hyōkichi] Teacher!

- [Fukioka] Teacher! - [Kurōma] Don't-- Don't worry.

Don't worry.

I have money.

I still have some money left from selling my pants.

At a pawn shop?

People usually just pawn their jackets.

It wouldn't be proper to go around without a jacket!

Besides, jackets are practical.

Look. Peanuts.

Oh, dried squid!

Hey! Waiter! Waiter!

Hey! Bring some sake!

Teacher! Dried squid!

STUPID IDIOT STUPID ASSHOLE STUPID

[Yokichi] Hey, Osode, we're back!

We made it! Teacher, quickly, this way, this way...

- Hey, Osode, I'm back. - I'm back too.

Who is this person?

W-- Wait, darling! Hey! Wait, darling!

[Kurōma] Aonari, youth is short!

[Osode] What's wrong with you? Cut it out!

[Osode] Hey, wait a minute!

[Osode] Honestly!

May I come in?

May I come in?

[Mine] Yes!

Who is it?

Ma'am, it's been a long time.

It's Tsune.

Tsune!

Yes, ma'am.

- Ma'am! - Tsune!

Thank you for coming back.

Yes, sir.

I thought I'd never see you again.

I wanted to make a success of myself before coming to see you,

so after being released from prison, I immediately went to Shanghai,

but as you can see, I've shamed myself.

What's there to be ashamed about?

Success and failure are matters of chance.

Do what you can while you can, and when it's clear that your time is up,

just end it like a man.

Yes, sir.

What's this? What's this? He deserves better than that.

Tsune shouldn't be drinking spent tea leaves, should he? Bring him a bottle!

- That's too much, Master. - You're right.

No, no, it's fine, ma'am.

- No need to be so reserved. - Yes, sir.

Tatsumiya Estate may have fallen on hard times,

but we can still afford some sake. Hahaha!

Yes, sir.

Oh, Master...

I wanted to bring some sort of gift, but due to my current circumstances,

- this is all I could manage. - What is it?

[Tsune] Oh, well, it's nothing extravagant.

[Tsune] I once heard someone ask you

why you stopped smoking the cigars you liked so much,

and you replied

that you could no longer afford such luxuries.

So you came all the way from Shanghai to bring me this?

I'm sorry that it's just a cheap one.

Is it?

Mmm, delicious!

Tastiest one I've ever smoked.

Really?

Thank you very much.

Tsune, may I ask a favor of you?

Yes, sir. Anything.

Hyōkichi is in Tokyo right now.

Yes, sir. I heard from your wife that he's going to university there.

It seems that he's stopped going.

Stopped? W-- Why?

I don't know.

I don't even know where he's living anymore.

I'm going to write a letter to him tonight,

so will you find him and give it to him?

Yes, sir. I will.

HYŌKICHI

HEART BEAUTY CONTRACEPTIVE SHEATHS PREMIUM QUALITY

I'm home!

Agh! I got caught in the rain!

It'll be all right. It'll be all right!

Madam wouldn't let me leave.

What's going on? The window's wide open!

Oh! You're getting all wet!

- Where have you been? - Where?

I told you I was going to visit Madam Torigoe, didn't I?

So you use these things there?

Hey! Don't go through other people's drawers without permission.

- Why do you have those? - I bought them a long time ago.

Don't lie!

It's true.

Honestly, I'd forgotten all about them.

Stop pretending!

The box has a date on it. These are from a month ago.

You must be using them!

Does he have a wife? Is he someone I know?

Who is he? What does he look like?

I haven't been cheating on you!

- Please believe me! - What?

What does he look like? I don't remember a single face!

Because I always come home to sleep with you!

What do you mean? What's that supposed to mean?

- I've been entertaining customers. - What?

How much money did you think I could make working as a maid?

I didn't have a single sen when we moved here!

Why didn't you tell me?

Telling you wouldn't have made a difference, would it?

Even if I were working at a café, I wouldn't be earning enough!

So you entertained customers?

Did you think I would be happy about that?

