Original subtitles

Participant of the 1964 Geijutsusai Art Festival

Toei Co., Ltd.

Revenge (Adauchi)

Produced by Okawa Hiroshi

Production Design Okada Shigeru Ogawa Mikio Okinaga Taka'o Honda Enzaburo Screenplay Hashimoto Shinobu

Cinematography: Nakao Shun'ichiro Lighting Engineer: Watada Hiroshi Recording Engineer: Nozu Hiroo An Direction: Suzuki Takatoshi Music: Mayuzumi Toshiro Editing: Miyamoto Shintaro

Assistant Director: Hirayama Toru Record Keeper: Umezu Yasuko Set Decoration: Tate Kiyoshi Props: Miyakawa Toshio Makeup: Hayashi Masanobu Hairstyling: Sakurai Fumiko Costumes: Mikami Go Swordfight Choreography: Adachi Reijiro Production Supervisor: Kata'oka Shoshichi

Cast

Nakamura Kin'nosuke

Tam ba Tetsuro Mita Yoshiko

Tamura Takahiro Sasaki Ai Ozawa Sho'ichi

Shindo Eitaro Mitsuda Ken Shin Kinzo Tanaka Haru'o Kato Yoshi Mishima Masa'o

Koyama Shigeru Mouri Kiku'� Kimura Toshi'� Ishidat� Tetsu'o Orimoto Junkichi Yamamoto Rin'ichi Nakamura Kinji

Tak�'uchi Mitsuru Nakamura Tokinosuk� Ogata Shin'nosuk� Arima Koji Toyama Kinjiro Kata'oka Hanzo Fujikawa Tetsu'o Kanbayashi Makoto Tokita Fuji'o

EgiKenH Fiyo Hachiro Awaji Daisuk� Hatanaka Rei'ichi Gori Heitaro Nishida Yoshi'aki O'ita Shota Hori Kotaro Haruji Kensaku Hayashi Mitsu'�

Directed by Imai Tadashi

What's going on?

They don't need fences for horses.

Hurry! We only have until the hour of the dragon.

Duel Announcement Challenger: Okumo Tatsunosuk� Challenged: Ezaki Shinpachi Time: 7th year of Kyoho (1722) seventh month, 10th day, Hour of the Horse. Place: Kikyo-gahara, outside the castle town. Notification having been lawfully delivered to the Shogunate government, none may object or raise a complaint. Chief Inspector Ogawa Kobei (Seal)

As ever, the morning fog does not persist; it begins to dissipate from Katsura-ga-take.

It always clears up.

By the way, Ezaki... I do hope Shinpachi hasn't fallen ill, or any such thing.

He is quietly preparing himself. There is no need for concern.

Well, I'm very impressed by his resolve.

Soon it will be seen by all, at the Kikyo-gahara riding grounds, outside the castle town.

Well, then...

Thank you for all the hard work.

Though I'm unworthy, as long as I, Niwa Denbei, am his official guardian...

...Tatsunosuk� shall not demonstrate any cowardice or hesitation.

Please let Chief Inspector Ogawa know this.

Well, I'm very impressed by his resolve.

Soon it will be seen by all, at the Kikyo-gahara riding grounds, outside the castle town.

Yes.

Last night it was looking as if it were going to rain, but fortunately, it hasn't. Fine, isn't it?

Yes... It's extremely fortunate

I want as many people as possible to see this, townsfolk, commoners, even farmers...

...not just fief vassals and their families.

Yes.

The challenger is samurai; the challenged is samurai.

No matter who wins, the unsurpassed excellence of our fief will shine.

Indeed.

Indeed. Jinza.

Jinza.

Yes? Jinza.

Yes?

Yes? Has this been constructed properly?

Is this in accordance with the regulations?

1-shaku = 30.3 cm = ~1 foot. Yes. Fresh bamboo, split in half, 6-shaku in length, with the round side facing out...

1-shaku = 30.3 cm = ~1 foot.

1-shaku = 30.3 cm = ~1 foot. ...and the thin ropes double-knotted. Exactly as the ancient conventions require.

What about the vertical posts?

1-jo = 3.03 meters = ~10 feet. Yes. They are spaced one-jo apart

Hm...

Hm... Oh...

The fief has no written record of having ever conducted a traditional duel like this.

Yes, that is so.

We'll surely have a huge crowd by the hour of the horse. Don't let the palisades slacken.

Yes sir.

Don't let the palisades slacken.

Yes sir.

Things are unpredictable, aren't they?

Things are unpredictable, aren't they? Sir?

Today, a score is going to get settled, in front of hundreds, perhaps thousands of eyes.

And it all started over such a trifle.

