Original subtitles

A DAIEI CO. LTD. PRODUCTION

Prepare to die, Ichi.

We're going to make your head an offering on our boss's grave.

You're very skilled, blind man.

ZATOICHI CHALLENGED

Produced by IKUO KUBODERA

Original story by KAN SHIMOZAWA Screenplay by RYOZO KASAHARA

Cinematography by CHIKASHI MAKIURA Gamblers like me are always traveling

Art Direction by SHIGENORI SHIMOISHIZAKA the back roads of the law.

Original Music by AKIRA IFUKUBE Edited by TOSHIO TANIGUCHI The entire world regards us as a curse.

Starring:

SHINTARO KATSU

JUSHIRO KONOE, MIWA TAKADA

YUKIJI ASAOKA

MIKIKO TSUBOUCHI, MIE NAKAO

TAKAO ITO, ASAO KOIKE MIDORI ISOMURA You don't want to do that It's no use

You try the course of reason And then after that

TATSUO MATSUMURA EITARO OZAWA, JOTARO SENBA By sound and by smell

KOJIRO KUSANAGI KENZO TABU, OSAMI NABE The sword finds its way

KOJIRO KUSANAGI KENZO TABU, OSAMI NABE

AKIHISA TODA, KOJI FUJIYAMA KOICHI MIZUHARA, IKUKO MORI

AKIHISA TODA, KOJI FUJIYAMA KOICHI MIZUHARA, IKUKO MORI It's a lonesome road Such a lonesome road

Directed by KENJI MISUMI

What a woeful life!

It's good to see you. Come in.

We need you to share your room.

Right in here, sir.

Thank you. Sorry to disturb you.

Ryota...

get my medicine.

It's all gone.

Gone?

Then just pour me some water.

What's wrong, Mom?

Is something wrong?

Is something wrong?

Let me rub her back.

Can you scoot over?

I'm not a doctor, but this should help a little.

I'll go get some more water.

Try to relax.

I so wanted my boy to meet his father before I died.

He's an artist named Shokichi.

He lives in Maebara.

You mustn't give up, ma'am.

This was a fine room to share.

Here.

What is it?

Keep your chin up, kid.

Uncle Ichi will take you to your daddy in Maebara.

You can stop moping.

I'm not moping.

Snotty brat.

Ryota! Where are you going?

Ryota!

I'm gonna leave you behind.

Uncle Ichi.

What're you doing up there?

They offered me a ride. Bye.

Bye? Hey!

Is this boy traveling with you?

It seems it's turned out that way.

We're going to Minowa. Why don't you hop on, too?

- Are you sure? - Of course.

You're very kind.

Here you go.

Now we're a burden on these folks, all because of you.

That's right. You should thank me.

You are the butterfly

And I am the flower

We're always together

When my blossom fades

And then wilts

Please don't toss me aside like a scrap of paper

Flower blossoms fall

Flower blossoms fall

That's the way of the world

Yes, right there. That feels great.

It's a true pleasure to serve a leading lady.

What a wonderful drawing!

Can I see it a minute?

See, it looks just like you.

You're right.

The boy draws pictures?

You're traveling with him and you didn't know?

How could he, Miss Tomoe?

Oh, that's right.

I'm sorry.

Even if I can't see, my fingers tell me you're a very pretty woman.

You're a smooth talker.

Boss Sobei has sent an escort to meet us.

All right. Thanks.

You must be tired from your long journey.

Boss Sobei sent us to meet you.

It's so nice of you to come for us like this every year.

Is Boss Sobei well?

Yes -

Hold it. Boss Manzo of Kanai sent us to greet you.

We'll be escorting you from here.

You're not wanted here. Step aside.

You're guests of Boss Manzo now. You needn't worry about a thing.

Wait.

This is the troupe Boss Sobei invites to Minowa every year.

Shut up! I told you to step aside.

Uncle Ichi!

What do you think you're doing?

There's no need for violence.

I take it you're the leader?

Come on, then. The boss is waiting.

