Original subtitles

So... you've felt the poison's sting.

All the names and whereabouts of the women. This is it.

You swallowed something. I'll need it also.

Ninja Snake Penetrator.

Go on in. Yes, very inviting. Almost a shame to kill you. Ah, here it is.

What is this?

Fatal ninjutsu, Womb's Revenge!

That was close.

No!

Wha?

Fool! Fatal ninjutsu is powered by your life! You're a kunoichi, not a ninja.

Must teach you a lesson...

No!

So cold!

Shima!

Big Sis!

The words were stolen.

I told you to be careful, Shima. You musn't die for nothing.

My apologies.

Chew it slowly.

The moon is out.

Lady Ninja: Reflections of Darkness

It was the time of the eighth Tokugawa shogun, Yoshimune.

Hard times hit the land

and spending was restricted by strict laws

known as the Kyoho Reform.

The ordinances affected all the things in daily life.

The Shogun Yoshimune The ordinances affected all the things in daily life.

The Shogun Yoshimune

Even Yoshimune obeyed the rules.

But there was opposition.

One was Muneharu, new head of the Owaris and second only to the shogun.

Muneharu claimed that "money was meant to be spent."

His motto was, "Kings act like beggars while their second acts like a man."

On Children's Day,

the traditional display was considered entertainment and forbidden.

However on Children's Day in 1732,

Muneharu made an ostentatious display with lavish carp banners.

How very amusing!

I can picture the look on the dainty Yoshimune and that lech Ohoka's face!

Ohoka My lord. Let me introduce the messenger

My lord. Let me introduce the messenger

who delivers the statements of blame.

My name is Shokuro Ishikawa.

Listen, Ishikawa.

Though Muneharu is the head of the Owaris,

he must learn what it means to defy the shogun.

I understand.

Tadasuke, how do you think Muneharu will reply?

If he replies in anger, he's an easy foe. But if he holds it, he's a difficult one.

Then let's hope he kills the messenger.

This... message of blame

is accurate.

I am to blame, and I promise to curb my spending.

Tell His Lordship that Muneharu has so spoken.

I understand.

There is food and drink in the room beyond.

Job well done.

I see.

Kishu

Thousand-crane Wave!

Icicle Sword!

Focus your energy, not only the gesture.

I'm hungry, so I couldn't.

Be serious.

Don't you remember the last time?

But I'm hungry, Tsuru.

Don't call me Tsuru. Call me Tsurugi, the sword.

Everyone calls you that though.

What about your original name?

I gave that name up.

We are swords. Our purpose is to cut.

No matter if we're man or woman.

That's no reason to become a sword.

But if you are, you don't need that barrette. Gimme!

Don't change the subject.

Ryusai Minase of the Koga clan.

Bontenmaru Fuwa.

Kurakake-shikibu.

Yukichiyo Mido.

What do those signs say?

"The Shogun's

courtesans

on display."

They're all the lord's whores.

Yoshimune's become quite pious,

but as a young man he was quite the playboy.

But we can't even fly our carp banners.

The whores are all from Kishu.

All women from... before my lord became shogun.

They are the ones you wanted to "take care of."

Well, when you were younger, you were a bit wild.

My ears are burning. I was young.

But they have nothing to do with me now, do they?

The rabble love scandal.

The years of frugality and customs have frustrated them.

There's even some rioting.

More scandals can threaten your position.

The Owaris are more trouble than I thought.

Tadasuke, you have a plan I presume.

There are still three possible sparks of scandal in Kishu.

I think we could use the situation to our advantage.

Those three sparks. Put them out before a fire spreads.

Yes. Once again, I'll need the messenger.

You did well, Ryusai.

Here is your reward of a thousand gold.

Use it as extravagantly as you can.

But first, I will need to show you a trick.

Ninja Milk of Death!

Ninja Devil Hand Magnet.

That was close...

It contains deadly poison.

What's this?

Mirror of Hell.

Yoshimune's ninja,

I see.

Ryusai, how many of his whores are left?

There are three left.

Two thousand gold for each. I want them all alive and on display!

Our mission is to take the life of three women without being seen.

Killing women? I don't really enjoy that kind of thing.

Shut up and listen.

Like I always say, "We are swords. Swords don't think. Our masters wield us."

Actually, The Owaris are after the three as well.

They hired the Koga ninja Ryusai Minase.

The strongest ninja of the Koga clan!

The lord believes in us that much...

Be prepared for this mission to become an all-out ninja war.

Yes!

Crimson Picture Scroll.

Kogan and Ukyo, take care of Okoma. Make it look like suicide.

Understood.

Shima and I will take care of Ofuji.

