DAIEl MOTION PICTURE CORPORATION
SON OF THE BLACK MASS 2
ADVENTURES OF NEMURI KYOSHIRO (Nemuri Kyoshiro Shobu)
Original Story: SHIBATA Renzaburo (From Shukan Shincho Weekly) Screenplay: Producer: HOSHIKAWA Seiji TSUJI Kyuichi
Music: Art Direction: Lighting: Sound: Photography: SAITO NAITO YAMASHITA OKUMURA MAKIURA Ichiro Akira Reijiro Masahiro Chishi
Film Editor: Fight Choreography: SUGANUMA Kanji MIYAUCHI Shohei
Cast
ICHIKAWA Raizo
KUBO TAKADA FUJIMURA Naoko Mika Shiho
SUGA GOMI TANBA NARITA KATO Fujio Ryutaro Matasaburo Junichiro Yoshi
HAMADA TODA Masashi Teruhisa
Directed by: MISUMI Kenji
- Need any help with the steps?
Need any help with the steps? Need any help with the steps?
- Well, now, can you help me out? - Yes.
- Hey old man! Looking good! - Go for it, boy!
- Excuse me! Excuse me! Would you let me through please?
- Did you see that girl? She was a pickpocket!
- Yes.
- Well, thank you.
Well then, would you like some sweet treats?
- Sir, I'll accept money for pushing you, but nothing more than that.
- I see. In that case, here's 5 mon.
- Thank you!
- An unusual young man.
- He's the son of a samurai. His father was a master of kendo as well.
His father exhibited his talents at the Yuhigaoka swordplay exhibition,
and was even able to slice open a Kabuto (Helmet). He was quite well known.
- A Kabuto...? Oh yes, I've heard of him!
He sliced a foreign-forged, iron helmet
into scraps only 5 inches wide, and is said to be
the master of a dojo here in town.
- Yes, that's the man.
Unfortunately he was slain in a 'Dojo Shakedown'.
- What? He was killed?
- He lost and the dojo was claimed by the Yakuza ronin who bested him.
- Is the boy living by himself?
- You saw how he supports himself, and he sleeps here in the tea shop.
He refuses to accept any help, and he pays for his room and board.
I suppose he does so because he's the son of a samurai.
- It's touching to see such a young man make the best of his lot in life.
- There you are ma'am. - Thank you for your help.
- Sir, if you want to give him money, why don't you do it directly?
- Did anyone drop this wallet? Anyone?
- Oh! Good boy!
Here, here. It belongs to this man over here.
- Is that true, sir?
- That looks like mine. I thought I had been robbed by a pickpocket.
- Why didn't you say so sooner?
- I couldn't ignore this spectacular view of Mt. Fuji.
- Can you tell me how much money is inside?
- Ten Koban, (1 ryo gold coins) And two Kotsubu (1/4 ryo coins).
- Here.
- Wait. I have to reward you.
Do you want to see the image of your father once again?
- Huh...?
- I will let you, if you follow me.
I will be heading over to the kid's dojo.
Would you mind coming along and acting as a witness?
- "Nemuri Kyoshiro?"
Name your style.
- Ganshi-style. - What?
- The style of this dojo's previous master
Goto Kyuemon, whom you defeated. His Ganshi-style.
I shall win by slicing you from the shoulders down,
exiting through your left side.
- How interesting. I will not spare your life!
- That's the reason I brought along a witness.
- Your New Year's fortune.
Let me give you a reading.
- What is it?
- I laughed because I was just imagining
how dirty the blood you'll soon be coughing out will be.
- Why you!
- You killed him!
- Yeah! He did it!
- Gentaro is your name, isn't it?
- Yes.
- You just got your house back. The rest is up to you.
- Please teach me swordsmanship!
- Forget it. Swords are for killing. Nothing less, nothing more.
- Teach me!
- No!
- I have to fetch a constable, so you stay here.
Don't worry. I'll be coming back as well.
- Hey, you! Teach me swordsmanship!
- Sugoroku game pieces! Game pieces!
Sugoroku game pieces! Dochu-sugoroku game pieces!
It's the dochu-sugoroku game, folks!
Hello, sirs! Your first dream of the New Year could be about this!