Yes...

�AII is peaceful under the heavens...�

�AII is peaceful under the heavens...� Huh?

Huh?

Look at this, the spearhead is unpolished. Huh?

�Umamawari:� Mounted soldiers who guard the fief lord in battle, and also the castle. Granted, it's a lazy day in Spring, but even the dragoons are enjoying too much leisure.

Wait.

It may not be shiny, but that can be remedied with a single wipe.

Your flip remark about the dragoons; aren't you going a little overboard?

So when did you become a dragoon?

You have no position; you're lower than a common foot-soldier.

You wouldn't speak imprudently, would you?

Sir Okuno. Today is the fifth day... you have not forgotten, have you?

What?

The dragoons and their dependents assemble at the castle to maintain their weapons.

This has been the tradition since the founding of the clan.

Thus... even though some of us hold no position...

...on this day, we deem ourselves equal to the dragoons.

Equal to the dragoons, huh?

How can a man whose spear is unpolished be equal to a dragoon?

I said that it can be polished with a single wipe.

After all, you don't polish your household spear every day, do you?

Did you just say something?

Stop it.

Stop it. I did. I wondered if the spear of your household is somewhat unpolished.

What?!

What?! Stop it. Hold it.

Stop it. Hold it.

Let go. Stop it. Hold it.

Let go.

Let go. Stop it.

He's a man with no position, how dare he make such a remark?! I cannot forgive it, let go!

Let go! Let go!

To Ezaki Shinpachi, from Okuno Mogadayu:

�I will be happy to demonstrate to your satisfaction whether or not...

�... the household spear of a Chief of Protocol, worth 120-koku, is unpolished. �

�As a student of the Jigenitou-ryu style, show no cowardice or hesitation, and meet me alone. �

�The place: the banks of the Katsura River near Kikyo-gahara, outside the castle town. �

�The time: Today, the hour of the rooster. �

� This is a personal challenge to a duel you must not inform anyone about it. �

Shinpachi!

Shinpachi!

Shinpachi.

Shinpachi...

Shinpachi... What was the duel about?

Private duels are strictly forbidden.

Aren't you aware of our clan's prohibitions?

Okuno Magodayu sent me a challenge letter.

I read it back at the mansion. But... the letter is not enough. How can we explain this?

Wait...

Shum�, go on ahead.

Sir?

We can't let anyone see us. We'll take the back road to the mansion.

Uncle. I cannot accept your solution.

Hm? But it was a squabble over a trifling matter.

�Magota:� short for �Magodayu.� Magota let it get to him, and plotted to get even; his short temper was his own undoing.

Nonsense. Even if the winner was not at fault, the loser's family can demand a revenge duel.

That's my understanding.

Well, it is as you say. But you know, Shum�...

Such retribution relates to the unexpected death of a man whose estate is in question.

There's an appropriate time and place to preach to me about worldly wisdom.

No matter what you say, Uncle, I, Shum�...

...shall submit a challenge request to the fief government office, first thing tomorrow.

We Okuno brothers cannot abide being shamed as timid cowards in front of the entire clan.

Shum�... The Chief Inspector is going to investigate this private duel.

If he discovers that Magota was at fault, that he broke clan law by making a willful challenge...

...the Okuno family will be punished. What then? This is more serious than simple retribution.

I am going to Chief Inspector Ogawa Kobei's official residence.

Do not make any arrangements or inform anyone until after I return. Understood?

Niwa, your statement is the whole and complete truth, is that not so?

Yes. That is so.

Ezaki... your statement. You swear that there is not a speck of falsity in it, correct?

Yes. That is so.

Okuno, Ezaki... I have noted the statements of both clans.

As to what follows, that will be up to Minister Katagai Tanomo.

Neither of you will return to your mansions; instead, you will wait here.

Insanity?

Yes, that is so.

Chief of Protocol Okuno Magodayu, and Shin- pachi, the younger brother of Ezaki Jubei...

...engaged in a personal fight in a fit of insanity, and Okuno Magodayu was injured.

Both of them suffered a fit of insanity?

Yes, that is so.

When you say �insanity,� you're saying that they both went mad, is that not so?

Yes.

In other words, two crazed men got into a fight with each other?

Yes.

There's no mistake about this?

Niwa Denbei, the uncle of Okuno Magodayu, and Jubei, the older brother of Ezaki Shinpachi...

...have both calmly submitted their statements in the courtroom of my official residence.

According to Niwa Denbei's statement, Okuno Magodayu is repeatedly requesting...

...that his younger brother Shum� should succeed him and have his inheritance.

How is Magodayu's injury?

There is no hope of recovery.

Hmm... so the insane has returned to sanity as his death approaches.

