Original subtitles

In the mountain village where they say, "If a flower blooms, I will tell you... The messenger came and saddled his horse

Kurama Mountain Uzuzakura

In the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate

One man aspired to boldly stand up and overthrow the Shogunate to build a new and peaceful Japan

People called him Kurama Tengu

Tea here! Come get your tea!

Would you like a cup of tea?

Fujikawa specialties Broiled Eel, Loach hot pot

Won't you have a cup?

Fujikawa specialties Broiled eel, loach hot pot

Would you like some?

Thief!

Get out of my way!

Thief!

Wait, you!

Customer, you're a detective, right?

Yeah

Are you going to let him go?

It's just a thief

Not worth my time

I'm after the big wigs

I won't get anything out of a cheap thief

Ugh

What?

Hey!

Give me back my wallet!

Your wallet?

What are you going on about?

Don't fool around

What are you doing?

Treating me like a thief!

Huh?

I've got something in mind if you don't give it back!

You slay me!

Mayumi-san!

Mayumi-san!

Sister!

Don't fret

It was this ruffian that stole my wallet, I'm sure!

What a treat!

Ah, what a treat Move it!

Why don't you search me?

Hey

Hey, young samurai, did you find your wallet?

Embarrassing me on such an auspiscious day!

How are you going make up for this?

Apologize!

Apologize!

Put your hands together and apologize!

Please allow me to apologize!

So please?

Oh that won't cut it Won't cut it at all!

How are you going to make up for this?

Young samurai

What are you going to do?

Hah? Hah?

Hey that hurts me, bastard

Ugh, it hurts

Is this your wallet?

Yes, it is

It is my wallet

Thank you

Thank you very much

It's nothing

If you'll let me

We have one request

Please tell us your name

My name is of no importance

Please tell us

We owe you

Your name

I'm Kurata

Lord Kurata

I didn't introduce myself

I'm Mayumi Murao

This is my sister

I'm Shiho

You two are visiting Ise?

No, we're going to Kyoto

Oh, to Kyoto?

We lost our parents at a young age We've be staying with the uncle, who is shogunal vassal We can't depend on him for food and lodging forever

So you want to make a living in the Kyoto?

Nowadays, everyone who has aspirations will go up to Kyoto. We also plan to try our luck

I pray you succeed

Yes, we will!

Hurry! The boat is leaving!

I'm in a hurry so I'll leave you

Thank you

Are you acquainted with that samurai?

Why?

That man now, What did he say his name was?

He said his name is Kurata

Kurata? I knew it!

Sir, the bill!

Damn! Damned Tengu!

One of these days I'll tie you to a rope!

Kyoto at the end of the Edo period There was great turmoil As the Shinsengumi hunted for masterless samurai

There's another one!

What a treat!

It's still empty?!

Hey, little one, help me out

Got get a small bucket

Hey, Shousuke-san

It doesn't hurt no matter how many bowls you eat

Hey Well, well, it'll be 12 Mon

12 Mon from everyone

Yes, 12 Mon and have some candy!

Thanks mister!

Hey hey, let's go!

Yes Thank you! Thank you!

It's the Shinsengumi!

The Shinsengumi is here!

It's the Mibu Ronin!

It's the Mibu Ronin!

We can't have that

Flee!

It's the Shinsengumi

What?

Master! Master!

Huh

On the orders of Lieutenant General Aizu We are the Shinsengumi

We will search your house.

Go!

Don't let Tengu escape!

Do not let Kurama Tengu to escape!

Ouch

Shinkou

You must be Kurama Tengu!

I don't like pointless slashing

Oh!

Don't you dare!

Not one more step!

Move aside!

Aoyama, what are you just standing there for?

Ah!

Men! This man is Kurama Tengu!

What?

Cut him down!

Cut him!

Master!

Go!

Wait!

Funabiki!

Funabiki!

Don't bother with me! Get Tengu!

I won't let you die like this!

Are you scared, Aoyama?

Hey, over here!

Yessir!

Master

Damned Tengu

Yet again

Yet again, he slips out of our hands

I am ashamed of myself.

