All language subtitles for Shadow Hunters (1972) EN

Toho Co., Ltd.

Ishihara Production.

“Shadow”.

Shadow Hunters.

Official Notice The entire area from here
to the headwaters of the lzushi river

is strictly off-limits to all persons.
By Order of the County Magistrate.

Directed by: Masuda Toshio

...once again
they run.

Chief! We
found it!

Open it.

Open it.
Yes sir.

No doubt about it, it's gold.

No doubt about it, it's gold.
As we suspected.

The rumors that the lzushi clan is digging
for gold in the mountains are well-founded.

When the Chief Elder hears about
this, at the very least...

...he'll force them to switch fiefs. And if we
find more problems, the clan will be abolished.

Those bumpkin samurai have
done all this for nothing.

Chief! Lzushi samurai
are headed this way!

What?

Those mountain monkeys!

Listen. It's our duty to report our discovery to
the Chief Elder, even at the cost of our lives.

It's 150-ri (366 miles) to Edo.
Don't blow it!

Sir!

We'll each carry some
of the proof.

Yes sir.

When we leave lzushi territory,
we'll split into three groups.

We'll meet at the Yakuno Inn in
Fukuchi. Be there at dusk.

Let's go!

Hey. You're
late.

What do you mean, samurai? We're just
simple pilgrims. What do you want?

You guys are government spies, the
so-called “Shadows, “ aren't you?

How did you know?! Who
are you?! Name yourself!

I make my living hunting shadows.
They call me “Moonlight?

What?

Here...

Hey...

You guys were faster
than my horse!

That looks good.

That looks good.
What?! Who are you?

Man, I'm starving!

What rock did you crawl out from under?

What rock did you crawl out from under? I'm
a Shadow Hunter. They call me “Sunlight?

What?!

You can finish your dinner
in Hell. Say your prayers!

Come on in, Sir! Welcome!
Thanks for coming in.

Boss. Some urgent
news!

What's the panic?

What's the panic?
Koroku's team has been wiped out!

Koroku's team has been wiped out!

Junai's team as well!
Koroku's team has been wiped out!

Ridiculous! I'm not known
for my sense of humor!

No, there is no mistake.

No, there is no mistake. We saw the
lzushi samurai hauling off their corpses.

Boss... What should we do?

Boss... What should we do?
We'll retreat for now. Get ready!

Hurry up!

Hurry up!
Move!

Move!

You're in our way, get out!
Move!

You're in our way, get out!

You're in our way, get out!
You have to pay your bill!

You have to pay your bill!

We'll pay it, just shut up!
You have to pay your bill!

Go, go!

Go, go!
Jackass, keep it down!

Jackass, keep it down!

What a ruckus. Quiet down.
Jackass, keep it down!

You've been living it up all day, but I let
it slide, as a courtesy to tired travelers.

But now you've become inconsiderately loud.
What's the story? Enough is enough.

What did you say?!

I didn't realize we had a neighbor.
My apologies.

We're in a hurry. Please
excuse the noise.

Wait.

Is that all you've got to say?

What do you mean? Ls my
apology not enough?

Bastard. Are
you...

Your deduction is correct. I'm
Jubei, the Shadow Hunter.

As the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate waned,
it came under increasing financial pressure.

The Shogunate government stopped at nothing to
maintain its power, and the dirtiest of its tricks...

Daimyo: a feudal lord, ruler of a province... was to seize
and absorb the properties and wealth of the Daimyo.

The Shogunate recruited a legion of spies
and ninja and used them to find...

...any misdeeds by the Daimyo that could be
used as a pretext for seizing their wealth.

People called these spies and ninja
“Shadows, “ and greatly feared them.

The Daimyo had only one defense against the
oppressive surveillance of these Shadows...

...which was to first identify, and
then annihilate them...

...and thus, silence them before they
could betray the Daimyo's secrets.

And now, into this landscape,
ride three ronin.

One was named Muroto Jubei, and the other two
called themselves “Sunlight“ and “Moonlight?

