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The Toho Co., Ltd. Presents
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00:00:14,547 --> 00:00:18,540
A Toho / Mifune Productions Presentation
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00:00:19,486 --> 00:00:23,650
There are a total of thirty-six
gates into Edo Castle.
4
00:00:23,757 --> 00:00:25,987
Eighteen of these cross the Outer Moat.
5
00:00:26,092 --> 00:00:28,083
The other eighteen cross the Inner Moat.
6
00:00:28,428 --> 00:00:32,831
In essence, they are the bottlenecks
that control access to the Castle.
7
00:00:33,066 --> 00:00:34,795
The Daimyo enter the Castle
through one of the gates...
8
00:00:34,901 --> 00:00:36,630
...usually the one closest
to their Edo mansions.
9
00:00:36,736 --> 00:00:39,671
Thus, each Daimyo has chosen
one entrance as his favorite.
10
00:00:39,839 --> 00:00:42,501
The Lord of the Hikone Domain,
and Great Elder of the Shogunate...
11
00:00:42,609 --> 00:00:44,839
...li "Kamonnokami" Naosuke...
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00:00:45,011 --> 00:00:48,139
...always enters through
the Sakurada Gate.
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00:01:00,827 --> 00:01:02,852
A hemp symbol in a circle...?
14
00:01:03,029 --> 00:01:07,625
That's Sir Satake lzuminokami
from Nihonmatsu in Ooshuu.
15
00:01:08,034 --> 00:01:11,492
Sir Satake of Nihonmatsu
in Ooshuu? I see. I see...
16
00:01:14,941 --> 00:01:19,708
Well, it's almost 8:30... The entourages
using the Sakurada Gate should...
17
00:01:19,879 --> 00:01:22,848
Yes, sir. That's about it for now.
18
00:01:24,217 --> 00:01:25,985
Here you go, sir.
19
00:01:26,020 --> 00:01:27,652
Thank you.
20
00:01:27,687 --> 00:01:29,848
It's cold this morning. Thank you.
21
00:01:30,023 --> 00:01:32,753
Well, Edo Castle blanketed
in snow is a sight to see.
22
00:01:32,859 --> 00:01:35,692
Besides, for unemployed ronin like us...
23
00:01:35,795 --> 00:01:40,255
...the opportunity to witness the
Daimyo processions is a true delight.
24
00:01:40,433 --> 00:01:44,392
I hope that your wish to become
an officer will come true soon.
25
00:02:06,259 --> 00:02:10,355
Today, li Naosuke did
not arrive at the Castle
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00:02:13,166 --> 00:02:16,658
By command of Commander
Hoshino Kenmotsu...
27
00:02:16,836 --> 00:02:20,499
...we retreat from the Sakurada
Gate for the time being.
28
00:02:20,673 --> 00:02:24,632
It is the morning of February
17th, 1860... Nine in the morning.
29
00:02:26,746 --> 00:02:30,011
The 32 men who retreated
from the Sakurada Gate...
30
00:02:30,116 --> 00:02:33,882
...gather at Sagamiya, in Shinagawa.
31
00:02:33,987 --> 00:02:37,753
Sagamiya is a large teahouse
suitable for meetings...
32
00:02:37,857 --> 00:02:40,849
...and is listed in the "Edo
Illustrated Map of Famous Places."
33
00:02:41,027 --> 00:02:44,554
Today is February 17th.
34
00:02:44,664 --> 00:02:47,428
It's our understanding that the Shogun's
household and the high officials...
35
00:02:47,534 --> 00:02:50,401
...will be holding a "Ongusoku
lwai no Gi" armor ceremony...
36
00:02:50,503 --> 00:02:55,167
...before Shogun lemochi's
excursion to the countryside.
37
00:02:55,508 --> 00:03:00,912
Great Elder li Naosuke had no
reason not to show up at the Castle!
38
00:03:04,817 --> 00:03:07,047
Our plan was...
39
00:03:07,153 --> 00:03:11,783
...elaborately developed, with the utmost
care, so that it would be top secret.
40
00:03:11,891 --> 00:03:16,658
As such... it is unthinkable that
there was an accidental disclosure...
41
00:03:16,763 --> 00:03:21,757
...that would allow the House
of li to learn of our intentions!
42
00:03:21,935 --> 00:03:25,894
There must be a traitor among us.
43
00:03:26,005 --> 00:03:28,974
It's the only explanation
that I can think of.
44
00:03:34,447 --> 00:03:38,406
We have been infiltrated by
someone working for the House of li.
45
00:04:00,807 --> 00:04:07,269
Samurai "Samurai Assassin"
46
00:04:07,780 --> 00:04:10,544
Produced by Tanaka Tomoyuki
47
00:04:10,683 --> 00:04:13,345
Screenplay: Hashimoto Shinobu
Based on the book "Samurai Nippon" by Gunji Jiromasa
48
00:04:13,519 --> 00:04:16,152
Photography: Murai Hiroshi, Art Design: Akune lwao
Sound: Nishikawa Yoshio
49
00:04:16,153 --> 00:04:18,855
Lighting: Nishikawa Tsuruzo,
Music: Sato Masaru, Mixing: Shimonaga Hisashi
50
00:04:19,025 --> 00:04:21,693
Asst. Director: Yamamoto Yuzuuo
Effects: Lzumi Minoru, Editing: Kuroiwa Yoshitami
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00:04:21,694 --> 00:04:24,361
Line Producer: Suzuki Masao, Developing: KinutaLabs
Fight Choreography: Kuze Ryu
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00:04:24,530 --> 00:04:26,521
Starring:
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Mifune Toshiro
54
00:04:29,502 --> 00:04:32,835
Kobayashi Keiju, Aratama Michiyo
lto Yunosuke
55
00:04:32,972 --> 00:04:36,999
Tono Eijiro, Ebara Tatsuyoshi
Nakamaru Tadao, Yachigusa Kaoru
56
00:04:37,143 --> 00:04:41,910
Sugimura Haruko, Tamura Nami, Otsuji Shiro
Inaba Yoshio, Hirata Akihiko
57
00:04:42,048 --> 00:04:45,294
Amamoto Hideyo, Sawamura lkio
Togin Chotaro, Ogawa Yasuzo
58
00:04:45,295 --> 00:04:48,749
Nihei Masaya, Kurosawa Toshio
Tajima Yoshifumi, Ichikawa Koraizo
59
00:04:48,888 --> 00:04:52,533
Kirino Hiro-o, Yamamoto Yasushi
Mukai Jun-ichiro, lwamoto Koji
60
00:04:52,534 --> 00:04:56,886
Kusakawa Naoya, Tsutsumi Yasuhisa
Hidaka Yurie, Tokita Fujio, Hasegawa Hiroshi
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00:04:57,063 --> 00:04:59,219
Terashima Mitsugu, Shimura Takashi
Fujita Susumu
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00:04:59,220 --> 00:05:01,762
Nakamura Shikaku, Ichikawa Chusha
Kita Nagama, Housei Kan
63
00:05:01,868 --> 00:05:04,530
Matsumoto Koshiro
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00:05:04,704 --> 00:05:08,697
Directed by Okamoto Kihachi
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00:05:08,975 --> 00:05:10,738
It is 11 in the morning.
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00:05:10,843 --> 00:05:16,213
The meeting at Sagamiya ends.
Three men choose to remain.
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00:05:24,824 --> 00:05:27,520
So, it seems that... there's
a traitor in our midst.
68
00:05:28,995 --> 00:05:31,987
Don't worry. It's nothing but
the Chief's absurd speculation.
69
00:05:32,165 --> 00:05:34,861
Don't you worry. I have faith in us.
70
00:05:34,967 --> 00:05:37,367
I have more faith in your
Jigen-lchi Style, Sir Tsuru...
71
00:05:37,470 --> 00:05:40,030
...than I do in our
leader's maneuverings.
72
00:05:40,206 --> 00:05:45,234
Right... Without any solid evidence,
he's already talking about a "traitor!"
73
00:05:45,345 --> 00:05:49,304
We're supposed to be comrades, our
lives all pledged to the same cause.
74
00:05:50,550 --> 00:05:53,383
Thank you very much. Come back again!
75
00:05:53,553 --> 00:05:54,719
Thank you very much.
76
00:05:54,754 --> 00:05:56,389
Thank you very much. Please come again.
77
00:05:56,522 --> 00:05:58,251
Sir, the baggage... Here you go, sir.
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00:05:58,424 --> 00:06:01,188
What's wrong? Huh?
79
00:06:10,603 --> 00:06:13,572
I apologize for the disarray, sir...
80
00:06:15,675 --> 00:06:17,143
I'm sorry to barge in like this...
81
00:06:17,178 --> 00:06:17,909
Sir?
82
00:06:17,944 --> 00:06:19,644
May I ask who you are?
83
00:06:19,679 --> 00:06:23,240
Sir, I may not look like it, but...
84
00:06:23,416 --> 00:06:27,375
...thanks to our generous patrons,
I am the manager of Sagamiya.
85
00:06:38,064 --> 00:06:40,099
What do they call you?
86
00:06:40,134 --> 00:06:41,632
Sir?
87
00:06:41,667 --> 00:06:43,668
Your name.
88
00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:46,638
Sir, my name is Okiku.
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00:06:47,140 --> 00:06:49,404
Okiku?!
90
00:06:49,742 --> 00:06:52,540
There's no doubt that he's a
ronin, originally from Bishuu?
91
00:06:52,712 --> 00:07:00,278
Well, at least that's what he
claims. Nobody has confirmed it yet.
92
00:07:00,453 --> 00:07:03,513
So, he lives in a mud hut
by the Kamakura riverbed...
93
00:07:03,623 --> 00:07:06,490
...works as a bouncer... a hired body
- guard... and extorts and blackmails?
94
00:07:06,592 --> 00:07:08,027
He's a ruffian, indeed!
95
00:07:08,062 --> 00:07:10,052
Yes, sir.
96
00:07:10,229 --> 00:07:13,926
Perhaps I got carried away
about increasing our manpower.
97
00:07:14,033 --> 00:07:16,900
Seems I've hired someone
we ought to suspect.
98
00:07:21,174 --> 00:07:25,338
Niiro isn't the only man we ought
to watch. There's another suspect.
99
00:07:27,547 --> 00:07:30,243
Nobody important. One Kurihara Einosuke.
100
00:07:30,349 --> 00:07:34,718
He used to work for Matsudaira Sahyo
- nosuke, the Yada Clan Chief in Joshu.
101
00:07:34,921 --> 00:07:39,051
I see... Matsudaira Sahyonosuke
and li Naosuke are...
102
00:07:39,158 --> 00:07:43,356
...very close friends. That's
a very obvious connection.
103
00:07:43,629 --> 00:07:48,191
Besides, it's... unusual
that he's friends with Niiro.
104
00:07:48,367 --> 00:07:52,167
Sir Hoshino... Why not eliminate
these two from our group, right now?
105
00:07:52,338 --> 00:07:55,273
No, wait... We can't possibly do that.
106
00:07:56,375 --> 00:07:58,400
These two...
107
00:07:58,511 --> 00:08:01,344
...have become well acquainted
with our other men...
108
00:08:01,447 --> 00:08:04,712
...and many are
undoubtedly loyal to them.
109
00:08:04,817 --> 00:08:08,446
It would be different, if they
chose to leave on their own...
110
00:08:08,554 --> 00:08:14,356
...but if we discharge them, it might
send the wrong message to the men.
111
00:08:14,460 --> 00:08:17,861
Besides, these two...
are no average swordsmen.
112
00:08:17,964 --> 00:08:20,558
So, they'll be very useful
to us, if the need arises.
113
00:08:20,733 --> 00:08:22,101
But, if we don't do something...
114
00:08:22,136 --> 00:08:23,159
Uh-huh.
115
00:08:23,336 --> 00:08:26,703
Go check their homes and backgrounds.
Report on their activities in detail.
116
00:08:26,806 --> 00:08:30,037
And, if either turns out to be
an infiltrator working for li...
117
00:08:30,142 --> 00:08:32,372
...or, if there's any reason
for us to suspect them...
118
00:08:32,478 --> 00:08:35,447
...then we'll slay them without mercy!
119
00:08:36,516 --> 00:08:39,007
The sooner we find out, the better.
120
00:08:39,118 --> 00:08:42,053
If we've been infiltrated
by li's agents...
121
00:08:42,154 --> 00:08:46,090
...who knows how he'll
strike against us, and when.
122
00:08:46,192 --> 00:08:49,491
We're dealing with the one they call
the "Demon of Hikone," after all.
123
00:08:49,595 --> 00:08:54,931
He who instigated the vicious
and merciless Ansei Purge.
124
00:08:55,801 --> 00:08:58,404
Well? So, what next?
125
00:08:58,439 --> 00:09:00,895
Huh?
126
00:09:01,073 --> 00:09:04,236
When will we attempt to
carry out our mission again?
127
00:09:04,410 --> 00:09:06,970
As the saying goes, "Walls
have ears, doors have eyes."
128
00:09:07,280 --> 00:09:09,510
Sir?
129
00:09:09,682 --> 00:09:12,583
It's not that I suspect you as well.
130
00:09:12,685 --> 00:09:16,485
But, only I should know
the actual date for now.
131
00:09:16,589 --> 00:09:18,022
Yes.
132
00:09:18,124 --> 00:09:22,754
But, for the time being,
let me tell you this...
133
00:09:22,862 --> 00:09:25,194
We won't be waiting for long.
134
00:09:26,365 --> 00:09:30,165
The date of the next attack
has been decided upon.
135
00:09:30,269 --> 00:09:35,798
However, aside from Chief Hoshino
Kenmotsu, nobody knows when...
136
00:09:35,908 --> 00:09:38,934
...except that it will be
in the very near future.
137
00:09:49,555 --> 00:09:51,455
So, you're telling me that...
138
00:09:51,624 --> 00:09:53,990
...the suspects were
gathered near the Inner Moat?
139
00:09:54,327 --> 00:09:58,821
Correct, sir. I estimate there were
about thirty ronin, mostly of Mito origin.
140
00:09:58,998 --> 00:10:01,364
How were you able to determine
that they were from Mito?
141
00:10:01,534 --> 00:10:02,967
Someone close to them must have...
142
00:10:03,069 --> 00:10:04,934
...allowed an "exchange
of information" to occur.
143
00:10:05,037 --> 00:10:08,302
That's the only plausible explanation.
144
00:10:08,407 --> 00:10:11,706
If we continue to let these
rebels have their way...
145
00:10:11,811 --> 00:10:13,836
...who knows what undesirable
consequences await us?
146
00:10:13,946 --> 00:10:16,449
We should strike at them now.
147
00:10:16,484 --> 00:10:17,767
No...
148
00:10:17,802 --> 00:10:19,050
Sir?
149
00:10:19,218 --> 00:10:22,915
The Ansei Purge... was
a bit harsh, in hindsight.
150
00:10:23,022 --> 00:10:25,616
That being the case, wouldn't
we be repeating that error...
151
00:10:25,725 --> 00:10:27,488
...if we attack them,
based only on a suspicion?
152
00:10:27,660 --> 00:10:29,594
No, sir, it's not just a suspicion.
153
00:10:29,862 --> 00:10:32,558
Until they've actually done something,
it's no more than a suspicion, isn't it?
154
00:10:32,732 --> 00:10:36,793
In that case, your processions
must be more heavily guarded!
155
00:10:38,304 --> 00:10:43,264
The foundations of the Tokugawa
Shogunate... aren't that weak!
156
00:10:55,721 --> 00:11:00,556
I didn't cancel my trip to the
Castle today because of your concerns.
157
00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:04,721
I did it so I could meet the
messenger who arrived this morning...
158
00:11:04,830 --> 00:11:08,231
...and hear from him the current
situation in Kyoto and Osaka.
159
00:11:08,334 --> 00:11:13,237
The Great Elder, assaulted
by ronin, in broad daylight?
160
00:11:14,807 --> 00:11:17,901
How in the world could
such a absurd thing happen?
161
00:11:18,010 --> 00:11:21,309
For 300 years, the authority and
spirit of the Tokugawa have endured.
162
00:11:21,414 --> 00:11:23,245
It will never be so weak as to succumb
to something as ludicrous as that!
163
00:11:30,523 --> 00:11:32,787
It sure feels like spring today!
164
00:11:32,958 --> 00:11:37,622
Sure does. It's already February 20th.
So the good weather is no surprise.
165
00:11:37,730 --> 00:11:39,664
There must be a lot of
visitors coming to Edo.
166
00:11:39,832 --> 00:11:42,801
We've a lot to be thankful for.
167
00:11:42,902 --> 00:11:45,632
By the way... have you found
an appointment yet, or...?
168
00:11:45,805 --> 00:11:50,538
Well... nothing ever
goes as one would hope.
169
00:11:52,044 --> 00:11:52,976
That must be Elder li, right?
170
00:11:53,145 --> 00:11:57,741
Yes. It's time for him
to leave the Castle.
171
00:11:57,917 --> 00:12:00,215
Anytime you see him, he looks
like a man full of vigor.
172
00:12:00,386 --> 00:12:05,153
Surely. He's the strong right
hand of the Shogun, after all.
173
00:12:05,257 --> 00:12:09,660
If it weren't for him, our business
wouldn't be prospering as it is.
174
00:12:09,762 --> 00:12:11,286
I have much to thank him for.
175
00:12:11,464 --> 00:12:15,423
As always, leading the
procession of men are...
176
00:12:15,534 --> 00:12:20,096
...Nishikawa Chuuzaemon and
about thirty of his aides.
177
00:12:20,206 --> 00:12:24,074
With their guards, they totaled
approximately sixty in all.
