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ENTRY FOR THE 1964
NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

Official YIFY movies site:
YTS.MX

TOEI PRESENTS

REVENGE

Produced by
HIROSHI OKAWA

Planning by
SHIGERU OKADA, MIKIO OGAWA

TAKAO ONAGA,
NOBUSABURO HONDA

Screenplay by
SHINOBU HASHIMOTO

Cinematography by
SHUNICHIRO NAKAO

Art Direction by
TAKATOSHI SUZUKI

Music by
TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI

Editing by
SHINTARO MIYAMOTO

Starring

KINNOSUKE NAKAMURA

TETSURO TAMBA, YOSHIKO MITA

TAKAHIRO TAMURA,
AI SASAKI, SHOICHI OZAWA

EITARO SHINDO, KEN MITSUDA

KINZO SHIN, HARUO TANAKA

YOSHI KATO, MASAO MISHIMA

SHIGERU KOYAMA, KIKUE MORI,
TOSHIE KIMURA, TETSUO ISHIDATE

JUNKICHI ORIMOTO,
RINICHI YAMAMOTO, KINJI NAKAMURA

Directed by
TADASHI IMAI

What's going on here, then?

You don't need no fence like that
for a horse race.

Get a move on!
You have until noon!

NOTICE OF VENDETTA
TO BE SETTLED BY DUEL

CLAIMANT: TATSUNOSUKE OKUNO
RESPONDENT: SHINPACHI EZAKI

TIME: NOON, JULY 10, 1722
LOCATION: KIKYOGAHARA

It has long been said that
a morning mist promises a fine day.

It will clear up.

Anyhow, Ezaki, I hope Shinpachi
won't fall prey to any sudden illnesses.

He is well prepared.

I can assure you,
there's no need for any concern.

I'm pleased to hear
that he's ready.

Well, I shall see you
at the riding grounds at Kikyogahara.

- Well, then...
- It has been a pleasure.

You can rest assured that,
as his second,

I will not allow Tatsunosuke to do
anything cowardly or underhand.

Please assure Sheriff Ogawa...

Don't worry. I'm just pleased
to hear that he's ready.

I shall see you by noon
at Kikyogahara.

I feared it would rain last night,
but thankfully the sun is out.

Indeed, it is most fortunate, sir.

I want as many people
as possible to see this,

from the noblest families
to the lowliest commoners.

Even the farmers
from the neighbouring villages.

Both claimant and respondent
are samurai.

Whoever wins,
it can only improve our fortunes.

- What could be better?
- Quite right, sir.

- Jinza...
- Yes, sir?

Has this fence been erected
the correct way?

You've done this by the book,
haven't you?

Six-foot-long green bamboo shafts,

cut in half and placed
on the outside of the fence,

tied in place with two lengths of cord.

That's how it's always been done.

What's the distance between each post?

Ten feet, sir.

This will be the first time our clan
has overseen a properly held duel.

Correct, sir.

I expect a big crowd
will have gathered by noon.

Make sure they don't cut any corners.

Don't cut any corners, you hear?

I wonder...

In front of how many hundreds of people
must they settle this score today?

And to think what a trivial matter it was
that started it all!

Peace be praised.

Look. The spear has lost its shine.

These long spring days are no excuse
for the guards to be this lazy.

Wait.

All they need is a quick polish,
and they'll be as good as new.

You're being needlessly harsh.

Since when have you been a guard?

Whoever your family is,
you're a man without title.

Think before you open your mouth.

Master Okuno, you haven't forgotten
that today is the fifth, have you?

What?

I may hold no title,
but today I am a mounted guard.

And my house has always held
the title of armourer.

As such, though I may
not inherit my father's title...

...I expect to be treated
with the respect the station holds!

You? A guard?

You can't even keep your spears
in good condition!

As I said, all they need is a polish.

It's not as if you polish
your spears every day, is it?

Did you say something?

- Stop...
- Yes.

I said you don't polish
your spears, do you?

