Original subtitles

Deserter Yuki! We have official orders to execute you at once!

Prepare yourself!

I beseech you... Please kill Oyuki!

I shall accept the commission... for 500 gold pieces.

Kozure Okami LONE WOLF AND CUB

Oyano Kokoro Ko no Kokoro BABY CART IN PERIL

Tattoo, you see... is performed...

by pressing the left thumb hard against the skin like this...

and then applying dyes and inscribing the design.

The sound of tattoo is called "tou-hibiki" - the "distant echo..."

and it's a good sound after you get used to it...

but those who aren't familiar with it say it gives them the chills.

Ah, the chills...

because of the dyes... tattoos are especially cold in the winter...

so warm clothing is essential... yet, having said so...

the tattooed area won't cool the body in the summertime.

To bear a tattoo is a lifetime test of endurance.

She was a fine woman.

Neither before, nor since, have I tattooed such a fine woman.

When we call a woman "fine," we're referring to their fine skin...

although I must say that she was a stunning beauty.

Her face, too, must have been exceedingly beautiful, if her body was any guide.

Was she hiding her face?

Yes, sir.

Right there... she just came and silently stood over there.

She wasn't particular about the design of the tattoos...

anything would do as long as they would shock people.

Even if it was frightening enough to cause one's heart to skip a beat...

or even something that could arouse men beyond all imagination...

Whatever it was, she asked me to surpass myself. That was her request.

Furthermore, she asked to be tattooed on both her front and back.

I tattooed a Mountain Witch on her back...

and a Kintaro groping for a nipple in front.

Anybody would scream when receiving a tattoo between the breast and the belly.

The unbearable pain courses... from head to toe...

but, incredibly... she was unaffected...

she didn't let out one scream... not one!

I noticed something...

At first I thought that she was a dancer or something... but she wasn't...

To my surprise, it became obvious that she was trained in the martial arts.

It's said that the Daimyo employ swordswomen called "Besshiki-me..."

and judging by her appearance and manners,I think she was one.

So, perhaps that's the reason why she didn't reveal her face.

But, why would someone,who must have been from a samurai family...

carry a Mountain Witch tattoo on her back, and a Kintaro on her breast...

for the rest of her life? For what reason,I wonder...?

Those tattoos were my masterpiece...

I prayed that they wouldn't bring her bad luck...

and I shall keep on praying so.

Who's that,who's that? If it ain't Ebisu!

And,who's the next one?

He's dark and short!

Heeheehee Hahaha Heeheehee!

Who's that,who's that? If it ain't Sir Daikoku!

And, who's the next one?

He's got a pointy-head... Ohoho-no-Ho!

Ah Eh heh heh no heh!

Who's that, who's that? If it ain't Fukurokujin!

And, who's the next one?

It's the big-bellied long-winded Sir Hotei!

And, who's the next one?

The one on his right with the snotty nose!

Who's that,who's that? If it ain't Juroojin!

Happy New Year, sir!

Happy New Year, sir! Yes, thank you...

Okay,kids... you've gotta go home now!

Playtime is over,okay? Time to go home!

Daigoro...

Daigoro!

Talk about big ones! Wow!

Oh?

Huh...?

Say,my little friend... we have to go home now. Okay?

Playtime is over. It's going to get dark soon.

Monsters are gonna come out soon!

Go home!

Okay? You gotta go home.

Pa!

Pitter... pitter-patter... pitter- patter... Pitter-patter...

So sad and cold,the rain...

tests a little boy's heart...

as he waits for his pa,who's yet to return.

Pa's an assassin,so they say.

He is a child who was accustomed to seeing his father...

spend nights inside old temples...

A child who was accustomed to seeing his father give prayers therein...

after completing assassinations.

Why does his father visit temples?

Is it to talk to his dead mother?

Is it to purify his body and soul?

Without answers, he sought to find his father in a temple...

Those eyes!

Like the stony eyes of a swordsman who's been...

to the domain between life and death...

The eyes that only those who have traveled...

the road of death,and survived,possess!

How it is possible for such a young kid to have experienced that...?

Have my eyes grown weak?

Pay attention to the wind direction!

Yeah!

We'll get a great crop next year!

Definitely!

We're gonna start a fire!

Starting! We're gonna start a fire!

Don't get surrounded by the fire!

If he's not stopped,he'll be surrounded by the fire.

I shouldn't just stand here and watch.

Yet, this is my only chance to confirm my suspicions...

There's nothing wrong with my eyes,after all.

Even when faced with the fire, he doesn't cry or call for help.

He keeps calm, knowing there's no way out... even though he's only a kid.

Such preparedness... how incredible it is!

What a strange child I've come across!

Alright, it's done!

It's over at last!

We've got lots to look forward to, next year!

What the... Fellows! Come over here!

What's wrong?!

It's a kid!

