Original subtitles

DAIEl FILMS, LTD

SATAN'S SWORD: THE GREAT BUDDHA PASS

Produced by: Nagatamasa Ichi

Novel by: Nakazato Kaizan

Screenplay by: Kinugasate Inosuke

Colour by: Kiura Yoshiak Music by: Suzuki Seiichi Photography by: Imai Hiroshi Sound by: Otani Iwao

Art Direction: Naito Akira Lighting by: Okamoto Kenichi

Cast:

Ichikawa Raizo

Nakamura Hongo Tama Okojiro

Shimada Shogo Sugaware Kenji Ryu Chishu Negami Gun

Tanba Matasaburo Shimada Ryuzo Chiba Toshio Miake Bontaro

Fujiwara Reiko Al Michiko Araki Shinobu Nanbu Shozo

Yamamoto Fujiko

Directed by: Misumi Kenji

Oh, Grandfather! Look!

Great Buddha Pass

Listen!

Grandfather, I hear the sound of water.

O-Matsu, be careful.

It's alright, There's a path!

Oldman.

Are you calling me?

Come here.

Yes.

What can I do for you?

Look over there.

Grandfather!

Grandfather...! Grandfather...!

What's wrong?

Grandfather...! Grandfather...!

He was murdered.

The poor man.

The work of a master swordsman.

It's so cruel.

Don't cry.

I'll take care of you.

Young Master, they've picked the contestants.

Who will be my opponent?

Your rival is Utsugi Bunnojo.

Utsugi.

Good afternoon, Young Master.

Young Master.

You have a visitor.

Who is it?

Utsugi Bunnojo-sama"s sister.

O-Hama is her name.

Utsugi has a sister. .?

What should I do?

Show her in.

I am Utsgi's sister. Hama is my name.

Your purpose in coming?

Without my brother's knowledge, I've come with an urgent request.

It's about the Command Fencing Competition at Mt. Mitaki.

Ever since he saw the list, my brother can"t eat or sleep.

Having to face you in this competition,

has literally crushed him.

You are too modest.

Not at all!

My brother is not your match.

You both studied swordsmanship together at Henmi-sensei"s Dojo.

But, he won't stop telling me

that he's not worthy.

You say that.

In Henmi-sensei's Dojo,

I was like a recluse.

Furthermore,

Bunnojo-dono was our sensei's favorite.

Destined, according to everyone,

to succeed him in the future.

People can talk all they want,

my brother says that your swordskill is far greater than his.

Tsukue-sama. I beg of you.

If he should lose and be disgraced in this match,

the unbearable shame,

would mean ruin to all the Utsugi family!

At this time, I'm begging you to be merciful,

and spare his honour.

I am going to be totally honest about this.

As the result of this tournament,

he must become the Daimyo's sword instructor.

With you as his opponent, he has no hope of winning.

If he should try to back out,

it would be even worse.

His only chance,

is to rely on your mercy.

If your compassion as a samurai

caused you to forfeit this match,

we will forever be indebted to you!

O-Hama-dono.

Yes.

Your family loyalty

has indeed touched me deeply.

However,

a match is a different thing.

When I hold the sword,

nothing else matters. Not my family, not my sensei.

Even my best friend,

were I to face him, it would be as my enemy.

Such is the code that l, Ryunosuke, live by.

There, really.

That's too harsh!

You are inhuman!

What? Inhuman?

Yes!

For a samurai,

Bushido is sacred, like chastity to a woman.

She wouldn't know, in any case.

To forfeit a match, even for those closest to him.

But, if their lives were in danger?

Would she sacrifiice her chastity?

A man's samurai code.

And a woman's chastity.

Can one comprehend the mysteries?

Ah, Young Master!

But, I won't be able to...

You refuse?

Well, I... wait! Young Master!

You aren't going to kill me?

l'm going there! I'm going there!

O-Hama-sama!

You've gone too far!

Why are you treating me so?

I want to ask you a question.

What do you want?!

When the lives of her close relatives are at stake.

Would a woman sacrifiice her chastity?

The time has come.

You...!

Answer me!

I lied to you!

It's unoffiicial, yet,

but Bunnojo-sama is my husband!

Forgive me! I'm sorry!

Jizo-sama, God of travellers, forgive me!

Old Master Tsukue

is a great master who took me in and raised me

when I was an abandoned baby.

But the Young Master scares me!