How long are we going to let that damned Tengu get away

Recently, we received word that the Choshu clan was about to attack Kyoto with a large force.

What?

Ronin, hiding in Kyoto, are trying to fight alongside the Choshu clan in response to their plot.

Our immediate task is to extinguish them

In connection with this, there was a private offer from the Osaka castle governor to send a list of outlaw Ronin.

I must send a messenger to receive it

Leave that role to us, Shinsengumi

However, it seems that both Satsuma and Choshu are aware of that personal list

Please be very careful.

Darling

Darling

We will avenge you.

But your enemy is Kurama Tengu

Be it Kurama Tengu or a damned ogre Can anyone keep quiet after their husband is murdered?

Who is Kurama Tengu?

The Shinsengumi's arch-enemy

He's a hateful man who defends the outlaw Ronin!

Murao-san

Funabiki was an excellent man

Even though I was known as a completely worthless woman,

he took me as his wife.

But why were you taken out by Tengu

Oroku-san

Give me Funabiki's sword

Funabiki-san warmly welcomed us

I want to use this sword to avenge Mr. Funabiki's death.

Then

Murao-san, you'll avenge Funabiki?

Yes, I will.

Did you hear that?

Darling

Aoyama-san

Let me join Shinsengumi

How is your swordmanship?

At the Chiba Dojo in Otamagaike, I learned from Mr. Funabiki.

Have you killed a man before?

That is...

Dojo swordsmanship and serious competition are two different things

But if it's for the sake of a greater cause, I will kill without hesitation.

What's the matter?

Why are you crying?

Why are you crying?

We lost our hard earned money We can't go home because our master is angry

I see. That's a pity.

Lord Kurata, please stop this

If you pick up every single thing said by such people and play around with them,

Children are honest, but the adults pulling the strings behind the scenes may be the bad guys.

I see.

As you expect, I may get screwed.

But if those two children can be saved with a little money, isn't that great?

Take this and go

Go on, take it

Lord Kurata

Take care to get back safely

Shinkou

There are two Ichibu-Gold pieces

How did you get so much money?

You stole it, didn't you?

No, we didn't!

Then how did you get this?

In this recession, who would pay you a Ichibu-Gold even if you stood on your hands in a lion dance?

We were given that money

Who gave it to you?

A samurai with a black hood

Do you know his name?

The monk with us called him Mr. Kurata.

Kurata?

You're sure he was called Kurata?

So where did you meet that samurai?

In front of Shogetsu-in Temple

Kurata is Kurama Tengu's real name

Hey, it might be Sugisaku's highest achievement.

Otane,

From now

I will go to see Shinsengumi

You can gain Mr. Kondo's great favor.

Yes, I can.

Definitely!!

That man is the key to my future

Hold on tight and don't let go

Indeed.

Choshichi

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

What do you want?

Unfortunately, the priest is out now

It's nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Aren't you the Lion Dance performer from last night?

Yessir

Thank you for giving him a great deal of money yesterday.

To the stranger Kakubei, it is so nice of you.

I'm not worthy of such kind words.

Hayabusa no Choshichi as a purveyor to Shinsengumi.

How do you know?

Is that all you wanted?

Aa!

We won't allow you to escape today

You have cut down many of my people.

Okita-san, I do not want to kill.

Because that is my destiny, I have no choice but to kill

The same to us

Ahhh!

Ah!

Uncle, watch out!

No!

Yah!

Uu!! Uuh! Hiya!

Tani-san You're very enthusiastic

I also wanted to join the Tengu attack.

Gah!

Oh

Did you kill Tengu?

We were so close to defeating him, but we failed because of this little boy.

Choshichi

Is he your kid?

No!

He's the perfect size for blade sharpening.

Yeah

Serve him justice?

Hey!

Why did you bite off more than you can chew？

Spit it out

Hey! Hey! Choshichi!

He's still a child

Okita-san, speak quietly.

You're too easy on the kid Spit it out! Hey!

Hey! Spit it out!

Spit it out! Hey!

