Original subtitles

[♪♪♪]

[wind whistling]

1912 OTARU

[woman] Thank you for coming!

SAKE

Hey! What the...

[woman] Watch where you're going!

The hell's your problem?

Hold on. Ain't you a fine woman?

Get out of my way.

A feisty one. My kind of woman.

[grunts]

What the hell do you think you're...

[grunts]

[wheezes]

What's it to you, old man? You stay out of this!

Huh?

[scoffs]

Hey, what the hell's your problem, old man?

[groaning]

Forget it. Let's get out of here!

[man groans]

Hey! Let's go!

[woman] Impressive. You haven't lost your touch.

Nagakura Shinpachi...

captain of the Shinsengumi's second unit.

And who are you?

My name is Ichikawa Makoto.

I've come from Tokyo.

There's something I must ask you.

It's about the Shinsengumi.

Leave!

Please, wait.

[Nagakura draws blade]

I have nothing to say.

I'm not leaving until you talk to me.

It can't be anyone else. It has to be you.

[blade draws]

[man yells]

[grunting]

[groans]

You...

You purposely let those drunks harass you, didn't you?

Please. I want to know about the Shinsengumi...

No...

I need to know the truth about Hijikata Toshizo.

Hijikata Toshizo...

[♪♪♪]

He...

had the same look in his eyes as you.

Prickly and aggressive, like a briar patch.

Or maybe reckless...

EDO

...like someone who'd charge

right into one.

You get hurt, I sell medicine.

We called guys like that baragaki, thorny brats.

That was Hijikata Toshizo to a T.

Brace yourselves!

[grunting]

[laughs]

Come on.

[exclaiming]

[yells fiercely]

[screams]

[yells fiercely]

I'll be sure to get you some medicine.

[yells fiercely]

[onlookers exclaim]

[laughs]

Master! Master!

You! A low blow? You coward!

Huh?

The art of the sword is for battles, isn't it?

In battle, who gives a damn about fighting fair?

The gall of a mere merchant!

Come on, bring it!

Let me know if you need more medicine!

Hey, here.

Oh, thanks.

Are you always pulling stunts like this?

Yep. It's quicker to create the injured

than to track them down.

Right? There!

Thanks for your business!

Don't ever come back!

[laughing]

What a face. All right, my bad.

[man] Just get out already!

Yeah, yeah, I'm going.

[kids shouting playfully]

[indistinct singing]

[people chattering indistinctly]

[wind blowing]

The Shieikan dojo.

What a dump...

Hey. This is a dojo, right?

Hyah!

Hyah!

Come on! Knock it off! You little bastards!

You're supposed to fall.

Huh?

Because they cut you.

[Nagakura] Okita Soji.

Though normally gentle

once he draws his sword, he's a demon

a true sword-fighting prodigy.

Hyah!

Hyah!

[groaning] A surprise attack... Well done.

That means I win.

I'm the one who cut down our master. I won.

[Abiru] Now. I believe I said no fighting, didn't I?

You two are friends, right?

[Nagakura] Abiru Eisaburo.

He's a bit timid,

but that kindness is the conscience of Shieikan Dojo.

Okay, good boy.

Soji! Eisaburo! Food's ready.

NAGAKURA SHINPACHI

Don't mind me.

Let's go. Okay?

I'm starving!

[Nagakura] Sanosuke! Hajime! Heisuke! Hurry up and eat.

What's this?

Harada Sanosuke.

HARADA SANOSUKE

He loves his food more than anything,

and can't stand pointless talk.

Man, this is good.

Greens again? We're pinching pennies, huh?

If you don't want it, can we give yours to the kids?

They're still growing.

Fine. They can have it.

[Nagakura] I've never known anyone

who could wield a sword as masterfully as him.

That's Saito Hajime.

Then you can have some of mine too.

Really? Thanks.

[Nagakura] Todo Heisuke.

TODO HEISUKE

He's the kindest person you'll ever meet,

but he's also quick to pick a fight.

[crunches]

[gasps]

Are you kidding me?

[laughing]

[Nagakura] Yamanami Keisuke

is the most logical of all at Shieikan.

Don't go wild at mealtime!

[♪♪♪]

Gen, wake up. It's time to eat.

[Nagakura] The eldest of us, Inoue Genzaburo...

Wake up! Hey!

INOUE GENZABURO

...is always asleep. Yep.

This'll be an easy win.

And who might you be?

Sorry to interrupt your meal.

I'm a traveling medicine salesman.

You folks need anything?

We don't need any! Get outta here!

[exclaims softly]

They say "Better safe than sorry."

Or have you never heard that one?

What's your problem?

I'm here to challenge your dojo!

[rooster crows]

Master of the dojo!

Come out!