- How dare you?
- Stop!

Hands off me!

- Stop!
- You ought to know your place!

- Stop!
- Hands off me! Hands off me!

TO SHINPACHI EZAKI
FROM MAGODAYU OKUNO

I, Magodayu Okuno,
Official Master of Ceremonies,

wish to show you just how well
our family's spears are kept.

If you are the fine warrior
you purport to be,

then you will face me like a man.

Meet me by the Katsura River
near Kikyogahara.

Six o'clock this evening.

I expect you to keep this a fair duel
and speak of it to no one.

Shinpachi!

Shinpachi!

Shinpachi...

What is this duel about?

You know the noble families
are forbidden from killing one another

without due cause.

Magodayu Okuno sent me
a challenge.

I know, I saw it!

But you mean to tell me
you'll put yourself in such danger...

...because of a foolish letter?

Stop.

Shume, you take the lead.

We must not be seen.
We'll take the back roads.

Uncle, we can't just let
this matter slide.

But it was all over nothing more
than a mere quibble.

It was Magodayu's fault
for being so short-tempered.

Nonsense!

Whatever their quarrel was, it is
our duty to take revenge for his death.

- That's how it has always been done.
- I suppose you're right.

But don't forget, Shume,
the original purpose of filing a vendetta

was for when an unexpected death
put an inheritance in jeopardy.

You may well be right,
but allowances can be made.

If you will permit it, Uncle,

I shall request official permission
to seek vengeance tomorrow.

If only so that we, his brothers,
are not slandered as cowards.

Shume, if you file a vendetta,
the Sheriff will conduct an investigation.

Then what if he judges Magodayu
to have been at fault

for violating the laws
of the noble families,

and he decides to ruin
the Okuno family?

There will be no vendetta!

I shall visit Sheriff Ogawa
at his home.

You are not to notify any relatives
or carry out any formalities until I return.

Understood?

Niwa, is what you have told me
nothing but the truth?

That is correct.

What about you, Ezaki?

Do you also swear that the testimony
you gave was entirely true?

I do, sir.

I have taken into account
what each of your houses has to say.

I shall relate what you've told me
to Minister Katagai.

Both of you, please wait here.

- Insanity?
- Indeed, Minister.

Master of Ceremonies,
Magodayu Okuno,

and mounted guard Jubei Ezaki's
younger brother, Shinpachi,

due to the insanity of both parties,
engaged in a duel,

whereupon Okuno was wounded.

They are both insane?

That is correct.

You mean to say, they were both
out of their right minds?

Yes, sir.

That is to say, it was a fight
between two lunatics?

- Yes.
- You are quite sure of this?

Okuno's uncle, Niwa,
and Ezaki's older brother, Jubei,

came to report the matter to me directly,

and were in total agreement
as to the facts of the case.

Furthermore, Niwa also had a request.

In case the worst happens
and Magodayu Okuno loses his life,

he wondered if it would be possible
for the younger brother, Shume,

to be named as the official successor.

How bad is Magodayu's wound?

He is not expected to recover.

So even a madman like him
can be made sane again

when faced with death, eh?

And what of this Shinpachi Ezaki?

- He didn't suffer any injuries?
- Correct, sir.

Jubei intends to deal
with his younger brother's madness

by imprisoning him
in a room at their house,

and ensuring he never takes
one step outside.

Keeping him imprisoned at their home
simply won't do.

He is a menace,
cutting people down at random.

- We can't have him in our town.
- As you wish, sir.

So, I shall see to it
that he is immediately exiled

and forbidden from coming
within seven miles of the city walls.

Kobe...

Both are wealthy families.

The Okunos have a stipend
of 120 koku.

And though Shinpachi is without title,

his older brother is responsible for him,

who I believe receives
a stipend of about 40 koku.

If it weren't for this insanity,

that 160 koku would certainly
have come in handy for us.

No, no, we'll be generous this once,

and accept their plea of insanity.

Tell Niwa and Ezaki
that we've heard their petitions,

and they are to await
further instructions.

