Original subtitles

Showa 44 (1969) Japanese Art Festival Entry

Toho Co., Ltd. Presents

A Mifune Production Production

About a hundred years ago...

Third year of Keio Era: 1868 ... one summer night in the third year of Keio...

...hallowed shrine charms suddenly came falling from the sky.

The people, oppressed for three hundred years by the Tokugawa Shogunate...

...believed this to be a sign of the gods, a herald of world renewal.

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Having long awaited the arrival of a new era...

...men, women, the old and young alike...

...danced and sang "It's okay! Never mind!"

Night and day...

...they danced endlessly, as if deranged, saying "the world is to be renewed. "

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

C'mon! It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Eventually, this storm of passion...

...like an unstoppable wildfire...

...spread throughout Japan.

C'mon! It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

In February of the following year, the Fourth Year of Keio...

...the Imperial Restoration Force...

...under the command of Prince Arisugawa-no-miya Taruhito...

...began to advance the Imperial Flag...

...along the three major throughways, the Tokai, Tosan, and the Hokuriku...

...eastwards, towards Edo.

50,000 Satsuma, Nagato and Tosa clans- men made up the main force.

But, before this could happen...

Headquarters of General Tomosada Iwakura, Tosan Force Commander

I, Sagara Sozo, and the 130 men of my Sekiho Troop...

...are ready to report to duty, sir!

Here are my orders to you, troopers of the Sekiho.

You will advance along the Tosan Throughway, as our vanguard...

...and are to convince the people encountered along the way...

...of the merits of our eastward advance towards Edo.

Tell them that our mission is one of good will, to release the people from...

...the suffocation of the old regime!

Yes, sir.

Now that the Imperial Restoration has begun...

...the world as we know it will change drastically.

Annual land taxes will be cut in half.

Tell them that the amounts they were unable to pay last year...

...will also be halved.

What?! Taxes cut in half?!

Wow! Now that's some kind of world renewal!

Gonzo, be quiet!

Gonzo, be quiet! It's all right.

Gonzo... is that your name?

Convince the people that the Imperial Flag will mean the true renewal of the world.

Yeah, I see what you're saying, but...

...if we say things like that, when we look like this...

...can we expect people to believe us?!

Uh-huh, that's where this will come in...

Here! His Highness has specially authorized you to wear...

...upon your shoulders, the Imperial Crest itself!

Even though the Sekiho Troop consists of former peasants...

...this crest means you're a fully genuine Imperial Troop.

I expect you to act in a manner that won't disgrace the crest.

Yes, sir!

The Sekiho Troop proceeded to carry out its mission without bloodshed...

...and the Imperial Force was able to fly through...

...the Tosan without engaging in a single battle.

Say, Cap'n... won't you let me do that?

Who, you?

Shit... What's so funny about that?!

I've got an Imperial Crest, too...

...yet all I'm allowed to do is buff some horse's ass!

Well, you'd be the perfect man if we had to attack the Aizu and Kuwana Clans.

But, this mission isn't right for a fighter like you.

I know, I know...

Basically, we gotta... er, get friendly...

...with the people...

...and then, BAM, they'll be c... c... convinced, right?

Hah! They're my childhood friends and fellow villagers, after all...

...so we should be able to do it.

"Childhood friends?"

Right here... the village of Sawando.

That's where I was born.

Your home town, eh?

S... S... So... w... won't you lemme do it?

Y... Y'know, Cap'n... for a reason which I can't really tell you...

...I really need to go there!

All right... You want to give it a shot?

Wow, thanks! You're the great eagle...

...of Mount Thank you, Cap'n! I owe you one!

Hey! Are you heading out right now?

"Make hay while the sun shines," as they say.

Oh... Oh, yeah! Cap'n! There's one thing I need to ask of you.

What is it?

I'm heading home with the Flag...

I mean... I'll be hoisting the true Imperial Flag there, y'know...

...so... w... w... well... I need to look my best, y'see...

...so I want you to lend me your Red Lion's Mane!

This? Oh, no, it can't be done!

For four days! No, three is fine!

I'll have it back in three days, bright and early! It won't be for long!

C'mon, Cap'n, you'll lend it to me, won't you?

But, you see... it is only to be worn by the leader of the Sekiho Troop...

...and so, I cannot lend it to anyone.

Oh, c'mon! Please?!

"Akage" Red Lion

Produced by Mifune Toshiro and Nishikawa Yoshio

Screenplay by Okamoto Kihachi and Hirosawa Sakae

Photography: Saito Takao - Art: Ueda Kan Sound Recording: Ichikawa Masamichi Lighting: Sato Sachiro - Mixing: Shimonaga Sho - Music: Sato Masaru

Assistant Director: Tanaka Yoshikazu - Editing: Araki Yoshihiro - Makeup: Kobayashi Shigeo Fight Scene Choreography: Kuze Ryu Film Development: Tokyo Laboratory Co., Ltd. Production Manager: Yamazaki Eiichi

Starring:

Mifune Toshiro

Iwashita Shima

Takahashi Etsushi Terada Minori

Otowa Nobuko - Mochizuki Yuko Yoshimura Jitsuko - Okada Kaai

Koyama Shigeru - Amamoto Hideyo Hanazawa Tokue - Kishida Shin Sunazuka Hideo

Hidari Bokuzen - Mutsu Goro Kusano Daigo - Tomita Nakajiro Tokita Fujio - Hamamura Jun

