Original subtitles

A DAIEI CO. LTD. PRODUCTION

Hello? Are you all right?

What happened?

I'm ??

Ashikaga.

Ashikaga?

Shotaro.

Shotaro of Ashikaga?

Who did this to you?

Please, who did this ??

Great. Now what am I going to do?

That's not a good omen.

ZATOICHI'S CANE SWORD

Produced by IKUO KUBODERA

Original story by KAN SHIMOZAWA Screenplay by RYOZO KASAHARA

Cinematography by SENKICHIRO TAKEDA

Art Direction by YOSHINOBU NISHIOKA

Music by ICHIRO SAITO

Edited by TOSHIO TANIGUCHI

Starring:

SHINTARO KATSU

SHIHO FUJIMURA YOSHIHIKO AOYAMA

KIYOKO SUIZENJI MAKOTO FUJITA

EIJIRO TONO JUNICHIRO YAMASHITA

RYUTARO GOMI

FUJIO SUGA, MASAKO AKEBOSHI

MASUMI HARUKAWA

TATSUO ENDO, KOICHI MIZUHARA

SABURO DATE, GEN TAKASUGI

EIGORO ONOE, YUSAKU TERASHIMA

GEN KIMURA, RYUJI KITA

Directed by KIMIYOSHI YASUDA

Hurry up! Let's go!

You may be wearing rags

But the brocade of your heart

Is more beautiful than any flower

We're only young once

So give it all you've got

If you're a man

Hey mister, you're in our way. Step aside.

Do something no one else can do

Wait. Stop the cart.

- Are you all right, mister? - Yeah, I'm all right.

- You sure you're all right? - Yes, I'm fine.

It's nice of you to offer me a ride.

I'm much obliged.

Where will you folks be setting up your show?

At the Ebisu Shrine in Tonda.

We come here every year for the New Year's holidays.

I see.

- Is this your first time in the area? - Yes.

Where are you headed?

I'll be going to Ashikaga.

Oh, that's just beyond Tonda.

It's only a stone's throw from Tonda.

It's that close?

You'll have to come see our show at New Year's.

Sorry.

Not at all. I'll come.

You have a nice voice.

That song you were just singing ?? could you sing it again?

You may be wearing rags

But the brocade of your heart

Is more beautiful than any flower

We're only young once

So give it all you've got

If you're a man

Do something no one else can do

A man hides his tears

And forces a smile

But some girls don't have any idea

You say you're in love

But let's not talk about that

If you're a man

See the smile I cast your way

All right! Who's in?

Show me some cash if you want a chance to win.

Place your bets.

A man's gotta have balls, a woman's gotta be sweet,

and a priest better say his prayers. Place your bets!

- Odd. - Even.

He calls odd.

All right. What do we have?

Four and six, even.

It's all mine again.

Sounds like my kind of fun here.

Blind man, you mean to say you play dice?

Get me started and I've got eyes for nothing else.

Hah! You don't have eyes to begin with.

You seem awfully pleased with yourself.

What's that supposed to mean, mister?

I'll have you know that Umazo of Shimotsuke

has many long years of experience with this game.

Many long years, eh?

If you don't believe me, you want to try a little one-on-one?

We've got lots of witnesses, so I can't cheat.

What do you say?

I can't pass up an invitation like that.

That's what I wanted to hear.

Uh-oh, it's the Iwagoro gang.

- Run! - Sorry, mister. Some other time.

Halt!

What do you think you're doing?

- Please don't hurt me! - I won't do it again!

Who gave you permission to run a dice game?

You're on Iwagoro's turf here.

Hey!

What do you think you're doing?

Who gave you permission to set up here?

We've been setting up here for years.

We have an arrangement with Boss Shotaro of Ashikaga.

Don't think that's going to do you any good.

Starting this year, the New Year's Fair in Tonda

is under the control of Boss Iwagoro of Agata.

We had no idea.

If you want to put on your show here,

you'll have to pony up three bu per square yard of space.

Boss Shotaro never made us pay for the space.

Enough!

If you don't like it, pick up and go somewhere else.

But it's too late for that.

Excuse me.

We can't pay the full amount right away, but ??

You don't have to grab it out of my hand!

This'll be your down payment.

Get the rest to me by tomorrow.

And one other thing: We get 30 percent of the gate.

- Every day? - Of course.

What do you think happened to Boss Shotaro?

I have no idea.

- Three big ones on even. - We have three big ones on even.

Place your bets. Anybody for odd?

- Odd. - That's five more.

All right, the bets are in. What do we have?

Two ones, even.

Hello there, mister.

The dice seem to be coming up your way.

I guess so, for a change.

Hey, are you blind?

Uh-huh. But I've got this thing for dice.

Perhaps I can get in on some of your good luck.

I'm on a roll here.