[Nagakura] And the man who'd become the fourth master

of the Tennen Rishin-ryu style

if you think of Shieikan as one big family,

he would be its father.

Boss.

A man worthy of the title, Kondo Isami.

[Nagakura] Boss. We've got a strange visitor.

Hmm?

KONDO ISAMI

Can't it wait?

[Nagakura] Hurry.

[Kondo] What's all the fuss?

[Nagakura] This guy's got some nerve.

He's got some nerve?

That's him. Right there.

You wouldn't happen to be...

the medicine peddler I've heard about,

who's been crushing dojos all over Kanto?

What if I am?

Word is you're a real handful.

Ehh?

[♪♪♪]

Your name?

From Ishida Village in Tama.

Hijikata Toshizo.

Hmm?

What's the matter?

In a real fight, you'd be dead.

[both grunting]

[panting]

Too much wasted movement.

Don't you dare talk down to me!

[chuckling]

[shouts]

That won't get you very far in a real battle.

This is how you kick.

[grunts]

[laughing]

Ouch. Boss doesn't hold back.

You think that guy's okay?

[coughing]

You're good!

Finally, after all this time...

Someone who can make me stronger.

If we go on, this could turn deadly.

[pants]

If I'm not strong enough, I'll die.

That's all there is to it.

Why are you so desperate to become stronger?

It's my blood.

[Kondo] Your blood?

I can't stop my blood from boiling.

Only when I'm fighting someone strong...

do I truly feel alive.

In this day and age...

swordsmanship is obsolete.

[panting]

No matter how strong your sword is,

you can't change this country's course.

Are you an idiot?

What's the fun in doing the sensible thing?

Doing what no one else can is what makes you a badass.

[chuckles softly]

[♪♪♪]

[sighs]

I agree.

My apologies.

If that is so, then I will give it my all.

Yeah!

[grunting]

Don't die on me!

Wait a second!

[groaning]

Aah!

Gotcha!

Not good enough.

[Todo laughing]

He's okay, right?

[Saito] I'm sure he's not dead.

Hey, hey.

Hey.

He's laughing while he's unconscious.

You're right.

That's creepy.

He gave you a tougher time than expected, didn't he?

It's been a while since I've seen you

get that serious, Kondo.

Hey.

[Kondo] Yeah, I didn't think he had it in him.

This guy... he might be a good fit for us.

[Nagakura] Tennen Rishin-ryu.

A style built for a battle to the death

a practical combat style

that requires facing your foe with complete abandon.

Pretty good, huh?

[crunching]

Hm.

[Abiru] Here.

[Nagakura] In spring 1859

Hijikata Toshizo joined

the Tennen Rishin-ryu's Shieikan dojo.

Age 24.

There.

[♪♪♪]

It was four years before the Shinsengumi's name

would echo through Kyoto.

[♪♪♪]

SONG OF THE SAMURAI

[Nagakura] At the time, the shogunate's real power

was held by the Great Elder, Ii Naosuke.

Ever since the Black Ships arrived,

he strongly advocated for opening Japan.

If we go to war with America,

our country stands no chance of winning.

Even if we cannot obtain an imperial sanction

we have no other choice but to sign the treaty!

[Nagakura] However, on March 24, 1860

he was killed by ronin from Mito

outside of the Sakuradamon Gate.

Following this, the pro-opening shogunate

and the opposing Sonno Joi faction...

were plunged into an all-out confrontation.

[sword slices]

[cries out]

TENNEN RISHIN-RYU SHIEIKAN DOJO

[Todo] Now's your chance! Go!

I humbly beg for your pardon.

I humbly beg for your pardon!

I humbly beg your pardon.

[kids shouting]

I humbly beg your pardon.

Ouch!

Stop!

[groans]

Naosuke the perv, we took your head!

Naosuke the perv! Naosuke the perv!

It's Naosuke. It's Naosuke!

Ii Naosuke. Ke!

[kids] Naosuke the perv! The perv!

998.

999.

1,000!

[chickens clucking]

Hey, Soji.

Yes?

It's been a whole year!

A thousand practice swings.

Every single day, without fail.

Haven't I done enough?

Teach me a move or something!

An actual technique!

If you can complain, you can swing.

Shut up!

How am I supposed to beat our boss

with just practice swings?

Huh?

The whole reason I joined was to beat him!

Beat the boss, you say?

Not in a hundred years!

[Okita] All right.

I'll teach you a special technique.

Soji...

But only if...

you can beat me.

You're on.

Get me a wooden sword!

I'm gonna beat the hell out of you.

I'm fine with this.

Huh?!

Don't you mock me.

[♪♪♪]

[laughing]

Mmm...

This is good.

Ouch. My stomach hurts.

You're laughing too hard.

Come on, this guy spent a whole year

doing a thousand practice swings every single day

and he couldn't land a single hit on him.