178
00:12:24,276 --> 00:12:28,076
The procession, and the
number of men, hasn't changed.
179
00:12:28,180 --> 00:12:30,978
It is said that there's
a spy among the men...
180
00:12:31,083 --> 00:12:32,817
...but, could it really be true?
181
00:12:32,852 --> 00:12:34,717
Mito Mansion ...but,
could it really be true?
182
00:12:34,887 --> 00:12:38,550
To investigate Niiro Tsuruchiyo's
abode, a meeting is held...
183
00:12:38,657 --> 00:12:42,423
...between Inada Juzo and two
other men. It is February 21st.
184
00:12:42,828 --> 00:12:45,456
His home is a disheveled and
bare hut built out of mud...
185
00:12:45,631 --> 00:12:48,600
...by the Kanda-Kamakura riverbed,
in a little-traveled area.
186
00:12:57,309 --> 00:12:59,277
What does he do to earn
his three meals a day?
187
00:12:59,445 --> 00:13:00,277
Sir?
188
00:13:00,312 --> 00:13:02,746
What does he do for living?
189
00:13:02,915 --> 00:13:07,716
Sir, from what I can gather,
he doesn't have a steady job.
190
00:13:07,820 --> 00:13:09,287
If one could call it an occupation...
191
00:13:09,388 --> 00:13:12,915
...he bodyguards for Bizenya Tatsukichi,
an employment agent in Fujimi Village.
192
00:13:13,159 --> 00:13:17,357
We know that a monster
like you is working here!
193
00:13:17,530 --> 00:13:21,466
We'd like to save face...
but, no, not for this pittance!
194
00:13:23,135 --> 00:13:25,535
So, it's a pittance. What're
you gonna do about it?
195
00:13:25,704 --> 00:13:28,673
This is what I'll do!
196
00:13:32,344 --> 00:13:34,778
Go back where you came from, you pest!
197
00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:37,849
Or we'll break your arm right off!
198
00:14:13,052 --> 00:14:15,282
So, he's quite capable.
199
00:14:15,387 --> 00:14:17,753
And seems to be an extremely
dangerous bodyguard at that.
200
00:14:18,157 --> 00:14:20,421
Surely, sir.
201
00:14:20,526 --> 00:14:25,156
Still, I doubt he can afford to eat
three times a day on what Bizenya pays.
202
00:14:25,264 --> 00:14:28,392
Certainly, he couldn't afford
the booze that he loves.
203
00:14:28,500 --> 00:14:32,129
So, he referees matches, and
raids gambling houses and dojo.
204
00:14:32,238 --> 00:14:35,867
He's more or less a blackmailer.
205
00:14:35,975 --> 00:14:39,570
He'll do anything but steal and murder,
so he can indulge in wine and women.
206
00:14:39,745 --> 00:14:41,269
What about family ties?
207
00:14:41,447 --> 00:14:48,148
Sir, there was his mother... but
she passed away five years ago.
208
00:14:48,320 --> 00:14:49,989
Mother died five years ago, eh?
209
00:14:50,024 --> 00:14:51,479
Yes, sir.
210
00:14:52,658 --> 00:14:56,958
So... how did this
monster become one of us?
211
00:14:57,129 --> 00:14:59,962
Sir... what happened was...
212
00:15:23,088 --> 00:15:24,188
May you rest in peace...
213
00:15:24,223 --> 00:15:25,723
Your deaths won't be forgotten!
214
00:15:25,758 --> 00:15:28,818
We swear we'll behead "Red Devil"
li! Your deaths won't be forgotten!
215
00:17:06,258 --> 00:17:09,227
Run for it! Follow me!
216
00:17:25,244 --> 00:17:27,346
You're all with the
House of Mito, right?
217
00:17:27,381 --> 00:17:29,314
Yes, sir.
218
00:17:32,818 --> 00:17:37,050
"2 koku:" enough rice to feed a family for a
year. A foot-soldier; 10-koku and 3 retainers.
219
00:17:37,156 --> 00:17:41,354
An aide to the Commissioner of
Shrines; 3-ryo and 2 retainers.
220
00:17:41,460 --> 00:17:46,022
An aide to a District Commissioner;
7-koku and 2 retainers.
221
00:17:46,899 --> 00:17:50,494
You're nothing but a bunch
of superfluous lackeys.
222
00:17:50,602 --> 00:17:52,593
I was hoping that at least one
of you was an Elder's son...
223
00:17:52,704 --> 00:17:55,104
...or the son of a troop leader...
224
00:17:55,207 --> 00:17:57,076
...I guess I was wrong.
225
00:17:57,111 --> 00:17:57,565
Sir?
226
00:17:57,743 --> 00:18:01,144
So the reason Tsuruchiyo
helped them was because...
227
00:18:01,246 --> 00:18:04,443
...if one of them turned out
to be an important figure...
228
00:18:04,550 --> 00:18:06,541
...he could extort a large sum of money?
229
00:18:06,718 --> 00:18:09,186
No... that wasn't it...
230
00:18:09,488 --> 00:18:13,822
"Built with utmost care..." but the Ecchuu
Loincloth, upon completion, falls apart.
231
00:18:13,992 --> 00:18:15,459
Huh?
232
00:18:15,627 --> 00:18:20,030
Well, you see... If one of you
were somebody significant, then...
233
00:18:20,132 --> 00:18:22,157
...I could've asked for
a reward for saving you.
234
00:18:22,267 --> 00:18:27,330
I could've used that chance
to obtain a position, but...
235
00:18:27,439 --> 00:18:31,000
The Ecchuu Loincloth
must've fallen apart!
236
00:18:33,178 --> 00:18:39,344
Well... as we are of low rank, we
really don't have any way to thank you.
237
00:18:40,085 --> 00:18:42,918
No matter how much searching
you do around Edo...
238
00:18:43,021 --> 00:18:46,548
...it's impossible to stumble
upon a truly sweet opportunity.
239
00:18:46,658 --> 00:18:49,149
So you see, from now on...
240
00:18:49,261 --> 00:18:52,753
...if you aren't a high-ranking
officer somewhere... you're doomed.
241
00:18:52,931 --> 00:18:57,459
But... you're such a swordsman that
any Daimyo house would want you.
242
00:18:57,636 --> 00:19:02,505
Don't be ridiculous. You're all
men with meager positions in life...
243
00:19:02,608 --> 00:19:07,341
...but you still don't know
the hardships of being a ronin.
244
00:19:07,446 --> 00:19:12,406
You have no idea to what extremes I've
sunk... I've done everything I can.
245
00:19:12,518 --> 00:19:15,919
Skills alone won't get you anywhere.
246
00:19:16,088 --> 00:19:17,990
I wonder if what you're saying is true.
247
00:19:18,025 --> 00:19:19,855
By the way, fellows...
248
00:19:20,025 --> 00:19:24,428
...you were saying some rather serious
things back there in Nihonbashi.
249
00:19:24,530 --> 00:19:29,331
About beheading Elder li,
or something to that effect.
250
00:19:29,434 --> 00:19:32,995
But, you know... that's
pretty interesting.
251
00:19:33,105 --> 00:19:35,369
Certainly interesting, if you're
really serious about doing it.
252
00:19:35,774 --> 00:19:38,607
Sir, what you're saying is very odd.
253
00:19:38,777 --> 00:19:40,972
Still, you wouldn't have saved us...
254
00:19:41,079 --> 00:19:43,240
...if you didn't resent
Elder li's arbitrary conduct.
255
00:19:43,415 --> 00:19:46,680
I've got nothing to do with
him, no connections whatsoever!
256
00:19:46,785 --> 00:19:49,117
I hold no grudge against
him, nor am I indebted to him.
257
00:19:49,221 --> 00:19:50,989
He's a complete stranger to me.
258
00:19:51,024 --> 00:19:52,251
No, that can't be so!
259
00:19:52,424 --> 00:19:57,327
Otherwise, why help? If you got caught,
you'd be in prison along with us!
260
00:19:57,496 --> 00:20:00,465
You bunch of rockheads!
261
00:20:01,767 --> 00:20:05,703
Sure, li Naosuke is
indeed the "Red Devil..."
262
00:20:05,804 --> 00:20:08,034
...from your viewpoint as men of Mito.
263
00:20:08,140 --> 00:20:12,201
But it's different, for someone like
me, who's got no connection to him.
264
00:20:12,311 --> 00:20:15,678
The reason there's been a lot of
political crap these last few years...
265
00:20:15,781 --> 00:20:18,716
...is because the Tokugawa and
their allies are scheming...
266
00:20:18,817 --> 00:20:24,722
...about who'll be the next
Shogun, that is. Isn't that so?
267
00:20:25,624 --> 00:20:30,323
The House of Mito wants Nariaki's
son, Yoshinobu, to be the next Shogun.
268
00:20:30,429 --> 00:20:33,956
And, you want Nariaki to live in
the Castle's Nishinomaru Quarters...
269
00:20:34,066 --> 00:20:35,801
...so that he can rule the nation.
270
00:20:35,836 --> 00:20:36,790
B... But...
271
00:20:37,069 --> 00:20:41,005
Listen to me until I'm done!
272
00:20:41,106 --> 00:20:44,735
Everything seemed to be set, then
he stepped forward to oppose you.
273
00:20:44,843 --> 00:20:47,937
That was li Naosuke, the Lord of Hikone.
274
00:20:48,046 --> 00:20:51,106
He used his post as the
Great Elder to bring to...
275
00:20:51,216 --> 00:20:54,777
...Edo Castle a 13-year old, one
Yoshi- tomi, from the House of Kii...
276
00:20:54,886 --> 00:20:59,289
...and basically made him
the 14th Shogun, lemochi.
277
00:20:59,391 --> 00:21:02,849
The infuriated, uncalmable
Mito faction allied with...
278
00:21:02,961 --> 00:21:06,556
...clans from Satsuma and Choshuu who
shared the same feelings of outrage...
279
00:21:06,665 --> 00:21:08,462
...and won the support
of officials in Kyoto...
280
00:21:08,567 --> 00:21:10,592
...who then brought the matter
to the attention of the Emperor.
281
00:21:10,702 --> 00:21:13,170
Once the Emperor learned of
this... he declared that...
282
00:21:13,272 --> 00:21:18,642
...the Shogunate, that is, li Naosuke's
achievement, was far from desirable.
283
00:21:18,744 --> 00:21:23,204
And so, it was li Naosuke's turn
to be most imperially enraged.
284
00:21:23,315 --> 00:21:26,011
He discharged the officials
that worked for the Emperor...
285
00:21:26,118 --> 00:21:28,552
...and arrested men
from Mito and Satsuma...
286
00:21:28,654 --> 00:21:32,647
...sent them to prison,
beheaded them, and so forth.
287
00:21:33,759 --> 00:21:36,751
This was the so-called "Ansei Purge."
288
00:21:36,862 --> 00:21:38,887
Well? Did I get any of it wrong?
289
00:21:42,901 --> 00:21:47,770
Indeed. There's truth
in what you've said, sir.
290
00:21:47,873 --> 00:21:51,365
But, there's something
important that you've overlooked.
291
00:21:51,543 --> 00:21:53,443
Say what?!
292
00:21:53,612 --> 00:21:56,342
Consider Shogun lemochi, only
14-years old, of the House of Kii.
293
00:21:56,448 --> 00:21:59,281
The question is, can He save
Japan from the crisis it faces?!
294
00:21:59,384 --> 00:22:02,114
From the North comes Russia,
from the East, America.
295
00:22:02,220 --> 00:22:04,688
From the West come England and France.
296
00:22:04,790 --> 00:22:08,089
Should He make one little error,
what'll happen to Japan then?!
297
00:22:08,193 --> 00:22:10,388
We must destroy li Naosuke,
the Devil, immediately...
298
00:22:10,495 --> 00:22:13,328
...and make the Glorious
Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu Shogun.
299
00:22:13,432 --> 00:22:15,263
We must rebuild the Shogunate
as quickly as possible, or...
300
00:22:15,367 --> 00:22:17,096
...we'll be allowing the
Emperor to be disgraced as well!
301
00:22:17,269 --> 00:22:20,136
We aren't just concerned about
who will be the next Shogun...
302
00:22:20,305 --> 00:22:23,274
That's enough.
303
00:22:25,711 --> 00:22:27,611
Imperialists,
Anti-Shogunate or whatever...
304
00:22:27,713 --> 00:22:32,082
...it does me no good to listen
to lame arguments like these.
305
00:22:32,184 --> 00:22:36,848
What matters is whether... you
truly intend to kill Naosuke...
306
00:22:36,955 --> 00:22:39,355
...or are you just all talk?
307
00:22:43,295 --> 00:22:47,755
If you're planning to
do it, then count me in.
308
00:22:47,866 --> 00:22:50,801
Li Naosuke's head is
easily worth a thousand ryo.
309
00:22:50,902 --> 00:22:55,236
I'll do my best, demonstrate my
skill... and then I'll have his head!
310
00:22:56,575 --> 00:23:00,033
That way, Mito, Satsuma,
or Choshuu... one of them...
311
00:23:00,145 --> 00:23:03,114
...will want to engage
me, at a high price.
312
00:23:03,215 --> 00:23:06,184
That much is true, without a doubt!
313
00:23:08,086 --> 00:23:10,919
So... sir, what is your name?
314
00:23:11,089 --> 00:23:13,956
Huh?
315
00:23:14,059 --> 00:23:17,654
Niiro Tsuruchiyo. Formerly
of Bishuu clan, now a ronin.
316
00:23:19,931 --> 00:23:22,399
So, he joined us because...
317
00:23:22,501 --> 00:23:26,631
...he wants to become a
legitimate samurai... Just that?
318
00:23:26,805 --> 00:23:31,640
Correct, sir. During our mission,
he will do his best for the cause...
319
00:23:31,743 --> 00:23:34,507
...and after we succeed, he'll request
that the Mito, or another clan...
320
00:23:34,613 --> 00:23:36,945
...grant him a position.
321
00:23:37,048 --> 00:23:39,016
That is his only motivation, sir.
322
00:23:39,184 --> 00:23:45,885
At sunset that day, Hagiiwara
Matasaburo reports on...
323
00:23:45,991 --> 00:23:49,256
...the living conditions of
Kurihara Einosuke, the other suspect.
324
00:23:51,863 --> 00:23:53,592
Thank you for your hard work.
325
00:23:53,765 --> 00:23:56,165
Sir, Kurihara Einosuke's
home is situated in...
326
00:23:56,334 --> 00:24:00,600
...Honjo-Koume, where liege vassals and
rich merchants maintain second homes.
327
00:24:00,772 --> 00:24:02,967
Oh? Honjo-Koume?
328
00:24:21,059 --> 00:24:23,254
Kurihara was once a
retainer in the employ of...
329
00:24:23,361 --> 00:24:25,386
...Matsudaira Sahyonosuke, the
chief of the Yada clan in Joshu...
330
00:24:25,497 --> 00:24:27,897
...and his stipend
was more than 300-koku.
331
00:24:28,099 --> 00:24:30,294
300-koku? He must've
been an important man.
332
00:24:32,337 --> 00:24:35,397
As close to his Clan
Lord as Kurihara was...
333
00:24:35,507 --> 00:24:38,203
...as important as he was...
334
00:24:38,310 --> 00:24:42,576
...why did he leave his clan,
become a ronin, and join us?
335
00:24:42,747 --> 00:24:44,977
That, sir, we don't know for sure...
336
00:24:45,083 --> 00:24:47,916
...but according to Yamamoto,
a close confidante of his...
337
00:24:48,019 --> 00:24:50,510
...Kurihara is an exceptional,
avid scholar, who...
338
00:24:50,622 --> 00:24:52,524
...is well-read in Western philosophy.
339
00:24:52,559 --> 00:24:53,422
Oh?
340
00:24:53,592 --> 00:24:55,685
Based on his studies, he
strongly believes that...
341
00:24:55,794 --> 00:25:00,322
...unless Elder li is destroyed, Japan
will not see the dawn of a new era.
342
00:25:00,532 --> 00:25:02,397
Uh-huh...
343
00:25:02,501 --> 00:25:08,235
His scholarly studies lead him to believe
that the death of li is imperative?
344
00:25:08,406 --> 00:25:10,670
That, sir, is what Yamamoto has told me.
345
00:25:10,842 --> 00:25:12,332
Uh-huh.
346
00:25:12,444 --> 00:25:14,275
By the way, this Kurihara...
347
00:25:14,379 --> 00:25:17,712
...as he is no longer an
aide to his Clan Lord...
348
00:25:17,816 --> 00:25:19,909
...how, then, can he afford to
live in such a noteworthy mansion?
349
00:25:20,151 --> 00:25:22,915
Sir, as for that...
350
00:25:23,021 --> 00:25:27,924
...his wife, Mitsu, happens to be
the daughter of Kagaya Seibei...
351
00:25:28,026 --> 00:25:29,755
...a shipping agent in Shinmachi,
near Shiba Shiodome Bridge.
352
00:25:29,861 --> 00:25:32,455
The mansion is Seibei's second home.
353
00:25:35,500 --> 00:25:39,698
Thus, Kurihara's leisurely
lifestyle in the mansion...
354
00:25:39,804 --> 00:25:42,773
...is not, I believe,
grounds to suspect anything.
355
00:26:00,792 --> 00:26:03,852
And so, Kurihara Einosuke can
spend his days focusing his mind...
356
00:26:03,962 --> 00:26:07,728
...on scholarship... and swordmanship.
357
00:26:07,999 --> 00:26:12,493
I can well appreciate that
he's absorbed in his studies...
358
00:26:12,604 --> 00:26:14,469
...but, "swordmanship?"