Headstrong little punk!

Spit. It. Out!

Wait, wait

Why are you butting in?

Don't be stubborn

Why are you butting in?

That samurai is a kind man.

He helped us when we lost our money

So, So, I...

Choshichi

Hey

Despite being raised by a man like you

I am amazed that this little boy lives an honest life.

Being a child, he is admirable in his heart of giving up his life to save his benefactor without forgetting that he has received a small favor.

Choshichi

Yessir

You take care of him and learn from him, too

Yes

Yes

I'm sorry

How dare you made me lose face.

I'm sorry boss!

Please let me go

Let you go?!

I'm sorry, boss!

Let my bro go

I still won't forgive you!

Please let him go

You brat

It is unworthy of a grown man.

You're too noisy

Stop it

If Kondo-han finds out, won't he just get more and more angry?

Kondo?

He's just an upstart

As an upstart, Kondo Han is worthwhile

You praise Kondo-san so much. Do you like him?

Why not!

Kondo-han can buy as many kimonos and obis as I like.

What are you saying?

It's turbulent times now

I don't know when Kondo will come to an end.

Who's there?

Show yourself

Ah!

K-Kurama Tengu

Choshichi

I came by to say thanks for this afternoon

Spare my life

Ah!!

I never said I'd take your life

Ah!!

Please forgive me!

Harass an innocent child It's unforgivable

I apologize!

I did an evil deed

You too! Apologize, quick!

I can't leave little ones in the hands of people like you

I'll take over from here

Ah!

Well, then

Huh? It's the candy seller

Aren't you the young Lion Dance performers from that time?

Is Saigo-san there?

Uh, yes

Hey, what's up?

I've come because I need a favor

A favor? What is it?

I want you to take care of some kids

Huh?

Your kids?

Yes

Can you take care of them?

Yes

I'll take them

I can't say no when you ask me to.

Heh heh heh

You hungry?

Oh Kichibei-don

Please feed the children. They look tired.

Alright, dig in

Uncle wasn't a candy seller?

No

You may not be able to imagine it from me now, but I was a well-known big thief in the past.

A thief?

Well, don't be afraid

That's...uh...

But now I have washed my hands of a thief, and am assisting Mr. Kurata.

So uncle is also a loyal Ronin?

Uhhh.... Well, in a way

まあいいから食え ほれ Anyways, eat up, look

It's sour

Sour? It's delicious

I pickled it myself, look

Sour, sour, umeboshi

You have a good face

Want another one?

Kurata-san

Do you know there's a personal list of Ronin?

No, first I've heard of it

In the list, there are detailed descriptions of the appearances, characteristics, and whereabouts of many ronin.

If Shinsengumi gets this list

all the Ronin in hiding are cut down and the overthrow of the shogunate is impossible.

The personal list is now in the hands of the Osaka governor. It will soon be handed over to Kyoto governor.

We must at all costs stop this book from being handed to him.

Understood.

I will accept that role

That's a dangerous role

You probably won't come back alive

In that case, please take care the children

Understood.

It is a gentleman's promise

It's finally getting to be dangerous

Kurama Tengu in the Satsuma mansion?

Yes

They are fully aware of the personal list.

I have to be careful about receiving it from Osaka governor.

It looks like Tengu will be coming out

If we're lucky, we might be able to kill him

I would ask Snjuro Tani to play a role.

And Juzo Haraki as well.

One of these two samurai is the decoy.

Follow the waterway Do be careful.

Yes

Good work

Yes

Uwah! Oh!

Haraki-san, were you assaulted?

I, Jyuzo Haraki, have been asked to serve as your messenger, but I am sorry that I could not fulfill my duty.

Tell me more

Wait

Wait, wait

Go to Osaka castle as soon as possible

But, I don't think we'll make it in time

Master

You'll make it with time to spare

A messenger from Kyoto Governor I'm Juzo Haraki from Shinsengumi

Once again

I am a messenger from Kyoto Governor, Shinsengumi Juzo Haraki.

It took a lot of money and manpower to get to that point.

How do you think?