You sold your body to customers and then came home and slept with me every night?

It was because I love you!

Nice excuse!

It's true!

I was afraid that you'd dump me and leave if I ran out of money!

Please understand!

Please understand!

Darling!

Darling!

Aonari! There's big trouble! Get in! Quickly!

Glad I found you. I was just on my way to your place.

The school didn't know your address, so they forwarded this to me.

YOUR FATHER IS DEAD. HURRY HOME. — MINE

YOUR FATHER IS DEAD.

What do you want to do? If you want, I can take you to the station.

Yeah.

Tokyo Station!

TOKYO TAXI

Wait! Wait!

- It's Osode! - Driver! Stop the car!

- Hey, stop the-- - It's fine! Keep going!

Wait! Hey!

Wait! Wait!

Hey...

Hey! Wait!

Darling!

STOIC PERSEVERANCE

[Tsune] Ugh. Honestly.

[Tsune] When things are going well, villagers come and bow humbly.

Now they don't even come to offer a stick of incense!

- Tsune... - Yes, ma'am.

- Please don't talk like that. - Yes, ma'am.

More importantly,

[Mine] what has happened to Hyōkichi?

I'm home! Mom! I'm home!

- Ah! Hyōkichi! - Little Master!

- Ah! Hyōkichi! - Mom!

Sorry I'm late.

HYŌTARŌ AONARI MEMORIAL

- Tsune... - Yes, sir?

You've been a big help.

It was nothing.

Pardon me.

The Master said to give this to you, Little Master.

The Master put that to his temple and met a noble end.

What does it say?

It says not to bother paying off all the debts.

I'll read it to you.

"I wanted to stay alive until you became a self-sufficient man,

but I left this world before experiencing that joy.

All of the estate's land, buildings, and assets will go to the creditors.

[Hyōkichi] If that doesn't suffice to pay off the debts,

[Hyōkichi] don't bother writing any promissory notes.

Don't worry about restoring Tatsumiya's reputation.

If you become a man who can hold his head high wherever he goes,

that will bring honor to your family's name.

With that, I bid you farewell, Hyōkichi.

Please take care of your mother.

Dad."

Kira Harbor, Sanshū...

How about it, Mom?

In Dad's will, he said to give them the house and land and then do as we please.

So let's ditch this place!

What should I do?

Ma'am, the Young Master has already made a decision,

so there's nothing left to worry about anymore, right?

We'll figure things out as we go.

Things will work out somehow.

[Orin] Pardon my intrusion.

Hyōkichi?

It's me, Orin.

Orin?

[Orin] Yes.

I came home to visit and was entertaining at Yoshinoya's

when I heard about your father,

so I brought incense to pay my respects.

I apologize for my attire, ma'am.

I wasn't able to arrange proper mourning attire.

Don't worry, it's fine.

Orin, thank you for making your way out here.

I'm sure his spirit is overjoyed. Please, go ahead.

- Tsune... - Yes, ma'am?

Please let me down.

Yes, ma'am.

What is it, ma'am?

Hyōkichi...

Do I really have to go with you to Tokyo?

Do you have anywhere else you can go?

The head priest at Shōen-ji Temple will let me stay there.

All right? Please don't be upset with me, Hyōkichi.

Then would you mind waiting at Shōen-ji Temple until I'm doing a bit better?

All right, let's do it that way, then.

Don't worry about me.

Just follow your father's advice and live your life as you please.

Just...

Come around now and then so I can see you.

Yes, I promise.

I'll write, too.

Yes.

In that case, Little Master-- No, I mean, Young Master,

I'll escort your mother from here,

so you can just head straight on to Tokyo.

Sorry for the trouble, Tsune.

Oh, it's no trouble.

So, ma'am, shall we be on our way?

Tsune, you don't have to carry me. I'll walk.

Oh, yes, ma'am.

Oh! ma'am! Here is your walking stick, then.

Ah!

All right, then.

It's fine. I can manage.

Honestly, Mr. Aonari, it's a big relief to see you back again.

After all, you haven't been back since you dashed off in the rain that day.