359
00:26:14,706 --> 00:26:18,472
Yes, sir. In Okachi Village, in
Shitaya, one Tachibana Isshinsai runs...
360
00:26:18,577 --> 00:26:21,546
...a dojo, specializing
in the Nen Style.
361
00:26:29,087 --> 00:26:32,284
Now, this Kurihara Einosuke,
and Niiro Tsuruchiyo...
362
00:26:32,390 --> 00:26:34,756
...I hear that the two
are on very good terms.
363
00:26:34,926 --> 00:26:36,757
Yes, that's correct, sir.
364
00:26:36,928 --> 00:26:40,364
Their personalities and lifestyles
make them complete opposites.
365
00:26:40,532 --> 00:26:44,866
How could they possibly
get along so well...? How?
366
00:26:45,036 --> 00:26:47,129
Well, I wondered about that myself, sir.
367
00:26:47,238 --> 00:26:49,365
A comrade named Kojima Kaname
ought to know the answer...
368
00:26:49,474 --> 00:26:51,874
...as he's especially
close to Niiro Tsuruchiyo.
369
00:26:51,977 --> 00:26:55,174
You should definitely hear
what Kojima has to say, sir.
370
00:27:02,287 --> 00:27:03,855
In December of last year, eh?
371
00:27:03,890 --> 00:27:05,720
Yes, sir.
372
00:27:05,890 --> 00:27:08,085
It was close to the New Year.
373
00:27:08,193 --> 00:27:10,627
Having become uneasy about
the advent of the New Year...
374
00:27:10,729 --> 00:27:13,027
...Niiro headed to Tachibana Isshinsai's
dojo in Okachi Village in Shitaya...
375
00:27:13,131 --> 00:27:15,793
...after discussions with
his fellow rogue ronin.
376
00:27:15,967 --> 00:27:17,233
For what purpose?
377
00:27:17,268 --> 00:27:20,237
Sir... it was for Dojo-harassment.
378
00:27:22,674 --> 00:27:24,938
Not good...
379
00:27:25,043 --> 00:27:27,011
Not good...
380
00:27:31,016 --> 00:27:33,075
That will be all.
381
00:27:33,251 --> 00:27:36,220
Wait!
382
00:27:39,090 --> 00:27:41,991
We've accommodated enough outside
styles for today. Please leave.
383
00:27:42,193 --> 00:27:43,854
Impossible!
384
00:27:43,962 --> 00:27:47,193
Here I stand.
385
00:27:49,100 --> 00:27:54,265
I believe that... I've clearly demonstrated
our strengths to your four friends.
386
00:27:55,240 --> 00:28:00,041
If you want to brag, you ought to wait
until you've finished dueling with me.
387
00:28:01,179 --> 00:28:03,773
It seems I have no choice. Very
well then, please prepare yourself.
388
00:28:03,948 --> 00:28:06,151
I'm ready right now!
389
00:28:06,186 --> 00:28:08,119
What?!
390
00:28:47,559 --> 00:28:51,928
'Twas... a long duel... that left
us speechless with admiration...
391
00:28:52,030 --> 00:28:54,863
...but, in the end...
392
00:28:54,966 --> 00:28:57,025
Their skills were
perfectly matched, so...
393
00:28:57,135 --> 00:28:59,103
...if they continued, the result would
have been a simultaneous strike...
394
00:28:59,204 --> 00:29:03,800
...and both would have
suffered grievous injuries.
395
00:29:03,908 --> 00:29:07,366
So, the match was concluded.
396
00:29:07,545 --> 00:29:10,571
If I may so ask... that is
Jigen- Ichi-Style, isn't it?
397
00:29:11,449 --> 00:29:13,349
That is correct.
398
00:29:13,451 --> 00:29:17,512
Your Nen Style... seems rather useful.
399
00:29:17,622 --> 00:29:20,284
I haven't had this good
of a workout in a while.
400
00:29:23,094 --> 00:29:25,688
After that, the two rapidly
became close friends.
401
00:29:25,797 --> 00:29:30,461
Occasionally, Niiro would visit
Kurihara's mansion in Honjo-Koume.
402
00:29:30,568 --> 00:29:33,469
Actually, I personally
accompanied him once or twice.
403
00:29:42,747 --> 00:29:46,148
He laughed! He laughed!
404
00:29:46,251 --> 00:29:49,618
The son of Kurihara
Einosuke... Eiichiro, eh?
405
00:29:49,721 --> 00:29:53,282
What a fine name it
is! A fine name, indeed!
406
00:29:53,391 --> 00:29:57,691
Eiichiro... You're so lucky
to have such wonderful parents!
407
00:29:57,862 --> 00:30:00,092
Sir Niiro, do you have children yet?
408
00:30:00,265 --> 00:30:03,632
Huh? I may not look like it,
but I'm very much blessed!
409
00:30:03,802 --> 00:30:04,067
Sir?
410
00:30:04,102 --> 00:30:07,005
Pun: "Juu-ni:" Twelve. "Ni-Juu:" Twenty.
Twelve sons, twelve girls...
411
00:30:07,040 --> 00:30:09,572
Twenty, in all!
412
00:30:09,607 --> 00:30:11,234
Surely you're joking!
413
00:30:12,544 --> 00:30:16,412
Well, not only don't I have kids,
but I don't even have a wife.
414
00:30:16,581 --> 00:30:20,984
I didn't realize... I am sorry.
415
00:30:21,085 --> 00:30:24,316
How about your parents? Are they alive?
416
00:30:24,489 --> 00:30:27,515
I did have a mother, but she
left this world five years ago.
417
00:30:27,692 --> 00:30:31,150
I'm so sorry.
418
00:30:31,329 --> 00:30:34,196
That old fool... I constantly gave
her a hard time when she was alive.
419
00:30:34,365 --> 00:30:37,163
Sir?
420
00:30:37,335 --> 00:30:40,793
You see, I have no
idea who my father is.
421
00:30:42,073 --> 00:30:43,942
He doesn't know his father?
422
00:30:43,977 --> 00:30:45,910
Correct, sir.
423
00:30:57,822 --> 00:30:59,346
By the way, Kojima...
424
00:30:59,457 --> 00:31:04,485
How could such a fatherless fellow...
be a Bishuu ronin? Do you know?
425
00:31:04,696 --> 00:31:08,757
Sir Hoshino... I do not mean to
be disrespectful to you, sir...
426
00:31:08,867 --> 00:31:12,132
...but Niiro is not a
spy for the House of li.
427
00:31:12,237 --> 00:31:14,705
That... I, Kojima
Kaname, personally attest!
428
00:31:14,873 --> 00:31:17,899
If you can't determine the answer,
then we'll have someone else find out.
429
00:31:18,076 --> 00:31:18,906
But, Sir Sumida...
430
00:31:19,077 --> 00:31:21,602
You were, after all, assigned
the duty of watching the others...
431
00:31:21,713 --> 00:31:24,773
...yet, you've not once passed
on anything concerning Niiro!
432
00:31:24,883 --> 00:31:27,852
What exactly have you
been doing every day?!
433
00:31:29,120 --> 00:31:32,317
Just what's Niiro been up
to, since our last meeting?!
434
00:31:33,524 --> 00:31:36,459
Sir, the truth is that...
435
00:31:36,561 --> 00:31:39,587
...well... lately...
436
00:31:39,697 --> 00:31:43,463
...since the February
17th plan was called off...
437
00:31:43,568 --> 00:31:48,733
...er... our comrades congregated
at Sagamiya in Shinagawa...
438
00:31:48,840 --> 00:31:50,408
...where we had an official meeting.
439
00:31:50,443 --> 00:31:53,241
We know that already!
440
00:31:53,411 --> 00:31:56,278
Ever since then... Niiro has
been staying at Sagamiya...
441
00:31:56,381 --> 00:31:59,111
...and refuses to leave,
no matter what we do!
442
00:31:59,384 --> 00:32:06,187
"Botamochi:" a traditional sweet.
"Botamochi during the Bon Festival...
443
00:32:06,291 --> 00:32:14,494
"Udon-noodles during the day..."
444
00:32:19,604 --> 00:32:21,731
Get Okiku! Okiku, I said!
445
00:32:21,906 --> 00:32:24,875
Here, now! Have some sake!
446
00:32:29,514 --> 00:32:35,248
I'm not staying here so I can
look at your ugly gourd of a face!
447
00:32:35,353 --> 00:32:38,254
Get your boss! Get Okiku!
448
00:32:43,528 --> 00:32:46,895
Madam! How many days do we
have to put up with him?!
449
00:32:46,998 --> 00:32:50,559
We gotta get him to go! I'm
going to call in the Constabulary!
450
00:32:50,802 --> 00:32:54,568
But you know...
451
00:32:54,672 --> 00:32:58,164
...if the Constabulary comes
around, business will suffer.
452
00:32:58,343 --> 00:33:03,679
"Botamochi during the Bon Festival...
453
00:33:03,781 --> 00:33:13,986
"Udon-noodles during the day...
454
00:33:14,092 --> 00:33:23,296
"Have rice at night...
455
00:33:23,468 --> 00:33:28,132
My... my... if it isn't the
arrival of the Ocean Princess!
456
00:33:51,929 --> 00:33:53,397
Sir Niiro...
457
00:33:53,432 --> 00:33:54,831
What is it?
458
00:33:54,866 --> 00:33:57,494
You've been here far too
long, sir. What is it?
459
00:33:57,668 --> 00:34:00,967
Your family must be worried about you.
460
00:34:01,139 --> 00:34:02,572
Mind your own business!
461
00:34:02,607 --> 00:34:06,544
I must say this; forgive my rudeness...
462
00:34:06,579 --> 00:34:07,568
Say what?!
463
00:34:07,779 --> 00:34:13,240
Because you arrived with my long-time
patrons, the gentlemen of Mito...
464
00:34:13,351 --> 00:34:16,980
...I realized that I couldn't possibly
be impolite to you, until today.
465
00:34:17,088 --> 00:34:21,422
But... I ask that you settle
your account for the time being...
466
00:34:21,526 --> 00:34:25,929
...as financial matters
need to be taken care of.
467
00:34:26,097 --> 00:34:29,089
So what if you need to take
care of financial matters?!
468
00:34:29,267 --> 00:34:31,428
I'd like you to pay
what you owe us, and...
469
00:34:31,536 --> 00:34:35,302
...kindly ask that you return
home for the time being.
470
00:34:35,406 --> 00:34:38,375
If our Sagamiya is to
your liking, then...
471
00:34:38,476 --> 00:34:41,445
...please come back
again at a later date.
472
00:34:44,515 --> 00:34:47,484
Since you demand it of me, I will leave.
473
00:34:50,988 --> 00:34:54,651
But, let me tell you,
lady... I've got no money!
474
00:34:55,726 --> 00:34:59,526
But... if you tell me that...
475
00:34:59,630 --> 00:35:01,621
...you'll be in trouble
if I don't pay...
476
00:35:01,732 --> 00:35:04,428
...then I guarantee that
I'll get the money...
477
00:35:04,535 --> 00:35:06,628
...after I leave, that is.
478
00:35:07,538 --> 00:35:10,268
Please don't be concerned
about the bill, sir.
479
00:35:10,374 --> 00:35:12,501
I merely ask that you leave.
480
00:35:14,979 --> 00:35:16,813
You're so aloof...
481
00:35:16,848 --> 00:35:19,408
Oh!
Wh... What are you doing...?
482
00:35:25,323 --> 00:35:28,724
So aloof...
483
00:35:28,826 --> 00:35:32,785
Listen you, sooner or
later... I will become...
484
00:35:32,897 --> 00:35:36,526
...a full-fledged, two-sword retainer
with four or five-hundred koku in income!
485
00:35:36,634 --> 00:35:41,867
When that happens, Okiku... I will
come here, to make you my wife!
486
00:35:42,874 --> 00:35:44,967
Enough kidding around!
487
00:35:45,076 --> 00:35:47,010
If you don't stop, I will be
forced to call in the Constables!
488
00:35:56,154 --> 00:36:00,488
Lady... how much do I owe ya?
489
00:36:00,658 --> 00:36:03,024
I don't care about that!
490
00:36:03,127 --> 00:36:06,096
However, I ask that you
never come here again!
491
00:36:09,567 --> 00:36:13,162
As long as I pay, I'm a customer.
492
00:36:13,271 --> 00:36:19,608
No... perhaps it is you
who owe me money, lady.
493
00:36:21,546 --> 00:36:27,712
Listen, Okiku... I've become like this...
like a stray dog... because of you.
494
00:37:12,396 --> 00:37:16,924
"Kisoya's"
495
00:37:17,101 --> 00:37:20,468
Tell your boss, Masagoro.
He'll understand.
496
00:37:20,571 --> 00:37:22,436
Tell him that Tsuruchiyo is here.
497
00:37:22,607 --> 00:37:24,837
"Sir Tsuruchiyo?"
498
00:37:27,545 --> 00:37:30,207
That's Niiro Tsuruchiyo!
499
00:37:41,092 --> 00:37:47,053
It's been five years, hasn't it?
Since the last time I saw you.
500
00:37:47,231 --> 00:37:50,530
You look healthy, at
least from what I can see.
501
00:37:50,701 --> 00:37:52,368
Isn't that obvious?
502
00:37:52,403 --> 00:37:54,394
But,
it's so disgraceful...
503
00:37:54,572 --> 00:37:57,939
Your mother would be so
saddened, if she were still alive.
504
00:37:58,109 --> 00:38:01,670
Stop talking about my mother!
505
00:38:01,779 --> 00:38:03,281
I've come here to discuss money!
506
00:38:03,316 --> 00:38:07,081
No, it cannot be.
507
00:38:09,687 --> 00:38:14,920
Kisoya... you and my mother were two
of a kind. Don't try acting otherwise.
508
00:38:15,626 --> 00:38:21,292
Indeed, two of a kind...
that was your mother and I.
509
00:38:21,399 --> 00:38:26,098
We sacrificed everything to help
you become an honorable samurai.
510
00:38:26,203 --> 00:38:30,663
We encouraged you to excel in swords
- manship... and academics...
511
00:38:30,775 --> 00:38:33,938
My... And, look what happened...
512
00:38:34,111 --> 00:38:38,070
But, these five years that I've had
to live alone... I've learned a lot.
513
00:38:40,284 --> 00:38:43,117
I left the path of the samurai once...
514
00:38:43,220 --> 00:38:46,451
...but it made me realize
how cold society can be.
515
00:38:46,557 --> 00:38:53,292
Anyway, these days, you either become
a merchant like you and save money, or...
516
00:38:53,397 --> 00:38:57,629
...become a respectable
samurai and strut around!
517
00:38:57,735 --> 00:39:01,762
That is, if you've got any
desire to live like a human being.
518
00:39:01,872 --> 00:39:04,340
But, I can't imagine being
a merchant or craftsman.
519
00:39:04,508 --> 00:39:07,209
Of course not! Not you!
520
00:39:07,244 --> 00:39:10,077
There you go again, just like mother did!
521
00:39:10,181 --> 00:39:12,308
If there's really samurai blood
in me, as you've always said...
522
00:39:12,416 --> 00:39:14,714
...then why can't you
tell me who my father is?!
523
00:39:18,356 --> 00:39:23,919
I'm not a kid anymore...
It's no use trying to hide it!
524
00:39:24,028 --> 00:39:26,326
But, let me say this...
525
00:39:26,430 --> 00:39:31,732
...l've had it... with
living like a lone wolf!
526
00:39:31,836 --> 00:39:35,932
I'll... I'll become...
527
00:39:36,040 --> 00:39:37,808
...a real, spear-carrying samurai.
528
00:39:37,843 --> 00:39:39,708
Huh?
529
00:39:39,877 --> 00:39:46,806
I'll become more important
than you or my mother ever was.
530
00:39:48,419 --> 00:39:50,512
I'm about to get involved
in a fateful undertaking...
531
00:39:50,621 --> 00:39:54,318
...not just that... it's a
once- in-a-lifetime opportunity!
532
00:39:54,425 --> 00:39:57,792
I'll keep on top of this opportunity...
533
00:39:57,895 --> 00:40:00,090
...and I'll never let go of it,
even if lightning strikes me!
534
00:40:00,264 --> 00:40:04,667
Sir Tsuruchiyo... what
exactly are you referring to?!
535
00:40:04,835 --> 00:40:07,303
Forget it. Forget it...
536
00:40:07,405 --> 00:40:13,810
I'll tell you about it someday... when
I return with four or five vassals in tow.
537
00:40:13,911 --> 00:40:18,041
Today's topic is money!
538
00:40:18,249 --> 00:40:20,149
10-ryo!
539
00:40:20,317 --> 00:40:21,986
I must object, sir.
540
00:40:22,021 --> 00:40:22,509
What?
541
00:40:22,686 --> 00:40:27,282
You say you've suffered greatly...
but you don't know what suffering is!
542
00:40:27,391 --> 00:40:31,418
The reason you've become this
way, Sir Tsuruchiyo, is because...
543
00:40:31,529 --> 00:40:35,260
...we always pampered
you, perhaps too much!
544
00:40:38,803 --> 00:40:40,998
Kisoya... so you're not
going to give me money...?
545
00:40:41,172 --> 00:40:45,370
If that's not to your liking,
then force open my safe yourself!
546
00:40:45,543 --> 00:40:48,842
You've not been to this
mansion in five years...
547
00:40:48,946 --> 00:40:53,042
...yet as soon as you
do, look what happens!
548
00:40:53,150 --> 00:40:56,847
On top of it, you come up
with some fantastic story...
