Original subtitles

Toho Co., Ltd.

Ishihara Production

"Shadow"

Shadow Hunters

Official Notice - The entire area from here to the headwaters of the Izushi River is strictly off-limits to all persons. By Order of the County Magistrate

We have nothing more to lose.

We have nothing more to lose.

We have nothing more to lose.

All I have in this life is what is covered by my cape.

All I have in this life is what is covered by my cape.

All I have in this life is what is covered by my cape.

Music by: Ishihara Yuujiro - Hirose Kenjiro Osawa Yasuro - Sera Jo - Inomata Takeshi & Sound LTD Theme song: Teichiku Records, "Shadow Hunters" Lyrics: Yasutomi Yasushi Composer: Hirose Kenjiro Singer: Ishihara Yujiro

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

I bare my fangs to survive, but is this life? I bare my fangs...

Production Advertising: Nihon Geino Kikaku Costumes: Dai-ichi Costumes - Kyoto Costumes Wigs: Yamadaya Props Supply: Takatsu Eiga Props Film Development: Tokyo Laboratory Co., Ltd.

The smell of blood draws close the beasts called Shadow Hunters.

The smell of blood draws close the beasts called Shadow Hunters.

Starring The smell of blood draws close the beasts called Shadow Hunters.

The smell of blood draws close the beasts called Shadow Hunters.

The smell of blood draws close the beasts called Shadow Hunters.

Uchida Ryohei (as "Sunlight") Narita Mikio (as "Moonlight")

They're hounds from hell. For me to live, the bloody wind must blow.

They're hounds from hell. For me to live, the bloody wind must blow.

They're hounds from hell. For me to live, the bloody wind must blow.

They're hounds from hell. For me to live, the bloody wind must blow.

They're hounds from hell. For me to live, the bloody wind must blow.

They're hounds from hell. For me to live, the bloody wind must blow.

Kusanagi Kojiro Tamagawa Isao Kuno Shiro Fukae Shoki

Kusanagi Kojiro Tamagawa Isao Kuno Shiro Fukae Shoki Blood must rain, my heart must freeze.

Blood must rain, my heart must freeze.

Blood must rain, my heart must freeze.

Muto Akio Kihara Tsuchihiro Harumi Yuzo Horii Eiko Shirakawa Keiko Kasai Kazuhiko

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Swords shoot sparks, I must bare my fangs, bare my fangs...

Daimon Minoru - Okamoto Hisato - Inagaki Minoru Kurata Yuji - Waka Koma Narrator: Urano Mitsuru

Beasts called Shadow Hunters, over the blood-soaked land...

Beasts called Shadow Hunters, overthe blood-soaked land...

Beasts called Shadow Hunters, overthe blood-soaked land...

Beasts called Shadow Hunters, overthe blood-soaked land...

Beasts called Shadow Hunters, overthe blood-soaked land...

Directed by: Masuda Toshio

...once again they run.

...once again they run.

Chief! We found it!

Open it.

Open it. Yes sir.

No doubt about it, it's gold.

No doubt about it, it's gold. As we suspected.

The rumors that the Izushi clan is digging for gold in the mountains are well-founded.

When the Chief Elder hears about this, at the very least...

...he'll force them to switch fiefs. And if we find more problems, the clan will be abolished.

Those bumpkin samurai have done all this for nothing.

Chief! Izushi samurai are headed this way!

What?

Those mountain monkeys!

Listen. It's our duty to report our discovery to the Chief Elder, even at the cost of our lives.

150-ri =366 miles. It's 150-ri to Edo. Don't blow it!

Sir!

We'll each carry some of the proof.

Yes sir.

When we leave Izushi territory, we'll split into three groups.

We'll meet at the Yakuno Inn in Fukuchi. Be there at dusk.

Let's go!

Hey. You're late.

What do you mean, samurai? We're just simple pilgrims. What do you want?

You guys are government spies, the so-called "Shadows," aren't you?

How did you know?! Who are you?! Name yourself!

I make my living hunting shadows. They call me "Moonlight."

What?

Here...

Hey...

You guys were faster than my horse!

That looks good.

That looks good. What?! Who are you?

Man, I'm starving!