Hired by the Daimyo, they were hunters,
sent out to battle the Shadows.

And always, they followed their noses,
drawn by the scent of blood.

Izushi Castle, Taiima province.

They're here.

Where is Makino, the chamberlain
of this province?

I'm Makino Zusho, the
castle chamberlain.

Get off your horses! How dare you speak
to my master from the saddle!

Kosaka! Be silent.

Kosaka! Be silent.
But...

But...

Silence!
But...

My apologies for his
bad manners.

So you are the Shadow Hunters?

I'm Jubei. They are “Sunlight“
and “Moonlight?

Be welcome. Only this morning, our
checkpoint in the mountains was attacked.

We have been awaiting
your arrival.

We are aware of the attack.

Then why are you
arriving so late?

When you heard about the attack,
you should have rushed here!

You're ignorant of the way of the warrior!
You stray dogs aren't fit for this task!

What? What's
this?

Chamberlain... I believe
these are yours.

Sunlight, you too.

Do I have to?
Oh all right...

Shit, and me hoping I was getting
a perk this time. Here!

These are ours. How
did you get them?

We started working as soon as we
heard about the commission.

We were greeted by Shadows before
we got here. It happens all the time.

That's why we were late. Please
forgive us for being tardy.

Kosaka... You accused them
of being insolent.

But when they were addressed, they
had their feet out of the stirrups.

They are very familiar with the way of
the warrior; that's rare, nowadays.

Forget about it. We're stray dogs, and used
to being treated as such. So, lead the way...

Dammit, they're making us wait so long. This
is why it's tough to get along with officials.

Be patient. It's
part of the job.

These are the Shadow Hunters. They have
come in response to our appeal.

Wait.

Wait.
What's the matter?

The presence of uncouth ronin such as
we is an offense to a noble young lord.

A mere glance at us is far more
recognition that we deserve.

You need not concern
yourself so.

Are you the one called Jubei?

Yes.

Yes. I hear you are called
“Sunlight“ and “Moonlight?

I am gladdened by your presence here,
at this time of crisis for our clan.

We're honored.

We're honored. Jubei, the chamberlain
thinks you're our only hope.

Please endeavor to save our
six-hundred retainers.

We are at your service.

Lord?

Man, these formalities
always drive me nuts.

What's this?

I will be serving you during your stay.
Your wish will be my command.

Yeah!

Yeah!
Fine...

But we won't be requiring
your services.

Hey Moonlight, lighten up. It's rude to
stop people from doing their jobs.

Well, miss. How about we start
with a little massage?

Enough, Sunlight.
Control yourself.

Strong...

You're good. Do you
do this a lot?

Yes. I give my father massages
all the time.

Really? How outrageous
of your dad.

Making you massage his wrinkled
body with those pretty hands!

In contrast, you should
see my body.

How about you go
to work on it, eh?

Please stop joking. How am I supposed
to give you your massage?

Okay then. How about we switch
roles? Don't be shy, now...

I'll have you know, I'm especially
nice to the ladies.

Without further delay, we will now
pay you the promised sum.

We're a small clan, located
deep in the mountains.

Please accept our apologies for the
poor quality of our hospitality.

You are too kind. We ronin are
unworthy of such formality.

Hey, Chamberlain, she sure was a fine surprise. I
was getting sick of being around guys all the time.

You shouldn't have!

I am glad you are pleased.

Koyuki. Serve
them well.

Yes, I shall, father.

Father? You mean to
say you're... um...

She's my daughter, Koyuki.
A most rebellious child.

Yes sir.

Yes sir.
Let me continue your massage.

Let me continue your massage.

Nah, I'm all better now. H... hey. Jubei...
Let me continue your massage.

Chamberlain. You allow family
members in your castle?

My wife died long ago. Since then I have
been a single father to an only child.

I thought it would be better for her to tend
to castle duties, rather than stay home.

Ah, yes. Our young lord has
taken a shine to you, Jubei.

