Original subtitles

Toei Co., Ltd.

Shibuya Fire Department

Iwata Hospital

Hello, this is Iikura.

Oh, Auntie?

What?

Kyoko?

She took sleeping pills.

I heard unusual sounds, so I went inside.

Oh yes...

...she had this by her pillow.

To Mr. Susumu Iikura

"Now that our love has been broken, I have no reason to continue living."

"I will depart."

"Goodbye. Kyoko"

Was it I who drove Kyoko to her death?

No. It can't be.

I love Kyoko.

But Kyoko...

...said that our love had been broken.

Somewhere things went awry for us.

What went wrong?

From the depths of my brain, as I questioned myself

there suddenly arose dormant memories.

It was back when I was a student. When I returned to my homeland

for my mother's funeral.

Here, at the family temple

I found a record of our ancestors.

Old writings passed down in our family.

I couldn't believe it. Was this truly the history of our family?

It was full of the most cruel atrocities.

CRUEL TALES OF BUSHIDO

Produced by Hiroshi Okawa

Cast:

Kinnosuke Nakamura

Satomi Oka Kyoko Kishida

Misako Watanabe Yoshiko Mita

Ineko Arima Masayuki Mori

Directed by Tadashi Imai

It began by saying that after the fall of his clan in the battle of Sekigahara...

our ancestor Hidekiyo Jirozaemon Iikura, now a ronin

obtained a position in Shinshu Province

with Shikibu Hori, the Court Minister of Yazaki.

May 5th, 1610

Hidekiyo Jirozaemon Iikura pledges his allegiance

to the noble minister

the Lord Hori.

You are to be congratulated

as you have now become a vassal of the Yazaki fief.

In recognition of your skill with the spear

His Lordship has rescued you.

Never forget the debt you owe him.

You, and also your sons and grandsons...

will continue to serve His Lordship.

With all your might, with sincerity and loyalty

in your public duties for the rest of your lives.

27 years later, 1637

"I helped suppress the Shimabara rebellion."

In the following year, January, 21st

Night attack by the Shimabara forces!

Attack!

Attack!

You lousy peasant.

Lord Kuroda's mansion is on fire!

Put it out! It must be contained no matter what. Go!

- Yes sir. - Hurry! Hurry!

We were starving them out. They had nothing left to eat.

You were warned that they would attack at night.

Why did you not listen?

The mission has failed.

Your negligence allowed them to set fires.

Not only that, the fire jumped to Lord Kuroda's camp.

How do you intend to make reparations?

Get out of here, and give it serious thought.

Chilly, isn't it?

The leaders are talking, but nothing's getting resolved.

It's a critical juncture for the clan. It's understandable.

If something happens to the clan, what will become of us?

We have no choice.

We must assault Harajo Castle tonight.

How strong can starving peasants be?

We would redeem ourselves if we seized the castle.

Sure, if we can seize the castle.

But if we fail,

we'll be court-martialed for disturbing the camp.

You got a better idea?

I don't.

Get up! Officer, Lord Kahei Asai is here!

Reporting! Officer, Lord Kahei Asai is here!

The man called Jirozaemon Iikura, is he a member of your clan?

Uhh... Yes.

Indeed... he's one of my vassals.

This man who cut his own belly had a letter with him.

Read it well.

Yes sir.

Here.

"The events that have earned the ire of His Lordship Shikibu-no-sho..."

"...are all consequences of my errors."

"My tactical errors have imposed annoyances...

"... for which I must apologize with the entirety of my being."

"Please do not visit any punishment upon Court Minister Lord Shikibu."

"For this, with my death, I implore you."

The decree!

Though these errors should be unpardonable...

Lord Matsudaira Izu-no-kami, impressed by your clan minister's actions

...has decided to forbear punishment.

Receive this decree with gratitude.

Yes sir.

Lord!

Ensure that all of Jirozaemon's family is well treated.

Yes sir.

It is clear that,

in an attempt to save his master, Jirozaemon gave up his life.

However, did he do it because of his sense of indebtedness to his master

for having saved him from becoming a ronin?

Or did he sacrifice himself, knowing he did not have long to live,

for the sake of his son, Sajiemon?

We cannot infer his intent from the chronicle.

Three years after the revolt.

Sajiemon was employed as a page.

In his chronicle, he says that he was proud to be His Lord's attendant.

In his unassuming literary style,

I saw an expression of his earnestness and sincerity.

However...

The meal is ready.

I don't want to eat.

You mustn't say that. Your condition will get worse.

Please, at least a morsel or two.

You still cannot?

It must be because you're not feeling well.

You needn't worry.

Might you have a fever?

I will get the physician immediately.

I said you needn't worry.

If the physician examines you, you will feel better.

Let me go get him.

Enough!

Please forgive me.

Sajiemon. I suggest you leave and await his recovery.

Please pardon my obduracy.

Please pardon me!

We'll deal with you later. Now get out!

Yes sir.