I wish you wouldn't say things that could mess me up.

Sorry. Maybe I'll bet on the other side, then.

Place your bets.

- Even. - Odd.

- Odd. - The bets are in.

What do we have? - Even!

Four and six, even.

I'm glad I switched. Thank you very much.

That was lucky.

What's it going to be this time, mister?

I'll stick with even.

You think it's even again?

Then I suppose I could stick with even, too.

- The bets are in. What do we have? - Odd!

- Five and two, odd. - Yep, it was odd.

Thank you very much.

- Aren't you hot? - Watch your mouth.

I'm just talking to my pipe.

Place your bets.

So, blind man, what do you think we have this time?

It's hard to say, but I call even.

- Even. - Even.

Even, you think?

- My money's on odd. - What do we have?

Whose funeral?

Two and six, even.

It's even? Wow! Thank you very much.

Sorry, mister. Looks like I've stolen your luck.

My apologies. Thank you very much.

I believe I'll call it a night.

Thank you very much.

Excuse me, everyone.

He's got eight ryo.

Here you go. Eight ryo.

Thank you very much.

Hey, blind man.

You should keep playing when you're on a roll.

No, thanks. I've had enough.

If I stuck around any longer, I'd probably lose it all.

Well, thank you very much, everybody.

Come right in, sir.

A bowl of noodles, please.

But put a bottle of sake on to warm first.

Hey, chief, get me another, too.

Don't you think you've had enough, Senzo?

Mind your own business.

I'm only saying it for your own good.

Here you are, sir. I'll set it right here.

Here, mister, let me pour you one.

Keep 'em coming, chief.

I had myself some fun today,

and I'm flush with a nice big windfall.

Here's another warm one, sir.

The trouble with sake is

the more they stop you, the more you want it.

That's right. It makes you greedy.

Your noodles are ready, sir.

- Excellent broth. - You think so? Thanks.

You said you were flush with a windfall.

Did you go gambling or something?

That's right.

At a gambling house near here.

I figured out their scam and came away with eight ryo.

Scam?

When even a blind man like me can figure it out,

you know it's a pretty pathetic scam.

I think they said the boss's name

was Iwagoro of Agata, something like that.

Iwagoro?

I didn't realize his influence had spread this far.

I hope this'll cover the damage.

Wait, mister. Wait just a minute.

I want you to come to my place. You've got to come. Please.

All right? Come with me.

Here we are. Come on in.

I'll light a lamp.

So, old man, I take it you're a blacksmith.

That's right.

How did you know?

It was easy.

The whole place smells of charcoal and iron.

These days

I'm just a country blacksmith pounding out spades and hoes.

But 20 years ago I used to be a sword smith.

When I saw that blade of yours earlier,

I had an overwhelming desire to hold it in my hands.

I know I haven't got long in this world,

but before I die,

I'd like to see if my eye is still any good.

Please. Could I have a look at your sword?

- Just as I thought. - What?

This was made by my mentor in his younger days.

Your mentor?

The name was Koutatsu, of Shimosa Province.

He was one of the best sword smiths of his time.

Is that right?

I had no idea.

Though I did figure it was no ordinary sword.

So I've still got my eye, after all this time.

Looks like you've cut down an awful lot of people.

Can you tell?

No offense,

but I never would have guessed

a blind man could do what you did back there.

But it's not only your skill that saved your life, you know.

You owe a lot to this sword as well.

But I also have to tell you:

This sword has reached the end of its life span.

Given your skill, it's probably still good for one more kill.

But when you strike that last blow, the blade's going to snap.

Snap?

Listen to this.

Do you know what that last sound means?

It's not visible to the eye,

but three inches from the hilt, there's a tiny crack.

I take it you're not just some ordinary blind man,

but do you think you might still need to draw this sword?

Do you think you might still have to kill someone?

You better think twice about it.

This crack you mention ??

Can it be fixed?

Maybe if it were some run-of-the-mill blade,

but you really can't fix a fine blade like this.

Old man ??

could I have the sword back now?

Where'd that son of a bitch go?

He's blind. He can't have gone far.

Master?

You men search over that way again.

Who's there?

Oh, it's you. Did you forget something?

Old man, I wonder if I could stay and talk a little longer.

Sure.

Sit down.

Here, have a drink.

Thanks.

I guess you and I were meant to meet.

You were right. I'm not an ordinary blind man.

I make my living as a gambler.

This fella and I've been traveling together for a long time now.

But I had no idea it was on its last legs.

I don't know how many times it saved my life.

Look, old man.

I'd like you to have it.

All right.

I'll think of it as a keepsake of my mentor.

Whether it's sake or anything else, you've got to be alive to enjoy it.

That's for sure.

Would you know any place I could get some work around here?

Are you trained as a masseur?