Just today I was asking my husband if we should report you missing to the police.

So you haven't heard anything from Osode since then?

Ah, well, she left this note and never came back.

You two were so close. What in the world happened?

I'm sorry, but may I be alone for a moment?

Oh. Sure.

I WAS FOOLISH. I'M SORRY. GOODBYE.

SUNAMURA, TOKYO

It's a little scary.

What is?

I've never felt so happy before.

It's going to get all wet.

Huh?

Your kimono. Take it off.

It's all right if it gets wet.

That's not why I'm asking.

Bad boy!

Take it off.

[Miyagawa] Sir!

Sorry!

[Hishakaku] What is it?

[Miyagawa] Oh, well...

[Miyagawa] The boss says you need to come right away.

[Hishakaku] All right.

Then I'll go on ahead.

If anything happens to me, go to Narahei's.

If anything happens to you?

No! Don't go!

Otoyo...

Don't!

Stop being silly. I'll come back alive.

Then I'll wait right here.

No matter what happens, I'll keep waiting right here.

If anything happens to you, I'll die.

I understand.

As soon as I'm done there, I'll come right back.

I'll be right back.

Take your wife

and go far away from here.

I boasted that I'd negotiate a peaceful resolution,

but the negotiations have broken down.

So you're going into battle against Jōtoku?

You're not involved in this.

Of course I am. I'm coming with you.

You idiot!

Boss, I appreciate you looking out for me,

and because I owe you, let me say this:

Please let me keep my honor

[Hishakaku] and uphold the code of loyalty.

I don't hold rank in your family,

but I'll stand by your side no matter what happens.

Kaku...

I'm sorry about this.

♪ Devotion to the mystic dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra... ♪

♪ Devotion to the mystic dharma of the Lotus Flower Sutra... ♪

DEVOTION TO THE MYSTIC DHARMA OF THE LOTUS FLOWER SUTRA

[Kokin soldier] I let Narahei know that we'd need backup.

[Kokin] Shut your big mouth!

[Kokin] Terakane!

Go tell Jōtoku to come out and fight!

Shouldn't we take him by surprise?

You idiot!

I may be old and worn out, but I'm still Kokin!

You think I'd stoop to a sneak attack?

Understood, sir!

[Ōyokota soldier] Get him!

[Terakane] It's an ambush!

[Terakane] It's an ambush!

[Ōyokota soldier] Huh?

[Kokin soldier] Boss!

Bastards!

You gutter rats!

Stay back if you don't want to die!

Darling?

[Hishakaku] Out of my way!

[Hishakaku] Out of my--

Whelp! Come on!

Are you Jōtoku?

You haven't earned the rank to face me!

Die, you bastard!

Oh!

This isn't a festival!

Get back if you don't want to die!

Ko-- Koyama...

Thank you!

Thank you!

I'll remember what you did for as long as I live!

Brother!

For now, wear these sandals as a member of our family!

Boss!

We'll say that you were not involved in this battle.

Let's make sure that everyone's stories match.

So now we have an outsider in the mix.

Otoyo!

Otoyo?

- Where's my brother? - Huh? Yokohama.

He'll be back soon, so please come inside.

Otoyo hasn't come by?

Huh? He took Otoyo to Yokohama, though.

What--?

What's wrong?

Didn't you know?

[Narahei] Otama! I brought you a gift!

- Darling! - It's a bolt of cloth. It cost 50 yen.

I need to talk to you. Let's do it outside.

Yeah, I have a lot to tell you too.

There's no need to talk outside, right? Come on in.

Hey! Sake! Bring us some sake!

Brother!

Brother, have a seat!

Let's talk calmly.

Why did you take Otoyo to Yokohama?

Brother, I was only doing what's best for you--

You heard from Kokin's men that there would be a fight, right?

That's why! That's why I--

You get it, right? The police will be cracking down on Sunamura, and then--

Shut up!

Hey, how much money did you get from Yokohama?

A 300-yen bounty was put out for Otoyo.