What rock did you crawl out from under?

What rock did you crawl out from under? I'm a Shadow Hunter. They call me "Sunlight."

What?!

You can finish your dinner in Hell. Say your prayers!

Come on in, Sir! Welcome! Thanks for coming in.

Boss. Some urgent news!

What's the panic?

What's the panic? Koroku's team has been wiped out!

Koroku's team has been wiped out!

Junai's team as well! Koroku's team has been wiped out!

Ridiculous! I'm not known for my sense of humor!

No, there is no mistake.

No, there is no mistake. We saw the Izushi samurai hauling off their corpses.

Boss... What should we do?

Boss... What should we do? We'll retreat for now. Get ready!

Hurry up!

Hurry up! Move!

Move!

You're in our way, get out! Move!

You're in our way, get out!

You're in our way, get out! You have to pay your bill!

You have to pay your bill!

We'll pay it, just shut up! You have to pay your bill!

Go, go!

Go, go! Jackass, keep it down!

Jackass, keep it down!

What a ruckus. Quiet down. Jackass, keep it down!

You've been living it up all day, but I let it slide, as a courtesy to tired travelers.

But now you've become inconsiderately loud. What's the story? Enough is enough.

What did you say?!

I didn't realize we had a neighbor. My apologies.

We're in a hurry. Please excuse the noise.

Wait.

Is that all you've got to say?

What do you mean? Is my apology not enough?

Bastard. Are you...

Your deduction is correct. I'm Jubei, the Shadow Hunter.

As the power of the Tokugawa Shogunate waned, it came under increasing financial pressure.

The Shogunate government stopped at nothing to maintain its power, and the dirtiest of its tricks...

Daimyo: a feudal lord, ruler of a province. ...was to seize and absorb the properties and wealth of the Daimyo.

The Shogunate recruited a legion of spies and ninja and used them to find...

...any misdeeds by the Daimyo that could be used as a pretext for seizing their wealth.

People called these spies and ninja "Shadows," and greatly feared them.

The Daimyo had only one defense against the oppressive surveillance of these Shadows...

...which was to first identify, and then annihilate them...

...and thus, silence them before they could betray the Daimyo's secrets.

Ronin: a samurai without a master. And now, into this landscape, ride three ronin.

One was named Muroto Jubei, and the other two called themselves "Sunlight" and "Moonlight."

Hired by the Daimyo, they were hunters, sent out to battle the Shadows.

And always, they followed their noses, drawn by the scent of blood.

Izushi Castle, Tajima province

They're here.

Where is Makino, the chamberlain of this province?

I'm Makino Zusho, the castle chamberlain.

Get off your horses! How dare you speak to my master from the saddle!

Kosaka! Be silent.

Kosaka! Be silent. But...

But...

Silence! But...

My apologies for his bad manners.

So you are the Shadow Hunters?

I'm Jubei. They are "Sunlight" and "Moonlight."

Be welcome. Only this morning, our checkpoint in the mountains was attacked.

We have been awaiting your arrival.

We are aware of the attack.

Then why are you arriving so late?

When you heard about the attack, you should have rushed here!

You're ignorant of the way of the warrior! You stray dogs aren't fit for this task!

What? What's this?

Chamberlain... I believe these are yours.

Sunlight, you too.

Do I have to? Oh all right...

Shit, and me hoping I was getting a perk this time. Here!

These are ours. How did you get them?

We started working as soon as we heard about the commission.

We were greeted by Shadows before we got here. It happens all the time.

That's why we were late. Please forgive us for being tardy.

Kosaka... You accused them of being insolent.

But when they were addressed, they had their feet out of the stirrups.

They are very familiar with the way of the warrior; that's rare, nowadays.

Forget about it. We're stray dogs, and used to being treated as such. So, lead the way...

Dammit, they're making us wait so long. This is why it's tough to get along with officials.

Be patient. It's part of the job.

These are the Shadow Hunters. They have come in response to our appeal.

Wait.

Wait. What's the matter?

The presence of uncouth ronin such as we is an offense to a noble young lord.

A mere glance at us is far more recognition that we deserve.

You need not concern yourself so.

Are you the one called Jubei?

Yes.

