All language subtitles for Hunter.in.the.Dark.1979.JAPANESE.1080p.WEBRip.x264-VXT

A SHOCHIKU-HAIYUZA COPRODUCTION

A SHOCHIKU PRODUCTION

Between 1760 and 1786,
Japan was ruled...

by the tenth Tokugawa shogun, Ieharu.

Under the sway
of Grand Councilor Okitsugu Tanuma,

government business was riddled
with bribery and corruption.

The resultant breakdown
in law and order...

led to the rise
of a shadowy underworld...

of organized crime syndicates.

The people of the time
called these groups...

"hunters in the dark."

HUNTERS IN THE DARK

Executive Producers

MASAYUKI SATO
GINICHI KISHIMOTO, SHIGEMI SUGISAKI

Based on the Novel by
SHOTARO IKENAMI

Screenplay by
NAOTO KITAZAWA

Associate Producers
TAKESHI ENDO and HIDEJI MIYAJIMA

Photography by
TADASHI SAKAI

Music by
MASARU SATO

Starring

TATSUYA NAKADAI

KEIKO KISHI, AYUMI ISHIDA

MAKOTO FUJITA, ISAO NATSUKI

KAYO MATSUO, AI KANZAKI
TATSUO UMEMIYA. HAJIME HANA

Narrated by
TOSHIYUKI HOSOKAWA

TETSURO TAMBA. EIJIRO TONO

YOSHIO HARADA, SONNY CHIBA

Directed by HIDEO GOSHA

EDO - 1784

Our target is the first palanquin.

Whatever you do,
don't hit the second.

We want the first one.
You got that?

Who's there?

You keep staring at the lantern.

Why?

SECRET HIDEOUT -
THE KAMESEN RIVERSIDE TEAHOUSE

Good morning.

What lovely red camellias.

The camellias?

- Here you are.
- Thank you.

Good morning.

Thank you.

These are for the room in back.

Is that right?

I'm impressed. Not many people
study Tenjin-Shirai sword technique.

No, I've swung a stick around
in fun - that's all.

I apologize for last night.

You got in so late,
I had nothing to offer you.

You could have let me know earlier.

As they say,
all is tasty to a hungry man.

Isn't that right, Tanigawa?

Absolutely.

By the way, this is Omon.

She manages this inn for me...

and makes sure my men know
what's going on.

I am Yataro Tanigawa.
Pleased to meet you.

Tanigawa has agreed to work for me.

Or rather,

he's a formidable ally
who will be my secret weapon.

Please take good care of him.

See that he has a quiet place
to rest up before evening.

I'm at your service, Mr. Tanigawa.

Now, Tanigawa,

I want you to know
how much I'm counting on you.

Goodness!
I really should change this scroll.

So, what sort of mood
was the boss in?

He seemed pleased.

It stands to reason.

After all, with Tokuzo
of Shirogane out of the way,

he only has Jihei of Shiba
to contend with for control of Edo.

Everything gets decided tonight.

Too bad I can't be there to see it.

Don't get any ideas.

Well, Tanigawa...

it's time we got going.

Omon.

Omon.

Are you sure everything
will go as planned?

There's no turning back now,
you know.

I suppose you're right.

The arrow has left the bow.

But... what if...

what if -

Forget the what ifs.

Jihei's not the sort...

to bungle a thing like this.

They're supposedly meeting to divvy up
control of the Edo underworld,

but one quick stab...

and Gomyo's finished.

But what about that ronin?

Can we really count on him?

That ronin?

There's no doubt in my mind.

He knows...

that I saved his life.

- Sorry to keep you waiting, Gomyo.
- Hello, Boss Jihei.

As agreed,
I brought just one bodyguard,

and I came unarmed.

I'm not concerned about that.

We're here for a heart-to-heart
on how to divide up Edo's underworld.

As I see it,
my girl's all the bodyguard I need.

But your man with his double swords -

rather looks like
you're expecting trouble.

No need to read anything into it.

I'm sure we can settle things amicably.

Listen to you.

Boss Tokuzo was killed last night.

Fell into a trap at Omodaka Bridge.

What of it?

Having one of
the big three bosses gone...

certainly makes our life easier.

But what are the chances
you were behind that little plot?

Boss Jihei,

I hope your thing for this girl
hasn't turned you soft in the head.