He must've been surrounded by the fire! We gotta get him treatment!

Wait...

Huh?

Who is that child?

He was trapped by the fire,and buried himself in the mud!

We have to get him treatment!

You say that he buried himself to avoid the fire?

Yes, sir. He's a very lucky boy!

He didn't yell for help because he knew he could help himself...

thus there was no need to be afraid...

Put him down.

What do you think you're doing?!

Why are you pointing your sw...sword at such a helpless child?!

Because of his eyes...

He has the eyes of one who has killed scores of men...

and been showered with their blood.

His eyes are made of stone.

It defies all logic.

There must be some mistake!

He sees my sword,yet there is no trace of fear in his eyes.

Every student of swordsmanship desires to reach...

the domain between life and death. His eyes tell me he has been there.

Wh...What are you doing?!

I cannot leave it unverified.

What do you intend to do?

I'll slay him! What do you intend to do?

How dare you!

Move aside...

Or I'll slay you as well.

The Suiouryu-Style Horse Slaying Technique!

Could he be the Cub of... the Wolf himself?!

Pa!

Ogami Itto...

Pa!

Yagyu Gunbei...

I knew you were still alive.

I defeated you...

The Yagyu's New Shadow Style defeated your Suiouryu Style.

Yet, you were granted the post of Shogunate Executioner.

I remember...

The Tokugawa Shogunate imposed excessive taxes...

upon the Daimyo.

The Shogunate freely exercised its right to execute anyone...

who showed the slightest trace of disobedience.

The Official Executioner acts as a "Second," and beheads...

those Daimyo who are ordered to commit seppuku.

The Shogunate authorized the Official Executioner to bear its emblem...

as a symbol that he personified the Shogunate itself...

when he executed the Daimyo.

That fool!

Get Gunbei now! This is an emergency!

This could seal the fate of all the Yagyu!

You idiot!

Ogami Itto was appointed the Official Executioner!

How can this be?!

I cannot believe that you pointed your sword...

at the person of the Mighty Shogun! How do you explain yourself?!

And,I am told that Ogami staked his life to fend you off!

It might have looked that way...

but the fact is he couldn't parry my blows, and he just found himself...

in that position. That's how it happened.

What kind of an idiot are you?!

Even if it was a coincidence...

it was seen as an act of selflessness by Ogami...

to guard His Highness from your sword!

Stand up, Gunbei!

Gunbei...

Because of your fine swordsmanship, I will spare your life...

but from today on, the world will think that you've committed harakiri...

to atone for your foolish mistake.

Do you understand?

Change your appearance and identity... and head for the North!

Summon Gorouza, the disguise master of the Kurokuwa Group!

Yes, sir.

I am right here, sir.

Gorouza...

You know Gunbei well, so it'd be easy for you to emulate his appearance.

Yes, sir.

A moment,please.

What I ask is for the sake of the Yagyu Clan...

Will you die for us?

Yes, sir.

Please commit harakiri.

Allow me... Retsudo... to act as your second.

If you would be so kind.

Forgive me.

Ogami has defeated the Yagyu...

on a technicality!

From now on... Ogami Itto will be...

the Official Executioner, and bear the Shogunate's emblem.

He'll become the being that every single Daimyo in this nation will fear...

and his name will be known everywhere.

On the other hand...

we Yagyu will always be compared to him, and found wanting.

By offering Gorouza's head in place of Gunbei's...

we may be safe for a while... but the root of the problem...

will long plague us.

We will frame Ogami Itto, and make him appear to be a traitor to the Shogunate.

We will destroy his name, his House will fall...

and we shall claim the post of the Official Shogunate Executioner!

We will, no matter what!

If I had slain you that time...

my two brothers wouldn't have died.

This is the moment I'll take my revenge... Ogami Itto!

Now that the Yagyu have claimed the post of Shogunate Executioner...

and, once I slay you - the hunted dog - all will be well.

Can you defeat me, Itto?

Kill me!

Why don't you kill me?

You've died once already.

There is nothing to be gained from slaying a dead man.

I declare to you, the Amida Nyorai Buddha...

We, father and son...

stand at the crossroads to Hell...

If a man and his wife opposes us, they will die...

and even if a Buddha stands in our way, he, too, shall die!

Pa!

Unlike the "hinin" untouchables, the outcasts...

who made their living as street entertainers during this period...

were called "Goumune's people."

Female singers and dancers... Street Noh actors... Roadside thespians...

Comedians... Puppeteers... and Storytellers...

They all belonged to a special group headed by Goumune Jindayu...

whose members were scattered throughout the country.

Who the hell are you?

I would like to see Sir Goumune Jindayu.

My name is Ogami Itto.

This is my son, Daigoro.

We won't let an assassin go after our Oyuki!

Kill him!

Slay him!

I mean no harm.

Pa!

What's with this little brat?! He gives me the creeps!