The chronicle says that his service was not considered satisfactory.

He was punished...

and the family stipend granted

for the loyalty of his father was revoked.

Don't cry.

Come on now, don't cry.

Your grandfather earned us our family stipend...

...and your father lost it.

You too will have to experience the shame.

Please don't think of me as a bad father.

Yasu, that you?

Yes.

Alright, alright.

You know, Kyunosuke...

your father is a loyal samurai.

You too, when you grow up...

...must also be a loyal samurai like your father. Alright?

Yasu.

You must never blame His Lordship.

I know that.

His illness caused him to lose his temper.

But it has already been a month.

I hope that he is recovering.

Master! His Lordship is in critical condition!

What?

I, Genzaburo Tagawa, implore you.

You have given me your trust and compassion.

Please...

Let me go with you.

Me too. I beg for your permission.

Everyone, our Lord has fallen critically ill.

The gods and buddhas will help our Lord.

But nonetheless, all of you must unite in prayer.

If our Lord were to pass away,

...many of his retainers will follow him into death.

Why's that, Gramps?

For the samurai, it's what they call "loyalty".

When the previous Lord passed away, forty retainers slit their stomachs

...and killed themselves.

It was an outstanding gesture, you know.

Do not stop me.

I, Sajiemon, have been favored by him.

I must beg him to let me follow him in death.

Otherwise, I'll be a laughingstock for the rest of my life.

I understand how you feel, but you are currently under house arrest.

If you step out, you might incur more punishment. Please reconsider.

Master!

Our Lord... Our Lord has passed away.

I was too late...

September 27th

Chamberlain Mizaemon Kitazawa commits suicide.

in the main hall of Myohon-ji Temple.

September 29th

Page Genzaburo Tagawa commits suicide.

September 30th

Lower Page Masanoshin Yoko commits suicide.

Sir Ichioka has gone, too?

Yes... and Sir Maebashi, the keeper of the horses, near Jiman-ji Temple.

Reporting. Sir Takenoshin Terada...

...has killed himself in the main hall of Sogen-ji Temple.

Sir Terada too?

Thank you both.

Dear.

Dear.

Do not overreact, Yasu.

You are the wife of a samurai. It shouldn't surprise you.

I must pursue our Lord,

before my colleagues catch up.

Ask Gohei...

to help me.

Gohei, I'm counting on you.

He completed the act, splendidly.

Over the next 30 years, nothing noteworthy happened.

It became the Genroku period.

From here on...

I will have to imagine some of what happened.

Though the writings were simple,

what they conveyed gradually became more bizarre.

Without filling in the gaps, it is impossible to understand what happened.

The chronicles of Tomoyuki Kyutaro, son of Kyunosuke, begin...

when he was attending school in Edo.

The Lord at the time was Munemasa Tanba-no-kami

who was on official duty, residing in Edo.

Lady Hagi of the lower mansion has arrived to express her congratulations.

Happily, His Lordship's day of birth has arrived.

I, Hagi, express my congratulations.

Her Ladyship is also in good spirits.

I, Hagi, express my joy for it.

Are you being sarcastic?

Are you saying that I, who has lost our Lord's loving favor

...am in good spirits?

You too are in the same boat as I.

His Lordship does not come around lately.

You must be quite lonely.

Thank you for coming.

Sir Iikura.

Students of the Shoheizaka Academy have arrived from the lower mansion.

They wish to express their congratulations.

Fine. Let them in.

Very well.

You may raise your faces.

What do you say... is academics fun?

- Yes. - Yes.

What are you studying now?

We have just started on a book of poetry.

What is your name?

Kyutaro Iikura.

Oh, please be careful. Please hold on to my shoulder.

Don't worry, don't worry.

Please be careful.

Too much excess will ruin your health.

The duty of a Lord being...

to spend his days in drinking and idleness. Nothing more.

Then the Shogunate authorities won't be suspicious.

And none of you will end up without a master.

Who is Kyutaro Iikura?

That would be me.

Ah... Our Lord has summoned you.

Huh? Our Lord?

Come immediately.

Yes.

Alright. I'll leave him with you.

Go on.

Yes.

Our Lord is too much.

He is always making me prepare these pretty boys for him.

Your Ladyship?

I was grumbling.

Our Lord has favored me three years ago.

And here I was thinking that I was resigned to everything.

Forgive me.

...he's not interested in me, is he?

When you are well prepared...

...you will be going to our Lord's bedroom.

To his bedroom?

I have brought the one you have summoned.

You may go now.

Yes.

Come here.

Go to His Highness.

Go.

Hagi, burn aloe incense.

Yes.

Kyutaro, was it?

You needn't hesitate.

Come here and loosen my shoulders.

What are you doing? I'm telling you to come here.

Yes.

Your hands are so white.

I, Hagi, will now be leaving.

What are you doing?

Your hand... please let go...

Pleast let go.

You cheerless thing, you.

Please forgive me!