Brother, I am not insane.
I'm no lunatic!

- I appreciate how you must feel, but...
- No, Samon!

However you reason it,
I am not mad!

Okuno and I fought like true samurai.

And I'm not the only one
being tarred as a madman.

How will Okuno's soul know peace?

Shinpachi!

We must consider our family's future.

For seven generations, we have served
the clan, and we can't throw that away!

I'm not the heir. I'm going to be
married off into some other family.

Why should I care
about the Ezakis' future?

What a bloody spectacle!

They are going to slaughter him
before a baying crowd.

Shinpachi may have done wrong,
but this is beyond the pale.

His three months' penance
at the monastery,

all ruined by one mistake.

Where is the compassion?
Where is the mercy?

May the Lord Buddha bless him.

I was at my wits' end,

having to look
after that deranged murderer.

- What a thing to be tasked with!
- I can only apologise.

The thing is, though, the madman
is behaving himself very well now.

He's no more trouble
than a house cat!

I can't thank you enough.

What seemed to help him regain
his senses in particular was a visit

from his younger sister, Michi.

I had her bring him some lighter clothes
for the summer.

Speaking of which,
Michi did not come alone.

She brought a young lady called Ritsu
with her from town.

Ritsu?

It's a long walk to make from Tatsuno
for ladies like yourselves.

Come in.

Please, over here.

- Ryonen!
- Coming!

- Where's Shinpachi?
- He went to get firewood this morning.

We have visitors all the way
from Tatsuno. Find him, will you?

Actually, have Gosuke
prepare some tea first.

No, wait, Ryonen!

He probably went up Mount Kumomi.

You two ladies must have
been up at dawn.

It'll be much nicer to have lunch with
that view than in this stuffy old temple.

Tell Gosuke.

Well, I tell you, having to manage
a wild man like him,

my hands are more than full.

I'm so sorry for the trouble.

He has calmed down a little lately.

Up here in the mountains,
he won't find anyone to pick a fight with,

save for the monkeys and the rabbits!

However hard he looks!

What choice does he have,
but to stop acting like such a madman?

What do you think, Shinpachi?

Being considered a madman
was for the best, wasn't it?

What are you pulling
that gloomy face for?

You're a brute,
who sent a man to his grave.

If you weren't a samurai,
they'd have long since strung you up!

And to atone,

you ought to become a monk now
and pray for your victim's soul.

Get yourself ordained,
that's what I say.

What, and then lust after
peasants' widows like you do?

- You dirty old man!
- What rubbish!

Giving lonely widows the companionship
they're so starved of feeling

is the righteous thing to do!

Actually, Shinpachi, for today only,
I'll forget about making you a monk.

But I want you to abandon
that bloody sword of yours,

and run away to another province,
hand-in-hand with this young lady.

Being a samurai
isn't the only way to live.

How long will you cling to this nonsense
about pride and honour?

Heaven and hell don't exist
in the next world, but in this one.

In this life.

Now, Michi, I think
we'd better leave them to it.

Important discussions like this
are best done alone.

Abbot, that won't be necessary.

I'm not leaving this place.

Shume has succeeded Magodayu
with no objections raised.

It's only a matter of time
before I too can return.

I agree.

My father says that
people have short memories.

It won't be long
until the sentence of exile is lifted.

I just need to be patient, he says.

Well, if that's how you both feel,
I won't force you.

However, if you do take my advice,
I fear it's now or never.

The world of the samurai
does not follow ordinary rules.

There's no telling
what might happen next.

Come and get them,
come and get them!

Sweet, juicy watermelons!
Only two mon!

Yes, two mon!
We have other melons, too!

Freshly made steam buns!

Hey, you! How about a delicious,
freshly made bun?

Get your hats here!
All sizes, big to small!

Get your hats! It's hot today!

This is a reserved area, friend.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime duel. If you want
the best view, it'll be 16 mon.

It'll be 25 mon later,
so don't miss out now.