On the other hand, this Ezaki Shinpachi, he hasn't sustained even the slightest injury?

That is so. Concerning the insanity of his younger brother Shinpachi...

...Jubei has stated that they have confined him in a locked room of their mansion.

Confinement in the mansion is insufficient.

A dangerous man who swings his sword in fits of insanity cannot be permitted to remain here.

Understood. I shall immediately banish him from the castle town, applying the usual 3-Ii limit.

Kobei.

If not for the �insanity�, we would have a reason to confiscate 120-koku from the Okuno clan...

...and 40-koku from Ezaki Shinpachi's older brother Jubei, for lack of supervision.

The confiscated stipends would total 160-koku a year.

But it's alright, that might make matters worse.

Let's keep the judgment as it stands, and accept the claims of insanity.

Tell Niwa Denbei and Ezaki Jubei that I have provisionally approved their petitions...

...and that they should patiently await my final ruling.

Older brother. I am not crazy. I did not go insane.

Well... I understand the position you're in.

But...

But... No, Samon. Whatever the judgment is, I am not crazy.

Okuno Magodayu fought honorably.

Both of us are being vilified as madmen; the soul of Okuno Magodayu can't move on.

Shinpachi... Think of our clan's lineage of seven generations...

...whose members have served the clan of Lord Wakisaka...

...since the founding of the fief in Wakisaka-sho in Oomi.

I have no position, and can only hope to be adopted by some distant clan.

I'm not interested in the Ezaki clan's lineage!

This is practically a circus. The mob might as well lynch him after the public spectacle.

Granted, Shinpachi brought this upon himself, but this is still too much.

Three month's training at the mountain temple, a hundred days of homilies, left him unchanged.

Namu amida butsu. Namu amida buts...

I give up. We're stuck with a murderous nutcase.

And I'm saddled with the job of managing this outrageous situation.

MY sympathies.

My sympathies. But you know, said nutcase, contrary to expectations, is quiet for now.

Quieter than a domesticated cat.

He's in good hands.

He's particularly more human since the recent visit of his younger sister, Michi.

The weather is getting hotter, so I had her bring him lighter clothes.

Oh yes... Michi brought along a girl called Ritsu or something, from the castle town.

Miss Ritsu?

Come in, come in; the journey from Tatsuno must have been hard on your dainty feet. Come in.

Come on in. Over there..

Ryonen.

Ryonen. Yes.

What's Shinpachi doing?

What's Shinpachi doing? He's been gathering firewood all morning.

He's been gathering firewood all morning.

He's got guests from Tatsuno. Go get him. He's been gathering firewood all morning.

Oh, but first, tell Gosuk� to bring some tea.

Oh, but first, tell Gosuk� to bring some tea. Yes.

Yes.

Oh wait... Ryonen! Yes.

Oh wait... Ryonen!

Oh wait... Ryonen! Yes?

He's probably at the place with the nice view of Mount Kumomi.

You two must have left the outskirts of the fief at dawn, and now it's noon.

A picnic at that scenic point will be much more refreshing than this incense-stuffy temple.

Tell Gosuk� to prepare something.

Tell Gosuk� to prepare something. Yes.

I've been saddled with this outrageous liability, and he's a real handful.

MY sympathies.

Well, he has calmed down lately.

He can glare and get furious all he wants, but this deep in the mountains...

...his only opponents are mountain monkeys and hares.

He can kick and scream, but that's the reality. He'll naturally come to his senses.

What do you say, Shinpachi? Now that you're labeled as insane, aren't you a lot happier?

What's with that sour look? You committed the ultimate evil of murder, don't you know?

Had you not been a samurai, you would've been hung for it. Right?

As penance, become a monk without delay, for the sake of your opponent's soul. Okay?

Hurry up and become a monk.

And become like you, a corrupt abbot who paws the widows of farmers and lumberjacks?

Stuff it. Tending to the needs of the lonely flesh of widows merely spreads the Buddha's mercy.

Anyway, Shinpachi. As of today, I've given up on trying to make you a monk.

Take that �butcher knife� you're toting on your hip, and resolutely cast it away.

Then escape to another fief. And take this young lady with you.

There's more to life than being a samurai, with all their crap about honor; you can't go on that way.

Hell and heaven are not in the afterlife, they're in this world. In this world, understand?

Come, Miss Michi. We must leave them alone; they have important matters to discuss.

Abbot, that's not necessary.

I'm not leaving. Shum� has become the heir of the Okuno clan; it went without a hitch.

After some time passes, I can go back to the castle town.

I think so too. My father said that �gossip only lasts seventy-five days...�

...and that eventually the censure from the fief will end, and your banishment will be lifted.