Sakai Sachio - Yamamoto Ren Hasegawa Hiroshi - Nomura Shoji Kitagawa Mika - Noguchi Kawako Tsuda Ayako - Iwasaki Tomoe - Mitobe Sue

Nakayama Yutaka - Chii Takeo - Achiba Shinsuke Sawanobori Mamoru - Kinoshita Akio Kimura Tomoyuki - Maruoka Shoichiro Uno Koji - Yoshida Shoji

Sado Kinuyo - Asari Kazuko - Ishido Yoko Masumi Aiko - Toyoda Yoko - Shimazu Kimie Kawamura Shigeko - Taniguchi Yumiko - Majima Jun Matsubara Michi - Takahara Toriko - Kihei Yoshie

Tanaka Hiroshi - Yamaguchi Hiroyoshi - Asakawa Kooji Kimura Hiroto - Tanaka Hajime - Kato Shigeo Mito Yoshihiro - Umabe Hiroyuki - Ito Jun'ichi - Nana Yokai - Narrator: Nakaya Ichiroo

Ito Yunosuke Tamura Takahiro

Directed by Okamoto Kihachi

"Sawando"

Well, it's been a long time!

You don't look any different than you used to!

Well, I'm very glad to see that you're doing well!

By the way, what do you think of the change I went through?

That old farmer's son, after ten years... is now splendid, as you see here!

What the heck is that?

Ah! They've already heard of Gonzo's return! Such a quick welcome!

They're too kind. Though there's no need to make all that noise!

"It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!"

Clear the way!

Sir Deputy, sir... please...

Return my husband!

Move it, bitch!

Listen up! Listen up!

The land tax is due today, with no exceptions!

If it's not paid, the heads of all the hostages will roll come morning!

That is all!

Look out!

Ow... Ow... Ow...

Sanji, you thought you could escape with Osode by hiding in the crowd!

But it ain't gonna happen! You're coming with us!

Edo folk like me will never obey orders or kiss ass!

Huh?

Huh? C'mon, take me!

Take me and roll me up, or torture me however you want!

Right, Osode-kins?

Right, Osode-kins? All right, then, let's!

All right, then, let's!

Hey! Let's go! All right, then, let's!

Y... Yo, guys! I d... don't know what the deal is, but...

H... Hey! Wait! Ow!

You're planning to find out what's going on... and then what?

I... I gotta convince the people...

At a time when the Imperial Flag is about to arrive here...

...why waste time making noise over some nonsense like that?

Oh! You mean, the Imperial Force will be coming here?

Huh? Yeah!

Our troop is al... already at Ichigase Peak...

...a... and I happen to be... at the head of the army, basically.

By the way... who are you?

I am the daughter of the owner of this stable... my name is Oyo.

"Oyo?" "Miss Oyo?"

Hmm... I seem to recall that an old man named Busuke...

...was the owner of this stable.

We'll take care of your horse for ya... 2-shu deposit.

Huh?

He's my father. His name is Jinbei.

We moved here from Edo last year, and bought the place from Mr. Busuke.

Please, it's so awkward like this, so please come in... Commander!

"Commander?"

Well, I guess I don't look much like a typical commander, but...

Ow! Ow Ow Ow...

Hang on... Commander!

Owww... I'm so grateful to you!

Oh, you shouldn't be!

Oh, you shouldn't be! Owwww...

What?! Torazo of Komagane did that?!

Yes, sir...

He even said, "If you can't pay up, sell your daughters!"

And, he certainly backed up his words with action!

That asshole... he's still doing evil things...

He hasn't changed a bit in ten years!

Ow...

Ow... Ten years?

Damn right! Ten years?

He's using his official powers to promote his villainous schemes! He's a snake!

Commander, are you from this village?

Of course... Y'know... I've...

Ow...

Damn, this ain't the time to be doing this!

"KomaTora:" short for Komagane no Torazo, the aforementioned evil official. I gotta go beat the crap outta that scumbag Komatora!

Ow... Oww...

Dammit!

Oh, dammit!

Oww...

Y... Yo, kids!

Are you boys or not?! You've got weenies, don't you?!

If you do, then don't behave like sissies, all huddled in there! Come here!

C'mon!

If you don't, then I'll cut off all your weenies!

Where are all your mommies and daddies? There's no sign of them!

Where are your daddies?

Where are your daddies? The Deputy's Office!

The Deputy's Office?! What about your mommies?

Mr. Kisoya's!

Mr. Kisoya's! Mr. Kisoya's!

Mr. Kisoya's!

Kisoya's?! Mr. Kisoya's!

Gee, that son-of-a-bitch is still alive?!

Mr. Kisoya... we must borrow money from you, no matter what...

...or we can't go home!

Please help us... sir!

It's a matter of life and death for my husband!

Ladies, you've brought us way too many so-called "matters of life and death. "

I have been with this establishment since late last year...

...and I've already listened to two of your life-and-death emergency claims.

When I checked your loan records...

...this is what I found! Ten years worth!

If you pay off the last ten years worth of emergencies...

...then, certainly, our shop is standing by to help.

Merciful Buddha... Merciful Buddha...

Ow...

Mr. Gohei! What on Earth are you doing?!

What the?! It's you, Gonzo!

Look who's talking! What are you doing... wearing that thing on your head?!

Say what?!

Old man, just what's up with you?! Huh?

Huh?

To begin with, this is the center of the village!

I wanted to do this here BECAUSE there are a lot of people around...

'Cause I thought that somebody would stop me, you know.

Now that my only beloved granddaughter Osode has been taken away...

...in lieu of the land tax that I couldn't pay, well...