You won't see a better show
for the rest of your life.

Not so fast, you bastard!

Come back when you've got some cash!

Lowlife scum.

- Gangway!
- Out of the way!

Move it!

Alright.

Niwa...
Doing some reconnaissance?

Yes, sir.

As Tatsunosuke is still
so inexperienced,

it's vital he be well informed
so that he can be ready.

The lay of the land, the position
of the sun, the direction of the wind...

You wouldn't have to worry
about these things,

if Shume had been your champion
instead of Tatsunosuke, I suppose.

Indeed, sir.

If it were Shume,
none of this would be...

Excuse me.

Shume... Damn you, Shume!

Your quick temper has laid waste
to my plans!

I can't say I blame you, though.

You were driven to do what you did...

...by other people,
not just Ezaki himself.

As long as his succession is confirmed,
that's all that matters.

Why start a bloodbath
when you don't have to?

If you ask me, I don't think Shume
ever planned on killing Shinpachi.

If he wanted to kill him, he could do it
with one swing of his sword.

But he values the family title more
than his reputation as a swordsman.

He's wilier than you think, that one.

Magodayu must be in hell,
not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

He challenged Shinpachi
like a true samurai.

Yet his little brother is more interested
in the easy life than in honour.

I don't like it when people stop talking
as I enter a room.

Please continue.

In that case, allow me.

In the coming days, I will depart
to the fringes of our domain,

to kill a madman who hides
in a mountain monastery.

- Okuno!
- Do not worry.

I have not been spurred on to do this
by your idle gossip.

Nor do I intend to defy the authorities
by taking vengeance without permission.

I merely intend to cut down
an insolent fool who offended me,

as is my right.

Shinpachi Ezaki is not sane.

He is no different from a rabid dog.

Nobody will complain
if I put him out of his misery.

I failed to see it myself
until just the other day.

Which means that Shinpachi
has lived 50 days too long!

KANNO-JI MONASTERY

You have to leave at once.

This will cover your travel.

You will never beat Shume Okuno.

And even if you somehow did,
you could never come back.

Please listen to me, Shinpachi.

You can't pass through there
on horseback.

The samurai will have to leave
his horse here.

If he sees you, he may ask the way
to the monastery or where I am.

Listen closely.

When he does that, I need you
to send him down the main road.

Alright?

Then run round the back way
to the monastery and come and tell me.

The back way is steep,
but three times shorter.

Make sure you come. Understand?

He slept in here last night?
Are you sure?

- Yes.
- That's strange.

I saw him in his room this morning,
looking half asleep.

That's the thing, Abbot. He sleeps
in a different place every night.

Sometimes it's the monks' quarters,
then it's the hall, then the outhouse...

What's got into him again,
all of a sudden?

Ryonen...

What was the name of that samurai
from the city? Koyama, was it?

He's a mounted guard.

- Samon Koyama, or something.
- It must be to do with him.

Ever since he visited,

he has made Shinpachi act strangely,
like a real lunatic.

What on earth is going on?

I see. That explains
his sudden erratic behaviour.

Now I understand.

Shume has inherited the Okuno title
without any objections.

Now that everything's settled down,
I doubt he would do anything reckless.

However, Shume is also a proud fighter,

and he has the skill to back it up.

He may feel forced to save face
by avenging his brother.

Well, I can't have that!

Two samurai at each other's throats
in my monastery?

You can take Shinpachi away with you.

I was mistaken.

Killing someone is not a crime
that one can be cleansed of so easily.

Please go home.
It's best that you don't see him.

It seems he really has gone mad.

When I try to get rid of him,

he acts like the hero, saying
he won't flee or hide from his enemies.

He just won't listen to reason.

I've had enough of him.
He's long outstayed his welcome.

Take it from me,

it's in your best interests
to forget all about that mad fool.

Besides, he's a murderer.

I don't expect your family would ever
allow you to marry Shinpachi.

What do you want?

I haven't finished talking to the lady.
Get out of here!

