Original subtitles

DAIEI FILMS

Don't lose her!

Oh, there she is!

Sis!

What? A woman?

Out of the way.

The clouds are gathering.

Are you inviting the rain, Drenched Swallow?

Drenched Swallow wants the rain of blood.

Yasu, take care of the lady.

Get her! Kill her!

Damn you, woman.

Who are you? Announce yourself.

This is Drenched Swallow and I'm O'Kin, a.k.a. Lady Sazen.

LADY SAZEN AND THE DRENCHED SWALLOW SWORD Onna Sazen Nure-Tsubame Katate Giri

YASUDA Michiyo HONGO Kojiro NAGATO Isamu

Directed by YASUDA Kimiyoshi

Grandpa, Sis Sazen is home!

How many times should I tell you not to call her by that name?

Well, my lady, welcome home.

Gosuke, keep watch to make sure we weren't followed.

I was told I'd be a trainee serving in the castle.

My parents were very happy that...

the Minister of Temples and Shrines would act as my foster father.

Minister of Temples and Shrines?

Yes.

Then, they took me not to the castle but to Hojoji temple in Shiba.

They forced me to do things I'm too ashamed to describe.

When I refused, they did these horrible, inhumane things. It was like hell.

Is that the same Hojoji temple where...

Lady O'Sode of the Edo Castle harem is a faithful member?

Yes.

Yasu, go to bed now.

Go now.

No one seems to have followed you.

Omitsu, let's go.

What? Going out again?

I want to check out her house.

It's late. Why don't you start up tomorrow?

Something bothers me.

My lady, I know you're a superb swords master...

but you're still a lady. Consider...

I know.

My lady, promise me you'll come home tonight.

Gosuke, stop calling me 'My Lady.'

Yes.

I'll be back, I promise.

You snuck out again.

Here we are.

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Mother! Father!

We came too late.

I wish I'd figured it out sooner.

Sis!

We were expecting you.

So, you're that freaky woman who knows how to wield a sword.

Did the priest send you?

You and the woman must die.

You're kidding.

We don't need your prayer service just yet.

Shut up!

Sir Minister, Lord Terakado Kawachi-no-kami has arrived.

Excuse me.

Oh, was it necessary for you to take the trouble yourself?

Thank you, kindly. - You're dismissed.

Have you not located the whereabouts of that woman O'Mitsu?

We're doing the best we can, but not yet.

How strange to hear that...

it is a one-eyed, one-armed woman who took her away.

Yes, that is my understanding.

Then, she cannot go unnoticed.

People should talk about her.

O'Mitsu knows too much about what goes on in this temple.

We may have to make it so she cannot talk.

The same goes for the woman who saved O'Mitsu.

I have everything in place.

Consider it Buddha's mercy to remove them from worldly sufferings.

Morning!

What time do you think it is?

Hey, did you hear about this freak woman...

with one eye and one arm who uses a sword?

No, I don't.

Did she run away from a freak show at the fair?

Idiot! It's not like that.

What's going on, Shinpachi?

Well, Shinmei's brothers seem to be looking for something.

A one-eyed, one-legged monster.

What has only one eye and one leg?

Got it. It's the old umbrella monster!

Are you making fun of our serious business?

Don't be so angry.

I can help you find what you're looking for with divination.

The cycle of life... birth, growth, peak, illness, death...

Oh no, trouble looms in your future.

Stupid fool.

Old man, is Sis Sazen home?

She hasn't been back since last night.

That means...

Oh, she must be there.

There?

Well, I can't tell you. - Hey, Shinpachi!

What? - Don't drag her around so much.

I know.

The Shinmei Family?

What a strange connection they're using to get us.

Does it have to do with her?

This is getting exciting.

No way!

Please be careful. They're gangsters.

Sis!

The fish is ready.

Yasu, take this lady and go home tonight.

What about you?

I've got business to take care of.

I'll come with you.

It's not a place for kids.

Sheesh!

Are you sure it's her?

Yes. One-eyed, one-armed, and a sword.

There's no mistaking.

How convenient that she came to us. Saves us time.

What to do?

Don't let her go.

What are you doing here?