He advised patience until then.

Well, if that's how you all feel, I won't try to convince you otherwise.

But I still think that now is your chance to escape.

We are all blind to the future, and the world of the samurai is especially precarious.

You have no idea what to expect.

Hey, hey, hey, hey! Everyone! How about some sweet watermelon?

2-mon, that's all it is. 2-mon, you know. Come on. 2-mon, 2-mon, what a deal!

Fresh buns, right from the oven, how's that? Hey! Buns, buns, buns fresh from the oven!

Buy yourself a hat, I've got large and small hats. You'd better buy one, it's gonna be hot today.

I can't let you sneak in, I've claimed this spot since dawn.

It's going to cost you 16-mon cash if you want to see this duel from my top-notch vantage point.

The price will soon go up to 25-mon, Monk, so you'd better decide now.

You're never going to see a more entertaining show than this ever again, you know?

You freeloading beggar!

Hey.

Penniless monk!

Shit. What scoundrels.

Move! Move! Outta the way! Move! Move!

Move!

Alright.

Niwa. Inspecting the grounds?

Yes, it is as you say.

As Tatsunosuk� is young, it's essential that he be well prepared for the duel.

Therefore, I have come to make a preliminary check on conditions...

...the quality of the soil, the position of the sun, the direction of the wind, and so on.

If your champion was Okuno Shum� instead of Tatsunosuk�...

...you probably wouldn't have to concern yourself with such matters.

It is as you say. If it were Shum�, I wouldn't be so concerned and anxious. Pardon me.

Shum�... Shum�, your shon temper has ripped my plans to shreds.

But I also can understand why you felt the way you did.

Shum�, it wasn't just that bastard that sent you into the void.

But if the inheritance of the estate has been settled, that should do it.

He probably won't continue to make a fuss.

My opinion is that Okuno Shum� never wanted to take revenge on Ezaki Shinpachi.

Yeah. If he wanted to kill him, he could have struck him down with a single blow.

But running his estate is more important than demonstrating his skill in the Shinkag� style.

Shum� has more worldly wisdom than you might expect.

Poor Magota, he's probably crying hysterically now in hell.

He challenged Ezaki Shinpachi to defend his honor as a warrior.

But his younger brother Shum� cares more about worldly success than honor.

It is troubling that you would cut short your conversation on my account.

Please continue, without hesitation.

Then I'll do the talking.

Today, I am going to Kita-kouchi, near the border of the fief...

...where I will kill a madman who's hiding out at a temple in the back hills.

Sir Okuno...

No, do not worry. I won't be swayed one way or another by your gossiping.

And I'm not disobeying our superiors, nor the decisions of those who enforce the law.

There will be no duel.

I will... merely kill a dangerous madman for his insolence, that's all.

Ezaki Shinpachi is disturbed; he's a madman.

He's no different from a roaming, rabid dog baring its fangs.

If I cut such a dog in half with a single blow, no one will complain.

To my shame, it was only a few days ago that I finally reached this conclusion.

As a result, Ezaki Shinpachi has breathed fifty days longer than he should have.

Kan'no-ji Temple

Leave the fief immediately. Here's road money.

You're no match for this opponent.

And if by some chance you do defeat him, it will only make matters worse.

You have to do this, Shinpachi.

You can't take a horse beyond here. So he'll tie his horse around here, somewhere, for sure.

If he sees you here, he might ask you how to get to the temple, about me, and so on.

If... If that happens, tell that samurai to take the front road. Understood?

Then you go around the back road, run to the temple, and let me know.

The back road is steep, but only a third of the length of the main road. Right?

Yeah.

This is where he slept last night? Are you sure?

Yeah.

But Ryonen, I saw him poke his sleepy face out of his room this morning.

Yeah, but Abbot, he sleeps in a different place every night.

In the storage room, in the main hall, in the shed in the back.

What's gotten into him, all of a sudden?

Ryonen... The samurai that visited the other day from the castle town; was his name Koyama?

He's a dragoon, and his name was Koyama Samon.

Yeah, him. This all started after that visit.

Ever since then, Shinpachi's been acting creepy, like he really was crazy. What's up?

I see. His sudden strange behavior... now it makes sense to me. I see.

Shum� has inherited the Okuno clan estate without incident, and things have settled.

I don't think he would make waves now.

However, Shum� is a prideful warrior, and highly skilled as well.

To maintain face... he'll feel compelled to avenge the unexpected death of his older brother.

Whatever the case, this is annoying. I can't have samurai killing each other at my temple.

I'll have to ask you to take Shinpachi away from here, today.

I was wrong. The stain of murder is not so easily washed away.