- Wait! - Yes

- Wait! - Yes

Are you awake?

Uncle. Where were you?

To go to Edo, I have so much to do.

You're really taking me with you?

Of course! All the way to the home of Yamaoka-san.

Your aunt who lives there.

In fact,

Safe guard this.

Keep a vigilant eye on it.

Do not show it to anybody.

It's a big 'Tanto'!

Always carry it with you.

You'll understand why later.

Then, one day... I'll be able to avenge Grandfather.

No, no! Only children of samurai do that.

O-Matsu, you must pray

for your grandfather's soul to rest.

But, it's so unfair!

Unfair, unfair.

Allow your grandfather to rest in peace.

Let's go burn incense.

Ah, Young Master!

It's terrible! There's been a burglary!

A burglary?

The thief took 300 ryo, and your favorite Tanto.

Don't tell anyone about it.

Especially the authorities!

Yes!

Where were you?

My Toshiro 'Tanto' was stolen.

I'm rather worried aboutyou.

The Command Tournament at Mount Mitake is near.

How can you then

trouble yourself like this?

It seems that a skilled swordsman has been slaying

commoners on the roads.

His expert cutting indicates that he knows secret techniques.

Such is the rumour.

Cold-bloodedly killing innocent people

can only be done

by an individual with a warped mind.

Ryunosuke,

people say that lately

your ability has improved.

What I see is just the opposite.

That you are no longer the swordsman you once were?

Do you mean to say that my swordskills have declined?

Exactly.

It's this negative attitude!

If I were still a strongman, I would wipe away your arrogance!

Father!

Stay away!

I hate Ryunosuke!

My husband is a burden to me.

Hama!

Where did you go?

You won't say?

What were you doing at the home of Tsukue Ryunosuke?

The Mount Mitaki....

Mt. Mitaki tournament?

To avoid your defeat!

What did you say. .?

Express yourself clearly!

If you had

any chance to beat Tsukue-sama, I would not have had to visit him!

Did you ask him for a favour?

For the Utsugi family!

For your future!

Be quiet!

What about my honour,

that the wife of a samurai. .

. . Would go in secret...?

Now answer!

What happened to your kimono and your hair-do?

I was correct.

Kyusaku has warned me,

and I had more or less guessed it!

Here, take this!

What is this?

It would be better

for the two of us to go our separate ways without a word!

My husband!

If you hate me so, why not kill me?

Then kill Ryunosuke next and your honour would be safe!

A letter of divorce won't solve anything!

What?

Kill me!

I can't soil my sword to kill a woman like you!

Representing Kogen Itto style

Utsugi Bunnojo, to my right!

Former Kogen Itto student

Tsukue Ryunosuke, at my left!

Begin!

Did you see that? Strange!

That's the famous 'Silent Form'.

It's a truly singular form!

This is no ordinary match!

Stamina or venom, a duel without mercy!

A draw!

No winner, no loser.

A draw!

Honoured Judge!

Yes?

Did you call it a draw?

Absolutely!

I no longer have an opponent!

It"s not necessary!

If this judgement doesn't please you, speak up!

I parried his sword thrust,

and scored a facer.

Too old to see it?

What happened afterward is unimportant!

My eyesight is better than your ramblings!

Another match, then!

This is a Command Tournament!

This false tournament offends the eyes of the Gods!

I ask you for another match!

If you still insist,

this old man will be your opponent!

That is very interesting!

Nakamura-sensei, himself, is the willing opponent!

I hope to learn something!

My sword still knows how to crush

an arrogant young whipper snapper!

Tsukue! Your master is speaking to you!

You've gone too far! Give up!

Go back to your place!

He died!

Ryunosuke-sama!

Be careful! There's an ambush!

An ambush?

Utsugi's students. About 10 of them.

They'll be here soon.

What are you doing here?

Aren"t you with them?

Utsugi divorced me.

His family is nothing to me.

Someone's coming!

Are you looking to die?

If that is the case,

I beg you to kill me first!

What?

Ryunosuke-san...

. . you're so in to the sword. . . . do you....

. . like women as much?

Let's escape!

Let's escape and live together!

- Oh, a Jizo God on horseback! - He has no hands!

- A weird Jizo! - Be nice

If not, he will punish you!

This Jizo-sama here, will be the object of my devotion.

l'll pray to him everyday.

Come with us to the village.

Yes!-Yes!-Yes!