I've paid my dues, and I like to think I can hold my own.

Okay, then.

I'll give you an introduction.

There's an inn in Ashikaga called the Shimotsuke Inn.

In Ashikaga?

It's too late tonight. I'll take you tomorrow.

Then maybe in a little bit I'll show you what I can do.

That sounds good. Thanks.

Hey, where are you going?

I'm kind of at a loss without my cane.

Oh, I see. In that case, wait here a second.

How's this?

If you give me this, you won't be able to lock your door.

I don't have anything to steal anyway.

Shall we be going?

SHIMOTSUKE INN

Could you bring in some more firewood?

Oshizu, good morning.

- What brings you out so early? - I came to ask a favor.

What is it?

It's about this masseur here.

I'll be his guarantor, of course,

but I was wondering if you could hire him on a live-in basis.

I'd be very much obliged.

Well, it's true we could use a masseur.

Let me go ask the master of the inn.

Old man ??

I thought maybe that was the innkeeper's daughter.

Oh?

But in that case,

I wouldn't expect her to refer to him as the master the way she did.

She's not the innkeeper's daughter. She's Boss Shotaro's daughter.

It's too complicated for me to go into the whole story,

but she lives with the innkeeper's family now.

Boss Shotaro? You mean of Ashikaga?

Did you know the boss, Master Ichi?

Not really.

But if that's who her father is, what's she doing here?

Well, about a month ago,

the boss went to pray at the big shrine in Nikko.

But someone, nobody knows who, cut him down on the way.

I see.

He says it's up to me.

Then I hope you'll say yes.

You're sure he has good skills?

Absolutely, miss. I can soften the shoulders of a Jizo statue.

Clever turns of phrase won't soften anybody's shoulders.

You needn't worry. I can vouch for his skill.

All right, then. You can stay with us.

Thanks so much.

I'll be going on home, then. You work hard now.

Thank you for all your help. I'll do my best.

- Good-bye. - Thanks for bringing him to us.

Senzo, are your rice cakes for New Year's ready?

I never quite get around to that.

You'd find the time if you didn't drink so much.

You really need to take better care of your health.

I'll keep that in mind. Good-bye.

Take care, old man.

He's a very nice man, isn't he?

Though he can be a bit eccentric.

What's your name?

- Ichi. - Just Ichi?

Isn't there another part to it, like Matsu no Ichi or Take no Ichi?

No, I'm just plain old Ichi.

To look at you now, I'd say you're dirty old Ichi.

Dirty old Ichi?

You can't take customers at Shimotsuke Inn looking like that.

Well, come on inside.

Listen, everyone.

This is Master Ichi. He'll be our masseur starting today.

You certainly have a big household here.

Be sure to get on their good side so they'll take good care of you.

Yes, indeed.

I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance.

Do I smell soup and pickles?

My goodness, Master Ichi.

Come with me. - Thanks for the pickle.

This is the masseur I mentioned a while ago.

Very good. Do come in.

I'm very pleased to meet you, master. And madam.

My name is Ichi.

Thank you for your kindness.

I hope you find it agreeable here.

Who might the two gentlemen over here be?

Goodness, how did you know? Can you see?

I'm afraid not.

But I wouldn't want to be rude when our paths cross later.

Might I at least learn their names?

- I'm Shinnosuke. - Mister Shinnosuke.

He's our son.

And this is Seikichi. - He's Oshizu's younger brother.

The young lady's brother.

I hope you don't take to calling me that, Master Ichi.

My name is Oshizu.

All right. Oshizu, then.

Excuse me.

The lady in the Plum Room would like to see you, sir.

Can't Sahei attend to her?

She specifically asked for the owner, not the manager.

What could she want?

She also asked for a masseur.

That's good timing.

Please come with me, Master Ichi.

- May I enter? - Please.

I'm Gembei, the master of the inn.

I'm sorry to trouble you.

Please come in. I have a request to make.

Starting tomorrow, for an indefinite period,

I'd like to reserve three guest rooms, as well as the large hall.

You wish to reserve these all for yourself?

No, some acquaintances of mine

asked me to look the place over for them.

They wish to use this inn for a little gathering.

A gathering?

Kuwayama, inspector of the eight provinces, is expected, too.

The inspector will be here?

Yes, though he'll be coming incognito.

Here's a deposit of five ryo to reserve the rooms for ten days.

Please arrange it.

Certainly, madam.

Thank you for the deposit.

I'll bring you a receipt later.

Oh, I have a masseur waiting.

Very well.

Be sure there are no lapses in courtesy.

Enjoy your massage.

Thank you for asking for me.

Just let me take this off.

I'll begin, then.

My goodness, ma'am.

Your muscles are very tight.

I've had a lot on my mind.

You've got good hands. - I'm glad you think so.

