Original subtitles

TOEI PRESENTS

THE GREAT KILLING

During the reign of letsuna, the fourth Tokugawa Shogun,

a new land tax was adopted that weighed heavily on farmers' lives.

Famines ensued, and peasant revolts multiplied everywhere in the country.

More than 1,300 persons were condemned.

Then, on April 6th, 1678,

Secretary of State Masatoshi Hotta, suspected of political intrigue,

was summoned to the Shogun's court at Edo Castle.

He was suspected of planning an insurrection

both within and without the castle,

to coincide with the celebrations for the Buddha's birthday on April 8th,

with a view to overthrowing Minister Sakai.

I have just received a list of names from Chief Inspector Hojo.

The disloyal samurai on this list have all been confirmed as conspirators.

I order you to arrest them all.

If they resist, kill them without hesitation.

You'll be punished for negligence if, for whatever reason,

any of them should escape.

I shall now assign you your targets.

First Squadron.

Arrest the traitors resident in Shibaguchi, Azabu, and Aoyama.

In Sakurada, Tosa Nakano, leader of the Inner Guard.

In Akasaka, Danjo Tsuchiya, leader of the Protocol.

In Atago, Kichijuro Kogasahara.

In Akabane, Kuranosuke Ando.

In Azabu, Ichijuro Tsuda.

In Azabu Roppongi, Ichizaemon lida...

PRODUCED BY NORIMICHI MATSUDAIRA SCREENPLAY BY KANEO IKEGAMI

CINEMATOGRAPHY BY OSAMU FURUYA MUSIC BY SEIICHI SUZUKI

COSTUMES BY KEN TOYONAKA FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY BY TOSHIO TANI

STARRING:

KOTARO SATOMI

CHOICHIRO KAWARASAKI, MIKIJIRO HIRA, NAMI MUNAKATA, MINORU OKI

SHIRO OSAKA, HIDEO SUNAZAKA, YOSHIO INABA, KUNIO KAGA, TORU ABE

RINICHI YAMAMOTO, KOSHIRO HARADA, YURIKO MISHIMA

KAYAKO SONO, SHUNJI KASUGA, MASAHIKO NARUSE

KIYOSHI KACHI, MASAO HORI, KENJI KUSUMOTO, HIROSHI KATO

KAZUTARO KUNI, SHINNOSUKE OGATA, HARUE YASUKI

HARUHIKO NISHI, KYOICHI HARA, KENJI EGI, MASATAKA IWAO

SHOTARO KIZUKI, HAJIME NAGOYA, REIICHI HATANAKA, KUNIJIRO YANAGI

RYUTARO OTOMO

DIRECTED BY EIICHI KUDO

- Shall I wash you? - Yes, please.

There's nothing like a hot bath when I'm off-duty.

Familiarity's a frightening thing, though.

You barely dared to touch me only three months ago.

You're good at it now.

Heishiro! Heishiro!

Nakajima!

- Where's Jinbo? - I'll fetch him now.

Darling! Darling!

Who is it?

- Heishiro! - Nakajima... what's going on?

I'm sorry!

- What is it? - I'm sorry, I'll explain later.

Can you let me hide here until sundown?

Please. Please!

Please...

- Go watch the front gate. - Yes.

- Out of the way. Move! - Darling!

Darling! Darling!

Come on!

Darling!

- What do you think you're doing? - Move aside!

Tell me what this is about.

Geki Nakajima, surrender yourself!

Jinbo, help me! They're going to kill me!

Out of the way!

You insolent... How dare you resist?

- Kill him! - Wait! Sheathe your swords.

He must be an accomplice. Get him!

Don't let him escape!

Come here, you traitor!

Settle down!

Walk now.

Right, bring him in.

Darling!

Darling!

Darling...

Kayo!

It's time. Are you ready?

Attack and vanish.

Go.

What is it? Seeking shelter?

Come inside if you like. This is my house.

I don't know what's going on, but let's not stay here.

Let those fools work out in the rain.

Come in before you catch your death.

What a deluge!

Eh? You're not bored of that yet?

Come on in.

Come on in. Make yourself at home.