Why, he told me, “I know
we can count on him!“

I suspect that you were once
a nobleman of some renown.

Sorry to disappoint you, but
I'm just a wandering ronin.

I choose to forget my past,
if you don't mind.

My apologies for prying.

Now then. What is
the next move?

Please advise me.

Shadow-hunting cannot
be planned.

It's foolish to hope
they won't come.

So all we can do is wait.

Edo Castle.

Chief Elder.

Jinba Senjuro, leader of the third Iga
Ninja group, reporting as ordered.

Very good.
So tell me.

Regarding the case of the
lzushi clan in Tajima...

How is the investigation going?

How is the investigation going?
Sir.

It is now clear that the lzushi
clan has struck gold.

Here is the proof.

So you've found it?

I would have brought
five or six more.

But the Shadow Hunters
showed up.

The Shadow Hunters?

Curses!

Actually...

...that sample comes from
a top secret source.

To ensure that our agent's cover
would remain intact...

...we staged a diversion to conceal
the true source of the sample.

Those Shadow Hunters...

Those obnoxious bastards who dare to oppose
the authority of the Shogunate...!

Have you determined
their identities?

We have made some inquiries.

Their leader is Muroto Jubei.

The one named “Sunlight“ is Inui Tadanoshi,
and “Moonlight“ is Kusaba Denosuke.

Shadow operations destroyed their clans. Thus,
we believe they are motivated by revenge.

Investigate their backgrounds
more deeply.

Perhaps we'll uncover
their weaknesses.

As for the lzushi clan...

...their efforts have
been wasted.

For a small fief of 58,000
koku to dig for gold...

...must have meant many sacrifices
and much hardship.

The fief is located deep
in the mountains.

For the past several years...

...everyone, even the leaders, have had to
subsist on a diet of millet and beans.

Gold like this is wasted on those
mountain monkeys...

...especially when the Shogunate
is in such dire straits.

So, shall we move against the
lzushi clan without delay?

We shall force them
to switch fiefs.

Ideally, I would want them crushed,
but there's a problem.

This just came to my attention.

Many years ago, at a battle in
Osaka, an ancestor of...

...the current chamberlain, Makino Yukie,
was recognised for outstanding valor.

The lzushi clan received a special
dispensation, for multiple generations...

...and their fief was granted to them in perpetuity
under the seal of Shogun Ieyasu himself.

I had not heard of this.

Of course, if the existence of the
grant were public knowledge...

...we would have found an opportunity, some-
time in the last 150 years, to destroy it.

But the chamberlains of the lzushi clan
have been wise, and cautious.

Having managed to safeguard the document,
they will use it as a last resort.

That does present a problem. The
Shogun's seal is sacrosanct.

If they were to produce that document,
we would be utterly powerless.

However, I must have that gold.

We must use extreme tactics.

The document must never
see the light of day.

Understand?

Izushi fief, Edo residence.

Were counting on you.

A few days later, couriers from the Edo residence
of the lzushi fief raced towards home.

Good grief. We watch
the fief by day...

...and the castle by night.
I'm getting worn out.

Express couriers.

Express couriers.
Something must've happened in Edo.

Something must've happened in Edo.

We'd better get back.
Something must've happened in Edo.

Stop.

Stop.
What is it?

What is it?

You don't look familiar. What
brings you to town? What is it?

I...

I...
Shoji.

She might be mixed up with the Shadow Hunters.
She was paying close attention to them.

Don't bring her to the administrative
office. Bring her to the usual place.

After I'm done hearing what the couriers have
to say, I'll question her myself. Understood?

Yes sir.

Five days ago, Nitta, the chief retainer of
our Edo residence, was summoned...

...by the Chief Elder and
given this command.

Change fiefs?
How unjust!

I suspect that the
Chief Elder...

...got hold of some
of the gold.

But that's impossible.

Our gold is for emergencies only.
Not one bar should be missing.

Then why would they want to take
control of this impoverished land?

Lord Makino, what shall we do?

We've worked hard for our gold mines.
And now we must leave them behind.