By poisoning, it will look like she died of disease.

Understood.

Leader, why don't I go with Shima?

It's for her own good. Shima needs to leave the nest.

Tsurugi. Kill Oshina and make it look like an accident.

Understood. So, Leader, I'm to go alone?

When the name "Minase" came up, Iga forced some help on us.

That doesn't sound very welcoming.

And then began Yoshimune and Muneharu's battle by proxy.

What is with that Iga bastard?

1 kind of like his type.

I wish he would spirit me away somewhere.

Anyway, he's very good. No one noticed his presence at all.

All right. Let's take care of Ryusai without that guy!

If we do well on this mission,

we all will be the favorite ninjas of the shogun.

But Shima...

She isn't strong enough for fighting ninjas.

Don't say that.

That's right. I'm sure the leader has a plan.

I guess you're right.

Ukyo, give Shima your ninja seed again.

You give it to her.

Shima, this is Ukyo's seed.

If a time comes, don't hesitate to use it.

Squeeze and don't slip. Ride like a wave.

Okay, that's enough.

Yes.

Excellent. Your partner will feel like he's in heaven.

Thank you.

I wasn't sure when you asked me to teach you the bedroom arts,

but you're just like your sister. One is a sword and the other a scabbard.

If only we didn't look alike.

Don't say that.

You only train me so hard because I'm her little sister.

Shima, know your place!

Forgive me.

And what about the transfer?

When the mission is completed, I'll let you join the kunoichi.

Yagura, let me go!

You don't have to keep running. We'll make it in plenty of time!

Let go!

By the way, why did you choose the name Tsurugi?

Because I'm a ninja, not a kunoichi.

The way of the ninja is always kill or be killed.

I live for it.

I'm a sword. I'm just here to cut.

I see. A paragon of the hidden art.

And stupid, to boot.

What?

Hey, atea house. Let's stop in.

Welcome!

We're in a hurry. The enemy won't wait.

They say, "More haste, less speed."

Owner, do you have unagi-don, eel on rice?

Yes, I used to apprentice at an eel restaurant in Kanda, Tokyo.

Very good. Two, please.

I don't want one.

You fool, they're both for me.

And Tsurugi here will have...

Tea.

Coming up.

Yagura,

you take back what you said.

That the path you chose is stupid?

Yes.

But it is stupid. Living just for the mission.

If you die, it's all over. Nothing remains.

Risking my life for the mission gives me purpose.

It's dangerous so you reap higher rewards. And take lives.

You eat well, see beautiful sights. Take hot baths.

Enjoy plays and music. And to top it all off, have beautiful women.

Are you mocking me?

Close your eyes and give them a smell. Don't be rude to the eels.

Here are your two unagi-don.

Just what I was waiting for!

Hm... go ahead. Eat.

Thanks. Bless this meal.

Is it your first time having eel?

You're really missing out.

Have you ever had... a man.

I'm not a kunoichi. I'm a ninja.

Like having eel, you might even like it if you try it.

Do not mock me. Shut up and eat.

Such a scary one.

Sir, wanna have some fun?

Hey, even for a whore, you're too old. I'm not that drunk!

That's why I'm giving you a discount!

It might be about time to retire...

Trying to cheer me up?

I'm fine.

I'm Kurakake-shikibu.

I'm here for Okoma.

Why give us your name, you Owari stooge?

I can take you both, kunoichi from Kishu.

So we all know who's who. Ukyo, I can do this one on my own.

Right.

It all comes down to win or lose.

Butterfly Assassination!

Chaotic Spider!

Once you're caught in my belt, the pleasure consumes you.

See? You're caught in rapture. Can't use your hands.

It's... true I can't use my hands...

What?

Butterfly Assassination, Leg Version!

I've completed my mission.

You've chosen your mission over your life.

Kogan!

Ukyo, I told you I can handle it.

Do you know why that woman was targeted?

We don't need to know.

Listen anyway. She was a courtesan of the shogun.

Gave her body and soul, and as a reward she gets thrown away.

Doesn't that sound familiar?

What are you trying to say?

Your fate is just like hers.

Well, a corpse does no good, so I'll take my leave.

Kogan...

Why did you come? I told you not to!

So Yoshimune's shadow warriors win the first battle...

One down...

Mommy, I'm hungry. Is it the lord's fault we have no food?

Don't complain! Someone could be listening.

Here. Pretend it's a warm sweet bun. It's so sweet!

Mm... I wish I could get the real thing.

If so, move your legs and not your lips. Got it?

The goose flies west.

The sword strikes east.

That was fast. How did it go?

Okoma is taken care of. But we lost the enemy.

Was it Ryusai?