As long as you have that, you can exterminate the Ronin like scooping fish out of a bucket.

Kurama Tengu's real name is unknown

We, the Shinsengumi, are having a hard time dealing with this man who calls himself Kurata

Understood.

That guy named Kurama Tengu appeared out of nowhere and we searched for everything, but we couldn't figure out his background or anything at all about him

By the way, do you have a copy of this personal list?

No, the copies are to be made by the Kyoto office.

Please treat it with care

Understood

I would like to say

Yes?

Your Highness, the homing pigeon has just arrived.

It's an urgent messange

Now you know who really I am.

Don't make a fuss

I will take this personal list as a souvenir to Kyoto.

Would you like to pass me the letter in your pocket?

Your life is in my hands

Will you accompany me outside the castle?

Stand up

Now

Intruder!

Guards! Guards!

You damned Tengu, don't let him escape

You!

Uh!

You!

Master

Hurry! Hurry!

Don't let him get away!

Shoot! Shoot! Hurry! Shoot!

Your Highness,

We killed the intruder

Really?

Yessir

But, that man, Kurama Tengu

You sure are wet

Yeah, I really got it

Thank you for your kindness.

Aren't you Kurata-san?

Did you forget?

I'm Murao, you helped me at Fujikawa-shuku on the Tokaido trail.

Ah! From that time!

Did you achieve your wish?

I have managed to reach the starting point.

Is that so?

It seems that your face has somehow become splendid

Not at all

Will you drop by our house?

It's just a short way

I see.

I'll take you up on that.

どうぞ Welcome

Welcome

Welcome

Ah

Welcome, Welcome

It's the 2nd floor

It's me, Murao

Oh? A guest?

How unusual

It's a man who I have been very indebted to in the past.

I'm just a boarder so I can't offer much, but welcome

Shinsengumi was the gateway to your aspirations, right?

Yes

Right now, I'm still a newcomer, but I'm sure I'll make a big name for myself sooner or later.

Please do well

I will

But it's best not to rush too much

No, I can't take it easy

Director Kondo is also watching out for me.

I think director Kondo wants me to kill Kurama Tengu

Kurama Tengu is a pretty tough guy.

Murao-san, could you

Yes?

I'm sorry for troubling you

It's nothing

Murao-san, I'm going out for a bit

Please, by all means

Make yourself at home

I will

Kurata-san, this is a continuation of what I said earlier

no matter how Kurama Tengu is tough,

He must have a weak point

No, I don't think you should do this

For what reason?

I have also killed people, but I will never forget the face of the people I kill, even after many years have passed.

It's a terrifying form of regret

If possible, it is better not to kill people

I understand what you're saying

However

I vowed to kill Tengu

It looks like it stopped raining

I'll eat

Excusme, but what did you say your first name was?

Why do you suddenly ask for my first name?

No

You can't be

It's by my big sister.

It's good, isn't it?

Sorry for suddenly asking something so strange

It was my mistake

Well

Elder sister Do you remember this man?

As if I could ever forget him It's Lord Kurata

Lord Kurata, Thank you for your help the other day.

Elder Sister, why are you red for?

I'm not red!

Huh

We owe you a lot.

This

Elder Sister

Kurata-san Please speak with my sister

I've got errands Excuse me

Errands?

Yes

I'm going to kill a man called Katsura

Katsura?

Katsura Kogoro of Choshu

Kurata-san, you probably know that the Choshu army was recently defeated by the Shogunate forces and retreated to the province.

Yes, I know

The Choshu clan is in a position to be strictly discreet.

Despite this, Katsura hides in Kyoto and continues his disturbing activities.

I must kill him

I'm going to change

Recently, my brother has been saying things like slash or kill.

I can't stay too long

Please play the koto again another day.

Well then

The weather makes it easier to work

Well then

That was fast

Director, Katsura was not there

What do you mean?

It means that they understood our movement.

It's really strange how you found out

It's nothing strange.

The one who let Katsura escape is Kurama Tengu

What?

Why did you want him to attack Katsura?

There is a person in the corps who communicates with Tengu.