Isn't this the Shinmei's gambling site?

That's right. It's my gambling site.

Then, you shouldn't have to ask.

I won quite nicely, thanks.

Quite bold for a woman.

Hey, aren't you taking care of a girl named O'Mitsu?

You know quite a lot, don't you.

We want her back.

Who hired you?

Is it the priest?

Or is it the Minister of Temples and Shrines?

I don't know anything.

Her father asked me to take care of her.

I see, so you're a part of the scheme.

You go to Kawachi-no-kami who goes to the priest.

You're treating the woman like a seasonal gift to be delivered.

I'm sure you threatened her parents to give her up.

Damn you, did you come here to say that to me?

I just came to gamble. You're making me say things.

Do you think you can leave here so easily?

I might say I could break an arm, but I happen to have only one.

It's precious to me. - Smart ass!

I'm beginning to get the picture.

Bye!

Master, what did she want?

That freak came to challenge us.

Can't be.

Yasu, grandpa is fuming right now.

Well, that's nothing new.

I get bored babysitting grandpa and that lady.

Someone's following us.

Shinmei's men? - Just one.

Give this to Gosuke.

And you?

Go now.

Yasu, come on.

You're O'Kin, the only daughter of late Mori Sakuza'emon...

who served Aoyama Daizen-dayu.

Yeah, that's right.

I'm Niwa Eizaburo from your clan.

What do you want?

This is a decree. Give me Drenched Swallow.

Give it to you?

I don't want to kill unnecessarily.

Hand me the sword and I'll spare your life.

Heizaburo, is it?

What a strange request.

Drenched Swallow has belonged to my family for generations.

I know that.

But you refused our Lord's request and hid it from him.

Wait a minute.

Are you saying a master can take away what belongs to his servant?

It's a decree.

A decree.

And that makes you chase after the sword.

What loyalty for a young man.

Silence!

I understand your father refused and was executed.

I got mixed up in it and got crippled as you see.

Daizen-dayu is my father's enemy.

I'll never give up my sword to him.

Even if you have to defend your life?

Is the decree so important to you?

I have no choice.

Then, I shall.

Don't think I'm just some woman.

I know. You're a Jigen Style master.

I see.

Wait!

Suspend this duel in my name.

Get out of the way. I want to kill off this sword thief.

Sword thief?

You sure don't look like one.

I'm on a mission. - A mission?

I see. So your master is the sword thief, then.

Damn you, how dare you call my lord a thief?

It boils down to that, doesn't it?

So who is the thief?

A daimyo known as a fanatic sword collector...

Might it be... Aoyama Daizen-dayu?

How dare you insult my lord!

You're attacking a wrong party.

Don't be so reckless.

The one you're after is...

Oh, she's gone.

Good evening.

Yes, sir.

Hey, aren't you cold-hearted...

leaving me to deal with a fanatic like him, huh?

Let me take a look.

So, this is the famed Drenched Swallow.

I see why Daizen-dayu is obsessed with it.

How do you know that?

Daizen-dayu is known for his obsession with swords.

He goes out on a limb to obtain it if he hears about a sword of mastery.

Who are you? What are you?

Don't worry.

There'll always be someone who knows something about everything.

Are you saying you're one of them?

I'm not sure that I am.

They say Drenched Swallow calls for blood.

For a woman to carry it is to risk getting into trouble and dying.

Did I tick you off?

You're so nosy.

Lord Aoyama is fanatical when it comes to swords.

He's merciless. He'd even kill to get what he wants.

The lives of his servants mean nothing to him.

My lord's righteous character worked against himself.

So, her parents were killed because of the sword.

It was sheer cruelty.

They sliced him up...

and injured my lady who was just a baby.

After the men thought everyone was dead and left...

I took my lady, and the sword my lord had entrusted with me...

and escaped to Edo.

She must be resonating with your situation and feels compelled to help you.

But if anything happens to her, I'd be...

Yes, I'm worried about her too.

But she's so strong-willed.

You snuck out again. Where have you been?

I was looking for Sis.

You're lying.

It's true. Right?

Well, yeah.

She said to give this to you.

What's that?

We have a guest, and need supplies.

That's why she got it.