All this talk of traps and plots -

maybe you need to educate
your friend here...

that in our line of work,
you don't ask too many questions...

about that sort of thing.

True enough.

But now it's my turn
for a little plot of my own.

Boss Gomyo,

could you be an easier mark?

How did a man like you
ever get to be an underworld boss?

Get this.

Your right-hand man Yaichi,
who arranged this meeting,

has been getting
real cozy with Omon...

and long since
sold out your sorry hide.

What do you think of that?

Eh, Boss Gomyo?

Go to hell.

If you're gonna kill me
let's get it over with.

That's the spirit.

And I'm happy to oblige.

Do it.

You bastard!

Damn you!

Damn you!

SECRET HIDEOUT - LANTERN SHOP

Welcome back.

What do you think you're doing?

You better have a good explanation
or there'll be hell to pay.

What's going on here?

Did you think just because
the boss was away...

you could get uppity
with his second?

What's this about, Sakimatsu?

- What in the world -
- I suggest you be quiet, Omon.

- Yaichi.
- What?

You said the boss was away.

I'd like to hear from your lips
exactly where he's gone...

and what for.

From my lips?

You have any objection?

All right.

I'll give it to you straight.

The boss

is no longer of this world.

What's more,

Jihei's men will be here
any minute now...

to shut every one of you up
for good if need be.

That's how it is.

So you're saying...

you sold Boss Gomyo out to Jihei?

There's no time for questions.

If you value your lives
then swear loyalty to me.

And be quick about it, or -

And if I'm among those
who value their lives?

Boss!

The underworld code says the penalty
for betrayal is a slow death...

by one stab of the dagger
from everyone here.

What about Omon?

I never thought you would betray me.

I'm ready.

Do whatever you want with me.

If I die at your hand,

I'll have no complaint.

Since you left me for that stranger
who threw herself in the river,

I've already fallen
to the depths of hell.

Boss...

we should follow the code.

This picture again?

You've certainly got
a childish streak in you.

Forever gazing
at that same old picture.

But we will go there someday,
won't we?

You promised we'd go together.

Yes, someday.

Since you want to go so badly.

It's funny.

With you always begging to go,

I feel like I've already been there.

Boss...

Just finish me off.

Just finish me off, please.

Look, Yaichi,

we all swore to live by the code.

It's a little late to beg
for mercy now.

Falling in love
with a forbidden woman -

that was my undoing.

I have no grudge against the boss.

Just finish me off,
like the code says.

If it were anything else,
we could offer apologies in your place,

but an attempt on the boss's life
is unforgivable.

Omon...

Boss...

is something wrong?

You look so grim.

I've missed you.

Yesterday... today.

I've been so lonely without you.

Don't say that.

Don't tell me you're lonely.

I love you.

Oriha.

I'm floating.

Floating...

I feel like I'm floating.

Is this it -
the place where I'm to die?

Omon,

the laws of the underworld say women
must be dispatched without blood.

So accept what you've got coming
and take a dive.

Goodness, you needn't be
in such a hurry.

We've known each other
for a long time.

At least

let me get ready.

Omon...

what are you doing?

Don't do that.

The famous mistress of Kamesen...

is to wash up as a corpse.

You can at least
let me straighten my kimono.

It's not gonna work, you know.

I'm not like Yaichi.

That's not gonna work with me.

My, my...

I never thought you were so timid.

Look.

No more sharp objects.

Why don't you frisk me and see?

I can't do that.

No, Omon.

I can't do that.

You want me, don't you?

Then why not have me?

I'll be dead soon anyway.

I mustn't.

Hey, Omon...

what do you think you're -

SECRET HIDEOUT -
ICHINOYU BATHHOUSE

Please finish up quickly.
We're closing now.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Well, well, it's the inspector
from Kanatsugibashi.

- I've come for a nice long soak.
- Actually, we're closing early today.

Perhaps another day?

He likes the water piping hot.
You got that?

Please, Inspector.

I'm an officer of the law
in service to the shogun.

Are you really sure
you want to cross me?

Not at all, sir.

"Profits gain in effect
when given as an offering."

Very good.

"The civil servant's child
must extend a grasping hand."

Now that's the truth.

From Lord Tanuma on high
to us little guys walking the beat,

nothing gets done
unless palms get greased.

That's what it's saying.

Couldn't have said it better.