Calm down, why don't you? You're being rude to our guests.

Yes, sir.

I do not know who you are, sir...

but I... am Goumune Jindayu.

I am Ogami Itto.

I've come here to ask you some questions.

Please come this way.

But, Master...

Let him through.

Yes, sir.

Do you intend to find and kill Oyuki?

As I am an assassin, why else would I be seeking her?

To have such a master swordsman as yourself going after her...

she is truly an unblessed soul.

Were you commissioned by the Owari Clan?

It was an awful question to ask of one who makes a living as an assassin.

Please forgive me.

Certainly, Oyuki was once a member of the Goumune.

Ever since she was a child, she studied "Kodachi" small-sword techniques...

and used her talents to entertain people in the streets.

One day,Lord Owari happened to be enjoying a day out in disguise...

when he chanced upon Oyuki's performance.

As His Highness Lord Owari is greatly interested in the martial arts...

he invited Oyuki to become a Besshiki-me...

and to teach Kodachi to his Clan's ladies-in-waiting.

That is all I can tell you as the leader of the Goumune group.

As for what happened to Oyuki after that...

and why she chose to be tattooed as she did, in order to kill...

I can give you no answers.

About these, I have heard only rumors. I do not know the truth.

Even if I knew, such matters are not for me to discuss.

As mentioned before... she's no longer a Goumune member.

Near Akasaka, along the Kiso Highway...

I hear there's a spa called Tsuta-no-Yu.

It's said that those who want their wishes to come true...

should pray before the image of the Yunohana-myoujin God there...

whilst fasting and purifying their body and soul...

for seven days and nights.

If you are in search of something, perhaps that is where you should go.

I appreciate your kindness. Farewell.

Sir Ogami...

Oyuki is my daughter.

"Tsuta-no-yu?" That's just up that hill over there.

But, it's such a lonely place,so...

not many people visit there these days.

How ridiculous it is for you to challenge me.

Silence! For I'll find out...

just what your sword- trickery is all about!

Where are you looking?

If you look at the fire,you'll be defeated.

Don't look at the fire.

If you do... defeat will be yours.

Don't be fooled.

Look into my eyes.

Don't look at the fire.

Challenge me as you look into my eyes!

My eyes! Look into my eyes!

Look into my eyes!

My eyes! Look into my eyes!

My eyes! Look into my eyes!

Why must such a beauty as she be a Besshiki-me?

When a girl is obsessed with swordsmanship... the usual reason is...

because she is so hard to look at that she has no chance of marrying.

The moment you realize... It is too late!

If you want to bite your tongue,wait until this is over!

Daigoro.

Please forgive him... he does not have a mother.

"I beseech you... Please kill Oyuki...!"

Pardon me,sir... but people with wishes come here to Tsuta-no-yu...

to purify their body and soul... and pray upon...

the image of a God.

Is that your reason as well?

Perhaps, it is the wish of an assassin?

Deserter Yuki! We have official orders to execute you at once!

Prepare yourself!

I've heard that you were after me...

the assassin... "Lone Wolf and Cub."

You cut off the topknots of those Owari vassals.

I want to know the reason for your actions.

I deserted from the Owari Clan.

Obviously Lord Owari would send men after me.

If I send him the topknots cut from his men...

then eventually... the man I yearn to defeat... Kozuka Enki...

will be sent to hunt me down. That is why I do it.

Then I put it to you...

that the Houses of the vassals you killed... were abolished...

and some of their dependents have committed suicide out of shame.

What do you have to say to them?

Lives have been sacrificed so that your yearning might be assuaged...

and as a result, other hearts now yearn for vengeance.

I met your father... Goumune Jindayu.

Before we parted,he told me that you're his daughter.

My father...?

My father...

he's praying that I die...

is that not so?

There are times when parents believe...

that praying for the death of their own children...

is an act of love.

Oyuki...

Kozuka Enki...

You've come after me,at last!

You've become more beautiful since I saw you last.

A Goumune woman looks best like that. You've got an accomplice,do you?

I don't need an accomplice to defeat a con-artist like you!

Unlike the last time,this time your fate will be death.

Where are you looking? I've taught you not to look at the fire.

My eyes! You must look into my eyes.

My eyes... My eyes!

My eyes! Look into my eyes!

My eyes! Look into my eyes!

That I can die... without showing you my bare skin...

makes me happy.

I won't ever... show your body...

to anyone,ever again.

You've come all this way to bring her ashes to me...

I must thank you.

If I may ask...

did she die an unseemly death?

Hers was a splendid end.

If you'll excuse me...

One moment...

As you were kind to her during her final moments...

may I ask that you stay for her funeral?

Fate has brought you to me. I'd like you to tell me of her final moments.

You say he killed Enki and Oyuki...

Sir, my men witnessed the deed.

The rumors are true after all...