...there's nothing left for me to live for!

Would you let me die, please?!

Let me die, please!

Stop it! Please stop!

Osode! My Osode-kins! Don't you worry!

If I... If I sell myself you'll be okay! So, please! Stop it!

Let go! I said, let go!

I'm a lad from Edo! As such, what's "one" or "two" fingers to me?

Say what?

Ha! Don't you know?

A finger or two... In English, "one" or "two. "

Hmm... okay then, two it is.

Wh... What?!

No! No, I won't let you! Please stop!

Oh, no... he'll do the whole deal.

Fine! Yeah, just fine!

Gather 'round, folks!

Those of you who have no other business or are not in hurry... watch carefully!

As you can see, here lies my own pinky...

...I shall now slice it off right in front of your eyes!

"One... "

"Two... "

"Three... "

Owwww!

What in the world?

What are you, a dress-up lion or something?!

KomaTora, you son-of-a-bitch! Don't you remember this face?!

Huh?

What the... you're Gonzo of Shinden!

How dare you... take my Tomi in lieu of land tax!

Tomi is my woman!

She's gonna be my wife!

Roll him up.

1... 2... Dump!

So you are still alive!

As you can clearly see!

However... I'm not the mere son of a peasant that you used to know!

'Cause I am now the... Tosan Throughway Imperial Squadron Advance Troop...

...also known as the Sekiho Troop's... C... C... Commander...

"Minato-mono:" Seaport-bum. "Mina-moto:" A royal family name. ... my name is Minato-mono... er, that's not it...

"Minato-mono:" Seaport-bum. "Mina-moto:" A royal family name. ... Minamoto-no Gonzaburo Masamitsu... call me Sir!

Wh... Wh... What've you got to say to that?!

What are you, a comedian?

I don't care who you claim to be, but...

...are you being disrespectful of this Jitte of mine?

Get him!

Why you!

Oh, brother...

You all are way behind the times!

S... Showing off something like that won't do you any good!

I... Let children use it as a toy or something!

Wh... What did you say?!

Th... The world has just b... been turned up... upside down!

As you d... didn't know... I... let me explain it to ya...

Th... The Imperial Flag has arrived... it's only a few steps away!

The T... Tokugawa Shogunate is... k... kaput!

C... Corrupt officials like you... are k... kaput, too!

Wh... What?!

This Red Lion is the symbol of world renewal!

You see, backing me up are the 50,000 men of the Imperial Force...

...wait...

That's right, really, 50,000 men are backing me up!

I... Land taxes will be halved, and outstanding loans canceled!

Pimps like you who enslave women when they can't pay their IOU's...

...should be hung to death!

Listen, KomaTora... W... Where is my Tomi?!

What's up with you guys?

Whatever happened to your plan to run away?

We'll do it. But first, we've gotta pay you back.

"All outstanding loans shall be canceled. "

No can do! Being an Edo guy, I can't stand that imperial stuff, y'know!

So, being saved by someone connected to it puts me in an awkward position!

So what do you wanna do about it, then?

I said I'm paying you back, didn't I?!

What the?!

Why you son-of-a! When did you?!

I may not look like it, but in good old Edo, I'm known as...

"... Sanji the Wallet Collector!"

What?!

See what I mean?

Come on out, women!

Come out, all of you!

This is the Imperial Restoration!

This is the time of world renewal!

Huh?! What's he talking about?!

All outstanding loans will be canceled! You're all free now!

See? See? I've snatched all your contracts from KomaTora!

See? You can have them back!

See? See?

Must be the weather, eh?

Shit!

A grown-up man wearing a festival outfit or something!

Shit!

I get it, my man... Maybe you want to play with me?

Shit! What a bunch of hopeless women!

Hey, why don't you... read these out aloud for them!

Why don't you do it yourself?

Yeah, well... I've got something in my eyes!

Oh...

Haru of Watarimura Shinden...

Huh? Watarimura Haru... That's me...

Oh! That's my loan document!

Another one... Kayo of Kamino Tanbo...

That's me!

Kazu of Senbamura Nihonmatsu...

Maki of Iwahanamura...

It's real!

Another one... Masami...

It's the real deal! It's real!

Mommy!

Tomi!

Tomi! Tomi!

Tomi!

Tomi!

Tomi... Tomi... Tomi... Tomi... Tomi...

Tomi! Tomi! Tomi!

Yes...

Oh, Tomi!

Why don't you speak?! Say some- thing, why don't you?!

You're... Gon?

It's me! Who else could I be?!

Wake up, for goodness sakes!

I didn't... I didn't know...

...you were alive!

Forget him, Tomi...

"Dozaemon:" nickname for "drowned corpse," based on a legendary warrior who looked like one. By now, he'll have changed his name to... "Dozaemon!"

No!

This is for real? I'm not dreaming?

Look at this...

This is your loan document.

We were forced apart in tears...

...but n... n... nobody can keep us apart now!

Gon!

Tomi! From this moment on... you're my wife!

Tomi!

Huh... So here you are! Drinking this early in the morning?!

Actually, I was just about to take a morning bath...

...and then take a nice morning nap.

S... Stop fooling around! There's an emergency at my house!

Some son-of-a-bitch popped out of nowhere...

...and ordered us to shut the gambling joints... and release the whores!

A... Anyway, we're left with nothing!

Times are changing... Becoming desperate won't help matters.

S... S... Sir Hanzo!

I know... You want me to get rid of the Red Lion guy, correct?

What?! H... How did you know?!