549
00:40:56,954 --> 00:40:59,855
"If I go to Kisoya's, I can
get money, no matter what."
550
00:40:59,957 --> 00:41:02,585
You always behaved like a spoiled
brat! You haven't changed a bit!
551
00:41:02,693 --> 00:41:05,753
I, Kisoya Masagoro, refuse
to give you a single mon!
552
00:41:13,504 --> 00:41:18,464
If you're not going to pay... then I'll
just have to ask my creditor to come here.
553
00:43:58,402 --> 00:44:02,361
I must say that what I
saw today was splendid.
554
00:44:02,473 --> 00:44:05,738
Shichidayu Dances...
Always a delight to see.
555
00:44:05,909 --> 00:44:08,104
When people say something is "out of
this world," this is what they mean.
556
00:44:08,212 --> 00:44:10,180
They've all dedicated
their lives to their craft.
557
00:44:10,280 --> 00:44:13,977
'Tis the excellence achieved only
by those devoted to a single thing.
558
00:44:14,151 --> 00:44:15,386
However...
559
00:44:15,421 --> 00:44:16,353
Huh?
560
00:44:16,520 --> 00:44:18,988
Why did you choose an evocative
piece as the "Kurozuka?"
561
00:44:19,156 --> 00:44:22,853
Well, as I would be watching the
play with you, Sir Sahyonosuke...
562
00:44:22,960 --> 00:44:25,292
...I thought that we ought to watch
something joyous and gorgeous...
563
00:44:25,396 --> 00:44:29,332
...but, 'tis disheartening that you
see it only as an evocatory piece!
564
00:44:29,500 --> 00:44:34,096
If you put it that way, I must
not say what I was about to say.
565
00:44:34,271 --> 00:44:39,106
No need for such formality.
Please speak your mind.
566
00:44:39,977 --> 00:44:43,242
A unit of Mito's Tengu
Faction has assembled...
567
00:44:43,347 --> 00:44:45,315
...and they've filtered
into our district.
568
00:44:45,616 --> 00:44:47,516
Yes, I'm aware of that.
569
00:44:47,685 --> 00:44:53,555
They pose as Mito vassals, and can
use the Mito Mansion in Koishikawa.
570
00:44:53,657 --> 00:44:56,751
From this base, they've contacted
Satsuma and Choshuu vassals...
571
00:44:56,860 --> 00:44:58,828
...and together, they've
been hatching various plots.
572
00:44:58,996 --> 00:45:00,129
I am aware of that, too.
573
00:45:00,164 --> 00:45:03,067
Things look to be coming to a head.
574
00:45:03,102 --> 00:45:04,633
And, if so?
575
00:45:04,668 --> 00:45:09,128
What if... your life were in danger?
576
00:45:09,306 --> 00:45:12,138
That's totally ludicrous!
577
00:45:12,173 --> 00:45:14,970
But... what if it were so?
578
00:45:15,145 --> 00:45:16,914
No, it will not happen.
579
00:45:16,949 --> 00:45:17,613
Why not?
580
00:45:17,648 --> 00:45:20,381
Do you expect me to put it in words?
581
00:45:20,416 --> 00:45:23,114
Tell me. Today, tell me everything.
582
00:45:24,455 --> 00:45:30,587
Our Fourteenth Shogun, lemochi...
is how old as of this year?
583
00:45:30,761 --> 00:45:32,558
Fourteen years old.
584
00:45:32,730 --> 00:45:37,167
I am the Lord of Hikone, a Tokugawa
- affiliated domain.
585
00:45:37,267 --> 00:45:40,395
I am the li Family's 15th
descendant: "Kamonnokami" Naosuke.
586
00:45:40,504 --> 00:45:43,166
And, to top it off, I'm the
Great Elder of the Shogunate.
587
00:45:43,273 --> 00:45:45,002
It is no exaggeration to say...
588
00:45:45,109 --> 00:45:50,069
...that the Tokugawa government
cannot run without me.
589
00:45:51,115 --> 00:45:54,050
So, why would the men
of Mito seek my life?
590
00:45:54,151 --> 00:45:56,449
At a time when we're faced
with many national dilemmas...
591
00:45:56,553 --> 00:45:59,283
...the Mito... one of the three
Great Houses, wants me dead?
592
00:45:59,389 --> 00:46:01,880
It's ridiculous!
593
00:46:01,992 --> 00:46:04,222
If I were to die now, the
Shogunate would crumble into dust!
594
00:46:06,430 --> 00:46:08,762
We are living in unstable times.
595
00:46:08,866 --> 00:46:11,630
Reforming the government by killing me?!
596
00:46:11,735 --> 00:46:14,704
'Tis nothing but a bad
story, fabricated by fools!
597
00:46:14,872 --> 00:46:17,238
Should anybody dare to destroy me...
598
00:46:17,341 --> 00:46:20,902
...the 300-year old Tokugawa
government would fall.
599
00:46:21,011 --> 00:46:22,706
And that would mean...
600
00:46:22,880 --> 00:46:25,542
...that the age of the
samurai would be over!
601
00:46:31,722 --> 00:46:35,283
Concerning Niiro
Tsuruchiyo's background...
602
00:46:35,392 --> 00:46:37,860
...even though his real
father's identity is unknown...
603
00:46:37,961 --> 00:46:42,921
...the fact is, Niiro Soan, a Bishuu
clan physician, acted as his father.
604
00:46:44,301 --> 00:46:46,792
So, this Niiro Soan, a
physician to the Bishuu...
605
00:46:46,904 --> 00:46:49,896
...with a fief of 10-koku, and two
lackeys, is his adoptive father?
606
00:46:50,407 --> 00:46:55,743
That means... he's considered
to be a Bishuu ronin?
607
00:46:55,913 --> 00:46:56,777
Certainly, sir.
608
00:46:56,947 --> 00:47:00,405
Ah, so he must've tried to get a
position in Edo somewhere, but failed...
609
00:47:00,517 --> 00:47:02,712
...so that explains why
he's living like an outcast.
610
00:47:02,886 --> 00:47:05,855
Yes. I believe that's a
plausible explanation, sir.
611
00:47:08,725 --> 00:47:12,684
Although I did suspect him, I don't
think Niiro is the culprit anymore.
612
00:47:14,798 --> 00:47:15,631
What's the matter?!
613
00:47:15,666 --> 00:47:17,156
Allow me to report to you, sirs...
614
00:47:17,334 --> 00:47:20,303
We've unmasked the betrayers...
spies associated with the li!
615
00:47:20,604 --> 00:47:22,629
What?!
616
00:48:39,883 --> 00:48:42,784
It went to the mansion
of Matsudaira Sahyonosuke?!
617
00:48:42,953 --> 00:48:45,649
Yes, sir. From the Akasaka
Gate, to the right, then...
618
00:48:45,756 --> 00:48:47,986
...further up Ushinaki Hill
via Omote-Denma Village...
619
00:48:48,091 --> 00:48:50,286
...then, down Yagen Hill... past
the Shogunate Sentries' office.
620
00:48:50,394 --> 00:48:51,019
No doubt about it, sir.
621
00:48:51,194 --> 00:48:54,857
Matsudaira Sahyonosuke, the head
of Joshu-Yada, has a mansion there.
622
00:48:55,032 --> 00:48:58,195
As it seemed rather peculiar,
we investigated further.
623
00:48:58,302 --> 00:49:03,399
The woman in the palanquin was
Lady Ochiyo, Matsudaira's concubine.
624
00:49:03,573 --> 00:49:07,100
Why would Matsudaira's
concubine visit Kurihara?!
625
00:49:07,277 --> 00:49:09,609
Mitsu, Kurihara's wife, and
this Lady Ochiyo happen to be...
626
00:49:09,713 --> 00:49:13,114
...sisters, blood relatives!
627
00:49:13,216 --> 00:49:17,277
To check, we went to Shiodome, and
checked with some shipping agents.
628
00:49:17,387 --> 00:49:20,879
One Kagaya Seibei had two daughters.
The older is the Lady Ochiyo...
629
00:49:20,991 --> 00:49:23,585
...concubine to Matsudaira Sahyonosuke,
head of the Yada clan in Joshu.
630
00:49:23,694 --> 00:49:27,061
Her sister is the wife of Kurihara Eino
- suke, a close aide to Matsudaira!
631
00:49:27,164 --> 00:49:31,624
We have verified all of this, sirs!
632
00:49:31,802 --> 00:49:35,533
Our secrets have spread from
Kurihara to Matsudaira Sahyonosuke.
633
00:49:35,639 --> 00:49:39,097
And, from Sahyonosuke
to li the "Kamonnokami?!"
634
00:49:39,209 --> 00:49:42,178
So that's how it is.
635
00:49:45,882 --> 00:49:49,409
Really... one can never
tell about some people.
636
00:49:49,586 --> 00:49:52,487
Well, I for one have
always believed that...
637
00:49:52,589 --> 00:49:55,490
...it was rather odd
that Kurihara joined us!
638
00:49:55,659 --> 00:49:58,628
So... how shall we deal with this?
639
00:50:34,231 --> 00:50:37,598
Niiro!
640
00:50:37,701 --> 00:50:40,670
Niiro!
641
00:50:46,676 --> 00:50:48,176
What's up?
642
00:50:48,211 --> 00:50:50,406
What do you mean, "what's up?!"
643
00:50:50,580 --> 00:50:53,743
I heard from Kojima Kaname
that you're here all the time...
644
00:50:53,850 --> 00:50:56,080
...so I became worried.
645
00:50:56,186 --> 00:50:59,383
Come on, Niiro. Let's go home.
646
00:50:59,489 --> 00:51:03,755
Don't worry about the
bill... I've taken care of it.
647
00:51:03,927 --> 00:51:05,093
What did you say?!
648
00:51:05,128 --> 00:51:08,291
I've taken care of it, the whole thing.
649
00:51:08,465 --> 00:51:11,434
It's none of your concern.
650
00:51:13,637 --> 00:51:17,300
Madam Okiku took the
money from you, then?
651
00:51:17,474 --> 00:51:19,942
No, I didn't see the Madam.
652
00:51:20,043 --> 00:51:22,603
I was told that she was visiting a lumber
- yard in Fuyuki Village, in Fukagawa.
653
00:51:22,712 --> 00:51:27,911
This struck me as somewhat strange,
but... I paid the head clerk.
654
00:51:28,085 --> 00:51:33,751
Like I told you, you should've
minded your own business!
655
00:51:33,857 --> 00:51:37,520
You don't pay the clerk!
656
00:51:37,627 --> 00:51:42,587
But, the fact that she went to the Fuka
- gawa lumberyard is interesting...
657
00:51:42,699 --> 00:51:45,668
...the fact that Okiku did that...
658
00:51:48,605 --> 00:51:52,200
Now, that makes me laugh!
659
00:52:05,589 --> 00:52:08,490
I am Okiku, the Madam of Sagamiya.
660
00:52:10,694 --> 00:52:14,858
Niiro requested that
I send my clerk here...
661
00:52:14,965 --> 00:52:19,993
...but the matter isn't settled
yet, so I've come here in person.
662
00:52:20,103 --> 00:52:22,594
I'm sorry to interrupt
your busy schedule.
663
00:52:23,206 --> 00:52:25,936
So, miss, you're the...
You're from Sagamiya?
664
00:52:26,309 --> 00:52:29,278
Yes, sir. I am she who
is called Madam Okiku.
665
00:52:30,614 --> 00:52:33,082
My goodness...
666
00:52:35,318 --> 00:52:40,654
Really... it's remarkable how there
can be look-alikes in this world.
667
00:52:40,757 --> 00:52:43,021
When they say "be as alike as
two split melons," they mean this!
668
00:52:43,260 --> 00:52:44,359
"Two melons?"
669
00:52:44,394 --> 00:52:48,387
No wonder Sir Niiro did what he did...
670
00:52:48,498 --> 00:52:50,762
No wonder... he couldn't
have helped himself!
671
00:52:51,801 --> 00:52:55,760
Pardon me, but... what
do you mean by that, sir?
672
00:52:57,474 --> 00:53:02,070
When I first met Sir
Niiro, he also had...
673
00:53:02,179 --> 00:53:05,012
...a surprised look on his
face, like yours, sir...
674
00:53:05,115 --> 00:53:08,881
...and wouldn't stop staring at me.
675
00:53:08,985 --> 00:53:11,385
I'm curious as to why...
676
00:53:11,488 --> 00:53:16,448
No... as long as I can collect
what he owes, that's all it matters.
677
00:53:18,395 --> 00:53:22,627
But... something about
this does bother me.
678
00:53:22,732 --> 00:53:25,701
If you don't mind, sir, please tell me.
679
00:53:32,876 --> 00:53:35,709
I'm sure that there must be
a reason not to tell me...
680
00:53:35,812 --> 00:53:39,179
...but, if I don't ask...
then I'll regret it.
681
00:53:39,282 --> 00:53:46,552
No... if I may be blunt...
it does feel somewhat ominous.
682
00:53:46,656 --> 00:53:48,817
If I may...
683
00:53:48,925 --> 00:53:51,894
...if I may so ask, Mr. Kisoya...
684
00:53:54,631 --> 00:53:58,192
Well, sooner or later,
I would've had to tell...
685
00:53:58,301 --> 00:54:00,101
...you, of all people, at least.
686
00:54:00,136 --> 00:54:00,795
...you, of all people,
at least. Excuse me?
687
00:54:00,971 --> 00:54:04,930
There is too much of a resemblance...
too much for mere strangers.
688
00:54:05,041 --> 00:54:08,135
As this may involve you in the
future, please allow me to explain.
689
00:54:08,245 --> 00:54:13,444
But, remember... I am telling you
this because you seem trustworthy.
690
00:54:13,550 --> 00:54:17,179
Please, never tell
anyone. Not even Sir Niiro.
691
00:54:17,287 --> 00:54:18,948
Do you understand?
692
00:54:19,522 --> 00:54:23,891
Yes, sir. I'm not Okiku of Sagamiya
for nothing... I know that much.
693
00:54:25,629 --> 00:54:30,362
The blood of a samurai family
runs in Sir Niiro's veins.
694
00:54:30,467 --> 00:54:35,769
I cannot reveal their name, but they
are of exceptional legacy and status.
695
00:54:36,306 --> 00:54:37,038
Sir?
696
00:54:37,073 --> 00:54:39,803
Sir? But, he is the
son of a concubine...
697
00:54:39,976 --> 00:54:47,473
...or rather, I should say, adolescent
mistakes resulted in his birth.
698
00:54:48,885 --> 00:54:54,050
The woman... gave birth to
him back in her home town.
699
00:54:54,157 --> 00:54:56,352
There was a reason for that.
700
00:54:56,459 --> 00:54:59,951
It was not possible for the son
to be recognized by the father.
701
00:55:00,063 --> 00:55:05,695
It so happens that the woman's father
and I were very close friends...
702
00:55:05,802 --> 00:55:08,600
...so, recognizing how
sad the situation was...
703
00:55:08,705 --> 00:55:13,301
...I chose to take young
Niiro and his mother with me...
704
00:55:13,410 --> 00:55:15,344
...and we proceeded to a certain place.
705
00:55:15,445 --> 00:55:18,676
It was the house of a physician,
who worked for a major Daimyo.
706
00:55:18,782 --> 00:55:21,307
We went there so that the
child could be adopted.
707
00:55:21,418 --> 00:55:24,080
Instead of growing up in a merchant's
house like mine, it would be better...
708
00:55:24,187 --> 00:55:30,092
...for him to be raised in the house
of a physician with samurai connections.
709
00:55:30,193 --> 00:55:35,654
That was what we... the child's
mother and I... concluded.
710
00:55:36,466 --> 00:55:40,630
But, when young Niiro turned
13, the physician was...
711
00:55:40,737 --> 00:55:42,932
...transferred to a country
fief within his Lord's domain...
712
00:55:43,039 --> 00:55:47,135
...where, later, he
contracted an illness and died.
713
00:55:47,277 --> 00:55:51,475
That happened when Sir Niiro was 22.
714
00:55:51,581 --> 00:55:56,450
However, he had no desire to
succeed his physician "father."
715
00:55:56,553 --> 00:56:02,492
Together with his mother, he
left for Edo, in search of me.
716
00:56:02,592 --> 00:56:04,787
He said that he had no intention
of becoming a physician...
717
00:56:04,894 --> 00:56:08,762
...but instead wanted to
become a samurai of rank.
718
00:56:08,865 --> 00:56:12,096
I myself believe that nothing is
impossible, at least in spirit...
719
00:56:12,202 --> 00:56:14,432
...so, after discussing
it with his mother...
720
00:56:14,537 --> 00:56:17,438
...we let him study at a dojo
in Ichigaya Yarai, under...
721
00:56:17,540 --> 00:56:21,032
...Sir Todo Tatewaki, a
master of the Jigen-lchi Style.
722
00:56:21,144 --> 00:56:24,443
As for academics, we sent him
to Sir Miura Ansai's seminary...
723
00:56:24,547 --> 00:56:28,540
...in Yanaka-Oiwakekata Village.
724
00:56:28,718 --> 00:56:30,913
For the next seven years...
725
00:56:31,020 --> 00:56:35,548
...Sir Niiro was a young
man, full of hope...
726
00:56:35,658 --> 00:56:38,991
...who immersed himself in the
worlds of academics and swordsmanship.
727
00:56:39,095 --> 00:56:43,054
His mother and I both looked
forward to his success...
728
00:56:43,166 --> 00:56:46,033
...and bright future,
with pride in our hearts.
729
00:56:46,136 --> 00:56:52,541
This anticipation was not at
all a dream... It was no fantasy.