We can't depend on your income alone.

Fool!

It must be dirty money. I don't want dirty money.

The bad elements in the neighborhood...

tempt her to get into bad habits.

Hey, Yasu.

Hey, what are you doing?

You're so bad.

I'll tell Lady O'Sode.

I don't want you to say anything scandalous to her.

You're such a playboy, chasing after a commoner's daughter.

It's because I care about you.

Young women are good medicine for me.

How eloquent you are.

What a horrible show.

That's no nirvana, it's just hell.

An intruder! An intruder! Help! Help!

I'm here to report that there's an intruder on the premise.

An intruder?

Don't let him go. Capture him.

Also, tell the prostitutes to calm down.

Who could it be?

I'm in big trouble if it's the Shogunate.

No problem.

I'll casually mention it to Lady O'Sode tomorrow.

Please do.

Come on.

Who are you?

A woman who's not your taste.

If you can't talk, don't talk.

What do you want?

I'll give you anything. Tell me.

Just your life.

Damn it.

An intruder! An intruder!

What a commotion!

I wonder if she got caught.

Oh, there she is!

Hurry!

Get out of the way. I'm a woman after all.

Excuse me.

It's okay now.

Let's go.

She's over there!

They're persistent. Go on ahead.

But...

Hurry up.

Leave it to me.

You're unbelievable.

Sticking your nose in again.

Hurry up!

Alright, thanks.

Hey, don't be so hasty.

I don't want the precious Sake to spill.

See, I told you.

What's the matter?

We've got a problem. The Shinmei Family found us.

What?

Gosuke...

I don't want get you into deeper trouble for me.

Don't say that.

We can't let you fall into the hands of those creeps.

Let me go.

No. Let's transfer her somewhere else.

Hurry now!

O'Mitsu, come on, hurry.

What are you doing?

What about you?

I'll be fine. Go on now.

Hey, old fart, where's the woman who was just here?

You let her escape, you old bastard!

She must be hiding nearby. Find her.

Don't stop moving your hands.

Keep working.

O'Kin. Is that her name?

We'll wait for her to come home.

That's quite a skill you have.

Please leave.

She hasn't been around here lately.

Is that so?

That's fine. Keep working.

Master, she's here.

Don't move!

Look out!

Gosuke!

You beast!

Why didn't I finish you off back then?

Are you running away?

Gosuke!

Grandpa!

Grandpa! Don't die!

Don't die! Grandpa!

Damn it, what can we do?

I'm sorry. A nice person like him had to die because of me.

It's not your fault.

I'm going to expose the ugly conspiracy of Hojoji...

the Minister of Temples and Shrines and the Shinmei Family to all of Edo.

All of Edo?

We'll spread the rumor...

and the administration will have to do something about it.

How are we going to do it?

We'll make a flyer.

We can't do that. We'll go to jail if we're found.

I'm risking my life for it anyway.

Let me help you in anyway I can.

Alright. I'll try to get a group together.

So you want to help?

You've always helped us.

This is our chance to repay your kindness.

I'm sure they'll all agree to.

Over there.

Don't pick it up! Don't pick it up!

Sir, here's one.

Misao!

It's been a long time.

What brought you to Edo?

I was hired to greet guests at the Lower Mansion.

Is that so? That's good.

Did you travel with my lord?

Yes, it was a sudden and unexpected departure, though.

So, how is your mission going, brother?

I located the sword.

Really?

But you see...

Is there an obstacle?

Not really.

So, then?

Nothing important. Shall I make tea?

Let me. - No, I'll do it.

I have some sweets there. Take them out.

Yes.

Excuse me.

Ms Misao, we have guests arriving.

You have an order to prepare the tearoom.

Yes, I'll be right over.

Guests arriving. A guest greeter is a busy job.

Sure is.

I'll ask for a day off...

and order you to take me on a sightseeing trip in Edo.

Sure thing.

Did you not see my lord yet?

No. I'm sure he's going to want to see me eventually.

I hope you'll get the sword soon.

Well, you'd better go.

Yes.

Chief Priest, I could have come to you...

and saved you the trouble of traveling.

Oh, no, you've given me so many gifts...

and I wanted to show my gratitude for one.