This is actually my first day on the job here.

Is that right?

I hope I can count on you to ask for me again.

You don't waste any time, do you?

Oh, not there. I don't like being massaged there.

That's a shame, because that's my favorite spot.

I said no.

Are you traveling alone, ma'am?

I'm not really traveling.

I expect to be staying here for quite some time.

Staying here?

You mean because of the gathering you spoke of a minute ago?

You could say that.

I imagine you've heard the name of Morisuke Kuwayama?

Yes, he's inspector of the eight eastern provinces, I believe.

Until about three months ago, I was his consort.

Is that right?

This is a great honor.

He has a lot of trouble with sore muscles, too.

When he arrives, I'll summon you to give him a massage.

I'd be much obliged, ma'am.

- Here's your soup. - Thank you.

Oshizu, can I talk to you a minute?

What is it?

I'm going to Edo tomorrow with Shinnosuke.

To Edo?

What for?

We finished copying an old manuscript in the Ashikaga School collection.

We're going to present it to the academy in Ochanomizu.

When are you going to give up this nonsense, Seikichi?

Shinnosuke's not in the position you're in.

You have responsibilities as your father's successor.

That's all you ever talk about: how I have to fill Father's place.

But none of the old family retainers pay any attention to me.

It's not something I can do all by myself.

Shut your mouth! As long as I'm around,

I intend for you to inherit your father's mantle,

so you better get used to the idea.

At any rate, I'm still going to Edo tomorrow.

Seikichi!

What should I do?

I suppose it's best to keep those two in the dark.

- Can I help you with that? - I'm fine.

Shinnosuke,

please don't take Seikichi to Edo with you.

This is a fine time for you to object. We're practically on our way.

Seikichi doesn't have any use for scholarship.

Don't you understand?

What Seikichi's doing now is better for both him and you.

In fact, it's better for me and everyone else, too.

Ordinary folk like you can't possibly understand.

Sorry for the wait. Shall we be going?

Your sister's been giving me a hard time about you.

Are you really going to do this, Seikichi?

It's no use trying to stop me. Let's go, Shin.

Seikichi,

your father's 49th-day memorial is coming up on the fourth.

You better be back before then, or I'll never forgive you.

I'll be here.

I'll send Seikichi home

even if we haven't finished all our business.

Let's go.

For such a young woman,

Oshizu's got a very strong will, doesn't she?

Yes. If she'd been born a man,

you can be sure she would have proudly taken her father's mantle.

Though, if it were me,

I'd forget about the mantle and just marry Master Shinnosuke.

Why don't you just step forward, then?

Don't be silly.

Master Shinnosuke likes Oshizu.

Besides, they've already been promised to each other by their parents.

There's no room for me to butt in.

I see.

Promised by their parents.

Hello! Isn't anybody here?

May I help you, sir?

I believe a woman named Oryu reserved some rooms.

You're with her party?

Inspector Kuwayama has arrived.

He'll have lunch and then take a rest.

Be sure there are no lapses in courtesy.

Sorry to keep you waiting, sir.

Welcome to our humble inn. I am Gembei, the innkeeper.

Where's my room?

Right this way, sir. Please follow me.

Master Ichi.

Master Ichi.

What are you doing?

I need you to come with me.

We have a very important guest upstairs.

You need to change.

But I'm afraid this is all I have.

That's why I brought you a new kimono.

- A new kimono? - Yes. Take that off.

All right.

Just a second.

Thank you very much.

I'm so glad. It fits you perfectly.

This must be a very expensive kimono.

I altered one of my father's.

I want you to have it. Be sure to take good care of it.

I certainly will.

Oshizu,

I've never been treated so nice by a woman in all my life.

Hurry up and finish dressing. Here's the sash.

As soon as you're ready, the customer is in the Plum Room.

All right. I'll be right there.

Thanks.

She may have the will of a man, but she's still a woman.

She's going to make someone a good wife.

So, how are things going between you two?

Very well, sir. Oryu has been very devoted.

That's good to hear.

But in that case, maybe I shouldn't be making her pour my sake.

Don't be silly, sir.

Pardon me.

She's quite a woman, eh?

Please enjoy.

Say, maid.

Stay a while, will you?

Yes, sir.

Come over here and fill my cup.

What's your name? - Oshizu.

Oshizu. That's a pretty name.

Where were you born? - In Ashikaga.

Were your parents originally from Ashikaga, too?

Yes.

I'm the daughter of Shotaro of Ashikaga.

Shotaro of Ashikaga.

I see.

So you're Shotaro's daughter.

I heard Shotaro died while traveling and his family was dispersed.

So you went into service here as a maid, did you?

No, sir.

The master of this inn was a childhood friend of my father's.

He kindly took me in, and I've been helping out when I can.