- Sold. - Thank you. Sir!
- Just one is fine.
- Yes.
Thank you, sir!
Game pieces, game pieces!
Miss, hot saké, please.
- Want it? - No.
- Your swordsmanship is too powerful.
Killing a man... at the start of the New Year might give you nightmares.
- Oh! If it isn't Takara-bune's Shoroku!
Great to see you again this year!
- Denkichi...!
Where's your usual partner?
- He died, alas. - What?
- He hung himself.
Selling his daughter off had to be too much.
- Even with a bad harvest, our taxes haven't gone down.
Before you know it, the farmers will riot!
- Miss, one bottle of saké please! - Yes.
- What is going on?
- Lately, there's been an increasing number of ronin and thieves in Edo.
They all come from the countyside.
There's too much difference between the poor and the rich.
It's not right. It isn't the way it should be.
How about you? What are your thoughts about this problem?
- I don't think one old man's musings do any good.
They only make the saké less enjoyable.
- Oh? Is that so? Is that what you think?
Well, if you'll excuse me.
Thank you for the treat.
- I see, I hope I didn't trouble you too much.
I didn't even ask your name, but so be it.
Once you leave, we'll be strangers.
- Excuse me.
- Here you go. Have another drink - One bottle of saké please.
- Come! You've mistaken me for someone else!
- I know you're Finance Commissioner, Asahina lori!
You dare to interfere? - Wait! Wait!
Who ordered you to do this? Tell me!
- Your New Year's Fortune. Let me give you a reading.
- I will not. I'll kill the old man no matter what!
Get in the way and I'll kill you, too.
- Hey, are you man enough to tell us your name?
- Akaza Gunbei. And you?
- Nemuri Kyoshiro.
- You should have minded your own business.
- Don't gather round here! Come on, go back inside!
- But I'm surprised to find out you're the Finance Commissioner.
Is this the first time you've been attacked?
- Well...
- What's wrong?
- It happened once before.
- What...?
Yet you're walking around without an escort?
- It's mistaken identity.
I don't recall making any enemies.
- You man not remember, but what if somebody else does?
Does it hurt? - Thank you.
- Do you have any idea who might have sent him after you?
- None. I suppose it's because I'm not strong enough.
Every day we get more and more ronin like that fellow.
Once a samurai leaves his master
what's left for him, but to be sword-happy.
Poor souls.
- You're sympathetic to the plight of someone who tried to kill you?
Old man, you're crazy!
- I wonder... if he came to kill me,
or just to threaten me.
There are many who are displeased with the way I do my job.
Perhaps nothing gets accomplished when an old man is in charge.
But somebody has to do it.
- There's no difference between a fortuneteller and a whore!
I've got money! So serve me! Serve me!
- Then, your mind is made up.
- Yes.
No matter how many times the request is made,
I can't change something that's already been decided upon.
- But Princess Taka-sama is Shogun lenari's daughter.
Ever since her 20,000 ryo allowance was eliminated,
she has been most upset, sir.
- I am sorry, sir, but there's nothing that I can do about that.
- I see you're trying to avoid the problem,
But, as part of the effort to cope with the Shogunate's
fiscal problems, you approached Elder Mizuno Tadanari-sama
concerning the elimination of allowances for royal daughters.
Asahina-dono. I know that this decision was from your idea.
The House of Hori, of which the 'Hime' is now a part, is most distressed.
Do you have any intention of amending the policy.
- I've already answered that question.
- I see. I shall convey your answer to Takahime-sama.
Before I go,
may I say one more thing?
- Please.
- Sir, you have no wife, and no child.
And I hear that you are a most learned man.
Recently, you've submitted many proposals to the Elder.
Rules to restrict the movements of household guards,
as well as extravagance by rich merchants.
"Restrict this, prohibit that..." seems to be your attitude.
But when you pay attention to the twigs, you cannot see the whole tree.
I do hope that you are not digging your own grave, sir.
That's what I wanted to say. Thank you for bearing with me.
Oh? What happened to your wrist?
- This old man tripped while walking. It's just a scratch.
- At your age, you must be more careful.
Good thing it's just a scratch, sir.
Please, you should take care of yourself. Farewell.