Boss Manzo of Kanai, you say?

I've never even heard of him. - Watch your mouth.

I was invited here by Boss Sobei of Minowa.

We're in a hurry.

All right, everyone, let's get moving.

I can't let you do that.

Come peacefully, or we'll drag you there by force.

Go jump in a lake.

I didn't want to get rough,

but with that attitude, you leave me no choice.

You're coming with me. - Hey, let go!

Miss Tomoe!

- No, Uncle Ichi! Don't go! - I'll be fine. You wait here.

No, don't go! Don't go!

Let go of me.

Oh! You're -

I can't allow this violent outrage on a public highway.

Get out of here! - Who do you think you are?

Kill him!

Stand back, miss.

Quick.

Master Akatsuka.

Don't worry. I only used the back of my sword.

You'd best be on your way before there's more trouble.

I never imagined you'd come to my rescue in a place like this.

It must be five years since we last met.

A delightful twist of fate.

Well, I need to hurry on.

Take care.

But -

Master Akatsuka.

That samurai's voice sounds familiar from somewhere.

His name is Tajuro Akatsuka.

Back when I first got my start in Asakusa,

he favored me with his attentions.

A man of considerable swordsmanship, it seems.

He was a legitimate samurai when I knew him,

but it seems he might be without a master now.

The boy's still trembling.

He must have been really scared.

Don't be such a chicken, Ryota.

You only say that because you're blind and didn't see.

He's got me there.

Actually, I was scared, too.

If I could see, I might have run away and left you behind.

Some tea, Boss.

Thanks to you,

I can keep my promise to the villagers again this year.

If I may,

isn't the entire area around Maebara your territory?

I'm embarrassed to say,

this guy named Gonzo has taken over.

It's a sad story.

But I at least wanted

to bring you folks back for one last run.

The leading lady's a dazzling beauty.

She'll make you melt in your seat. Big boobs.

You couldn't ask for more.

Hey, you're blind. You can't see those signs.

I heard your description. I can see her plain as day.

She really is a looker, isn't she?

You're funny.

Then let me describe myself next.

I'm such a lady-killer they call me the latter-day Narihira.

Thick, dark eyebrows, nice big eyes, a straight nose,

well-shaped lips and the lightest of skin -

the very model of the stern and handsome gallant.

On top of that, I'm the only son of the richest man in the area.

I'm going to buy out the house for tomorrow's opening.

How's that? Can you see me now?

It's not nice to pull a blind man's leg.

You're a carpenter.

How can you tell?

I can hear your tools rattling in your box.

That face would kill the ladies, all right.

Hold it, pal.

Can you do this?

I've got a one mon copper here.

Can you guess which hand it's in?

And if I can?

I'll give you 100 mon. If you're wrong, I get 100.

All right. I'll do it.

There. Now guess.

I've got it.

Which hand?

Give me my 100 mon.

Sorry. I don't have it on me.

That won't do. Give me the 100 you promised.

Come on, give me a break.

All right, then.

I'll let it go if you turn around three times and bark like a dog.

Do it! Do it!

Would you like to see Miss Tomoe's face, Uncle Ichi?

If I could.

You would?

Then come with me.

I see.

Isn't she pretty?

She's not very pretty.

She's awfully skinny.

I was imagining a pretty woman with a plumper face.

That's a picture of my mom.

It was supposed to be Miss Tomoe, but it turned into my mom.

I see. That's understandable.

Try again.

This time make sure it comes out as Miss Tomoe.

It's Miss Tomoe this time.

That's more like it, nice and plump.

Eyes, nose -

What's this?

She doesn't have a mustache. You're making fun of me.

Because you said mean things about my mom.

Ryota.

The little rascal.

I'm not telling you to leave.

I'm telling you to go to Boss Gonzo in Maebara.

Do you intend to defy Boss Gonzo for Sobei's sake?

Say what you will,

we cannot betray Boss Sobei's kindness.

So you absolutely refuse to change tomorrow's opening?