So you're not in service here in the usual sense.

No, sir.

Are you Shotaro's only child?

I have a younger brother.

I hope to have him succeed my father someday soon.

Having a gambler for a father seems to have made you very self-assured.

If you'd like, I could offer you my backing.

May I come in?

The masseur, at your service.

This is the masseur I was talking about before.

Is that right? Well, masseur,

my tight shoulders have made many a lesser masseur weep.

Let's see if you're up to the challenge.

Take my hand, Master Ichi.

Much obliged.

Excuse me.

Let me see what I can do with those shoulders.

How is this? Is this about right?

That's not bad.

Sir,

did you really intend to give that woman your backing?

No sense wasting such good looks in a country inn like this.

Oh, I see. You meant that kind of backing.

Ouch! Idiot!

- Be a little more careful. - I'm terribly sorry, sir.

Take it easy, will you?

May I come in? This is Monji.

How are things going at Senzo's?

He still hasn't finished it.

Iwagoro.

It's been six months since I heard Senzo was working on a sword.

Lord Matsudaira ?? Lord Matsu ??

Will you cut that out?

Lord Matsudaira keeps asking me when it's going to be ready.

I lose face every day that it's delayed.

I'm terribly sorry, sir.

When is he going to finish?

In four or five more days.

- You're sure? - Yes, sir.

Something seems to have lit a fire under him lately.

Hard at work, I see.

Master Ichi?

I brought you a bottle of sake.

That's very kind of you.

I was just thinking it was time for a break.

Old man ??

you were sharpening a sword just now, weren't you?

You could tell?

Getting that cane sword from you

got me excited about sword making again.

Come on in.

I'm fine right here.

Old man ??

I thought you said you quit making swords 20 years ago.

Let me tell you what happened.

Once upon a time,

I sent five of my best swords out into the world under my own name.

People said they were even better than the ones my mentor made.

My income went up, and it was the same old story:

I turned to drinking and gambling.

In the end my mentor threw me out,

and my family and I drifted like beggars from Tatebayashi to here.

We'd reached the end of our rope.

We figured the only thing left to do was to kill ourselves.

But just when we were about to go through with it,

Boss Shotaro lent us a helping hand.

You mean Oshizu's father?

Oshizu ??

Master Ichi,

just between you and me,

Oshizu is actually my daughter.

Your daughter?

The boss and his wife were kind enough to adopt her,

after Oshizu's mother died.

I see.

I wanted to repay Boss Shotaro somehow.

I set out to make the best sword I'd ever made.

For ten years I worked and worked on it,

but I just couldn't get it right.

At long last, when I finally thought I had it,

the boss got killed.

I see.

So is that why you decided

to give the sword to Inspector Kuwayama instead?

Not on your life! Where'd you hear a thing like that?

It's just something I overheard.

That's the last thing I'd do.

Some guy named Monji found out about it and started pestering me.

But there's no way I'd let an official who takes bribes from gangsters

get ahold of a piece of my soul.

But Iwagoro obviously has designs on that sword.

I intend to give it to Master Seikichi when it's done.

To Master Seikichi?

But I understand Master Seikichi

has no interest in his father's position.

My heart tells me it's the right thing to do.

Sorry.

I should have kept my mouth shut. Please don't be offended.

I'm not offended.

The fact is,

you're the only one I can talk to like this.

How about a drink, Master Ichi?

Thanks.

No, I better not.

If I have sake on my breath so early in the day,

Oshizu's liable to scold me again.

She can be a real stickler.

Here you go, old man.

You're on. Hurry.

Oh, it's Master Ichi.

Hello.

I came to return something I've been holding for you.

Here you go.

But it should be empty.

I wanted to give you a little something

for your beautiful singing and all your kindness.

But it's too much.

May I ask you something, Oharu?

How have things been lately with Iwagoro's men?

They've been nothing but trouble.

I figured as much.

Well, I'd better be on my way. - Wait. Can't you stay a while?

Thanks, but I have some massage appointments.

I can't dawdle here. Good-bye.

You ??

Hello there. I was just on my way out.

Come with me and we can get a drink somewhere.

- You son of a bitch. - Master Ichi.

Oharu,

if you could all stand back for a moment.

My apologies for all the commotion.

What was that about?

I have no idea.

Place your bets.

Place your bets. Who's on even?

Hey, hurry up.

What in the world is going on?

Did you agree to this?

No way.

I've had all I can stand. I'm going to go talk to them.

This is as crazy as the summer festival and New Year's rolled into one!

What are all those girls, anyway?

Cheap whores from somewhere, no doubt.

Do you suppose those people intend to turn this place into a brothel?

Excuse me.

What's going on?

They all showed up after you left for Tonda.

- A sudden crush of guests? - If you can call them that.

At this rate, the inn's reputation will go right down the drain.