Now hold on just one second!
Are you mocking me?

This is unforgivable!
- Please, Inspector. He's upstairs.

What? The boss is here?

A comic ditty making the rounds
at the time said,

"Never could I aspire
to Lord Tanuma's heights,

but surely I can hope
to at least become shogun."

Okitsugu Tanuma's power and influence
exceeded even the shogun's.

The gate of
the grand councilor's mansion

was thronged with favor-seekers
bearing bribes,

turning the vicinity
into a veritable marketplace.

You seem deeply unhappy
that you did not receive...

the promised appointment
as overseer of Ezo.

Indeed, sire.

Now that the seizure of Kitamae fief
has been completed without incident,

at this point...

I believe my services
are no longer necessary.

You don't mince words.

I appointed Lord Ishikawa of Kazue
to that post.

If you want to know why...

it's because there are still elements
who want to revive the Kitamae Clan.

And your concern is?

I hardly think the country samurai of Ezo
can accomplish much,

but should they uncover
the slightest fault in what we've done,

it could hurt you,

or even me.

Surely you needn't be concerned
about that, sire.

It's by being concerned
with the slightest details...

and attending to each of them
with the greatest of care...

that I've maintained my hold
on this position of power...

for over ten years.

Until these Kitamae malcontents
have been completely rooted out,

I need you to continue
the undercover work...

I've asked you to do here in Edo.

When all cause for concern
has been eliminated,

I promise to make you
governor of Ezo.

Good enough?

He seems nervous about us.

Can't blame him,
the way the boss dumped us on him.

You're sure it's all right
if I stay here with you?

I doubt the boss would mind.

Do you really -

Do you really not remember anything...

about your past?

No.

I don't.

I hope you never do.

Why?

I'm afraid of what might happen
if you remembered.

Even if a time comes
when I do remember my past...

I won't change.

Then why don't you -

What?

If you go on working
for the boss...

I just know something terrible
is going to happen.

So it seems

we're down to just seven men.

The knaves...

think they can stand up
to Grand Councilor Tanuma.

They're damn good
with their swords,

but they're also
crafty sons of bitches.

I must ask you to stop right there.

The reason for an assignment...

is something we don't inquire
of our clients...

in the underworld.

I don't know about other bosses,

but my practice is to make
my own inquiries.

Mr. Shimoguni,

you used to be...

the official representative in Edo...

for the Kitamae Clan,
whose fief was seized last year,

and yet you plotted the breakup
of the clan you represented,

cozied up to Lord Tanuma...

and became his trusted lieutenant.

And I believe what
you've asked me to do...

is nothing other than to hunt down
the remnants of the group...

that has been trying
to revive the clan.

Then let me ask you this.

What do you think of their leader...

Chief Retainer Kakizaki?

Talk of reviving the clan
sounds noble enough,

but he got where he is only by lineage
and favoritism. He's incompetent.

As for me,

I'm a man who arranged
the undoing of my own clan -

a traitor.

But let me say this, Gomyo.

I gave up on my clan and stood idly
by as it was destroyed...

only because I could see...

that changing times had created
forces no one could hold back.

Listen, Gomyo.

Once I saw the clan was doomed,

I decided to make a clean break...

and instead pursue a new dream...

across the vast
and boundless land of Ezo.

Ezo?

That's right. Ezo.

I dream of opening up
the land of Ezo...

with my own hands, my own wits.

Endless plains...

vast herds of wild horses...

more fish than anyone could catch...

lakes where ten thousand
waterfowl play.

It's not just a dream!

It's not just a dream!

Once this business is taken care of,

I will be named governor of Ezo.

Think about it, Gomyo.

There's more to life
than being master of the underworld.

Why not come out into the daylight?

You and me,
a samurai and a townsman -

together we could pursue
great dreams in Ezo.

Isn't that what life's all about?

Sorry.

You're probably wondering what hit you.

Don't worry. You have
plenty of time to think it over.

Hello, Inspector.
Long time no see.

- Hello there, miss.
- We appreciate your vigilance, sir.

You're so pretty.
I can't stand it.

Uh-oh.

It's burning.

Oh, well.

It's a bit scorched,
but it'll have to do.

What's the matter?

Don't worry about the police.
They went on by.

Here you go.

Stop sulking, will you?

You wouldn't be here
if it weren't for me.

And besides...

I've tasted the fruit.