Yes. I hear you are called "Sunlight" and "Moonlight."

I am gladdened by your presence here, at this time of crisis for our clan.

We're honored.

We're honored. Jubei, the chamberlain thinks you're our only hope.

Please endeavor to save our six-hundred retainers.

We are at your service.

Lord?

Man, these formalities always drive me nuts.

What's this?

I will be serving you during your stay. Your wish will be my command.

Yeah!

Yeah! Fine...

But we won't be requiring your services.

Hey Moonlight, lighten up. It's rude to stop people from doing their jobs.

Well, miss. How about we start with a little massage?

Enough, Sunlight. Control yourself.

Strong...

You're good. Do you do this a lot?

Yes. I give my father massages all the time.

Really? How outrageous of your dad.

Making you massage his wrinkled body with those pretty hands!

In contrast, you should see my body.

How about you go to work on it, eh?

Please stop joking. How am I supposed to give you your massage?

Okay then. How about we switch roles? Don't be shy, now...

I'll have you know, I'm especially nice to the ladies.

Without further delay, we will now pay you the promised sum.

We're a small clan, located deep in the mountains.

Please accept our apologies for the poor quality of our hospitality.

You are too kind. We ronin are unworthy of such formality.

Hey, Chamberlain, she sure was a fine surprise. I was getting sick of being around guys all the time.

You shouldn't have!

I am glad you are pleased.

Koyuki. Serve them well.

Yes, I shall, father.

Father? You mean to say you're... um...

She's my daughter, Koyuki. A most rebellious child.

Yes sir.

Yes sir. Let me continue your massage.

Let me continue your massage.

Nah, I'm all better now. H... hey. Jubei... Let me continue your massage.

Chamberlain. You allow family members in your castle?

My wife died long ago. Since then I have been a single father to an only child.

I thought it would be better for her to tend to castle duties, rather than stay home.

Ah, yes. Our young lord has taken a shine to you, Jubei.

Why, he told me, "I know we can count on him!"

I suspect that you were once a nobleman of some renown.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm just a wandering ronin.

I choose to forget my past, if you don't mind.

My apologies for prying.

Now then. What is the next move?

Please advise me.

Shadow-hunting cannot be planned.

It's foolish to hope they won't come.

So all we can do is wait.

Edo Castle

Chief Elder.

Jinba Senjuro, leader of the third Iga Ninja group, reporting as ordered.

Very good. So tell me.

Regarding the case of the Izushi clan in Tajima...

How is the investigation going?

How is the investigation going? Sir.

It is now clear that the Izushi clan has struck gold.

Here is the proof.

So you've found it?

I would have brought five or six more.

But the Shadow Hunters showed up.

The Shadow Hunters?

Curses!

Actually...

...that sample comes from a top secret source.

To ensure that our agent's cover would remain intact...

...we staged a diversion to conceal the true source of the sample.

Those Shadow Hunters...

Those obnoxious bastards who dare to oppose the authority of the Shogunate!

Have you determined their identities?

We have made some inquiries.

Their leader is Muroto Jubei.

The one named "Sunlight" is Inui Tadanoshi, and "Moonlight" is Kusaba Denosuke.

Shadow operations destroyed their clans. Thus, we believe they are motivated by revenge.

Investigate their backgrounds more deeply.

Perhaps we'll uncover their weaknesses.

As for the Izushi clan...

...their efforts have been wasted.

Koku: a quantity of rice, historically defined as enough rice to feed one person for one year. For a small fief of 58,000 koku to dig for gold...

...must have meant many sacrifices and much hardship.

The fief is located deep in the mountains.

For the past several years...

...everyone, even the leaders, have had to subsist on a diet of millet and beans.

Gold like this is wasted on those mountain monkeys...

...especially when the Shogunate is in such dire straits.

So, shall we move against the Izushi clan without delay?

We shall force them to switch fiefs.

Ideally, I would want them crushed, but there's a problem.

This just came to my attention.

Many years ago, at a battle in Osaka, an ancestor of...

...the current chamberlain, Makino Yukie, was recognized for outstanding valor.

The Izushi clan received a special dispensation, for multiple generations...