Don't see him, just go home. He's almost a real madman now.

I tried driving him out of the temple, but he just got stubborn...

...saying he won't run or hide from his enemy. He doesn't plan on budging.

I've completely given up on him. I have nothing left to offer.

Take some good advice, and forget about that madman.

Keep in mind that your clan must've severed ties with Shinpachi after the murder.

What do you want?

I'm not done talking with her. Beat it, you!

I must speak with Miss Ritsu.

I must speak with Miss Ritsu. What?

Abbot... Sanza�mon of Nishitani Village has brought an oblation for the new Buddha.

Miss Ritsu... Who in the clan is to become your suitor, in place of myself?

No, I'm not jealous. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, Miss Ritsu.

It's just that I care about your well-being.

You've become a completely different person since I visited with Miss Michi. Completely.

People change... Particularly when Okuno Shum� wants them dead.

Miss Ritsu.

Miss Ritsu. Miss Ritsu.

Let go of me.

Miss Ritsu.

You're behaving brutishly. What are you doing?

Sir Shinpachi... Sir Shinpachi...

Sir Shinpachi...

My household, as you know, is just myself and my father.

My father is very generous. He will do anything I ask of him, even if it's unreasonable.

But I, Ritsu, have never once vexed my father, ever since I was a child.

But if I were to ask him, in utmost earnest...

It's my once-in-a-lifetime request. I'm sure my father would grant it.

Ours is a household with a meager stipend of but 40 bales of rice.

Even if our family line were to end with my father, he won't have any regrets.

We could leave the fief, go somewhere far away, just the two of us.

My father would permit it, I'm sure of that.

I forbid it. Though our family stipend is a measly 40 bales, we've lasted for generations.

Do not speak of such foolishness.

I will find you an appropriate groom to continue our lineage. Otherwise I'll lose face.

Otherwise, how can I face our ancestors?

Spread a mat under the Chief Minister's seat.

Yes sir. I have it ready.

Hmph... That area is for those of high rank.

The dragoons and retainers can be stationed over on the other side, I suppose.

I am sorry, but the dragoons and retainers will have to be over there, I believe.

Well, that would do as well.

Yes sir.

�Mikire:� a pun; it can mean either �three pickles� or �cut the body.� Excuse me, but regarding pickled vegetables, doesn't the challenger get one slice...

�Mikire:� a pun; it can mean either �three pickles� or �cut the body.�

�Mikire:� a pun; it can mean either �three pickles� or �cut the body .� ...while the challenged gets three slices to fight back with? Yes?

That's just a pointless superstition. One pickle won't be enough.

Prepare four pickles for each party that should be sufficient.

Yes sir.

I charge you to ensure that both parties receive four slices. Understood?

Yes sir.

By the way, Jinza.

By the way, Jinza. Yes sir.

Yes sir.

What is the time? Yes sir.

What is the time?

What is the time? We still have two more hours.

Ensure that both clans have no cause to complain about your preparations.

Yes sir.

That's going to be heavy. But it'll block sword swings to some extent.

Here's a towel.

You've improved dramatically. You learn fast when you're young.

But that sorrel is superb; you've improved, but your ass isn't yet worthy of his saddle.

As for this one, he's no good. My big brother haggled too much, and ended up with a nag.

This horse is not mine. It belongs to big brother Magota.

It's pathetic that neither of us can have our own horse.

I'm never going to be reborn as a second or third son of a samurai household again.

By the way, swimming lessons are next.

This year I'll teach you the most advanced techniques of the Kankai-ryu school.

Yes. Please.

Who was it that killed Magodayu, the heir to the Okuno clan estate?

Ezaki Shinpachi.

And who was it that killed his younger brother, Okuno Shum�?

Tatsunosuk�. Who was it that cruelly murdered Okuno Shum� as well? Who? Answer me!

Elder brother... I understand about big brother Magota's grudge.

But the matter has been settled. I don't understand why you can't let it go.

Our big brother was murdered by an insane person.

And thanks to him, our stipend of 120-koku...

And thanks to him, our stipend of 120-koku... We should ignore such gossip.

But I can't just let it go. After all, my sword skills are somewhat above average.

Besides, I have no interest in avenging big brother Magota just to settle his grudge.

All I'm going to do is to quietly send a pesky madman to the afterlife.

Wait...

He came �by horse.�

And...?

He tied his horse in front of the house, put on straw sandals, and...

Hold it.

Shum�. Prepare yourself.

Are you ready?

Request for a Duel.

Request for a Duel.

The madman killed again?

Okuno Shum� was the clan's top expen in the Shikag�-ryu style. Not bad for a madman.