Get up! Get him a dry kimono.

Let's have a drink for the time being. Here.

You look like a ghost.

Good, good. One more.

And another.

You bastard!

Get up!

How many got away?

Some weren't home and others proved to be a handful. I'll make sure it...

Shut up, you imbecile!

Your orders were to arrest them all.

Keep your excuses to yourself.

Listen carefully. You must execute my orders.

That's your duty.

I'm sorry, Inspector.

I'll say this just once more.

- Arrest all the traitors, whatever it takes. - Understood, sir.

Bring in Jihei Koide, the traitor sergeant.

Sit down.

He's a leading figure in the conspiracy, but he won't confess.

He probably knows who the ringleader is.

What say you?

You have no escape. Better to confess.

And we'll be lenient if you can act like a true samurai.

If not, the pain will certainly make you talk!

Well?

We know that you're in command of several groups.

One of your men talked.

- Bring him here. - Yes, sir.

I have some questions while we wait.

You are Jihei Koide, a sergeant stationed at the castle, 48 years old.

Correct?

You salary is 300 rice bushels, and you reside at 1 Honjo Street.

Son of Kyuzo, who died in 1657, and of Etsu, who died in 1659.

Husband of Sato, 39 years old.

You have two sons and one daughter: Harunosuke, 18, Shujiro, 13, and Shino, 7.

Is that right?

You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

But there's such a thing as mistaken identity.

Jihei Koide...

Five feet, five inches. Dark complexion. Ordinary features.

Poor hearing in the right ear. A mole on the right side of the chest.

A 4.5 inch scar from a sword wound below the left shoulder.

How many times do I have to tell you?

This neighborhood is infested with the inspector's dogs.

Step one foot outside, and they'll cut you down before you know it.

You should spend the night here if you value your life.

It's for your own good.

You're not even armed.

I was dismissed for hedonism.

I pawned all I had in order to survive.

Now I scrape by, by letting them use this place as a gambling den.

Oh, this?

This is the one thing I couldn't pawn.

It's a family heirloom.

It's hara-kiri for me if I sell this.

By the way, you didn't tell me your name.

Even a fake name will do. It's hard to talk without a name.

Me, I'm Matanoshin Asari.

Pardon my rudeness.

I am Heishiro Jinbo, Edo Castle guard...

Whoa, there! Leave it at that.

Or next, I'll want to ask what you've done.

I haven't done anything.

I don't know what's going on.

- It's all a mistake. - Enough.

As I said, it's not my business to know the rest.

Get some sleep.

Those servants of mine will bring some miso soup and rice in the morning.

Grand achievements are all well and good, but think about it...

When it comes to getting ahead in life,

bribery is faster than actually doing something these days.

Then, when you get promoted, you can take bribes, too.

You're busy giving and receiving them, but that's where the profits lie.

Loyalty...

It's a pretty word, but who is it we're being loyal to today?

A tyrant like Minister Sakai?

If the Shogun had an ounce of common sense, it wouldn't be this way.

I won't serve a fool like that.

It's just not worth it.

"For the good of society, for the good of others..."

The saddest thing of all is that I don't give a damn about any of that.

I manage very well on my own to make a living and enjoy myself,

and I don't bother anyone.

So, I don't want to be bothered either.

If everybody lived their lives without bothering anyone or being bothered,

it would be perfect, wouldn't it?

Nothing stops you from being zealous...

...but you should think it over beforehand.

April 7th.

Minister Sakai's residence, outside the gates of Edo Castle.

A visitor from the shogunate calls.

Save the formalities.

How did you fare yesterday?

We arrested 72 conspirators. They're now being questioned.

Ten or so are still missing. But not for long.

I don't care about the lower ranks.

I want to hear about Secretary of State Hotta.

He still refuses to confess.

We're facing a well-organized group.

Only the top men know who the mastermind is,

but they're committing suicide to keep silent.

We're not getting anywhere.

A secretary of state serves his minister,

who is a high-ranking member of the government.

If we accuse him without evidence, it could harm my reputation.

The timing's atrocious as well.

There are many religious ceremonies in April,

and Secretary Hotta is the Officer for Religious Affairs.