This reporter told me about him.

Yes sir.

Yes sir. Oh, it's you... Amagaeru.

You've got quick eyes and ears, as always...

...but if you ever make up any stories, you'll be very sorry!

Don't you worry, sir...

My job is to tell only the truth.

Besides, my policy is... I don't talk about anything unless there's money in it.

I guess that's my "policy," too.

Say what?

If you think that I'll get rid of that Red Lion fellow...

...for free, then you must be dreaming.

Tomi... what's this "surprise" that you're talking about?

Just go ahead and eat up!

"Zenmai:" a flowering fern. How's the boiled zenmai?

Oh, it's my favorite dish!

This is great! It tastes just like the zenmai my mama makes!

Of course it does! I made the broth!

Oh! M... Mama!

Why so shocked, Gon? So you still stutter, huh?

You're cruel, too!

But... Mama, w... w... what are you doing here?

Couldn't be helped... You weren't around, and your dad passed away.

D... Dad died?!

Same with me...

We couldn't pay the taxes... so our farm got taken away...

And my dad... he hung himself on that persimmon tree out in the field...

You mean, th... that p... p... persimmon tree?!

Yo, Commander!

Oh? Commander, you're crying?!

I gotta wash my face! It's so dirty!

I love being here... Tomi is here and so is Mama!

And besides, I can eat the best zenmai here!

I'm gonna make this place my base!

Wow! Now this is so exciting! So much for my runaway plan!

Oh, yeah! What did you say your name was?

Sanji. In English, that's "Three-ji. "

What the heck is that?

1, 2, 3 are "One," "Two," "Three. "

"Four," "Five," "Six," "Seven," "Eight," "Nine," and "Ten. " There!

"San:" honorific for Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc. Also, the number three. Wow. That means, I'm... "Gon-Three?"

Oh!

For a pickpocket, you seem to be an educated lad!

Who taught you this En... English stuff?

Dr. Gensai, the physician.

What? Dr. Gensai?

Now, now... There's no reason why...

...you must take such a drastic action as this!

Teacher! That's contradictory!

It was you who always told us that...

...we shall be the ones to light the torch in the name of Imperial Restoration!

Kenmu Restoration: Took place in the years 1333-1350. Name one difference between the Kenmu Restoration and...

...the current Restoration movement!

Sir... The Kenmu Restoration was initiated by the Emperor's own will...

...but the current Imperial Restoration began with the people!

What is "Soumou?!"

'Tis grass with no name!

What is a Warrior of Soumou?!

One of low rank, but of strong will!

That's right! We are all "Warriors of Soumou!"

Our actions strengthen the hearts of the people...

...and our youthful power shall realize the Restoration movement! Teacher!

The new force, made of young men like you, from grass valleys everywhere...

...will crash against the old, like mighty tidal waves!

Fight force with force!

That's the reason why we must...

...light our torch at Sawando, here in the Shogunate's domain!

This morning's abuses by the Deputy...

...and all his brutal ways must no longer be tolerated!

The deputy must be slain...

...or so it would seem... I guess... but...

...I hope you know that I'm not... er...

...advocating violence or anything...

I know, sir! We won't ever disgrace you, Teacher!

We shall be leaving now!

Let's go!

Let's go! Yeah!

My, sounds so exciting!

Oh? Why, it's you, Genta!

You're Yago! Oh? Heisuke, you, too!

Sabu! And Chuuta!

Why, you're the same snotty little brats from ten years ago!

And you're... the tough guy from ten years ago...

Sir Gonzo to you! Tell me exactly what's going on.

We're firm and ready!

"Firm and ready?!"

Gonzo! You've come just in time!

Oh! Teacher! It's been a long time, sir!

I am proud to see you looking like this, Gonzo.

Well, it's all thanks to you, sir!

I'm not too bright, but... I never forgot what you taught me...

...that "W... W... Warriors of Soumou" stuff, you know!

Teacher! We will be leaving now.

Oh, Genta! What's with that?

To put it briefly, sir... we don't want to disgrace our teacher.

Just what are you trying to do anyway?

S... See, they want to attack the Deputy's Office, and won't listen to me.

The Deputy's Office?!

The Deputy's Office?! Yes.

Wow, now that's ambitious!

Are you trying to stop us too, sir?

It's no use stopping us, sir!

No... Actually, that's my job!

I can do it all by myself anyway!

The job won't require all you guys!

But...

But, if you really want to... I don't mind if you tag along and watch.

Oh, Commander! Commander "Red Lion!"

What is it?

That guy... He's bad news...

Who is he?

"Lai:" Quick-draw swordfighting style. He's KomaTora's bodyguard! He's a master of lai!

Lai? I'm... good at that, too!

What the?! H... H... Huh?! Why'd you do this?

I get pissed off whenever I see a Red Lion.

S... S... So what if you get pissed-off?! The world is changing!

How so?

The only thing that'll change... is the flower on the official crest.

That's a major change!

Do you despise the idea of imperial rule that much?

No... I never liked the idea of Tokugawa Shogunate rule either.

Huh?!

What a screwed-up weirdo you are!

Oops! I shouldn't be doing this! I've got so much to do!

Oh... Well, I... don't want to fight a kids' coach anyway.

Some other time.

Yeah, some other time!

What the hell are you doing?!

W... Well... you stopped all of a sudden!

It's... It's 'cause... I got... a great new idea!

Are there any monkeys among you?

"Monkeys?!"

Y... You know, anybody who's good at climbing trees!

My dad was a lumberjack.