Are you going to Sawai?

Yes, sir.

I'm going to Wada.

To whose house?

Utsugi's.

Bunnojo-sama's house?

I'm an Utsugi.

I must tell you that Bunnojo-sama was...

l'm his younger brother,

Utsugi Hyoma.

That Ryunosuke's swordsmanship

would have fallen this far was written for anyone to see.

Hyoma-dono,

please help me give Ryunosuke what he deserves.

I was told,

that Ryunosuke-dono's Silent Form,

is a powerful technique.

Nonsense!

At first his swordsmanship was very good indeed.

But now,

he wields an evil sword!

Regardless,

your burning desire for revenge will destroy him!

Ryunosuke is much too strong for you right now.

You should study and train hard.

I will train

as hard as I can!

However, for good training,

you need a good teacher.

I just so happen to know one.

I will recommend you.

Sir.

He teaches in Edo,

Shimada Toranosuke-sensei is his name.

He teaches Jiki Shinkage style.

He is an excellent swordsman. A real master!

Yes!

He is a good man, but pushy.

Because you want to master swordsmanship,

you shoud train with him.

Yes!

I thought I would find in you a terrible enemy.

I will never forget

your lesson of goodwill.

No, I'm not mistaken! This store's owner is my Aunt!

Ask her and you'll see!

When I was younger, Auntie even took me to the theatre!

Store clerk,

she speaks the truth! Ask Madame again.

That's useless. The answer will still be the same!

The Madame says that she doesn't know any gunsmith.

So, she couldn't have known the young girl who is now here.

It's not much, but...

. . please take this.

Lady, I am sorry for this unforseen situation.

I wanted to see the clerk again this afternoon.

Hey, clerk!

What's this?

Nobody came here to beg!

That is what her late grandfather has left her.

She is not here for any money!

She just wanted to be with her family.

To see the welcome of this house,

you shouldn't insist. Her future would be bleak.

If you deny she's your relative, I will take her in!

Don't complain about it!

O-Matsu.

Did you hear? Come on, let's go!

Get out, devil!

If you please, listen to me!

I've heard everything, even though I didn't mean to.

If you want, I will take care of her.

You, madam

I teach floral design next door. O-Kinu is my name.

I thank you for the offer,

but we wouldn't dare impose.

That's no bother.

Unless she has some place to go.

If not, I can use some help.

Then, with gratitude we accept.

Please.

What do you want?

Stay calm!

Madame,

I came here to shame you!

What do you mean?

When wronged, I always get even!

I am going to strip you naked

for mistreating O-Matsu, and will tie you up together

with your store clerk in the street!

At dawn a passer-by will free you.

Be still!

Stop! No!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear!

Dear!

A dream?

I had a stupid dream.

What dream?

An old dream.

To be come Lord Egawa's bodyguard

and to be sword teacher of his clan.

They are very far, your old dreams!

My dear,

you don't participate in tournaments anymore.

With your knowledge,

opening a Dojo here in Edo would be easy to do.

Stop complaining.

You only reap what you sow.

However,

you were invincible!

You were different then!

At least for this child,

I would like so much for him to succeed.

I know! Be quiet!

If I stay quiet will you do something for him?

You're a nag, Hama!

Stop annoying me!

Are you there, Yoshida-san?

Oh,

Hirama, is that you?

Here is your salary.

What became of Leader Serizawa

He's always quarrelling with Kondo and Hijikata.

This Shinsengumi is such a curse!

Well, I'm leaving.

You're going out?

What aboutyour session with Lord Egawa?

I know!

Be a good boy! Don't cry!

Is it true,

your father doesn"t love you?

Be good.

Is it because of these brutes,

these groups of samurai rebels?

Go to sleep.

Redfish! Goldenfiish!

Redfish! Goldenfiish!

Touche!

Match over!

Chief sword instructor for Lord Egawa Tarozaemon,

Yoshida Ryutaro is my name.

l'm Shimada Toranosuke.

Your reputation is great.

With your permission,

I would like a match with him.

I am most undeserving. Katayanagi Hyoma is my name.

Yoshida Ryutaro.

Touche!

Match over!

Shimada-sensei,

I have earned the honour of having a lesson from you.

Yoshida Ryutaro,

you have a singular style. Where were you trained?

My father taught me.

He got me into Ono Itto's Dojo.

Your mastery is widely known. Please give me a lesson.

