Original subtitles

DAIEl MOTION PICTURE CORPORATION

- Who are you?

Show yourselves!

Who hired you?

Stop. Don't force me to draw my sword.

I'll say it again. Stop now!

Once I draw, you're all dead men.

ENTER KYOSHIRO, THE SWORDSMAN (Nemuri Kyoshiro Sappocho)

Producer: TSUJI Kyuichi Original Story by: SHIBATA Renzaburo (Serialized in Shukan Shincho weekly) Screenplay by: HOSHIKAwASeiji

Sound by: OKUMURA Masahiro Lighting by: NAKAOKAGenken Art Direction by: NAITO Akira Music by: KOSUGI Taichiro Photography by: MAKIURAChishi

Film Editor: YAMADA Hiroshi Fight Choreography: MIYAUCHI Shohei

Cast

ICHIKAWA Raizo

NAKAMURA Tamao JO Kenzaburo

KOBAYASHI Katsuhiko TAKAMI Kuniichi OGIMACHI Keiko MAKI Chitose

Directed by: TANAKATokuzo

KITAGAWA RIVERSIDE TEAHOUSE

- Oh, please... You know I'm jealous of that disgusting sword of yours.

- Because it's with me all the time? I've heard too many of your come-ons.

- You're so sarcastic Kyoshiro-sama!

You don't know what it's like to wait for you.

You'll make me die of a broken heart!

- "Even if I should die of a broken heart, I would not haunt you."

Sorry to interrupt, but...

- Oh, Kinpachi, it's you. Well, come in. - Yes, sir.

- Can't you see what the slickest pickpocket in Edo is about to do?

- It's alright. Come in. - Yes, sir. Thank you.

- What is it? - Well...

Look at this, it's a love note! - Why you!

- Hold on!

- A monk, of all people brought this note.

- A monk? - Yes, sir.

A strange monk turned up at Mojiwaka's house and told her

"I'd like to see Nemuri Kyoshiro, but if he's not around, give him this."

And so, here I've come to deliver it to you, and disrupt a romantic moment.

- You certainly picked an inconvenient time!

How could you be so insensitive?

- Ha! I'm a very bad boy!

- "Tomorrow... at Seiko-ji Temple in Kameido...

"...meet me under the Garyu-Plum tree."

- "Chen Sun."

- Who's Chen Sun?

- Oh, Kinpachi...

...on your way here, were the police busy at work by the riverside?

- Huh? Not that I know of.

- Did the 6 corpses just vanish?

- Corpses? There was no sign of corpses, anywhere!

- Tonight has been particularly enigmatic.

Ninja... a monk's note... and vanishing corpses.

- Oh! How creepy!

- Oh, Utakichi... come.

- Oh!

- Oh yes, tell Mojiwaka that I'll go visit her tomorrow.

- All 6 were slain?

- Yes, sir... We disposed of the bodies immediately.

- No need for funerals... After all, they were just hired ninja.

- Yes, I know, sir.

- But, really, this Nemuri Kyoshiro fellow... such an odd name...

Just who is he?

- A lowly rogue, it seems. Nobody knows much about him...

He doesn't even have a home apparently.

- Nonetheless, it's clear from last night's "test" that he's quite the swordsman.

Chisa...

Do you think you can apply yourself, and engage him on our behalf?

- Yes.

- Matters of this nature are best handled by women...

You understand?

- Yes.

For you, my Lord, who has taken care of me,

since I was orphaned as a child, and graciously kept me in your employ.

I'm prepared to sacrifice my life.

- Negoro... - Sir.

- Listen...

This Chinese fellow Chen Sun, who sides with Zeniya Gohei...

...and all of their allies must be killed at all costs.

- Sir.

- Why don't we first induce this ronin Nemuri Kyoshiro to kill Chen Sun?

Then we'll tidy up by killing him.

- Sir!

- Chisa... You know what to do now, yes?

- Yes

- You say that you require my sword skill in order to protect your life?

- Yes.