Don't say anything. Just take this money and disappear.

After all, we're brothers.

You dirty rat!

I can't believe you're such a low-life!

Aagh!

[Narahei] Ugh!

Doctor!

D-d-doctor!

It's nothing serious. Just let him rest for a while.

There will be time for a formal goodbye later.

For now, please take your leave.

I'm sorry for the trouble.

Darling...

Darling!

[Policeman] Anyone home?

[Policeman] Anyone home?

Oh! Did you see a suspicious man come through here?

No.

There's a killer on the run in the area.

If you see anything, report it immediately.

All right.

Tsune!

Young Master! I've returned!

- Come inside. - Yes, sir.

Pardon my intrusion.

Sorry for intruding on your property.

You're out of work, right?

Yes, sir.

That's why you came, right?

Yes, sir.

Young Master, it might be better to invite the gentleman inside.

All right.

Well, then. Young Master has given his permission, so come on in.

No, no. It's fine. Please come in.

Then I'll take a cup of water.

Certainly.

There, go ahead and drink the whole cup in one gulp!

I'll take you up on that.

Were you in a battle?

Yes, sir.

It was just a little thing that I got caught up in.

Here, Young Master.

Thank you for that.

That brought me back to life.

Heh. You sure know how to keep your cool!

It's embarrassing to admit,

but I couldn't stop shaking after my first kill.

You're going to turn yourself in, right?

You're still young, after all.

You don't need to spend the rest of your life in hiding, do you?

No, but before I turn myself in,

there's someone I need to see first.

A woman?

Yes, sir.

Sorry to have troubled you.

Oh, it's nothing.

Well, I'll be on my way, then.

All right.

Oh! Perfect timing. It just stopped snowing.

- I'm sorry, but... - Yes?

- I don't know your names. - Oh. Well, then.

This is Hyōkichi Aonari.

He's part of my master's family.

And you, sir?

No, no, come on. My name's not worth mentioning.

Do you know Kira, Yokosuka, Sanshū?

Sanshū? Kira?

[Hyōkichi] Listen, you know Kira no Nikichi?

Yes, sir. I've heard of him.

This is Nikichi's descendant Tsunekichi Ōta!

- That's enough-- - Commonly known as Kiratsune!

Young Master, that's enough.

Pleased to meet you.

I'm a loyal soldier of Boss Kokin of Sunamura.

I'm Kakutarō Koyama, commonly known as Hishakaku.

Truly,

I won't forget your kindness.

Oh! Hishakaku...

Whatever happens, please look after your health.

- [Policeman 1] Stop! - [Policeman 2] Stop right there!

[Policeman 3] Hey, stop right there!

[Policeman 4] Stop!

[Policeman 4] Stop right there!

[Policeman 1] Scoundrel! Resist and we'll strike you down!

DEVOTION TO THE MYSTIC DHARMA OF THE LOTUS FLOWER SUTRA

[Policemen] Seize him! Seize him!

Walk faster, would you?

Hurry up, I said!

[Ōyokota soldier] Oh, honestly...

SHARK FIELD

Excuse me!

I'm here on Ōyokota Family business!

Madam, are you there?

Excuse me!

[Osode] Coming!

Madam already left a little while ago.

Tsk. Just a whore?

Then it can't be helped. You'll have to wait here until she gets back.

You're Otoyo, right? I'm Ochō.

Please come in. I've heard all about you from Madam.

Hey! Absolutely not!

No one's doing anything until I get what I'm owed.

Ha! Then suit yourself and wait.

What? You tramp...

Oh, dear!

Sorry to keep you waiting!

What are you doing, Ochō? You can just go wait upstairs.

Well, then. Please, come on in. Please, come on in.

This is your room here.

Oh, let me introduce you to someone.

Otane? Do you have a moment, Otane?

What's wrong?

Otane!

Huh?

What is this?

When was this? Who took these photos?

BROTHEL WOMEN: WHAT DROVE THEM TO IT?

I never told you before,

but I have a husband and children!

Really?

If anyone sees those photos--

But you knew this could happen, didn't you?