How long do you intend to keep clammed up like that?

I want an answer!

What's it going to be?

You realize I can shut you down completely.

It all depends on whether or not you cooperate.

Pardon me.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I'm terribly sorry.

- You idiot! - Not me.

You blind son of a bitch!

Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?

I'm afraid I don't.

Around these parts, crying babies fall silent for Boss Gonzo.

So you are Boss Gonzo?

I am Manzo Kanai, and I answer to Sadakichi Shiba.

He's one of Boss Gonzo's most trusted men. Understand?

Rather complicated, isn't it?

If you boil it down,

that makes you the underling of an underling.

Underling of an underling?

Watch what you say, you son of a bitch!

This is a blind man you're speaking to, Boss.

Please just forget it.

No way! Look here, you blind wretch!

Step forward so I can cut off one of your arms.

Please, Boss.

If I lose an arm, I won't be able to work anymore.

I guess you may as well take them both.

You son of a bitch!

I'm hit! I'm hit!

It'll be embarrassing to be seen like that.

I suggest you stay indoors until the show finishes its run.

You're Zatoichi!

You'll pay for this.

Hold on, Boss.

You forgot something.

Damn it! I'm not going to forget this!

My, that was good.

I never imagined you knew tricks like that.

I'm afraid you've seen my worst side.

Miss Tomoe, I need to make a request.

Please don't tell the kid about this.

He thinks this is an ordinary cane.

You have my word. No one will tell the boy.

Master Ichi,

if I may be so bold,

I wonder if I might ask you to travel with us.

It seems a shame to be parted again so quickly when -

Miss Tomoe.

I appreciate the thought.

I'd very much like to, if I could,

but I need to take the boy

to his father in Maebara as soon as I can.

I see.

This is terrible!

Boss Sobei has been killed.

By whom?

Gonzo's men may be headed here next.

You must leave immediately.

Those were his dying words.

Good-bye.

- Take care. - Good-bye, everyone.

- Good-bye. - Go in good health.

There's lots of rocks on the path.

I know.

I told you.

I said I know.

You should be more careful.

Don't get too cocky. You could stumble too.

But I can see perfectly well.

What did I tell you?

- Ow, it's bleeding. - It's nothing to fuss about.

Get up. I'm going.

Ow, ow, ow. I can't walk.

If it hurts so much, just sit there until it gets better.

So long.

Rats.

You startled me.

I thought for a second that I'd been sliced in two.

It was a mean trick.

My apologies.

Well, well. You're the one from the other day.

I believe the name was Tajuro Akatsuka.

How do you know my name?

This boy and I were with Miss Tomoe's troupe the other day.

I see.

I didn't notice.

But we met once before that as well.

Yes, I know.

Being blind, I remember voices well.

I suppose you would.

For a blind man to wield a sword like that -

You're no ordinary man.

Please don't jest.

I'm just a plain old masseur.

Apart from that, I'm not one who can walk proudly in the light of day.

It's such a shame.

To think what you could do if you were a sighted samurai.

You give me too much credit.

Granny.

Yes, sir.

I need to pay for the rice balls.

Also, could I have two pairs of straw sandals?

Would one of those be for the child?

On second thought, my sandals are still in pretty good shape.

Make that just one pair.

Mister, I don't know what your story is,

but it can't be easy for a blind man to travel with a child.

Actually, he's a big help, showing me the way.

I wonder,

if you're not in a hurry, could I get a massage?

You'd like a massage?

Certainly, sir. I appreciate the chance to make a little money.

Your shoulders don't feel all that stiff.

They don't?

But I can tell that you've trained very hard.

Is it true what Miss Tomoe told me?

That you've joined the ranks of samurai without a lord?

I'm sorry. That's none of my business.

But whatever the reason may be,

it's curious how we seem to keep running into each other.

Where are you headed?

Nowhere in particular. Wherever my legs and spirit take me.

I'm just wandering about the countryside at my leisure.

I think I'm envious.

Say, everyone.

How about we take a little rest at this tea shop?