The ceremonies won't take place if he has to spend his time in court.

Unless he confesses right now.

But we can't wait much longer.

Time is of the essence.

Hotta is Secretary of State, and I'm the Chief Inspector.

Even if my work is done behind the scenes, we are of equal rank.

I won't relax my attention on a man suspected of treachery.

Do you have a plan?

The mastermind of the plot remains hidden behind Hotta and the other leaders.

He's the one we must fear.

We must find him.

We won't rest until he's brought to justice.

I agree. And I approve of Hotta's questioning.

But hurry.

Everything must be settled by the evening of April 11th.

Yes, sir. So, I have five days left.

You'd do well to remember that your career will also suffer should you fail.

Don't worry, sir.

I am sure of my ability to serve a great minister like you.

My lord, Chancellor Kofu is here to see you.

Lord Kofu?

Very well. I'll come now.

As agreed, here is the written oath.

If you can assure us of your full participation at the next succession

to have Chancellor Kofu's son elected as Shogun,

you shall have full control of the government in return.

Everything is written there.

Lord Kofu, I promise that I will do all I can

to ensure the succession council convenes as soon as possible.

- I'm counting on you. - Well...

Your son will make a fine fifth Shogun.

I'm already thrilled about it.

All that's left to do now is wait.

Jinbo!

Who are you?

I'm a friend of Geki Nakajima.

I've been looking for you since nightfall.

Nakajima?

No, I want no involvement in your affairs.

Leave me alone

- Jinbo! - Leave me be!

- Jinbo! - Enough! You won't change my mind.

- Jinbo... - Let me go!

I must check on my wife's injuries,

then hand myself in to clear her name, or I'll never forgive myself.

I can show you how safe your wife is.

What do you mean?

Come with me.

Look over there.

Jinbo, listen to me!

Let go of me! Let go!

Jinbo!

Jinbo! Listen to me!

Are you going to run to your death to avenge her?

Will killing a few inspectors satisfy you?

Shut up!

Would you have me leave my wife's body out on the street?

Let go of me!

Yes, you must leave her there. She's gone now.

What?

It's your fault that this happened in the first place.

I don't care if you're a woman, if you try to stop me again...

...I'll kill you.

Kill me if you wish. But it'd be a selfish crime.

- What? A selfish crime? - Yes, indeed.

After what you've witnessed yesterday and today,

you understand the tyranny of those in power.

If you think you can put an end to it

by killing a few inspectors, then go ahead and get yourself killed.

I won't stop you.

There must be a greater purpose...

...for which your and your wife's lives could be sacrificed.

We only live once.

Before throwing your life away, think about what it could be used for.

All I'm trying to do is make you think.

We're back!

- Hello, Father! - Hello, there!

- Rice is still too expensive. - Really?

- Ouch! - Stop that!

- Idiot! - Calm down or else your father will...

Leave them be. Children are supposed to be lively.

Miya is here with a guest.

- Is she? Right. - Come along, now.

What can I do for you, Miya?

Hoshino, allow me to introduce you to someone.

This is Jinbo, a friend of Nakajima.

I've heard of you. Nakajima took refuge at his home.

You've been through the mill, haven't you?

I'm Tomonojo Hoshino.

I was thinking of taking him to Okabe's hideout,

but he wasn't there.

He wasn't? That's a pain. What will you do?

I'll go looking for him.

In the meantime, is there any way you could take Jinbo in?

He's welcome, if it's good enough for him.

But do you really expect to find Okabe?

Okabe is one of our leaders.

He's become indispensable after this raid.

I must find him, even if I die trying.

Miya.

Okabe.

Where were you?

I've been looking for you everywhere.

Well, you see...

You're too important to us to needlessly put yourself in danger.

Are you drunk?

I've had a drink. I couldn't stop myself.

I've been all alone since yesterday.

I had to run and run again, only to be alone once more.

Drinking was the only way I could get through it.

I can't stand to be alone in this hole.

Miya, please.

Miya, Miya...

Miya.

Miya, don't think of me...

Don't think of me as a coward.

Miya!

Miya...

No, no, no...