No. But he was still very skilled.

I go complete my mission.

Wait.

Why?

To see how the enemy moves. If we take them out, we'll get more prestige.

With you, we can defeat Ryusai.

All right. Let's beat them.

Three of us are enough. One should go and join the leader.

Then I shall go. Ryusai is sure to show up there.

I'll bet you an unagi-don.

I don't bet. But I will defeat Ryusai.

You're no fun at all. I'm off.

Hey, once we finish this row, we'll get some food.

Sure.

They look so happy. What happens to the little girl after we kill her mom?

Ukyo, you're being strange.

I know. It's our mission.

Anyway, we'll take turns sleeping and keeping watch tonight.

He'll probably come at night, so I'll sleep first.

Nice. Let's cook it.

You should boil it.

Unagi-don was cooked snake on rice. It was very tasty.

It wasn't snake. Snake gets dry when cooked.

I'm Ryusai Minase of the Koga clan.

Tsurugi Sunago of Kishu. Shall we?

Icicle...

I stole the sound.

I'll.

You can't use your ninjutsu without sound.

Sound is moving air.

Without it, you can't even find me.

Ice Carpet.

H-How?

My heartbeat. You can't mute me internally.

Excellent.

Too bad the other two didn't fare as well.

What?

Echo-blade Weasel Attack!

A showman till the end...

So tell me everything.

You can boil us or burn us, but we won't talk.

I like your spirit.

Let's see how much you can take.

So close...

Actually, I didn't miss.

Fatal ninjutsu...

Thanks.

That was my favorite kimono...

Ukyo, break her neck.

That poor little girl.

At least the mother has someone to cry for her.

I guess so.

Tsuru, what happened to your arm?

It was Ryusai's fatal ninjutsu.

Ryusai? You got off lucky with just an arm.

But you won't be able to use ninjutsu.

I'm not as weak as you think!

And what about your hair?

Hm?

I don't know.

Tsuru, you should go back home.

No, I'm worried about Shima.

I can still keep watch, you know.

Fine. Then take care of Oshina's body.

Ukyo, put this bastard up for display.

Okay.

I'll go on ahead. See you.

Tsuru, I don't want to be a ninja anymore.

What should I do?

What are you saying?

I can pretend I didn't hear.

Fighting scares me.

I told the leader, and he said to just stay alive.

And someday I will be out of all this.

But I'm not even sure if I can survive this mission...

Evenif ldo...

I'll end up just like these women...

Ukyo...

Stop worrying. I'll protect you.

Thanks...

It's a big help.

Mommy, where are you?

Tell Ryusai

I'll double the reward.

He must expose the last one.

Once she's been made public,

killing her won't do any good.

It's going well.

Only one to go.

Ah, and one other.

The goose flies west.

Shima rides the whitecaps.

What's going on, Shima?

Something's happened.

Why?

Sorry, Kogan. This was part of my mission.

Fusanosuke!

Y-Yes.

You're the master here.

Don't be sneaking around like a thief!

Yes, Mother.

The only way Mother will allow our marriage is if we elope.

Of course I want to marry you as well.

But what of the madam?

Since her husband passed away,

she's been running the household by herself as well as raising you.

Sure, I appreciate all that.

You can't just ignore her situation.

Also, if we leave here, we won't be able to make a living.

Yes, we can!

Even without Mother's help

I can build an even bigger house.

With you I have the power of a thousand men!

You make me so happy.

But eloping...

White Waxen Tears.

Now we must take care of her.

I'll do it.

I can't let the leader do all the work.

Right then. She's all yours.

Understood.

This soup is delicious.

Yayoi, your cooking has improved.

Thank you.

I'm relieved.

Now you'll serve the samurai household of Owari.

Leave within a day or two.

Pardon?

It'll be good for you.

They are a rich family.

But, madam...

Be silent.

Listen.

I know of your silly plans to elope.

That's what Fusanosuke said, but...

No, that's what you're making him say.

I raised that child very carefully.

He needs to marry a young girl like his mother.

Not an ingrate like you.

I've always appreciated you hiring me, an orphan.

Then just go to the Owaris.

I won't bother Fusanosuke anymore.

Just please let me stay!

Silence! I feel sick just looking at your face.

Now go back to work.

I have good news.

Tsurugi has defeated Ryusai.

What? Well done!

Looks like your job is finished, Yagura.

I'm already on the boat. Let me see the trip to the shore.

I see.

And where are Tsurugi and Kogan?

Tsurugi was taking care of Oshina's body.

Kogan left first. She hasn't arrived yet?

No, not yet.

Maybe she ran into trouble on the way here.

As soon as Ofuji is taken care of, we'll look for her.