- Hey, stay back.
- Sir -Sir.
- Who was that?
- Shiratori Shuzen, a steward of Takahime-sama,
of the House of Hori.
- Takahime-sama...?
I hear that she's the most beautiful of all the Shogun's daughters.
- You see, she married the lord of Echigo, Hori Tangonokami-sama
but sadly, he passed away, and she's alone now.
- It's rumored that she indulges in a most extravagant lifestyle.
She must be a great burden to the Shogunate.
- Watch it! You shouldn't say things like that!
- Did you report the attack to the constables?
- To do so would be an overreaction to a trivial matter.
So, what brings you here anyway?
- Did you know that ronin named Akaza was following you around Edo?
- Lf anybody wants to take my life from me, it would be easy.
I don't have many years left anyway.
I'm only doing what I can.
- You're what's called a stubborn old fool.
- No, it's just that we're living in tough times.
Not to mention the recent bad harvests.
Doesn't that interest you at all?
- It's boring.
What I find interesting is you, old man.
I don't want you to die.
- You're trying to protect me? Th... That's totally unnecessary!
You've got nothing to do with this!
- That's right. I can do whatever I want.
- I like... you.
- Takahime-sama, when will I be able to become an officer?
I'm tired of being a ronin.
- You ask for too much.
Just look at me.
Since the day I was born, my life has been bound by strict rules.
This tiny escape is my only joy.
- I pledge that I'll serve you well.
Please grant my wish.
- You'd prefer having a position to having me?
- No! I don't want to be away from you for a moment!
- Excuses.
I hear that your good looks beguiled your lord,
and his love for you inspired jealousy and resentment.
That resulted in an incident that caused expulsion from your clan.
- You've investigated my past?
- Given that I plucked you from the streets, my men felt it prudent.
They told me that these fair hands belong to a master of the Shuriken.
- You know that as well...?
- How frightening!
I've heard that the better a man's looks,
the colder his heart.
- There you go teasing me again!
Hime-sama!
- Your proposals only make matters worse.
- The ones submitted to RojuMizuno
are commendable on paper.
- But can't be implemented!
- It could even be called a policy of buying popularity!
- Please, enough of this!
In no way am I
just trying to improve the lives of the peasants.
- Explain your investigations
of the religious workers who are overseen by the Monastery Magistrate?
That's out of your jurisdiction!
- These jurisdictional conflicts are what I propose to completely eliminate!
- What?
- Lf nothing is done, the current situation could lead to the fall of the Shogunate.
Just how do you propose to deal with the recent corruption of samurai,
or the economic crisis we're experiencing?
Immediate, major corrective action must be taken at once
if we are to maintain the rule of the samurai.
Anyway, this discussion is meaningless!
I want to hear what the RojuMinister has to say!
- The RojuMinister?
- Should the Rojuopt to lend a deaf ear to my plea,
then I will report to the Shogun directly!
- To speak so rudely in our presence, it's intolerable!
- I understand your objections.
I'll decide just after the New Year, but for today...
we shall adjourn.
- Chief Elder,
the crop failures in the entire Kanto region are devastating.
Unless we act at once...
- I'm aware of that.
But you know, "it" didn't sound too good.
- Sir? - Ending Takahime-sama's allowance.
Takahime-sama is a daughter of His Highness.
Asahina, it looks like this will be a very difficult problem for us.
- No matter what,
we must find a solution before the week of the New Year is over!
- My goodness. I don't know how to deal with the Finance Commissioner.
He wanted to know the debts of all the Hatamoto,
and he requested that I show him the account ledgers.
- In our case, he said we rice dealers would be punished if we
raised prices due to the poor harvest.
- That's not all. When he makes impossible demands like
the nullification of all debts older than 5 years, then
I don't know why we brokers should even bother to lend!
- And that's why...
- And that's why, since Takahime-sama is the Shogun's daughter,
she can order me to go to His Highness, and demand Asahina's dismissal.
- Yes. You understand completely.
- Oguchiya, Izumiya. How does 20,000 ryo sound?
- Very good, sir.
- Lf we can take care of it for that amount, it's a bargain.
- You are Edo's top moneylender and rice wholesaler.