What is the position of the Okuno clan?

Niwa Denbei is wily and crafty, but given the current situation...

...even he won't claim Shum� was also insane, so the youngest brother, Tatsunosuk�, can inherit.

Yes. The Okuno clan cannot endure this; they have submitted a petition for a revenge duel.

Then it cannot be helped. We have to help them perform the most splendid vengeance possible.

Yes sir.

Two men worth 120-koku, holding the rank of Chief of Protocol, have been murdered...

...by a man with no position, and their clan has been brought to the brink of ruin.

Can you imagine what will happen if rumors that we did not deal with this spread to other fiefs?

You were lazy, you didn't look into the dispute between Magota and Shinpachi...

...and you tried to cover things up. This is your fault. Are you worthy to be Chief Inspector?

Ezaki... This all started because the fief was sympathetic to your plight.

We turned a blind eye, and agreed to your request.

And now look at the mess we're in. Well, Ezaki?

�The turmoil was caused because the fief made an incorrect judgment about the first incident.�

This is what some people are now saying.

I am very sorry. The fief's judgment was sound. Okuno Shum� was foolish and reckless.

It's too late for that now. What matters now is how we're going to handle it.

Ezaki. Now is the time for you to step up and serve with exemplary loyalty.

Chief Inspector, with all due respect...

Jubei. The fief has formally received the Okuno family's petition for a revenge duel.

No matter where Shinpachi runs, the Okuno family will hunt him down and kill him.

His life cannot be saved, it's only a matter of time.

Instead of being concerned about Shinpachi, think of your clan's future.

That's the most appropriate way to conduct yourself.

At this point, don't you think that it's essential for you to exercise good judgment?

Jinza.

Jinza. Yes sir.

Yes sir.

Should we send a messenger to both clans? Yes sir.

No, I myself went to them earlier this morning, and confirmed the details.

I doubt that either clan will be late. But if you are concerned, I can go and check.

No, it should be fine, it should be fine.

No, it should be fine, it should be fine. Yes sir.

Hey, Jinza.

Hey, Jinza. Yes?

He may be young, but Tatsunosuk�'s bravery in confronting Shinpachi is remarkable...

...and Ezaki Shinpachi, who must dauntlessly step into this arena, is also impressive.

It is as you say.

Big brother... Why? Why must I passively let Tatsunosuk� defeat me?

�The challenger is samurai; the challenged is samurai.� I cannot endure...

...your ridiculous plan for this duel.

Shinpachi, our mother has a message for you.

Mother does?

She said that you must end this dispute for the sake of the clan, like an honorable samurai.

Like an honorable samurai? Big brother!

Despite being found guilty, I fought Okuno Magodayu because he challenged me.

And I didn't do anything cowardly or hesitant in my fight with Shum� either!

I'll tell you who's cowardly and hesitant.

It's you, big brother, who's telling me to just stand and let Tatsunosuk� kill me!

(Buddhist Chanting)

Abbot...

You must take responsibility for your mistakes. You shouldn't make trouble for others.

Ryonen. Let's eat!

Ryonen. Let's eat! Yes.

Don't ask me for counsel, because I don't know what to tell you.

Escape from here. It might seem cramped, but Japan is huge.

If a person wants to hide, they can always find a place.

Abbot, you don't understand the code of the samurai.

What?

The fief office has already accepted the petition for a revenge duel.

No matter where I flee, other fiefs will consider me guilty. Things aren't so easy.

Then what? Will you wait here until someone else comes to kill you?

It probably won't be just one or two opponents the next time.

Let me tell you something, Shinpachi.

Note: the abbot is holding two �ihai�, or portable grave-markers. Twice a day, I've been honoring your request, and praying for these two souls.

But the man who is alive is more lost than the two who are dead.

I will pray now for the soul that lives, and yet is lost.

This is about all I can do in my capacity as a priest.

Ezaki Jubei, regarding the case of your brother Shinpachi...

...and his involvement in the deaths of Okuno Magodayu and his younger brother Shum�...

...you have made multiple mistakes in how you have handled matters.

Therefore, inasmuch as a thoroughly detailed investigation is required...

...your brother is to be detained in the castle prison, starting by the end of the day.

Ezaki... Draw nigh.

It is not just the council of high ministers who are furious about this.

Given who is privy to the situation, I cannot grant even a day's delay.

Unless your younger brother Shinpachi listens to you, the fief will send men to capture him.

Shinpachi will be thrown into a cell; he will be made to wither away...

...and when he has grown weak enough, Okuno Tatsunosuk� will be allowed to kill him.

The council of high ministers has made this decision.

But if this happens, it will be a blow to the Ezaki clan from which you will never recover.