I also wanted to inform you about the thing we discussed.

You mean?

An opening for the Senior Advisor position.

Minister of Temples and Shrines Kawachi is also deeply interested.

So I hear.

There's a terrible rumor going around about him...

which makes me look bad too.

Are you going to recommend me for the position?

That is what I'm thinking.

I will never forget your kindness.

Don't mention it.

I'm simply wishing the best for the Shogunate.

The tearoom is ready.

Good.

I've never seen her before.

I brought her along from my castle.

I would love to have a female servant like her at my temple.

Do you like her?

Well, only if you agree to give her up.

Certainly.

I see you're having a party.

The flyer that's going around on street corners and busy sections of town...

That's you, isn't it?

The cops are on a serious search.

You'd better tone it down before you get caught.

Tell me who you are.

Who are you? What are you?

Well, I wonder.

Are you a friend or foe?

I wonder.

Maybe a foe, maybe a friend.

I will tell you one thing.

If you go over the top, they'll be on guard.

The secret will never be revealed.

The priest is that powerful.

Folks in positions of authority who think they can get whatever they want.

I can't stand them.

That's why you've got to figure out how to strip them of their authority.

The priest's daughter, Lady O'Sode is the shogun's beloved concubine.

The Minister who's supposed to oversee priests is currying favors for them...

because he wants the position of a Senior Advisor.

We all know how evil the priest is.

But without substantial evidence...

even the Chief of Police can't touch him. You see?

How do you know so much?

Didn't I tell you that someone always knows something about everything?

Wait.

Are you expecting guests?

All visitors welcome.

You're quite popular, aren't you?

They seem to know you.

You think so?

Over here.

We found her.

The haunted house where a man hung himself. Clever place to hide.

Suits the freak. So, where is she?

Well, she seems to be gone.

It's just the woman and the kid.

Are you sure? - Yes.

Yasu!

Let go of me!

Go tell the freak that I won't run and hide.

Alright?

We've got a problem! Boss!

Go!

Damn you!

Kill her!

Hold on. I'll leave O'Mitsu alone.

Even if you will, I can't forgive you.

Why?

You sent that man to kill Gosuke.

I owed him more than I did my parents.

You had an innocent man killed.

You're wrong!

It was beyond my control.

I just can't forgive you.

You beast!

Gosuke...

Heizaburo.

I heard you found Drenched Swallow.

Why don't you have it?

Please give me some time.

Some time? How much longer?

I promise to get it soon.

Give me a timeline.

Well...

Speak up.

Someone owns it.

Oh, money.

Pay them whatever they want.

No, it's not the money they want.

Alright.

Three days. I'll give you three days.

Get it no matter what it takes.

My lord.

That's enough. You're dismissed.

Yes.

Idiot.

My lord...

several of the men who went searching for the sword have been killed.

It must be a skilled swordsperson who owns it.

Do you mean Eizaburo isn't up to the job?

Niwa is my disciple...

one of the best in our clan. He should be up to the task.

Except... - What?

I hear the owner of the sword is...

a deformed woman with one eye and one arm.

I'm sure you know who that is.

Wait.

Sakuza's daughter disappeared along with the sword.

Indeed.

Damn her.

Does Eizaburo know?

Indeed.

All right.

Keep a close watch on him.

If he gets in the way, kill him along with the woman.

Do you mean me?

Who else can kill him?

Master, are you going to kill Heizaburo?

It's my lord's order. But the main order is to get Drenched Swallow.

Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Sword Thief.

I guess I deserve to be called that.

You've changed your mind quite a bit.

If you know where O'Kin lives, I'd like you to tell me.

What are you going to do?

I want to see her, and talk to her about something.

I don't know what you want to say to her...

but your master will never give up on the sword.

My lord has not given up on it.

So, you're between a rock and a hard place.

I know I am.

Sis, that samurai is back.

Who told you about this place?

I can't tell you.

Doesn't matter.

You can come around but I won't give you the sword.

I no longer wish to take it.

So what are you going to do?

I want you to leave Edo.

Leave Edo?

If you hold on to that sword, I'll have to kill you.

You're caught between the decree and me.