What is the matter?

You...

You have received our Lord's loving affection. Are you not happy?

You are now his beloved page.

You are now the envy of everyone, do you not know that?

Does that...

...make you sad?

It does not make me happy.

The Chronicle entry for that day had only one line.

"Loyalty".

Nothing else.

Whether it's studying academics, or serving by my side in this way...

...they are both ways to be loyal to me.

Both express your loyalty, but this is more fun, is it not?

May 20th,

Appointed as a page on this evening, I received a short sleeve kimono.

Listen to me, Kyutaro. You are dear to me.

You must never open your heart to women.

May 24th

On this evening, I received a silk vest.

Kyutaro, I am giving you my underwear.

May 26th

On this evening, I received his underwear.

You can relax now.

It's splendid.

- Can you all understand my painting? - Yes.

Even the greatest artists would be astounded by this work.

I said you can relax now.

Oh, please be careful.

Do not be concerned.

I got a little dizzy.

Your face is looking pale.

Thank you for caring. But you needn't worry.

Come on. Let's both go and have a look.

Oh no!

Why did you do that?

This painting got too infused with the lustful thoughts of you two.

Please forgive me!

I, Kyutaro, do not have such wayward thoughts.

You can't tell me that you don't. I saw how you were looking at Hagi.

That was no ordinary look.

You can fool others, but you can't fool me.

I repeatedly warned you not to open your heart to women.

I am sorry to hear you say that. I have never had such feelings.

You stubborn liar!

Kyutaro, did that hurt?

Forgive me, that was wrong of me.

Your concern for me is undeserved.

I will never doubt you again.

But in return...

...you must never trample on my heart again.

Let us make an oath.

As long as my teeth marks remain on your wrist...

...you will not entrust yourself to a woman.

Your Lordship. I, Kyutaro, have arrived.

My Lady.

Are you alone?

Yes.

Our Lord commanded me to come here.

I too was summoned here by our Lord.

Do not keep kneeling there, do come inside.

Yes.

What is the matter?

Lady Hagi, I have a message for you and Sir Kyutaro.

Our Lord has gone to the upper mansion on urgent business.

He desires you to wait here until he returns.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Our Lord is as whimsical as ever.

My lady.

I will come back later.

Wait, Kyutaro. Stay here.

Yes.

Being alone makes me forlorn.

Yes.

You know, Kyutaro...

I was raised in a townhome here in Edo.

I know nothing of your province.

I hear the snow is deep there.

Yes.

Kyutaro, what kinds of things did you do for fun?

Well...

We couldn't wait for spring...

...so we'd dig up the snow til the soil showed.

Then we'd spin tops, and so on.

How you must have been when you were a child...

I can almost picture it.

Your family must be quite pleased with your promotion here.

What is the matter?

No, it is nothing.

You need not hold back.

Do tell me everything.

My lady.

Why...

Why does he not have affection for you...?

...for someone so beautiful?

I cannot understand

our Lord's feelings.

Kyutaro...

Do you truly think of me in that way?

Kyutaro.

The words you have just spoken have made me, Hagi, happy.

My lady...

I was remiss.

I will light the fire.

What is that mark?

Oh, it is nothing.

Kyutaro. Look.

The same teeth marks that you have.

And on the breast as well, a woman's pride.

Your Ladyship.

You too...

...and me too...

How unfortunate can we be?

My lady.

I, Kyutaro...

...adore you.

Kyutaro.

So you will die to make atonement?

That would be good.

Me too, by your hands...

Let us die together.

My lady.

You must not die.

It's been a long time since I've had such a diversion.

Kyutaro.

You have trampled on my heart.

I said you must not die.

You have broken the oath. You will face the consequences.

Your life will become a living hell.

I will pass judgment later.

Take him to jail.

Kyutaro.

Show me your face, even if only a glimpse.

Kyutaro Iikura.

We have been ordered to castrate you.

What?

You will cease to be a man.

What?

Do not resist!

Stop! Please wait!

- What are you doing? - Do not resist!

Do not move.

Kyutaro.

I implore you...

I implore you for permission to die.

You may not. I will not permit you suicide.

Until your natural death comes, you must endure life.

Hagi, I am giving you to Kyutaro.

Live long and intimately together.

How grateful I am. So grateful!

That I may welcome Lady Hagi, who has received our Lord's affection.

This is too good to be true.

I would have never imagined that this might happen.

Kyutaro, you must take good care of her or else we will suffer divine punishment.

This very evening, I will boil some red rice.

I must invite our relatives over in the morning.

How grateful I am.

So grateful.

What is the matter?

It moved.

Your child moved.

My child?

To think that we could have a baby...

Lady Hagi...

When the baby is born, we shall raise the child in an upstanding way.

The child shall wash away our sins.

Kyutaro...

Kyutaro died at the young age of twenty-five.

Masanoshin, his son, carried on the family name.

We move now to the Tenmei period.