If we were to refuse a change of fief,
we would need a convincing reason.

We have such a reason.

What kind of reason
do you speak of?

We can refuse. We have
reason for refusal.

This is Shogun Ieyasu's seal on a guarantee,
in perpetuity, of our right to this fief.

I see.

With that, they could neither crush
the fief, nor make the clan leave it.

Why didn't you just whip that out sooner?
There'd be no need for Shadow-hunting.

You're a happy simpleton.

You're a happy simpleton.
Say what?!

Say What?!

This kind of thing is a double-edged sword.
Say what?!

At first, the Shogunate will fear you will use it.
Then they will decide it needs to be destroyed.

My thoughts exactly.

And the problem is, that document
must be presented in Edo.

Will you guard the carrier
of the document?

It's 150-ri to Edo. That's
a heck of a long haul.

Inspector-General Kosaka Kurando
is to carry the document.

The Inspector-General“?

The Inspector-General“?
That guy?

Hey Jubei, I'm outta here. That
smug bastard pisses me off.

Though you do not get
along with him...

...he's the finest swordsman
in our clan.

I acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
But our lives are also at stake.

Please give us this one
night to decide.

I am old and frail. Our lord is but a boy. You
are the only ones who can help. I beseech you.

I remember. When I
was young...

"about to become a chamberlain,
like my father before me...

But... after what happened... my
father committed suicide...

wand I, with my own hands...

What a travesty. The government laid its hungry
eyes on the abundant prosperity of our fief.

They used Shadows to plant evidence to
be uncovered. My clan was abolished.

As for our lord and his heir...

Farewell, Chitose.

Chitose. She was the daughter of a chief
retainer; he was my father's peer.

She and I vowed to each other that
someday we'd get married.

Jubei.

Yes?

Jubei. It is farewell forever.
Let me see your face.

Jubei. You have taken good care of me,
for a long time. I shall never forget it.

Hurry up!
Hurry up!

Damn the accursed government
and its officials.

Jubei. If you are the one acting as my
second, then I will not be afraid.

I will not be afraid.

Young Lord. There is nothing
to fear. I, Jubei...

...will guide
you.

Like this, Jubei?
ls this how?

What's up, Jubei?
Not feeling well?

You look pale.

No. It's nothing.

Good. Anyway, what are we
going to tell him tomorrow?

What will you guys do?

Count me out. I want nothing to
do with that Inspector bastard.

But I've got a soft spot
for the Chamberlain.

If only my clan had had a
Chamberlain like him...

...Maybe we wouldn't have wound up like
this. Jubei, what was your clan like?

What's the matter, Jubei?

I'm taking on the job. I can't speak
for you guys; it's your decision.

Hey, Shadow Hunter! Why didn't you
kill them?! Scared, were you?

Don't bother. Can't you see they've
burned off their faces?

It's too bad.

It's too bad.
What?

You should've let Jubei handle it.
It's stupid to kill Shadow scouts.

Scouts? What do you
mean, “scouts?“

Don't you know anything?

Shadows always send in scouts to
retrieve grass and intelligence.

“Grass?

“Grass?“
Don't you know about grass either?

Government Ninja spies have been embedded
at strategic locations for generations.

They live among you, as loyal
samurai, get married...

...and pass their spy heritage
on to their children.

Are you saying that there is a government
spy in the lzushi clan?

Of course. Somebody in this castle,
someone here tonight.

That's enough. The scouts
are dead; it's too late now.

They're coming.
Here they are!

Dismount. We must discuss
our route before we depart.

Did you hear me?

We have nothing to discuss.

What?

What? It's 150-ri to Edo. You get going,
and we'll see how fast you can get there.

We'll be watching. If anybody acts suspicious,
or steps out of line, we'll kill him.

That's all we have to say. We'll
head out first. Good luck...

Sir Jubei.

I have followed you everywhere.
I just had to see you.

And now, finally, here you are. Please
dismount. Please dismount!

Please, wait!