Shimada-sensei!

It's raining so hard! Come, take shelter! Please.

Yes.

Come in, please.

Thank you!

Let me. l'll do it myself.

Welcome home!

Hello.

Well, you have a visitor?

Just taking shelter from the rain.

Is that right?

- Take your time. Please. - Yes

- O-Matsu. - Yes

- O-Matsu. - Yes

You're finally going to work for Lord Kamio-sama.

Lord Kamio-sama?

Thank you!

Hama.

Didn't Bunnojo have a younger brother?

Yes.

His first name?

- Hyoma is his name. - Hyoma

Where did he live?

Here, in the capital. At the home of Katayanagi, his uncle.

- Katayanagi? - Yes

Katayanagi...?

Katayanagi Hyoma?

This Hyoma, how old would he be now?

By now, 19 years old.

Nineteen?

Why this sudden interest?

If Hyoma....

. . wanted to avenge his brother, what would you do?

If so, l'd accept his challenge.

But, it"s probable that I would kill him.

That would be an injustice.

Hyoma didn't do anything wrong.

Ah, Hyoma!

The Shinchogumi's Kondo, and Hijikata want to meet you.

Sir!

Utsugi Hyoma at your service.

Your uncle has spoken to us about you quite a lot.

Despite your youth, you are already the top student at Shimada's Dojo.

Not at all, not at all. I am but a novice.

Yohachi-dono!

- Yohachi-dono, it's really you? - Ah Hyoma-sama

What are you doing here?

The Grand Master passed away.

What? Danjo-dono died?

I was bored in the village, so I came here to Edo to find work.

Is that so?

Do you have a job?

Not precisely.

If things are bad for you,

come to Shimada's Dojo in Okachimachi.

I could help you.

I thank you!

Goodbye!

Secret Passion.

Yes!

Peel away another layer...!

Yes!

The obi! The obi!

I beg of you!

A lost card. An asset, nevertheless.

That's alright, that's alright!

Be aware, as small as this is.

To be at the Lord's service.

Strong and fast, how time carries us away.

Yes!

What speed!

Life is a walk

Not a chance!

One more to take off.

I'm going to read the next.

The way to Mount Oe is still far away.

Yes!

Poor, poor little girl. Take it off!

Thief! Thief!

What's wrong?

He was in the store room!

- Help me! - What's the matter?

I was humiliated at Lord Kamio's.

I live downstairs. Come with me.

Yes!

Sit down.

Thank you.

What do you want to do now?

I don't know anymore.

I don't have any family.

Are you an orphan, too?

Me, I was abandoned on the roadside.

Someone took me in,

but I do not know my parents,

or where I was born.

Where were you raised?

In Sawai, not far from The Great Buddha Pass.

Daibosatsu Toge!

There is a very steep path, winding back and forth to the top!

Yes, and the top of the pass

is full of monkeys,

and a Temple of 'Kannon-sama".

You know it well. Have you been there?

Yes. Four or five years ago.

Well, I...

. . I was working at the mill.

I would like to return,

to Daibosatsu Pass.

What, in the mountains?

I would like so much

to return there.

It's my dream.

Staying in Edo doesn't suit me. I was better off at the mill.

Then, come with me to Great Buddha's Pass!

You'll take me there?

Oh, Auntie!

O-Matsu, is that you?

What's up, O-Taki?

We've fallen on hard times as a result of that individual

O-Matsu brought us,

right?

What happiness to see you in good health!

When you came to the store that day,

I happened to be out.

You must have suffered.

I really did not know.

But, now that I've found you, I will never let you go.

Then, come to my house, I live next door.

- But... - Let's go home!

At this time, I'm no longer comfortable,

but don't worry, I will take good care of you.

Where did she go?

O-Matsu-san!

O-Matsu-san!

They're late!

The 6 o'clock bell just rang!

It's still our best opportunity!

It just started to snow.

They must have decided to wait awhile before leaving.

Kiyokawa has always been lucky!

It's too bad he must be killed.

But, we have the proof, so we must eliminate him!

Kondo, don't weaken!

He associates himself with the so-called 'Loyalists'.

He's our enemy!

Commander! Everything's ready.

I see.

Two palanquins just left.

- Kiyokawa is in the second. - And the first?

The first one is Takahashi.

What? Takahashi,

- Japan's foremost lancer? - Exactly

Let's kill them both!

Serizawa, no!