The nation suffered many calamitous natural disasters during this time.

July 1783

There was the great eruption at Mount Asama.

The farmers labored under the yoke of oppressive taxation.

The head of the Iikura clan at the time was Shuzo.

...and his Lord was Court Minister Yasutaka Hori.

It has been decided that we will be holding a dedication tournament.

His Lordship is looking forward to the event.

Let the each of you display the skills you have polished through long practice.

Yes sir.

Winner: Kazuma Noda.

End of bout.

It is rumored that you have mastered the great sword of darkness.

This is a good opportunity.

Please demonstrate for His Lordship.

If your Lordship asks to see it,

I shall obey.

Shuzo Iikura shall now display the great sword of darkness.

Both his eyes will be blindfolded, he will be in true darkness

as he strikes at the votive tablet.

If he succeeds in cutting the left and right sides with perfect symmetry,

I pray that it will delight you.

Dismount

Splendidly, they are of equal measure.

I shall reward you. Come hither.

Father and brother Noda, my congratulations!

You too, come over here and take a seat.

Yes.

Dear, congratulations for today.

That's enough, I did nothing to deserve so much praise from everyone.

Sir Kazuma, you too. My sincere congratulations.

Thank you very much.

The credit is all yours, sir.

Not at all!

Sato, pour sake for Sir Kazuma.

Yes.

Say Maki,

I think these two should marry in march next spring.

Indeed.

If it would please Sir Kazuma, then it shall be done.

Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Well...

It's bitter.

I hear that vegetables haven't grown at all since the ashes of Asama fell.

It might not be to your liking, but please endure it.

Come to think of it, some three months have passed without any rain.

The farmers must be in distress.

What? The farmers have made a direct appeal?

Yes. Last evening, they accosted Lord Tanuma, the Elder, at his own gate.

They made their direct appeal to him...

...and he not only accepted their petition, but admitted them onto the grounds.

What? He let farmers into his mansion?

Yes. And that is not all.

That night, a message from Lord Tanuma arrived at the fief's upper Edo mansion...

...obliquely warning that an unfit ruler of a fief might easily be punished.

Splendid.

Your skill has improved to an even higher level.

Next.

- My lord, it is an emergency. - Do not disturb me.

We have no option but to offer a bribe.

As we all know, our fief is in financial distress.

It is whispered that Lord Tanuma weighs the size of the bribe...

...when making governmental decisions.

But our fief does not have that kind of money.

Nonetheless, if we do nothing and if Lord Tanuma maligns us to the Shogunate,

...then we will assuredly be crushed.

I have an idea.

Your presence at my humble abode, Chief Retainer, is most auspicious.

I, Shuzo, am honored.

Please.

I will proclaim the command.

Yes sir.

As a gift from our fief to Lord Okitomo Tanuma

your daughter Sato is to be immediately sent to Edo.

Let it be received with gratitude.

She will receive the loving affection of Lord Tanuma, whose authority is unrivaled.

There is no greater success for one born a woman.

This is for the sake of the fief. It is also for the honor of the Iikura Clan.

You have no objection, I assume?

Shuzo. What is the matter?

This is a direct order.

I am grateful and happy for it.

I receive it...

...with joy.

Is that you, Maki?

Dear.

About Sato.

I want to talk to you...

Sato is my daughter.

I will do with her as I please.

Your daughter, who is still young...

...do you not feel pity for her?

I will not permit you to interfere.

Maki...

Until the day she leaves for Edo...

...let Sato do as she pleases.

So this is the gift from Shinshu Province?

Yes.

Kyoto Doll

Quite an elaborate setup for a bumpkin daimyo.

Good.

I like it.

Are you from the Yazaki Fief in Shinshu?

Yes. I am Edo Chief Retainer, Yasuzaemon Hori...

and this is the local Fief Retainer, Shuzo Iikura.

He is very pleased with your gift of the Kyoto doll.

Splendid.

He said: "It almost looks alive".

We are grateful and happy.

Hence, he has said...

...that you should take those five farmers back with you.

The delivery of the petition was an unpardonable crime.

But if we punish them severely, it will sow resentment with the farmers.

In such circumstances, we cannot predict what might happen.

We implore you to show leniency toward them.

Kondo.

What do you think?

In such a circumstance,

...instead of showing leniency and weakness, we should make an example of them,

so that they will never take such an action again.

What do you propose?

The forest at Yazaki should make a good site for the executions.

And the method should be sawing.

By sawing, you say?

Interesting. Make the preparations at once.

Please have mercy!

Please spare them!

- Please, we implore you! - Please!

Begin.

Please, we implore you!

Please stop this!

Chief!

Jiheizo!

Stop this!

Stop!

Silence! How dare you show impertinence to your Lord?

Be silent! Be silent!

We shall now begin the executions.

Begin.

Murderers!

You are all demons!

Murderers!

Brute beasts!

Be silent!

From now on, anyone who yells...