What do you expect me to say?

I'll never meet
another woman like you,

no matter how long I live.

So I'm not letting you go,
even if it kills me.

Do whatever you want with me.

I...

I already...

died once anyway.

Stop saying that.

Forget all about
your underworld life...

and being the boss's woman.

I'll help you forget. Okay?

Tonight's the night.

The boss asked me to bring you
your advance payment.

And the target?

The group's gathering for a meeting.

I've got my work cut out for me.

This one's gonna be
a real matter of life or death.

Two or three
I can take on with confidence.

But six or seven -

You mean...

Can you help me get ready, Sukegoro?

Of course.

I have another request too.

If I get killed,

I want you to give
that money to Osaki.

Sure.

That'll be fine.

I'm counting on you.

All right.

Welcome!

We're out-of-towners
who don't know Edo very well.

Shimoguni's thugs
are bound to catch up with us.

Not necessarily.

We've been blind
to the perfect hideout.

Next time, we'll meet
at the Kitamae Clan's family temple.

You mean the Hannya-in in Asakusa?

It's gotten pretty run down lately,

but it's the perfect hideout.

Instead of worrying
about a hideout, sir,

why don't we go on the initiative

and eliminate Shimoguni?

Don't underestimate him.
He's a formidable opponent.

Then let me ask, sir:
What is our plan?

Plan? Plan for what?

For reviving the Kitamae Clan.

There was no hope of that
to begin with.

- No hope?
- Sir!

How can you say that?

Look.

How can we revive the clan when we
don't even know where our young lord is?

Then what have we been doing
all this time?

Looking for a way to push Shimoguni
aside and get Lord Tanuma's ear.

Look.

Every plot slips up somewhere...

and leaves a chink open
in its armor.

They left our young lord alive.
We just need to find him.

What are you grinning about?

Planning sweet nothings
with your lady after your nightcap?

Must be nice.

All right. Ready to go.

I guess there's more to you
than meets the eye, Kasuke.

Welcome.

Bring me sake.

Here you are, sir.

Aren't you keeping your lady waiting?

It's cold out. I'll have one more
for the road, nice and hot.

Right away.

Heizaburo?

Heizaburo Sasao!

You!

Heizaburo,
I'm your friend Sugioka!

Omon!

How about a drink?

No, thanks.

I'm not washed up yet.

Not by a long shot.

I've still got plenty
of chances to hit it big.

I'm not gonna be
eating chaff forever.

Look, Omon.

When I get my hands
on a chunk of money,

let's move to Osaka...

and get a fresh start.

You gotta understand how I feel.

You can't give me
the cold shoulder now.

If you do -

Boss...

You're stuck on him.

You're stuck on that Yataro fellow,
aren't you?

Why would you -

Lately...

you've had a new glow about you.

Just because
he showed you a good time...

we can't have you going for wool
and coming back shorn.

That just won't do.

Why do you think...

Boss Jihei planted you
in Gomyo's operation?

It was for a chance just like this.

But look at you!

No, really, Oren.

You have to trust me.

Just tell me when
and I'll lure him out for you.

That's more like it.

Otherwise how can
Jihei ever rest in peace?

Whatever it takes,

even if I have to do it
from my grave,

I intend to avenge Jihei's death.

Anyway,

just so long as you remember
you're living...

by the code of the underworld.

Right, Osaki?

You're all right!

Thank goodness!

Undo my sash, would you?

You'll get your kimono dirty.

Take my things to the owner
at the front counter.

"From Tanigawa for Osaki."

Osaki.

Kill him! Now!

Yataro!

Kill him!

Kill him!

Now's our chance! Kill him!

Yataro!

Filthy bitch!

Damn you!

Tanigawa!
Is it bad, Tanigawa?

Hold on, Tanigawa.

SECRET HIDEOUT - LANTERN SHOP

He needs a doctor.
What should we do?

Just when the boss is out, too.

- Tanigawa!
- We've got to get a doctor!

No!

No doctors.

Too many questions.
Could get the boss in trouble.

- Tanigawa!
- Let me see what I can do.

Sorry to barge in like this, ma'am.

Are you all right, Mr. Tanigawa?

I'm sure you men
have other things to do.

Right. We've gotta clean up.

We'll leave him to you.

Careful.

Thanks.

I'm afraid I don't know you.

I'm sorry.