- I need to speak with Ritsu.
- What?

Abbot, Sanzaemon
from Nishitani village is here

with offerings for the deceased.

Ritsu... you're marrying
someone else, aren't you?

Who is he?

Don't misunderstand me.
I'm not jealous.

Nor do I blame you.

I just wanted...
to wish you a happy life.

You're like a different person.

You're not the same man I met
when I first came visiting with Michi.

People change.

Having Shume Okuno
out for your head will do that.

Ritsu...

Ritsu... Ritsu!

Let me go.

Ritsu!

You brute!

What are you doing?

Shinpachi! Please stop...

Shinpachi...

Shinpachi...

As you already know,
I live alone with my father.

He's a good man.

He does whatever I ask,
no matter how...

No...

I haven't been any trouble to him
since I was a little girl.

If I were to ask him, in all earnest...

It would be a once-in-a-lifetime request.
I'm sure he'll agree.

He only receives
a meagre salary, anyway.

He won't mind if his title dies with him.

We'll leave this place...
go somewhere far away.

Just the two of us.

I am sure I can persuade my father.

No! We may not be rich,
but don't be so foolish!

I can't throw away the post
our family has held for so long.

If I don't find you a decent husband
to succeed me,

how can I show my face to the world?

Let alone to our ancestors?

- Is the Minister's place ready?
- Yes, sir. All prepared.

So, the commanders will be over there,

with the mounted guard
and samurai next to them?

Actually, I believe the mounted guards
and the infantry guards are over there.

Very well, then.

The claimant will be served one pickle
and the respondent three.

It is said to bring good luck to the former
and bad luck to the latter.

That's just a superstition!

It's hardly a meal with only one pickle.

See to it that both men
have four pickles each.

Nishida, four pickles for each duellist.
Understood?

By the way,
what's the time now, Jinza?

Two hours to go, Sheriff.

I hope they're both well prepared.

That jacket will weigh you down.

But it will offer you some protection.

Here, use this.

You've really improved.
Young men are quick to learn.

She's a fine horse, though.

You've improved,
but she's still wasted on you.

This one's no good.

My brother haggled too hard
and was tricked into taking him.

That's not my horse, either.
She's my brother's.

Not one horse between us.
How pathetic.

In my next life, I'll make damn sure
I'm not born a younger brother!

Anyway, it's time I taught you
how to swim.

- I'll show you how to handle the cold.
- That would be great!

Who slew Magodayu,
holder of the Okuno family title?

Shinpachi Ezaki.

And who took the life of his brother
and successor, Shume Okuno?

Tatsunosuke!

Who was the bastard who killed Shume?
Say his name!

Brother, I know you want
to avenge Magodayu.

But things are peaceful now,
I can't approve of this.

People say I'm happy to benefit
from our brother being killed by a madman.

Don't let those fools bother you.

I have no choice.

They know I'm a skilled swordsman.

Besides, this was never
about avenging Magodayu.

It was only ever about quietly ridding
this world of a troublesome little pest.

Stop!

I saw him on his horse!

Then what?

He hitched his horse and changed
his sandals outside my house.

Stop there!

Shume...

Prepare yourself.

Are you ready for this?

REQUEST FOR OFFICIAL DUEL

That madman's killed again?

Shume was said to be the best
in the Shinkage-ryu sword school.

Yet he was beaten so easily?

That madman must really
have some skill.

What excuse did the Okuno family
give this time?

Niwa is as shrewd as they come.

But surely he can't plead insanity again,

and ask that the next brother,
Tatsunosuke, succeeds?

No, sir.

They made a formal request
for a duel to settle the vendetta...

...so that their house might live on.

Our hands are tied.

All we can do now is put on a big show
and let them settle their blood feud.

A high-ranking family has not one
but two of their heads

killed by a titleless samurai,
only to have their fortunes seized?

What would we do when word of that
spreads across the country?

All of this happened because
you neglected to investigate properly

what happened between
Magodayu and Shinpachi

so you could keep the peace!