No...

Lie down wherever you want.

Or wherever you can.

Thank you.

Shall I take over for a while? You must be bored, sir.

Don't put yourself out for me.

It's a good thing I'm here,

because for a woman, my wife can't do anything with her hands!

I'm ashamed to admit, it's his work that feeds the whole family.

- Get off! - That's enough now! Time for bed.

Don't scold them too much. Sorry.

- Goodnight! - Goodnight!

Goodnight.

- Move up! - No!

Not this again! Settle down.

Darling!

Darling!

Darling...

Darling!

I heard what happened, I'm up to my neck in it and got away.

But an innocent like you got the brunt of it.

You mean you didn't run away during the raid?

Run away? What about this place?

I'm a poor samurai who can barely feed his family.

I can't afford not to work even for an hour or two.

Yes, but...

I was prepared to be arrested if it came to that.

There's no point in struggling. Not that I have anywhere to go in any case.

Why did you join the conspiracy?

I see... Someone like you wouldn't understand.

We have no future.

I could live with that,

but no one even cares about the lack of food on our table.

It will be the same for my children and my grandchildren.

And I can't stand that.

But I'm ready to help...

...help anyone rising up against that.

That's all.

Okabe...

Don't forget that we're comrades, and you have promises to keep.

If you ever have another moment of weakness...

...I'll kill you.

April 8th.

The Buddha's birthday celebrations have been cancelled.

Secretary of State Hotta is summoned to appear in court,

and is subjected to a thorough interrogation.

April 9th.

A new raid is conducted in Ueno, Shitaya, Okachigumi, and Onagaya.

Inspector Hojo...

This is the right opportunity.

The time is now or never, to overthrow the wicked Minister Sakai!

This latest raid was futile, even with all that manpower.

Why was that?

Marishiten, the Goddess of War, has the answer.

"In heaven, there is no one, on earth, only us."

Let us join forces and overthrow Sakai.

We can defeat him!

We shall defeat him and bring light back into the world!

Quiet.

Why won't you listen to reason, Hojo? Tell me why!

You are a close confidant of Sakai.

Don't tell me that you are unaware of his cruelty!

Put an end to his reign,

and your name will be remembered in history.

Wake up! The time has come!

We won't have a second chance!

Chief Inspector...

Wait, Hojo!

He's of no use to us.

I thought he might betray them.

He's just a fanatic. In fact, he doesn't know anything.

He's the one we should've killed, instead of his leader, Jihei Koide.

Jinbei, what is it you want?

Someone is asking for the body

of one of the suspects killed during the raid.

No!

Anyone found to be a traitor must be executed...

...and his head put on public display.

But, knowing that, this man still has the nerve to ask for the return of a body?

Who is he?

He claims to be the brother of Chuichiro Bessho, Captain of the Inner Guard,

one Hayato Bessho.

He's a junior official in the provinces.

He came back to Edo when he heard the news of his brother's death.

- Shall I send him away? - No, wait...

He could be a traitor, just like his brother.

He could even be planning to die for this foolish cause.

Even if he isn't one of them...

...he may well be recruited by the remaining leaders.

Let him take the body.

Then follow him and investigate everywhere he goes.

As for that lunatic Kusaka, release him and have him followed, too.

Thank you. You may go now.

Pay these people.

Lord Okabe, you're safe!

- I'm so relieved! - Likewise.

I only returned from Koshu last night. I wasn't sure what to do at first.

But I knew they'd come for me sooner or later.

I asked for my brother's body, ready for them to do their worst,

but it worked!

Fortune must truly favor the brave.

The inspectors just casually handed him over.

Well, your boldness must have averted their suspicions.

That was very clever of you.

Maybe you could use your talents to do me a favor.

I'll do anything I can with this extra life I've been given.

Will you?

In that case, can you introduce me to this Inspector Hojo who you met?

Introduce you?

They might arrest me if I go there on my own.

Talk to him about me, so he'll consider me innocent.

Once you've done that, I'll tell him everything I know, of course.

You stand to make a name for yourself from this.

Who knows, the two of us might even be rewarded.

What do you say? Sounds good, doesn't it?