...will have to perform the sawing with their own hands.

Do you understand?

Begin.

Stop it! Is this what our Fief Lord does?

He whose family we have served all these generations?

You, come here.

Come here.

Do it.

I'll kill you.

Your family has been truly helpful.

So many vegetables.

How glad my husband will be when he sees them.

Mother, I cannot hold them any longer.

Young master, I will carry them now.

You don't have to.

What a wimpy boy you are. Come on, we only have a little further to go.

You can endure.

Mother... why won't the local farmers

...sell us food?

Because of the famine, they cannot harvest very much.

But they are selling to all the other families.

The farmers have the wrong idea about your father.

That's why they won't sell to us.

But you mustn't say anything about this to your father.

There. Isn't that the Lord?

Raise your face.

Whose wife are you?

I am the wife of Shuzo Iikura.

A pretty wife, isn't she?

After all, she's the mother of the daughter that captured Lord Tanuma.

You always jeer at my taste for young girls.

The true flavor of a woman does not ripen until she is over 30.

- Hey, Kondo. - Yes?

I want her to entertain me.

How very passionate of you.

- Summon her to the castle. - Yes sir.

Our Lord is deeply impressed by your dutiful service.

He is of the opinion that it must be because you have a good wife.

Hence, he desires that your wife would serve him tea, for his relaxation.

How grateful I am, it is more than I could ever wish for.

But there is no time to prepare today. How about first thing tomorrow?

No, that's alright.

Our Lord has provided a palanquin.

If she were not to come, who knows what punishment might be incurred?

Well then, let's go.

He has honored us with his invitation. How can we decline?

Go and be careful to make no blunders.

Yes.

I will get ready.

Please wait a short while.

Are you going to the castle, Mother?

I sure wish I could go too.

She's so late.

What is Mother doing?

You should go to bed.

Oh, it's Mother.

Master.

The Chief Retainer is here.

What? The Chief Retainer?

Please tell me.

Why are you here at this time of the night? Has something happened?

Maki.

What happened?

Maki.

Maki.

Chief Retainer... What happened?

Why?

What happened?

Come to His Lordship's bedroom.

What did you say?

Come to His Lordship's bedroom.

What are you saying?

I am the wife of Shuzo Iikura.

Our Lord has commanded it.

Get changed, immediately.

My...

My daughter Sato...

was sent to Edo, to receive Lord Tanuma's affection.

Why must I be called too?

You shall not disobey our Lord.

Hurry up and get ready.

Please.

I was summoned so suddenly.

I could not make...

adequate preparations.

May I borrow perfumed powders?

Yes.

What's taking her so long?

Yes, I shall bring her at once.

Shuzo.

What do you think you're doing?

I...

- I might admonish His Lordship. - Silence!

You let your wife defile his inner sanctum with her blood. As punishment...

...he has placed you under house arrest.

Our Lord is very angry.

House arrest?

Listen, Shuzo.

In all matters, you must be patient.

You must endure. These are the essential things.

Master, this is for you.

Thank you for always thinking of me.

Master.

It is mortifying.

Despite your loyal service, you are under house arrest.

It is terrible.

Kazuma...

Choose your words with care.

During these two months,

I have been able to quietly reflect upon my life.

I have quietly contemplated

the depths of my loyalty to our Lord.

And to you...

I owe an apology.

His Honor, Lord Minister Tanuma of Yamashiro, is leaving.

Attack! Attack!

Attack!

Attack!

I, Sano Masakoto,

...have assassinated Lord Minister Tanuma of Yamashiro

who poisoned the country with his corruption.

You know, Sato...

you've just come home, so I'd rather not talk about such things.

But Sir Kondo has informed me

that you are to go to the castle in order to serve our Lord.

Father...

Did you accept this?

If I were to go...

they might release you from house arrest.

Jujiro too...

wouldn't have to live in shame.

If I have to...

I do not want to! I, Sato, do not want to go to our Lord.

He tore Sir Kazuma apart from me.

He drove my mother to her death.

Rather than serve someone like that, I, Sato, would prefer death.

Sato.

Master.

Sir Kazuma.

Sato.

Please forgive me,

I would prefer not to see you ever again.

Sir Iikura.

Sir Iikura!

Coming.

Patrol officers. Open up.

We are here to search the mansion.

It is suspicious enough that you would visit a man under house arrest...

But to engage in a tryst? It's disgraceful, on your feet!

Please wait.

Sir Iikura.

Let me remind you you're under house arrest.

Take them away.

On your feet!

Are you going to resist?

Can you still not understand?

As a reward for your service to our clan

Our Lord is willing to bestow on you his loving affection.

Receive it.

Right?

Then you will absolve the guilt of your parents.

Alright?

No matter how many times he orders me, I, Sato, have the same reply.

How stubborn you are.

You are trampling on our Lord's feelings.

Be prepared for the consequences.

Jujiro.

You are young, but intelligent.

Now listen carefully to what your father has to say.

