Original subtitles

A DAIEI LTD. PRODUCTION

SHINSENGUMI CHRONICLES: I WANT TO DIE A SAMURAI (SHINSENGUMI SHIMATSUKI)

Production Designer: Tsuji Hisakazu Based on the Original Work by: Shimozawa Kan (Serialized in Chuokoron) Screenplay: Hoshikawa Seiji

Cinematography: Honda Shozo Recording Engineer: Okumura Masahiro Lighting Engineer: Ito Tei'ichi Art Direction: Ota Sei'ichi Music: Saito Ichiro

Costume Designer: Ueno Yoshio Sets: Hayashi Yonematsu Edited by: Suganuma Kanji Swordfight Choreography: Miyauchi Shohei Sound Effects: Kurashima Toru Assistant Director: Tomoeda Toshigi Production Supervisor: Ozawa Hiroshi Developed by: Toyo Genzojo

Cast

Ichikawa Raizo Fujimura Shiho Jo Kenzaburo (Wakayama Tomisaburo)

Amachi Shigeru Kobayashi Katsuhiko Narita Jun'ichiro Matsumoto Kinshiro Tazaki Jun (Toho) Kondo Mieko Fujiwara Reiko

Shimada Ryuzo Niwa Matasaburo * Nakamura Yutaka Yajima Yotaro * Takami Kunikazu Ishiguro Tatsuya * Mori Ikuko * Suga Fujio

Chiba Toshio * Date Saburo Domoto Hiroshi * Terashima Yusaku Kagawa Ryosuke * Araki Shinobu Mizuhara Koichi * Funaki Yoichi * Arashi San'emon

Nanjo Shintaro * Hara Seishiro * Ishihara Masuo Tamaki Kazue * Horikita Yukio Hamada Yuji * Oki Tokio Iwata Tadashi * Kimura Gen * Shiga Akira

Koshikawa Hajime * Obayashi Kazuo * Yabu'uchi Takeshi Kominami Akira * Sengoku Taizo Taniguchi Noboru Koyanagi Keiko * Takamori Chizuko Mitsuboshi Fumiko * Komatsu Midori * Sayama Ryuichiro

Directed by Misumi Kenji

"Though a mere merchant...

"...this man was part of a sinister cabal,

and was a great villain who deserved to die."

"He has therefore been justly sentenced to death --Shinsengumi"

THIRD YEAR OF THE BUNKYU PERIOD (1863 C.E.)

Plagued by assassinations, the city of Kyoto...

...had become the center of the conflict between...

...the teetering Tokugawa Shogunate...

...and the new powers...

...that sought to replace it.

I can't understand it. I can't understand why you want to join the Shinsengumi.

Are the Imperialists in the right...

...or is protecting the Tokugawa right?

I do not know the answer.

But I do know that both sides have been murdering people...

...and given that the Shinsengumi is deeply involved in the violence...

...can we honestly say they are a band of honorable samurai?

You know what the townsfolk are calling the Shinsengumi, don't you?

"Miburo. Miburo." Like they're stray dogs bearing their fangs.

["Miburo:" Short for "Ronin from Mibu," a derogatory reference.]

I can't accept it. I can't, I can't. I don't want you to join that gang of killers.

Tell me. Why do you want to go and get yourself killed?

You're wrong, Shima-san.

I saw something today... something that made up my mind.

Whoever you are... Help me...

You want me to ease your passage?

No...

I don't want to die!

By the looks of it, you're mortally wounded. You're not going to make it.

You should do harakiri at once, and end your suffering.

If you have any last bequests, I shall convey them for you.

No! I don't want to die! I don't want to die!

Help me. Help me.

It hurts! It hurts!

Help. Help.

Are you alright? Pull yourself together.

Please forgive her. She did not know you were here, Commander.

Shut up...!

How dare you ignore me? You whore bitch!

Tayu. Tayu.

["Tayu:" A high-ranking courtesan.]

Miyuki was resting tonight, because of a headache.

What?

So she gets a headache as soon as she sees me, huh?

Alright then. Miyuki!

Take a good look at my face!

Serizawa-sensei. Please forgive her.

The Commander is drunk. Go tend your wounds.

I will apologize to him for you.

Bastard! You turn me into the bad guy and sweet-talk the woman?

You country bumpkin!

Interesting...

So you say you're going to apologize on behalf of the whore, are you?

Alright then. Apologize.

Get on your knees! How about that!

Kondo-sama.

Come on.

Keep out of this.

Tayu. Tayu.

Hijikata.

You toughed it out.

That's a hard thing for a samurai to do.

I have something for the Commander of the Shinsengumi.

What?

I am the Commander, Serizawa Kamo.

This.

What is that?

I encountered a dying Shinsengumi member, and he asked me to give this to you.

I don't know his name. I went to Mibu and they told me your headquarters was here.

Was he killed by the Imperialists?

Yes, he was.

In the name of the Shinsengumi, sponsored by Lord Aizu, I hereby command...

...that because of Sumi-ya Toku'emon, we must lay low for seven days.