You're serious, aren't you?

Of course I am.

Since it's all fallen apart, we should think of what we can salvage for ourselves...

Silence!

You're a coward.

A samurai does not become a turncoat when things don't go his way!

And you say this to a man who's just lost his brother?

Look at him!

Look how he died!

Now matter how much they tortured him, he never loosened his tongue!

And now, you dare ask me to be a traitor in front of my brother's body?

Get out of my sight... before I kill you!

Get out!

Miya... It's not what you think, Miya.

Miya... Let me explain, Miya. Miya!

Who's there? Who's there?

Miya, please let me explain. Listen to me, I'm begging you.

Please spare me, Miya. Miya! Miya!

Miya...

Miya, please spare me! Please, Miya...

Miya...

Put him out of his misery.

Run! There are guards outside! Miya!

Tell me... why did you have to kill someone?

Very well. You don't need to tell me.

But you do need to leave.

I'll help an unarmed fugitive...

...but a murderer's just too much trouble.

I won't do it.

I'd never killed a man before.

I wanted to talk to someone such as you about how it feels.

Now I realize how presumptuous of me that would've been.

Not towards you... but towards the world we live in.

"Cause no disturbance, and never be disturbed."

Isn't that your philosophy?

However...

...have you considered what a hindrance you are to all... by doing nothing?

A corrupt government leads people to unforeseen misery.

They lose their status, their dwelling...

...even their wife and children.

And the world just lives with it.

It's a peculiarity of tyranny.

And who is supporting this tyranny?

Samurai like me, placed in official positions.

And people like you, men of leisure who turn their back on the world.

If this is a world made by samurai,

then, as a samurai... I know what it is I must do.

You don't deserve this sword. I shall use it instead.

You let them get away? Two of them?

It seems I have two enemies.

The traitors... and your incompetence!

Enough. Out of my sight!

- Jinbei, what else do you want? - I may have a good lead, sir.

Hayato Bessho was seen running away with a woman.

A woman?

A neighbor saw Hayato heading down the road

with a woman wearing a hood.

He said she was around 20 years old, with fair skin and keen eyes.

A woman, eh?

There's a woman amongst them...

Very well, find this hooded woman immediately.

Look for her among the womenfolk of every officer, no matter who they are.

Arrest them and question them.

Miya.

It's me.

Don't you recognize me? It's me, Sennosuke Kusaka.

- You were with Koide... - Yes.

Sennosuke Kusaka, Jihei Koide's second-in-command.

The Inspector's dogs are lurking around here.

Why are you dressed like that?

This?

It's to ask for divine help in overthrowing that demon Sakai.

A task better suited to a monk than a samurai!

So, you haven't given up the cause?

Of course not.

We must clear the skies of these dark clouds as heaven commands us!

The spirits spoke to me.

They said that I shall be the one who kills Sakai.

Yes...

I shall be the one who kills that devil Sakai!

I and nobody else.

The goddess Marishiten is watching over me.

Goddess Marishiten!

I shall take Sakai's head!

Why did the court let you go?

That's because I sold out Jihei Koide who was playing the little chief.

He died with a pitiful look on his face.

The fool!

A useless fool like him is better off dead!

It's to my benefit. I'm the one who'll kill Sakai.

It's better this way.

All the same...

What? Don't you like it?

We still have allies. We must join forces with them.

Fine.

I shall help them.

I have the strength of a thousand men.

What are you doing?

No, stop it! Stop!

Stop it! I'll scream!

Scream? Go ahead!

Go on and scream!

Look!

The government dogs are on the prowl out there.

You still want to scream? Well?

I have a divine mission to complete, so I can do whatever I please!

What are you afraid of?

What could matter next to my divinely ordained duty?

The evening of April 11th.

Secretary of State Hotta,

who had been questioned in court under suspicion of treason,

is released for lack of evidence.

That same evening, he is restored to his former position.

You'd do well to remember that your career will suffer should you fail.

Chief Inspector.

Okabe has regained consciousness.

What? He's awake?

But he won't live much longer. Come quickly, sir.

Did he say anything, sir?

He talked.

Who's the mastermind?