Takahashi is an important member of the Shogunate.

We can't kill him!

Very well.

You both stay here.

l"ll go.

Takahashi took another route!

Kiyokawa is coming alone!

All right.

Palanquin bearers, stop!

Get out!

Damn! It's not him!

Go ahead!

Is this a mistake?

Be aware that I am Shimada Toranosuke!

If it's a grudge,

state your name and grievance!

Very well!

I'm going to kill this Shimada!

Who are you? Your name!

Kill me!

You seem to be the leader!

You forced me to kill without good cause!

Now, how can you explain

the senseless deaths of these brave men lying here?

A fatal error...

l've devoted my life to the sword,

but I didn"t think anybody could have such skill...

. . a mistake. .!

The sword is the soul. .!

If the mind is evil, so is the sword!

He who wants to study the sword, must first of all, study the soul. .!

What a beautiful tone.

Hama!

Is the child sleeping?

Yes.

He's sound asleep.

'At the foot of Mount Shio,

'to Sashideno Iso, a plover hurries. '

Do you know this lyric?

It speaks of my home town.

Your home town?

Sashideno Iso is where I grew up,

between Yahata and Kusakabe.

On the banks of the Fuefuki River.

Is that right?

My father also loved the 'Shakuhachi' .

Danjo-sama?

In this frigid weather,

he must suffer terribly.

My father cannot stop praising Shimada Toranosuke.

Shimada-sama... who?

Hama, is there any sake?

Yes.

Shall I warm some up?

I feel relaxed.

Let"s drink together.

l'll bring it.

Yoshida!

Yoshida!

I have to talk to you.

Does the name Utsugi Hyoma ring a bell?

Utsugi?

It seems that this young man wants you dead.

This name is not unknown to me.

This Utsugi Hyoma has plotted with Kondo and Hijikata

to come soon and take your life.

Kondo and Hijikata are with him?

Yoshida.

One must take the initiative.

We're counting on you to come with us to Kyoto.

I'll give you my answer!

You're going to Kyoto?

In Kyoto there is an upsurge

of rebellious and violent ronin.

We must go to protect the Emperor.

I was asked to come.

That's it. When do you plan on leaving?

Soon.

And us. .?

Our son and myself?

You stay here.

Stay here. .? I don't want to!

I can't possibly take you with me!

At this time, how could you treat me this way?

I was willing to put up

with everything patiently.

I dreamed of a life that was happy and pleasant.

Everyday is miserable!

Is it so bad. .?

With your attitude,

I grow more and more tired of this world!

You can become a Nun!

So much to do.

I would rather go on a pilgrimage!

Little boy,

if you were not here, your mother would do as she wants!

Your father suggested that I become a Nun!

It seems he's tired of me!

Son, because of you, I have to stay!

I have no where to go!

- Ah, if only I had married Bunnojo. - Hama

You dare say that right in front of me?

Yes!

I would repeat the same thing to anyone! Now, all I'm missing is....!

You're an immoral woman!

Because of my misfortune! My life has been ruined!

You"re not the only one whose life has been ruined!

l, Tsukue Ryunosuke, have been ruined because of you.

Because of me?

Then, at the mill,

Who was the brute that sexually assaulted me?

If that hadn't happened,

I'd have been Bunnojo's wife!

And this child wouldn't be!

Women are evil!

During the Command Tournament, you did what ever you could

to destroy all of us!

How could I. .?

Without you?

Neither the Utsugi or the Tsukue would have been in trouble...

That"s your evil doing.

Me, the evil one?

The death of Utsugi Bunnojo,

and my own degradation!

- It's you who are the evil one! - Is that so?

If I am evil,

let it be for eternity!

- My boy, die with me! - What are you doing?

Live or die! Do as you please!

Hama-!

Hama-!

Hama-!

Does Yoshida Ryutaro live here?

Yes!

Could you give Yoshida-dono this?

'I hold a grudge towards you. '

'According to the Samurai Code, I am asking you for a duel. '

'At 7am. Tomorrow, '

'I'll be waiting for you at the Akebane Bridge. "

'Utsugi Hyoma. '

Hama.

I leave for Kyoto tomorrow.

Oh, tomorrow?!

Hama. I entrust Ikutaro to you.

Is that right?

Did you ever treat Ikutaro as your son?

Whose son, then?

You never even picked him up!

I see.

Let's say you had him all by yourself!