We put down a deposit to reserve the rooms.

How we use them is no concern of yours.

That's not true, sir.

The reputation of the Shimotsuke Inn

goes back ten generations, to Ieyasu's time.

So?

Besides, gambling is strictly forbidden at inns.

If the authorities found out, we'd be in very serious trouble.

I'm going to return your five ryo deposit.

Please consider your reservations canceled.

Now listen here.

You're talking to Iwagoro of Agata, who was given this hook

by the inspector of the eight provinces himself.

Don't you worry your thick skull about the authorities.

Now pick up that money and get out of here.

Didn't you hear me?

I said get out of here.

Master Gembei!

My goodness! You're bleeding!

We need to take care of that right away.

This is terrible!

The gangsters in the Plum Room hurt the innkeeper.

He came out with blood running down his face.

What do we have? Double threes, even.

Everybody ready? Here we go.

All right, place your bets.

Hello there, fellas. It's been a while.

I'll be calling my own bets today.

I'm blind, so I hope you'll go easy on me.

Place your bets.

Tell me, what have the dice been saying today?

Even or odd?

What do we have? Two and six, even.

Boss!

What's the big fuss?

- You're needed at the game, Boss. - What's the problem?

There's this blind guy. He's a real troublemaker.

A blind guy?

I was supposed to keep quiet,

but this guy cleaned us out in Tonda.

Even.

- Even. - Even.

Hold it right there, Hanzo.

What the hell? You're that masseur.

Is that Boss Iwagoro?

You're blind and you play dice?

You know, Boss,

I'm not the only blind man here.

There's not a man in this room that can see.

That's why I decided to drop in.

I figured it must be a gambling joint just for blind folk.

I suppose you think you're funny.

Step outside, you blind dog!

Is this wise? Giving a madman such a sharp object?

Oh, yeah?

Now, then.

All you sighted folk be sure to watch carefully.

You see, these dice have been weighted.

What is it you people call this kind of dice, Boss?

Was it "punching dummies"?

It's Zatoichi.

You wouldn't happen to be Master Zatoichi, would you?

I've heard of a man by that name.

Don't play games with me.

Suppose I am this Zatoichi character.

Would you have a problem with that?

By no means.

So I'm right? You are Master Zatoichi?

Why didn't you say so?

No, it's my fault. You'll have to forgive me.

You good-for-nothings!

How could you smear mud all over my face like this?

Who's responsible for this?

You mean you didn't tell them to do it yourself?

You've got me all wrong.

Whose bright idea was it to use dice like this behind my back?

I'm going to get to the bottom of this,

and someone's going to pay.

Boss ??

before you launch into a housecleaning,

don't you think you owe your customers an apology?

You're right.

Hey, Take.

Anyone who lost money, give them their money back.

Then close up shop for the day.

My abject apologies for this embarrassment.

Master Ichi, I'd like to offer you a drink as a token of friendship.

Would you join me in my room?

You wish to entertain me?

That's very kind of you.

Over on yon paddy's edge

I see 100 wild ducks

I see 100 baby ducks

Damned if I don't I'm gonna get me one

My first arrow flies

And waggles to the ground

My second arrow flies

And waggles to the ground

Damned if I don't I'm gonna get me one

Then when I thought I'd finally got my duck

The duck flew away

That's the end. I don't hear any applause.

Oh, very good, very good.

Thank you. I hope you enjoyed it.

Excuse me.

I'm most impressed.

I had no idea you had such hidden talents.

Have another drink.

It tastes so much better when a lady pours.

That's true. Can't argue with that.

Anyway,

why are you playing masseur at an inn like this?

You should have come to my place.

You think you're such a big shot you can slap me on the back?

I didn't mean it that way.

It's just that

the younger set these days are nothing but half-wits

who don't know a thing about the proper way to run a game.

It'd help me out a lot

if someone like you could teach them a thing or two.

I see.

So you're saying I can teach them what I see fit?

Absolutely.

Would you be willing?

That'd be great.

Here you go, boss.

- Hey! - Oh, sorry.

I'm so drunk I can't see straight anymore.

The masseur is Zatoichi.

I'm worried about that blind guy.

He gives me the creeps.

It all depends on what he decides to do.

I've got plans of my own.

Master Ichi.

Oshizu.

What is it, at this hour?

I came to make a request.

A request?

I had heard about you from my father.

Pay no attention to any of that.

It doesn't concern you.

But it does.

This is something I'd be willing to give my life for.

Please, Master Ichi.

Please help me and my brother.

Oshizu,

I'm hardly the one who should be telling you this,

but no matter who you are,

the underworld's pretty much all the same.

It's not a life that lets you hold your head up high.

You're hated by society.

Why would you want to put your life on the line for that hated world,

trying to get a reluctant Seikichi to follow in your father's footsteps?