I was told that no swordsman in all of Edo was a match for you.

- You must have also heard that I'm a rogue who slices men like they were radishes.

- Please, I have no one to turn to. I am a helpless orphan.

Someone wants to take my life.

- Who wishes you ill?

- A man called Chen Sun.

- Chen Sun?

- He was a follower of Zeniya Gohei.

Who was apprehended last year in Kanazawa, and later died in prison.

- Why does he want to take your life?

My father was a commissioner for the Kaga Clan.

He was implicated in the Zeniya case, and committed seppuku.

It's said that he'd hidden something which can destroy the Kaga Clan.

Therefore, Zeniya's men are after it.

- What is this "something" that can destroy the Kaga Clan?

- I do not have any idea, sir.

- In that case, why won't Maeda, the Kaga Clan's lord, protect you?

After all, you're his valued servant.

- Yes... that is... because I have always refused my lord's advances.

- For a woman, that would've been the quickest road to a life of luxury.

And now you say you'll do anything if I protect you.

And yet there's only one thing you can do for me.

Understand?

- You are just like my lord.

You say you want me.

As just a toy, for your pleasure.

- Lf that's what I mean... what will you do?

- Here is 100 ryo, sir.

All of it honestly earned.

Please help me.

- You want to give me money in place of your body?

- I'd rather die... than sell my body.

- I accept.

This is an interesting matter.

I'm kind of a cynic, see...

so I would have said no if you were the type of woman

who was greedy or would use her body to get her way.

Very well. I'll protect you.

Not for your benefit, but for my own.

Without new excitement

each and every day, I begin to feel like I'm dead.

As if all that I can feel is the caress of the wind.

- Take care of her for me. - What? Here?

- My name is Chisa. How do you do...

- I don't like this. - You can have this money.

- Why can't she get a room somewhere?

Wait! Where are you going?

- Seiko-ji Temple in Kameido.

Oh! Take good care of her.

- No way!

No! No! No!

If you treat me so coldly, I'll go back to being a pickpocket.

- You're both women. Have some sympathy.

- She's too pretty to get any sympathy from me!

- I prefer you because you're younger.

- Liar! You only flatter me when you want something?

- You know what your Tokiwazu students say...?

"Mojiwaka the pickpocket may have an awful voice, but...

the way she shakes her bottom is enough to kill a man!"

I think so too.

You sent the note?

- My name is Chen Sun. Please have a seat.

- It's the wrong season for plum-blossom viewing.

- This is refined enjoyment.

Just observe how splendid the Garyu-plum tree is.

- Are you Chinese?

- No...

My ancestor was Chen Gen Ping, who came to Japan during the Tensho Era.

I've retained the name, as a token of respect for my Chinese heritage.

- Chen Gen Ping...

Didn't he come from the Ming Court, and introduce Shorin-ji Kenpo?

- I am the 13th generation of his line... Chen Sun.

How do you think it will fare against your 'Full Moon Cut'?

- I don't think you called me here just to demonstrate your technique.

- Of course not.

I've come to Edo to punish the Kaga Clan and avenge Zeniya.

I'd like your help.

How about it?

- Zeniya was a powerful merchant in Kaga.

In partnership with the lord of the Kaga Clan, he traded with the foreigners.

When the Shogunate learned of his activities, Lord Maeda had him killed.

What was your relationship to Zeniya?

- As I was his partner, I have an obligation to him.

I cannot forgive the lord of the Kaga Clan,

who used us as pawns, and then ruthlessly betrayed us.

Hey, a courtesan named Chisa has come to see you, hasn't she?

- What of it?

- That girl happens to be a spy sent by Lord Maeda.

I'd recommend that you avoid her.

- I wonder which of you is telling the truth.

- Heed this warning. Don't ally yourself with the Kaga Clan!

- What if I say "I'll do as I please"?

- I'll tear off your head! - Oh?

- Anyone who trifles with me regrets their mistake, sooner or later.

But by then, it's always too late.