I will raise him all by myself!

My dear! Grant me a divorce!

Divorce?

That could be interesting!

Oh, is that right?

Just like the spectacle you put on for me!

Is this the final curtain?

Stand up! I want a letter of divorce!

We were never married!

That won"t be necessary, then!

Where will you go?

Wherever I want to, I do not take orders!

Is that so?

Hyoma-dono,

such a brave youth!

Dear!

Let Hyoma-dono kill you!

The child and I will die right here!

Hyoma? I will kill him!

. . Sword...

. . Sword...

. . Hama. .!

. . Hama. .!

What are you trying to do?

To kill you, and then die afterward!

To avenge Bunnojo?

To erase your evil!

What?

I will never forgive you!

Sister-in-law!

O-Hama-san!

Young Master!

Young Master!

Strange coincidences brought me back by Great Buddha Pass.

The Young Master has disappeared, O-Hama-san is a memory.

Their son is the only survivor. With the help of Jizo-sama.

I will raise him right!

He always showed up before.

He must be late.

Are you sure he's going to Kyoto?

Yes!

Their trip is already paid for.

Yoshida Ryutaro was registered.

Here is some hot sake.

Hama...?!

What's going on?

Wait, if you please. My companion will be here shortly.

I was certain that I had my wallet.

Your wallet?

Say, my partner is getting upset!

Let's retrace our steps! To look for it!

I am sorry!

Better yet... Take this!

Huh? We will look great with this in our hair!

Our reputation depends on it!

We must find your wallet!

Let's get aboard! Let's go!

No! I beg of you! Help!

Get aboard

Palanquin bearers!

What do you want?

I'll pay her fare.

Do you know each other?

Everything will be alright.

We've been somewhat impolite.

How much will that be?

From Kameyama, that makes one and a half.

Miss.

- Ask him not to forget the tip. - I can't

You can't?

But, you got on at Kameyama,

and throughout the trip, we heard talk about a good tip.

Don't forget us!

What's that?

Thank you so much!

I am so embarrassed.

Oh, Shin-san!

O-Toyo! Hurry, they"re coming!

Let's go in the back way!

But, this samurai has helped me!

We will thank him later! Hurry! Hurry!

If you have to die,

I will die with you!

We are so poor.

Your parents will never agree to our being together!

- Withoutyou, I cannot... - Don't say anymore

l, too, shall die.

Die, whoever wants to!

It"s O-Matsu!

Welcome, welcome.

Who is that fancy courtesan?

She is the courtesan Miyuki. From the House of Kizuya.

- And those with her, as well? - Yes, that's right

For Shinsengumi leader, Kondo- sensei. I'll wait for the answer.

Yes

Please wait!

You are...

... the one that...

Yes, it was in Edo, at Tsumakoi-zaka.

Yes

You offered me shelter. You are O-Matsu.

Oh...!

How do you know my name?

I heard it that day.

And you remembered it?

My name is Utsugi Hyoma.

Utsugi... Hyoma-sama.

It's odd to see you here.

You, too, in Kyoto.

I'm in the Shinsengumi.

Oh, really?

I am at the service of the courtesan Miyuki.

Did I make you wait?

The Sensei wishes to see you.

Is that so?

See you soon.

Have a drink!

- Sensei, I... - I insist. Serve him.

Come in, please.

Utsugi.

Tsukue Ryunosuke is here in Kyoto!

Finally!

Kill him! He is with Leader Serizawa.

And you, Kondo-san?

You can count on Kondo!

Yes!

O-Matsu!

Uncle Shichibei!

Let's go inside to talk a little!

So then, your aunt has sold you?

She took me here against my will. Seikichi, her assistant

was also involved.

The vermin! Selling her own niece!

But, Uncle....

. . How did you find me?

I've heard about a young girl.

I came expecting the worst.

I had lost any hope

of seeing you again in this world.

Stop being foolish!

One to two hundred miles apart, that's nothing!

But, you...

You must have been sad!

Before the end of the month, I have to take on my first client.

Uncle.

I think that every where, the unlucky ones find misfortune.

Should I resign myself to never having had any luck.

And to take life as it comes?

Certainly not!

O-Matsu,

I came to get you out of all that.

I will pay to buy your freedom.

The sweet O-Matsu will not become a 'Lady of the evening'!

But, Uncle, you know well,

- that to buy me back... - Money is not a problem

No matter what the amount!