Make haste. Go to Kitako'uchi, go to Kan'no-ji Temple.

Big brother...

Hm?

Has Miss Ritsu of Nishida become engaged to anyone?

I have heard something concerning the second son of Muroi.

But it's only a rumor It's not certain.

Well well, I am much obliged.

Shinpachi... The abbot has generously provided some food.

It's a little early, but let's have some together.

�Hot Prajna Water:� a euphemism for sake used at temples that are officially �dry.� It's �Hot Prajna Water.� The abbot is quite considerate.

That's because he's corrupt.

All right then, Shinpachi. What are you going to do?

I've told you several times what the fief intends. You have to decide.

My thinking is this; you've got two paths.

However, it's entirely up to you which one you choose.

You can resolve to let Tatsunosuk� kill you.

Or you can flee, and continue living as long as you can.

Due to the misfortune of being born the younger brother of a man like me...

...you've always had to �eat cold rice.�

I have always sincerely hoped that I could do something for you.

But look where we find ourselves.

You should be selfish. Forget about the clan, don't worry about anything else.

Do what you want to do. Do as you please.

Big brother.

I'm coming in.

What? If you want more sak�, I'll have Ryonen bring you some.

What's the matter?

You have cared for me for a long time.

Early tomorrow morning, I'm going back with my big brother to our mansion.

I see..

Anyway, drink up.

So my nuisance is finally going to leave.

Now I can finally relax.

And yet, I was hoping you could at least stay for the summer. It's really cool here.

A noon nap in the main hall is like being in a temperate paradise.

Well, I'd better start getting ready to leave.

Raise the spear, take the ri?e. Ready, charge, into battle, without any hesitation, none...

Ryonen, do you know that song?

Of course you wouldn't. I don't either. It's the warrior's song, about war.

My grandfather... no, my great grandfather... sang it when going to war.

Saddles for horses, banners for saddles, wind for banners, clouds for wind.

Someone's in a good mood.

I have to wash myself clean of the rat-shit and din of this decrepit temple.

What? You blathering ingrate!

Saddles for horses, banners for saddles, wind for banners, clouds for wind, ready, charge!

Though this journey shall lead to my death...

That Shinpachi... He made up his mind before you arrived, about two or three days ago.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying.

�Ihai�: ponable grave-markers. Shinpachi... he took the ihai of Okuno Magodayu and Shum� where no one could see him...

...and in front of them, he was going to do this... all alone, quietly. He decided to do that.

If he flees to another fief, it will bring ruin to the Ezaki clan.

And if he confronts his enemies here, he'll be outnumbered.

Since he's dead either way, he reached a decision.

But then you arrived. I don't know what you talked about...

...but it appears that Shinpachi has resolved to let Tatsunosuk� kill him.

Anyway, may he find the tranquility of Buddha.

I understand the concerns about the fief's plans and your clan's situation.

But it's an extreme thing when a person gets ready for death.

I ask that you grant Shinpachi his wish for a tranquil, peaceful end.

No, I don't care what they say, there's something about this revenge duel that bothers me.

No, you see... it's like this...

No, you see... it's like this... No.

I'm going by the captain's announcement the other day.

It's going to be a circus, and they're going to torment him to death.

What do you mean, �torment him to death?� Koyama, you should watch what you say.

If it's not that, then at the very least they're going to trick him to his death.

Shinpachi came back because he resolved to let Okuno Tatsunosuk� kill him.

Sir Shiraki... Everyone in the clan is dubious about this revenge duel.

They're voicing strong opinions.

Well, Shinpachi's older brother Ezaki Jubei has tenaciously protested the arrangements.

But the matter has already been decided by the fief council. It can't be helped.

Yes sir.

I'm sure there are some gossipers, but if we were to appease all their concerns...

...we would end up undermining the authority of our superiors.

Yes sir.

Besides, you never know what might prompt Shinpachi to change his mind.

Yes sir. It is as you say.

The Chief Minister has arrived.

I did not expect such a crowd.

I did not expect such a crowd. Yes.

There's nothing amiss? Everything is perfectly set up?

Yes. All that remains is for us to wait for the two duelists to arrive.

That's the seat for the challenger, and over there is the seat for the challenged?

Yes, that is so.

Your chain mail, hip, and hand guards have been checked?

Yes sir.

The hilt of the sword, the spear-wrap, the strings of your sandals... all checked?

Yes sir.

This is an amulet of Nagusa Hachiman.

Late last night, Miss Ritsu of Nishida came to me in secret...

...and asked me to give this to you, big brother.

As for you assistants, as soon as Shinpachi draws his sword, I will give the sign.

You will then draw your swords and introduce yourselves.