Niimi, Hirayama. Let's go drink some more.

Hey. You there.

Thank you.

I appreciate you taking the time to deliver this.

His name was Mori Heihachi, one of our men.

I am Yamazaki Susumu, a ronin.

Pardon me for the late introduction. I am Kondo Isami.

So, did Mori die a death worthy of a samurai?

Yes. Worthy of samurai.

You might think that it's strange for me to tell you this...

...but as the Commander just reminded me...

...I am actually a farmer from Tama, in Bushu Province.

I yearned to become a samurai, so I devoted myself to the way of the sword.

But although I now find myself here, I'm by nature awkward.

It seems that the sword is my only real talent.

"To be a true samurai..."

"To be a true samurai..."

I was born a farmer, so I guess that idea is particularly important to me.

Why are you telling me this?

Because you protected Mori by saying that he died an honorable death.

He was not that kind of man.

Even cowards can die honorably.

Just as it is possible for a farmer to die like a samurai.

You got me. What a great comeback.

Yamazaki-kun. All I'm trying to say...

...is that being a samurai is not a matter of appearances.

It's all about the inner spirit of honorable men.

He said that being a samurai is a matter of inner spirit.

It was the first time I've seen such clear eyes since I came to Kyoto.

I felt that I could believe in this man, Kondo.

And my current path leads only to ruin.

Shima-san, you are a woman,

and yet you are a doctor, dedicated to saving lives.

Your path in life is set.

And I've got the sword. That's all I've got.

Throw it away. I want you to throw it away.

Are you telling me to forsake the way of the warrior?

I can't do it.

I've lived with you for half a year, even though we're not related.

But I have my pride.

Even a common ronin like me has that.

Even though our only connection is that our parents were friends...

...you have cared for me more than my own parents would have.

But I can't go on being dependent on you.

These days, a ronin without a master exists in a living hell.

I've seen the consequences more times than I can bear.

Crap! Another dine-and-dash!

Proprietor, why aren't you going after him?

He ate for free...

...but better that than have him swing his sword at me.

I'll bet his sword wasn't even real.

Thanks for your patronage.

Hey... I got a proposition for you. Care to listen?

I'll vouch for your fighting skills.

You know about that gibbeted guy at Sanjo'gawara?

The plaque said Shinsengumi, but I'm the one who killed that merchant.

Let's work together. I was hired by a guy from the Tosa Fief.

You'll be able to drink sake every day.

Nowadays, no matter what you do...

Wait.

You. You're from Tosa, aren't you?

Exactly. I'm Okamoto Kyuzo, from Tosa.

Better not tell anyone if you don't want to wind up like him.

Did you do this?

Yamazaki, it's you.

Tani-san.

You're still a ronin?

If I join the Shinsengumi, who knows what'll happen?

There was a man among them that maybe I could bring myself to believe in.

And that's good enough for me. I won't just be a ronin, like my father.

I'm going to devote all my youthful energy to this.

To... To killing people, is that what you mean?

So that I won't be killed.

The Shinsengumi awaits me... me, the samurai.

SHINSENGUMI QUARTERS

Our regulations.

Deviations from the path of bushido are prohibited!

Leaving this force is prohibited!

Unauthorized use of group funds is prohibited!

Private settlement of disputes between members are prohibited!

Acting from personal motives is prohibited!

These are the inflexible regulations of our group.

Red Banner: "MAKOTO", SINCERITY.

Those who violate these regulations will be subject to seppuku.

Commander, it suits you well.

That Kounoike hems and haws, then coughs up only 200 pieces of gold.

Eventually I'll have all the men under my command wearing these.

Then we'll intimidate those Imperialist buffoons, you'll see.

But if you're too hard on the merchants, Kondo and Hijikata will be upset.

Let them say what they want. The Shinsengumi belongs to me!

The only opinion that matters to me is that of Lord Aizu...

"Serizawa Kamo, loyal patriot."

I see.

Ah... I am impressed.

Niimi.

The Imperialists are aggressively collecting campaign funds too.

Don't hesitate. The enemy, on the pretext of punishing dishonest merchants...

...is said to have threatened Yamato-ya mercantile in Yoshiya-machi.

Yes. They were terrified, and begged the Imperialists to spare them.

I hear they gave them 10,000-ryo.

You see? So we should do the same.

Commander. We're finished.

I'm not impressed with any of you new recruits.

Gentlemen. These days, even if you are a farmer or a merchant...

...if you are skillful with your sword, you can act like a samurai.

So devote yourself to your training.

Hey. Stand up.

You should go home.

I don't want to. I'm not leaving until I become a samurai.

- Leave! - I'm not leaving!

You brat!

I'll turn you into a cripple!

Fine, but you're not stronger than me.

Harada. That's enough.

Take off the face guard.

- Where are you from? - Otsu.

So you're a farmer. How old are you?

Fifteen. My name's Hikohei.

You want to become a samurai that bad?

If you don't accept me, I'll go join the Imperialists!

We'll take him.