And to top it all off,

he got his ass kicked with a futon beater!

Basically, that makes you a futon!

A futon!

Well said indeed.

Don't get cocky. Our match begins now, Hajime!

Lose to me and you've lost to a futon.

I'll take you on! You flat futon!

Who you calling flat futon!

[Abiru] Hey, you two, no fighting!

[Nagakura] Knock it off! We're eating now.

Let them be. Let them be.

Food and fighting. Just like a family!

Toshi! Hajime! Stop it already.

Hey, get off me.

Kondo, you're the master of this dojo.

You should have more dignity.

Nameless patriots changed history

at the Sakuradamon Incident.

Doesn't that frustrate you?

I wish we'd hear back about the Kobusho.

The Kobusho?

Still no word, I'm afraid.

Oh man, don't remind me.

Hey, what is the Kobusho, anyway?

It's the shogunate's official military academy.

Things have been turbulent since the Black Ships arrived.

To prepare for the worst

the shogunate established it to bolster their military forces.

[Nagakura] They teach swordsmanship, spearmanship

and even Western-style artillery.

The instructors are the best of the best,

brought in from all across the country.

So it's the ultimate training center,

taught by the strongest guys around.

[Okita] Kondo is currently running himself ragged

trying to become one of those instructors.

The instructors are first-class, sanctioned by the shogunate.

Then Shieikan's name would be recognized as well.

We'll get a stipend and we can finally get out of this dump!

And we could teach so many more kids.

That should be a piece of cake with your skills, Boss.

[Yamanami] No, it's not quite that simple.

[Hijikata] Huh? What do you mean by that?

[sets down chopsticks]

Either way at this rate,

the Shieikan will always be just a beat-up old dojo.

Making a name for ourselves

will be nothing more than a pipe dream.

[Inoue] Hm.

What's this?

[Okita] Is that about the crossroads slasher?

Oh, the one who's been popping up lately?

Yeah. There was one about three days ago too...

A wooden sword...

You think you can challenge me with that?

Don't mess with me, you worthless punk!

[blow thwacks]

[groaning]

He took down Watanabe Noboru, who had a real sword, head-on

with just a wooden sword?

Is this Watanabe guy any good?

He's the head instructor of the Shindo Munen-ryu Renpeikan

one of Edo's top three dojos.

To face a master with a wooden sword,

he must be incredibly confident.

WANTED

All right.

If I take down this slasher bastard,

it'll make a name for the Shieikan.

Hm.

Interesting.

All right, I'll do it.

Listen to Mr. Flat futon. Moron!

[Okita] I agree. I don't think you can do it.

The way you are now, Hijikata,

you couldn't win in a hundred tries.

Soji, you too, you bastard!

That hurt!

[cackling]

That's enough out of all of you! Hey!

Flat futon! That bastard Saito!

And I'm gonna crush Soji one of these days.

I'll take them all down...

You are to take down the crossroads slasher, right?

Boss...

I'll go with you.

What?

If you've just come to mock me, forget it.

Don't sulk.

So? What's your plan for finding this slasher?

You're not just going to wander all night

hoping he'll jump you, are you?

[laughing]

I've got a plan for that.

[♪♪♪]

That's him.

What makes you think he'll be the next target?

Kashiwai Shunsuke is a master of iai, right?

That slasher bastard, he's never fought an iai master, right?

I see.

Pretty clever, Toshi... for you.

Don't be a smartass.

[wind whistling]

What?

[♪♪♪]

[Okadaizo] You wouldn't happen to be

Kashiwai Shunsuke, would you?

That I am.

I request...

the honor of a match.

That's him.

I've been waiting for you, crossroads slasher.

[Kashiwai's aide screaming]

Toshi!

Come! I'll drown you in blood--

You damn crossroads slasher!

I'm Hijikata Toshizo of Tennen Rishin-ryu!

And who the hell are you?

Okada Izo.

[scoffing]

You're a crossroads slasher

and you're just gonna give me your name that easily?

Ah! Oh!

It just slipped out. Crap!

Oh. You from Tosa?

How could you tell?

Ha-ha! Your thick Tosa accent gives you away. What? Come on!

[groaning]

What is with this guy?

Why you... Okada Izo! Brace yourself!

If you come at me all of a sudden, I can't hold back.

What a speed...

The guy's a monster.

Feel free to run if you want.

Run away?

You can talk trash after you've beaten me,

the strongest man in all of Edo.

The strongest?

You're the strongest?

That's right.

If you claim to be the strongest man in Edo...

OKADA IZO

...then I just have to beat you to be the new strongest.

Hey, you! The big guy!

Huh? Me?

That sword you have at your hip. Give it to this man.

I don't want him complaining that he lost

because he didn't have a real blade.

Don't you dare look down on me.

If you're using a wooden sword, so am I.