Here they come.

They buzz around like pesky houseflies.

- Seems the wind is blowing in a different direction this time.

You're not attacking me today?

- Well, Nemuri? Is it not just as I have said?

Understand?

You're Ninja hired by the Kaga Clan, aren't you?

You maggots... I'll kill you all!

Nemuri.

Perhaps you'll show me your 'Full Moon Cut' another day.

Read the note on the plum tree. Farewell!

- "Crashing waves reflect a full moon on Tsukuda Island."

- Chisa-dono. Over here.

That ronin, Nemuri, is dangerous, and can't be dealt with conventionally.

Be prepared.

- Hasn't Chen Sun challenged him yet?

- They haven't fought yet.

Our lord is cruel... to make you do such a thing as this.

- This is a perilous time... The million-koku fief of Kaga is at stake!

- Perhaps this assignment will be a success... Yes, you can do it...

You're a woman after all.

But... If Kyoshiro ever holds you in his arms.

I swear, I'll kill him!

- Sutemaru.

- What? You want to take her with you? Where?

- To my "nest"

- Why do you want her on your little boat?

Ha! I told that girl... That Nemuri Kyoshiro is mine!

"We fell in love. Happiness is our bridge of rainbows"

No wonder that silly girl with the scarlet hair ornament is mad!

Well, it's just too bad! Serves her right!

- Mojiwaka, I won't be back here for a while.

- Why... You're a devil!

KITAGAWA RIVERSIDE TEAHOUSE

- Out in the river, the wind is very cold. Should I call for a boat with a roof?

- And inside the boat will be 2 pillows, eh?

You think you're being considerate, but no thanks.

- You're so blunt! Won't it be too rough for her?

- The cold will have no effect on her.

- Don't be fooled by the way he talks, he's not a bad man.

- No, I've got one woman who calls me a devil,

and the woman sitting in front of me, who is herself, a beautiful devil.

- Oh my!

- Madam? Madam?

- Coming! Well then...

I guess you'll be leaving now.

- This, the boat shelter, is my "nest". I'm here only when I feel like it.

- What you said earlier. I don't understand.

- When I said that you're a beautiful devil?

- Yes.

- You're a Kaga Clan spy!

You're the spy that Nariyasu sent to get me to kill Chen Sun.

You lied when you said your father committed seppuku.

Why don't you tell me the truth? It's impossible for you to deceive me.

Do you know what I hate the most?

Those who use others as if they were mere tools.

Hey!

I see.

- You're much more than I feared. Much more dangerous.

Do with me as you will.

- Do as I will?

Now, it's time for seduction, eh?

- Kyoshiro-sama...

- Didn't you say that you'd never sell your body?

- I will not.

I am offering myself to you.

- You've already given yourself to another, so I must decline.

- Kyoshiro-sama.

- Lf you were in my arms, would your heart burn for me? I think not.

What will you do now?

- You are the victor. All I can do is return to my home.

- Before you leave, tell me of the item that will decide Maeda's fate.

Or, was that a lie too?

- No, It truly exists.

- Where is it? - I do not know.

Nor do I know what it is.

- I see.

It looks like we don't need each other.

Go home.

Light the lamp on your way out.

- Yes.

- Hold it!

You will remain here. - What?

- You're going back, knowing that seppuku awaits you.

Yet your death won't influence Nariyasu in the slightest.

You, too, are just one of his sacrificial lambs.

- But, you already know that I'm a spy.

- You're not a spy anymore.

- I don't understand. I don't understand you.

- Me?

I'm just someone who's angry at all mankind.

Even though I'm a man myself.

I'm past the point of no return.

I know not what my future holds, but in the time that I have.

I shall be the ruin of the evil men that cross my path.

Did you not... have an unhappy childhood?

- What?

- You see.

I can sense the aura surrounding those who had unhappy childhoods.

My own childhood and wicked disposition let me see this.

I see.

You are an orphan as well.

- You know, sir, I can't figure out what you're thinking.