And you have the nerve
to call yourself a sheriff?

Ezaki...

This all goes back
to your false version of events,

which I turned a blind eye to,
out of sympathy.

And now look at the mess we're in.
Eh, Ezaki?

This latest incident was caused
by our inept handling of the first.

That's what some are saying.

If I may, Sheriff...
this affair is no fault of the clan's.

- It's all because Shume...
- What good will saying that do us now?

What matters is how we deal
with the aftermath.

Ezaki... the time has come
to fulfil your duty.

Sheriff...
I must respectfully disagree.

Jubei, the clan has accepted
the Okunos' request for an official duel.

Even if Shinpachi were to run,

the Okunos would search high and low
until they found him,

and put his head on a pike.

He's beyond saving.

You should worry more about
your family's survival than Shinpachi.

Wouldn't that be the wise thing to do?

Don't you think...
I mean, can't you see that, man?

Jinza, do you think
we need to send for them?

No, sir. I visited each house
early this morning.

I'm certain neither of them
will be late.

- If you'd prefer, though, just to be sure...
- No, no, that's alright.

You know, Jinza...

It goes without saying how brave
young Tatsunosuke is to face Shinpachi.

But you also have to admire
Shinpachi's fearless resolve.

It can't be easy for him to come here,
knowing what he has to face.

Indeed, sir.

Brother, why must I stand there
like a fool and let Tatsunosuke kill me?

I am a samurai, too.

Who ever heard
of such a ridiculous duel?

I can't abide it!

Our mother... Shinpachi...

...she wanted to tell you something.

Mother?

She said this would be one last favour.

That for the sake of the family,
you should die like a true samurai.

Like a true samurai?

Brother, listen to me!

Rightly or wrongly, Magodayu challenged
me to a fair fight, and I obliged.

Even against Shume,
I fought with nothing but honour.

What's cowardly,
what's not befitting a true samurai,

is telling someone to let themselves
be killed without a fight!

May the Lord Buddha bless their souls.

- Abbot...
- This is your mess. You sort it out.

Don't drag others into it.

- Ryonen, time for dinner.
- Yes, sir.

Abbot...

I told you. Don't come to me
with problems I can't help you solve.

Run away from here.

We live in a small world,
but Japan is vast.

There are places everywhere
for a man to hide.

You know nothing of what it means
to be a samurai.

How so?

The clan has already accepted
a request for a duel.

Wherever I run...

...I'll be treated as a criminal.

It's not that simple.

You mean you're going to wait here
for someone to come and kill you again?

Next time, there won't be
just one or two of them.

Remember, Shinpachi?

You asked me to pray morning and night
for these two souls.

The thing is, though, it's the survivor
who is far more lost than the dead.

From now on, I shall pray for the lost soul
of the man who still lives.

Because that's just about
all I can do, after all.

Jubei Ezaki,
you are held responsible

for the murder of Magodayu Okuno
and Shume Okuno

by your younger brother,
Shinpachi Ezaki.

After careful deliberation,
it has been decided

that you will be held as a prisoner
of the court, starting today.

Ezaki, come closer.

All of the high-ranking officials
are absolutely furious.

What's more, now that my lord
has got word of this,

any further delays
will be unacceptable.

Should your younger brother
fail to show up in time,

the clan will send men out to find him.

They will catch Shinpachi
and keep him locked up,

then wait until he's half-starved
and lost all of his strength,

before handing him over
to Tatsunosuke.

That's what they've been planning
together in secret.

But that will put a permanent stain
on the Ezaki name.

So get yourself to Kanno-ji Monastery
without a moment's delay!

Brother...

About Ritsu Nishida...

Did she... get married after all?

I heard the second son
of the Muroi family proposed to her.

That's no more than a rumour, though.

That's very kind of you.

Shinpachi, the Abbot is treating us.

It's still a little early,
but would you care to join me?

Sake, eh? He's a very generous host.

He's more worldly than you think.