It's Soko Yamaga.

It's Soko Yamaga?

- I'll send my men... - Wait!

I can arrest Yamaga, the eminent military scholar.

But we mustn't forget that he has lords close to the Shogun among his disciples,

descendants of the Tokugawa Clan's original supporters.

We'll have to face the objections of those lords should we arrest him.

We need evidence more than ever.

First, we have to see into his mind.

But how, sir?

You're useless!

I shall deal with it myself.

I used to be his disciple once.

Even though I was his senior.

But our opinions about the world were different.

He expelled me from his school for that very reason before it became famous.

I know his thoughts as well as he knows mine.

I'll be able to read his mind if I talk to him.

Prepare my escort!

HALL OF GREAT VIRTUE

The tearoom is ready for you.

Master Hojo, may I present my niece?

I adopted her into my family. Her name is Miya.

I hope you'll remember her.

I am Miya. It is an honor to meet you.

I have heard a great deal about you.

You've a reputation for intelligence, a rare quality in a girl nowadays.

And beautiful, too.

A hood would suit such a pretty face well.

Now you jest!

Now, shall we move to the tearoom?

I must say, it's good to see you after so many years.

We haven't changed. But I can feel our old quarrels fading.

I would have never imagined you'd come to visit me.

The purpose of my visit is...

I wanted to know your opinion on current government policy.

Well, that's a fine idea.

As the saying goes, "Heaven speaks through men's tongues."

It has always been so.

"The best medicine tastes bitter."

- Let's start with the problems. - Indeed.

Minister Sakai will take advantage of the fact

that the current Shogun has no heir

by scheming with Chancellor Tsunashige of Kofu, the Shogun's brother,

to put his son, Tsunayoshi, on the throne,

in return for full powers.

As the Kamakura shoguns did,

his family could remain in power in perpetuity.

What do you think of that?

Your words surprise me.

As long as the Shogun is in good health,

any rumors of ugly schemes to succeed him

or secret pacts between Minister Sakai and Chancellor Kofu are groundless.

I certainly wish it were that way.

And yet, as I said, heaven speaks through men's tongues.

Rumor is a frightful thing.

While unsure whether to believe rumor, men commit drastic acts.

My sentiment can be summed up thus: "Heaven smites with men's swords."

I advise you to be very cautious.

You're the one telling me that?

You old devil.

Your straightforwardness neither fears nor flatters power.

That quality is worth all the gold in the world.

I'd like to benefit more often from your insight.

Now, now, enough of the formalities. The tearoom is this way.

Forgive me, but I have much business to attend to.

I shall have to share the tea ceremony with you another day.

Excuse me.

Well, Inspector?

That old fox!

He just spoke his mind, true to his reputation.

Jinbei, there's no doubt about it.

The girl in the hood is Miya, Yamaga's niece.

Come straight back here with plenty of men,

and arrest everyone, starting with Yamaga.

- Make sure no one escapes this time. - Yes, sir!

Uncle...

Better to reveal oneself than conceal.

That scoundrel knew exactly who you are!

Tokai!

Inform everyone that lectures will be briefly suspended until I return to Edo.

Send some emissaries to warn my august disciples.

Time is of the essence. Don't dawdle on the way.

You see? Inspector Hojo was quick to act.

We'll have to forget about our house.

Miya, gather all the men. We must hurry.

The time has arrived, Master. We await your orders.

Let's continue.

It's clear that Minister Sakai has secretly negotiated with Chancellor Kofu.

Listen. The dark age that they'll usher in will last centuries.

We must stop them now, by any means.

We kill Sakai. That's all there is to it.

Sakai fears assassination. He's reinforced his personal bodyguards.

Not to mention Hojo's squads of men.

They outnumber us too greatly.

What do we do, then?

We kill Chancellor Tsunashige of Kofu.

- Chancellor Kofu? - Why him and not Sakai?

Because Sakai will get his legitimacy from Kofu's son once he's shogun.

If Kofu dies, the direct heirs of the Tokugawa will take over.

And Sakai is far from being in their favor.

With Chancellor Kofu's death, the country will slip from Sakai's grasp.