Seriously?

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thanks for having me.

What a tricky guy.

Thanks for having me. Thanks for having me.

What's going on here?

If the Commander is not here, I'm waiting until he returns.

This time I'm not budging, even if the sun goes down.

I'll accept a message.

But...

You see? The Commander isn't here, is he?

Hey! Hold it!

Who's that?

She's Hishi-ya's wife, from the clothing store in Shijo Horikawa.

She's here to collect a debt.

There are some things that frighten even Serizawa-sensei.

Gentlemen. These new comrades have just joined us today. Welcome them.

Troop allocations will be determined at a later time.

Tani-san, please explain to them how we are organized.

Come on everyone, come in. Don't hesitate. Come in, come in.

Come in and sit down.

First of all, have a look at this.

This shows the organization of the Shinsengumi.

The person who introduced you was Okita Soji.

He's young, but he's the Shinsengumi's best swordsman.

He's also the captain of the first team.

COMMANDER: SERIZAWA KAMO SECOND IN COMMAND: KONDO ISAMI THIRD IN COMMAND: NIIMI NISHIKI FIRST DEPUTY-COMMANDER: YAMANAMI KEISUKE SECOND DEPUTY-COMMANDER: HIJIKATA TOSHIZO COMMANDER'S AIDE: OKITA SOJI

My name will be up there eventually, you'll see.

I know it will.

Hey kid. Ever killed anyone?

I never have, but I can do it. Also, my name is... umm.

Otsu Hikohei. I'm not "kid."

We patrol the capital in shifts.

If you see a Choshu ronin, you must kill him.

Find a reason to do it.

If you fight the enemy but don't defeat them, and return here wounded...

...you will have to commit seppuku.

Do you understand, gentlemen?

I need someone to go to Yamato-ya Mercantile in the Ichijo district of Yoshiya-machi.

Kusunoki...

Yamazaki, you go too.

For what business?

Did you hear what the proprietor of Yamato-ya said?

"This is not a loan, I am giving it to you. So please have mercy on me."

What are we, thuggish extortionists?

Tell that to the Commander.

Hey. Look at that.

Are you gentlemen fief-samurai, or ronin?

Hey, it's Tominaga!

Are you Shinsengumi?

Leave this to me.

Don't interfere, I can kill them myself.

Why did you kill them all by yourself?

Because I wanted to commit to being a soldier of the Shinsengumi...

...and brand myself as such.

Yeah. Come in.

What's the matter?

There's a beast in there.

I didn't know.

Niimi probably told Yamazaki to do it. It's got to be Niimi.

I ask that you deliver a stern warning.

It was only today that you read out loud the group's writ of prohibitions.

That won't do.

Though Niimi and I have been friends since our days in Mito...

...I don't involve myself in his personal affairs.

Do you swear that this was a personal matter?

Commander. You raped the merchant's wife who came to collect a debt.

Do you have an explanation regarding that incident?

You wimp!

And next comes "you farmer bumpkin."

You don't kill with your sword. You kill with your body. Your body!

Next.

Otsu Hikohei, thank you for the lesson.

Attack!

Good.

That was a good strike.

Do or die, live or die... your life is always on the line!

Yes!

Stop.

Stop sparring and return to your seats.

Take off your masks.

In accordance with our regulations, Niimi-san must commit seppuku!

Hijikata.

Niimi-san is one of the 13 comrades...

...who together created the Shinsengumi.

It is regrettable that we will have to lose such a distinguished member.

But you must obey the regulations. You know what this is about, don't you?

Shut up! This is presumptuous, acting without me, the Commander.

I will now describe your crimes.

Niimi-san. You have extorted funds under the pretext of raising funds for the group.

You have stolen much money, and used it for your own pleasure.

Sumi-ya in Shimahara. Yamano'o in Gion.

We have proof, and witnesses, from both those places.

Niimi-san.

Will you do harakiri in accordance with the Commander's regulations...

...or will you dishonor yourself, forcing me to take your head?

Commander. You must decide.

Commander.

Seppuku.

- Okita will act as second. - Yes sir.

No.

- Yamazaki, you do it. - Yes.

The Noh farce has started at Mibu-dera Temple.

Let's go watch it after this.

Yeah.

Niimi-san's execution was the first move by Kondo and Hijikata's faction...

...to undermine the Commander and take over the Shinsengumi.

- Serizawa-sensei. - Huh?

We better do something fast, or else...

...they're going to bring up the subject of O'ume next.

Leave it up to me. I'll get rid of Kondo.

I am going to kill Kondo. Tonight.

Kill, kill, that's all you talk about. What a boor you are.

I left the Hishi-ya Geisha-House to be here, you know.

Sensei, you'll have to treat me better.

"I'm the wife of Commander Serizawa."

I am, aren't I?

Alright, alright.

As you can see, O'ume here is nagging me.

Commander.

Kondo is a skilled swordsman of the Ten'nen Rishin-ryu style.

I'm too drunk to kill him tonight.

Right?