I'm asking you to go somewhere else.

I won't.

You have your problem...

but I've got no reason to run from Daizen-dayu.

I have a job I started.

I'm aware of it.

I see.

It's that nosy bastard who told you.

He's concerned about you too.

O'Kin, you can't protect the sword all by yourself.

Think about it.

I'll leave for now.

Get out of the way. - Please wait.

Out of the way!

Why? How come the Chief Priest is avoiding me?

It's not like that. We have a visitor from the harem right now.

Is it Ms Kikunoe? - Yes.

She says she has important business to discuss with him.

I don't care! I have something to tell her too!

Please wait. Please wait.

Chief Priest!

Chief Priest, I'm sure you've heard.

Well, what's the matter?

They're discussing the possibility of officially questioning me.

Oh, you have my sympathy.

Why?

How come they decided to investigate my affairs all the sudden?

Well, I don't know anything about politics.

But Lady O'Sode warned me about certain rumors...

that are going around about you.

Chief Priest, I beg you!

Please ask your daughter to mediate for me.

I beg you!

I cannot do that. It's too late.

What did you say?

I said I cannot do that.

We have a relationship...

Minister, priests are not allowed to commit suicide.

Ms Kikunoe, shall we move to another room?

Please wait!

I beg you. I'll be ruined.

It was nice knowing you.

Chief Priest!

Let go of me! Let go!

They sealed up the gate.

Kawachi is going to have to perform hara-kiri.

What happened to the priest?

I don't know. He managed to put all the blame on him.

What a filthy place!

How can you live in such condition?

Well, where could it be?

Oh, there it is.

I've got to have this.

A celebration is in order.

Celebration?

I didn't realize a flyer would have such an influence.

But it's time to retreat.

Quit it.

Are you working for the priest?

I don't like priests and octopuses.

Don't you have any snacks to go with the Sake?

Don't know.

Don't know?

You're not feminine at all.

Too bad.

You should've been born a man.

I think so too.

Looks good.

Did you make it?

She's a woman, you see?

You've done so much.

Why don't you leave it to the authorities from here on?

The authorities is the precise reason why I'm doing this myself.

It's good, real good.

I'll have another. It's delicious.

What?

To work for the Chief Priest?

It's a real honor.

I hear the Chief Priest asked for you personally.

But...

There are rumors about him.

Why do I have to go?

Ms Misao, listen to me.

It's totally up to the Chief Priest...

whether my lord will get promoted to a Senior Advisor.

That you take care of his personal affairs...

will lead to the success of my lord.

There's no better way...

for a loyal woman of the clan to serve her lord.

Loyal...

Is it real loyalty?

I hear your brother Eizaburo...

betrayed my lord's order and his reputation is suffering.

My brother?

He became sympathetic with Mori Sakuza'emon's daughter...

who is hiding the sword my lord is after.

He's protecting her.

He would never do such a thing.

My lord is infuriated and wants him to commit hara-kiri.

If you show loyalty to my lord instead...

I'm sure his anger will be softened.

I can negotiate with him too.

Please let me see him before I go.

You cannot!

Excuse me.

This is from Ms Misao.

My sister?

I must obey my lord's order...

and go to serve the Chief Priest in Hojoji Temple.

I am happy if it helps your unfavorable reputation with my lord.

I wish to see you, however, it is not allowed.

Signed, Misao.

Master.

Niwa, it's a decree.

A decree?

There are suspicions involving your mission to obtain Drenched Swallow.

My lord requests an investigation.

Come with us.

Will my lord question me personally?

That I don't know.

But he wants you confined in a cell in the meantime.

What do you mean?

Hold on. I want to see my sister before I go.

Your sister will be serving...

the Chief Priest in Hojoji Temple as a personal maid as of today.

My lord himself is bringing her to the temple tonight.

Tell me, whose decision was it?

It was my lord's.

I'll go and see him.

Traitor!

He ordered us to kill you if you refuse.

Sis, that samurai is back again.

O'Kin...

I won't ask for the sword any more. Consider it all under the bridge.

What happened?

Could it be...

None of your business.

O'Kin, forgive me.

I just came to apologize.