...and their fief was granted to them in perpetuity under the seal of Shogun leyasu himself.

I had not heard of this.

Of course, if the existence of the grant were public knowledge...

...we would have found an opportunity, some- time in the last 150 years, to destroy it.

But the chamberlains of the Izushi clan have been wise, and cautious.

Having managed to safeguard the document, they will use it as a last resort.

That does present a problem. The Shogun's seal is sacrosanct.

If they were to produce that document, we would be utterly powerless.

However, I must have that gold.

We must use extreme tactics.

The document must never see the light of day.

Understand?

Izushi fief, Edo residence.

Were counting on you.

A few days later, couriers from the Edo residence of the Izushi fief raced towards home.

Good grief. We watch the fief by day...

...and the castle by night. I'm getting worn out.

Express couriers.

Express couriers. Something must've happened in Edo.

Something must've happened in Edo.

We'd better get back. Something must've happened in Edo.

Stop.

Stop. What is it?

What is it?

You don't look familiar. What brings you to town? What is it?

I...

I... Shoji.

She might be mixed up with the Shadow Hunters. She was paying close attention to them.

Don't bring her to the administrative office. Bring her to the usual place.

After I'm done hearing what the couriers have to say, I'll question her myself. Understood?

Yes sir.

Five days ago, Nitta, the chief retainer of our Edo residence, was summoned...

...by the Chief Elder and given this command.

Change fiefs? How unjust!

I suspect that the Chief Elder...

...got hold of some of the gold.

But that's impossible.

Our gold is for emergencies only. Not one bar should be missing.

Then why would they want to take control of this impoverished land?

Lord Makino, what shall we do?

We've worked hard for our gold mines. And now we must leave them behind.

If we were to refuse a change of fief, we would need a convincing reason.

We have such a reason.

What kind of reason do you speak of?

We can refuse. We have reason for refusal.

This is Shogun leyasu's seal on a guarantee, in perpetuity, of our right to this fief.

I see.

With that, they could neither crush the fief, nor make the clan leave it.

Why didn't you just whip that out sooner? There'd be no need for Shadow-hunting.

You're a happy simpleton.

You're a happy simpleton. Say what?!

Say what?!

This kind of thing is a double-edged sword. Say what?!

At first, the Shogunate will fear you will use it. Then they will decide it needs to be destroyed.

My thoughts exactly.

And the problem is, that document must be presented in Edo.

Will you guard the carrier of the document?

It's 150-ri to Edo. That's a heck of a long haul.

Inspector-General Kosaka Kurando is to carry the document.

The Inspector-General...?

The Inspector-General...? That guy?

Hey Jubei, I'm outta here. That smug bastard pisses me off.

Though you do not get along with him...

...he's the finest swordsman in our clan.

I acknowledge the gravity of the situation. But our lives are also at stake.

Please give us this one night to decide.

I am old and frail. Our lord is but a boy. You are the only ones who can help. I beseech you.

I remember. When I was young...

...about to become a chamberlain, like my father before me...

But... after what happened... my father committed suicide...

...and I, with my own hands...

What a travesty. The government laid its hungry eyes on the abundant prosperity of our fief.

They used Shadows to plant evidence to be uncovered. My clan was abolished.

As for our lord and his heir...

Farewell, Chitose.

Chitose. She was the daughter of a chief retainer; he was my father's peer.

She and I vowed to each other that someday we'd get married.

Jubei.

Yes?

Jubei. It is farewell forever. Let me see your face.

Jubei. You have taken good care of me, for a long time. I shall never forget it.

Hurry up! Hurry up!

Damn the accursed government and its officials.

Jubei. If you are the one acting as my second, then I will not be afraid.

I will not be afraid.

Young Lord. There is nothing to fear. I, Jubei...

...will guide you.

Like this, Jubei? Is this how?

What's up, Jubei? Not feeling well?

You look pale.

No. It's nothing.

Good. Anyway, what are we going to tell him tomorrow?

What will you guys do?

Count me out. I want nothing to do with that Inspector bastard.

But I've got a soft spot for the Chamberlain.

If only my clan had had a Chamberlain like him...

...Maybe we wouldn't have wound up like this. Jubei, what was your clan like?