Though he is the Commander, he is as guilty as Niimi-san.

If we compromise, all the regulations of the group will be meaningless.

Yamazaki, I won't permit you to speak further regarding this matter.

Is that because I am not an officer?

The Shinsengumi is a band of comrades.

However, the Commander can only be judged by the leadership.

Yamazaki.

We take your opinion seriously.

Comrade. What that man said is reasonable.

We must do it; this is an opportunity.

Though Yamazaki said this was his own personal opinion...

...it's also the opinion of the rank-and-file.

Now is the time to purge our ranks.

I myself will inform the Commander.

No, that won't do.

You're going to become the new Commander.

If you force him to commit seppuku, then you take his place as Commander...

...your motives will appear to be suspect.

Why don't you leave this part to me?

You'll let him die with the dignity befitting our Commander, won't you?

Yes.

Seppuku with dignity, understood?

Of course. That is our way.

Serizawa!

That sure felt good.

Harada. How dare you laugh?!

Soji... sheathe your sword. Harada... hurry up and give me that spear.

We have to dispose of the corpses.

I see them, there they are!

Quiet. Quiet.

The Commander was attacked by brigands, and has been slain.

They couldn't have gotten too far. Pursue them!

Do not let them get away!

Hijikata-kun.

["-kun": Friendly, informal version of "-san".]

I really don't know what to tell you, Kondo-san.

Who could anticipate that the Commander would be attacked by brigands?

How will we explain this in our report to Lord Aizu?

Why don't you just write down what happened?

I suppose there's no other way.

I'll write that he was caught unaware, and was killed.

And that it was a terrible shame.

I'll write it right away.

- That's cowardly. - Watch what you say.

What you write doesn't matter.

Was this done in accordance with our regulations?

You're still young.

My boy... you shouldn't get so worked up.

He didn't get a chance to do seppuku.

Instead he was killed in a cruel, cowardly way.

Why didn't you just order me to kill him?

I could have killed him without resorting to such a dirty tactic.

Was that deed worthy of a samurai?

I joined the Shinsengumi because I believed in you.

But this was a travesty.

Where is the inner spirit of honorable men that you talked about?

Do not think of you yourself as righteous, Yamazaki.

Some things are inevitable.

I don't understand it. No, I don't want to understand it!

Your concern is a good thing.

But don't talk to the other men about this, because you'll only endanger yourself.

I take full responsibility for what happened.

Don't speak of this to the others. For the sake of your own life.

And also for my sake as well.

I found them!

Over there!

They're over there!

"Sir, we shared the sufferings and joys of true comrades...

"...always burning with the passion of loyal patriotism...

"...even as we looked up to you as our guide."

"But you have fallen to the brutal sword of assassins...

"...and we have lost a gentle friend whose radiant heart warmed us."

"Oh, how lamentable it is."

"We remember...

"...that even in these chaotic times, you stayed true to your ideals...

"...and so, formed the original 13 Kanto warriors into the Shinsengumi."

"However, a mere half a year later, we have lost our Commander...

"...which indeed strikes our hearts with ultimate pain."

"Farewell, Commander."

"We shall unify as one to promote your legacy...

"...and we vow to steadfastly forge ahead in all matters pertaining to our duties."

"Farewell, the soul of Serizawa Sensei."

"May you rest in peace."

Hijikata-sensei.

This is embarrassing.

Don't laugh at me.

After hearing Kondo-sensei's emotion-filled voice...

...I can't hold back my own tears.

Gentlemen, while you all knew of Serizawa-san's misdeeds...

...you never, ever, uttered any words of judgment against him.

And even after his death, you have beautifully mourned him.

And in the face of your upstandingness...

...I am utterly humbled.

He was truly a genuine samurai.

Hijikata-sensei!

Hijikata-sensei!

Excuse me.

Oh.

Your company is here.

Oh.

Please, this way.

- Should I bring your meals? - Sure, please.

Yes.

I missed you.

Something happened, didn't it?

I feel that we're... starting to grow more and more apart.

It's almost frightening how much.

I am being urged to go to Nagasaki.

Doctor Masaki Dojun's student returned from Holland.

The doctor advised me to work under him...

...and immerse myself in the new medicine.

Hey.

Do you want me to stop you? Do you want me to tell you to stay?

Please.

You will become an outstanding doctor. I know it.

And you will become an outstanding samurai?

- Is that sarcasm? - Why?

Why does it sound like sarcasm to you?

Shima-san, I don't blame you for hating samurai.

Just because he treated an assassin's wounds...

...they killed your father, a court physician.

It's a physician's duty to save lives...

...but samurai only think about killing.

It is human nature to kill one another. All that changes is the method.

What happened?

Your eyes were alive and shining when you said you were joining the Shinsengumi.

But now... they're dead.

That's ridiculous.

Excuse me.

Thank you for waiting.

You are not happy, even if you are in the Shinsengumi.

Don't lie. I can tell.

This Kondo Isami, he's not inspiring after all, is he?

I hear he was originally a farmer from Tama in Bushu Province.