730
00:56:52,642 --> 00:56:56,669
I knew that Sir Niiro's real father,
an important Shogunate official...
731
00:56:56,780 --> 00:57:02,150
...also took an interest in his future.
732
00:57:02,252 --> 00:57:05,881
When the time came, when Sir
Niiro could live on his own...
733
00:57:05,989 --> 00:57:10,119
...on the day when he became
a respectable, deserving man...
734
00:57:10,226 --> 00:57:15,926
...we had secretly arranged for
a very special event to occur.
735
00:57:16,032 --> 00:57:19,092
But... like they say,
"Nothing ever goes as planned."
736
00:57:19,202 --> 00:57:21,102
An unexpected incident took place...
737
00:57:21,204 --> 00:57:25,368
...one that drastically
changed Sir Niiro's life.
738
00:57:26,443 --> 00:57:29,935
It was about a month before he was
to receive what he had worked for...
739
00:57:30,046 --> 00:57:35,814
...a Commendation for Completion
of Studies at the Todo Dojo.
740
00:57:35,919 --> 00:57:39,116
In anticipation of this
most commemorative event...
741
00:57:39,222 --> 00:57:42,020
...to pray for his life-long
blessing in swordsmanship...
742
00:57:42,125 --> 00:57:46,323
...we visited Kashima Shrine, in Hitachi,
where the Gods of War are sanctified.
743
00:57:46,529 --> 00:57:50,693
On the way back, we enjoyed
a boat-ride in Itako.
744
00:57:52,435 --> 00:57:54,562
It's nothing but rice
fields, every which way!
745
00:57:54,737 --> 00:57:57,729
"Oh, if only the Irises were in
bloom!" Captain, we're bored to death!
746
00:57:57,907 --> 00:58:01,638
Hey! Take us somewhere! Anywhere!
747
00:58:06,316 --> 00:58:09,808
Excuse me, but seeing as we're traveling
together, how about pouring me a drink?
748
00:58:09,986 --> 00:58:14,355
Both the lady and I are a bit
seasick, not feeling all that well.
749
00:58:14,457 --> 00:58:17,426
I am sorry but we cannot serve you.
750
00:58:25,602 --> 00:58:29,902
It must be fate that has brought
us together. Pour me a drink.
751
00:58:30,073 --> 00:58:33,236
It wouldn't be all that enjoyable if
an old woman like me were to serve you.
752
00:58:33,343 --> 00:58:38,303
I believe that it's best if you drink
such valuable sake amongst yourselves.
753
00:58:42,051 --> 00:58:46,010
You're too soft, fellow.
Let me handle this!
754
00:58:49,692 --> 00:58:52,092
C'mon, just one drink! Pour me some!
755
00:58:52,562 --> 00:58:54,291
As I just told you...
756
00:58:54,564 --> 00:59:00,196
I'm not asking you, old Mushroom!
I'm asking this wench, over here!
757
00:59:00,303 --> 00:59:04,103
Don't be so conceited!
I ask you, just a drink!
758
00:59:05,775 --> 00:59:08,471
How dare you! Shit!
759
00:59:09,078 --> 00:59:10,980
Sir! Y... You're being unreasonable!
760
00:59:11,015 --> 00:59:12,948
Shut up!
761
00:59:15,485 --> 00:59:17,544
You young punk!
762
00:59:17,720 --> 00:59:20,188
Kill him!
763
00:59:24,227 --> 00:59:27,196
You bastard!
764
00:59:31,401 --> 00:59:34,370
Come back here!
765
00:59:36,873 --> 00:59:38,602
Just who was the lady that you speak of?
766
00:59:38,775 --> 00:59:41,243
She was of the House of
Takatsukasa in Kyoto...
767
00:59:41,344 --> 00:59:46,213
...the daughter of Sir Ichijo
Narihisa, the 3rd-ranking General.
768
00:59:46,382 --> 00:59:48,316
Such an important person!
769
00:59:48,484 --> 00:59:54,389
On top of that, this "princess"
was named "Kiku-hime."
770
00:59:55,224 --> 00:59:59,024
Oh, my... Even our names are the same!
771
01:00:00,663 --> 01:00:03,791
Indeed... Strange things
can happen in this world.
772
01:00:04,233 --> 01:00:06,929
So... what happened after that?
773
01:00:10,239 --> 01:00:15,734
You may fool others... but you cannot
deceive the eyes of this samurai!
774
01:00:15,845 --> 01:00:21,340
Who do you wait for... at Kanda Myojin
Shrine, after the day's lessons?!
775
01:00:24,153 --> 01:00:28,249
You are still in training...
yet you're lusting after women!
776
01:00:28,358 --> 01:00:30,485
How dare you let your
mind stray from the sword?!
777
01:00:30,593 --> 01:00:33,391
Further carelessness won't be tolerated!
778
01:00:33,596 --> 01:00:37,464
Kiku-hime was to wed the
eldest son of Miyamori Betto...
779
01:00:37,567 --> 01:00:41,594
...a distinguished Shinto priest
known throughout the Kanto region.
780
01:00:41,704 --> 01:00:46,801
As Sir Kii's auxiliary mansion was
in Edo, near the Akasaka Gates...
781
01:00:46,909 --> 01:00:53,109
...she often traveled there with her
father, Sir Narihisa, all the way from Kyoto.
782
01:00:53,216 --> 01:00:56,583
Kiku-hime would leave the Kii
Mansion just about every day...
783
01:00:56,686 --> 01:01:03,819
...to visit Matsunaga Wafu's
residence, to study Nagauta singing.
784
01:01:04,027 --> 01:01:07,895
For a lady of a famous
family, she's rather spirited.
785
01:01:07,997 --> 01:01:11,990
Instead of requesting that the instructor
visit her, she'd travel so she could...
786
01:01:12,101 --> 01:01:13,932
...take lessons in the
company of regular girls.
787
01:01:14,470 --> 01:01:18,429
It seems that you're visiting the Kanda
Myojin Shrine all the time, Miss Ichijo.
788
01:01:18,608 --> 01:01:20,541
Offering special prayers, perhaps?
789
01:01:20,576 --> 01:01:23,977
No... I don't believe in gods or buddhas.
790
01:01:24,147 --> 01:01:26,445
Then, perhaps you're meeting
someone special there?
791
01:01:26,616 --> 01:01:29,517
Yes... Someone special
is waiting for me.
792
01:01:29,619 --> 01:01:32,611
If you'll excuse me...
793
01:01:32,889 --> 01:01:36,825
The relationship between the
two grew stronger every day...
794
01:01:36,926 --> 01:01:40,726
...but there was no way that
such a thing could last for long.
795
01:01:40,830 --> 01:01:43,594
Soon, Sir Ichijo Narihisa
came up with ways to...
796
01:01:43,700 --> 01:01:49,661
...prevent Kiku-hime from leaving
the Kii Mansion even for a minute.
797
01:01:49,772 --> 01:01:53,640
Then... nobody knows how
Kiku-hime managed to do it...
798
01:01:53,743 --> 01:01:57,645
...she somehow eluded her guards...
and escaped from the mansion!
799
01:01:58,014 --> 01:02:00,073
What?
800
01:02:01,250 --> 01:02:03,377
You've run away, just to be here?!
801
01:02:03,853 --> 01:02:08,620
Yes... my father wishes me
to marry... against my will.
802
01:02:08,725 --> 01:02:12,320
I had to be here, even
if I had to run away!
803
01:02:12,428 --> 01:02:14,328
I care not for status!
804
01:02:16,365 --> 01:02:20,961
I thought that, if this is what Kiku
- hime really wants, then...
805
01:02:21,070 --> 01:02:26,167
...l'd offer to talk to Sir Ichijo, in
hopes that the matter might be resolved...
806
01:02:26,275 --> 01:02:28,675
...by offering him a
solution to his problem.
807
01:02:28,778 --> 01:02:30,712
Why force apart two people in love?
808
01:02:30,813 --> 01:02:34,874
What if it causes them to plan to elope?
809
01:02:34,984 --> 01:02:38,044
Who knows what kind of
nightmare it could become?
810
01:02:39,422 --> 01:02:43,586
So I imposed upon a merchant
who frequented the Kii Mansion...
811
01:02:43,693 --> 01:02:46,025
...and after much discussion...
812
01:02:46,129 --> 01:02:49,326
...we were able to arrange a
meeting with Sir Ichijo Narihisa...
813
01:02:49,432 --> 01:02:51,798
...who was staying in the
West Quarters of the Mansion.
814
01:02:53,069 --> 01:02:56,300
Kisoya... haven't you ever heard...
815
01:02:56,472 --> 01:02:59,566
...people say that "lanterns
and bells can never go together?"
816
01:02:59,742 --> 01:03:01,801
But, Sir Ichijo...
817
01:03:01,978 --> 01:03:04,378
Listen to me, Kisoya.
818
01:03:04,480 --> 01:03:09,474
The owner of this mansion,
Sir Kii Yorihisa...
819
01:03:09,585 --> 01:03:13,954
...happens to be the
3rd-ranking Provincial General.
820
01:03:14,056 --> 01:03:21,360
But, 3rd-ranking means... that
they're at the same level as my House.
821
01:03:21,464 --> 01:03:23,830
That means, Kisoya...
822
01:03:23,933 --> 01:03:28,029
...that unless he's the noble
son of a Daimyo or something...
823
01:03:28,137 --> 01:03:33,097
...discussing his marriage to a
princess is just absurd, isn't it?
824
01:03:33,276 --> 01:03:35,870
"Unless he's the noble son
of a Daimyo or something...?"
825
01:03:36,179 --> 01:03:36,978
That's right.
826
01:03:37,013 --> 01:03:38,708
T... The truth is that...
827
01:03:40,817 --> 01:03:44,309
What is it?
828
01:03:44,487 --> 01:03:46,751
No... It's nothing.
829
01:03:51,360 --> 01:03:54,989
"Unless he's the noble son
of a Daimyo or something..."
830
01:03:55,164 --> 01:04:00,796
Considering the situation, I considered
revealing Tsuruchiyo's lineage...
831
01:04:00,903 --> 01:04:03,599
...but I just couldn't,
not without asking you.
832
01:04:05,741 --> 01:04:09,233
Of course not.
833
01:04:09,345 --> 01:04:11,609
Even if marriage negotiations
were entered into...
834
01:04:11,714 --> 01:04:16,515
...who knows what problems of
social standing might arise?
835
01:04:16,619 --> 01:04:19,486
Besides, until he becomes
a worthy warrior...
836
01:04:19,589 --> 01:04:25,391
...until he's mastered swordmanship,
and we can be proud of him...
837
01:04:25,494 --> 01:04:27,894
...until then, the truth
must not be revealed.
838
01:04:27,997 --> 01:04:30,898
That was the promise we and
His Highness made to each other.
839
01:04:31,000 --> 01:04:32,729
We're nowhere near that time!
840
01:04:32,902 --> 01:04:34,870
In the meantime...
841
01:04:34,971 --> 01:04:39,067
...the marriage negotiations concerning
Kiku-hime and Miyamori Betto's...
842
01:04:39,175 --> 01:04:41,837
...eldest son continued to progress.
843
01:04:41,944 --> 01:04:47,883
But, Tsuruchiyo could not
wrest Kiku-hime from his heart.
844
01:04:47,984 --> 01:04:52,921
Eventually, he marched
straight into Sir Kii's mansion.
845
01:04:53,422 --> 01:04:54,188
What?!
846
01:04:54,223 --> 01:04:56,885
What you've just told me, and
the manner in which you said it...
847
01:04:56,993 --> 01:05:00,986
...I for one believe
it's a bit impudent.
848
01:05:02,064 --> 01:05:05,932
But, sir, Kiku-hime clearly objects
to marrying the son of Sir Miyamori.
849
01:05:06,102 --> 01:05:09,868
Whom my daughter will marry...
is none of your concern.
850
01:05:09,972 --> 01:05:13,669
Of course, it is my daughter's
life we're talking about...
851
01:05:13,776 --> 01:05:16,939
...so I cannot say that
I have not considered you.
852
01:05:17,046 --> 01:05:23,451
But, having done so, I have concerns,
and so I simply cannot consent to it.
853
01:05:24,921 --> 01:05:31,417
Niiro Soan, the Bishuu clan physician,
was merely a father figure to you.
854
01:05:31,527 --> 01:05:34,655
Actually, he's not your real father.
855
01:05:38,434 --> 01:05:42,268
That means you're but the
son of some concubine...
856
01:05:42,371 --> 01:05:45,932
...a man who doesn't
know who his father is.
857
01:05:49,178 --> 01:05:55,606
How can I possibly give my precious
daughter to someone so lowly?
858
01:05:57,286 --> 01:06:01,245
But, what if I return with
my parents? What then?!
859
01:06:08,497 --> 01:06:14,959
That depends on what happens...
when your parents and I talk.
860
01:06:16,439 --> 01:06:21,399
Kisoya... why won't you tell
me the name of my father?!
861
01:06:22,845 --> 01:06:25,336
Hey! Why won't you tell
me who my father is?!
862
01:06:32,054 --> 01:06:33,646
Why won't you tell me?!
863
01:06:33,756 --> 01:06:35,724
Why do you say that keeping it
a secret is for own my good?!
864
01:06:35,825 --> 01:06:41,821
If you're doing it for my sake, then
tell me! Tell me who my father is!
865
01:06:41,931 --> 01:06:45,958
Tell me! Mother! Tell me!
866
01:06:55,845 --> 01:06:59,838
Next! Next! Who's next?!
867
01:07:29,712 --> 01:07:32,738
You friggin' brat! Brat! Twerp!
868
01:07:36,552 --> 01:07:39,419
You womanizing, drunken crazy bastard!
869
01:07:39,522 --> 01:07:42,582
Forget about your Certificate!
870
01:07:42,691 --> 01:07:46,252
As of today, we're no longer teacher
and student... you're expelled!
871
01:07:46,362 --> 01:07:48,922
You are to never step
into this dojo ever again!
872
01:07:56,539 --> 01:07:58,931
"To become a samurai is to master
the sword?!" To hell with it!
873
01:08:01,811 --> 01:08:04,678
"As of today, we're no longer teacher
and student?!" That's for me to say!
874
01:08:10,186 --> 01:08:12,882
This world never works the
way you want it to anyway!
875
01:08:12,988 --> 01:08:17,425
I, Niiro Tsuruchiyo, will
live my life my own way!
876
01:08:29,071 --> 01:08:34,270
As of that day, Sir Tsuruchiyo...
left this house as well.
877
01:08:39,081 --> 01:08:41,174
Oh, my... from that day on, he became...
878
01:08:41,283 --> 01:08:44,480
...like a rolling stone,
tumbling down a steep hill.
879
01:08:47,490 --> 01:08:50,823
Does that mean, Sir Tsuruchiyo is...
880
01:08:50,993 --> 01:08:56,989
...dead, as far as we're concerned?
881
01:08:57,166 --> 01:08:59,100
That's correct, sir.
882
01:08:59,201 --> 01:09:02,170
He's no longer living in this world.
883
01:09:04,840 --> 01:09:09,174
Sir Nozaka...
884
01:09:09,278 --> 01:09:14,079
...even if you should meet someone that
resembles Tsuruchiyo in every way...
885
01:09:14,183 --> 01:09:20,144
...he's no longer... Niiro Tsuruchiyo.
886
01:09:57,159 --> 01:10:00,253
What happened to Sir Tsuruchiyo
over the next five years...?
887
01:10:00,362 --> 01:10:03,798
Well, you know very well
just what happened...
888
01:10:05,134 --> 01:10:08,103
I understand now.
889
01:10:08,204 --> 01:10:10,866
Actually, I understand very well now.
890
01:10:10,973 --> 01:10:14,932
But, I'm not the Princess
Kiku that you speak of.
891
01:10:16,979 --> 01:10:20,415
I cannot possibly do
anything for Sir Niiro.
892
01:10:21,016 --> 01:10:24,782
No, you should not be so concerned.
893
01:10:24,887 --> 01:10:27,549
Still, no matter what
foolish deeds he's done...
894
01:10:27,656 --> 01:10:31,148
...if it can be repaid with
money, then I, Kisoya, will...
895
01:10:31,260 --> 01:10:35,720
And, then... well, Okiku...
896
01:10:35,831 --> 01:10:38,493
If you ever get a chance to...
897
01:10:38,601 --> 01:10:41,069
...I know he can be like
a wolf sometimes, but...
898
01:10:41,170 --> 01:10:43,400
...please say something kind once
in a while, a "hello" would do.
899
01:10:43,806 --> 01:10:46,240
Yes, of course.
900
01:10:46,475 --> 01:10:49,876
One, two... One, two...
901
01:10:50,045 --> 01:10:52,275
Whoa!
902
01:10:52,381 --> 01:10:55,350
Thank you for your patience!
903
01:10:58,354 --> 01:10:59,405
Here you go, ma'am!
904
01:10:59,440 --> 01:11:00,421
Welcome back, ma'am!
905
01:11:00,456 --> 01:11:01,590
Is Sir Niiro in the "Paulownia Room?"
906
01:11:01,625 --> 01:11:03,990
Oh! He's gone home, ma'am!
907
01:11:04,159 --> 01:11:07,128
"Gone home?"
908
01:11:13,435 --> 01:11:16,302
Madame, no more. No more, I'm fine.
909
01:11:16,472 --> 01:11:18,872
It's just ordinary home
cooking, but did you like it?
910
01:11:19,041 --> 01:11:22,010
Very good! Very good indeed!
911
01:11:27,750 --> 01:11:33,017
Somehow... I feel at ease
only when I'm at your place.
912
01:11:33,122 --> 01:11:34,453
It's intriguing.