But they will continue sending men to get the sword.

I'd like to help you...

but I must go on a long trip.

Do be careful.

Wait a minute.

You failed your mission because you wanted to save me.

No.

Then, why do you have to go on a long trip?

It's my personal problem.

Nothing to do with you.

I see. Then I won't ask you.

O'Kin, be well.

What's up with that samurai?

Yasu, get me my sword.

Are you going out?

As I expected, you went to see that woman...

that freak who poisoned you.

I'm going to kill both of you.

Don't stop me. Leave if you don't want to die.

I don't care if you're my colleague.

While your sister gladly went to Hojoji...

you turned into a disloyal criminal.

I will punish you.

Master!

Are you willing to defy your master?

Even though you're my master...

I cannot condone assisting with a wrong deed.

What wrong deed?

Sacrificing his servant's sister for his own personal ambition.

Shut up!

How dare you disparage the lord you serve?

Eizaburo!

I heard the story, that your sister was sent to the priest.

O'Kin.

She'll end up like O'Mitsu.

Go and help her.

Thanks.

So you are O'Kin.

That's right.

This is Drenched Swallow that Daizen-dayu is after.

Why don't you kill me and get promoted?

All right. If that's what you want.

All right?

Don't make mistakes. Do as the Chief Priest says.

Yes.

My lord, about my brother...

My brother...

Sure, I know. Go.

Yes.

This way please.

I hope it'll go well.

Yes, I told her to behave.

My lord, it's Eizaburo.

What?

Eizaburo, what are you doing here?

I came to take my sister.

My lord.

How disloyal of you!

Please give me back my sister.

She's the only sister I have.

I can't let her be the priest's prey.

Shut up!

It's unfair.

Kill him. Kill him!

Woman, you're pretty good.

Sis!

Shinpachi, fetch a cab for me.

What?

Get out of the way, or I'll kill you!

What's the matter?

My brother...

I know. Don't worry, I will ask Lord Daizen personally.

Come now.

Misao!

Misao, where are you?

Brother! Brother!

Misao! Don't let him touch you!

The lord has tricked you!

Brother!

Out of the way!

Brother!

Damn it.

Brother!

Let go of me!

Brother!

Let go of me!

Come on!

Come. Come!

It's you! - Priest!

Go to hell!

Sis.

Take this lady out of here.

Sis?

It's her!

This is it for you, freak!

O'Kin!

Eizaburo!

I got your sister out of here.

So she's safe. Thanks.

O'Kin, don't die!

You, too!

You shouldn't stay here.

Who is she?

I'm O'Kin, the daughter of Mori Sakuza-emon.

Kill that freak! Kill her!

Who made me into a freak?

Here's the sword you wanted so much.

I'll let you feel how sharp it is with your own flesh.

Wait!

You?

Leave it to the authorities from here on.

Down!

I'm a personal emissary of the Chief of Police, Matsudaira Ukyonosuke.

On your knees!

Sir Daizen, await further notice.

Who is she?

Hello.

Oh, I knew you'd be here.

Give me Sake.

One bottle.

Daizen-dayu has been charged with neglect of his duty.

He's grounded in his own castle back home.

The priest died of a sudden illness.

He enjoyed himself enough, though, don't you think?

He lived his life to the fullest.

The Chief of Police was kind enough to protect Lady O'Sode from scandals.

I see.

And you...

I want you to leave Edo for a while until things settle.

I'll look after O'Mitsu, so don't worry about her.

Oh, Eizaburo gave me this letter to give to you.

By the way, what did you tell the Chief of Police about me?

Oh, yeah...

I told him you're my wife.

I'm sorry, but I couldn't think of anything better to say at the time.

Don't get any ideas.

I can't handle it if you decide you want to be one for real.

I'm still...

Hey, Sis!

Yes?

What did Eizaburo say in his letter?

He wants to quit being a samurai and give up the sword.

What about you? Are you going to give up Drenched Swallow?

No, I won't.

It's my only friend.

I'm your friend, too.

That's right, you are. Forgive me.

I'll go wherever you go.

Translated by Ann Jiitsu Subtitled and Mastered by Cannibal King www.KuroTokagi.com