Yeah, that sounds great.

Let's stop and rest.

There's a nicer shop just ahead. Let's stop there.

All right.

- That'll be enough. - Already?

You've had enough?

Here you go. Keep the change.

Thank you very much.

A one bu silver piece.

This is too much, sir.

I want you to have it. Use it in your travels.

I can't accept it.

I don't want charity.

What?

Please don't be offended.

It's just that, if I accept this, it'll make me feel shabby and low.

I see. But I am a samurai.

I can't take back something I've already given.

What do you say to that?

Then perhaps we could settle it this way.

I only worked on your shoulders,

but we'll say I gave you a full massage.

You can pay me 48 mon.

You're an odd one. As you wish, then.

Thank you very much, sir.

Let's see.

One pair of sandals and two rice balls.

That'll be 36 mon altogether.

All right. Here.

Thank you.

How far are you going, sir?

To Maebara.

That's just up the road.

I'm looking for a man named Shokichi.

I don't suppose you'd know him. - Shokichi?

Sounds familiar.

Oh, that's right.

There's the apprentice at Tahei the potter's place.

I think his name was Shokichi.

Really?

I can't be sure, but I think so.

Can you tell me where this potter lives?

Ryota.

What're you doing?

You surprised me.

Hello.

Yes?

- Is this Tahei's place? - Uh-huh.

I'm looking for a man named Shokichi.

- Shokichi isn't here. - Is he out?

Oh, you called for a masseur?

This man came looking for Shokichi.

When will he be back?

My shoulders have tightened up something terrible.

Why don't you plan to stay with us tonight?

We can talk while you give me a massage.

That'd be wonderful.

Perfect timing, isn't it, Father?

So you're his daughter?

Much obliged for your hospitality.

It's just me and Omitsu here. Please make yourself at home.

Come with me, then.

Shokichi is awfully late, isn't he?

He won't be back.

Why did you want to see him?

It's a little complicated.

This boy's mother passed away at an inn in Iizuka.

I happened to be sharing a room with them.

The woman begged me with her dying breath

to take the boy to his father.

All I know about him

is that he lives in Maebara and his name is Shokichi.

So that's why you came here.

It's true we had a fellow named Shokichi working here.

He drew designs for the pots and plates I make.

But I doubt he's the man you're looking for.

He never said a word about having a kid.

If I may,

where is this Shokichi now?

He fell in with a bad crowd

and started going to Gonzo's gambling house.

Boss Gonzo?

Then, about a year ago, he disappeared.

Once upon a time, I thought I'd offer him my daughter's hand,

but he turned out to be a fool.

No doubt his gambling losses piled up

and the boss has him slaving in the clay pit now.

He's not that kind of man.

I'm sure there's some other explanation.

Give it up, Omitsu.

No. I know him.

He may be weak, but he's a good man at heart.

Father,

I think maybe this really is Shokichi's boy.

It was six years ago that Shokichi showed up here.

Besides, I can see a resemblance.

Don't be silly, Omitsu.

If this really were Shokichi's boy,

I'd be willing to take him in and raise him.

Where do you think you're going, blind man?

Is this where you dig clay for making pots?

Do you have a permit?

No, I just wanted to see somebody.

To see someone here requires special permission.

Go home.

Who do I have to get permission from?

The magistrate, of course.

I have to get the government's permission?

I thought maybe I'd need permission from the Gon-devil.

What the hell is the Gon-devil?

- Boss Gonzo. - You son of a bitch!

Watch what you call the boss or you'll pay for it!

I'm not the one who called him that.

That's what everyone around here calls him.

You don't know when to stop. I said get out of here.

If you insist.

I'll just sit over here and take in the sights.

Take in the sights?

Crazy blind man!

I didn't expect to see you here.

Master Akatsuka.

This is a surprise.

I imagined you'd be far away by now.

I like it here. I decided to stay a while.

I'll be staying a while, too, to take care of a certain matter.

If you ever need a masseur, just let me know.