913
01:11:34,623 --> 01:11:37,148
Well, how could someone like you
be so out of control at Sagamiya?
914
01:11:37,426 --> 01:11:39,426
Well, don't worry about that.
915
01:11:39,461 --> 01:11:41,130
Sir Niiro, would you like more sake?
916
01:11:41,165 --> 01:11:43,189
No, I've had plenty already.
917
01:11:51,907 --> 01:11:55,343
But, you know... Wait...
918
01:11:55,444 --> 01:11:58,311
Well... I just can't
understand something.
919
01:11:58,480 --> 01:12:00,247
What is it?
920
01:12:00,282 --> 01:12:02,307
Something about you.
921
01:12:02,484 --> 01:12:04,714
What don't you understand about me?
922
01:12:04,887 --> 01:12:08,948
Your life... It seems to me
to be peacefulness itself.
923
01:12:09,058 --> 01:12:12,516
Why then... have you joined the cause?
924
01:12:12,761 --> 01:12:17,755
It should be obvious to you.
My reason is the same as yours.
925
01:12:18,000 --> 01:12:20,628
No. You shouldn't joke about it.
926
01:12:20,736 --> 01:12:23,432
I'm different from you.
927
01:12:23,539 --> 01:12:26,838
If I don't do something, I'll
either starve like a stray dog...
928
01:12:26,942 --> 01:12:30,139
...or have to live like a bandit.
929
01:12:30,245 --> 01:12:35,683
"In order to stay dry, you've got to
cross bridges, no matter how dangerous."
930
01:12:35,784 --> 01:12:39,515
On the other hand... your
situation is completely different.
931
01:12:39,621 --> 01:12:43,318
You resigned from a comfortable 300
- koku post as a Shogunate aide!
932
01:12:43,525 --> 01:12:48,292
My principles, you see... are
contained in the books you see there.
933
01:12:52,835 --> 01:12:56,896
The world is fast changing around us.
934
01:12:57,005 --> 01:13:00,031
The 300-year old feudal
govern- ment of the Shogunate...
935
01:13:00,142 --> 01:13:05,045
...is doomed, thanks to the arrival
of the American Black Ships at Shimoda.
936
01:13:05,147 --> 01:13:08,639
The world is moving
in a new direction...
937
01:13:08,751 --> 01:13:12,187
...and I want to help push
it forward with all my might.
938
01:13:12,287 --> 01:13:13,756
My feelings are the same as yours.
939
01:13:13,791 --> 01:13:16,056
No, it's different. I...
940
01:13:16,091 --> 01:13:17,149
Well, listen! No, it's different. I...
941
01:13:17,326 --> 01:13:19,351
You're deliberately blinding
yourself to what's really essential...
942
01:13:19,461 --> 01:13:22,453
...and putting the
blame on something else.
943
01:13:22,564 --> 01:13:29,128
We are both at the center of a
vortex of revolutionary change.
944
01:13:29,238 --> 01:13:34,301
We're trapped in an unstoppable,
enormous whirlpool...
945
01:13:34,410 --> 01:13:40,872
And, everyone is thinking...
"I've got to do something."
946
01:13:41,150 --> 01:13:44,119
No, I'm not like that.
947
01:13:44,219 --> 01:13:48,679
For me, this is the surest, quickest
way of becoming a noble samurai.
948
01:13:48,791 --> 01:13:53,956
In other words... I want to live more
like a human being... And that's all.
949
01:13:56,932 --> 01:13:58,198
What's the matter?
950
01:13:58,233 --> 01:14:00,369
"Like a human being," you said?
951
01:14:00,404 --> 01:14:01,632
Why, is that crazy?
952
01:14:01,667 --> 01:14:02,861
No, it's not crazy.
953
01:14:03,038 --> 01:14:06,474
In essence, I feel the same way you do.
954
01:14:06,575 --> 01:14:11,376
However, what I am doing...
I'm not doing just for myself...
955
01:14:11,480 --> 01:14:13,107
...but, for the whole human race...
956
01:14:13,215 --> 01:14:18,209
...so that everyone can live like human
beings. That's all that I wish for.
957
01:14:19,154 --> 01:14:20,621
I don't understand...
958
01:14:20,722 --> 01:14:23,589
I don't understand it at all.
959
01:14:23,692 --> 01:14:26,525
There's only one thing
that I understand...
960
01:14:27,396 --> 01:14:29,159
Huh?
961
01:14:29,331 --> 01:14:32,960
...that you, Kurihara Einosuke,
are a good man. That's all.
962
01:14:45,614 --> 01:14:50,108
Oh, Ma'am, please don't mind me.
963
01:14:50,219 --> 01:14:52,120
By the way, where's young Eiichiro?
964
01:14:52,155 --> 01:14:53,747
Oh, he's sound asleep.
965
01:14:53,922 --> 01:14:57,756
Ah, "Strong becomes a child that
sleeps often," like they say, eh?
966
01:14:57,860 --> 01:15:00,021
Well, I'd better get going myself.
967
01:15:00,262 --> 01:15:05,131
Give yourself a break, Sir Niiro.
Why don't you stay here tonight?
968
01:15:05,434 --> 01:15:08,335
No, I cannot do that.
969
01:15:08,437 --> 01:15:12,601
It might be a disheveled hut, but
for me, it's my one and only castle.
970
01:15:12,708 --> 01:15:15,302
By going home to my castle, I
can sleep the way I want to...
971
01:15:15,410 --> 01:15:18,504
...with my knees in my arms!
972
01:15:49,344 --> 01:15:52,313
Please excuse us for coming
in while you were away.
973
01:16:00,923 --> 01:16:04,017
We would like to make a
formal request of you, Niiro.
974
01:16:04,192 --> 01:16:05,639
A request?
975
01:16:05,674 --> 01:16:07,086
Correct.
976
01:16:07,195 --> 01:16:09,925
We'd like you to assassinate
the traitor in our midst.
977
01:16:11,266 --> 01:16:15,202
A traitor?! Who is it?
978
01:16:15,437 --> 01:16:18,838
A former Yada clansman from
Joshu, Kurihara Einosuke.
979
01:16:19,007 --> 01:16:21,976
What?!
980
01:16:23,378 --> 01:16:26,176
It can't be true!
981
01:16:26,281 --> 01:16:28,875
Besides, what evidence do you have?!
982
01:16:28,984 --> 01:16:34,047
As they say, "Before accusing,
question seven times!"
983
01:16:34,623 --> 01:16:39,253
Actually, Niiro... to be honest,
we suspected you too at first.
984
01:16:39,361 --> 01:16:42,159
But, we found that there were
no grounds to suspect you...
985
01:16:42,264 --> 01:16:45,461
...and that Kurihara Einosuke is
the traitor. We apologize for this.
986
01:16:45,634 --> 01:16:49,070
Why do you say that Kurihara
Einosuke is the traitor?! Explain!
987
01:16:49,237 --> 01:16:51,501
Are you familiar with his wife?
988
01:16:51,673 --> 01:16:54,437
Yes, I am. She is an
admirable, wonderful wife.
989
01:16:54,610 --> 01:16:55,943
What about her older sister?
990
01:16:55,978 --> 01:16:58,606
Her sister? No, I don't know her.
991
01:16:58,780 --> 01:17:02,910
The sister of Kurihara's wife is named
Chiyo... She is the Lady Ochiyo...
992
01:17:03,018 --> 01:17:05,748
...a concubine of Matsudaira Sahyono
- suke, Lord of the Yada clan in Joshu!
993
01:17:05,921 --> 01:17:06,486
What?!
994
01:17:06,521 --> 01:17:08,785
Upon learning
this, we too were stunned.
995
01:17:08,957 --> 01:17:11,118
No... We were being too trusting.
996
01:17:11,226 --> 01:17:14,218
Niiro... Matsudaira Sahyonosuke
and Kurihara could be...
997
01:17:14,329 --> 01:17:16,388
...considered to
be brothers-in-law.
998
01:17:16,498 --> 01:17:21,993
Lady Ochiyo has often visited
Kurihara's mansion in Honjo-Koume.
999
01:17:22,104 --> 01:17:25,369
Thus, anything could... No...
everything will, via Sahyonosuke...
1000
01:17:25,474 --> 01:17:28,170
...be relayed to li
Naosuke, the devil himself!
1001
01:17:28,343 --> 01:17:29,901
But...
1002
01:17:30,012 --> 01:17:33,641
...that alone does not prove that
Kurihara acted on li's behalf!
1003
01:17:33,815 --> 01:17:35,715
Niiro...
1004
01:17:35,817 --> 01:17:42,780
...are you saying, then, that you've
never suspected Kurihara of anything, ever?
1005
01:17:45,260 --> 01:17:48,354
He's not of Mito, Satsuma
or Choshuu provinces.
1006
01:17:48,463 --> 01:17:52,399
And... I don't mean to insult you...
he's not an opportunist like you either.
1007
01:17:52,501 --> 01:17:55,527
Matsudaira's close affiliation with the
Shogun means they're close to li, too.
1008
01:17:55,637 --> 01:17:58,697
Besides, Kurihara was a trusted aide of
Matsudaira, the head of the Yada clan.
1009
01:17:58,807 --> 01:18:00,540
So why did he join us?
1010
01:18:00,575 --> 01:18:02,600
Well, that's because... It's because...
1011
01:18:02,778 --> 01:18:06,942
Niiro... our decisive moment
is just over the horizon.
1012
01:18:07,049 --> 01:18:11,042
When we decide on the date,
and carry out our mission...
1013
01:18:11,153 --> 01:18:13,747
...what will happen to us
if li's men are forewarned?
1014
01:18:13,855 --> 01:18:16,187
We'll be arrested for sure!
1015
01:18:16,291 --> 01:18:19,260
And then we'll all be hung
from the tops of trees!
1016
01:18:21,496 --> 01:18:25,728
Anyone suspicious must be eliminated
as fast as possible, no matter what.
1017
01:18:26,868 --> 01:18:29,860
I refuse to do it... I cannot do it!
1018
01:18:30,038 --> 01:18:31,665
Then, who will?
1019
01:18:31,773 --> 01:18:34,469
Kurihara has mastered the
secrets of the Nen Style...
1020
01:18:34,576 --> 01:18:37,272
Even two or three of our
comrades wouldn't stand a chance.
1021
01:18:37,379 --> 01:18:39,210
Indeed, he'd cut them
all down in an instant.
1022
01:18:39,314 --> 01:18:44,377
And, if we send many men, it'll stir
up a lot of trouble and attention.
1023
01:18:44,486 --> 01:18:48,479
You, Niiro... You're the only
one who can destroy Kurihara!
1024
01:18:49,825 --> 01:18:53,818
Here's the plan. Kojima will tell
him that, even though it's late...
1025
01:18:53,929 --> 01:18:58,229
...an emergency meeting will be held
at Yamazakiya, by the Nihonbashi Bridge.
1026
01:18:58,333 --> 01:19:02,702
You'll be waiting for Kurihara by the river
- side, where people won't be around.
1027
01:19:02,804 --> 01:19:06,171
There, you will slay him in one stroke.
1028
01:19:06,341 --> 01:19:07,407
But...
1029
01:19:07,442 --> 01:19:10,639
Fine. Well, that's too bad.
1030
01:19:10,812 --> 01:19:14,771
There's not much more we can
do to try and convince you.
1031
01:19:14,883 --> 01:19:21,345
Niiro... effective
immediately, you are to...
1032
01:19:21,456 --> 01:19:24,152
...leave our Elder Assassination Group!
1033
01:19:25,127 --> 01:19:25,786
What did you say?!
1034
01:19:25,961 --> 01:19:30,921
We were hoping that you were with
us, and that we could count on you.
1035
01:19:31,032 --> 01:19:34,991
But, if you can't be convinced, then...
there's nothing to be done. Farewell.
1036
01:19:36,371 --> 01:19:37,895
Wait!
1037
01:19:38,006 --> 01:19:44,138
I pledge that... I'll serve you,
and that I will destroy li Naosuke!
1038
01:19:44,780 --> 01:19:48,944
But, Kurihara Einosuke
must be destroyed first.
1039
01:19:49,050 --> 01:19:52,213
We can't possibly proceed
with our plans, if...
1040
01:19:52,320 --> 01:19:56,279
...we have a viper at
our breast! Farewell!
1041
01:19:56,825 --> 01:19:59,794
Wait!
1042
01:20:07,335 --> 01:20:11,669
Niiro... Then, will you...
take care of Kurihara?
1043
01:20:15,277 --> 01:20:17,768
Well, you'd prefer not
to act alone, I'm sure.
1044
01:20:17,879 --> 01:20:22,179
Don't worry. You'll have some
help. Three good swordsmen, in fact.
1045
01:20:22,350 --> 01:20:25,717
No, they'd only be a hindrance!
I will kill him by myself!
1046
01:20:34,629 --> 01:20:37,598
Who's there?!
1047
01:20:41,036 --> 01:20:43,766
Why... it's you, Niiro!
1048
01:20:48,176 --> 01:20:50,508
You heard about the meeting
at Yamazakiya, right?
1049
01:20:50,612 --> 01:20:52,102
Don't give me the wrong idea...
1050
01:20:52,214 --> 01:20:56,048
Standing there like that, one might think
you want to test your sword on flesh.
1051
01:20:56,151 --> 01:20:59,120
Come on. Let's get going.
1052
01:21:01,590 --> 01:21:03,956
But... how did you know
that I was coming this way?
1053
01:21:16,137 --> 01:21:20,164
Niiro... what's wrong? You don't
seem like your usual self tonight...
1054
01:21:26,448 --> 01:21:29,440
Niiro! Why?! Why, Niiro?!
1055
01:21:34,756 --> 01:21:36,951
Why?! Why?!
1056
01:21:37,058 --> 01:21:40,027
Why?! Tell me why!
1057
01:21:43,331 --> 01:21:46,095
Why! Why! Why?!
1058
01:21:46,201 --> 01:21:49,170
Why?!
1059
01:21:52,607 --> 01:21:54,575
Niiro...
1060
01:21:57,445 --> 01:21:59,640
Why me...?
1061
01:22:00,782 --> 01:22:04,616
Why...?!
1062
01:22:11,760 --> 01:22:36,574
"'Tis worthless to leave
behind valuable things.
1063
01:22:36,685 --> 01:22:51,055
"What's worth leaving behind is
what's not valuable... Mother's...
1064
01:22:52,400 --> 01:23:16,555
"...memories,
imperceptible, intangible...
1065
01:23:16,658 --> 01:23:31,232
"That is the reality of
this ever-changing world."
1066
01:23:59,301 --> 01:24:03,260
Oh? You're not having any?
1067
01:24:04,740 --> 01:24:08,699
Sir Niiro, how about
a drink of hot sake?
1068
01:24:39,108 --> 01:24:40,893
Sir Niiro?
1069
01:24:40,928 --> 01:24:42,643
Quiet...
1070
01:24:42,678 --> 01:24:44,646
But, you shouldn't drink so much.
1071
01:24:45,114 --> 01:24:47,082
Be quiet!
1072
01:24:48,818 --> 01:24:53,346
Then, perhaps you should
make that your last.
1073
01:24:53,456 --> 01:24:57,153
"The stomach is a part of the body also,"
as they say... You should be careful.
1074
01:25:05,634 --> 01:25:08,603
This is crazy! You shouldn't...
1075
01:25:10,372 --> 01:25:14,331
Ma'am, step outside! Excuse us.
Please excuse us for a moment!
1076
01:25:19,014 --> 01:25:23,383
Niiro, something's come up!
Something horribly unexpected!
1077
01:25:23,552 --> 01:25:26,180
What is it? Is our mission starting?
1078
01:25:26,355 --> 01:25:31,292
No, that's not it! Well, Niiro... we've
found out who the real traitor was!
1079
01:25:31,393 --> 01:25:33,762
K... Kurihara Einosuke was innocent!
1080
01:25:33,797 --> 01:25:34,895
What?!
1081
01:25:34,930 --> 01:25:36,227
It was all an awful mistake! What?!
1082
01:25:36,332 --> 01:25:38,596
Kurihara didn't betray us.
1083
01:25:38,701 --> 01:25:40,134
The conspirator who spied for li was...
1084
01:25:40,236 --> 01:25:42,397
...without a doubt, Masui
Sobei, the Staff Officer.
1085
01:25:42,505 --> 01:25:45,474
Sir Kenmotsu is conducting an
inquiry back at the mansion!
1086
01:26:41,230 --> 01:26:44,199
Explain it! Explain!
1087
01:26:51,807 --> 01:26:54,605
Masui Sobei, a former Mito clansman...
1088
01:26:54,710 --> 01:26:57,941
...who had been a warehouse clerk,
of 80-koku income. 35 years old.
1089
01:26:58,047 --> 01:27:00,709
In early February, this
year, the said individual...
1090
01:27:00,816 --> 01:27:03,785
...covertly maintained a second
residence in the hills of Kaminegishi...
1091
01:27:03,886 --> 01:27:05,649
...into which, he installed a mistress.
1092
01:27:05,754 --> 01:27:08,222
The source of his funds
came under suspicion.
1093
01:27:08,424 --> 01:27:13,919
Sir Kenmotsu ordered Seki Tetsunosuke
to conduct an investigation...
1094
01:27:14,029 --> 01:27:18,022
...and Masui was observed meeting with
a samurai near the Nihonbashi Bridge...
1095
01:27:18,133 --> 01:27:20,328
...at the tea parlor
"Hatsune" in Yanagi Village.
1096
01:27:20,436 --> 01:27:23,599
When Seki Tetsunosuke followed them...