What's the matter, Jubei?

I'm taking on the job. I can't speak for you guys; it's your decision.

Hey, Shadow Hunter! Why didn't you kill them?! Scared, were you?

Don't bother. Can't you see they've burned off their faces?

It's too bad.

It's too bad. What?

You should've let Jubei handle it. It's stupid to kill Shadow scouts.

Scouts? What do you mean, "scouts?"

Don't you know anything?

Shadows always send in scouts to retrieve grass and intelligence.

"Grass?"

"Grass?" Don't you know about grass either?

Government Ninja spies have been embedded at strategic locations for generations.

They live among you, as loyal samurai, get married...

...and pass their spy heritage on to their children.

Are you saying that there is a government spy in the Izushi clan?

Of course. Somebody in this castle, someone here tonight.

That's enough. The scouts are dead; it's too late now.

They're coming. Here they are!

Dismount. We must discuss our route before we depart.

Did you hear me?

We have nothing to discuss.

What?

It's 150-ri to Edo. You get going, and we'll see how fast you can get there.

We'll be watching. If anybody acts suspicious, or steps out of line, we'll kill him.

That's all we have to say. We'll head out first. Good luck...

Sir Jubei.

I have followed you everywhere. I just had to see you.

And now, finally, here you are. Please dismount. Please dismount!

Please, wait!

Miss. What is your connection to Jubei? Are you his woman? Or are you...

What a revolting suggestion. Jubei is my enemy.

Jubei is your enemy? How interesting.

I beseech you.

I beseech you. What is it?

I see that you are about to depart with Muroto Jubei.

Please take me with you.

Please take me with you. I cannot do that.

Time is of the essence; we can't take a woman along.

I won't be a burden to you.

No. It's too treacherous for a woman. However...

This is our route. It's not exact, but we'll stay close to it.

What about them?

If you can catch up with us, we'll listen to what you've got to say.

Man, she was a looker! She had class, and taste.

And yet, you rejected her.

Jubei, you're an idiot. In the dictionary, next to "moron," there's a woodcut of you.

It's a sin to spurn such a beauty!

Shut up.

Jubei.

"Father!"

"Muroto Naizen and I failed to thwart the Shadows; we will atone by taking our own lives."

"You too, along with your betrothed, Muroto Jubei, must valiantly join us in the void."

"Do you understand? Die valiantly!"

Jubei. Why didn't you die with me?

Jubei...

Day one, day two, day three... leaving no trace of passing...

...the party took a meandering route towards Edo.

What a hot day. Boss, we've found them.

Really?

After sleeping rough the last three days, tonight they're staying at an inn.

It is as I expected. Prepare our men.

They will be ready by this evening.

We can stay only until around midnight.

Get ready quickly.

I just want to stretch out.

Get me some hot sake.

Hey, you guys made it! Have you just arrived?

You're all here. Good.

How did you bastards know we were coming here?

Never mind. The Shadows will be here soon.

Man I'm stuffed. I'm in heaven.

Jubei. Think they're coming?

Should be. Anytime now.

Their route is stupid. Too many roundabouts, it's wasting time, and people are noticing.

They think it'll throw their pursuers off the scent. What a bunch of clowns.

That's why we're baby- sitting them.

They're good for business.

Good evening. Shall I take the trays now?

Yeah... you can take them.

Yeah... you can take them. Yes.

Hey, I'll give you a hand.

Hey, I'll give you a hand. Thank you.

Thank you.

So... do you live here? Thank you.

Yes. I'm a distant relative.

Yes. I'm a distant relative. I see. So, where's your husband?

Don't tell me you're not married.

He died in the epidemic, almost a year ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Life's been tough, huh? You can't take all these by yourself. I'll help you.

But you shouldn't...

But you shouldn't... Come on, leave it to me. Jubei, be right back.

Are you all right?

He's about to pop a vein.

I'll take a look around the house.

I'll keep watch from outside.

So, please tell me. Who was this girl that looked just like me?

She wasn't particularly impressive, but she sure was cute.

I was in charge of food; she was the kitchen- maid. I was so innocent in those days.

We were in love, but we didn't even hold hands.

And?

And? What a waste.