Yes.

This time, I am going to go and admonish our Lord.

For the sake of the clan, I am going to ask him to retire.

However...

As I will be disobeying him, I am prepared for the consequences.

You must now think of your father as dead.

Why do you cry? If you cry over this...

You cannot call yourself child of a samurai.

I am not crying.

After your father is gone, grow up to be an outstanding man.

And sacrifice for the sake of the clan.

Samurai are samurai because of their Lord.

Know that you are no longer yourself.

The lives of samurai do not belong to the samurai.

They belong to their Lord.

Know that it is an honor to die for your Lord.

To die in service to your Lord,

that is the beginning of loyalty.

Your father has nothing more to say.

Shut up, shut up.

How dare you break house arrest and presume to admonish me, you fool!

You're pushing your sentence to its limits.

You should be beheaded or hung,

but because of your past service

you will use the sword of darkness to execute two criminals.

And if you fail to carry out this service,

you will be hung.

The two criminals are kneeling about six feet in front of you.

Alright?

Take off his blindfold.

Yes sir.

Sato!

Kazuma!

Sato!

Kazuma!

Had I known it was you!

I would have never killed you, even if they cut off my arms.

To say that this is inexcusable

...does not do it justice!

You would glare at me?

You said: "Even if they cut off my arms".

Very well.

I will give you what you want.

Do you dare resist?

It's a reward for what you have done.

I will let you have that sword.

I receive it

with gratitude.

May your clan have peace.

The lives of samurai do not belong to the samurai.

They belong to their Lord and it is an honor to die for your Lord.

To die in service to your Lord,

that is the beginning of loyalty.

The lives of samurai do not belong to the samurai.

Lord Yasutaka died seven years later.

The lineage of the Iikura clan continued, threadbare...

as the boy Jujiro grew up.

It has become the Meiji period.

The head of the Iikura clan at the time was Shingo.

March 1871

Filled with lofty ambition, he left Shinshu Province.

And came to Tokyo. This is where the diary begins.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

- Hey. Get back, get back. - We're in a hurry, let us through.

Wait in back until the imperial carriage passes.

My passenger is ill. He must get rest right away.

Not permissible. They are coming at any moment.

But they're not in sight yet. Let us through.

Are you resisting? Go back or I'll arrest you.

Go back!

My apologies, please hold on for a short while.

The sick man was the last of the Yazaki Fief Lords:

Viscount Takafumi Hori.

Iikura.

I cleaned the room for you.

Thanks.

I feel kind of bad, like I'm kicking you out.

Don't worry.

Hey. Is he the former Fief Lord?

Yeah.

He doesn't look like he is mentally disturbed.

That makes him even more pitiful.

Look, man.

You'll soon be taking the bar exam.

Taking care of the Fief Lord is admirable, but don't neglect your studies.

Yeah, I know.

Unlike the rest of us, you're a prodigy, so I guess I shouldn't worry.

Stop.

It was unsolicited advice, but I hope you understand my concern.

- Yeah, thanks. - Alright then, see you.

You must be tired.

I will guide you.

Please.

Please.

Please be careful.

We're there.

I'm back.

Welcome back.

Please.

Please, come in.

That Shingo has strange tastes.

Fief Lords are so passé.

What's wrong with taking good care of a Fief Lord?

And don't you pay your respects each month at Fief Lord Toda's mansion?

Well sure, but... it's not like I'm caring for a disinherited person.

That's what's so nice about Shingo.

You say those things because you don't know anything.

The Fief Lord, because he has no heir...

He was imprisoned by his brother who wanted to become the clan chief.

While he was imprisoned, he lost his mind.

He was put into an insane asylum.

Supposedly he has no wife or anyone else who will care for him.

That's why Shingo took pity on him.

Please.

When I'm not here to look after you, you can ask for Fuji downstairs.

Please shake this.

Why?

Why did you bring me here?

As I've told you many times, I feel sympathy for you, Lord.

Please do not worry.

I will take care of you.

I'm thirsty.

Yes.

Fuji, our Lordship would like some tea.

Yes.

Well, that's a relief.

It was a tough job.

You have no idea.

I met with some other clansmen.

They said that if he recovers, they'll campaign to get him reinstated.

Is that right?

His sickness isn't congenital.

He's in a different environment now. If I help him, he will get better.

So we have to wait until then.

Iikura.

Yes?

I got a customer, can you do it?

Yes, I'll be right over.

Alright, I got to make a run. Please bring him the tea, alright?

Fuji, please.

Please care for the Lord as much as you can.

I'm Fuji, from downstairs.

Yes.

What can I do for you?

No, not you.

Fuji? Fuji has already retired for the night.

Yes.

Are you in pain?

I'm thirsty.

I gave you tea just now. You should sleep now.

One more cup...

Yes.

Fuji, sorry to bother you. We need tea again.

Yes.

What are you doing, at this hour?

Farmers are rioting in Niigata. We have to go and suppress them, on the double.