So, Shinpachi.
What will you do?

I've told you what the fiefdom wants.

It's up to you now.

As far as I can see,
there are two ways ahead.

Which one you take
is solely your choice.

You can do the brave thing and die
at Tatsunosuke's hand like a man.

Or you can abscond,
and live as long as you are able.

I don't know what you did
in a past life

that would warrant being born
as my little brother.

You've always had to play
second fiddle to me.

I've always wished I could do
something for you, just once.

And now look where we are.

This is your last chance.

You have no need to worry
about the family, or anything else.

Just do what you want to do.

Brother...

- I'm coming in.
- What is it?

If it's more sake you need,
I'll have Ryonen fetch it.

What's the matter?

I have been a real nuisance to you.

I'm heading back home with my brother
first thing in the morning.

Are you, now?

Drink up.

Well, now that I'm to be free
of this nuisance...

...I can finally put my feet up
and relax.

Although I would have liked you
to stay through the summer.

It's much cooler up here.

You can nap in the hall and forget
all about the heat, it's divine.

Well, I suppose
I'd better pack my things.

Spears at hand,
matchlocks on our backs

The time draws nigh

Towards the field of battle
we advance

We shall not look back once

Do you know that song, Ryonen?

Why would you?
I don't know it, either.

It's a war song.

My grandfather...

No, it was my great-grandfather...

...he would have sung it
when heading into battle.

Saddles on our horses,
banners on our saddles

The wind in our banners,
the clouds in the wind...

Why, you're in good spirits!

I need to clean off the stench
of rat shit...

...that this decrepit old temple
has left on me!

I beg your pardon?
You're full of it, you damned ingrate!

Saddles on our horses,
banners on our saddles

The wind in our banners,
the clouds in the wind

The time draws nigh

We journey to the afterlife

You know, by the time you arrived,

Shinpachi had already made his mind up
a few days ago.

Don't misunderstand me.

When he thought no one was watching,

Shinpachi placed memorial tablets
for Magodayu and Shume in front of him,

and he quietly prepared
to cut his belly open.

If he runs away,
the Ezaki family is done for.

If he waits here for them to come,
he'll be hopelessly outnumbered.

He's already a dead man,

so you can see
why he would contemplate suicide.

But then today, you arrived.

I don't know what you said to him,

but it seems that Shinpachi
has resigned himself

to letting Tatsunosuke
take vengeance on him.

I just pray he can die painlessly,
and that his soul will be at peace.

I know you have your family's
reputation to consider.

But preparing oneself to die
is not easy for any man.

For my sake, too,
do as Shinpachi wishes,

and ensure that
he has an easy death.

No. However you put it,
I simply can't approve of such a duel.

- You're not listening...
- No!

What I read in that notice yesterday

sounds like he's going to be slaughtered
for the pleasure of a bloodthirsty crowd!

"Slaughtered"?
Watch your mouth, Koyama!

Fine. It's not slaughter,
it's an ambush!

Shinpachi has returned,

because he has resigned himself
to letting Tatsunosuke kill him.

Shiraki, most of the clansmen
are absolutely against this!

You will face a serious backlash!

Oh, that business again?

Jubei Ezaki has already driven me
to distraction with his endless pleading.

But it's too late now.
The clan council has made its decision.

Tongues may wag,

but who would respect our authority
if we listened to everyone?

Not to mention the fact that
even if he insists he's willing,

who knows what Shinpachi will do

when he actually has
to go through with it?

Yes. Quite right, sir.

His Excellency the Minister!

- It's a bigger turnout than expected.
- Yes, sir.

- Everything's in order, I presume?
- Yes, sir.

All that's left is to wait
for the duellists to arrive, Minister.

This side is the respondent's...
and that one the claimant's?

That's correct, sir.

You're all wearing your chainmail
and greaves, aren't you?

And you've double-checked the rivets in
your sword hilts? And your sandal cords?

Please take this amulet.

Ritsu Nishida visited me
late last night.