But none of my in-laws know!

My husband is too sick to work, so I--

It's nothing but hardship for all of us.

I want to die!

What are you saying? You can't give up!

If you're willing to die, then you can do anything!

Right? Right?

Aonari!

What is it, Ogishi?

I won the contest!

The editor-in-chief of Contemporary Literature

just called about their novella competition!

He said I won first place!

- Oh? - There are two winners!

You got second place, Aonari!

I told you I'd let you know!

[Ogishi] I ran all the way here without stopping!

How did I do?

Were there only two winners?

Hahahahahahaha!

Hahahahaha!

Hahahaha!

Well, it's pretty embarrassing to not even get honorable mention!

I give up! You win! Hahahahaha!

Ogishi, congratulations.

I'm really happy for you.

Thank you.

Good for you, Aonari. I thought Ogishi might stand a chance,

but your win was a total surprise to me!

Which makes it all the more of a shock!

- Fukioka! - Don't say anything!

It's hard to know how to make an exit in these situations, you know.

It's really hard!

Fukioka!

Fukioka! Fukioka!

Am I a heartless person?

Why?

I feel sorry for Fukioka,

but I'm so happy for myself.

I'm so happy and I just can't help it.

I'm feeling the same way.

Really?

Yeah.

I can't believe how happy I am.

What a relief!

So many times I've wondered if I should give up writing,

but I'm glad that I kept writing.

Now I feel like I can do anything.

Like it's all right to do anything--

I thought I was through with men, but now--

Do you think I'm pretty?

Yeah, you're very pretty.

Do you think I'm prettier than Osode?

I'm sorry for asking such an awkward question.

Show me how you feel by writing about Osode.

I won't be outdone. I will become an amazing woman, you'll see.

[Geisha] Hey, mister...

[Madam] Otoyo!

On days like this, you'll get no work if you don't stay sharp!

Come on! We have customers!

Oh, how nice! Enjoy yourself, sir!

Well! Now she's a stunner!

[Otane] Stop that!

You chose me, remember?

Tsk! Who knew the leftovers would be so good? That lucky bastard!

Welcome, sir.

Please come in.

Come on in.

Please let me know what you'd like.

Go ahead and make yourself comfortable, all right?

I never expected to see you here.

I'm sorry, but it's our policy to collect payment up front, all right?

Oh, you're wet. Take this off.

It's fine. I'll do it myself.

What are you doing?

Just hold still.

Hey, let's have some fun.

This is a place for men and women to have fun.

[Tsune] Are you doing all right?

Well...

I was planning to come sooner,

but I only just returned from a trip to Shanghai.

I was thinking you might be able to wear this.

- Thank you very much. - It's nothing.

Listen, Kaku, about the other day...

You weren't able to reach the person you wanted to see, were you?

Heard anything?

She had already been moved to Tamanoi.

May I ask what her name is?

She works at a place called Shark Field.

Her name is Otoyo.

Otoyo...

- Kiratsune... - Yes?

Why are you being so kind

to a person like me?

I've just taken a liking to you.

Nothing more than that.

Otoyo! Otoyo!

Otane!

- Let's go to the bath, all right? - Mmm-hmm.

Otoyo!

Sorry!

Big sister, let's go.

- I wonder if Otoyo's all right. - Hmm?

I mean, she seems to be really smitten with that guy.

It's enviable.

Huh?

Why is that?

Huh?

Big sister, do you know that person?

Go on ahead first.

Why?

It's fine.

Teacher! Mr. Kurōma!

Huh?

Oh! You're Aonari's--

Thank you very much for your help back then.

What were you doing just now?

I was trying to pluck that young cherry blossom,

but it turns out that things like aesthetic elegance

can't be appreciated on an empty stomach!

Speaking of which, I'm so hungry! I'm so hungry!

Teacher, would you like some more?

No. If I eat more, it'll spoil the taste of the sake.

Here you go.

Well, to think that this is how things would turn out for you.

- Are you surprised? - No, I'm not surprised.