I agree. When will we kill him?

- Tomorrow. - Tomorrow?

Sakai has invited the high priest of Nikko.

They are to meet tomorrow at the Kanei-ji Temple.

Of course, Hojo will be on the alert, fearing something from us.

He'll probably forget about Kofu's safety.

And it's tomorrow that Lord Kofu must escort Lord Mito,

on his journey home to his fief,

as far as Senju Bridge at Edo's gates.

Sakai and Hojo will be here, at Kanei-ji Temple in Ueno.

This is Kanei-ji Temple.

Kofu will travel here, Senju Bridge.

Hotta is the Officer for Religious Affairs, meaning he has the authority

to prohibit any traffic on the road, in order to protect the high priest.

I'll ask him to block the Mito Road for four hours.

Kofu will refuse to wait such a long time.

He'll take this diversion down Nihonzutsumi, the only viable route.

Kofu will pass in front of New Yoshiwara, the prostitution district.

I have a plan to lure him there.

We'll launch an ambush on the procession from these houses.

I'll tell you your parts later.

- New Yoshiwara, you say? - Yoshiwara...

Tomorrow is the huge spring-cleaning day there.

- Spring-cleaning? - Yes, sir.

A good omen from heaven before we cleanse the politics of our land.

I have a question, How many of us will there be?

How many? We only need those of us here.

It will be child's play.

Samurai don't know how to fight these days.

Listen to me. Sakai is the root of this evil.

And this is the only way to be rid of him.

Our deaths will serve the future of the country.

Now, let's talk about strategy.

You'll be the leader of the operations. You're old enough.

I'll go home to put everything in order, then see you back here in the morning.

My regards to your wife. Thank her for everything.

The time has come for heaven and earth to tremble.

Are you ready to help fulfill my divine mission?

Marishiten's protection is with me. Don't you doubt it!

Right, then... I shall pray some more!

What's the matter?

When you think about it, it's all so strange.

Only seven days ago, I was leading a peaceful life.

Now, that seems like the distant past.

I am the one who urged you to join us.

Do you regret it?

Why would I?

My life has been short...

...but I have lived it to the full.

These last seven days have made it all worthwhile.

Jinbo...

Perhaps you might think it improper at a time like this...

...but may I share something very personal with you?

I have suffered within my heart and my flesh for this plan.

I've tried to hold on to allies...

...only to be stabbed in the back for my troubles.

I've also had to sacrifice my body for fear of seeing the plan fail.

What a fool I was!

But I never regretted it once.

I thought it was fine.

I had decided in my heart...

...that death was the fate I had chosen.

Why did I hold this plan so dear to my heart?

Not even I know!

How ridiculous! A woman who wants to change the world.

I think it's because you are a woman.

Men always need a reason to die.

But a woman doesn't trouble herself with such excuses.

I have never talked about this to anyone before.

I kept it hidden in my heart.

I wanted to talk to someone on this last night of ours.

I wanted to talk to you and no one else.

I wanted you to know my true feelings.

That's why I came to you.

Thanks to your words...

...I who am to die tomorrow...

...now believe that's the right thing to do.

Ah, tasty, isn't it?

Oops, I dropped it!

- Stop it! - It's mine!

Stop bickering!

- We'll open this, too. - Wow!

- Let me have one. - Me, too!

Don't be greedy. Here. One for you.

- Yummy! - That's good.

There you are.

- Yummy! - That's good.

There you are.

Father!

Father!

- Father! - Father!

April 13th, 1678.

As a representative of the Shogun,

Minister Sakai makes an official visit to Kanei-ji Temple,

where he will meet with the high priest of Nikko.

He sets off from his residence at around nine in the morning.

At the same time, Chancellor Tsunashige of Kofu

leaves his mansion with Lord Mito to accompany him on his way out of Edo.

It's time we got going.

Miya...

What do you want, Kusaka?

One last time. Please. Please.

Won't you, Miya?

Come on, Miya.

I'm no longer the Miya of yesterday! Shame on you!

How dare you? Shame on me?

I ought to be ashamed, you say?

Miya!

At around two in the afternoon, Lord Mito leaves Edo.