I proposed and got her parent's blessing.

But three days before our wedding, an incident occurred.

What happened?

Our Daimyo got food poisoning. My fianc� was accused of being the poisoner.

How terrible.

It's ridiculous. Why would a lowly kitchen maid do something like that?

It was government spies. We call them Shadows.

Thanks to them, the Daimyo died, his clan was crushed, and we were all reduced to beggary.

What happened to the girl?

Who knows? Some say she died in prison. Others that she got sold into prostitution.

Poor girl.

That's why when I meet a girl who reminds me of her, I just can't stand it.

You really look like her. Your lips...

...those eyes... what a dead ringer!

Can you understand how I feel?

You understand, right?

I understand. I too am a woman.

I'm just happy you view me that way.

Yeah. I understand.

Don't... don't...

Alert! Alert!

What's going on?

What's going on? I can't find my sword!

Get up. Get up now!

Get up. Get up now! Me either!

Where's my sword?

You guys are useless. Get out of here!

This guy... was a Shadow of great skill.

They're sending their best against us.

Open the door.

Open the door!

It doesn't open, Jubei! What should I do?

Open up!

Hand over the document. Now!

No! You mustn't!

It's you!

Looks like we've fooled the Ninjas.

These uppercrust mansions are like castles, chock full of tricks.

Of course, they never tell you about them.

You guys are pretty good.

Inspector General, hurry! Hurry!

What's going on around here?

He was the government spy!

All right. Gotcha. Hurry, hurry!

Wait. There's a woman down there. She's my girl, so don't you lay a finger on her!

Not bad!

Who's next?

Where's the Inspector General?

Down there. Wait a second. He'd better not be trying to seduce her!

Good work last night. We're leaving now.

Go ahead.

Go ahead. We could accompany you.

We could accompany you.

Don't bother. We could accompany you.

Don't bother.

Don't bother. I understand. We'll go by ourselves.

Oh, Sunlight...

Oh, Sunlight... What, me?

As a token of gratitude, I left a rare gift in the room; something I found this morning.

A gift? Wow, I never get gifts.

It's not for you. It's for Jubei.

What the heck was that all about?

Chitose.

Chitose. Please die.

Please die with me!

Enough. Stop!

Jubei. Is your life so precious that you'll do anything to preserve it?

Life? My life...

I've never given it any thought.

Hey...

It's the woman, that woman! That's what he meant by the "rare gift."

I hope not. When it comes to women, Jubei's "sword" isn't up to the task.

Yeah. You have a point. But I wonder, is his sword really that blunt?

That's what I hear. A man's body eventually fails him.

Being let down by your own sword... It gives me the willies just thinking about it.

Your sword's already letting you down; you pull it out too often.

Sometimes your body just won't do what you tell it to. Life is so hard sometimes.

We live in an age of broken swords.

I see. So that was your father's last request...

For you to die with me.

I left his body, and went straight to your house.

You weren't there.

After I seconded our young lord, I didn't return to my home.

I heard about my father's death only later, from others.

I have been looking for you. All these years!

I've endured much hardship, as a woman traveling alone.

I have become a traveling minstrel...

...and my body has been desecrated.

Only one thing sustained me... the hope that we could die together.

...that I could die together with Jubei.

But what will our deaths accomplish?

Our mutual death is all we have left.

My father and your father were mere pawns in the game of power.

They lost their fief, and then their lives. I won't say that they were foolish.

But... I don't have much respect for them, either.

That's because... they let everything fall into the hands of the enemy.

But they died valiantly, as warriors should. That's the samurai way.

But not mine.

I cannot just die, and let them have their way.

Until my last breath, I will kill them.

I don't know how much longer I will endure.

I don't know whether I will have any effect.

But... I will live for that purpose.

What do you think that will accomplish?

Will it do anything to cleanse the stain on your honor?

The stain on my honor...

I didn't follow my master's death and now I hunt Shadows.

I have to admit that makes for quite a stain. But...

Every shadow I kill, the more I feel there's a meaning to my life.

So you will not grant me my wish?

Is it because I have been defiled?

I care not for mere appearances.

We are both defiled; you in body, and I as a Shadow Hunter.