My name is Yataro Tanigawa.

Mr. Tanigawa?

Thanks, Oriha.
Good of you to step in.

It was nothing.

That's a nasty wound.

I got caught with my guard down.
Sorry.

I'm the one who should apologize,
but first thing now is to fix you up.

Oriha?
- Yes, sir.

I need some cotton.

- I'll go.
- No, that's all right.

Sir?

It's been a long time.

I believe I have some information
you'd be interested in.

Kasuke, was it?

Yes, sir.
Good to see you, sir.

So,

what is this information
you speak of?

The whereabouts of a samurai
named Heizaburo Sasao.

Heizaburo Sasao?

The man who tried to kill you but
wound up killing his own father instead.

There were some killings
at Esashiya last night.

I believe he was the swordsman.

There's a rumor going around that
former retainers of the Kitamae Clan

are quietly being eliminated
by underworld assassins.

What do you make of that, sir?

- I'm not sure.
- Well, as it happens...

I hold two keys
to solving that puzzle.

Keys?

That's right.

There's a woman with a bitter grudge
against underworld boss Gomyo.

She happens to be living with me now.

You want me to buy your pillow talk?

There's something else.

There were only two witnesses
to Zenzaemon's Sasao death -

his son Heizaburo...

and myself.

Heizaburo.

Father!

Asakusa...

Hannya-in.

Zenzaemon's dying words...

have to be worth
at least 100 ryo to you.

I believe I'd like to hear

the rest of that story sometime.

Perhaps you could come to my house.

Not a chance.

That'd be like a moth
flying into the flame.

If you want to reach me,

there's a riverside teahouse
in Shinbori called Kamesen.

Tie a note to a branch
of the willow tree there.

A teahouse in Shinbori?

Yes.

It's empty now.
Nobody goes there.

The name is Kamesen?

Yes, sir.
Now, if you'll excuse me...

Are you satisfied...

Mr. Sharaku?

I've been looking...

for a man like you.

This...

is all I can offer.

You're worth 100 ryo yourself.

Is that right?

I know where Gomyo's hiding.

You can hit him when he comes
crawling out into the open.

Don't screw this up.

Don't worry.

Oriha?

Thank you for taking
good care of me.

I read the book you lent me
the other day.

And?

One of the stories
was a travel journal.

Yes.

What about it?

Mr. Tanigawa...

Mr. Tanigawa...

are you still unable to remember
anything from the past?

Yes.

But oddly enough...

I haven't forgotten how to read.

Look at this.

Doesn't this drawing...

bring back any memories?

This sound.

The tinkle of this bell.

Doesn't it awaken anything?

Miss Oriha.

Ezo.

The Kitamae Clan.

Don't those names mean anything?

What are you asking, Miss Oriha?

You know something, don't you?

Miss Oriha!

Heizaburo!

You do know something.

Miss Oriha!

Heizaburo!

You are Heizaburo Sasao!

I don't understand.

I don't know what
you're talking about!

I'm sorry.

Tell me.

Who are you?

Tell me.

The Hannya-in.

Go to the Hannya-in temple
in Asakusa.

If you go there...

everything will become clear.

Yataro Tanigawa is a man

SECRET HIDEOUT - SOMEZEN DYE SHOP
whom I cannot afford to leave alive.

Why don't you call him by his real name -
Heizaburo Sasao?

Heizaburo Sasao was a retainer
of the former Kitamae Clan.

Just before the clan was broken up,
he disappeared

after being attacked
on the way to Edo with his wife.

It was you who ordered the attack.

Oh, you needn't tell me any more.

That's the way of the underworld.

At least that's what
I'd normally say.

Gomyo.

At this point,

being secretive gains me nothing.

This goes back...

to events of two years ago.

When the Kitamae fief
was to be seized,

the only means we had
of saving the clan...

was through our young lord Kanemaru.

With this in mind,

Kanemaru's guardian
Zenzaemon Sasao came to me,

begging me to meet
with Lord Tanuma...

to forestall the breakup
of the clan.

After our lord killed himself
in a fit of madness...

it's only natural
that the clan be disciplined.

But abolishment,

along with the seizure
of clan lands,

is going too far
and must be prevented.

Please embrace
our young lord Kanemaru

and appeal to Lord Tanuma...

to allow our young lord
to carry on the family name.