Does it take a long time?

Yeah, if we make the wrong move

there's a possibility it might spread as far as Nagano and Yamanishi.

I don't know when I'll be getting back.

That sounds terrible.

You know, Shingo...

if you are truly concerned about my little sister's happiness,

there's something that I would like for you to consider.

You sound so serious. What is it?

It's a fact that you are bright, and you have outstanding character

But...

How should I explain it? I can't articulate it well...

I feel that it is diffult for you to adapt yourself.

I understand. You're referring to the Fief Lord.

"What is the point of loyal service to a former Fief Lord?"

"We don't have to labor as lowly warriors any more."

"We can all aspire to become Imperial Ministers."

That is what you want to say, isn't it?

"To endeavor in loyalty to the Emperor is our new path."

You want to say that too, don't you?

That's right, Shingo.

You needn't tell me, I too know these things.

But when I see that pitiable Lord,

I am moved to care for him.

His family has taken care of many generations of my ancestors.

Of course, I have Fuji's welfare in mind too.

And if I pass the upcoming exam, I'll have a real job.

I plan to ensure that she has everything that is necessary.

I'm relieved to hear you say it.

Alright. Take care of her. I'll be counting on you.

See you later.

Oh no, the tea got cold.

I'll go make some more.

Don't worry, you'll pass for sure.

I hope so. I couldn't study as much as I wanted.

You're on your way to a great job, aren't you?

I'm going.

I'll make a feast and will be waiting for you.

Don't be dejected.

Stick it out another year, and take the test again.

You did really well.

Hey.

Let's part here. I want to go home by myself.

I'm home.

Fuji, I failed.

Please don't cry.

I'll pass next year, you'll see.

Don't light it!

What's the matter?

Fuji.

I have just returned.

I'm thirsty.

Bring tea.

Tea!

Did the Lord attack you?

Is that what happened?

The Lord has been alone for so long.

He was deprived of all pleasure.

I didn't realize it until now.

I was careless.

Shingo...

Please forgive me.

It's not a matter of forgiving or not forgiving.

My feelings for you have not changed.

The most important thing right now is to rest.

- Yes, thank you. - Take care.

Fuji.

Call Fuji hither.

Please rest tonight.

Fuji.

Fuji happens to be the woman who will be my wife.

Please forgive me.

Fuji.

Fuji.

Fuji.

Fuji!

Fuji... Please go to him.

You are the only person who can comfort the pitiable Lord.

Please.

Shingo...

Please.

What kind of man are you?

My Lord!

My Lord!

This Shingo was my grandfather.

Having received a new master,

he went to fight in the Sino-Japanese War in 1894.

And from that war, he did not return.

This is my older brother Osamu's diary.

It is about the "humble shields of our sovereign",

the lives of those who were lost over the Pacific Ocean.

They were harboring no doubts,

only pride.

Maintenance complete, no problems detected.

Good.

Fall in.

3rd Mitate Squadron

The Kamikaze Special Attack Group, 3rd Mitate Squadron,

You shall immediately attack enemy forces located 50 miles east of Ishigaki Island.

Now, you will receive a toast from the Emperor.

Receive it humbly.

- Did you go see your mother? - Yes.

Good.

You, how's the ringworm?

It is cured.

Good.

- Did you go to the bathroom? - Yes, I'm fine.

Good.

- Did you go see your father? - Yes.

Good.

- How's your mother? - I was too late.

Do you have a lover?

I don't.

Good luck!

Navy Ensign Seiji Oyama, now departing!

Navy Ensign Ryota Fukazawa, now departing!

Navy Ensign Kunio Nakajima, now departing!

Navy Ensign Mikio Imamura, now departing!

Navy Ensign Osamu Iikura, now departing!

Right Face! Forward!

I had almost dismissed this long history

as a story of the long-dead past.

However,

I myself, born at the end of this long chain.

I have repeated this horrible path, without even knowing it.

I was supposed to love Kyoko

and even marry her, but...

One month ago...

Well, that's quite sudden. So when is the date?

Next month on a convenient day for you, chief.

Next month would be fine.

If it is for you, I'd be glad to do it.

Thank you.

And so, who is she?

Yes, a typist at Asuka Construction. We met while we were students.

Oh, Asuka Construction, huh?

Yes sir.

How ironic that she works for a competitor.

Yes, but she's only a typist...

Yes, I see.

By the way,

regarding the upcoming bidding for the Shinshu Dam,

I wonder what Asuka's estimated budget is.

Who knows?

You think you could get her to drop you a hint?

I hear that Asuka is betting the farm on this one.

The same holds true for our company as well.

Do you think you could acquire some of their information?

Even a tiny hint would be helpful.

But she's only a typist...

Oh no, that's not what I meant. I wouldn't ask that of your girl.

Just expressing the eager wish of our business department.

Well sure, I'd steal it if I could.

But you know...

she might be only a typist,

but you never know, she might be very useful for us.