Miss. What is your connection to Jubei?
Are you his woman? Or are you...

What a revolting suggestion.
Jubei is my enemy.

Jubei is your enemy?
How interesting.

I beseech you.

I beseech you.
What is it?

I see that you are about to
depart with Muroto Jubei.

Please take me with you.

Please take me with you.
I cannot do that.

Time is of the essence; we
can't take a woman along.

I won't be a burden to you.

No. It's too treacherous for
a woman. However...

This is our route. It's not exact,
but we'll stay close to it.

What about them?

If you can catch up with us, we'll
listen to what you've got to say.

Man, she was a looker! She
had class, and taste.

And yet, you rejected her.

Jubei, you're an idiot. In the dictionary,
next to “moron, “ there's a woodcut of you.

It's a sin to spurn
such a beauty!

Shut up.

Jubei.

“Father!”

“Muroto Naizen and I failed to thwart the
Shadows; we will atone by taking our own lives.”

“You too, along with your betrothed, Muroto
Jubei, must valiantly join us in the void."

“Do you understand?
Die valiantly!"

Jubei. Why didn't
you die with me?

Jubei...

Day one, day two, day three...
leaving no trace of passing...

...the party took a meandering
route towards Edo.

What a hot day. Boss,
we've found them.

Really?

Really? After sleeping rough the last three
days, tonight they're staying at an inn.

It is as I expected.
Prepare our men.

They will be ready
by this evening.

We can stay only until
around midnight.

Get ready quickly.

I just want to stretch out.

Get me some hot sake.

Hey, you guys made it!
Have you just arrived?

You're all here.
Good.

How did you bastards know
we were coming here?

Never mind. The Shadows
will be here soon.

Man I'm stuffed.
I'm in heaven.

Jubei. Think they're
coming?

Should be. Anytime
now.

Their route is stupid. Too many roundabouts,
it's wasting time, and people are noticing.

They think it'll throw their pursuers off
the scent. What a bunch of clowns.

That's why we're baby-
sitting them.

They're good for business.

Good evening. Shall
I take the trays now?

Yeah... you can take them.

Yeah... you can take them.
Yes.

Hey, I'll give you a hand.

Hey, I'll give you a hand.
Thank you.

Thank you.

So... do you live here?
Thank you.

Yes. I'm a distant relative.

Yes. I'm a distant relative.
I see. So, where's your husband?

Don't tell me you're
not married.

He died in the epidemic,
almost a year ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Life's been tough, huh? You can't take
all these by yourself. I'll help you.

But you shouldn't...

But you shouldn't... Come on, leave
it to me. Jubei, be right back.

Are you all right?

He's about to pop a vein.

I'll take a look around
the house.

I'll keep watch from outside.

So, please tell me. Who was this
girl that looked just like me?

She wasn't particularly impressive,
but she sure was cute.

I was in charge of food; she was the kitchen-
maid. I was so innocent in those days.

We were in love, but we
didn't even hold hands.

And?

And?
What a waste.

I proposed and got her
parent's blessing.

But three days before our wedding,
an incident occurred.

What happened?

What happened? Our Daimyo got food poisoning.
My fiancé was accused of being the poisoner.

How terrible.

How terrible. It's ridiculous. Why would a
lowly kitchen maid do something like that?

It was government spies.
We call them Shadows.

Thanks to them, the Daimyo died, his clan was
crushed, and we were all reduced to beggary.

What happened to the girl?

Who knows? Some say she died in prison.
Others that she got sold into prostitution.

Poor girl.

That's why when I meet a girl who reminds
me of her, I just can't stand it.

You really look like
her. Your lips...

...those eyes... what
a dead ringer!

Can you understand how I feel?

You understand, right?

I understand. I too
am a woman.

I'm just happy you
view me that way.

Yeah. I understand.

Don't...
don't...

Alert! Alert!

What's going on?

What's going on?
I can't find my sword!

Get up. Get up now!

Get up. Get up now!
Me either!

Where's my sword?