Of vulgar upbringing; of vulgar mentality.

He's a man who can do nothing but kill people in Kyoto.

You're wrong.

He is the Commander of the Shinsengumi...

...but all he does is casually treat people's...

lives as if they were the lives of insects.

You're wrong! Wrong!

No. He will commit atrocious acts without batting an eye...

...all for the sake of his own success.

Kondo-san is not that kind of man. He is an upstanding samurai.

He's an upstanding samurai.

Then why is there such sadness in your eyes?

I knew it.

I knew it.

And yet you haven't changed.

You still believe in the man called Kondo.

Who are you? Name yourself!

I am here to avenge my little brother, whom you killed at Sanjo Gawara!

I am Yamazaki Susumu of the Shinsengumi. I will have to kill you!

Shima-san! Shima-san!

I'm sorry, but... can you please relax your shoulders a little?

Alright, that's fine. Alright then...

...please do not move until I say you can.

Please stay as you are.

One, two, three...

That bumpkin farmer, he finally made his way up the ranks.

He's been getting a lot of support lately because of his connection to Aizu.

I hear he's being quite extravagant in places like Shimabara.

["Shimabara:" An expensive entertainment district.]

He's just a country samurai from Kanto. Mere riffraff.

We shouldn't underestimate them, though.

They say that when they recruit, they can't handle the flood of applicants.

I'm also told they have some exceptionally skilled swordsmen.

They're fast becoming a huge threat to us.

That Kondo is quite competent.

He doesn't go around threatening merchants.

He's capturing the hearts of the people...

...and they don't call them the "Mibu bums" anymore.

That one guy, I think I've seen him somewhere before.

We execute our plan either just before or just after the Gion Festival.

[Note: The Festival is held on the 6th day of the 6th month.]

We set fires on a windy night...

...and burn down the imperial palace.

Also the Nakagawa mansion, home of the so-called political reformers.

We'll kill the captain of the Kyoto Guard, Matsudaira Katamori...

...as well as the Shogunate defense-minister, Tokugawa Keiki...

...somewhere in this area.

The other team will take advantage of the chaos, and storm the imperial palace...

...abduct the emperor, and convey him to Choshu Province.

In order to achieve our goal of crushing the Tokugawa...

...regrettably, the city of Kyoto will be engulfed in flames.

Furutaka-san. Are the weapons ready?

I will have a sufficient supply by the day of our attack.

And no matter what, please don't refer to me as Furutaka Shuntaro.

I am the antique dealer, Masuya Keiumon. Just in case.

You know, Kondo-san...

...it was my plan to have you command the Shinsengumi, no matter what the cost.

I know that, Toshi-san.

It's as if you're the creator of the current Shinsengumi.

So why do you refuse my offer of a joint command?

Some people have a special quality, of "distinction."

I'm not one of those people.

Instead, I have the pleasure of being a creator.

It's something other people can't understand.

All you have to do is say nothing and keep smiling...

...and people are drawn to you in droves.

You will eventually become the leader of a unified nation.

You make it sound like I'm just a figurehead.

You may be just a figurehead, but I'm always scared of you.

Perhaps that's because of your distinction.

Speaking of scared, I just remembered...

...I heard they've changed the lyrics of the parody song about the Mibu ronin...

...from "scarier than demons" to "stronger than demons."

The world is fickle.

The Shinsengumi is creating a change in the tides.

You could say we're rising into the heavens like the sun.

You know, Kondo-san...

we met at the farmers' dojo of the Ten'nen Rishin-ryu school...

...and it's already been ten years since that day.

You were 22 then, and I was 19.

I'm impressed that we're still alive today.

Let's drink.

Oh yea, I remember...

Toshi-san, since the time you were an apprentice of the Edo magistrate...

...and after that, when you sold medicines, there were always women around.

How come you never got married?

Going to the red light district's good enough for me.

After all, who knows what tomorrow will bring?

I know that you feel the same way, and yet you have a mistress.

And her house has become our "resting place."

That's so typical of you.

The presence of women brings balance to men.

And are you properly balanced? Huh, Kondo-san?

Well. I...

Sensei.

I get it. I see. Alright, I'm retreating, I'm retreating.

Hey, Toshi-san... Hijikata.

Shinonome's waiting for me too.

What's up?

Our top performer has a crush on you. It's Kondo-sama this, Kondo-sama that.

Ridiculous. A crush on a brute from Kanto like me?

No, it's a matter of prestige for us girls... to spend the night with famous men.

We compete over them, just like samurai killing each other.

You're known as the most beautiful woman in Shimahara, and I'm a mountain chimp...

...the two of us together don't make for a pretty picture.

I'm shy when the lamp is lit. Please snuff it out.

Everyone, continue patrolling.

Yes sir.

Yamazaki-kun, are you off duty tonight?

- The tab. - Yes.

Hey. Proprietor, an extra cup.

Right away.

Here. Welcome.

I heard Hijikita-san was going to make you a corporal, and you turned it down.