You're in a class by yourself.
I should have asked for more.
Oh!
Intruder! Intruder!
After him!
- You again! Mind your own business!
Don't you understand? Don't follow me around!
- Right now, you're the one who's following me.
I go where I want. This is a public road.
- Why you...!
You're making a fool out of me!
- Nemuri Kyoshiro! Come on!
- You want to fight me?
- You killed my brother Saheita at the Azabu dojo, I'm Sakakibara Kiheita!
I've come to take my revenge! - Wait! Wait!
The duel at the dojo was mutually agreed upon.
You cannot hold a grudge against him!
W... Wait! - Wait!
- Hey! You two! Takahime-sama's procession is coming!
You'd better not be caught fighting here!
- Damn it!
- Lf you move an inch, it's all over for both of us.
- What happened? - What Happened? - What happened?
- Hime-sama!
An intruder! Someone's attacked the Princess!
He must be hiding somewhere nearby!
- Shuzen.
You claim to know the attacker's identity.
- I'm not sure if he's just hired help,
but, there's a rogue ronin going around with Asahina these days.
I believe that it was his doing.
- What? Asahina?
Besides eliminating my stipend he's hired some ruffian to attack me?
How dare he! Kill him!
- You want us to kill Asahina?
- Yes.
- You make it sound easy, but he's the Finance Commissioner.
There's the risk that someone might discover you ordered the death.
- You're unable?
- Not at all. If the right method can be found.
- You there!
Spectacular!
I am Ebina Ryohan. What style do you use?
- The Full Moon Cut.
- We shall meet again.
- Wait!
Are you after Asahina as well?
- No. You're the only one I'm after!
- Really? You'll be mine if I slay this man you want killed?
- Yes.
- You're sure about that?
- Yes.
- I fell in love with you at first sight.
I'll slay him no matter what. So, what's his name?
- Asahina lori.
- Huh...? The Finance Commissioner?
- And one other, Nemuri Kyoshiro.
- Pardon me, sir.
Based on a prophecy by Mioya in Saho, I must tell you something.
- Let me guess. You can see some bad omen in my face.
- Exactly.
As the saying goes, "A swan stays white, bathed or not."
You, a man of strong temper, have incised the omen onto your face.
- Get to the point. What do you want to tell me?
- Your sword has called out to five others.
Would you like to go to where those five swords await you?
- Lf I say yes?
- I shall guide you there.
- Oh? Where have you been all this time?
The priest at Jokan-ji Temple wondered if you'd ever come back.
- I won't be back there soon.
- Then, you didn't come back for good?
That's not the way it should be.
- What's wrong?
- Kyoshiro-san, your face...
You've killed again?
- I'm on my way to be killed.
- No! No, no! Don't say things like that!
Where is he really going? - To a brothel, of course!
- Oh! How disgusting!
Soba-noodles...
Nabeyaki-Udon noodles...
- Oh, so the girl that you're in love with is
Uneme the fortuneteller who brought us here on behalf of Shiratori?
- That's right.
- You accepted a life-or-death job just for a woman?
- Fool! What's wrong with killing for a woman?
- You're ill, aren't you?
- It's a lingering cold.
- Is this Kyoshiro really that dangerous?
- I certainly believe so. That's why I can't allow him to live.
I'll be the one to slay Kyoshiro.
- I won't let him live either. For my brother's sake.
- It's doubtful after the other day.
- You watched?
No... we were interrupted, that's all.
Are you mocking me?
- Stop it! You've got a short temper, it seems.
- At any rate, our top priority is to kill Asahina.
- Not for me... Mine is Kyoshiro.
- Mine too! - And mine!
- That's because you haven't met Kyoshiro yet.
As soon as you lay eyes on him, you'll feel like you must fight him.
- We'll be paid a lot for killing Asahina, isn't that right?
- As agreed.
Matsuko, you want to become an officer, right?
Well, wouldn't it be quicker just to sleep with her?
Your actor-like good looks are your sharpest weapon.
- What did you say? - Stop this squabbling!
Whatever our motives may be
we took the job because of confidence in our skills, correct?
That should suffice.
- Exactly. But unless we can defeat our prey, our wishes remain unfulfilled.