Hey, you lot! Over here! I'll buy all your horses!

Come on, get down.

Quick, quick! You'll get a good price for them!

HAYATO BESSHO FALLEN IN BATTLE

Listen to me. You're not to move, even after the attack has started.

Once our target tries to flee, close the gates and kill him.

Do nothing till then.

Why the long face? What are you doing here?

Are you still angry?

Come and see me if you want. I'm at the Ogushi Inn.

We can have a friendly drink.

What are you doing?

I'm struggling to hold my nerve.

My hands are shaking so much, I can't even fasten my sandals.

Chief Inspector, something very odd has happened.

Because of the visit by the high priest of Nikko,

Lord Hotta has blocked all traffic on the Mito Road.

The Mito Road, you say?

Jinbei, what of Lord Kofu's procession?

Well, they should be able to find an alternative route from Senju Bridge.

Show me on a map.

This is the only other way, the Nihonzutsumi Causeway.

That fiend Yamaga!

I never thought he'd target Chancellor Kofu.

Chancellor Kofu? What will you do?

The traitors pretended to threaten you in order to kill Chancellor Kofu.

I'll head for New Yoshiwara.

Imbecile!

If anything should happen to Chancellor Kofu,

all my years of work will have been for nothing.

And it'll be your fault!

I put my trust in your talents.

I was mistaken to do so.

Is anybody here? Prepare my horse!

- The horses. - Where are you all?

Prepare my horse!

Ready?

Release the horses! Release the horses!

Horses on the loose! Horses...

- Horses... - Horses on the loose!

Halt!

After them!

To the palanquin! To the palanquin!

Chancellor!

Who are they?

Jinbo!

Jinbo!

Jinbo!

Out of the way!

Tokai, close the gates!

Tokai, what are you doing? The gates! Attack! Attack!

What's got into you? To the gates!

The gates, Tokai, the gates! Tokai!

What are you doing?

Tokai!

Tokai! The gates, the gates! Tokai!

Chancellor! Chancellor! Chancellor!

Jinbo.

Jinbo!

Where are the footmen? Take care of the Chancellor!

Hurry up!

Quickly!

Where is Chancellor Kofu? Is he safe?

Answer me! Where is Chancellor Kofu?

That way, Minister. He's unharmed.

Lords Sakai and Hojo have just arrived, sir.

This is an outrage!

May I offer my heartfelt sympathies for the calamity you have endured?

- I am relieved to find you safe. - Calamity?

I never dreamed such outrage could occur in the Shogun's own city!

If I may, Chancellor, we didn't think that the traitors would strike here.

- It was an unforeseeable error... - You stay out of this.

I am just happy that you are safe, Chancellor.

Now, we must leave this squalid place.

It's unworthy of our future shogun's father.

We must delay no further.

What? Leave now?

Yes, sir. The conspirators have been defeated.

The road is safe now.

That's all very well, but what if more of the assassins come for me?

Should there be any left,

it is unthinkable that they'd strike the same place on the same day.

I'm more concerned about your safety, sir.

You must get away from this place and receive medical attention.

I implore you to leave immediately, sir.

Jinbo!

Chancellor! Chancellor!

Chancellor!

Stop him! What are you doing?

Go! Go, go! Hurry!

Get away!

Get away from me! Who are you?

This is the end.

I will have no power.

No land to rule.

This is the end.

Chancellor Kofu is unharmed!

He's not dead.

He's not dead!

Lord Kofu...

Lord Kofu is not dead!

He's not dead.

He's not dead!

Get moving!

Quickly, quickly, quickly!

Hurry and start moving!

Chancellor Kofu is not dead!

He's not dead.

Are you deaf? He's safe!

Chancellor Kofu is alive!

Chancellor Kofu... isn't dead!

Chancellor Kofu... Chancellor Kofu isn't dead!

He isn't dead!

Do you understand? Chancellor Kofu is unharmed.

Chancellor Kofu is...

Chancellor Kofu is safe!

Quickly, now.

Quickly, quickly! Get the procession on the march!

Quickly, quickly!

Quickly! Quickly, get in formation!

THE END