Yeah. I didn't think it was appropriate.

You're stubborn.

You shouldn't give Hijikata-san such a hard time.

Nah. I'm happy as long as Kondo-san's with us.

You're such a skilled sword-fighter, so why do you get so worked up over things?

We all have to do it eventually...

...we have to surrender ourselves to the group,

and when commanded, we must kill.

We must kill in order to survive. Everything else is not our concern.

Your sword will get blunt if you begin to doubt.

Maybe you're right.

But more men in the group...

...are beginning to think like I do.

Well, time for me to get back on patrol.

Make way.

What are you looking at?

Move over, move over.

What?

What do you mean, move over?

Hold it.

I am Constable Uchida Shojiro. Consider yourself under arrest.

Come with us to the magistrate's office.

Insolence! I am fourth captain of the Shinsengumi... Toudou Heisuke.

You might be Shinsengumi, but your behavior is unpardonably lawless.

We'll have to bind you if you resist.

What?

"NISHIMACHI MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE"

- What? Toudou was arrested? - Yes.

And Uchida Shojiro did it?

He's just a lousy constable, how cocky of him!

Kill him! Kill him!

Wait. I have an idea.

Go and find out what time Uchida leaves his post.

Yes sir.

Hey Yamazaki, I need your help.

Yamazaki.

Why aren't you drawing your sword? Kill him!

Yamazaki, kill him! Kondo-sensei ordered it!

Impossible.

He wouldn't issue commands that would damage the Shinsengumi. I refuse.

Bastard!

Okita-san. You're testing me, aren't you?

You piece of shit!

Get a hold of yourself! Stop it! Stop it!

You have done an utterly reckless thing.

We of the Aizu clan will be blamed, because we sponsor the Shinsengumi.

And especially now, when the Choshu...

...are seeking any opportunity to discredit the Shinsengumi.

If this incident doesn't get cleared up, our Lord will be faced with a dilemma.

How could you let the town constable be killed, Kondo-san?

If things go badly, the Shinsengumi will be commanded to disband.

It is as you say; we blundered.

The magistrate's office says they won't back down...

...until you turn in the culprit.

The culprit is a man named Yamazaki Susumu.

He's a ruffian who constantly disobeys our regulations.

Turn him in, immediately.

We will.

He has become a fugitive.

He escaped, and we don't know his whereabouts.

Then we have a problem.

Toudou Heisuke, who is now in custody, might get off...

...by claiming he killed because he was insulted.

But, Kondo-san. Frankly...

...don't you think your men are getting a little uppity?

In effect, what you have done is...

...bare your fangs at the Aizu, under whose auspices you operate.

As your friend, I am giving you a warning.

Unless you immediately remove this stain on your honor...

...the Shinsengumi will assuredly cease to be.

It's life or death.

By the way, Kondo-san...

The other day, our Lord received some intelligence... that soon...

...no, very soon, something big is going to happen.

There is no doubt that the Imperialists are hatching a massive conspiracy.

I wanted to tell you, for your information.

Yes sir.

Alright.

Find the perpetrator of Uchida's murder.

Assuredly we will.

Soji. You were with him when it happened.

What stupidity!

I heard the conversation.

Is that right?

I will cut my belly.

What?

I am going to take responsibility.

At this point, it no longer matters who intended to kill Uchida.

You either capture the culprit, or bring them his head...

...or the Shinsengumi is doomed.

Stop it, stop it.

"Yamazaki Susumu has already fled."

That's what I told our Lord, so if you slit your stomach now, I'll look bad.

Isn't that right?

Banner: "MAKOTO", SINCERITY.

You... you can escape for real, you know.

Things will be unbearable for you if you stay.

What then will become of Shinsengumi?

You and Shinsengumi are one.

I came here in search for a reason to live.

I want to remain a samurai to the very end.

Recently, there's been a conspicuous increase

in the number of Imperialists infiltrating the capital.

Supposedly there's a big plot that will soon be launched.

If we can uncover their plan and prevent it from succeeding...

...the current crisis will no longer matter.

And if we succeed, it would strengthen...

...the solidarity of the men, wouldn't it?

Ladders and stepladders for sale...

Ladders for sale...

Welcome.

Welcome. Hey, Susugi.

Yes? I'll be right there.

They say your medicines are very efficacious.

They're in high demand here.

Yeah, well, thank you.

- This payment is for... - Yeah.

...both the current and prior deliveries.

Yeah.

- Is that right? - Yeah.

Go away. Go.

Hey, is there anybody here?

What is this guy?

Get him out, get him out.

You moron!

What are you doing in here? Get out of here.

Thank you very much.

The gall of that beggar!

What happened?

They're at Ikeda-ya in Sanjo Kobashi.

Groups of men from Choshu and other provinces were coming and going there.

Thanks to Yamazaki's report, we know who they are.

"Miyabe Teizo of Higo. Matsuda Jusuke. Yoshida Toshimaro of Choshu."

"Sugiyama Matsusuke. Saeki Tomohiko."