Thankfully,

you are on very close terms
with Lord Tanuma.

I beg you.

He finally left,

after reassurances from me.

But on his way home,

the crest on the lantern...

caused him to be mistaken for me,

and he was attacked by an assassin.

The assassin...

was none other than
Zenzaemon's own son, Heizaburo.

The man now in your employ
by the name of Yataro Tanigawa.

He killed his own father?

A strange fate.

With Zenzaemon's death,

all possibility of saving
the Kitamae Clan...

vanished forever.

But as Zenzaemon lay dying,

he said something to Heizaburo.

I must find out what it was
and make sure there are no loose ends,

or my dream for the future
could be in jeopardy.

Gomyo, remember when I spoke to you
of my dream for Ezo?

How about it?

You just have to make up your mind.

What do you say, Gomyo?

Even a lotus mired in mud
blossoms from time to time.

I have no use for such dreams now.

Gomyo!

I'm afraid I can't give you
an answer on the spot.

Why not?

My business is built...

on the mutual exchange of favors...

and the tangle of debts
and obligations they incur.

It's not so easy to break loose...

purely out of self-interest.

Are you saying you need time
to do some untangling?

And one other thing -

What is it, sir?

She threw herself in the river.

Why would she do a thing like that?

Stop asking useless questions
and get a doctor.

I need some time.

I can't wait long.

I'll give you until midnight tonight.

Very well.

Midnight tonight.

Right.

Right here.

Bring Heizaburo Sasao here
by midnight.

Understand?

And if you don't show...

I trust you'll be prepared...

for the consequences.

You needn't worry.

One good thing about my business...

is that you learn to live
without regrets.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

You better be here.
Understand?

Midnight!

Midnight, Gomyo!

He's not strong enough yet
to go out on his own.

Do you have any idea
where he went, ma'am?

He said something
about a family temple.

He said he came to Edo to visit -

That's it.

His family temple is Hannya-in,
in Asakusa.

Boss.

That's got to be it.

That must be where he went.

Well, well.

The face of the child
lives on in the adult.

Those eyes, that mouth -

they show clear traces
from 20 years ago.

You are
Zenzaemon Sasao's son Heizaburo.

No doubt about it.

You are Heizaburo Sasao
of the Kitamae Clan.

Sadahachi, take Oriha
to the storehouse at Kamesen.

No.

I don't want to go.

I don't want to be separated
from you.

No.

Listen, Oriha.

There's something I must do.

As soon as I'm done,
I'll meet you there.

You go on ahead and wait for me.

No.

I won't.

- That's enough!
- No!

No!

- Boss! Take it easy!
- Back off!

Mind your own business!

I'll attend to you myself later.

Until then,

please just do as I say.

All right?

Good.

Now go.

Go.

What are you waiting for?

Boss!

Listen, everyone!

Pay close attention to what
I'm about to say and tell the others.

Why so formal all of a sudden, boss?

Starting right now, I'm bringing down
the curtain on this organization.

What?

What the blazes do you mean?

I don't have time to explain.

I'm just...

sick and tired of this business.

Here's the deal.

As a parting gift,
let me give you just one tip.

Tonight...

when the midnight bells
finish tolling,

the Edo police will be out in force.

So get your affairs in order by then,
and run or hide to save your skin.

If you're still hanging around here
at midnight, you'll never see tomorrow.

- Boss!
- One more thing.

In the back you'll find the strongbox
with all the money you helped earn.

Divide it up among yourselves.

- Hold on a second, boss.
- You can't do this!

I don't wanna hear it!
I'm not your boss anymore!

We owe each other nothing!

Cast off your shackles
and start looking out for yourselves!

Got that?

Your father...

left this letter case with me...

when he returned to Ezo from Edo.

He wanted me to give it to you
should anything happen to him.

Inside you'll find...

the Kitamae Fief charter,
signed by Ieyasu Tokugawa himself.

"The land of Ezo shall be the hereditary
fiefdom of the Kitamae Clan."

If you show it to the shogunate,

it's not something
they can lightly ignore.

The letter case
also contains the location...

where the young lord is hiding
in the Chichibu Mountains.

Reverend priest,

what exactly...

does that have to do
with this Heizaburo you speak of?

Your father laid down his life trying
to save your clan and its retainers.

You must carry on his will to ensure
that his sacrifice was not in vain.

