Original subtitles

Hirado clan retainer nautical specialist Futaboshi Hikoma was finally able to obtain his wife Orie.

Two seashells make one pair.

Just like a married couple.

However, their happy days were cut short by her sudden disappearance.

Orie.

Hikoma couldn't forget Orie and came to Edo in hopes of finding her.

But, he was told unexpected truth from a former Hirado lord, Matsura Seizan.

Your wife was a secret agent who was sent by someone.

A warning?

For example, a former Hirado lord, Matsura Seizan.

Wait, wait.

His wife Orie is a Kunoichi (female Shinobi) who was sent by the government.

I must kill that wife.

I will be a shield for her!

*Eng sub provided by Kz*

Tsuma wa Kunoichi

Scenery of Shitaya city looks really close!

Ah, you can, too. So please line up.

Hey, hey, how much is it? 5 mon.

Pretty cheap! Its 5 mon. It's not cheap.

It's wrong to charge money for this.

But it was a nice view. Hey, hey, Hikoma!

Just as I thought, it was you.

Right? I heard about a guy who is making money with his telescope. I knew it right away.

Is word spreading? Hey.

If it is, my wife may hear about it. Then, she would know it's me.

> If it is, my wife may hear about it. Then, she would know it's me.

If it is, my wife may hear about it. Then, she would know it's me.

Once you get separated, it is very hard to get together again. That's how Edo is. Just forget it. >

Once you get separated, it is very hard to get together again. That's how Edo is. Just forget it.

Right. Forget it.

> Right. Forget it.

>

Here, come with me. Eh? Hey, hey.

I got it, I got it. Wait a sec.

I will come again tomorrow.

Hey, hey, hey, hey! Wait, wait, wait!

- Hoshinji temple -

Obviously Futaboshi knows how to read and write. - Hoshinji temple -

Obviously Futaboshi knows how to read and write.

He knows astrology, too.

This is Futaboshi Hikoma.

We don't have smart ones in this school.

Actually, they are not really likable bunch at other schools.

>

They are not violent or anything, but they don't fit in.

That's good.

I have been like that ever since I was little.

Meaning, I don't fit in to the society.

That's correct.

That's why I may have shifted my interest to the stars and the moons.

It's good enough for you to understand that.

I am thankful.

Futaboshi-san, I want you.

Good for you, Hikoma.

Do what you think is the best for them.

Right? Yes.

Tarokichi.

Tarokichi is also from Sahei housing like Futaboshi-san.

Ah, is that so?

He is a landlord Tomizo's child.

Ah, the one Tomizo-san took in.

Took in?

He got separated from his parents and was lost.

A lost child?

In Edo, it's common for entire neighborhood too look after lost children until they turn 10 years old.

Tomizo officially adopted him this summer.

Hey, Tarokichi. Were you with Futaboshi-san?

Oshika-san, Tarokichi is back.

Where have you been?

I found him at Hoshinji. Oh, thank you very much.

Tarokichi, we have steamed sweet potatoes.

Here, let's eat. Don't wonder away alone anymore.

Thanks. See you then.

What's your dinner tonight, huh? I was thinking about cooking daikon.

Ah, that's sad. I will deliver you a Konnyaku dish later.

I will deliver you something, too. That's OK.

Sensei!

Ah, Oyuu-chan. You will be teaching at a school in Hoshinji, right?

Yeah.

I've decided to go there, too.

Eh?

What did your family say about that?

I told them that the reason for kidnapping was going to a school far away in Azabu.

So, they reluctantly agreed.

You threatened them.

Sensei, who are you looking for?

Eh?

You were also looking at ladies' faces at Takanwa.

Ah…

Hey, Hikoma.

I am on my way to Sahei housing.

My house is right over there. Thank you for walking with me.

Yeah.

Thanks for the food. Extra rice.

Thanks.

There have been spooky incidents lately at His Excellency's mansion.

I don't feel like going.

I am not invited anyway.

But he said it's OK to bring you along.