I encountered him first, so I have first try at killing him!
- Does anyone know the Full Moon Cut?
- It goes like this...
He holds the sword downward and starts tracing a circle.
And, before the circle is completed, the opponent is slain.
I hear no one's ever survived the tracing of the circle.
- Then, when the circle is drawn halfway,
when it's all the way at the top, his arms should obstruct his vision.
- That's right! That's our opportunity!
- Is he willing to risk going to hell and show up or not?
- He will! He's that kind of man.
- Let's all five of us attack at once?
- Right. Let's all attack him in the dark.
- That's cowardly!
It shall be a man-to-man challenge.
The loser dies. Simple as that.
- Uneme? What happened to Kyoshiro?
- He was with me until just a moment ago... but in the darkness...
- You lost him?
- Maybe he got scared and ran away.
- Here I am. Right here. - What?
- Kyoshiro, is that you? - Come out, Kyoshiro!
- Hey, Ebina, you're with these men, too?
- You're not being fair! Where are you?
- I haven't asked your style yet.
- Upper level "Shadow Mist" style. Come out and fight!
- I've come to talk.
Hush and listen!
You have no grudge against Commissioner Asahina, do you?
What good can come out of killing an old man?
Forget it. - Shut up!
No questions!
- How dare you plot to take the life of an old man
just for your own selfish ends. Stop this nonsense!
- It's no use! We won't!
- Come out!
- I see. You're going to kill him anyway.
In that case, I shall protect him from you.
- I'll kill you... first!
- Remember this about him.
Old man Asahina deserves to live much more than any of you do!
- Your New Year's Fortune...
Let me give you a reading...
Your New Year's Fortune...
- Welcome back.
- Nemuri-sama, I knew that you were following me.
This is my home away from home.
- Are you taking your orders from
Takahime's steward, Shiratori Shuzen?
You can't hide things from me.
Why did you become his spy?
- Do you know what a woman's love is capable of?
That's why I became Shiratori's spy.
I have a husband, but for certain reasons, he is in prison.
- I get it. Shiratori must have promised you that
your husband will be freed upon the old man's death.
- Yes, he said the promise has been endorsed by Takahime-sama.
That made me sell my soul to the devil.
- Is that a woman's lot in life?
- You just don't understand!
- I'm sorry to say it, but your wish won't come true.
I'm protecting Asahina.
- You're a master swordsman, one who should be feared.
I already knew that very fact.
You'll see how determined I am to succeed.
If we weren't enemies...
If we were on the same side...
- Why don't you tell me about your husband?
- He is a foreigner.
- A foreigner...?
A Christian? - Yes.
He was arrested for spreading the teachings of a prohibited religion.
This woman fell in love with a foreigner, but if she can't be with him
where can she find happiness?
- What's his name? - Iruman Johannes Cerdini.
- Johannes?
- You know him?
- It was at Christian Hill in Ohinata.
- "Mon frere"! (My brother)
- Tell me why
you shouted something at me upon seeing my face?
- Your face... shows misfortune.
A lonely, suffering face.
Not like other Japanese.
You're the very person who must be placed in God's hands
in order to be saved.
I came... to Japan... for that very reason.
- On your feet!
- Unfortunate suffering face.
I can see it, too.
Perhaps you're the child of a mixed marriage?
The color of your hair.
Your looks... - Stop!
Never mind me.
Why did you marry a foreigner?
No, I shouldn't ask that. I don't want to be questioned either.
- So it's true... - I said stop it!
- The chilling look in your eyes.
I know what you're hiding inside your heart is pure,
but why do you wish to live a life of suffering?
- Do not speak of Jesus and his infinite mercy with your filthy mouth!
You're arranging for some ronin to assassinate a man.
And you seduced them into doing it!
Listen...
If you try to harm Asahina, I won't forgive you.
How dare you!
- The poison in his tea worked, and his body is paralyzed.
- Good. Very well done.
Bring him inside. - Sir.
- Shiratori-sama. - You don't have to remind me.
We'll arrange for your husband's release.
- When? - Trust me. You'll be notified soon.
- Kyoshiro, are you still feeling numb?
You've caused me difficulties.