My dad was a lumberjack. All right! That's good!

Listen up...

You all stay down and crawl around from the back...

Silently!

I'll go openly right in the front door.

Openly, I shall!

Y... Yo, Sanji, Heisuke, you come with me!

Yes sir!

Yes sir! Yes sir!

'Scuse me, sir... but, weren't we supposed to just be watching?!

Huh?

A- ha... I get it...

...after all that manly talk, you're getting scared all of a sudden, eh?

N... Not at all!

It's all right if you don't want to! Oh indeed!

Y... Yes, we will do it, sir! We'll chop the Deputy's head off!

Hmm... Oh... I see... I never noticed that the world had changed that much.

It seems like there'll be a major problem if we don't float along with the current, sir.

About this morning's tax collection effort and the ensuing commotion...

That may have been a mistake, sir.

Uh-huh...

If the Imperial Force hears about it...

...our heads are going to roll... whoosh!

Oh! It's the Imperial Force!

Oh! It's the Imperial Force! Oh!

Oh!

Hey, guys! It's been a while! Oh!

What the?! It's you, Gonzo!

Gonzo, eh!

Gonzo, eh! Uh-huh!

It sure is me, Gonzo!

But you know... I'm not the mere son of a farmer that you used to know!

Just look at the way I look now!

A long time ago, you fell from that persimmon tree...

...and hit your head... and I see that you haven't recovered yet!

Shit!

Oh?! What in the world?!

They must be those shrine charms!

We gotta be thankful! The gods are sending messages to us!

Divine is the Imperial Force! 'Tis the sign of world renewal!

Observe! A shrine god is with me!

Observe!

We gotta be thankful!

The Eastward Mission Unit of the Imperial Force...

...Tosan Throughway Squadron...

...also known as the Sekiho Troop!

I'm the troop... c... c... commander... Minato-mono... that's not it...

...Minamoto-no Gonzaburo Masamitsu!

I am going through! Open the gate!

Say what?! The Imperial Force is here already?!

What shall we do, sir!

What shall we do, huh?

Huh?

Excuse me, but... Deputy Kamio Kintayu is...

...out at the moment, I'm sorry to say...

...so, if you'd please be kind enough to return at another time...

Say what?! He's out?!

You lying son-of-a-bitch!

Oh, no... it's true, sir...

Commander, sir... may I talk to you for a minute...

Er... it is not much, sir, but...

...would you accept it?

What the?! That's ticklish, you son-of-a...

Don't screw around with me!

Y... You're trying to bribe the Imperial Force... with pocket change?!

N... Not at all, sir!

Shit! Well, if he's out, then we can't do anything.

Fine, then! All right, we'll read you our statement!

Hey, Sanji, read this.

Something in your eyes again?

Yup.

One: Under the Imperial Restoration program...

...all administrative matters will be authorized by His Majesty.

Two: Lord Tokugawa Yoshinobu, being the Emperor's enemy...

...is stripped of all rank and privileges.

Furthermore, without exception, his lands are all forfeit...

...and they are now officially declared to be imperial property.

Most importantly, Yoshinaga's failure to perform his duties justly...

...has caused great suffering to the peasants.

This, the Emperor considers to be his basest offense.

In light of this, he declares that land taxes are to be halved this year...

You idiot! So what happened? Did he accept it? Did he?!

That's irrelevant...

What's going on?

You should hide as quickly as possible, sir!

Where?!

Bathtub, bathroom, wherever!

How could I do something so lacking in style?!

Lift up! Lift up!

"One," "Two," "Three," "Four," "Five," "Six," "Seven... "

Commander, what next?

Huh?

Next... The land-tax rice!

Yes?

This is no time to be crying, sir!

I'm not crying...

Somehow, being in here is making my eyes tear up!

The latrine must need draining.

Don't dwell on unimportant crap, sir!

They've begun hauling away the land-tax rice!

Lift up! Lift up! Lift up!

Lift up! Lift up! Lift up! What did you say?!

C'mon, take 'em away, as much as you can!

You toiled and sweated to grow this rice!

Gee...

When I heard "Imperial Force," I thought there'd be loads of troopers...

...but there's only one guy!

However, sir... he's no ordinary fellow, and not easy to deal with!

He may not be easy to deal with, but he's only one guy!

Besides... he seems kind of... well, dim. Do something about him.

Carry 'em away!

Take every single one of 'em!

From now on, it'll be a world where we farmers shall prevail!

Lift up! Lift up!

Lift up!

Lift up! Lift up! Lift up!

"We flowers... tumdumdum... shall never meet... "

Huh?!

Hey! What do you think you're doing over there?!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

If you're an octopus, then I am too...

We'll just have to stick to each other, so never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Went to bed early 'cause the price of oil went up...

Conceived a child, but now the price of rice is high! Come on now!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

C'mon now! It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind! C'mon now!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind! C'mon now!

Commander, so much is happening!

We told the merchants, "It's for the Red Lion," and they said "please take it!"

This is so neat!

Well, well, thanks for your good work!

You guys are Sekiho troopers, too. Right, Tomi?

I want them to have flashy crests like this, but...

Say, how about that?

Mama, you shouldn't be doing that! Come here and s... s... sit beside me!

I like it out here!

You're lame!

Yo, Kisoya! The word is that you've been bullying the farmers as usual!

No No No No! Not at all!

To tell you the truth, Mr. Gonzo...

...I thought I'd contribute to the Imperial Force, so I brought some money.

Hmm... How much did you bring?

Five hundred ryo.