How did we end up fishing here off Tsukuda Island, of all places?

- "Crashing waves reflect a full moon upon Tsukuda Island"

It's so relaxing with such beautiful weather.

- Ha! Even the gobies are relaxing; we haven't caught a single one!

- The sky. The sea.

And this Muso Masamune.

- Yes, that's perfect, Kyoshiro!

- The 'Full Moon Cut'.

A thing of beauty, that takes human life.

- Whether or not this Muso Masamune

is of benefit to humanity,

or merely an instrument of death, depends on what's in your heart!

- For me, the dark world of humanity,

not the pure and just world of nature, is where I belong.

To that world, where every man is a ronin, I must return.

- Sir!

- Welcome

- Go home. There's no need to wait.

- But!

- Just go home! - But, sir, if I do, then...

- He'll be allowed to return home safely, I assume?

I see. You're alive!

- It is as you have surmised. I am Zeniya Gohei.

I've heard about you from Chen Sun.

Please, sit down.

- Is this room underwater?

- Above us flows the Sumida River.

When I was engaged in smuggling this room was extremely handy.

- You're supposed to be dead.

- That's what people were led to believe.

But Lord Maeda knows that I'm alive.

- Who else knows?

- You, Chen Sun,

and Lord Maeda. I believe that's all.

- For what purpose have you brought me here?

- I'd appreciate your assistance.

- Looks like I'm very popular all of a sudden.

What is your proposal?

- To hire your sword.

As soon as our mission is complete,

you can name your reward.

- But you already have Chen Sun.

- The two of us against the entire Kaga Clan? That's a little unfair.

But, if you were with us as well, we'd be invincible.

- I've heard that line in too many bad plays!

Regarding the "item". Where did you hide it?

- What "item" do you mean?

- Don't pretend ignorance! You know what I mean!

- You. Sir, are the one who's pretending.

Pretending to know, when in fact, you know nothing.

Let me explain...

There is a statuette of Buddha called the Jade Statuette.

- The Jade Statuette?

- Centuries ago, it resided in an Imperial Temple in Siam.

It's a statuette made completely of the greenish gemstone.

Hidden inside is something that will seal the fate of the million-koku fief of Kaga.

- Where is the statuette?

- That I cannot tell you.

It's been safely hidden somewhere.

- You're going to give it to the Shogunate, who'll use it to destroy the Kaga...?

- No, there is no profit in that.

I want to see the arrogant lord of the Kaga

shed tears of blood.

After all, he was the one who first made me smuggle for him.

And then, when he needed to cover his tracks, he tried to kill me.

- Everybody wants to cover his tracks.

Your own greed has put you in this predicament.

- As long as we breathe, the desire to acquire riches, burns inside us.

Money is the sword I use to manipulate the world.

Wait, please!

Whose side are you on?

- I'm on neither side.

Your lust for money and Maeda's lust for power both sicken me...

But the battle will be worth watching.

- Even though it may not be to your liking,

I believe that sooner or later, you will side with me.

- Look, Zeniya, stop threatening me.

You don't want to know what happens when I get angry.

If you don't believe me, then shoot me in the back.

We will have our match, your Shorin-ji Kenpo against my 'Full Moon Cut'.

- Good.

I will catch your sword with my bare hands and wrest it from your grasp.

- And if you cannot?

- I will! - What if you can't?

- Lf I say I will, I Will...!!

- Is that so?

If you can't, and you survive,

You'll fulfill one request for me.

- Very well. It's agreed.

- By the way, Chen Sun, where has Zeniya been hiding all this time?

- Siam.

Maeda knew that he would return, so he hired the Ninja.

- Now I understand.

You were the one who threatened Maeda using the statuette.

- Correct.

Maeda was so terrified that Zeniya was released immediately.

At the same time, it was announced that he died in prison.

- There's one thing I'd like to know. - What is that?

- What's in the statuette?

- When the contraband items were smuggled in from overseas,

they were disguised as "gifts" to be presented to the Shogunate.