I don't like people who show their swords needlessly.

Ah, that was probably a prank.

That's even worse.

Thanks for waiting.

They will serve you dinner there.

Good timing. It's dark now.

Is this a critter music which you mentioned before?

It could be called as a moron music.

> It could be called as a moron music.

> This sounds normal to me. It's just a festival tune.

This sounds normal to me. It's just a festival tune.

It's not a festival season and there is no shrine at that direction.

The sound is coming from this way.

If you go closer, sound moves away.

If I stop, sound stops moving.

It's like a woman, isn't it?

What could it be?

Ghost.

Ghost?

Currently, many foreign fleets are coming to our country and demanding to open the ports.

We are much closer to the foreign countries than ever before, but ghosts who refuse face the realities are nesting in the castle in Chiyoda.

They cling to the idea of closed country and preparing to fight against foreigners. True identity of ghost is those closed minded people.

Is it OK to say things like that?

What can I do? I've already said it.

That's why you are under surveillance by the government, aren't you?

That may be true.

What's the matter?

Was that voice, Okinu-chan?

Ah, scary.

Quiet! I can't stand here anymore.

I can't. I can't. No, no!

Take them to their housing.

Ah…. No. No.

Your Excellency.

This may be an omen of upcoming commotions at my place.

What are you doing? Um, nothing.

- Sakurada complex Kawamura house -

You will be going inside of Matsura main mansion in Asakusa Torigoe soon.

> You will be going inside of Matsura main mansion in Asakusa Torigoe soon.

>

Oyumi is already there.

She said more people are needed to keep eyes out in such a large mansion.

In addition, Oyumi asked for you.

>

The main mansion won't have visits from your former husband, either.

- Asakusa Torigoe Matsura Main mansion -

I will deliver the items tomorrow.

Mr. Sakaki. Please go ahead and go back.

> Mr. Sakaki. Please go ahead and go back.

>

But… It's been long time. I would like to visit my family.

Then, I will come with you.

I will have my brother escort me. So, don't worry.

Why did you follow me?

Why did you appoint me to the main mansion?

I was attacked by their retainers on the way back from the mansion.

Someone inside must have said something about me.

It was you, wasn't it?

I've tested you.

If you were killed there, then you wouldn't be worthy to work for Kawamura-sama anyway.

Don't you have a real reason?

You have grudge toward me regarding Kawamura-sama.

Don't mention that!!

We are not allowed to dispute since we both work for Kawamura household.

"Kawa-sama Love"

It's a little off.

>

What's wrong? Why have been feeling low? >

> Is it about your husband in Edo?

Is it about your husband in Edo?

No.

I am going in to the same place with Oyumi.

Humph. Kawamura-sama does cruel things.

Oyumi wanted to be Kawamura-sama's wife.

But Kawamura-sama chose you.

Stop.

If you two are inside the same place,

You will be hunted for your life.

Be prepared.

Futaboshi Hikoma. This is my name.

Futaboshi is very odd name.

It is more uncommon than odd.

It's strange after all.

Please be quiet.

Ah, there he is again.

Former teacher told you not to come without tuition payment, didn't he?

That's OK.

Former teacher was very mad at him being here.

No. That's fine. Everybody with desire to be here should come.

He is always like that. Yeah. I see.

Well, join when you feel like.

So he said.

Here, come in. Come. Come.

Before we start, I would like to tell you one thing.

I don't know about other schools.

But I am not planning to just teach you how to read and write here.

For example, try to look around interesting and mysterious things around you.

Therefore, school is not just in here.

This entire city is your school.

What do you mean? Um, for example…

For example? Um, ah.

Ah, everybody come over here.

As a matter of fact, this is a core of a fire ball.

Eh?

One night, at some mansion, there were some will-o'-the-wisps.

Not only will-o'-the-wisps, but there was some music even without festival or shrine nearby.

You must have been half asleep.

A will-o'-the-wisp dropped and next morning, this was there.

This is tofu refuse! Mortar!