Understood.

Fatal ninjutsu, Heaven's Gate Butterfly.

I won't let anyone have my child.

I'm waiting at the temple. Yayoi.

He fell for Shima's plan.

Ukyo, track him down.

Yes.

And I'll check on Ofuji.

What's wrong?

Fusanosuke!

Capital on the right.

Owari's ninja is here. I can tell.

I'm of the Koga clan.

You're well built. My type.

So try me on for size.

Fireball of Immobility.

Every ninja turns to ash against my flame.

Then how about this?

Lady Nightshade.

Once you've breathed my pollen, you must obey me.

What an exquisite aroma.

O beautiful flower.

Let me love you.

Hm? Do you hear something?

Don't lose focus, Fusanosuke.

Welcome. Now you are in my power.

I was only acting!

My body burns like a fireball as well.

Your pollen just turns to ash.

Let me go!

Don't be so unfriendly.

You're the one who invited me.

Ukyo! Are you okay?

Thanks, Tsuru.

Ukyo!

Blades don't work on me.

Try ninjutsu!

Icicle Sword!

What's wrong, novice?

My arm...

Fatal ninjutsu, Memento of the Full-bloom Lotus.

They say beautiful flowers have thorns.

It's been a long time since anyone injured me.

Hey, novice. Make sure to mourn this ninja well.

Ukyo,

'm Ss orry !

At least I have someone to cry for me.

Now I can at last leave the shadow way.

Yayoi. You're more intense than usual.

You're making me lose control.

Please tell your mother not to let me go.

I'll tell her. I won't let you go.

Oh, Fusanosuke. You make me so happy.

Fatal ninjutsu, Memento of the Full-bloom Lotus.

Let me hear the whole plan.

Listen well!

Ofuji's son is the son of the shogun. In other words, his bastard!

What?

When the bastard,

the proof of lineage,

and the concubine Ofuji are all on display,

Yoshimune will fall from grace.

Then Muneharu will be the next shogun.

That is Ryusai's plan.

Though he is dead, his plan lives on.

Ryusai doesn't die so easily.

Poetic Dream Collection.

My lord?

Don't be so formal.

Call me Shinnosuke like you used to.

Yes, Shinnosuke.

I was very lonely without you.

Me as well. Tonight, let's sate our hunger.

Ofuji.

You did an excellent job of raising Fusanosuke.

You make me so happy.

Makes all the suffering worth it.

Then he is it to carry on my line.

Bring the proof of lineage with you to Edo.

Shinnosuke...

Fuji, where is the proof of lineage now?

The sword with your seal is...

Little kunoichi.

Don't be so naive.

Fusanosuke?

Somehow you saw through my ninjutsu.

If you touch a hair on his head, you'll regret it

Big Sis.

You're... Shima!?

Sis, what happened to your arm?

It's no big deal.

But, Shima, did you...

Yes, I learned the bedroom arts.

Even the leader praises my skill.

This is a good time to tell you

that once this mission is over, I'll be changing to another team.

What? Shima, you...

Ninjutsu is amazing,

but the bedroom arts are just as important.

You can give pleasure.

Something you wouldn't know about.

You... hated me?

No, it's you.

You hated such a useless sister.

I'm traveling a different path.

You keep watch on him.

I'm going back to the leader.

Hey, Shima.

Looks like Ofuji's been taken.

Can't find Nanamizo as well.

Leader...

Anyway, we still have the shogun's son.

Where is the proof of lineage?

There's no such item.

Fusanosuke is not an heir.

It doesn't matter.

If we have the item, the rabble will take it as proof.

You look like you're willing to suffer any torture.

Nevertheless, in the end you will talk.

This brat is the shogun's son?

He does look like him a bit.

So how do we use him to get Ofuji back?

Where are Shima and the leader?

Shima is keeping watch at the house.

I don't know where Nanamizo is.

The leader's missing?

The sword strikes east.

The goose flies west.

What happened?

The enemy attacked, but I sent him to hell.

Kogan is recovering.

What's wrong?

Words Take Form - Stone Words take form.

Tell me.

What is the real object of this mission?

What?

Something smells fishy.

Your silver hair.

It's ninjutsu from Kishu. White Cadence.

What?

Ninjutsu from our home?

White Cadence slowly saps away the power of your ninjutsu.

I think there's something else to this mission.

Something else? Like what?

Everything is too neat.

First of all, Owari learned of the concubines from the scroll.

The one that was taken from Shima?

I've got it!

Okay, tell me your real name.

Why?

I need it to dispel this ninjutsu.

Tsurugi won't work.

Tsuki.

Tsuki, the moon. Beautiful name.