Is that right? Suit yourself.

[♪♪♪]

[both grunting]

[grunts]

[coughing]

What, are you all talk?

Too close, too close.

Huh?

[laughing]

Unbelievable!

[yells fiercely]

[both straining]

[♪♪♪]

[yells fiercely]

They're evenly matched.

[straining]

Unh!

See? I'm the strongest one here!

No... I am.

Hey, Toshi! Toshi! Toshi!

[fire crackling]

You're pretty damn good.

You've got some skills yourself.

Still, why are you out here

slashing people with a wooden sword?

Oh?

This way, I don't actually kill my opponents.

And that means I can fight strong guys over and over.

But... if you get cut down, it's over.

Oh!

[Okada gasps]

Didn't it...

ever occur to you

that you could be the one to lose?

No.

But... I don't like killing people.

[laughing]

[laughing]

[laughing]

Then why are you doing this whole slasher thing anyway?

To become...

the strongest man there is.

Oh...

What a coincidence.

Same here.

We'll have another match, Toshizo.

Sure.

[♪♪♪]

[sneezes]

[sneezes]

[fierce grunting in background]

[Nagakura] I still can't believe it!

Toshi! You really fought that crossroad slasher to a draw?

How many times must I tell you? Yes.

Drop the empty bravado.

That's pretty petty.

Your comrade went toe-to-toe with a seriously tough guy.

The least we can do is give him credit for it.

So, where's the crossroad slasher now?

Who knows?

We said, "We'll have another match,"

and went our separate ways.

Huh?

What were you thinking?

You found the slasher and just let him go?

Because...

...he was a hell of a guy.

[♪♪♪]

I know!

Why don't we have him join us?

With someone that strong,

the Shieikan's name would spread fast.

Wait, didn't you go fight him

to boost our name in the first place?

Oh, right.

[Hijikata chuckles]

Boss, did he really fight that slasher to a standstill?

You still don't believe it?

[Nagakura] It was just yesterday that Toshi

couldn't score a single point

against Soji with a futon beater.

That's true.

At first, the slasher had the upper hand. But...

gradually, it became an even fight.

Toshi's sword...

may show its true worth only at the limit.

That man... he might be deeper than he seems.

[sword slashes]

[whimpering]

[student] Oh, the Hiraseigan stance.

[grunting]

[groans]

Damn it, I was so close...

No, you're mistaken. You were wide open.

Yeah, I know.

Your impatience is hindering your progress.

Hiraseigan is a dangerous stance that risks a mutual strike.

Don't rush yourself.

I know, but...

What's up, Eisaburo?

You're practicing the Hiraseigan stance, too?

Hm. I want to master it, too.

Then have Soji teach you.

I already asked him, but he said no.

How come?

He said the Hiraseigan is too dangerous.

Soji only teaches it to those the Boss approves of.

That's why I'll master it myself.

Then have him teach you a different technique.

No,

it has to be the Hiraseigan.

What do you mean by that?

Because losing is not an option.

Got someone you're dying to take down?

Aim!

THE SHOGUNATE KOBUSHO IN EDO

Please!

I beg you...

please reconsider one more time.

I believe I have told you before.

A farmer's backwater sword style has no place in our Kobusho.

However many times you come, my answer won't change!

With all due respect!

Our Tennen Rishin-ryu style has a proven track record.

A track record?

Yes.

The Nikko Toshogu Shrine,

where the divine Lord Ieyasu is enshrined.

Among the Hachioji Sennin Doshin who serve as its guards

are a great number of Tennen Rishin-ryu practitioners.

Furthermore, in the registry by Sanada Hannosuke

head of the Hokushin Itto-ryu Genbukan

out of the 633 martial artists listed,

64 are from our Tennen Rishin-ryu.

Among the 21 schools in the registry,

ours is the third-most represented.

Besides, the Kobusho...

was established by the shogunate

to boost its military power, was it not?

Then there is no style more fitting

than our Tennen Rishin-ryu

perfected for actual battle.

[slurps]

Ah!

Thank you so much, Yamanami!

I can finally become an official instructors!

[all laugh]

Congratulations.

You're finally retainers, just as you dreamed.

This will make a name for the Shieikan dojo.

So long, poverty!

We can buy the kids new bamboo swords.

And we'll get more food on the table!

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Nothing's official yet.

That may be true,

but we did receive an unofficial offer.

More than anything

your words truly moved me, Yamanami.

Getting our hopes up is a mistake.

It always has been--

[Hijikata] Come on, Yamanami.

Just enjoy the moment.

You're the one who made this happen, after all.

You should give yourself some credit for once.

I don't like it.

What's that?

Got a problem with me, I'm right here.

That's not what I mean.

The one I'm not happy with...

is myself, for not being able to just enjoy this moment.