This required an invoice, signed by Lord Maeda of Kaga himself.

- I see.

So, the invoice is hidden inside the statuette.

How ridiculous!

Everybody is going crazy about a mere slip of paper.

- Amusing, isn't it?

That piece of paper is the doom of the Kaga Clan and their million-koku fief!

As we have the evidence of his crime,

Maeda and his clan are trying to kill us. They have no choice.

- Hey, doesn't Maeda have to go back to Kanazawa soon?

- In 3 days. And we shall travel to Kanazawa as well.

We'll show them no mercy.

- "Bird cage... Bird cage..."

"Oh, you, bird inside the Bird cage..."

"When will you get out?"

"A day goes by..."

"A turtle and a crane have slipped!"

"Can you guess who's behind you?"

- Sen-chan!

- Yeah! - She got it right!

- "Bird cage... Bird cage..."

"Oh, you, bird inside the Bird cage..."

"When will you get out?"

- Zeniya Gohei is alive.

- What?

- Zeniya and Chen Sun are heading to Kanazawa.

I'll bet the treasure is there.

- Lord Maeda will be making his yearly visit home as well.

- What will you do?

- Kyoshiro-sama?

- What about me...? Let's see...

- Here I was thinking that Kyoshiro had found himself

an incredibly beautiful wife. As it's been a year since

I saw him last, but you say she's just his guest?

- Really! She's such a beautiful girl!

- What do you think you're doing? - Oh, come on! Stop!

- Let go! - You hussy! Get this into your head,

Kyoshiro-sama's mine! Stay away from him!

- Oh, my! Just what is all this commotion, you two?

- Madam, listen to this... - I've had it with this slut Geisha...

- What? Who are you to call me a slut Geisha?

You can't even play the shamisen, you pickpocket! And you teach?

- Stop it, you two!

Or Kyoshiro will dump both of you!

- Oh?

- Where is he? Where's Kyoshiro-sama?

- Ah, beautiful, but with tongues like swords! Who might you two be?

- Tokiwazu Mojiwaka, and Utakichi of Yanagibashi.

They're both after Kyoshiro-sama.

- Oh, I see! I am Kunen, a foolish old monk.

I raised Kyoshiro until he was 13.

Despite the fact that, as you know, he's quite a rebellious fellow.

Well, won't you please teach him the joys of life?

- Of course! - Why, certainly!

- Oh! Old Master!

- "Old" Master, you say? I'm still young you know!

- Chisa is in my hands.

- What?

- Lf you want her back, come to Kanazawa!

- Please pardon this intrusion.

- Nemuri Kyoshiro, right?

- You're well informed.

- What is it that you want?

- Chisa's been kidnapped by Gohei.

- What?

- Well?

Sacrificing her?

Hey!

- It's got nothing to do with me.

- You can't hide anything anymore.

Chisa's a spy for you, and Zeniya Gohei is alive.

- Zeniya...? That's ridiculous!

- Don't bother to pretend ignorance, I know the whole story.

The invoice that proves you were involved in smuggling,

is a death warrant if the Shogunate gets it.

If I were you, I'd give Zeniya back that which you stole.

- I have no idea what you're talking about.

- Lf you don't control your greed, it will be the end of you.

The Shogunate has been trying to destroy the Daimyo for as long as

they've been in power.

- Why should I take orders from some ronin?

- Then, do as you please.

- Wait!

If you destroy Zeniya and Chen Sun,

I'll pay you 3,000 ryo.

- You're a monster!

First you sacrifice a girl's life, and now you try to buy me.

- My lord! - You insolent...!

- Is this your woman? Your favorite one, that is?

Allow me to show you something interesting.

- About Nemuri Kyoshiro,

I don't think he'll be taking our side.

He knows too much. Kill him.

- Sir. What about Chen Sun?

- Leave him for now. Allow him to enter Kaga.

We'll make sure that he doesn't get out alive.

They will cease to exist, and all will be well.