Why is that?

In the end, matters of romantic love are nothing more than a fleeting dream.

Even so,

some women would risk everything for such a dream.

Hmm?

What did you say?

Forget! Forget! Forget!

Sake will make you forget everything! Come on, drink!

Drink and all of your troubles will disappear!

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION MR. HYŌKICHI AONARI

YOUR WORK KIRA HARBOR, SANSHŪ HAS BEEN AWARDED SECOND PLACE

IN THE CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE NEWCOMER AWARD

[Tsune] Well!

[Tsune] Isn't that impressive? You won a prize on your very first try!

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

Still, Young Master,

I find it a bit curious that a woman took first place, though.

- Hey! - Hahahahahahahaha!

Now, now, it's no big deal, right?

After all, first and second place seem to be joining forces! Hahahahahahahahaha!

At any rate, you've already reached the top of the mountain with your debut!

Right, Young Master?

No, I've only just begun to climb.

I'm still a long way from reaching the top.

- Here you go. - Oh! Thank you!

- [Ōmizo] Pardon me! - [Ogishi] Coming!

Oh, hello.

It's the president of Contemporary Literature!

Hi, I thought I'd just stop by for a moment.

- Have a seat. Sorry about the mess. - [President] Sure.

So, how is it going? Getting any writing done?

Actually, he hasn't been writing a thing.

Unfortunately, his bad habits have also rubbed off on me.

Hahahahahaha!

I thought that might be the case.

Actually, I came to have a quick word with you about that.

I wanted to know,

how would you two feel about making a beggar's tour around Europe for a year?

A "beggar's tour"?

I mean, how about if the talented couple who won our company's Newcomer Award

went out to experience the wider world

and then wrote a sweeping epic that would astonish everyone?

I'd cover your travel and living expenses during that time.

Well!

So, how about it, Aonari?

Well, I appreciate the kind offer,

but was planning to take a little more time

to carefully consider my situation and move forward at my own pace.

I understand what you are saying and all,

but at least once in your life you should break away from Kira, Sanshū.

You should wean yourself off notions like "hometown" and "sentimentality".

Come on, let's do it!

When a big chance comes along, you have to take that leap!

Young Master, go ahead and do it, all right?

All right.

Well then, we accept your generous offer.

Hahaha! No, to me, this is an investment, you understand.

I'm looking forward to you coming back to Japan tattered like beggars

yet with your eyes still blazing bright with determination.

Well then, please start getting prepared right away.

- Yes! - Yes!

[Otane] Big sister! You have a guest!

[Otoyo] Who is it? At this time of day...

Oh, uh, pardon the intrusion.

What is it?

Yes, well...

I'm here because

Hishakaku has been very concerned about you.

Oh! Don't worry, I'm not up to anything.

You see, I'm merely a casual acquaintaince of Kaku's.

So, Otoyo...

How would you feel about going out to Maebashi to see him sometime?

I'm not permitted to just do as I please without permission, you know.

Yes.

In that case,

I wonder if you might consider

letting me settle things up for you.

I'd like to buy out your contract.

You see, I came into some easy money in Shanghai.

I thought I'd put it to use for Hishakaku's benefit.

I don't deserve such kindness at this point.

Please take your leave.

I really don't understand.

You see, Otoyo, you and Kaku--

Have you perhaps moved on to another man?

If that's the case,

don't you feel any guilt towards Kaku?

I've been intruding, haven't I?

What are you going to do?

If word of this gets back to Hishakaku,

our boss will surely commit seppuku.

[Barkeeper] Thank you very much!

Since you're low-ranking, you should just break it off with her completely.

There's no other option.

Miyagawa?

Otoyo is just a whore!

She's a whore to be bought and sold!

No matter who buys her, no one can object!

Do you really believe that?

It's the truth, isn't it?

No matter what you say, I can't stop being with her! Otoyo...

Brother, just finish me off with one clean stroke!

What are you saying?

I'm so ashamed of myself!

I'm sorry.

Please let me be alone!

Miyagawa!