Where are you staying?

At the potter Tahei's home.

- An acquaintance of yours? - You could say that.

- And your name? - Ichi.

Good-bye, Boss.

We have things ready at the restaurant.

I'll take you there now.

Where are you staying?

Master Akatsuka?

See you again.

Where's Uncle Ichi?

Look at that face. Where were you playing?

Where's Uncle Ichi?

He went to look for your father at the clay pit on Mt. Iwama.

He said he'd be right back so you're to stay here.

Okay.

Uncle Ichi.

I told you to stay put. Why'd you come?

I came to get you. It's time to eat.

Aren't you hungry? Here's some candy.

You brought me some candy?

That's sweet of you.

I hear you've finished another design.

Don't just stand there. Show it to him.

Excellent work.

Boss, when will I get to go home?

I suppose after you've done ten more of these.

Ten more? But that could take a year!

Quiet! Just do as you're told.

If you want to go home, work faster.

This wasn't the deal.

Mr. Torikoshi, how much longer do I have to stay here?

I understand how you feel.

But I assure you, this is all for the best.

The magistrate was praising your work, too.

It'll only be a little while longer.

You got that?

Now go get started on the next one.

It's magnificent!

The composition, the colors -

He's a true artist.

Fire this onto a plate with plenty of the forbidden materials,

and someone like Lord Kaga will cough up 5000 ryo for it.

That's for sure.

Gold dust, silver dust.

It even calls for imported vermilion.

You don't get any more opulent than this.

Boss, it's Kanta.

Come in.

The artisans we've been expecting from Edo have arrived.

Welcome back.

You gave the artisans a good story?

There won't be any problems. They're resting right now.

All right. I'll see them later.

There's just one thing, Boss.

We kept seeing a certain samurai on the road with us.

I wondered if he was following us.

- All the way from Edo? - Yes.

A government agent, perhaps?

Surely not.

We should hear about it if the government makes a move.

We'll step up security just to be safe.

Wait.

I'll move here.

Oh, Manzo. I didn't expect to see you here.

Master Kurusu challenged me to a game.

By the way, I hear your artist is quite the dashing man.

Oh, shush.

The boss says the next design he wants

is for one of these.

You're to draw something that fits this vase.

It must be terribly hard on you.

They have us waiting on you hand and foot,

but you're under constant watch, even when you go to the toilet.

You're not free to do anything on your own.

- Mistress Osen. - No, it's all right.

It's actually the same for me.

Gonzo keeps me here by force,

tied up so tight I can hardly breathe.

Why are you telling me this?

I wish I could run away with you.

Shh. Someone could hear you.

Tell me, Shokichi.

Do you have any feelings for me?

Feelings?

I'm such a fool.

Dreaming the impossible.

I was only kidding.

So, please,

forget everything I said just now.

Is the dice game back this way?

- What the hell do - - Oh!

How thoughtful of you!

I was just on my way to get a masseur.

- But I came to - - Never mind that.

He's a very important customer. Just come with me.

Beaten again!

I almost feel bad for winning so much.

You're in a different league from the rest of us.

How about you, Mr. Nariyama?

I have my hands full.

Excuse me.

The masseur is here.

Let's get to it right away.

Good evening. It's a pleasure to serve you.

I suppose the party is over.

Good-bye, Mr. Torikoshi.

Good-bye.

Let me help you.

I'll get started now, sir.

Mr. Torikoshi,

would you care for a game with me later on?

No, I'll need to get home as soon as I'm done with this.

You usually don't leave so early.

I have to accompany the magistrate

on a duck hunt in the morning.

I see.

You know, sir,

there's something I've been wanting to ask you.

What?

It's about the artist Shokichi.

I think you were the one who introduced him to Boss Gonzo.

Osen, you haven't fallen in love with the man, have you?

Don't be silly, sir.

I just somehow feel a little sorry for him,

and I wondered how much longer he'll have to work here.

Osen, a woman dependent on Gonzo's generosity

shouldn't be feeling sorry for the likes of Shokichi.