You guys are useless.
Get out of here!

This guy... was a Shadow
of great skill.

They're sending their
best against us.

Open the door.

Open the door!

It doesn't open, Jubei!
What should I do?

Open up!

Hand over the document.
Now!

No! You
mustn't!

It's you!

Looks like we've fooled
the Ninjas.

These upper crust mansions are
like castles, chock full of tricks.

Of course, they never
tell you about them.

You guys are pretty good.

Inspector General,
hurry! Hurry!

What's going on around here?

He was the government spy!

All right. Gotcha.
Hurry, hurry!

Wait. There's a woman down there. She's
my girl, so don't you lay a finger on her!

Not bad!

Who's next?

Where's the Inspector General?

Down there. Wait a second. He'd better
not be trying to seduce her!

Good work last night.
We're leaving now.

Go ahead.

Go ahead.
We could accompany you.

We could accompany you.

Don't bother.
We could accompany you.

Don't bother.

Don't bother.
I understand. We'll go by ourselves.

Oh, Sunlight...

Oh, Sunlight...
What, me?

As a token of gratitude, I left a rare gift
in the room; something I found this morning.

A gift? Wow, I never
get gifts.

It's not for you.
It's for Jubei.

What the heck was
that all about?

Chitose.

Chitose.
Please die.

Please die with me!

Enough.
Stop!

Jubei. Ls your life so precious that
you'll do anything to preserve it?

Life? My
life...

I've never given it any thought.

Hey...

It's the woman, that woman! That's
what he meant by the “rare gift.“

I hope not. When it comes to women,
Jubei's “sword“ isn't up to the task.

Yeah. You have a point. But I wonder,
is his sword really that blunt?

That's what I hear. A man's
body eventually fails him.

Being letdown by your own sword... It gives
me the willies just thinking about it.

Your sword's already letting you down;
you pull it out too often.

Sometimes your body just won't do what
you tell it to. Life is so hard sometimes.

We live in an age of
broken swords.

I see. So that was your
father's last request...

For you to die with me.

I left his body, and went
straight to your house.

You weren't there.

After I seconded our young lord,
I didn't return to my home.

I heard about my father's death
only later, from others.

I have been looking for
you. All these years!

I've endured much hardship,
as a woman traveling alone.

I have become a traveling
minstrel...

...and my body has
been desecrated.

Only one thing sustained me... the
hope that we could die together.

...that I could die together
with Jubei.

But what will our deaths
accomplish?

Our mutual death is
all we have left.

My father and your father were mere
pawns in the game of power.

They lost their fief, and then their lives.
I won't say that they were foolish.

But... I don't have much respect
for them, either.

That's because... they let everything
fall into the hands of the enemy.

But they died valiantly, as warriors
should. That's the samurai way.

But not mine.

I cannot just die, and let
them have their way.

Until my last breath,
I will kill them.

I don't know how much
longer I will endure.

I don't know whether
I will have any effect.

But... I will live for
that purpose.

What do you think that
will accomplish?

Will it do anything to cleanse
the stain on your honor?

The stain on my honor...

I didn't follow my master's death
and now I hunt Shadows.

I have to admit that makes
for quite a stain. But...

Every shadow I kill, the more I feel
there's a meaning to my life.

So you will not grant
me my wish?

Is it because I have
been defiled?

I care not for mere appearances.

We are both defiled; you in body,
and I as a Shadow Hunter.

I won't tell you that you should keep on living.
One day, seize your chance, and kill me.

Kill me... then die.

From Ise to Mikawa, they raced eastwards
on the great Tokaido highway.

Meanwhile, the Shadows, who had
suffered an agonizing defeat...

...were conspicuously
absent... for now.

Do you think the lzushi party
will come this way?

Do you doubt me?

Do you doubt me? If they go to Suruga on the
Tokaido, their next stop should be Hakone.

So why would they go the long way
on the Koshu route?

Don't worry, they'll come.

I don't care how good those Shadow Hunters are,
they're no match for ol' Ikkaku's scythe and chain.