Wh... F... Five hundred ryo?!

Those with money really do have money!

We've been bought and sold for just ten of these!

Well, we're most grateful! I'll see to it that it gets to the Imperial Force.

Regarding the Imperial Force that you speak of...

And you are?

Ah, yes... I am Soukichi, the head clerk.

As we're merchants, we'd like to know precisely...

...to whom in the Imperial Force our contribution will go.

If you would, please explain that to us in detail.

Y... You're right about that.

Well, the Imperial Force is...

Sir, who do you receive your orders from?

That would be Sagara Sozo of the Sekiho Troop.

And, who's above him?

Aragaki Yaiichiro of the Tosan Throughway Force.

Ab... Above him is... Iwakura Tomosada, the general...

And, above him is?

The Chief Executive of the East Mission Unit of the Imperial Force...

...Ari... Ari... Arisugawa-something, the prince.

And, above him is?

Above him?!

Above him is... well...

...that'd be inside the Imperial Court of the Chrysanthemum Crest so...

...so... when you go up that far... I don't really know... things are kinda murky.

Are you saying, then, that the Imperial Force is...

...an organization that is "kinda murky?"

Shut up! E... E... Enough of this crap!

Deputy! Deputy! Deputy Kamio Kintayu!

Deputy Kamio Kintayu!

Wh... Why you son-of-a-bitch!

Can't you see this Red Lion?!

Yo, Deputy! Mind your manners!

Yes, sir...

Sir...

I, D... Deputy... K... Kamio Kintayu...

...h... have c... c...

...c... come to see you, sir.

Ha! You mean, "F... Former Deputy!"

"Former?" Ah, yes... I see what you mean...

I understand that you... came to visit me today, sir...

...but... er... I was out...

I am so sorry to have inconvenienced you... and I ask for your forgiveness.

Fine, fine.

Why don't you lighten up and... drink up.

Y... You're so kind, sir!

My, the world changes so drastically, so quickly!

By the way, Commander, if I may ask one question...

When the world is under the Imperial Force's rule, how will it be different?

Who the hell are you?

I'm a newsman. This will be a major article, so... how about it, sir?

Hmm... Well...

Well, why don't we ask everyone?

Yeah! Everyone! Let's ask everyone!

Let's see now...

What should we make the Deputy do for us?

I know! He can be our bull!

Huh?

He'll be the bull that plows our fields!

C'mon!

All right! What do we want Kisoya to do?

Let's make him a street performer that sings "Kiso no Nakanori!"

All right, then what about KomaTora?!

Oh! He'll be a dog! A watchdog!

Yeah! Let's make him one! Bow Wow!

There!

Ow!

And, what's gonna happen to you, dear?

Me?

Well, as he's such an important person...

...he'll be the new government's top official! Without a doubt!

Oh, really?

With that in mind, I hope you'll treat me kindly!

I guess. Well, maybe I could hire you as a b... bag carrier or something!

Thank you, sir! How about some nice hot sake?

Sir Deputy...

Sir Deputy... Huh...

An express message has just arrived from Edo for you.

All right!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

"You dog! Have you forgotten 300 years of Shogunate favor?

"Do you so quickly wag your tail to the Imperials?

"You must know what is going to happen to you!

"Don't forget that our swords are always around you.

"Signed: Mobile Unit One. "

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Does the Mr. Iwakura that you spoke of... wear a Red Lion like this one?

No. The general's got a really long, white one.

Colonel Aragaki's is also white.

Then, I'm sure that their procession must be quite a sight.

Oh, of course!

They're accompanied by a marching band!

They've got whistles and drums and everything!

Following the band is the awesome Imperial Flag.

And, after the flag comes General Iwakura.

He rides a white horse...

He looks as if he'd just popped out of a storybook. A handsome man.

More handsome than... you, Commander?

Huh? Well...

By the way, Oyo... are you single?

Oh, please!

Here you go, sir.

Why, thank you.

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Excuse me for bringing this up, but...

...what are you gonna do about your wife, Mr. Ichinose?

She's on her own. And so am I. Oh, well.

But, that's...

Boss, what's up? You look like you wanna hang yourself!

That's 'cause you haven't gotten rid of you-know-who, Sir Hanzo.

You mean... him?

Two ryo just isn't enough...

Twenty ryo?

That's quite a jump, isn't it?

Say... where did this money come from?

Commander!

Commander! Huh?

You'll be in big trouble if you aren't careful!

Say what?

I thought it was strange for the Deputy to hurry home...

This is what I happened to find in his pocket.

Wanna read it?

I'm busy now. What does it say?

It's a threat... someone's giving secret orders to the Deputy.

They signed themselves "Mobile Unit One. "

"Mobile Unit One?"

"Mobile Unit One?" Yeah.

The letter claims to be from Edo, but that's a lie.

I don't know who, but some sneaky scum right here...

...is after your life, Commander. That's what it comes down to.

Trouble, Gon!

KomaTora's bodyguard, Ichinose Hanzo, wants to duel with you!

He said that you should walk towards the tavern.

So he's back.

It sure is getting cold!

Are you gonna be all right, Commander?

Trust me!

Oh...

Maybe... he's this "Mobile Unit One!"

Gon, don't go! It's too risky!

Commander!

Hush! I'll be just fine!

Gonzo!

Gonzo!

Kesaji, it's you!

Gonzo... won't you help us, too?

Just what happened to you... How did you get these wounds?!

W... Well... they sent me and my friends to the steep foothills of Mt. Kenashi...