1097
01:27:23,706 --> 01:27:27,107
...he saw them enter a
warehouse owned by li Naosuke...
1098
01:27:27,209 --> 01:27:30,610
...near Nihonbashi's
southern, eighth district.
1099
01:27:30,713 --> 01:27:33,511
After obtaining the samurai's
name from the gate guard...
1100
01:27:33,616 --> 01:27:36,551
...it was revealed that he was Takigawa
Genba, an assistant to a Jr. Elder.
1101
01:27:36,685 --> 01:27:41,816
After interrogating Masui about
his connection to Takigawa Genba...
1102
01:27:41,924 --> 01:27:45,553
...it was found that Genba worked
for li's vassal, Nagano Shuzen...
1103
01:27:45,661 --> 01:27:48,357
...and he has been secretly
talking to Masui for a long time.
1104
01:27:48,464 --> 01:27:53,800
On January 31st, he received 20-ryo,
and a further 30 on February 21st...
1105
01:27:53,902 --> 01:27:58,305
...totalling 50-ryo. Masui Sobei
received these funds from Takigawa Genba.
1106
01:27:58,407 --> 01:28:01,808
He confessed to conspiring against us.
1107
01:28:01,910 --> 01:28:05,209
Thus, he is hereby sentenced to death.
1108
01:28:05,381 --> 01:28:09,112
Then... Kurihara Einosuke
had... nothing to do with it?!
1109
01:28:09,284 --> 01:28:12,811
Niiro... You're such a simple
- minded fellow.
1110
01:28:13,022 --> 01:28:13,852
What?!
1111
01:28:14,023 --> 01:28:18,221
You take things too
seriously. You're too frank.
1112
01:28:18,327 --> 01:28:21,262
If you don't become a
little more dispassionate...
1113
01:28:21,363 --> 01:28:23,888
...you can't possibly destroy Elder li!
1114
01:28:24,066 --> 01:28:26,364
That has nothing to do with this!
1115
01:28:26,468 --> 01:28:28,629
Kurihara Einosuke was
one of our comrades!
1116
01:28:28,737 --> 01:28:32,138
Also... he had a wife,
and even an innocent child.
1117
01:28:38,280 --> 01:28:40,407
The blood of Elder li...
1118
01:28:40,516 --> 01:28:43,917
...and the blood of Kurihara
Einosuke... what's the difference?
1119
01:28:44,019 --> 01:28:47,113
Sympathy has no place here!
1120
01:28:47,222 --> 01:28:49,349
From the start, this has been
the nature of our mission.
1121
01:28:49,458 --> 01:28:53,986
We can't allow our enemies
to wound us without reprisal.
1122
01:28:54,096 --> 01:28:57,224
Our hands must get
dirty with blood, too.
1123
01:28:57,332 --> 01:28:59,698
Listen to me, Niiro!
1124
01:28:59,802 --> 01:29:03,704
You must become a
little more cold-blooded.
1125
01:29:03,806 --> 01:29:05,974
By the 3rd of March, for certain!
1126
01:29:06,009 --> 01:29:08,135
What?!
1127
01:29:08,310 --> 01:29:12,337
On March 3rd, in the center
atrium of Edo Castle...
1128
01:29:12,448 --> 01:29:15,474
...a Joumi Day Celebration, important
to the Shogun's family, will take place.
1129
01:29:15,584 --> 01:29:19,213
In other words, the
so-called "Peach Observance."
1130
01:29:19,321 --> 01:29:22,290
Without a doubt, Elder
li Naosuke will attend.
1131
01:29:24,927 --> 01:29:29,557
One traitor... and one
suspected of being a traitor...
1132
01:29:29,665 --> 01:29:31,792
...a total of two comrades
have been eliminated.
1133
01:29:31,900 --> 01:29:33,834
Finally, our mission can commence!
1134
01:29:37,206 --> 01:29:38,073
Get rid of him.
1135
01:29:38,108 --> 01:29:41,042
Yes, sir!
1136
01:29:42,845 --> 01:29:44,007
Ichigoro...
1137
01:29:44,042 --> 01:29:45,169
Yes, sir.
1138
01:29:45,347 --> 01:29:50,307
Erase every single record concerning
Kurihara Einosuke and Masui Sobei.
1139
01:29:50,419 --> 01:29:55,379
We must go down in history
as devout men of principle.
1140
01:29:55,491 --> 01:29:58,460
There's absolutely no need to
record anything about traitors.
1141
01:30:23,118 --> 01:30:27,987
The mission... was set for March 3rd.
1142
01:30:28,090 --> 01:30:33,926
March 3rd of the First Year of
Man'en. The "Peach Observance."
1143
01:30:46,175 --> 01:30:49,906
Tomorrow is the "Peach Observance."
1144
01:30:50,012 --> 01:30:53,539
Since I've come to Yokoyama Village, I
thought I'd buy these while I'm here...
1145
01:31:04,193 --> 01:31:06,753
An Emperor Doll and an Empress Doll...
1146
01:31:07,029 --> 01:31:11,830
...they look so peaceful together.
1147
01:31:11,934 --> 01:31:14,903
They're timelessly splendid
whenever you look at them.
1148
01:31:16,672 --> 01:31:18,469
Ma'am...
1149
01:31:18,574 --> 01:31:23,534
...many things happen along
the road of life, don't they?
1150
01:31:25,013 --> 01:31:27,504
They certainly do.
1151
01:31:28,350 --> 01:31:34,755
How 'bout it... If I become a noble
samurai with 2- or 300-koku in income...
1152
01:31:34,857 --> 01:31:38,315
...why don't you become my wife?
1153
01:31:38,493 --> 01:31:43,157
But, I cannot possibly
be apart from Sagamiya.
1154
01:31:44,800 --> 01:31:46,825
Even better, Sir Niiro...
1155
01:31:46,935 --> 01:31:51,372
...why not say farewell to your
dream of becoming some stuffy samurai?
1156
01:31:51,473 --> 01:31:53,508
Why not come live with me?
1157
01:31:53,543 --> 01:31:55,499
No, I cannot do that.
1158
01:31:55,677 --> 01:31:59,670
But... you can't go on
chasing a dream forever.
1159
01:32:00,482 --> 01:32:04,612
No, it's not a dream...
It will soon be reality.
1160
01:32:04,786 --> 01:32:08,415
You can't live like
that forever, Sir Niiro.
1161
01:32:08,590 --> 01:32:10,387
It may be a dream...
1162
01:32:10,492 --> 01:32:13,689
No, let's say it is a dream. At
least, until it does come true.
1163
01:32:21,670 --> 01:32:24,571
But, Sir Nosaka... It can't be!
1164
01:32:24,740 --> 01:32:28,767
Well, I too think that it's impossible.
1165
01:32:28,877 --> 01:32:30,742
But, Kisoya...
1166
01:32:30,846 --> 01:32:34,509
You must be familiar with the
Tengu Faction of the Mito clan?
1167
01:32:34,683 --> 01:32:36,049
Yes.
1168
01:32:36,084 --> 01:32:40,043
A part of their
group is in Edo, and...
1169
01:32:40,222 --> 01:32:44,215
...we know for a fact that they're planning
on carrying out an unfavorable scheme.
1170
01:32:44,393 --> 01:32:46,190
Yes...
1171
01:32:46,361 --> 01:32:49,888
Well, I'd like to
believe otherwise, but...
1172
01:32:49,998 --> 01:32:55,334
...what if what we fear does happen?
1173
01:32:56,071 --> 01:33:02,340
You see, the Lord seems to
be concerned about the matter.
1174
01:33:02,444 --> 01:33:08,383
Although Tsuruchiyo's "death"
was officially recorded...
1175
01:33:08,483 --> 01:33:15,321
...the Lord has recently been asking
about him... most emphatically.
1176
01:33:15,424 --> 01:33:20,384
The fearless Lord Himself...
asking three times!
1177
01:33:22,497 --> 01:33:26,092
Now that we've come this far, he
can't claim his official lineage.
1178
01:33:26,201 --> 01:33:28,692
If... even if it were only a
glance... If our Lord could...
1179
01:33:29,071 --> 01:33:34,634
Yet, we cannot not let Sir
Tsuruchiyo know anything.
1180
01:33:34,843 --> 01:33:40,372
This is such a shameful way of doing
things... but we have no choice.
1181
01:34:00,736 --> 01:34:03,728
The feelings of the one and the
only His Highness, Lord li...
1182
01:34:03,839 --> 01:34:08,640
...and your consideration
and concerns, Sir Nosaka...
1183
01:34:08,744 --> 01:34:11,838
...are completely understood, sir! Allow
me, Kisoya, to see what can be done!
1184
01:34:14,149 --> 01:34:17,118
Welcome.
1185
01:34:18,754 --> 01:34:21,723
One, two... One, two...
1186
01:34:24,693 --> 01:34:26,059
Welcome.
1187
01:34:26,094 --> 01:34:28,289
Oh! Thanks again for the other day.
1188
01:34:28,463 --> 01:34:29,698
Is he here, by any chance?
1189
01:34:29,733 --> 01:34:30,732
You mean Sir Niiro?
1190
01:34:30,767 --> 01:34:32,201
Yes.
1191
01:34:32,236 --> 01:34:33,600
No, sir.
1192
01:34:33,635 --> 01:34:35,466
That's odd... No, sir.
1193
01:34:35,637 --> 01:34:38,197
I went looking for him along the banks
of the Kamakura, but he wasn't there.
1194
01:34:38,306 --> 01:34:39,408
So I assumed he'd be here.
1195
01:34:39,443 --> 01:34:41,740
Oh, I see.
1196
01:34:41,910 --> 01:34:44,902
I did the same thing when I happened
to be in Yokoyama this morning...
1197
01:34:45,180 --> 01:34:46,578
And, what happened?
1198
01:34:46,613 --> 01:34:47,977
Well, he was in then.
1199
01:34:48,150 --> 01:34:50,618
I bothered him for a little
while before coming home.
1200
01:34:50,852 --> 01:34:54,219
I see... I wonder where he could be...?
1201
01:34:54,556 --> 01:34:57,776
Is this... an urgent matter, sir?
1202
01:34:57,811 --> 01:35:00,137
Well, it may be, it may not be...
1203
01:35:00,172 --> 01:35:02,464
Well, then, please come in! Come in!
1204
01:35:02,499 --> 01:35:05,126
Yes! Thank you.
1205
01:35:16,244 --> 01:35:20,442
At times, he can be like a detached
kite drifting away! Such a troublemaker!
1206
01:35:20,549 --> 01:35:23,814
Lt'd be nice if he'd walk
in here while we're talking.
1207
01:35:23,985 --> 01:35:27,113
Oh, Sir Kisoya... didn't you
say that it's an urgent matter?
1208
01:35:27,289 --> 01:35:30,258
Well, it's not exactly
that urgent, but...
1209
01:35:31,626 --> 01:35:35,528
You see, a ship carrying some lumber
will be arriving tonight from Kiso.
1210
01:35:35,630 --> 01:35:38,724
By evening, I must get
going to take care of that...
1211
01:35:38,834 --> 01:35:42,736
...so I thought it'd be nice if I could
see him during the day, just for a moment.
1212
01:35:42,904 --> 01:35:46,431
I see. In that case, I will send my
clerks to a place where he might be found.
1213
01:35:46,541 --> 01:35:49,840
Though, I cannot guarantee
that he'll be there.
1214
01:35:50,011 --> 01:35:52,206
Oh, if I could impose on you to do that!
1215
01:35:52,314 --> 01:35:54,544
And... where might that
be, if I may so ask?
1216
01:35:54,716 --> 01:35:56,775
The Mito Mansion in Koishigawa.
1217
01:35:56,952 --> 01:35:57,951
"The Mito?!"
1218
01:35:57,986 --> 01:36:02,685
The first time that he came here he
was with Mito people, amongst others.
1219
01:36:02,791 --> 01:36:08,855
Since then, men from Mito are always
coming here asking for Sir Niiro.
1220
01:36:08,964 --> 01:36:11,228
So, that's the only
place that I can think of.
1221
01:36:11,399 --> 01:36:14,095
Sir Tsuruchiyo has been...
associating with Mito men?!
1222
01:36:14,536 --> 01:36:18,336
Yes. They all seem to be on
rather good terms with each other.
1223
01:36:20,008 --> 01:36:23,842
Well, at any rate, in that case,
he might be back by now, so...
1224
01:36:23,945 --> 01:36:25,537
...I shall head over to
the Kamakura riverside now.
1225
01:36:25,647 --> 01:36:30,107
Besides, using a palanquin, I could
be at the Mito Mansion in no time!
1226
01:36:56,745 --> 01:36:59,179
Oh? Why, it's you, Okiku.
1227
01:36:59,214 --> 01:37:01,116
Sir Niiro hasn't been back yet?
1228
01:37:01,151 --> 01:37:03,016
It doesn't seem so...
1229
01:37:03,051 --> 01:37:06,043
What about the Mito Mansion?
1230
01:37:06,221 --> 01:37:09,190
It's not important enough
to get me to go all that way.
1231
01:37:10,959 --> 01:37:13,928
Okiku... what brings you here?
1232
01:37:18,300 --> 01:37:19,868
Sir Kisoya...
1233
01:37:19,903 --> 01:37:20,892
Huh?
1234
01:37:29,477 --> 01:37:33,072
I... Okiku of Sagamiya...
feel a bit of resentment!
1235
01:37:33,281 --> 01:37:34,213
Huh?
1236
01:37:34,382 --> 01:37:38,284
I sense that there is something
about him that you're not telling me.
1237
01:37:38,386 --> 01:37:43,346
Even if you can't tell anyone else...
I ask that you tell me, of all people!
1238
01:37:47,662 --> 01:37:52,190
I know it's rude for me... Okiku
of Sagamiya... to say this, but...
1239
01:37:52,300 --> 01:37:54,268
...it feels like you're
not being frank with me.
1240
01:37:54,436 --> 01:37:57,599
Why, it's not whether
or not I'm being frank...
1241
01:37:59,040 --> 01:38:04,239
It's just that, if I may be
blunt... I have something on my mind.
1242
01:38:04,346 --> 01:38:08,009
But it's something that only
I can be concerned about.
1243
01:38:08,116 --> 01:38:09,879
I don't know if it'll
actually be a problem or not.
1244
01:38:10,051 --> 01:38:12,815
What is it... that
you're concerned about?
1245
01:38:12,988 --> 01:38:18,722
You said that Sir Tsuruchiyo was
quite friendly with the men of Mito.
1246
01:38:18,827 --> 01:38:21,489
When I heard that, I panicked.
1247
01:38:21,763 --> 01:38:25,426
Is there a problem with him
associating with the Mito?
1248
01:38:25,600 --> 01:38:30,060
Okiku... you do know about
the Tengu Faction of Mito?
1249
01:38:30,238 --> 01:38:34,368
Yes, well... that they caused a
great commotion. I know that much.
1250
01:38:34,542 --> 01:38:39,912
Unscrupulous members of the
faction have been sneaking into Edo.
1251
01:38:40,015 --> 01:38:42,483
That's the rumor that's going around.
1252
01:38:42,584 --> 01:38:48,318
Okiku... about the men
Sir Tsuruchiyo was with...
1253
01:38:48,423 --> 01:38:51,415
Are they new to Edo?
1254
01:38:51,593 --> 01:38:53,959
Now that you mention it...
1255
01:38:54,062 --> 01:38:58,362
...l've seen some new faces... who,
I'm told, were recently posted here.
1256
01:38:58,533 --> 01:38:59,830
"New faces?!"
1257
01:39:00,235 --> 01:39:02,533
Yes. Among my many Mito customers...
1258
01:39:02,637 --> 01:39:04,468
...are new faces with Satsuma accents...
1259
01:39:04,572 --> 01:39:07,097
...as well as some who
seem to be from Choshuu.
1260
01:39:16,518 --> 01:39:20,386
Okiku, listen... About Sir Tsuruchiyo...
1261
01:39:20,488 --> 01:39:22,513
Have you noticed anything
unusual about him recently?
1262
01:39:22,691 --> 01:39:25,854
No... Nothing particularly.
1263
01:39:26,027 --> 01:39:30,259
The other day... Well, when he came
to visit me for the first time...
1264
01:39:30,365 --> 01:39:33,129
...in five years, he told
me something quite puzzling.
1265
01:39:33,234 --> 01:39:36,863
He said he'd soon become a noble
samurai... or words to that effect.
1266
01:39:37,038 --> 01:39:39,774
Oh, he told me that, too!
1267
01:39:39,809 --> 01:39:40,473
What?!
1268
01:39:40,508 --> 01:39:43,306
It was just this
morning, in fact. What?!
1269
01:39:43,478 --> 01:39:46,936
I thought that he must
be dreaming, but...
1270
01:39:47,048 --> 01:39:50,040
...he said that he would
soon become a noble samurai.
1271
01:39:53,588 --> 01:39:56,557
Okiku... I'm afraid that he'll...
1272
01:39:58,593 --> 01:40:00,561
Huh...?!
1273
01:40:05,400 --> 01:40:08,369
Forgive me, Kurihara...
1274
01:40:10,138 --> 01:40:12,538
I'll...
1275
01:40:12,640 --> 01:40:15,200
I'll do it...
1276
01:40:15,310 --> 01:40:18,279
Finally, tomorrow morning...
1277
01:40:19,214 --> 01:40:21,739
For both of us, I shall
strive to do my best!
1278
01:40:22,050 --> 01:40:24,018
If I may ask, Sir Kisoya...
1279
01:40:24,119 --> 01:40:28,146
...what did you mean when you said
you were concerned about something?
1280
01:40:28,256 --> 01:40:30,281
Sir Kisoya...