I won't let you live on.
Now that you've lost, accept your defeat like a man.
- I'm not very impressed with the way you treat your guests.
- Oh. Well, at least your mouth is working.
But, Kyoshiro
not even a master swordsman like yourself
can escape those bonds.
I can have my way with you.
- You may be a daughter of the Shogun,
but I hear that your father lenari has sired 50 bastards with his concubines.
What number are you?
- Insolent! - You're the insolent one.
You've exploited your lineage and
grew up doing and getting everything you desired.
Just look in the mirror. You're uglier than a pig!
- You bastard!
- And now Princess Pig wants to grope this purer-than-snow body of mine.
That's insolence on a grand scale!
- Matsuko!
- Are you jealous, pretty boy?
- You ruffian!
- Y... You! - Don't move, or I'll twist her arm off!
- Hime-sama! Hime-sama!
Hime-sama!
- Don't let him get away! After him! - Quick! Let us go to your chamber!
- I see. Thank you for protecting such an old man as myself.
But, by protecting me, you've made enemies.
I am worried.
- You don't need to worry about it. I'm doing this on my own.
Just stay home and try not to go outside by yourself.
See you.
- T... T... Tell me... where you live.
- What good would that do?
- It's just that I...
That I've become interested in knowing who you are.
I want to know how you manage to live.
- I don't have a permanent home.
Yoshiwara one day, Yanagibashi the next.
If I get bored, I go visit a singing teacher I know.
Would you knock it off and go home?
You're crazy! Jokan-ji Temple in Minowa is a long walk.
- I'll go wherever I want to.
This is a public road, after all.
- A taste of my own medicine.
- Welcome. - Two bowls of noodles, please.
- Oh!
- Make them hot alright? - Yes.
- Oh, just look at that, sir. I knew it would be chilly,
but it seems the white stuff is already here.
- Is one of your homes, the Jokan-ji Temple, nearby?
- Yes. Let's go through Nakanocho.
- You're going back to the temple? That's good!
- Why's that? - When you're away
I can't save up the money I get from delivering meals to you.
- Aha! I see!
- Thank you for waiting.
- Sir. - Yes...?
- How's business?
- Not very good.
The cost of goods is up and the price of rice has quadrupled.
Poor folks can't make a living!
I wonder what the Shogunate is doing about it.
- Extra for you.
- Thank you. These soba-noodles of yours are pretty good.
- Of course! We're proud of our handmade soba!
- Very good!
- Otsuya-bo. How does my face look today?
- It's fine. Looks good.
- Really?
On days when I've killed somebody, I can't come to see her.
She'll hate me for sure.
- You can tell?
- On those days he looks so frightful that I can tell easily.
- As if she's a fortuneteller.
- Oh, how insulting, Kyoshiro-san. No more discounts for you!
- Otsuya, stop being rude to our customers.
Why not try boosting our business instead?
- Yes. Business, business!
Soba...
Nabeyaki-udon...
- Oh. Please wait!
- You've nothing to do with this!
I must take care of this myself!
Otsuya-bo, keep your eyes closed.
- How strange...
When the circle is drawn, his foe is irresistibly compelled to attack.
What a frightening technique.
- I've come to take back the dishes. - Oh.
- Thank you for the feast!
I can't get miso soup like that at my place!
Thank you.
- Samurai-san, all you ever do is praise things!
- No, I'm only telling you the truth.
- This temple is called a "throw-in" temple.
Prostitutes from the Yoshiwara who died of illness or suicide are buried here.
- "Throw-in...?"
- They don't get formal funerals or tombstones.
We just pay 200 mon to this temple,
and throw the remains into a mass grave.
- How sad!
- My sister's buried that way.
Underneath the Jizo-sama statues are the names of those buried.
But one day, I'll save enough to build a real tomb.
- Your sister was a Yujo (Prostitute)?
I shouldn't have asked such a question.
- She sold her body to save our sick mother.
But, our mother died, and then
when Sister fell in love, marriage was impossible.
- She left the world at such a young age?
We all lead different lives, don't we.
I have no wife or children.
I wonder who'll visit my grave?
- Oh, Samurai-san. You don't have anyone close to you?
- No. - How pitiable.