[gulping]

[coughing]

You okay there?

Don't overdo it.

Yamanami's a lightweight, you know.

Hey, what the hell is this place?

It's a dump, and it stinks.

Hey.

I hate this.

Who the hell are you?

Hey, hey, hey!

What do you think you're doing,

barging in our dojo with your shoes on?

Oh, my. Was this supposed to be a dojo?

It stank so bad, I thought it was a cesspool.

Why you...

Toshi!

[groans]

Boss...

My sincerest apologies, Sasaki.

How unexpected.

Monkeys have taken up residence in this cesspit.

Say that again, you son of a bitch!

Stop it. That's Sasaki Tadasaburo.

You don't want to mess with him.

[Hijikata] Who the hell is he?

[Nagakura] A grand master of the Shinto Seibu school.

The finest kodachi user in all of Japan.

[Yamanami] He's a master swordsmanship instructor

at the Kobusho.

SASAKI TADASABURO

If we pick a fight,

Kondo's appointment will be off the table.

And...

what might your business be with us?

You have a student here

a punk named Saito Hajime, don't you? Bring him out.

What has our Saito done?

He cut down Ryunosuke,

firstborn son of Hatamoto Lord Tajima Yamato-no-Kami.

There must be some kind of mistake.

Yeah, he's right.

Hajime may have a twisted personality,

but he's no murderer.

Get the hell out of here.

[Saito] No, it's not a mistake.

I'm the one who cut down Tajima Ryunosuke.

[Hijikata, chuckles] Hey, Hajime.

What's the meaning of this?

I didn't like him, so I cut him down.

That's all there is to it.

While Kondo is humbling himself for our sakes,

do you have any idea what you've just done?

Kondo's...

No...

you're trampling on the dreams of every single one of us!

Hey, I don't give a damn about any of that.

I do what I want, when I want.

That's the only rule I live by.

Besides...

I never considered myself

one of your students to begin with.

Hajime.

[laughing]

You're all just so damn annoying.

I'm sick and tired of your little "happy family" act.

[Hijikata] Hey, Hajime!

Say that again, you son of a bitch!

[groans]

Let's get the hell out of here, old man.

Well, that's just the kind of guy he was.

My condolences.

Hey!

[Okita] Hijikata!

[♪♪♪]

[Hijikata] Eisaburo!

You know something, don't you?

[Kondo] Why did...

Hajime kill Tajima Ryunosuke?

Me and Hajime...

Before coming to the Shieikan,

we were regulars at an Itto-ryu dojo.

Ah!

Next!

Hajime!

Ryunosuke.

[Abiru] And Ryunosuke... he was there, too.

Next!

I'm not done yet!

[Abiru] Ryunosuke loved swordsmanship;

he just couldn't get enough of it.

Not yet!

Even though he was frail

and his father had no faith in him.

Hajime, you are so strong. Strong!

[laughing]

What are you laughing about?

[Abiru] Even so, Ryunosuke didn't give up.

He wanted to be strong, just like Hajime.

Every day, he trained with that single goal in mind.

But then, the other day... we received word

that Ryunosuke has contracted consumption.

I...

I don't have long to live.

Don't make that face.

[chuckling weakly]

[coughing]

Hajime.

I have a favor to ask you.

What is it?

One last time...

I want to face you in a duel with live blades.

Are you insane? If you do that, you'll...

I'm going to die anyway!

It's just...

I can't stand it.

To have been born a samurai...

and die having accomplished nothing.

I want some proof that I truly lived as a samurai.

Good.

You've always pissed me off.

So before you kick the bucket,

I'm gonna be the one to kill you.

Hajime...

Stop talking such nonsense!

We can't fight each other!

Eisaburo!

Then what the hell do you think you're training for?

To spend your whole life here playing at sword fighting?

I'm not.

And neither is Ryunosuke.

[♪♪♪]

Ryunosuke.

Come at me with everything you've got.

I couldn't stop them.

Because I understood how Ryunosuke felt.

Is that so...

Where do you think you're going?

I'm going to help Hajime, what else?

If you go, you're expelled.

Huh?

Why?

All Hajime did was grant his buddy's final wish!

That doesn't give him the right to kill.

I know that!

But you remember what the boss said, right?

"If we eat together and fight together, we're family."

[Yamanami] Saito killed a man. That makes him a criminal.

If we help him, Kondo's appointment

as instructor will be ruined.

Finally...

Finally it's happening.

We've been mocked and dismissed as country bumpkins with swords.

This is our one chance to make our name!

Then expel me.

If we can't even protect our own family...

then what's the point of making a name for ourselves!

Then expel me, too.

If I lose Hajime too, I... I won't be able to take it!

Let's go!

Take that!

Is that it?

Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Ryunosuke put up a better fight than this.

Yeah. If you're going to kill me,

you'd better be serious about it.