You don't understand.

Making sure Seikichi does this is a duty I owe my late father.

You see,

I'm not Shotaro of Ashikaga's natural daughter.

I'm the daughter of Senzo, the man who brought you here.

The only way I can repay the debt I owe to Shotaro

is to make sure his son gets his birthright.

I can't let a man like Iwagoro steal Shotaro's territory.

Oshizu,

you speak of duties and debts,

but you need to forget all that sort of thing.

Just be the woman you are,

marry the man you love, and live a happy life.

No, Master Ichi.

My happiness doesn't matter one bit.

Didn't you hear what I just said?

I'm telling you I have no desire to put my life on the line

for complete strangers.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't help you.

All right.

I was a fool for even asking.

Sorry to have kept you up.

The inspector was asking

what's going to happen about that Oshizu.

He might as well forget about her.

I can't very well go and kidnap her.

Don't give me that.

You're worried she might ask the inspector to back Seikichi

in his bid to succeed Shotaro as boss.

From where I sit, I don't know if I can trust Inspector Kuwayama.

But suppose Seikichi were no longer in the picture.

I didn't think of that.

- You want me to kill him? - Now, now.

You men have a habit of speaking too plainly sometimes.

You know what to do, Monji.

Hello.

Anybody here?

That's okay.

Can I help you, sir?

I'm Inspector Kuwayama's private secretary.

The name is Chuzaemon Aizawa. I wonder if I could see the innkeeper.

Certainly, sir. Just a moment.

Hold on, maid.

Are you Oshizu? - Yes, sir.

No wonder.

Tell Gembei I'm here.

Please come with me, sir.

Oshizu.

If you need something, talk to Matsu.

Inspector Kuwayama wants Oshizu to enter service in his household?

That's right.

It will be a great opportunity

for Oshizu to get the inspector's backing

in connection with her brother's claims.

I'm sorry, but Oshizu ??

Will come.

I'm quite certain she will come.

You know, Gembei,

I understand this inn goes back ten generations.

I'd hate to see it ??

I'd hate to see something happen to cause it to close.

Do you understand me?

Yes, sir.

I'll send a palanquin for her tomorrow.

Good-bye.

Master Seikichi?

Is that you, Master Seikichi? - Who are you?

Have you forgotten?

My name is Monji. I used to work for your father.

Did you want something?

Weren't you traveling with a companion?

I'm returning alone to be on time for my father's memorial.

Oh, that's right.

What do you think you're doing?

- Miss Matsu. - Yes?

Oshizu seems to be in a very bad mood lately.

Did something happen?

I wouldn't know.

Inspector Kuwayama sent a palanquin for her, and she left.

Inspector Kuwayama?

Father! Where's Oshizu?

What's the matter?

Seikichi's been killed.

What?

A crowd was gathered by the Yamakawa embankment,

so I stopped to look.

Seikichi had been stabbed to death.

- What are we going to do, dear? - Hurry up and get Oshizu.

Shinnosuke, Oshizu has gone to serve Inspector Kuwayama.

That can't be!

Without even consulting me?

How could you let her do this, Mother?

And you, Father. How could you let this happen?

All right. I'll go get her and bring her back.

- Wait. - Who are you?

Shinnosuke, this man is ??

Master Shinnosuke, it won't do any good for you to go.

But I promise I will bring Oshizu back.

What you need to be thinking about, Master Shinnosuke,

is how to make Oshizu happy.

Old man.

Old man!

What happened, old man?

That Monji bastard ??

Monji?

Did he steal that sword you were making?

Hang on, Senzo. Don't die.

Where's my cane sword? Where did you put my cane?

Where ??

Old man.

This sword has reached the end of its life span.

It's probably still good for one more kill.

But when you strike that last blow, the blade's going to snap.

Hey, there.

Could someone take me to Agata?

- Agata? - I'll pay whatever you ask.

Sorry, but Agata's an unlucky direction.

Hey, guys. I see you're all here. Play some dice?

I need to win back what I lost the other day.

Hey, you're that blind guy. What's going on?

I was looking for a ride, but they all turned me down.

Turned you down?

You're acting like the whores in Mishima.

Fine. Get on the horse.

That's right. You just love going to Agata.

What's that? Agata?

You should have said that first, mister.

Isn't there anyone who'll take me?

All right, I'll take you.

I'm not like you guys.

You can't drive a packhorse and be afraid of Agata.

Leave it to me, mister.

I'll get you there.

Listen up, guys.

A man's gotta have balls, a woman's gotta be sweet.

So there.

Oh, I forgot one. A priest better say his prayers.

That's all.

This is indeed an awesome sword.

Lord Matsudaira will be delighted.

Iwagoro, you have my thanks.

Don't mention it.