"Kitazoe Yoshimaro of Tosa. Ishikawa Junjiro."

"Otaka Matajiro of Banshu. And so on."

That's a crew of major players.

If we can cut off their heads with a single blow,

the morale of the Imperialists will be shattered.

And if we fail, the consequences for us will be severe.

We ourselves have to stop them, no matter what the cost.

Is the name of Furutaka Shuntaro among them?

Not in here.

We know that Furutaka is the Choshu spymaster here in the capital.

All the important men of their respective fiefs are there...

...but it's strange that Furutaka's name is not among them.

I think so too. Perhaps Yamazaki was too eager to score points with us.

Who knows how trustworthy his report is?

Hijikata-kun. Yamazaki is risking his life on our behalf.

He's in a position...

...to easily mislead us if he wants to.

That's harsh. Yamazaki is a upright fellow.

That's why he's dangerous. An inflexibly honest man...

...once he gets confused, will destroy anything and everything.

We should have executed him when we had the chance.

If we put too much faith in Yamazaki...

...and we are in error for it, what are the consequences?

The Shinsengumi has come so far.

Our group is at a critical juncture, we mustn't forget that.

This is absurd.

Our partners at the shipping agency in Osaka...

...said that he was a good customer, and asked us to treat him well.

I had no idea he was Shinsengumi. I have failed you.

- Never mind, just go. - Yes. My apologies.

We have been infiltrated by the Shinsengumi. We cannot delay any further.

What about Yoiyama of Gion?

Alright. Let's do that.

Let's contact Furutaka-san and have him gather the weapons immediately.

Listen. Our assault is scheduled for the fifth day of the sixth month.

This'll be fun.

The city will turn topsy-turvy, and flames will fill the night sky.

And heads are going to fly left and right, like sparks of fire.

My achievements as an assassin are nothing compared to a spectacle like that!

The Daibutsu of the capital of Kyoto...

...burned up from heavenly fire.

But the Sanju-sangen-do didn't burn down...

A splendid treatment.

Shima-san, I hear you're in demand all over town...

...even more than Doctor Masaki.

Oh please.

Well, thank you.

The Daibutsu of the capital of Kyoto...

...burned up from heavenly fire.

But the Sanju-san-gen-do...

...didn't burn down. Ariya don don don. Koriya don don don.

What are you thinking about?

Hey.

Hey.

- Did you say something? - No. Never mind.

Sorry.

It's nice just sitting here like this.

In a daze, without thinking about anything.

Is that what you were thinking?

Why did you start crying?

No...

...I never thought such a happy life would happen so suddenly.

And I'm scared.

I'm scared that my happiness will flee from me.

I too have never been happier than these last three days.

When I went to the Shinsengumi to visit you...

...when I heard them say, "Yamazaki ran away..."

I was truly glad.

You came back to me, finally.

You won't leave again, will you?

It's alright for me to be glad, right?

It's truly alright, right?

It's alright, Shima-san.

Hey. Can you call me "Shima"?

Shima.

Every day I've been waking up in the middle of the night...

...and I think to myself, "He's here."

Aren't I silly?

Shima.

Ah! You called me that for real this time.

Sounds like the practice for the Gion melody just started.

Time flies. It's already been a whole year.

"LEDGER"

Is it alright for me to be as I am now? To just go on like this?

"Let us part ways, for I cannot depart from being a samurai."

"Women cannot enter the world of the samurai."

"Please hate me."

MERCHANTS' INN: IKEDA-YA

INN: KASHIWA-YA

Gosh it's hot.

Come on in.

Sunlight comes in from the west.

There's nothing we can do.

Who is that?

His nickname is "Hitman Kyuzo."

He belongs to the Tosa Fief.

Shall we inform the Commander?

No. It's still too soon.

Hey.

Welcome.

This one is 32-mon. But this one here's only 24-mon.

That shop over there, Masuya, seems to be prosperous.

It's very strange.

They just keep buying, but don't sell a thing.

Poster caption: "THE FIRST MAN ACROSS THE UJI RIVER."

Thanks.

You're coming with me.

I did it... I finally did it!

"Circle-iron, seven, Furutaka."

Hey, this is a receipt for weapons.

So Masuya is Furutaka Shuntaro...?

Otsu, run to headquarters!

That's right. My original name is Furutaka Shuntaro.

So what?

Shit. Talk!

Tell us your plans and the meeting place of your accomplices.

When I'm angry... I'm capable of anything.

If you confess, I'll let you live.

I swear I'll spare you. So how about it?

This bastard!

The heat's unbearable.

The breeze is completely gone.

How much longer will this take?

Hammer 6-inch nails through the top of his feet.

Stand candles on them and light them. Let hot wax pour on his skin.

And if you still don't talk, there are other ways.

Don't hesitate, Matsubara. Do it.

He's not talking yet?

Commander!

Hey.

What happened?

What happened?

It's the water! Don't drink the water! Don't drink the water!

Who was in charge of the kitchen today?

That was me.

Harada.

He's a spy. He poisoned the well.