Haha!

Who is it?

I'll tell you n-now!

Uhm... ha ha ha

This, this man!

Murao-san didn't know that he was Kurama Tengu.

I'll be honest

There was a moment in my heart too when I doubted that it was Kurama Tengu.

It's my ignorance that I didn't pursue it deeply

It can't be helped no matter what people suspect

Murao I believe that there is not a single cloud in your heart.

However, carelessly leaking the secrets of the corps is an unforgivable blunder

Are you ready to take the blame and commit suicide?

I am

Yeah, with that determination, you will kill Kurama Tengu.

Director

Led by Choshichi

(Sutras Chanting)

Yaaa

(Sutras Chanting)

Tea

(Sutras Chanting)

(Sutras Chanting)

Dah!

Ahhh!

(Sutras Chanting)

Tah!

Don't waste your life!

Yah!

Murao, what are you afraid of?

C-c-cold

Even the wind has come out

It's cold, shut the door

Aww

Can't you find the Tengu today?

That damned Tengu slithered away somewhere

There's no sign of him

Dumbass

Kurama Tengu would never leave a clue.

Would you pour me some sake?

Ah, when we're together, you promise me that you'll let me live in luxury You're just talk

That hurts

Far from being luxurious, I can't ring in the new year properly anymore

If at least Sugisaku and Shinkichi were here

Tengu took our two kids, Lion Dance performers.

Very bad

I will leave no stone unturned to wreak vengeance.

You're all talk again

I'm watching now

(Sutras Chanting)

Yamazato's messenger is coming

(Sutras Chanting)

Saddle a horse

Cherry Blossams in Mt. Kurama

hand-folded branches guide you

where you can enjoy full bloom

Katsura-san, it's snowing

That's tough, isn't it?

The snow responds to the body running around

The shogunate is finally about to launch an army to expedite Choshu.

If we leave this alone, we'll be in big trouble

I will persuade the Imperial Court to somehow avoid this war.

Mr. Kurata, will you go to Choshu and control the radicals so that they don't act carelessly?

Kurata-san

I'm not saying this only for Choshu's sake.

If the Shogunate and Choshu fight and fall together while the Western powers are approaching, it will be a repeat of the Qing Dynasty's failure.

Before the overthrow of the shogunate, Japan would become a vassal state of England or France.

Useless wars must be avoided

Not a drop of blood should be spilled for nothing.

Can I ask you a favour?

Will you be a messenger to Choshu?

But can I perform such an important duty?

I strongly believe only you can play this important role.

Does it have to be me?

Yes

There is Shinsaku Takasugi in the country

There are great talents, though rough around the edges.

A mere messenger can't hold back these guys.

If there's anything that can hold them back It's nothing but life-threatening enthusiasm and spirit

Kurata-san, you have it

If it's you, you'll definitely do it for Japan I believe it

Understood.

We leave for Choshu

Would you accept this task?

Murao Mayumi-san

Will you go home without killing me?

I used to think you were a bad boy

However, that was my misunderstanding

You understand, don't you?

I don't want to cross swords with you

That's why we wanted you to know our true intentions.

It snows more heavily.

Take this and go

I wonder who it is

No, just a minute

What do you intend to do? Reading that book

He is really a person of good character

It's a pity to doubt him

That won't do

If Murao is overwhelmed with boring ideas, even I, who recommended him to the corps, could be held responsible.

It's Murao

Elder Sister

Elder Sister, that man is a good man afterall

Mayumi-san

Who are you talking about?

Kurata-san

Lord Kurata Did you see Lord Kurata?

Yes

Elder Sister

Funabiki-san's revenge is over

What's going on, all the sudden?

That person is not an opponent that I can compete with.

I guess you finally understand

I'm sorry to Oroku-san

I've always believed that Kurata-sama had a righteous heart

There are still many things I want to know

Do you mind if I bother you again tomorrow night?

Don't worry about it

Listening to Mr. Kurata's story gave me a little insight into the world

Somehow I feel like the way I should go is opening up

Then

Did I meet you once at the Satsuma mansion?