It could be her downfall.

Right.

Don't mention it again.

I'm not going to answer.

Good night, sir.

Excuse me. Could you stop a minute?

Get out of the way!

Mr. Torikoshi. This won't take long.

Insolence!

Take that, you son of a bitch!

Sir, I'm the masseur from a while ago.

I know it's rude of me, but I have something to ask you.

What is it?

I need you to tell me where the man named Shokichi is.

There's a particular reason why I must see him.

Masseur,

I already said I would not answer questions about him.

You were there. You heard me.

I approached you here because I sensed a need for discretion.

Then don't ask. And don't look for him.

- Sir - - Enough!

If you persist, your head comes off. Bearers, take me home!

Wait.

Mr. Torikoshi,

I'm asking you, sir,

to tell me where Shokichi -

Wait! I'll tell you -

Master Akatsuka, I believe.

Why did you kill Mr. Torikoshi?

That's no concern of yours.

Sir! Mr. Torikoshi!

Boss! It's a disaster!

Torikoshi has been killed! - What?

And it was that scum Zatoichi who did it.

Zatoichi? What are you talking about?

Now, now, calm down.

Idiot! You're the one who needs to calm down.

I saw it with my own eyes.

Torikoshi was all covered in blood,

and Zatoichi was standing there right next to him, like this.

Is this true?

Wait a minute.

Ichi might have come by after someone else -

In which case, we could have big trouble.

This may indeed be the hand of the government.

Chokichi is asking for you.

I'll keep watch while you're gone.

Shokichi.

This is your chance to escape. Just follow me.

Mistress Osen.

I sent the guard away. Hurry.

Nobody sent for a masseur.

I wanted to see Mistress Osen.

Shokichi has escaped! The artist is gone!

Check the back gate!

No sign of him outside.

Well, he's not inside. Look again.

Hello.

Is that you, Shokichi?

You needn't worry. I'm on your side.

I have something very important to show you.

Please come with me.

- What're you doing here? - Just enjoying your hospitality.

Out of my way.

Shokichi. Quick.

Shokichi!

I don't know why you're here, but please protect him.

I'll never forget your kindness.

Mistress Osen!

- What's going on? - We escaped from Gonzo's place.

- Is there someplace we can hide? - Go upstairs.

I should never have done those forbidden pictures.

I was too weak. I got sucked into it without realizing.

Gonzo and the officials are the ones to blame.

But never mind that.

I need you to take a look at this.

- Where did you get this? - It belonged to you, right?

Yes, but a long time ago -

Then you know a woman named Omine.

Yes. I gave this to her.

She'll be so glad that you remembered her.

Now she can finally rest in peace.

Rest in peace? You mean she's dead?

I was there when she breathed her last at a traveler's inn.

You'll also remember

that you and Omine had a baby boy six years ago.

- A baby boy? - Named Ryota.

No.

Omine didn't say anything about a baby when we parted.

With her last breath, Omine told me:

"This child's father is in Maebara, an artist named Shokichi.

Please take the boy to him."

I had no reason to doubt her.

So I took the boy and came looking for you.

I know nothing about a child.

Are you saying, then,

that you never had relations with Omine?

Nothing happened between you?

You're right that we were together, but only for about a month.

Then it should come as no surprise that she got pregnant.

That's true, but -

Let me show you something else.

This is a drawing Ryota made of his mother.

Take a look at it.

Pretty good, isn't it?

Don't you think he has your blood?

The boy -

He really drew this?

He drew one picture after another, all the way here.

"It's my mom," he said proudly, over and over.

It made me choke up every time.

Please take me to him.

To this boy named Ryota. Please, Master Ichi.

MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE

These were all designed by the artist Shokichi.

I infiltrated Gonzo's kiln as an artisan

and confirmed each one.

He conspired with Gonzo to design forbidden picture plates

that were then decorated with prohibited gold and silver.

Then they secretly sold them to wealthy lords

and even smuggled some abroad with the help of an Edo merchant.