Much better than Tsurugi.

The light of the moon is weak,

and I wanted to be strong.

So I changed my name and began the way of the shadow.

I thought I could protect my friends,

but without ninjutsu I'm nothing.

Weak...

and scared, so scared...

Everyone gets scared.

People are weak inside.

Honestly, there's nothing wrong with that.

I break the spell cast on Tsuki!

If you can't be a sword, be the moon that lights up the darkness.

Drinking while gazing at the moon.

It's called enjoying life.

When it comes to that, Muneharu has a point.

You seem to know many ways to enjoy life.

I just gained another.

Do you get my point?

What?

I'd like to have unagi-don once more with you.

Unagi-don. I would like to try that again...

Don't yell.

It's water.

I won't yell, but please tell me.

Are Fusanosuke and the madam all right?

I can't live without them.

I have a debt to them that I can never repay.

The son is alive.

Your madam as well.

I'm happy to hear that.

Under the floorboards in my room

is a sword with the shogun's seal.

See, just as I said.

You wait here.

I brought some medicine.

Yagura!

Here we go!

Ah, you can't use ninjutsu.

That's no fun.

I'll finish you right away.

Won't let you!

I won't lose!

But your attack is weak.

Fireball of Immobility!

You have no idea how to treat a lady.

Rock

You took the full force of my fire.

Looks like I chose the right word.

Moon

Tsurugi, go find Shima.

All right. See you again.

Big Sis!

You did well, Shima!

Think you could fool her own sister?

Well done.

Now let's finish things off.

Wait!

Don't hurt them!

Sorry, I must kill you all!

Fatal ninjutsu, Return to the Womb.

No! It can't end like this!

You deserve it.

This is who killed me.

Leader!

See you in hell!

Shima! Where are you?

Shima!

It was the leader who stabbed me.

What?

He killed Kogan as well.

Why would the leader do that?

Take care of those three...

1 will.

Tell me I did well.

That I went out like a true ninja.

You did well. I'm so proud of you...

I wanted to be like you, Sis.

Shima!

You're strong.

But you should be out of fuel soon.

You're a lot of fun. Even with your last breath.

It's been a long time, Ryusai Minase!

Or should I say

Rohei Nanamizo!

Heishiro Yagura. You talk too much as usual.

Let me give you a gift.

Even the devils of hell will respect your duplicity.

This whole plan was Echizen Ohoka's idea.

Get rid of Yoshimune's scandal

and show Muneharu his power with a ninja war.

Two birds with one stone.

The whole thing started when

Owari was tricked into stealing the courtesan list from a novice kunoichi.

It was my idea to have you join.

I have a favor.

Let Tsuki go.

That I can't do.

She's the woman I love.

I beg you.

Ohoka ordered me to use their lives up.

I want to end Tsurugi by my own hand.

That is the way of the shadow.

Have to respect your commitment.

Yagura!

Yagura?

Are you okay?

Such a beautiful moon.

Hey!

Lend me your ear.

What is it?

Fatal ninjutsu, Soul Transfer Prayer.

Hey!

Don't die!

You promised me we'd have unagi-don together!

Don't take my only reason to live!

Who guessed that the leader of both groups was the same...

With light, there is always shadow.

When light disappears,

then shadow does as well.

Shadow is one with light.

It's called

the Moonshadow Mantra!

Just like I taught you,

We are swords. Swords don't think. Our masters wield us."

Yes, I remember.

But I'm a sword no longer!

Then you, my young sword, must turn to rust.

Bronze Cadence!

Being the one to kill you makes me happy beyond belief.

Without ninjutsu, you have no way to win.

This is the end!

Yagura, please...

Moon of the Darkest Night.

I can't see! I'm blind!

You did well, Tsurugi.

I'm proud of you.

My name

is Tsuki.

Fatal ninjutsu, Dream Cutter!

Throwing away life like that...

It's repulsive!

Never again!

They're all taken care of then.

Having your tamed ninjas kill each other was quite a plan.

A heart is unmoved unless lives are on the line.

Ah. They try harder...

My lord, you have some ink on your face.

You as well.

There's no mistake that hearts were moved.

Who dares!

I won't cut you down. The country would fall.

But don't you dare forget

that as long as I have this sword,

I can produce a bastard heir anytime.

If that happens, your position would be threatened.

If your heart gives birth to evil thought,

I'll be there.

A brigand! Guards! Guards!

Let's go home and eat!

Talking about food again, and so loud!

Hush! I'm hungry for two!

But we're in front of a grave.

Tell them not to fight.

Don't worry.

They say that the more you fight, the better you get along.

Let's go home and have some sweet buns!