She asked me to give it to you, brother.

So that Shinpachi has
as little time as possible to act,

you will state your names
as soon as I give the signal.

As for the duel itself,

while Shinpachi is supposed
to let himself be killed,

we can't be certain that
he won't make a last, desperate stand.

As we've discussed,
no matter what happens,

Tatsunosuke is not to cross swords
with Shinpachi.

Understood, Tatsunosuke?

You six assistants will surround Shinpachi
and attack him relentlessly.

Cut him down, knock him down.

You will only retreat
once he can no longer stand.

Without hesitation,
Tatsunosuke will then take his revenge.

The moment Shinpachi
falls to the ground,

you will finish him by cutting his throat
or stabbing him in the heart.

Gentlemen, Tatsunosuke,
make sure you remember this strategy.

Very well, it is time to leave.

Ancestors, forgive me.

You have handed this fine sword
down the generations.

And I have dulled the blade.

However, once I am dead,

a swordsmith will restore
its splendour.

Die with honour...

...like a true samurai.

Brother, it's almost time.

They're here! They're here!

Hey! Hey, he's here!
He's here!

Just look at his face!
There's evil in those eyes.

He killed two men. Two men!

He's just how I pictured him!

- Murderer!
- Bastard!

- Hurry up and die!
- Kill him!

- Die like the dog you are!
- Scum!

Shinpachi...

The claimant, Tatsunosuke Okuno.

The respondent, Shinpachi Ezaki.

This vendetta was brought forward
by Tatsunosuke Okuno,

whose older brothers,
Magodayu and Shume,

were slain by Shinpachi Ezaki.

This duel will be held
in strict accordance

with the rules as dictated
by the Edo shogunate.

The result will be final
and beyond dispute.

I, Minister Katagai, have the honour
of overseeing today's contest.

I expect a good, clean duel
from both men.

I, Seibei Fujimaki,
shall assist Tatsunosuke!

- As shall I, Buei Satomura!
- As shall I, Keiichiro Ogasawara!

- As shall I, Tetsunoshin Yamaguchi!
- As shall, I, Kinbei Yamaguchi!

As shall I, Tetsuma Sawajima!

Hey...

No seconds!
Seconds are forbidden!

Seconds are forbidden!

Tatsunosuke!

Tatsunosuke!

Seconds are forbidden!

Someone, help!
Kobe! Send some good men!

Kobe! Someone! Anyone!

Mounted guard! Infantry!

Your Minister is ordering you! Go!

You hear me? These are orders!

Now go! Go!

Out of my way!

Out of my way!

The coup de grâce, Tatsunosuke!

It has to be him!

Tatsunosuke!

Tatsunosuke!

The conch shell sounds,
our swords at our sides

Spears at hand,
matchlocks on our backs

The time draws nigh

Towards the field of battle
we advance

We shall not look back once

I happened to hear that Jubei Ezaki's
stipend is going up by 20 koku.

Those damn ministers!

They'd all be dead if it weren't for Ezaki.

What a splendid duel that was, though.

Nishida! Get all this cleared away
as fast as you can.

Oh, Shiraki.

What good timing.
I have a request for you.

Could you please bring us
more sake?

Leave it, Nishida.

Our duty today has been
a gruesome one.

We need to forget all about the horrors
that we've witnessed.

If we can't drink,
my men and I can't rest at ease.

Please, Shiraki?
More... sake.

Don't be so unreasonable.

Just clean this mess up
as fast as you can.

Nishida!

- Nishida!
- What is it now?

I was told Shinpachi's body
was to be removed after dark.

His body is the only one left.

Hurry up and remove it, will you?

What?

I saw Jubei Ezaki here
about an hour ago.

He was sitting beside Shinpachi...

He's too busy thanking him
for his promotion to move the body!

What did you say?

It's too dark to see.
Where's his body?

By the two pine trees in the middle!

Ezaki...

Ezaki?

Ezaki!

Somebody help!

Over here!

Over here!

THE END