TŌTO CLUB

Oh! Mr. Aonari!

Hello.

I'm sorry, but could you wait over here for a moment?

- Is the president with another guest? - Huh? Well, sort of...

[Osode] What is this? You can't just buy me off with train fare!

[Ōmizo] Stop complaining. Just take this and go.

[Ōmizo] It's better for you this way.

It's some shakedown attempt.

Oh, don't worry. This sort of thing happens all the time. Heh-heh!

[Osode] You still don't understand me. I'll explain it one more time.

[Osode] A woman is on the verge of ending her life! And it's because of you!

You see, we get paid for sex and lodging.

We're just worthless trash selling our bodies to make a living!

But no matter how low we sink,

a person is still a person, a woman is still a woman!

There's shame, believe me. The shame of hitting rock bottom!

People can mock and belittle me all they want.

There isn't a single person whose opinion matters to me.

However,

Otane is different!

She had been working in secret to cover her husband's medical costs!

Then this article came out.

Now she's bawling that she wants to die!

Money can't solve the problem at this point,

but wouldn't it be compassionate to help her get out of the life?

Are you finished talking?

- What? - Threats won't get you anywhere.

Honestly, I didn't even need to give you this.

I just did it so you wouldn't lose face by leaving empty-handed.

Don't be ridiculous!

Who decided that this needed to be written?

It's an investigative feature, so we took clandestine photos!

We give people the unvarnished truth!

So it doesn't matter if it costs a woman her life? You heartless monster!

Be quiet! One more outburst and I'm calling the police!

Fine! Go ahead and call them!

Go on, call them!

Osode!

I didn't know...

Aonari!

Do you know this person?

Osode!

Osode! Osode!

Let go!

- Osode! - Let go!

- Osode! - No!

Osode, let me help you!

Stop!

Stop it!

- [Hyōkichi] Osode! - [Ogishi] Darling!

Hold on to this!

[Geisha] Just a moment, darling...

- Please let me see Osode! - [Otoyo] Osode?

I don't know what she calls herself here,

but she's the one in this photo.

Oh.

It's Ochō.

She won't be coming back anymore.

Huh?

We just got a call that she's leaving.

She's leaving?

She worked herself to the bone to pay off her debt,

so now she's finally free.

No matter where a person goes, it's all the same, though, isn't it?

She wasn't there?

Yeah.

You'd better go find her.

Figure out a way.

But...

That's what you really want, isn't it?

I'll be all right.

I'm a woman who can get by on her own,

whether in Europe or anywhere else.

Sorry.

Well, then...

Goodbye.

SHARK FIELD

He has really left now, huh?

Stupid fool.

I wish he'd just forget about me and go be happy.

[Kurōma] That's just the way Aonari is.

[Kurōma] That's why you fell for him, isn't it?

[Osode] Maybe so.

What are you going to do now?

I don't have any plans.

I'll just drift along.

Then slowly, slowly sink away.

This year's cherry blossoms aren't all blooming in unison, are they?

Spring must still be a long way off.

Young Master...

A lowly uneducated person like me doesn't understand these things,

but you and that courtesan in Tamanoi

seemed to have a history that I don't know about.

That trip to Europe was a big once-in-a-lifetime chance, wasn't it?

Yet you just let it slip right through your fingers.

The Master in the afterlife must be very disappointed.

You think so?

Absolutely!

"Hey, Hyōkichi!

Getting obsessed with a woman and throwing away your dreams

isn't how a real man acts!"

That's exactly what he'd say. Surely.

It's no use. It's no use.

I'm just repeating the same complaint over and over.

Well then, Young Master, I'll be taking my leave.

Sir.

So you're going back to Kira, Sanshū after all?

Yes, sir.

As long as the Master's wife is still in good health,

I still need to keep looking after the Master's grave.

Sir.

Tsune...

Yes?

I think my father would understand why I've done what I've done.

I've finally become a fully fledged man of Kira, Sanshū.

THE END

ENGLISH TRANSLATION & TIMING: rareelectronic@gmail.com