Why should I care about any of that?

Though a man must live
in the present,

he cannot discard the past.

Listen to me, Heizaburo.

A hesitant heart is filled with doubt.

You must lay your life on the line
to revive the clan.

I don't know.

Make no mistake, Heizaburo.

The fate of the Kitamae Clan
rests on your shoulders.

I just don't know.

Right now

all that means nothing to me.

What do you think you're doing?

We've been listening
with great interest.

Heizaburo Sasao,
your life and that letter case are ours.

Would you take advantage
of a clan crisis for personal gain?

Get out!

Heizaburo!

The letter case!

The letter case!

Heizaburo!

Hagino!

Hagino!

Tanigawa!

Tanigawa!
You must pull yourself together!

It's me.

You're gonna be all right.
You can rest easy now.

Tanigawa!

Boss!

What?

I have something to tell you.

I remember...

Remember?

You finally remember your past?

I remember my past!

Is that right?

That's good.

No!

No!

I wish I hadn't.

I wish I hadn't remembered.

Tanigawa!

Tanigawa!

Don't you dare die on me now!

Boss!

- We came to help!
- What the hell?

We always intended
to live and die with you.

Idiots!

Boss!

All right.

You guys take Tanigawa
to the storehouse at Kamesen.

Yes, sir!

Tanigawa, you've got to live!

Boss.

We got Tanigawa safely to a boat.
- Good.

We should go to Kamesen too.
Miss Oriha is there.

If we don't -
- Everything will be fine.

It's best to let those two be alone.

Where will you go now, boss?

Me? I have an appointment to keep...

at midnight.

Midnight?

I have to meet Shimoguni...

at the Somezen Dye Shop.

Somezen?

That could be a problem.

That's where all the others are -
the whole crew.

What are you talking about?

We wanted to delay the police
long enough...

to let you get further away from Edo.

And everybody's there?

Why did you do
a fool thing like that?

What the hell do you want?

I'm in the same business as you.
People call me Sharaku.

This is where you both die.
I'm afraid I can't offer you any rites.

Asshole!
Who do you think you're dealing with?

Boss!

You dog!

Die, you lackey!

Out of my way!

I've got no use for you dogs!

Gomyo...

if you think this means you've won,
don't bet on it.

That ronin you risked your life

to protect -

What about him?

He's being tailed by Oren,

and right about now...

she's probably -

They've got to be here somewhere!
Rip out the floorboards and find them!

KAMESEN

Damn!

Still no good news on the willow.

Omon!

Perfect!

Our quarry's come to us!

Wait right here.

We're here, Mr. Tanigawa.

Don't worry about the boss.
He'll be coming later.

Omon!

What the hell?

Omon, you saw it too, right?
That boat with the ronin?

It disappeared right before my eyes.

You must know.

Is there some place along the river
to hide a boat?

A secret passage,

or a tunnel from somewhere
in this house to the river.

You must know.

I have no idea.

We're looking at a gold mine here.

The ronin's somewhere close by,
and Gomyo will be here any minute.

Then Shimoguni
and the police rush in,

and the stage is set
just the way Shimoguni wants.

He'll pay a pretty price
to know where that ronin is.

Come on, tell me, Omon.

You can get to the river
from the basement of that storehouse.

Through there?

Perfect.

Hurry and give me the key.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

Please forgive me.

How could you do this to me?

I don't wanna die.

When I find the boss,
I'll bring him here.

Sukegoro.

Ma'am...

take care of yourself.

Darling!

I've finally paid...

my debt.

Darling!

Darling!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Miss Oriha.

No, my name is -

My name is Hagino.

I'm your -
- No!

Don't say it.

You mustn't say it.

Listen to me.

You've got to save yourself.
Go with the boss.

Go with the boss and live.

You must be Mr. Shimoguni.

I implore you.

Please spare the boss's life.

The boss?

In exchange I'll tell you...

where to find the ronin you seek.

Run!

Hurry! Run!

Run!

You must be the wife
of Heizaburo Sasao -

Hagino.

Wrapped in each other's arms...

return home now to Ezo.

Now!

Is that the charter that the
Kitamae Clan's fate rides on?

The grand dream
on which you've staked everything,

and the sum of my life
in the underworld -

that's what's riding on it.

Very well, Gomyo.

Watch me seize that dream...

with my own two hands!

THE END