Do you smell anything? What is this smell?

Oil! Yeah!

So I want everybody to think why the music was heard which shouldn't be there. And analyze what the fire ball was made of.

It must be a raccoon drum!

No a fox! No. (Old times, Japanese people believed raccoons and foxes trick people.)

It was a practice of Ryogoku Theater. No.

It's ghost! Raccoon drum.

That's it. That's it. No. It was Ryogoku Theater.

A practice. Raccoon.

Ah, Kawamura-sama. Kawamura-sama.

What is this?

I heard some mourning voice. So, I checked...

Orie, what happened?

Were you attacked by someone?

Ms. Masae, hold on.

Could it be the mushrooms?

Ocho. Go in to the Matsura main mansion instead of Orie.

Can't be. I was at Buzen Nakatsu Okudaira mansion until last month, Kawamura-sama.

>

Both households have close relationship with each other. >

Both households have close relationship with each other.

What would happen if Hirado side had someone who recognized my face?

I could select someone better for this duty.

How pathetic.

Aunty.

Orie.

Ocho.

Paralysis and nausea…

My body is listless.

Water. Eh?

Water!

Here.

Ah, thanks.

Here.

Mushroom soup had poisonous ones.

How careless!! Both of us.

Anyways, take good care of yourselves.

You did this to avoid going inside of Hirado main Mansion, didn't you?

To avoid suspicion from Kawamura-sama, you also fed me the poisonous ones.

This is heartless.

Who told you that?

Humph. You thought I didn't notice?

Mom, you are pretty sharp after all.

You measured the amount of mushrooms.

Yeah. This made Ocho say “careless”.

Kawamura-sama may become suspicious.

You can't use this tactic next time.

Oil? Mixed. String!

Yes.

Ah. What the! So disappointing!!

Benkichi, that's not so bad.

Figure out how to affix this oil soaked tofu refuse to the needle.

You hear the sound of bell every day. The sound reaches quite far away.

Yeah. Time bell from Honkoku-cho will be heard at my house in Suda-cho.

But how does the sound reach so far?

Hollow inside with opening may be a key.

He has been bad at dealing with people….

No. He didn't like dealing with people.

A child gets along with other children.

Is Hikoma a child?

He is a child at heart.

Take care. Yes. Good bye.

Very honest and simple.

See you.

Take care.

Tarokichi.

Could you come with me?

I saw a will-o'-the-wisp around here.

Ah, here.

That's minor mansion of Matsura-sama.

Is it vacant here?

It's been that way past 1 year, but someone seems to be going in and out at night.

I heard he is an orphan.

Yes.

You two get along, don't you?

Both of you are separated. You are from your wife. That child is from his parents.

Have you looked for his parents?

But, how?

Putting a note on the lost child stone may be one idea.

Yushima has “Kienhyoujinseki” at the Yushima Shrine.

A Stone?

Resonates well.

I once had been putting note on the lost child stone every 5 days.

But I didn't get anything.

Why don't you put your note again?

However, if his parents are found, then you would be sad to give up Tarokichi.

But he must miss his parents since he still hasn't opened up to us.

If I think that way, I want to find his parents if I can.

What is that?

"Be the way is it."

That shell is kind of a lost child.

"Kienhyoujinseki "

Since Edo had many stray children, there were stones which act as lost and found bulletin boards for them. Parents of lost children and people who are keeping children put their notes there in hope of their reunion.

"Tarokichi is looking for his parents. Contact Futaboshi Hikoma."

Sensei. Ah, Oyuu-chan.

You want to put your note here, too, don't you?

You are looking for a lady, right?

Um, yeah.

This is what sky full of stars mean, isn't it?

Star for Orihime is shining.

Where?

You recognize the Milky Way, right?

Over by there.

Shining star at this direction.

There. Yeah. That's Orihime.

How about Hikoboshi? Oh, cross the Milky Way toward the southeast.

3 fists and a half.

Um, eh…

Ah, that one?

Yeah. Right. Right.