No, I'm just kidding.

I'll officiate at your wedding. Tell her I said so.

I look forward to it.

Huh? Yeah, yeah.

Somehow, the chief's laughter stayed inside me and swelled.

Hey.

Oh... Sorry I'm late.

My section chief agreed to preside.

Oh.

We better fix the date.

I gave my notice today to Director Kihara, that I'm quitting at the end of the month.

Then he said...

...that he wants me to keep on working for them.

I might be a typist, but my job there is specialized, right?

I'm in charge of all the important files.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

What do you say...

Would it be alright with you if I worked for a while longer?

I'd rather you stay home, but...

You should also do as you like.

Yeah? Mr. Kihara will be glad.

Did you tell the director that you and I are getting married?

I just told him that you're a salary-man.

He keeps asking me what you're like.

He's pretending to be my parent. I can't stand it.

You should keep it under wraps for a while, that I'm the one.

Why is that?

Well, it's nothing, but...

Our companies are competitors.

That's true.

Have the files for Shinshu Dam come to your desk yet?

No, not yet.

I wonder what their estimated budget is.

I don't know any of those details.

But it sure is ironic that our companies are in a bidding war.

But it's got nothing to do with us.

That's not how it is for a man.

After all, a man has to work.

Kyoko.

When the estimate comes around, could you take a peek at the figures?

I want them for reference.

But if I did that,

I'd be betraying Director Kihara

who's always been good to me.

But we have to make an estimate too.

If our bid fails, that would mean our estimate wasn't bold enough.

Susumu...

I know this is hard for you, but can you help us out?

Sorry.

I was wrong.

- I'd do anything for you, but... - It's alright.

We'll just do the best we can.

But...

What if you lose the bid?

It's still better than doing something dishonorable.

Let's go.

"Estimate file for the construction of the Shinshu Dam"

That is an important document. Make sure there's no mistakes, alright?

Yes.

What is the matter? You look pale.

Really? There is nothing wrong.

- I'm counting on you. - Yes.

Yes.

Hey.

I bought some fruits.

Want some?

You look busy.

I had to bring work home.

What fruits did you get?

Kyoko.

You copied the whole thing?

My hands were shaking.

Is it useful?

Kyoko.

Kyoko.

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Everyone, let's have another toast, to the future of both the company.

And to each of you as well.

Cheers!

Cheers.

The president was pleased, your promotion to chief clerk is guaranteed.

I am pleased too.

Continue your efforts.

Yes.

By the way,

I've got a big favor to ask of you.

Yes?

You were saying that the director of Asuka Construction

...is acting in the role of your fiancée's parents, right?

Yes, what about it?

He will attend the wedding of course, won't he?

Yes.

Yes, I hear he was the best friend of Kyoko's late father.

I've given this much thought.

Considering the timing, I wonder if you could delay your wedding...

Huh?

In other words, I want you to wait 'til the excitement is over.

But...

I'm looking forward to officiating, you know.

But if director Kihara also attends

it might raise some uncomfortable questions, don't you agree?

Everything went according to plan.

I supposed we could brazen it out, but...

Given what happened, people might get the wrong idea.

Even inside our own company.

I think that it's very important that we keep a low profile.

The same applies to her, you know.

I understand how you feel.

But can you do that for the sake of the company?

I am asking you personally too.

I'm fine with it...

but for Kyoko...

So you delay the wedding a year or two, what is the big deal?

Your future would be guaranteed.

Well, consider the long-term implications. Think it over carefully.

Wait for the excitement to die down? How much longer will that be?

How much longer? Maybe after the dam's been built.

If we can't invite the bosses, then we don't need to invite anybody.

We can have a private ceremony, just the two of us.

We can't do that.

After all, the section chief is going out of his way to officiate for us.

We have to invite my co-workers, superiors and have a real wedding.

Then what am I supposed to tell everyone?

If we postpone for two or three years, what reason am I going to give them?

Are keeping up appearances at the office and the life of a salaryman

...so important to you?

Is the company more precious to you than me?

Don't be ridiculous.

Of course you are the most precious.

But our life together, our future depends on the company.

We can find happiness because of the company.

That's a lie. Come out with it.

You didn't really want me. You wanted the Asuka Construction girl, didn't you?

Kyoko.

You never really wanted to get married. You were only after the estimations.

- That's not it. - You used me!

Kyoko.

If that is the case,

why did you show me the ledger?

You too...

like me...

We did it in our best interest.

Yes.

That's right.

For both of us.

After all...

we cannot survive

without each other.

Kyoko.

"After all..."

"we cannot survive without each other."

That's what Kyoko said.

The cruel tales that existed

inside the Iikura clan have finally caught up with me.

I vowed that I would never live that way and yet...

I have repeated that horrible path without even knowing it.

Kyoko.

Kyoko.

I am so sorry.

Let's get married. Even if it's just the two of us.

Right?

THE END