1281
01:40:30,458 --> 01:40:35,657
No, it's just my imagination!
It can't possibly be for real!
1282
01:40:35,830 --> 01:40:39,732
I just... cannot make
any sense of it all.
1283
01:40:39,834 --> 01:40:41,631
Just exactly what are you talking about?
1284
01:40:41,803 --> 01:40:43,100
Okiku, it's just a rumor.
1285
01:40:43,204 --> 01:40:47,140
Understand? It's just
some rumor floating around.
1286
01:40:47,242 --> 01:40:51,838
A group, led by Mito men, along
with Satsuma and Choshuu ronin...
1287
01:40:51,946 --> 01:40:53,937
...plans to assassinate Honorable
Elder li... or something.
1288
01:40:54,482 --> 01:40:56,609
That is ridiculous! It
can't possibly be true!
1289
01:40:56,718 --> 01:40:58,208
With the world in a state of turmoil...
1290
01:40:58,319 --> 01:41:02,779
...unfounded rumors are bound
to appear and be spread around.
1291
01:41:02,891 --> 01:41:05,951
But, if we paid attention to
them all, we'd all die from worry.
1292
01:41:06,127 --> 01:41:09,961
Very true! I agree with you.
I hope that's the case here.
1293
01:41:10,064 --> 01:41:12,897
But, what if...
1294
01:41:13,001 --> 01:41:15,252
Just, what if...
1295
01:41:15,287 --> 01:41:17,503
I understand.
1296
01:41:17,605 --> 01:41:20,904
Sir Kisoya, your concern is
that... what if Sir Tsuruchiyo...
1297
01:41:21,009 --> 01:41:24,410
...becomes one of the conspirators.
1298
01:41:24,512 --> 01:41:26,605
These days, those wanting to
become a samurai can do so by...
1299
01:41:26,714 --> 01:41:33,278
...being of service to the clans
of Mito, Satsuma, or even Choshuu.
1300
01:41:33,455 --> 01:41:36,549
Y... Yes... that's right.
1301
01:41:36,724 --> 01:41:39,716
But, what's so wrong with that, then?
1302
01:41:39,894 --> 01:41:40,727
What?!
1303
01:41:40,762 --> 01:41:43,287
Sir Kisoya, I too cannot believe...
1304
01:41:43,465 --> 01:41:47,925
...that such a thing could
possibly happen right here in Edo.
1305
01:41:48,036 --> 01:41:53,303
But, if it were to happen, it
wouldn't mean the end of the Tokugawa.
1306
01:41:53,408 --> 01:41:57,777
And if it happened, Sir Niiro
would become an honorable figure.
1307
01:41:57,879 --> 01:42:00,143
It's so courageous...
It's so like him...
1308
01:42:00,248 --> 01:42:02,614
...to depend on nobody but
himself. It's a goal worth pursuing.
1309
01:42:02,784 --> 01:42:06,720
No! It can't be allowed! Y... You
can't be serious! It's ridiculous!
1310
01:42:06,888 --> 01:42:10,949
Nowhere in this world does the
child kill the parent... It's absurd!
1311
01:42:13,161 --> 01:42:16,790
Okiku... the truth is that...
1312
01:42:16,898 --> 01:42:19,594
...Sir Tsuruchiyo's real father is...
1313
01:42:19,701 --> 01:42:22,864
...the Lord of Hikone, Himself!
1314
01:42:44,425 --> 01:42:48,191
So, anyway, Kojima...
1315
01:42:48,296 --> 01:42:52,062
...Niiro is not aware of this yet?
1316
01:42:52,600 --> 01:42:54,727
Correct, sir.
1317
01:42:54,836 --> 01:42:58,363
As I informed you earlier, sir,
in preparation for tomorrow...
1318
01:42:58,473 --> 01:43:01,806
...I went to the Kamakura riverside
to confirm our plans with him.
1319
01:43:01,910 --> 01:43:04,777
However, Niiro was nowhere to be found.
1320
01:43:04,879 --> 01:43:09,646
Just then, Kisoya Masagoro entered
from the front, a bit hesitantly.
1321
01:43:09,751 --> 01:43:12,879
I immediately sought a place to hide.
1322
01:43:12,987 --> 01:43:16,479
A while ago, I reported
that there seemed to be...
1323
01:43:16,591 --> 01:43:20,527
...a mystery regarding the close relation
- ship between Niiro and Kisoya.
1324
01:43:20,628 --> 01:43:23,461
I became somewhat
curious about that, sir.
1325
01:43:23,565 --> 01:43:26,728
Before long, Okiku
of Sagamiya arrived...
1326
01:43:26,834 --> 01:43:30,031
...and they discussed the incredible
story which I've just reported!
1327
01:43:30,138 --> 01:43:31,696
I knew that I had to report here
as soon as possible, sir, but...
1328
01:43:31,806 --> 01:43:35,537
...I couldn't move until
after the two of them had left!
1329
01:43:35,643 --> 01:43:37,804
Also, the way they were talking...
1330
01:43:37,912 --> 01:43:41,746
...leads me to believe they'll visit
Niiro tomorrow, to tell him the truth.
1331
01:43:49,057 --> 01:43:52,026
Take care of it by tonight...
1332
01:43:55,096 --> 01:43:56,563
Who shall we send?
1333
01:43:56,598 --> 01:44:00,500
We need our own men for tomorrow.
1334
01:44:00,668 --> 01:44:03,637
So, Sir Hoshino, perhaps you ought
to contact our friends in the clan...
1335
01:44:03,738 --> 01:44:05,865
...and ask them to dispatch people
unrelated to tomorrow's events.
1336
01:44:06,074 --> 01:44:08,042
Uh-huh...
1337
01:44:08,142 --> 01:44:11,009
But, if many men are running
around in the middle of the night...
1338
01:44:11,112 --> 01:44:14,081
...the suspicions of the gate
guards will surely be aroused.
1339
01:44:15,817 --> 01:44:19,480
Better to do it early in the morning...
1340
01:44:19,587 --> 01:44:21,646
...using ten or so strong swordsmen.
1341
01:44:21,856 --> 01:44:24,825
Please make the necessary
arrangements at once, sir!
1342
01:44:41,009 --> 01:44:44,103
"Sir Niiro" "Masagoro"
1343
01:44:49,651 --> 01:44:51,585
"This is a matter of great urgency.
1344
01:44:51,686 --> 01:44:56,146
"When you wake up in the
morning... please come to Fukagawa.
1345
01:44:56,257 --> 01:44:59,624
"Please be sure to come."
1346
01:44:59,794 --> 01:45:02,422
It cannot be done.
1347
01:45:02,530 --> 01:45:05,021
Because, tomorrow, finally... will
deliver the chance of a lifetime...
1348
01:45:05,133 --> 01:45:08,102
...a major event, the outcome
of which only heaven knows.
1349
01:45:18,446 --> 01:45:21,609
Oh? I'd expected that
it would get chilly...
1350
01:45:21,716 --> 01:45:24,685
...but this is really cold
for the "Peach Observance."
1351
01:46:18,906 --> 01:46:21,966
If you're thieves, you
must've had too much to drink!
1352
01:46:22,076 --> 01:46:24,544
Reveal your names!
1353
01:46:39,026 --> 01:46:43,725
Oh? You're all unfamiliar faces...
1354
01:46:43,831 --> 01:46:46,595
Which House are you
from? State your names!
1355
01:46:52,540 --> 01:46:55,509
Damn you!
1356
01:47:02,583 --> 01:47:07,316
As scheduled, at 5 a.m., the
eighteen comrades gathered...
1357
01:47:07,421 --> 01:47:11,187
...in front of Atago Shrine
at the top of Mt. Atago.
1358
01:47:11,292 --> 01:47:15,490
Then, they went to the Sakuradamon
Gates, and made themselves ready.
1359
01:47:15,596 --> 01:47:20,260
Sir Hoshino Kenmotsu, along with
one man, assumed the vanguard.
1360
01:47:20,368 --> 01:47:22,598
They stationed themselves
inside a nearby tea parlor.
1361
01:47:22,703 --> 01:47:26,662
Hagiwara Matasaburo and the six men
of the First Unit, on the right...
1362
01:47:26,774 --> 01:47:29,504
...took positions by a
trench near the checkpoint.
1363
01:47:29,610 --> 01:47:34,411
The Main Unit, on the left, waited in
front of Matsudaira Osuminokami's Mansion.
1364
01:47:34,515 --> 01:47:38,007
It consisted of Sir Sumida Keijiro,
the Sub-Leader, and six others.
1365
01:47:38,119 --> 01:47:43,022
To the rear of the Main Unit were
three men lead by Kadowaki Shozaemon.
1366
01:47:43,124 --> 01:47:45,524
They stationed themselves at
the side of Uesugi Mansion.
1367
01:47:45,626 --> 01:47:49,062
The snow, which started falling the
night before, showed no signs of abating.
1368
01:47:49,163 --> 01:47:51,961
Would the heavens bring us
fortune... or misfortune?
1369
01:47:52,133 --> 01:47:55,364
It usually doesn't snow
this much in the morning.
1370
01:47:55,536 --> 01:47:57,299
It's certainly rare during an
occasion like the "Peach Observance."
1371
01:47:57,471 --> 01:48:01,407
It sure is. By the way... have
you become an officer yet, or...?
1372
01:48:01,576 --> 01:48:05,512
No... Things don't seem to go my way.
1373
01:48:06,214 --> 01:48:08,273
But, soon my dreams will come true.
1374
01:48:08,616 --> 01:48:12,575
That's excellent, sir!
I hope it happens soon!
1375
01:48:14,655 --> 01:48:16,040
7:30?
1376
01:48:16,075 --> 01:48:17,390
Yes, sir.
1377
01:48:17,425 --> 01:48:19,060
The entourage will come now?
1378
01:48:19,095 --> 01:48:19,992
Yes, sir.
1379
01:48:20,161 --> 01:48:24,325
As today is March 3rd, the procession
celebrates the "Peach Observance."
1380
01:48:24,498 --> 01:48:24,930
Uh-huh.
1381
01:48:25,099 --> 01:48:29,559
But, with all this snow... the
Daimyo must be having a hard time.
1382
01:48:29,737 --> 01:48:31,873
Lady... I'll leave the money here.
1383
01:48:31,908 --> 01:48:33,841
Yes, thank you, sir.
1384
01:48:43,284 --> 01:48:45,809
Arrow ends and a circle means...
1385
01:48:45,920 --> 01:48:48,889
...Sir Mori, Lord of Ecchuu.
1386
01:48:51,392 --> 01:48:53,053
Huh?
1387
01:49:25,826 --> 01:49:27,885
I'm glad I made it in time!
1388
01:49:27,995 --> 01:49:30,862
No... I'm sorry that I
couldn't get here sooner.
1389
01:49:34,735 --> 01:49:39,468
I was assaulted this morning by
nine assassins, hence the delay.
1390
01:49:39,573 --> 01:49:42,167
I'm afraid they might
have been li's men.
1391
01:49:42,276 --> 01:49:44,073
Are the other comrades all right?
1392
01:49:44,245 --> 01:49:46,839
So far so good.
1393
01:49:46,948 --> 01:49:48,973
However...
1394
01:49:49,083 --> 01:49:52,484
...all the Choshuu men... and,
except for Arimura Jizaemon...
1395
01:49:52,586 --> 01:49:56,249
...all the Satsuma
men... failed to show up.
1396
01:49:56,357 --> 01:50:01,351
As a result... we're
slightly shorthanded...
1397
01:50:01,462 --> 01:50:05,125
...and so I've been impatiently
waiting for you to arrive.
1398
01:50:05,299 --> 01:50:08,700
My apologies.
1399
01:50:08,803 --> 01:50:10,703
Where should I place myself?
1400
01:50:10,871 --> 01:50:13,635
Just like we planned, you're
with the First Unit, on the right.
1401
01:50:13,808 --> 01:50:15,605
To the right of the checkpoint?
1402
01:50:15,776 --> 01:50:17,744
Yeah.
1403
01:50:19,113 --> 01:50:22,082
I expect you to do your best.
1404
01:50:26,821 --> 01:50:30,552
Sir Kenmotsu... the assassins
that I fought earlier...
1405
01:50:30,658 --> 01:50:32,853
...they weren't sent by you, were they?
1406
01:50:33,494 --> 01:50:35,655
Don't be ridiculous.
1407
01:50:35,830 --> 01:50:38,321
A true ronin, a starving dog...
1408
01:50:38,432 --> 01:50:42,425
...nobody can predict what he might do.
1409
01:50:42,536 --> 01:50:48,065
Besides... should the Mito fail
to distinguish themselves...
1410
01:50:48,175 --> 01:50:50,939
...certainly, you wouldn't
want the world to know.
1411
01:50:51,045 --> 01:50:54,572
Might as well play it safe and kill him.
1412
01:50:54,682 --> 01:50:58,482
Now, that's a plan that Sir Hoshino,
the cold-blooded one, might consider.
1413
01:50:58,652 --> 01:51:01,519
Here we are, critically shorthanded!
1414
01:51:01,622 --> 01:51:03,487
Niiro, how dare you
accuse me! It's ridiculous!
1415
01:51:03,657 --> 01:51:09,357
Wait! Even if you try to
leave me out, I won't let you!
1416
01:51:09,463 --> 01:51:12,955
I've long waited for this chance to
gain renown, here at the Sakurada Gates!
1417
01:51:13,067 --> 01:51:18,664
With strength paramount... I'll
take li's head with my own hands!
1418
01:51:18,773 --> 01:51:22,072
I won't allow anyone to get in
my way... be he friend or foe!
1419
01:51:22,743 --> 01:51:27,237
With you in such a frame of
mind, we can all feel invincible.
1420
01:51:27,348 --> 01:51:29,748
Well, then... show me your
prowess. Go and behead li!
1421
01:51:32,086 --> 01:51:35,055
Well, then...
1422
01:51:59,814 --> 01:52:03,272
Sir Niiro!
1423
01:52:03,384 --> 01:52:06,353
Sir Niiro!
1424
01:53:34,041 --> 01:53:36,942
Please, sirs! Sirs! I have
a complaint against you!
1425
01:53:37,278 --> 01:53:38,579
Insolent fool! Get out of the way!
1426
01:53:38,614 --> 01:53:39,807
I've a complaint against you!
1427
01:53:56,964 --> 01:53:59,524
Receiving Sir Hoshino
Kenmotsu's signal...
1428
01:53:59,633 --> 01:54:02,295
...the First Unit attacks
the palanquin's vanguard.
1429
01:54:02,503 --> 01:54:05,472
Next, they engage the rearguard.
1430
01:54:12,947 --> 01:54:17,509
The Main Troop storms li "Kamon
- nokami" Naosuke, head on.
1431
01:54:36,070 --> 01:54:39,039
Damn it!
1432
01:54:43,477 --> 01:54:46,412
Damn it! Damn it!
1433
01:54:46,513 --> 01:54:48,140
Damn it!
1434
01:55:30,024 --> 01:55:32,117
Damn it!
1435
01:55:54,148 --> 01:55:55,979
No, you fools!
1436
01:55:56,183 --> 01:55:59,778
Fools! The fools!
1437
01:56:08,696 --> 01:56:12,291
Fools! Idiots!
1438
01:56:57,344 --> 01:57:00,108
Let go!
1439
01:57:00,280 --> 01:57:03,249
Damn you!
1440
01:57:13,327 --> 01:57:15,295
Fool!
1441
01:57:33,714 --> 01:57:36,683
Open the gate! Open the gate!
1442
01:57:40,053 --> 01:57:41,850
Open the gate! Open the gate!
1443
01:59:18,385 --> 01:59:22,981
Fools! This means that Japan
holds no future for the samurai!
1444
01:59:51,919 --> 01:59:55,013
Niiro Tsuruchiyo, a Bishuu ronin...
1445
01:59:55,122 --> 01:59:59,388
...beheaded Elder li Naosuke, not
knowing that li was his father.
1446
02:00:10,304 --> 02:00:13,967
However, by order of Sir Hoshino...
1447
02:00:14,074 --> 02:00:19,102
...all records concerning Niiro
were purged the night before.
1448
02:00:19,212 --> 02:00:25,276
Thus, Niiro Tsuruchiyo was
never a member of our conspiracy.
1449
02:00:28,021 --> 02:00:33,186
However, the fact remains... that the
one who took the head of Elder li...
1450
02:00:33,293 --> 02:00:37,252
...was, without a doubt, his own
son... Niiro Tsuruchiyo, himself.
1451
02:00:37,564 --> 02:00:39,759
Look!
1452
02:00:39,866 --> 02:00:43,029
I won't let this head go
for less than 200-koku!
1453
02:00:43,136 --> 02:00:46,230
No... even 300 would be a bargain!
1454
02:00:46,340 --> 02:00:48,274
Look!
1455
02:00:48,375 --> 02:00:50,741
Here's today's paramount achievement!
1456
02:00:50,844 --> 02:00:52,744
Elder li's head is in the hands of...
1457
02:00:52,846 --> 02:00:57,078
...a Bishuu ronin, Niiro Tsuruchiyo!
1458
02:00:59,252 --> 02:01:03,484
It was March 3rd, the
first year of Man'en.
1459
02:01:03,590 --> 02:01:06,081
On the day we celebrate the "Peach
Observance," it was unusual...
1460
02:01:06,193 --> 02:01:09,162
...to see Edo cloaked
in unrelenting snow.
1461
02:01:09,262 --> 02:01:13,221
Such were the events that
transpired at the Sakurada Gates.
1462
02:01:33,186 --> 02:01:39,648
"The End"
124972
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