They're coming!

Hurry! Hold out until the next station.
I'll hire horses for you there.

Lord Kosaka.

Lord Kosaka.
What?

Don't you think it's odd that all the
stations off the Tokaido were out of horses?

It's a Shadow ploy. That's why we're
taking the Koshu route instead.

It's just as the boss said.

Shadow Hunters!

This is too lame for words! Why
must they take the long way?

They're like stubborn children.

We know their route. We
have to out ride them.

Leaving the Tokaido, the party followed
the Fuji river into Koshu.

From there they took the Koshu
route, and headed towards Edo.

Musashi province: Kobotoke Pass.

Looks like we went
the wrong way.

But we followed the guide posts.

What if the posts were tricks? Doesn't
matter. Sunlight, take a look around.

All right, will do.

Easy, boy.

Okay...

Anybody around?

Anyone here?

Let's go.

Whoa there!

Whoa there!
What did you find?

What did you find?

It's bad. Where's Moonlight?
What did you find?

He went to check on the party.
He'll be right back.

That farm house up there... the
whole family's been killed!

You said the place was deserted.
So who are they?

That's impossible. There was
no one there a minute ago.

Were you dreaming or something?

Welcome. I am the elder.
Have you lost your way?

If our humble house will do, you
are welcome to spend the night.

We would appreciate it. We lost
our way in the mountains.

I am glad we found you.

Maybe you've lost your marbles.

Maybe so. I'm not so sure
of myself anymore.

We've never been sure of you...

Please be welcome in
our humble abode.

I guess this place will do. Yeah,
it's not all that bad...

Let me wash those for you...

Wow, you're pretty.

Meet me later tonight, after you've done
all your work... Okay? Huh? Huh?

Murasaki.

Tend the fire tonight. Make sure
the hot water does not run out.

Yes sir.

So how do you like the house
of the living dead?

They told me that their ancestors were
members of the tragic Heike clan.

So it's no surprise that
you saw ghosts.

You're getting on my
nerves. So what?

Well, thanks to your hallucinations,
we don't have to camp outdoors.

Aw, shut up. This is bullshit.
Jubei, I'm going out.

Be careful. Mountain women
can be fearsome.

All right.

It's getting cold. I'm going
to sit by the fire.

Very well.

I put some water in here, because
their food was very salty.

Better safe than sorry.

It's been a while since we
last slept in a proper bed.

I can't wait to drink
sake in Edo.

I will leave the hot water here. Please
let me know when it runs out.

Thanks. You've been thoroughly
accommodating.

For those not used to our mountain
climate, it must be chilly.

Indeed, but I'm feeling depressed tonight.
The fire gives me comfort.

Is that so?

You must think of me
as a weak samurai.

Oh not at all. But why
are you sad?

Three years ago today, my wife
and child were murdered.

How cruel.

Indeed. I saw their agonized bodies. I can
still see them, as if it just happened.

But... why“;

It was my fault. I sheltered a
comrade who was a fugitive.

I believed him when he said
he had gotten in a fight.

But he was a spy for
the government.

He was a secret Ninja;
what we call a 'Grass.'

After I left to get him money for the road,
they surrounded the house and set it ablaze.

That spy betrayed my wife, who was
sick in bed, and my small child.

He got away.

So your wife and child...

They were found embracing
each other.

I had to run. I couldn't even
give them a decent burial.

Within six months, our
fief had been crushed.

Sir samurai. Perhaps
I can satisfy you.

Let me comfort you.

Do with me as you please.

I guess I babbled too much.
Forget what I said.

Somethings wrong with me tonight.
You reminded me of my dead wife.

Sir... How about
some tea?

No, thanks. I've got some
clean spring water.

Your skin's so pretty.
It draws me in.

Such beautiful large breasts,
too. Oh! You're irresistible!

All right. Here
I go!

Man, that's good. Water
tastes sweeter after sex!

Hey. Hey, come and drink
some water with me.

Don't be shy, come on down.