I made you wait.

Lord Tajima.

This is the man, Saito Hajime.

He's your son' s killer. Please, avenge your son.

Avenge him?

Eh?

For a samurai heir to be cut down

by some wandering ronin...

is the ultimate disgrace!

Aren't you here to avenge your son?

This is punishment for the dishonor

you've brought upon my house.

It's not for a useless whelp like Ryunosuke.

Fortunately, my second son, Kotora,

will take over as family head.

Ryunosuke never had what it takes to be a leader.

You're the real disgrace here.

What did you just say?

[chuckling] I said you're the disgrace!

[cries out]

You'd better watch your mouth.

Even in the state he was in,

Ryunosuke managed to land a blow!

He cut me!

Aah!

Is that all you've got?

Hajime...

You're scared to strike me, aren't you?

Huh?

All you've been doing is dodging!

You're the one who told me

to come at you with everything I had!

Is that it?

Hey! Hey!

Is that all the strength you've got? Ryunosuke!

Ryunosuke! Hey!

[crying out]

Unleash it! Show me everything you've got!

[♪♪♪]

Thank you.

Hajime.

[Saito] Ryunosuke was magnificent.

He died with more honor as a samurai

than a piece of shit like you ever will.

Shut your filthy mouth, you maggot.

[groans]

[fighting nearby]

[retainer] Who are you?

[Hijikata sighs]

[Sasaki] Oh my! Welcome.

Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not here to save him.

I'm the strongest man in Edo.

You think I can just let that slide?

Who the hell are you?

Who the hell are they?

Please stand back.

We will dispose of these annoying flies.

Only two people showed up to help?

You're not very popular, are you?

You idiot. What are you doing here?

You are the real idiot, Hajime!

Trying to take this all on yourself.

[Saito] Just get out of here, now!

Hajime!

So, how do you wanna die?

Huh?

Me? My wish is to die

fighting a strong opponent with all I have.

I'll bet that Ryunosuke kid felt the same way.

[♪♪♪]

[shouts fiercely]

Bring it.

[laughing]

Full of spirit, aren't you?

I like that.

Stay out of this.

This one's mine.

Bring it on!

Ouch!

[straining]

Guess I have no choice.

Time to settle this!

Hiraseigan...

You...

intend to die here?

Fine by me.

I admire that spirit.

Tennen Rishin-ryu: Sword of No Light!

Looks like things are heating up!

Let me get in on the action!

Boss!

Crashing the party!

[chuckling] What the? Did everyone end up coming?

This isn't some casual get-together.

A festival is for everyone to enjoy, right?

[chuckles softly]

So he's not coming after all?

Boss...

What the hell do you think you're doing?

You son of a bitch! I'm not your student or anything else!

Didn't I already tell you that?

Hajime!

You're right. You're not my student.

You're my precious...

family.

[♪♪♪]

[Abiru] Yamanami?

What gives?

I thought helping meant expulsion.

It's against my better judgment, but...

but I cannot defy the dojo master.

[laughing]

All right.

Now everyone's here.

Let's settle this.

Please wait a moment

Lord Tajima.

Would you please look at this?

It's a note left by your son.

Why do you have this?

Your wife found it and brought it to me.

It says here that your son

intends to face this man in a duel.

This was entirely your son's decision.

If you still refuse to back down...

then we accept your challenge.

Look at all the flies buzzing around.

God, how annoying.

I'm gonna kill every last one of you!

That's enough! Stop!

Let's go.

Kondo.

That's the end of your Kobusho appointment.

It can't be helped.

All this for a stray dog like him?

What a bunch of weirdos.

Let's go.

Sir.

Hajime.

Ouch!

[Saito groaning]

You did well!

[Saito] That hurts. Boss, that hurts.

[laughs]

[laughs]

[♪♪♪]

[Hijikata] Hajime, where do you think you're going?

Thanks to everyone, they've agreed not to press charges.

Whatever the reason...

I still killed a man.

I can't just pretend it never happened.

I've caused...

Boss and everyone so much trouble.

You're such an awkward man.

I don't want to hear that from you.

See ya.

[Nagakura] Hajime would later change his name to Fujita Goro.

The Fujita family's records are said

to state the following:

"Saito Hajime, in his late teens,

killed a man and was forced to leave Edo."

THREE YEARS LATER

That year, to coincide with the 14th Shogun

Iemochi's procession to Kyoto

the Roshigumi was formed to serve as his escort.

Its ranks were filled with ronin,

farmers, and even criminals.

Skilled fighters from all walks of life.

And we of the Shieikan dojo decided to join their ranks.

[Nagakura] I gotta say, though.

I never thought we'd be in Kyo, protecting the Shogun himself.

We'll eventually become hatamoto for the Shogun, right?