Ah.

You seem much better.

How about you, mom?

Ah, I still feel dull.

It must be your age.

Ah, ouch, ouch, ouch.

Chuta! Chuta! Chuta!

Mom! Chuta!

You did it, right? Bottom of this well bucket is gone.

Everybody at our housing complex is having tough time with getting water from the well.

Bad kid! Ah, hey, Chuta!

With bigger opening, voice will reach far. So I wanted to try.

Look at this, sensei.

I see.

What do you mean by “I see”, sensei?

It's bad. What a troublesome child!

Aunty, my daddy is a bucket maker. He will fix it for free.

Really?

Thank you. Sensei, can I go?

There, Sensei.

You will be punished!

Using that bucket was no good.

But, you were on the right track.

Benkichi, how did you do it?

Let's see, well, this is....

We wrapped oil soaked tofu refuse with fabric.

I was going to tell that.

A will-o'-the-wisp in the theater is made like that.

Ah, I see.

Sake as a rehab for my body, huh?

I wanted to see you, too, Ocho.

You were at Hirado for a while, weren't you?

Yeah. I was also at Satsuma and Buzen.

It's been long time to be back in Edo.

We have repellent jobs, don't we?

Sometimes I hate myself.

But, I was happy that time.

Hirado? Yeah.

Happy? Is there such a thing?

Yes it was.

Was he a nice man?

He was a nice man.

And he was a very unusual person.

He may take 5 days to do some job which ordinary person needs only 1 day. Something like that.

Do you want to see him?

Ready?

Here we go!

This must be what Hikoma wanted us to listen.

The music that night was coming from outside of this mansion.

I didn't expect him to discover that fact.

Doing unnecessary thing.

Ghost phenomenon was a warning to me.

Their eyes are on me. That's what it means.

If you reveal about them thoughtlessly, opponents would show their fangs.

What do you mean by opponents? Who knows?

There are a lot of independent agents within the government.

He could have kicked one of their hornet's nests.

Ah, missing person. Nothing.

Um, Mr. Futaboshi?

Yes I am.

I am from Matsura mansion in Honjo.

What is it? His Excellency wants to see you.

So, he wants you to come over at 7 pm.

I see.

Bye.

You. Why do you visit Matsura minor mansion so much?

What is it?

What are you sneaking about at the minor mansion?

Nothing special.

Enough. Kill him.

Leave!

Hey, hold on.

Your Excellency, you didn't ask for me?

No. I thought about something, so I came over to see you. Then this.

What do you mean by something?

You should have left ghost as they were.

It is hard to suppress curiosity.

Can't suppress lingering affection to your wife also?

Correct.

What a nerve.

I never had anybody who got along that good in such a short period.

Orie wasn't forcing herself to be a wife, and we were so natural.

I totally felt we became together because we were meant to be.

It was like two stars over the Milky Way.

It was like Orihime and Hikoboshi.

If one of them vanished for some reason, then it is my duty to search for it.

But, I wonder if those two stars ever have a chance to see each other.

There are many cases of lost children, too.

OK. I am leaving. Ah, would you like to have something warm?

Do you have sake? No I don't.

Um, Your Excellency.

Who rescued me right before you came over?

That must be the ghost.

Futaboshi. Don't be near the ghost.

Where have you been?

My husband from Hirado came to Edo to look for me.

I can't believe it. For a fake wife.

Omitsu. Omitsu.

Mom.

Omitsu. So sorry.

Are you the one who put the note here?

Yes.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

Let's go. Yeah.

Good. Omitsu.

So sorry.

Tarokichi, you can see them again.

Someday, you must.

OK. Let's go pray again. Come.

Here, let's go.

At night, he walks around by becoming a ghost.

Are you scared? No.

Go inside Matsura minor mansion at Honjo.

Be cautious.

Matura Seizan is a very sharp person who can pick up the invisible movement of breeze.

Tastes good. Something I used to enjoy before.

They may be keep eyes on Hizen Hirado.