Everyone is pitiable.
That samurai from last night was pitiable too.
Why must there be such killing?
A samurai's fate?
- Samurai or not, in life you either kill or get killed.
- I can't stand it!
- Lf everyone was like you, the world would be much different.
- You are such a fine and honest girl.
You have the power to enlighten the hearts of others.
- No! You're praising again!
- Oh? That's the first time
I've seen a peaceful smile cross your face since I've known you.
You might be the only one who can cheer up Kyoshiro-dono.
- Oh!
- Seems like that girl is in love with you.
Even I can tell things like that.
- "The pillow is to blame..."
"for disheveled hair..."
MEN WOMEN "for disheveled hair..."
MEN WOMEN
"and then..."
PUBLIC BATHS "and then..."
PUBLIC BATHS
- Serves you right, Nemuri!
Can you fight me naked and unarmed?
Don't struggle or you'll make a mess!
- Uneme, why did you hand me my sword from the other side?
When the man who tried to kill me
was acting under your orders, why did you save me?
- I'm not sure myself.
Nemuri-sama...
- Uneme.
Have you forgotten your desire to save your husband?
- At first...
yes, I was wishing for your death.
But, at that moment, somehow...
I am frightened by my own feelings.
- I don't think Shiratori will leave you alone.
What will you do from now on?
- Leave Edo, and go into hiding somewhere.
- And devise another way to save your husband.
- Kyoshiro-sama.
I shall not be able to see you ever again...
Never, ever again!
- That damned Kyoshiro!
I must have my revenge upon him!
- Yes. We have a plan to destroy both Kyoshiro and Asahina at the same time.
- Can that really be done?
- I'm saying this because it is possible.
Asahina-sama will be killed by Kyoshiro himself, right in front of you.
Kyoshiro will then die, while you look on.
- How interesting.
If what you're saying is true, I'll stake everything to see that sight.
Tell me the details.
- First, we'll induce Yagyu Tajimanokami and Kyoshiro to fight a duel with live blades.
We'll especially prepare the swords they will use.
The pin holding Kyoshiro's sword will be tampered with.
When he strikes with his sword the blade will fly off
and impale an unwitting target, Finance Commissioner Asahina.
At the same time
Yagyu's sword will slice right through Kyoshiro's body
splitting him in two.
- It's an order sent directly by the Shogun himself?
- That's right.
He's been ill, and in the hopes that it will cheer him up
he wants to see a match at the House of Hori.
It specifically requests a duel between Yagyu Tajimanokami,
and the swordsman Nemuri Kyoshiro.
And orders me to escort you there.
- Something smells.
- I think so too. You should turn down the request.
- I can't do that. You'd be punished.
If you disobey the Shogun's order, you could be removed from your post.
- Just forget the match.
Even you can't defeat the best of the Yagyu
in a duel with bare blades.
- Wait until the duel is over.
- You mustn't!
- I can do as I wish.
- No, I won't let you! I can't...
- Old man,
if this is a setup, our enemy is risking a lot.
Our best hope of foiling them is to be bold.
Plus if I refuse, you will be removed from office.
- Nemuri...
you're so steadfast!
- Lf Yagyu Tajimanokami is my opponent, then the duel will be challenging.
"Rule: We are to cross swords at once at the assigned positions."
"Rule: No one is to be held liable for unexpected consequences."
- His Highness, the Shogun, doesn't seem to be present yet.
- There must be a reason. Look at Shiratori-sama, he seems so relaxed.
- Yagyu Tajimanokami Toshimasa-dono
and Nemuri Kyoshiro-dono! Report to the arena.
Remember, this is a one time duel. That's all!
- Capture that ruffian!
- Desist!
Desist! Desist! Desist, I said!
The rule said nobody is to be held liable for mishaps! Desist!
- Withdraw!
I said withdraw!
- Yagyu-dono, this was all a setup.
This sword was tampered with, so that the blade would detach.
- For what reason?
- To kill a certain individual seated directly ahead of me.
This wasn't an official duel, but a plot to make a murder look accidental
in front of many unimpeachable witnesses.
- Enough. The matter's closed.
- I agree. It never had anything to do with you.
- I admire the way you evaded my attack.