Between now and tomorrow night, all will be taken care of.

Uncle!

Be patient until then.

Thank you so much!

Understand?

Tomorrow night,

there is a banquet at the House of Sumiya.

I have to be there from noon to help out.

At the House of Sumiya?

The Shinsengumi has a reconciliation party with the Sumo.

Sumo wrestlers?

The Shinsengumi is what?

A bunch of masterless samurai who lead others like themselves.

Ronin leading ronin,

that may not be easy!

SHINSENGUMI HEADQUARTERS

That's a big surprise!

To sneak into Shinsengumi headquarters...

It's too bold!

This thief took 320 ryo!

Did he know the slightest mistake on his part,

would have cost him his life?

These are terrible times.

To keep one's own head attached,

A person cannot be too careful.

You can't fool around with that!

What a beautiful hand!

Do you work here?

- No, at the house of Kizuya. - Your name?

Matsu, at your service.

Where were you born?

In the west.

- The west - Yes! Where all the pilgrims go.

Oh, yes. The pilgrims?

- Alright, follow me! - Yes

Very well. You wait for me here. Don"t move from there!

Oh, be careful!

Well....

Which courtesan is Kondo's regular girl?

From the House of Kizuya, the prostitute Miyuki.

Will they spend the night?

They probably will.

It's tiresome waiting for him to sleep before killing him!

Once Kondo is dead,

you will receive a gift.

What?

Utsugi Hyoma's head!

I will kill Hyoma for you.

You under estimate Hyoma.

But he is one of the best swordsmen in the Shinsengumi.

As long as Hyoma's around. Your life will be in danger.

Where is he?

Not far from here.

Very well. Now I'll go to headquarters, but will soon return.

You takecare of Kondo Isami!

Good care. .!

Who's there?

Who are you?

Yes

- What did you hear? - No.... nothing... I....

Why were you there?

I didn"t feel well.... I was resting. .!

- Liar - No, I'm not lying!

Serizawa-dono! Just kill her.

It would make too much noise!

Alright. I'll watch her.

Get in this room!

Yes

Why don't you go in?

Yes.

Get in!

Don't let her escape!

Hey, woman!

Yes

Who are you spying for?

Nobody! I don't know anything!

It was just your bad luck to have overheard our secret.

You'll stay here for as long as I tell you to.

Yes

Spare my life. Please!

I will let you live if you don't bother me.

Yes

Move and I'll kill you!

I have a headache!

Hey, woman.

You didn't hear anything?

No. Nothing.

Were you born in Kyoto?

No. Kyoto is not my hometown.

Where were you born?

Shikoku. The land of shrines.

Shikoku?

You have the small bell that a pilgrim carries.

No, I have nothing.

I hear a pilgrim's bell ringing!

Who goes there?!

Nobody!

There's nobody over there!

Is that so?

A ghost!

What? A ghost?

Right now! There!

What did you see?

A woman's shadow!

A woman's shadow?

Obuki-sama!

They've told stories for years about this room being haunted!

Nonsense!

No! A long time ago, a prostitute named Kokonoe

committed suicide right here!

First, she. .

. . burned incense, and then she slit her own throat!

l'm afraid!

That this room would be haunted?

The lamp! I'm afraid!

Don't be afraid!

I have somebody....

- How old are you? - No

That's alright!

No... there's something else!

What's the matter?

The curtains just moved!

My head hurts!

Do you want some medicine?

No. Don't bother!

Some water. Then?

No!

You're trying to escape?

No!

Sit down here!

Yes!

I want you to listen to me....!

Yes! What is it?

I'm the father of a child!

And this child...?

Ikutaro is his name!

Yes!

If someday by accident,

your paths should cross. I want you to tell him,

'Give up swordsmanship".

That is my 'Last Will. . '

I will tell him.

That"s right!

My family has always been into swordsmanship.

Tell him my last wish was to give up swordsmanship.

I understand.

But then, is this child with his mother?

No.

The child's mother is dead.

I killed her. .!

With my own hands. I killed her!

Why this cruelty?

Hama!

Hama!

With this sword!

Help! Help!

Help!

Calm down!

Help!

This samurai has gone insane!

Hama!

Utsugi!

It's Tsukue Ryunosuke!

Tsukue Ryunosuke!

I'm Utsuki Hyoma!

Let's fight fairly!

Chapter One THE END

Subtitled by: Venom10463