- Understood.

- Hey, men of Iga.

The shuriken again?

Or perhaps something new this time?

Stop this nonsense and come out, why don't you?

Will you tell me your name?

- Negoro Ryuun of the Iga Ninja!

- I shall remember

that was the name of a very skilled swordsman.

This is so wasteful. Your training must have taken many years.

- Silence!

We'll see just what Nemuri Kyoshiro's 'Full Moon Cut' is all about!

- It will be the very last thing you'll ever see.

Before my sword

completes the circle, you will be dead.

- You, sir, are strong. Truly strong.

How about it? Won't you hire me?

- Is betrayal part of your training as a Ninja?

- I was hired to do a job, for a measly fee, I might add.

My employer is dead, so I'm free to do whatever I please.

- I'm sorry, but I must refuse.

- I've sharp ears, and keen eyes.

I was the one who found out that Chen Sun was coming to Edo.

Well? - Quiet!

- I'd think that you'd be better off if you hired me.

- Want to die?

- Suit yourself!

You think you can get Chisa back with your sword alone? You fool!

In Kanazawa, you'll beg for my help!

KANAZAWA CAPITAL OF THE KAGA CLAN

- You again? You're a persistent fool.

- Persistence shall win in the end.

Want to know where Chen Sun is hiding?

Chisa must be there too.

- And, what do I have to do in return for this information, Sutemaru?

- Call me "Sutemaru-dono", and grovel tearfully!

- Seeing my tears won't be very profitable.

- Then, give me a job.

Whether you like it or not, this Ninja is working for you.

- You fell in love, didn't you? - Don't be silly!

- With Chisa!

- Ha! What do you know?

- Thank you very much, sir.

- Say... - Huh?

- I hear that master Gohei is alive. Is it true? Where is he?

- It's true. But, you can't find him unless he wants you to.

- Lf he hadn't returned, would we have this great job guarding the girl?

- Ah, she's a stunner!

- You pervert! Keep it in your loincloth!

- Really, we should be happy.

If Master Gohei does make a comeback, then we'll get hired as sailors again.

- Huh?

- Surrender!

- Why you! You double-crossed me!

- Kyoshiro-sama!

- Get out the back way!

- I'll be at Nihei the Sculptor's.

- Alright! Go!

- Nemuri! - Now it is I who have Chisa.

- What?

- Shall we fight?

- Not now. Let's end this rude interruption.

NIHEl SCULPTOR OF NOH MASKS

- Kyoshiro-sama.

- Don't get too close.

I've just killed many men.

You'll reek of blood too.

- Kyoshiro-sama...

I can't stand it any longer.

I can't stand it...

I...

I...

You told me that since

I've already given myself to another,

my heart would not burn for you when you held me.

But tonight is different...

Please see for yourself... whether or not I'll burn.

- Chisa! - Kyoshiro-sama!

Hold me!

Embrace me!

If only for tonight!

- Who cares about tomorrow?

- I'm so happy...

- Good Morning.

Young Lady.

- Yes? Oh! Nihei-san!

- What were you thinking just now?

- Nothing... No, nothing at all.

Nihei-san, thank you very much for helping us out.

- No need.

Your mother and I were childhood playmates.

You are not a guest in this house, but family!

- Thank you.

- Anything I can do?

- No.

Poor thing. - "Poor thing" who?

- Samurai-sama, I beg you, sir, please make Chisa happy.

- I'm incapable of that. - No!

I believe that you are the only one capable of making her happy.

- Me? - Yes.

Never before have I seen her smile like that.

Since she was tiny, she never smiled.

Please let me tell you the whole story

including things even she doesn't know.

- The capital of a million-koku fief! There's no other place like this!

- Silly! Stop being impressed. We're here to find you-know-who!

- Big Sis, why all this nagging?

- What's with this "Big Sis" stuff? I'm younger than you are!

- Your talent for picking pockets makes you the senior.

- But I quit doing that long ago. - But you know I can't.