Why would a spy do that when he's in charge of the kitchen?

Think about it.

Everyone listen. Furutaka has confessed.

We're deploying right now.

Those of you who can still stand, get ready at once.

Okita.

Kondo-sensei!

Hijikata-kun.

He finally confessed.

They're gathering tonight at Shikoku-ya in Sanjo Nawate.

Well, Otsu just gave me Yamazaki's report.

According to that report, the meeting will be at Ikeda-ya.

There's no mistake; it's going to be at Shikoku-ya. I tortured Furutaka.

There can be no deception in his blood-soaked confession.

So you don't believe Yamazaki, right?

Kondo-san, you're the one who believes in him too much. He's dangerous.

You don't even believe in yourself, do you?

Furutaka spilled his guts to save his life.

Don't you think there's truth in what he said?

I will still choose Ikeda-ya.

Would a samurai of Furutaka's caliber give up the truth?

But Furutaka even confessed the details of their plan.

Either before or after the Gion Festival...

...they'll burn the palace and city to the ground, and kidnap the emperor.

Our Lord learned that something was going to happen before or after the Gion Festival.

His story matches splendidly.

Soji. How many men can we deploy?

Twenty-seven, including ourselves.

But if we are not careful, we could fall into an enemy trap.

Be it Shikoku-ya or Ikeda-ya, we don't have enough men.

Why don't we request reinforcements from the Aizu?

Alright. We'll have them use their men to block the streets.

We'll trap the enemy like rats...

...and uproot these extremists.

Yamanami-kun.

Tell the Aizu that in the hour of the dog, we will be waiting at the Gion Kaisho.

["Gion Kaisho:" A building in Gion that was a cultural and community meeting place.]

Yes sir.

"LAMP OF THE DEITY"

FIRST YEAR OF THE GENJI PERIOD, 5TH DAY OF THE SIXTH MONTH.

THE GION FESTIVAL, YOIYAMA PARADE.

Where are the Aizu soldiers?

It's more than an hour past the designated time.

Maybe they won't come.

The Aizu may not want to further provoke the Choshu.

If the Aizu were to openly deploy...

...there's bound to be a battle with a powerful group of their enemies.

They probably are going to leave this entirely to the Shinsengumi.

- How could they? - Now listen.

The Shinsengumi has grown rapidly, and is now somewhat of a burden to them.

If we get crushed, that would be convenient for them.

And if the Choshu faction loses, they still win.

That's probably how they figure it.

No, you are too suspicious of our lords.

I definitely believe that they will come.

That would be nice, wouldn't it?

With our current numbers, we can't capture them. We're the ones in danger instead.

Kon kon chiki chin kon chiki chin... Kon kon chiki chin kon chiki chin...

Cloth Banner: "IKEDA-YA"

It must be far past the hour of the boar by now.

While we're dillydallying, the enemy will have scattered.

So you've decided on Ikeda-ya no matter what?

I want to believe Yamazaki.

He's suspicious. Furukawa confessed; let us go to Shikoku-ya.

You take twenty men and go to Shikoku-ya.

Will you be alright? You'll only be six men.

Perhaps your assessment is correct.

I may be a fool...

...but I want to believe in samurai honor. I'm going to believe in Yamazaki.

Who will come with me?

Five of you, step forward.

Alright. The rest of you gentlemen will go with Vice-Commander Hijikata.

Our regulations are still in effect.

Don't be outwitted, and don't bring shame upon yourselves.

Yamazaki-san, I'm going to go and report.

You're going to the Gion community center?

Yes.

Otsu.

Yamazaki-san.

I... I...

...want to die dressed like a samurai.

- Proprietor, shut the door. - Yes sir.

It's a Shinsengumi dog. Leave him to me.

Is the proprietor in? We have business with you.

Fall back.

- Commander. - Yamazaki!

Yamazaki, well done.

Retreat. Everyone run!

Return to your fiefs, and live to fight another day.

- Commander, where are our comrades? - We're here, the six of us.

Yamazaki.

Don't let them escape!

Kill! Kill them!

Spread out!

Lookout!

Don't let them escape!

Kill them all!

Don't let any of them escape!

Suzuki! Matsubara! Go around back.

Halt!

Halt!

There was no one at Shikoku-ya.

Furutaka was a true samurai after all.

Toshi-san.

That makes you feel good, doesn't it?

I lose. Yamazaki.

Kondo-san believed in you without wavering.

I take my helmet off to you.

I think I have to take mine off too, Hijikata-san.

You took yours off a long time ago!

The Aizu soldiers are here now, Toshi-san.

Heavily armed with excuses, no doubt.

Well done.

Lord Aizu offers praise for your outstanding efforts today.

He intends to inform the Shogunate of your meritorious actions...

...and also expressed his personal recognition of your service.

And if we had all died in battle...?

No... we must gratefully receive his words, because we're still alive.

I acknowledge. It's ten-thousand banzais for the Shinsengumi and the Aizu Fief.

Please relay that to His Lordship.

Out of the way.

THE END