I won't tell you that you should keep on living. One day, seize your chance, and kill me.

Kill me... then die.

From Ise to Mikawa, they raced eastwards on the great Tokaido highway.

Meanwhile, the Shadows, who had suffered an agonizing defeat...

...were conspicuously absent... for now.

Do you think the Izushi party will come this way?

Do you doubt me?

If they go to Suruga on the Tokaido, their next stop should be Hakone.

So why would they go the long way on the Koshu route?

Don't worry, they'll come.

I don't care how good those Shadow Hunters are, they're no match for ol' Ikkaku's scythe and chain.

They're coming!

Hurry! Hold out until the next station. I'll hire horses for you there.

Lord Kosaka.

Lord Kosaka. What?

Don't you think it's odd that all the stations off the Tokaido were out of horses?

It's a Shadow ploy. That's why we're taking the Koshu route instead.

It's just as the boss said.

Shadow Hunters!

This is too lame for words! Why must they take the long way?

They're like stubborn children.

We know their route. We have to outride them.

Leaving the Tokaido, the party followed the Fuji river into Koshu.

From there they took the Koshu route, and headed towards Edo.

Musashi province: Kobotoke Pass

Looks like we went the wrong way.

But we followed the guide posts.

What if the posts were tricks? Doesn't matter. Sunlight, take a look around.

All right, will do.

Easy, boy.

Okay...

Anybody around?

Anyone here?

Let's go.

Whoa there!

Whoa there! What did you find?

What did you find?

It's bad. Where's Moonlight? What did you find?

He went to check on the party. He'll be right back.

That farm house up there... the whole family's been killed!

You said the place was deserted. So who are they?

That's impossible. There was no one there a minute ago.

Were you dreaming or something?

Welcome. I am the elder. Have you lost your way?

If our humble house will do, you are welcome to spend the night.

We would appreciate it. We lost our way in the mountains.

I am glad we found you.

Maybe you've lost your marbles.

Maybe so. I'm not so sure of myself anymore.

We've never been sure of you...

Please be welcome in our humble abode.

Yeah, it's not all that bad...

Let me wash those for you...

Wow, you're pretty.

Meet me later tonight, after you've done all your work... Okay? Huh? Huh?

Murasaki.

Tend the fire tonight. Make sure the hot water does not run out.

Yes sir.

So how do you like the house of the living dead?

They told me that their ancestors were members of the tragic Heike clan.

So it's no surprise that you saw ghosts.

You're getting on my nerves. So what?

Well, thanks to your hallucinations, we don't have to camp outdoors.

Aw, shut up. This is bullshit. Jubei, I'm going out.

Be careful. Mountain women can be fearsome.

All right.

It's getting cold. I'm going to sit by the fire.

Very well.

I put some water in here, because their food was very salty.

Better safe than sorry.

It's been a while since we last slept in a proper bed.

I can't wait to drink sake in Edo.

I will leave the hot water here. Please let me know when it runs out.

Thanks. You've been thoroughly accommodating.

For those not used to our mountain climate, it must be chilly.

Indeed, but I'm feeling depressed tonight. The fire gives me comfort.

Is that so?

You must think of me as a weak samurai.

Oh not at all. But why are you sad?

Three years ago today, my wife and child were murdered.

How cruel.

Indeed. I saw their agonized bodies. I can still see them, as if it just happened.

But... why...?

It was my fault. I sheltered a comrade who was a fugitive.

I believed him when he said he had gotten in a fight.

But he was a spy for the government.

He was a secret Ninja; what we call a 'Grass.'

After I left to get him money for the road, they surrounded the house and set it ablaze.

That spy betrayed my wife, who was sick in bed, and my small child.

He got away.

So your wife and child...

They were found embracing each other.

I had to run. I couldn't even give them a decent burial.

Within six months, our fief had been crushed.

Sir samurai. Perhaps I can satisfy you.

Let me comfort you.

Do with me as you please.

I guess I babbled too much. Forget what I said.

Something's wrong with me tonight. You reminded me of my dead wife.

Sir... How about some tea?

No, thanks. I've got some clean spring water.

Your skin's so pretty. It draws me in.

Such beautiful large breasts, too. Oh! You're irresistible!