- It's all thanks to my dear you-know-who.

Oh, where can he be?

- Ugh! Now you'll whine some more about him!

By the way, Big Sis, I mean, Mojiwaka-san,

we have no money for a room. Now what?

- Do what you have to, Kinpachi.

- You mean I...? It cannot be helped!

- We've found you at last! - Why are you here?

- Oh? What kind of greeting is that?

- She's been saying "If Nemuri-dono's not in Edo, I can't sleep!".

I'm not lying.

- How did you find me? - Well, we met this strange ronin.

- Can you steal that box, Kinpachi?

- Huh? Steal again?

- What do you mean "again"? - Never mind. I'll do it.

If it's what you want, then I'll do it.

- Stay out of this. It's too risky. Those men are very dangerous.

- Don't worry. Besides, you're with me. - Very well.

So this is it eh? The priceless Jade Statuette.

The one that contains the document that will destroy Maeda.

- Why, you!

- I don't recall saying that I'd be on your side.

- Damn it!

They beat us!

- We can still get back at them.

Take care of Nihei!

- Sir! What happened?

Sir, Nemuri-danna hasn't returned yet?

- What about the two on the second floor? Where are they?

- Those scoundrels... assaulting a weak old person like me...

For what reason?

They're insane!

- I bet those two men are responsible for this!

Where has Nemuri-danna run off to? Bah, I'm about to up and quit!

- It's always like this with him.

He disappears when he's needed the most. The wanderer!

- You said it! What's so special about Nemuri Kyoshiro, anyway?

- That fool! Blockhead!

All that killing and lying. Nobody has any common sense!

They're all crazy!

- Here. Open it.

- You do it.

- So this is the Jade Statuette.

And this is the paper.

Oh, Sutemaru?

- There it is at last.

Splendid, such a treasure! - Why, you!

- Don't get me wrong.

All I want is payment for all the work I've done.

One day, I'll be back to claim it.

Kyoshiro...

You've fallen in love with Chisa.

- What?

- Last night, when you when you two embraced,

you didn't know that I was hiding in the ceiling, watching you.

- Why, you...!

- I'll say one thing, Kyoshiro.

I've lost in every way.

Farewell!

- What shall I do?

- I must tell you something.

Don't be shocked.

You are the lord of Kaga's daughter.

You are the daughter of Maeda Nariyasu.

- Th... That can't be!

- Nihei told me everything.

He and your mother were friends since childhood.

Your mother was a courtesan.

- My mother?

I have a mother?

- She became a nun.

She lives at a temple called Byakko-in, by the sea.

You may think ill of me for telling you painful truths.

But I had to tell you.

As it may determine the fate of a very important figure in your life... your father.

- No... Not at all...

- You were raised as an orphan.

And told that your mother had died.

He didn't want it known

that the lord of the Kaga Clan fathered a child with a courtesan.

Such is the thinking of Daimyo.

If you want it, you may have this statuette.

You now know what kind of man Nariyasu is.

Give this to him, if you consider him your father.

The million-koku fief of Kaga would then be safe.

Well?

- Yes.

I shall take it.

- I see.

- Kyoshiro-sama.

- Very well done!

Chisa! Is that it? The "Siamese Jade"?

Here, let me see.

Chisa!

- I've given the statuette away. - What?

- To Nemuri Kyoshiro.

- Chisa! Don't play games with me, or you'll be sorry!

- Father! - What?

- I called you "Father"!

You are my father.

The ruthless lord of the Kaga Clan!

- So you know?

- You used your daughter's ignorance

offering nothing but a cold stare

the proof of your cold heart!

No! Just the idea I was the product of a meaningless affair.

Merely the child of a courtesan. Not the child of Maeda Nariyasu!

- It was all for the good of the Maeda line.

- And now, for the good of the Maeda

do you intend to ruthlessly sacrifice me and Zeniya?

My Lord.

What if I were to side with your enemy?

- I won't permit it! Even though you're my own daughter!