He not only defies the Shogunate, but your Clan as well!

The proof being that he's staying...

with the lowly Goumune trash,after trespassing on Owari territory.

If you do nothing, my Lord, you'll become the laughing-stock of the entire nation.

I won't let it happen. How dare he!

M...Master!

Master! Owari Clansmen are coming!

Ogami Itto,show yourself! What are you doing here?!

Who the hell are you?!

We won't let you pass!

Shoot them.

Master! Master! Master!

Go! Go!

Are you Goumune Jindayu?

I am.

What is... the meaning of this intolerable commotion?

We've been informed that the assassin...

"Lone Wolf and Cub," the former Official Executioner, is here.

If you hand him over at once, there'll be no problems. If you don't...

we've orders to raze everything, and kill every Goumune in the village.

I refuse your request.

What?!

Do you want us to burn all of you to death?!

It is time for me to leave.

Sir Ogami,you must not go out!

Sir Jindayu...

I came here of my own free will.

Thus, I wish to leave the same way.

I can't allow it!

Are you defying the orders of the Owari Clan?!

Sir Ogami is a guest of mine... A guest of Goumune Jindayu.

If we made the same request to a guest of Lord Owari...

what do you think you would do?

Fool! Lowly Goumune trash! Watch your mouth!

Remember who you're speaking to!

Then,allow me to tell you this...

Lord Owari controls a fief 619,000 koku in size.

His clansmen number 4,000, roughly.

On the other hand, the Goumune people under me number...

over 200,000,and are spread all over the nation.

This is not a matter of number,nor of strength.

I'm saying that,as human beings,we all prize courtesy.

If Lord Owari is a human being, then so are we.

We all eat, we all shit, and so, we are all equal.

If we're human beings,then it's only common sense...

that all of us cherish honor and courtesy.

There's no reason for me to hand over my guest...

when I am being coerced into doing so.

We Goumune people have our pride also.

You impudent fool!

Have you gone mad?!

Master!

- Have you gone mad?! - Master! Master!

You beast!

Why, you!

Stay back! Don't attack!

Sir Jindayu! Sir Jindayu!

Sir Ogami...

behead me and take my head to the Lord of the Owari...

and tell him... that you slew Oyuki because her father wished it so.

As penance for Oyuki defecting from his Clan,and for her many sins...

I,in place of his Lordship...

put an end to her life.

And... that I too... died... as penance for her sins.

Sir Jindayu!

The heart of the parent... is the heart of the child as well, is it not?

I feel as if...

I feel as if Oyuki is... calling on me...

to join her soon...

Master!

Master! Master! Master!

Master!

Master!

I wish to see the Lord of the Owari.

Take me to him!

Mind your manners! Kneel!

Lord Owari... I am not here because I was captured.

I am here of my own free will.

What...?

The true cause of all your recent troubles was Kozuka Enki...

Oyuki fled from your Clan because Enki shamed her more than she could bear.

She single-handedly slew Enki, in order to regain her honor.

The reason why I've come here...

is to tell you this.

Have you gone mad?

Just who do you think you're talking to?!

Furthermore, Goumune Jindayu had done nothing to your Clan.

Killing him was an unforgivable act.

You rogue!

I am Tokugawa Yoshinao... Do you have any idea where you are standing?!

We,father and son... live at the crossroads to Hell,and therefore...

we don't give a damn about the Tokugawa,the Owari...

or the emblem of the Shogunate!

Kill him! Kill this impudent fool!

Daigoro!

I'll take you with me!

Don't move!

Blink an eye... and both his life, and his 610,000 koku fief...

will perish in an instant! Is that what you wish?

Listen to me, Sir Kashiwagi...

We, father and son, will leave the castle...

and we will take Lord Owari with us!

Please stand up.

You will go first!

Why, you...!

Don't! Don't interfere!

Sir Ogami! Please wait!

Please... Please wait!

Sir Ogami... Please, please take me with you!

I must refuse.

Then... Then, please have mercy upon our Lord!

No need to worry... I will release your Lord unharmed.

Lord Owari,hurry!

Lord Owari!

Lord Owari, please stay down!

Stop!

- Lord Owari! - Don't shoot!

Daigoro... Listen carefully...

I will be entering the crossroads to Hell.

If I don't return... you will die here,too!

Do you understand?

Attack!

Yes,sir!

Retsudo! Prepare yourself!

Here I am!

Ogami Itto... parry the swords of the Yagyu, if you think you can!

Pa!

Pa!

Pa!

Pa!

Pa!

D...Daigoro...

P...Pull... the sword... from my back...

Remarkable. Remarkable that you've survived through it all, Ogami Itto!

No matter what happens, you must live on...

for the one who shall finish you will be neither Yagyu nor Kurokuwa...

it shall be I!

Until that day...

the day I send you straight to Hell for certain... Farewell!

The End