Why are you targeting me?

On Gion Festival day,

You killed a member of Shinsengumi named Funabiki, didn't you?

I don't know his name, but I do remember that I killed someone.

I'm his wife

I will avenge him, be prepared!

Kichibei, let her go

But master

It's only natural that she hates me

Let her do as she pleases

Yes

I won't run away or hide

It's dangerous, so go away

Uncle why is this man so angry with you?

It's because I did something bad

Bad? Uncle did something bad?

Sister Did uncle do something bad?

Sugisaku now go to sleep

You can have a cup of tea, if needed

Come on, go to sleep, go go

Now that I am in the middle of overthrowing the shogunate, I cannot afford to be killed so easily

Uncle Tengu isn't a bad man.

Because Shinsengumi also kills a lot of people.

Isn't it the same?

Shinsengumi is chasing him, so he has no choice but to kill people

Sugisaku, you shouldn't trouble that lady

Now go to sleep

Yes, uncle

Good night, sister

Hey, hey, it's a fire

Sister, here you are

Why won't you try eating?

Isn't it okay for enemies to eat at least one meal?

Sister is embarrassed

Huh?

It's embarrassing to eat in front of others

That's true? sister

What's wrong sister?

Tell me, what's the matter?

Why are you crying?

Sugisaku, leave her alone

There are times when a woman can't live without crying from the bottom of her heart

Sugisaku, come here and eat quickly

Hiya! Hey! Stand up

Hey Choshichi

It's been a long time.

While I am trying to get Tengu's whereabouts,

time has passed so quickly

Choshichi

Hang out with me tonight

Huh?

Where are you going late at night?

None of your business

I already knew that you are meeting with Tengu many times.

Why don't you show us to Tengu, Murao?

I cannot

He trusts me

Traitor!

Don't you know the law in our office?

You don't seem to know

Murao, you haven't changed your mind yet, have you?

Oh

Are you going to break our rules?

Master, there's no need to worry

Murao-san must have some errands.

He'll be here soon.

No, he is late.

I am alright.

Yes, I'm alright

I w-won't

I won't die

Is it worth dying for such a silly thing?

My poor Elder Sister

Elder Sister

Elder Sister

Ah! Ah!

(Chanting sutras)

Mayumi used to say

(Chanting sutras)

Lord Kurata

Why why this?

Mayum-san

Why?

It seems that he was surrounded by a large number of people and fought hard

He has wounds all over his body

Mayumi-san

Mayumi-san

Oroku

Why didn't you tell me where Tengu was, even though you knew it?

Oroku

Why?

Did you fall in love with Tengu?

Murao-san was badly injured

Murao betrayed his squad

Disposing of him is unavoidable

Oroku

I put everything on the Shogunate

I will win no matter what it takes

For that reason, even a slight compromise is not permitted.

Tell Tengu, "I'll be waiting for you at the five-storied pagoda of To-ji Temple at noon tomorrow."

Let's go

Don't hesitate

Taah

Hiya

A letter of challenge?

What the hell is this?

I'm sorry

Please endure it

Uncle

Sugisaku, wait, don't go

What the hell are you thinking?

Even though master has to leave now

There's not a man in the world like that

Uncle! Uncle!

Uncle! Uncle!

Kondo-san is to fight a duel?

Mr. Aoyama, now is the perfect time to distinguish yourself.

It would be a shame if you don't help Kondo-san first and take credit for his victory

Alright

Uncle! Uncle!

Uncle!

Uncle!

Kondo-san

Let's leave it at that for today

I have urgent business

Wait! Wait! Wait!

Do not interfere

Director

Director

Do not interfere

This is an authentic match between just the two of us

Director

Yah!

Aoyama-san

Don't touch him

Master

Kondo-san, there'll be other matches

I've been waiting for this

I'm in a hurry

Sugisaku I'll go ahead and wait for you

Yessir

Uncle

Kichibei

Please take care of Sugisaku

I'm glad you survived

Kurama Tengu continues to ride his beloved horse towards the sunrise in Japan