...'cause we couldn't pay our taxes...

...whereupon, they beat us, kicked us... and ordered us to work, cutting trees.

But... I heard that the Imperial Force had come... so I ran away!

All right, Kesaji! Tomorrow, I'll go rescue your friends!

Count on me!

Shit!

Don't come any closer! Get down!

Show me!

Show you what?

Take your hand out of your pocket.

If you must see it...

Let me smell your hand!

If you must...

But it doesn't smell of gunpowder. Just of sake and money.

Then, who just tried to shoot me?!

I don't know...

But I'll say that whoever did it in the dark, is a coward.

I get pissed-off whenever I see a coward.

Well, take care now!

What a weirdo!

No! No!

No! No! What is it?!

Hey! Tomi!

What's wrong?! What scared you?

Oh... I just had a nightmare!

They stripped me naked and forced me to stand in the snow...

They kept whipping me...

Oh, it was so horrible!

Hey!

They used to do that to me a long time ago...

...I couldn't earn enough... so I got punished...

See? I've got the scars, right here!

Damn you, KomaTora!

But, you know, Tomi... it's all right now! Don't you worry!

But... do I deserve to be this happy?

Don't kid around like that... What's wrong with being happy?

All my life, I've been trampled upon...

All my life, I've been scared, always trembling...

And now, overnight, everything's changed...

It's... not unbelievable... but, it feels scary.

Oh, you poor thing!

It was so awful... every night!

Did KomaTora ever hold you in his arms?

No! Don't say that! I don't even wanna see him, ever again!

Hold me... Gon!

Uh-oh! I don't have time for this!

Where are you going?

Mt. Kenashi! To save my friends!

Oh? To Mt. Kenashi? That's a lot of work, so early in the morning.

It's nothing! I'm used to it, as I played on the road all the time as a kid.

It won't be much of a trip!

Then... please be careful.

Certainly!

How did it feel to make love to your man after ten years?

What do you want?!

Oh?

Why the cold shoulder all of a sudden? Eh, Otomi?

I'll call Gon!

Oh? I wonder if he'll come...

He left for Mt. Kenashi first thing this morning, I believe.

Well, isn't it marvelous...

Now you'll be a high lady, the wife of a V.I.P. of the new government!

It sounds a bit too good to be true, if you ask me!

What did you just say?!

Oops! Me and my big mouth!

But, you know, Otomi...

I wonder if such an important figure as Gonzo would really make you...

...a former prostitute, his wife?

Would you shut up! He clearly promised to marry me...

I'm telling you this because I'm worried about you.

You believe everything he tells you, and I'm worried about that.

That's why, you should forget such fairy tales. All I've ever wanted...

...is for you to run my house for me!

So, I'm saying that everything will be fine if you just listen to me!

And, one more thing...

C'mon! C'mon! C'mon!

What the?!

Dammit!

Damn you!

You! Wh... Wh... Who the heck are you?!

G... Gonzo, it's you!

I d... didn't know that it was you!

Roku! You're Roku, aren't you?!

Wh... Who ordered you to do this?!

Who the heck are you?! Answer me!

Are you the so-called "Mobile Unit One?!"

God... dammit!

Don't be a scrooge! Give it all away!

Y... Yes, ma'am. Just a moment, please! Here... Here you are!

There should be a lot more! Ten years' worth!

Yes, ma'am...

Even if your body...

Even if your body...

...lies rotting in the fields of Musashi...

You seem to be in a hurry...

Are you leaving already?

Yes! Now that everything's settled...

...I’m going home to make my folks happy.

I'm gonna go get married...

...as soon as I find a wonderful man like Gon!

Oh!

Oh! I'll see you soon!

What's wrong?!

Listen! Listen up, you rebellious dogs!

I, Deputy Kamio Kintayu, have come to arrest you all!

You will all surrender to us, the authorities!

Oh? Looks like the tables have been turned!

Shit! He's here to get even!

Dammit! Everybody get your weapons!

Get out the mats and block the front and back!

There!

All right!

Hey, fellows... don't take this so seriously...

They're only doing this for show!

"... for show?"

"... for show?" Yeah. See... the Deputy is...

...out to save his ass, because things aren't going his way right now.

This is just a big show... he needs to be seen to be trying to stop us.

Listen up, you young ruffians!

It's not too late to be forgiven. Come out with your hands empty!

Hey, Deputy, my good man...

If YOU give up now, I'll let YOU go.

Enough is enough... It's for your own good.

You're gonna be sorry if you don't stop playing out this little skit.

When my commander, the Red Lion, hears of this, he'll kick your ass!

I won't go! That guy is a phony!

He's an impostor! He's making it all up!

Say what?! You're calling my commander an impostor?!

Wh... What kinda proof have you got?!

Here is undeniable evidence!

He claimed these holy charms came falling down from the sky.

But the truth is, he kept them in his pocket...

...and then had them thrown all over... to fool people!

Why don't you take a look inside his bag?!

He's still got thousands of these things in there!

Goddammit!

Who the heck pinched the papers?!

Don't you fall for such a cheap trick!

He was... He was deceiving you! You blithering idiots!

Maybe... the guy was no more than a peasant's son, after all.

But, don't you worry...

The trickster, you see... has already found a chance to get away!

What're you talking about, you liar?!

The commander headed off towards Mt. Kenashi, to rescue the lumberjacks!

And Mt. Kenashi happens to be on the route leading to Echigo!

And on his way out of town... that bastard even stole...

...the 500-ryo that Kisoya donated!