Talk about moving up in the world!

Hey, Yamanami. I was just thinking...

Why's the Shogun going to Kyoto anyway?

[Yamanami] The Imperial Court summoned him

to pressure him to expel the foreigners.

Since the Black Ships arrived,

the Shogunate's power has been declining.

Basically, the Tokugawa are losing their grip.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us!

Kyo is now the heart of Japan!

To test their skills

they say the most famous swordsmen have gathered there.

Listen up, everyone!

We'll win glory in Kyo

and let the name of the Shieikan

be known across the land!

Bring it on! Let's do it!

[all shouting excitedly]

[♪♪♪]

Hm.

[baby crying]

[dog barking]

So this is Kyo, huh?

It's pretty run-down.

I thought this was supposed to be the capital.

This is a lot different from what I'd heard.

"A lot" is an understatement.

I am Kiyokawa Hachiro!

Gentlemen!

This Roshigumi was formed

to escort the Shogun on his procession to Kyoto.

However!

The Shogunate

is now nothing but a sinking ship, headed for ruin!

[murmuring]

From this day forward,

we serve as the Emperor's personal guard

protect the Imperial Court, and expel the barbarians!

That is the true calling...

of those loyal to the Emperor!

What the hell is he talking about?

From now on...

It seems we've been had.

...our mission is no longer...

We've been had?

...to guard the Shogun...

Kiyokawa intends to use us to expel foreigners,

not to guard the Shogun.

But that's treason against the Shogunate!

Rise for the Emperor!

Is that true?

Now is the time to expel the foreigners!

We'll return to Edo!

Edo? Hey! We just got to Kyo!

He's right!

Ouch! What the hell is your problem?

Hey, hold it right there.

Sorry.

I'm talking to you, you bastard!

A fight?

Toshi! Toshi!

You're gonna bump into me and not say a damn thing?

You trying to pick a fight with me,

Araki of Reconnaissance Squad?

Ha!

Cat got your tongue?

[laughing]

[gagging]

That was close... I almost puked all the sake I drank yesterday.

Huh? And who the hell are you?

You bastard!

You're dead!

I like this. Pure, unhesitating violence.

[groaning, gasping]

I love the energy. Man, I feel sick.

You lot! What do you think you're doing? Halt!

You're from Mito, aren't you?

What of it?

I was very impressed by the Mito ronin

at the Sakuradamon Incident.

It bolstered my resolve

to revere the Emperor and expel them.

They must be your comrades, too.

Don't you wish to change the course of history,

guided by that same will?

Nah, not interested.

[chuckles]

I'm not going back to Edo.

I haven't even gotten laid today.

You bastard! How dare you mock Master Kiyokawa! Unforgivable!

That's enough!

Hey...

Draw your sword, Kiyokawa!

If it's kill or be killed, let's go all the way! Right?

That's enough!

Huh?

Get lost.

[groans]

Man. You killed the mood.

Dammit. What a total buzzkill. Such a buzzkill.

Oh well, nothing to be done.

All right, off to Shimabara with you.

Wait!

[Serizawa] Huh?

[♪♪♪]

Who the hell are you?

You first. Right?

When you ask for a name,

isn't it polite to give your own first?

Right?

Hijikata Toshizo.

What?

Hijikata Toshizo!

[laughing]

Well now, how interesting. Ah, I see, I see.

I'm Serizawa Kamo.

Favorite word: "Violence." That's the name.

[sniffs] Later.

Serizawa Kamo...

[♪♪♪]

[Hijikata] Man, you gotta love Kyo.

If I can scrap with crazy guys like that,

then the trip here was more than worth it.

But what're we gonna do?

Kiyokawa's planning to go back to Edo, right?

Are we going back, too?

It's not that simple.

Huh?

You don't agree with the expulsionists?

There's a more pressing issue.

Whether we head to Edo or remain here in Kyo

we're short on funds.

What the hell? Hey, what're you talking about?

I was a fool to think things would work out

once we reached the capital.

Don't beat yourself up over it.

There's a right and wrong way to make a name for yourself.

And I don't like Kiyokawa's way of deceiving people.

We'll just make a name for ourselves our own way.

In that case... First things first,

we need to earn our keep.

Yeah. If we can't, we'll starve in a ditch.

This is where the fun starts.

Please, I'm begging you.

For days, men calling for the expulsion of foreigners

have been attacking anyone with ties to the shogunate!

I said get out. Now leave.

Why should I have to hire

a bunch of nobodies from the sticks?

What the hell?

You think being a hatamoto makes you so damn special?

Damn it!

So, we've been turned away at the gate again.

Why do you have to grovel like that to them, Kondo?

There is no use in rushing.

Our funds will only last three more days.

We must find work before then.

Sorry.

[music playing, indistinct singing]

Huh?