All right. Here I go!

Man, that's good. Water tastes sweeter after sex!

Hey. Hey, come and drink some water with me.

Don't be shy, come on down.

Ku-re-nai!

Did I go the right way? Hey, Kurenai! Kurenai, sweetie!

"Kurenai." What a name! It means, "You can't have my heart."

Jubei. Are you awake?

Yeah. You too?

I can't sleep. There's something fishy about all of this.

I agree.

I agree. The dinner wasn't poisoned. I examined it carefully.

What do you make of the corpses Sunlight supposedly saw?

Do you believe him?

Something about what he said... that there were kids and elderly among the dead.

But among those living here...

...there are no kids and no elderly folk. Why is that?

Kids...?

Kids...? Without children, family lineages cease.

Oh. You're up.

Woman. You tricked me.

What do you want from me?

Speak! You're a Shadow, aren't you?

So what if I am? Can you kill a woman?

I can. I can kill women, and even children.

Don't!

How cruel...

I make a virtue of cruelty.

Come.

Strong tea...

I wonder where the Inspector General has gotten to...

Hey. What happened here?

Have you seen the Inspector General?

I saw him.

...I saw him going up the mountain all by himself when I got lost.

Damn. Why did he do that?

What are you talking about? He was headed up...

...but I had to go the other way. I was lost all night, you know.

This place is a deathtrap!

Hey, what are we going to do about them?

H... hey!

There's a ton of corpses under those bushes. They're the ones I saw. I'm sure of it.

Shut up. Keep your trap shut.

Shut up. Keep your trap shut. I'm sure they are. But you teased me like...

"He saw Heike ghosts." "He's an airhead." Yeah, right.

You guys didn't believe me!

Which way do we go?

I don't have a clue.

I don't have a clue. This is bad. He's got the document.

This area looks suspicious. Be extra careful.

This area looks suspicious. Be extra careful. Yeah, sure. I'm not an idiot, you know!

Woops! The ground feels strange; it might be a trap. All right, I'm gonna move.

Let's get out of the woods.

Shadow Hunter! I've been waiting for you. Prepare yourself!

Regrettable. Our trap has failed.

Recall the rest of our men.

Recall the rest of our men. Yes Sir!

Here you are, Jubei.

Inspector General Kosaka Kurando. So you are the true "grass."

I suspected as much.

I suspected as much. And now that you know, you must definitely die.

Get him!

Get him! Sir!

You're good with the sword, Shadow Hunter.

And yet... I'll bet you can't dodge a bullet.

Interesting. But you only have one shot. One of us will get shot.

And then the rest of us will kill all of you.

Oh? And where are "the rest of you?"

My, such camaraderie. I guess you don't want to die alone.

If you don't want to die, flee. Will it be you? Or is it you who wants to die?

Take your pick.

Take your pick. You can shoot me. How about that?

Jubei. Please die.

If you die, I will gladly join you.

All right. As you wish.

Damn you!

You've defeated us... but know this... soon it will be your turn!

Is that all you've got to say?

Heed my words.

Sooner or later, the government will...

...leave your corpses lying where they fell, just as you have done to us.

That's right. Your path can only lead to hell!

Jubei.

Have you no other path in life?

Jubei. I am the daughter of a samurai.

And I wanted to be a samurai's wife.

I am content.

I want you to live.

Shadow Hunters... Shadow Hunters are...

...ruthless beasts.

We Shadow Hunters are nothing but ruthless beasts.

Hey. Bury her.

Why do I have to do it?

Girls are your specialty. Do it, then follow.

Guess so. All right, I'll do it.

"Merciful Buddha... Merciful Buddha..."

Easy boy.

I prayed for her, and gave her a respectful burial.

I'm obliged. Maybe it'll be me tomorrow. Do the same for me.

Okay... no problem.

And what happens if it's you?

To get your reward in Heaven, you need to do good deeds in this life.

That's why I try to make women happy... by letting them play with my sword!

The End

AnimEigo Bobby Engelmann Sara Rouse Robert J. Woodhead Ueki Natsumi Brian Godwin Janice Hindle Branson Moore Scott Carlson David Rowe-Caplan