You have a unique style as well.
If fate permits it, I'd like to have another match with you.
Take care of yourself.
- Nemuri, please forgive me for the recent unpleasantness.
I'd like to apologize to you and Asahina-dono for all the commotion.
Please, if you would follow me to another room.
- Sir! Your superior has arrived!
- What? Without prior notice?
- Yes sir. He's already passed through the main gate.
- My lord!
- Hirayama-dono, it's you. What's the matter?
- RojuMizuno Tadanari-sama has arrived at the mansion.
He requests that you return at once.
What? The RojuMinister?
- Seems I have no choice.
But perhaps, at least Nemuri-dono could stay here.
- "You're to move to Echigo, where you will remain..."
My own father has thus sentenced me?
- Hime-sama, it's because the Shogun is thinking about your future.
- No! I don't want to spend my youth in some rural exile!
Tell my father that!
- The RojuCouncil has already been informed, and the decision has been published.
Also, how do you explain the events of today?
His Highness' permission was not given.
- Enough.
I understand.
- Ma'am!
Well then, if you'll excuse me.
- Hime-sama.
There's still time before you leave Edo.
- I've been defeated...
by Nemuri Kyoshiro.
- Hime-sama.
- That man.
He stripped me of my pride.
And yet, I feel it's better this way.
The first man ever to claim my heart
was in Edo all along.
Yet, Edo is now so very far away from me.
- Sorry to keep you waiting.
- You feel better now that Oguchi is dead.
- Why, if I may ask?
- Because that's one less witness left alive.
If you, the mastermind, and your coconspirators desist now
Commissioner Asahina may not investigate this matter further.
- I greatly appreciate your valuable advice.
- You said that you wanted to offer us an apology.
I have a request.
- Oh? What is it that you seek?
- Deliver to me the fortuneteller named Uneme of Saho.
- That's an easy request to fulfill. But she isn't here.
I'll hand her over to you at an agreed upon rendezvous.
- Fine. I have one more request.
- As you wish.
- Her husband, Johannes. I believe you have him in prison somewhere.
I'd like you to hand this foreigner over to me.
- I hate to tell you this, but Johannes the missionary
was executed. - What?
- What are you doing?
- You used Johannes like he's nothing!
- The woman betrayed us, so an eye for an eye, I say.
That's how it is.
So, I ask that you tell the woman that Johannes was killed.
- Uneme doesn't know yet?
- Correct. She has no idea.
- New Year's week ends in a day.
As you do your work, my best wishes will go with you.
- I can't thank you enough, sir.
- No, I haven't done anything.
It was your tenacity that moved the heart of His Highness.
- Sir!
- My lord!
- How are things in Takahime-sama's mansion?
- Sir, I'm afraid to tell you that it didn't look very good.
- What about that man... Kyoshiro?
- Oh! Don't come closer!
Don't come closer!
- Now, run!
- Oh... you're bleeding!
- Uneme, It's not safe for you to be here. Go!
- Kyoshiro-sama! - Go!
- Fools! That won't work in the woods. Go attack him all at once!
- Sir! - Sir! - Sir!
- Wait, Akaza! Leave him to me! - No way!
- You're not healthy enough!
- I know! That's why I want to face him!
I've always wanted to challenge him, so even if I lose, I'll have no regrets!
- Then take this advice.
Attack him just before he starts to trace the circle!
That's the only chance you've got!
- What's wrong?
Trace your circle!
Trace it!
Slay me! Slay me!
- Lf you want to die, do it yourself!
- Your Full Moon Cut is a joke.
I won't attack until your sword finishes the circle!
You'll be defeated!
- Kyoshiro...!
Kyoshiro...!
Oh!
You're all right!
- Thank you.
- Why don't you... use your talents...
for the good of the nation?
- Help the Shogunate? No thanks.
- No, I'm just saying that you ought to live a stable life.
Besides, you shouldn't live in such a lonely manner.
Thanks to you, things are looking good for me.
So I was thinking that maybe you could...
- I understand. But we don't see things the same way.
If you start saying things like that,
I won't like you.
- Kyoshiro! Hey, wait! Kyoshiro!
Kyoshiro...!
THE END