By the way, sir,

we've summoned Oshizu for you from the inn.

Is that right? You seem to have covered everything.

I'm afraid credit for the girl goes to Mr. Aizawa, sir.

Well, I should excuse myself.

I'll leave the rest to you, Mr. Aizawa.

Good-bye, sir.

Inspector Kuwayama wants you. Come with me.

Yes, sir.

It's not visible to the eye,

but three inches from the hilt, there's a tiny crack.

Everything's going according to plan.

All that's left now is the Shimotsuke Inn.

What shall we do about Zatoichi?

We can't leave that bastard running around messing things up.

Inspector Kuwayama has some swordsmen standing by.

We'll go with them to the inn and cut Zatoichi down.

That's good to hear. He's given us a lot of grief.

The key to victory is to make him draw first.

We'll let Iwagoro's men strike first.

Then we'll hit him the instant he draws.

We're ready to get going.

All right.

Why don't you have a drink too, Oshizu?

I don't drink.

Stop being a spoilsport.

I'm sure you knew what you had coming.

Who's there?

It's the masseur, sir.

So you're the one they call Zatoichi.

What do you want?

Well, well.

Not a very nice welcome.

I came to get Oshizu.

Silence!

That's not a good idea.

If you draw your sword,

I'll have to draw mine, too.

- Somebody! Help! - Sorry, mister.

That won't do you any good.

Iwagoro and his men are gone.

They all left for the inn, to kill me.

Oshizu, I'll explain the whole thing later.

For now I'd like you to come over here.

I said come over here.

All right.

So that's what he did!

Thanks, old man. I owe you one.

You switched the old blade in my cane sword

for the new one you poured your heart and soul into.

Inspector.

Inspector Kuwayama. Excuse me.

Inspector!

Listen.

Take a message to Iwagoro for me.

Tell him I'll be coming for his head.

I never agreed to anything like that.

You never agreed?

I have a signed contract right here.

It says we can use the rooms any way we please.

I would never sign such a document.

In addition to that,

you accepted my deposit of five ryo.

Yes, I did. However ??

I want to see that contract.

What's this?

Are you suggesting that this contract I have

isn't what I say it is?

Show some respect, you son of a bitch.

Shinnosuke!

- What's the story? - He's nowhere to be found.

I suppose he smelled danger and decided to skip out.

Boss!

Mr. Aizawa is downstairs. He says Zatoichi was in Agata.

What?

It was terrible, Iwagoro!

The inspector! - What?

Zatoichi killed him.

What?

Zatoichi hid until after you all left.

That bastard.

He took Oshizu with him, too.

- Where did he go? - I don't know.

But he left saying he'd be coming for your head.

Damn it!

That blind bastard. He can't be left alive.

Monji.

Put someone on every corner. Cut the bastard down on sight.

See to it!

Swordsmen! - We're counting on you.

Iwagoro, what's going to happen to me?

You'll have to take care of yourself.

They killed Seikichi,

and Father,

and even Master Senzo.

All because I had to be so stubborn.

Master Ichi, what am I to do?

Oshizu, you really mustn't blame yourself.

Iwagoro is the one to blame. I don't intend to let him live.

No, Master Ichi, you mustn't.

If something happened to you, I ??

I have Master Senzo's sword at my side.

No, you mustn't.

Master Ichi, you really mustn't.

It's no use trying to stop me.

I'll never be able to rest

without knowing I did everything I could.

I promise you I'll be back.

Master Ichi.

You wait right here.

Damn, it's starting to snow.

You think the bastard will come?

Blind folk can be awfully persistent.

He's coming.

He's coming.

He's here.

Now!

You fellas must be real samurai.

I'm blind.

You attack first.

Get the wagon.

Son of a bitch!

Damn it! Where'd he go?

Find the bastard!

He's got to be around here somewhere. Find him!

Go around that way.

Look over there.

Make the bastard's eyes spin.

Keep it turning.

His eyes must be spinning good by now. Stand it up.

You hit him from that side.

I'll take this side.

You fools!

Did you forget I don't have eyes to spin?

You sons of bitches.

- Any luck? - No.

- How about you guys? - No luck.

Keep looking.

Boss!

What? He got away?

You idiots!

He's supposed to be the blind one, not you!

Find him, damn it!

I'll save you the trouble.

I've met a lot of evil sons of bitches in my time,

but I'd have to say you take the prize.

Master Ichi, is Oshizu all right?

She's fine.

She's waiting for you at the edge of town.

Old man,

it doesn't look like I can go straight after all.

Master Ichi.

Hey, blind man!

I hear you're Zatoichi.

Wait!

If you're Zatoichi, I can't let you go.

I want a showdown.

Here.

I brought some dice.

How about a game, just you and me?

Five and one, even.

THE END