Wait. This was done with the full knowledge

of the commissioner of finance in Edo?

That's right. And there's no telling how much further the evil has spread.

We must nip this corruption in the bud by executing all those involved.

That leaves only Gonzo and his men.

Hey.

Where's Zatoichi?

Where are you hiding Shokichi?

Are you deaf, Tahei?

- Did you find Shokichi? - He wasn't there.

Search the whole workshop.

Take them to Mt. Iwama.

Omitsu!

Omitsu!

- Get away! - Son of a bitch!

Take them away!

Omitsu!

Master Tahei!

It's Shokichi! Are you all right?

Gonzo's men took Omitsu and the boy

to Mt. Iwama.

Master Tahei!

Shokichi,

I need you to take me to Mt. Iwama.

Here he comes.

Watch out!

Come with me.

Where's the lady and the boy?

I don't know what you're talking about.

You'll spill it if you know what's good for you.

Out with it!

This is a disaster.

If the magistrate has been killed, we'd better put on our travel gear.

Damn it! Just when we finally got rid of Zatoichi and Shokichi.

Boss, what are we going to do with the girl and the kid?

You take care of them on our way out.

Do we really have to kill the girl?

Boss!

You idiot!

Hello there, Boss Gonzo.

Be so kind as to exchange this fellow for the lady and child.

All right.

Master Kurusu, go get the girl and the kid for him.

Hold it!

I'll take it from there.

Wouldn't want you to bring them out only to cut them down.

Omitsu,

I’ll get you out of there real soon.

Omitsu!

Master Ichi!

Uncle Ichi!

There, there, it's all over now.

You don't need to cry.

No point in sticking around here. Let's go.

Climb on my back.

Master Ichi, would you let me do that?

Here, Ryota.

Come on, Ryota.

Now, now, Ryota. Go to your father.

I said go to your father!

Let your father carry you.

Ichi.

Master Akatsuka.

Is there something I can do for you?

I want you to hand Shokichi over to me.

I beg your pardon?

Just hand him over.

What's this about, all of a sudden?

Shokichi, do you have some history with this samurai?

No, I've never seen him before.

What's your business with Shokichi, Master Akatsuka?

If you won't tell me that, how do you expect me to comply?

I'm going to kill him.

Have you gone mad?

I'm on official government business.

When I cut down Torikoshi, that, too, was official business.

I would have killed Gonzo as well, but you saved me the trouble.

Perhaps now you can understand my position.

I can understand

why you might go after Gonzo and the corrupt officials,

but this man's only crime was being forced by Gonzo to -

Forced or not,

he's guilty of creating designs for the forbidden items.

It was his misfortune to have been born with such a gift.

I still don't understand why drawing a few pictures should -

My orders are to destroy all traces of the plot, whether man or object,

to prevent it from becoming a scandal.

Master Akatsuka,

though they only met today,

Shokichi is that boy's father.

This is their first chance to live happily as a family.

Please just look the other way and let them go.

Please have mercy on them.

The law has no mercy.

If you refuse to turn him over,

I will have to kill you as well.

Please let Shokichi go.

For the sake of the child. I beg you.

Stand in my way

and I won't hesitate to kill even a woman or child.

Wait!

Master Ichi,

I'll accept this as my fate.

Please look after Ryota and Omitsu.

Shokichi stays with me.

Ichi!

You samurai are so full of yourselves.

So long as you've got orders, you don't care what you do to people.

Step aside.

You'll have to take Shokichi

over my dead body.

I'm warning you.

Don't let Ryota see this.

- Master Akatsuka! - That's Shokichi! Kill him!

Out of my way!

Ichi,

you win.

Uncle Ichi!

Uncle Ichi!

Ryota! Where are you going, Ryota?

Ryota!

Uncle Ichi!

Uncle Ichi!

I want to go with you.

Don't follow me.

Your father's over there, Ryota.

Uncle Ichi!

Uncle Ichi!

Uncle Ichi's a big dummy!

THE END