Don't tell me that you're...

- Did you really think that I'm so afraid of you

that I would never dare to oppose you?

- Chisa! Just what is it that you want?

- What I want is... for you to shed a tear.

But... even that is too much to expect.

- Where is Zeniya's gold?

- It's all in here.

All of the gold inside.

Chisa, I am willing to give it all to you!

- Your filthy mind thinks nothing but dirty deals!

Give the gold back to Zeniya!

- Return it all to Zeniya? Don't make me laugh!

- Then, would you prefer that I destroy the million-koku fief of Kaga?

- What?

- Should you kill me now,

Nemuri Kyoshiro will carry on this battle.

My Lord. You are not the head of the Maeda line.

I am!

I am

an orphan. I do not know my father.

I demand that you kneel and beg, before the lowly creature that is I.

- Insolence! I am you father!

- You don't have what it takes to be my father!

You may not address me as your daughter.

On your knees!

- I beg you... Please, help me!

- Then, you will do as I instruct?

- I will.

- Maeda Nariyasu, you will immediately abdicate, renounce all your powers,

and retire forever.

And you will leave Nemuri Kyoshiro alone.

- Lf I do all that then...

you won't hand over the document

to the authorities in Edo? You will guarantee that?

- I will.

- What about Zeniya's gold?

- You must decide what you should do.

- I will give it all back... to Zeniya!

I beg you.

Chisa! Please help me!

- This is the lord of the Kaga Clan. Seen in his true light.

BYAKKO-IN TEMPLE

Mother.

Mother...

Mother...!

How horrible it is.

Never knowing the love between a mother and child

before she left this world.

- I'm sure you don't want people to see your mother's lifeless face.

Let us bury her.

- One courtesan's life ended.

And here I am, the child of a courtesan.

- Grieve not. She can finally rest in peace.

- How horrible it is

to think that my heart... my body is the product

of the illegitimate union of my parents,

and their tainted blood courses through my veins!

- Stop it!

There are many in this world far less fortunate than you.

Don't you know that?

I've never killed anyone of my own volition.

Others always force me to slay.

- I'll leave this with you.

My father... Maeda Nariyasu

has pledged to return Zeniya Gohei's gold.

- It's Zeniya! He must be your mother's killer!

You're thinking of suicide?

- Kyoshiro-sama.

It's... It's all because of this statuette.

- Chisa!

- Why don't you give me the statuette?

- I thought it was you!

- Here, give it to me.

- No, I won't.

- Do you want to die with her?

- You'll be the one who dies.

Why did you have to kill an innocent?

- She didn't tell me where the statuette was hidden.

After lying with a multitude of men as a courtesan

she supposedly repented, and became a nun.

But who knows what she's been really doing?

You're a lot softer than I thought.

- Chen Sun!

- Nemuri! It seems we'll finally have our match.

- I shall not hold myself back.

- Shorin-ji Kenpo.

To honor my ancestor!

Got it!

I'll take your sword!

- You couldn't take it, Chen Sun.

- I've lost.

As we agreed before. What is your order?

- Remove yourself from the Zeniya Gohei affair. That's my order.

- Agreed.

- We'll meet again one day.

- On that day, I will take your sword away, for certain.

- Is that so?

- Farewell.

- Kyoshiro-sama...

I was born to die like this... it's all fate.

- It would've been best if we never met.

- Not so...

It was from that moment... that my life truly began...

You gave me happiness I had never known...

the joy of a woman.

...I am happy.

- Chisa!

Well, Gohei. Come get it?

To obtain this treasure, you even committed murder.

What's the matter, Gohei?

There!

You can almost reach it!

Here is the realization of your every desire!

- I won't give up!

- This is the "treasure"?

This lump of rock?

A scrap of paper inside it seals the fate of the million-koku fief of Kaga?

Well, I don't give a damn!

This lump of rock in my hand...

shattered the treasure that I held in my arms.

Is there still beauty, anywhere in this world?

Where is it?

THE END