Ku-re-Nai!

Did I go the right way? Hey,
Kurenai! Kurenai, sweetie!

“Kurenai.“ What a name! It means,
“You can't have my heart.“

Jubei. Are you
awake?

Yeah. You
too?

I can't sleep. There's something
fishy about all of this.

I agree.

I agree. The dinner wasn't poisoned.
I examined it carefully.

What do you make of the corpses
Sunlight supposedly saw?

Do you believe him?

Something about what he said... that there
were kids and elderly among the dead.

But among those living here...

...there are no kids and no
elderly folk. Why is that?

Kids...?

Kids...?
Without children, family lineages cease.

Oh. You're up.

Woman. You
tricked me.

What do you want from me?

Speak! You're a Shadow,
aren't you?

So what if I am? Can
you kill a woman?

I can. I can kill women,
and even children.

Don't!

How cruel...

I make a virtue of cruelty.

Come.

Strong tea...

I wonder where the Inspector
General has gotten to...

Hey. What happened
here?

Have you seen the Inspector
General?

I saw him.

...I saw him going up the mountain
all by himself when I got lost.

Damn. Why did
he do that?

What are you talking about?
He was headed up...

...but I had to go the other way.
I was lost all night, you know.

This place is a deathtrap!

Hey, what are we going
to do about them?

H... hey!

There's a ton of corpses under those bushes.
They're the ones I saw. I'm sure of it.

Shut up. Keep your trap shut.

Shut up. Keep your trap shut. I'm sure
they are. But you teased me like...

“He saw Heike ghosts.“ “He's
an airhead.“ Yeah, right.

You guys didn't believe me!

Which way do we go?

I don't have a clue.

I don't have a clue.
This is bad. He's got the document.

This area looks suspicious.
Be extra careful.

This area looks suspicious. Be extra careful.
Yeah, sure. I'm not an idiot, you know!

Woops! The ground feels strange; it might
be a trap. All right, I'm gonna move.

Lets get out of the woods.

Shadow Hunter! I've been waiting
for you. Prepare yourself!

Regrettable. Our
trap has failed.

Recall the rest of our men.

Recall the rest of our men.
Yes Sir!

Here you are, Jubei.

Here you are, Jubei. Inspector General
Kosaka Kurando. So you are the true “grass?

I suspected as much.

I suspected as much. And now that
you know, you must definitely die.

Get him!

Get him!
Sir!

You're good with the sword,
Shadow Hunter.

And yet... I'll bet you
can't dodge a bullet.

Interesting. But you only have one
shot. One of us will get shot.

And then the rest of
us will kill all of you.

Oh? And where are
“the rest of you?“

My, such camaraderie. I guess
you don't want to die alone.

If you don't want to die, flee. Will it be
you? Or is it you who wants to die?

Take your pick.

Take your pick.
You can shoot me. How about that?

Jubei. Please
die.

If you die, I will gladly
join you.

All right. As
you wish.

Damn you!

You've defeated us... but know this...
soon it will be your turn!

Is that all you've got to say?

Heed my words.

Sooner or later, the
government will...

...leave your corpses lying where they
fell, just as you have done to us.

That's right. Your path
can only lead to hell!

Jubei.

Have you no other path in life?

Jubei. I am the daughter
of a samurai.

And I wanted to be
a samurai's wife.

I am content.

I want you to live.

Shadow Hunters... Shadow
Hunters are...

...ruthless
beasts.

We Shadow Hunters are nothing
but ruthless beasts.

Hey. Bury
her.

Why do I have to do it?

Girls are your specialty.
Do it, then follow.

Guess so. All
right, I'll do it.

“Merciful Buddha...
Merciful Buddha...“

Easy boy.

I prayed for her, and gave
her a respectful burial.

I'm obliged. Maybe it'll be me tomorrow.
Do the same for me.

Okay... no
problem.

And what happens if it's you?

To get your reward in Heaven, you
need to do good deeds in this life.

That's why I try to make women happy...
by letting them play with my sword!

The End