ROSHIGUMI QUARTERS

[laughter]

Delicious! I'm so happy!

Hey! You aren't eating at all! What are you doing?

What the hell do you guys think you're doing?

Appreciate you stoppin' by!

What is all this?

We have been exerting ourselves greatly.

Calm down. C'mon, have some of this.

Kamo's treatin' tonight.

Kamo?

This guy, right here. You know him, right?

Serizawa.

Hm?

Oh, my. You're quite a large man yourself.

So you're the commander, Kondo Isami?

I've heard the rumors.

I'm honored.

Still... this is just what I'd expect from you, Serizawa.

It must be nice to have such deep pockets.

[chuckling]

Nah, I ain't got any money.

[Hijikata] What?

Not a penny.

What?

None.

[chuckling] What are you saying?

Oh!

Hey, what? What?

What's wrong?

This pouch... It had all of our money in it.

There was something in there.

You son of a bitch! You played us for fools!

Want a piece of me? huh?

That just means you're a moron.

[Hijikata] Hey!

You've got a hell of a lot of nerve. You bastard!

You want a piece of me, asshole?

[claps]

[laughing]

Knock it off. That's enough.

You all had your fun, didn't you?

Can't really complain now.

Right, Serizawa?

Nah, I don't think they have to stop.

Flowers, women, and booze are fine,

but isn't something missing?

After all, the one thing

that really gets a man's blood pumping...

is good old-fashioned violence. Ain't that right?

Kamo, you're a real piece of work, you know that?

How about you and me have a go?

Mm...

No, you don't do it for me.

[snorts]

Right...

[coughs]

I'll take you on instead, Kondo.

For now, let's just call it a night.

What the hell? Talk about an anticlimax.

Kondo Isami of the Tennen Rishin style,

turning tail and running. I guess it's nothing

but a farmer's hick sword style in the end.

Cut the crap!

Right. And I hear your Shieikan dojo

is a cesspit full of insolent thugs.

No wonder it stinks.

[Hijikata] You son of a bitch!

[Okita] Insult Kondo again and I'll...

Cut you down.

[Serizawa] Huh?

Yeah? You gonna try and cut me down? Can you do that?

I don't know the meaning of holding back.

It's fine.

I'm not very good at that myself.

[chuckles] I like this kid. You got guts.

You drew your blade. This is a duel to the death.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

Oume, you just wait right there.

Ooh...!

If that's the best you can do, you're a dead man.

[laughs]

Don't you underestimate me, boy.

I've never seen Soji look like that.

Ah...

Those eyes... I see. I see now.

You are on this side too...

Bring it on!

Awesome.

I like it.

[chuckling]

Man, it's hot.

This place is way too cramped.

[sighs]

It's nice out here.

Flowers and violence.

Okay, okay. I like it.

Yeah, this is a rush.

You're still so green.

Don't push yourself... your head's spinning, right?

Serizawa! You are a coward, you bastard!

Fine by me.

There's no honor or cowardice in violence.

The cherry blossoms... they're falling.

Hm...

Finally took the bait, huh?

Pull back and you'll lose a finger.

Soji...

lost.

As for his life...

Consider it a debt to me.

No.

We're even. I had my fun.

Now there's a man.

[sighing] Damn, what a buzzkill. Sobered me right up.

[Todo] Boss's hand!

Okita!

Kondo.

I'm sorry.

Next time...

No...

I swear... I'll never lose to anyone again.

[Kondo] That's enough, Soji. You're all right.

[sighs]

[Okita sobbing]

You're okay now.

[♪♪♪]

[Hijikata] How's Soji?

He's calmed down.

His head injury wasn't anything serious.

Good.

"There's no honor or cowardice in violence," huh?

That's Serizawa for you.

I've said similar things myself.

But... Serizawa and I are different.

That man knows what a real battle is.

A man like that... he's most terrifying.

Before I knew it, my hands were shaking.

And yet...

I'm dying to fight him.

Stupid, isn't it?

Especially with what Soji just went through.

You're an idiot, all right.

But...

I'm excited to see what you'll become.

One who knows oneself grows strong.

So does one who has known defeat.

[♪♪♪]

[chuckles softly]

Knowing defeat, huh?

I don't wanna lose.

[Nagakura] In those days,

the heart of Japan was the capital, Kyo.

[sighs]

[exclaims]

[groans]

Samurai confident in their skill

flocked to the city to test their mettle.

[dog barking]

[blood gushing]

Among them was a man once called a friend.

You bastard! You're a manslayer!

[yells fiercely]

[gurgles, gasps]

DIVINE RETRIBUTION

[♪♪♪]

Before we knew it,

we were swept into a whirlwind of upheaval.

[♪♪♪]

[grunting]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[Yoshiaki Dewa's "Chiruran Shinsengumi Requiem" playing]