Regarding the duel, Shinpachi has declared that he will not put up a fight...

...but given that he might change his mind, we shall proceed as planned.

No matter what happens, Tatsunosuk� is not to directly cross swords with Shinpachi.

Understood, Tatsunosuk�?

You six assistant fighters will move to keep Shinpachi at bay, and attack him.

After delivering a blow that renders him unable to stand, you shall withdraw.

Tatsunosuk� will then approach and slay him.

After Shinpachi is down, you will carefully thrust into his throat or left chest.

Group... Tatsunosuk�... Do not forget these actions and strategy.

Yes sir.

Alright. Let us depart

Ancestors, forgive me.

This Kanemitsu sword from Bizen, an heirloom of generations past...

...has been blunted, as you can see.

But after I die, a sword sharpener can restore it to its original condition.

Like a samurai should

Honorably...

Big brother. The hour is approaching.

He's here! He's here!

Hey! Hey. He's here! He's here!

Hey, look at the mug on that scoundrel!

He murdered two men. Two!

I knew he'd be abnormal; he's just as I imagined.

Murderer!

Murderer! Filthy villain!

Hey! Hurry up and get yourself killed!

Hey! Hurry up and get yourself killed! That's right! Die!

Shit! Asshole! Murderer!

Shinpachi...

The challenger: Okuno Tatsunosuk�.

The challenged: Ezaki Shinpachi.

The reason for the duel: Okuno Tatsunosuk�'s two elder brothers...

...Okuno Magodayu and Okuno Shum�, were killed by Ezaki Shinpachi.

This revenge duel has been official registered with Shogunate government.

No matter who wins the duel, let no one dispute the outcome.

I, Katagai Tanomo, am humbly in charge of overseeing today's duel.

Let neither party show hesitation; may they both fight a good fight.

I shall assist as duty requires! Fujimaki Seibei!

Likewise, Satomura Buhei!

Likewise, Satomura Buhei! Likewise, Ogasawara Kei'ichiro!

Likewise, Ogasawara Kei'ichiro!

Likewise, Yamaguchi Tetsunoshin! Likewise, Ogasawara Kei'ichiro!

Likewise, Yamaguchi Tetsunoshin!

Likewise, Yamaguchi Tetsunoshin! Likewise, Yamaguchi Kinbei!

Likewise, Yamaguchi Kinbei!

Likewise, Sakakibara Tetsuma! Likewise, Yamaguchi Kinbei!

Assistance is unnecessary! Assistance is unnecessary!

Assistance is unnecessary!

Tatsunosuk�!

Tatsunosuk�!

Assistance is unnecessary!

Send someone! Kobei, send someone of skill!

Kobei! Send someone! Send someone!

Dragoons! Retainers! Go forth! Go forth!

You've been commanded! Go! Go forth!

It's an order! it's an official command! Go forth! Go forth!

Move. Move!

The final blow... Tatsunosuk�... The final blow.

Tatsunosuk�!

Tatsunosuk�!

Blow the conch, wield the sword, raise the spear, take the ri?e.

Ready, charge, into battle, without any hesitation, none...

Rumor has it that Ezaki Jubei will have his stipend increased by 20-koku.

Heh, those officials.

Ezaki saved their skins. Indeed, what an honorable duel that was.

Men, be sure to put out the fires. Clear out soon.

Yes sir.

Oh, Sir Shiraki. I'm so very glad you're here.

We grunts want to have much, much more sak�.

Nishida, stop...

Today's job was so disgusting... no... today, we were forced to witness disgusting things.

So unless we grunts have more sake, we can't be at peace. Well, Sir Shiraki?

Please give us more sak�.

Come on, don't be so unreasonable. Just clean up and clear out soon, alright?

Sergeant. Infantry Sergeant.

What do you want?

I was told that Ezaki Shinpachi's corpse was to be removed after dusk.

Yeah, his is the only corpse left. Hurry up and remove him. Hurry.

What?

Umm... About an hour ago, Ezaki Jubei arrived. He's just sitting in front of the deceased.

He killed his brother and increased his stipend. I bet he's paralyzed with grief.

He killed his brother and increased his stipend. I bet he's paralyzed with grief. Say what?

It's too dark to see. Where is he?

The twin pines at the center!

Blow the conch, wield the sword, raise the spear, take the ri?e.

Ready, charge, into battle...

Ready, charge, into battle... Sir Ezaki.

Sir Ezaki.

...Without any hesitation, none... Sir Ezaki.

...Without any hesitation, none...

...without any hesitation, none... Sir Ezaki.

Sir Ezaki!

Somebody!

Get somebody! Get somebody!

The End

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