Stop daydreaming! We've got the 500-ryo right here!

Are you sure about that?!

Are you sure about that?! Of course we've got it!

Then show us, if you can! Of course we've got it!

Then show us, if you can! Sure! I'll show ya!

KomaTora... Sure! I'll show ya!

Having said that... I haven't seen that box full of money since last night...

Does anybody know where it is?

The commander must've put it away someplace safe, but...

Tomi... didn't he mention anything about it at all?

No... I wasn't told anything...

I mean, I was still sleeping when he left this morning.

Then... what about you, Madam?

Nope.

Nope. That's odd...

What kind of man would walk away with that much money?

I wonder... if we've been...

That's right! All of us have been royally screwed!

Get stuffed!

Get stuffed! Whoa!

Now that I think about it, we should've...

...slain the Deputy with our own hands when we had the chance!

If only we had killed him ourselves... we wouldn't be in this predicament!

What should we do now?

Upstairs! We've gotta go upstairs, then escape from the roof!

Stop! Don't move!

Are you all chickening out?!

No! We'll retreat for now, and deal with him at another time!

I don't wanna hear your excuses!

What I wanna hear is whether or not you believe in the commander!

Just that!

B... But... at this rate...

...we'll all be... killed!

I'll kill you...

I'll kill whoever... doesn't believe in him!

Just look at yourselves!

Don't you men have any balls at all?

I believe in him...

He who destroyed all our loan papers...

I believe in him... a god who saved us from a living hell!

If you've got any balls at all, then go fight like men!

Why won't you go fight? Go and fight! Why can't you fight 'til the bitter end?!

All right! Let's get them!

All right, we're coming in! We're coming in, you punks! Charge!

Come on! Get back at them!

Hey, you idle busybodies!

Why don't you help us a little instead of just standing there?!

Throw stones or something! Stab 'em with laundry poles!

Sheesh! We're doing this for you!

This is all for your sake!

Damn you!

Damn you! Get outta here!

Eat this!

Hey!

I know! The Imperial Flag!

I'll put up the Flag... Our Flag!

Hey! I found it! I found it! The commander was no impostor!

Yago!

What the?! What the heck is going on here?!

Our commander, the Red Lion, is back!

W... W... W... Withdraw!

Deputy! What is the meaning of this?!

Oh? It's Yago!

You asshole... how could you do this to such a young man?!

Deputy, I can't let you keep on living!

Wh... Why?

F... Forgive me! Please spare me...

H... He told me that you were... a fake...

A fake?!

Er... lately there's been a lot...

...you see, there are fake Imperial Troopers out causing trouble...

...or so I've been informed, you see...

Er... when you went off to Mt. Kenashi...

...er... we thought that you'd... run away for good... or something...

F... Forgive me!

Shit!

Hey, Deputy! The kid's funeral gift won't be cheap!

Just when it was getting really interesting!

Ha! Their attitude changes as fast as the wind direction!

You know that they were ready to watch us get killed!

They're no friends of ours!

You guys aren't all that different either...

The tiniest threat, and you're chickening out! Sheesh!

Well... one good thing... at least we found the money...

Money? I told Tomi about the money...

Right, Tomi?

I thought I told you that it was under the altar spread...

All you told me... last night...

...was to make crests from that spread... for everyone...

No more than that.

What's wrong, Tomi? Are you feeling all right?

No... Nothing's wrong...

Oh... I know!

Perhaps I just forgot to tell her!

Gee... I'm very sorry, everyone!

It's all my fault... I've caused so much trouble here!

Yago...

...forgive me...

Hey, you idle busybodies! We've got injured people in here!

Somebody go get Dr. Gensai!

One more thing...

A life was lost... lost saving your asses!

Go to the coffin-maker and get a coffin ready!

Can't you at least do that much?!

All that commotion, all for nothing...

Oh, it was a debacle! We had Otomi on our side...

...we had everything just perfectly arranged...

...and then, instead of being killed at Mt. Kenashi, he rides back into town!

He completely screwed up our plan!

Shut up!

We've miscalculated things, yes...

...but he shall certainly soon be killed.

With the help of Mobile Unit One, it is inevitable.

If you don't mind telling me...

...how long are you going to use us to maintain your cover?

I'm sure that employing a "wicked manager" is most inconvenient.

It won't be much longer, I'm convinced.

Gon...

When are you gonna stop this nonsense?

Wh... What are you talking about?!

All this stuff about "world renewal" and "restoration" and so on!

You're gonna get in trouble if you don't knock it off!

Mama, you just don't seem to un... un... un...

"Understand?" Hell, no!

You haven't grown up at all!

Do you remember?

You boasted that you were the tough guy, the kids' leader...

...and loved to look down on everyone.

But when you climbed up the persimmon tree, you fell.

You hit your head hard...

...that's why you're so thick up here!

And now...

...you go pulling a stunt like this!

Don't you see that you're being used?!

Nobody's using me to do anything!

There's really gonna be a world renewal! It's gonna be a peasant's world!

Un... Un... Un...

I understand that! But...

No matter how much the world might change...

...the lives of us peasants aren't gonna change one bit.

That's the kind of feeling I get.

So I'm thinking that...

...before you fall from another persimmon tree...

...you'd better take this, and run away.

What the heck is this?

Some money that I've saved up from working.

Take this, and run away to someplace far away.

'Cause if you don't, you're doomed, no matter how many lives you've got!

Allow us to reveal ourselves to you for the first time...

As Mobile Unit One, our mission is...

...to kill Iwakura Tomosada of the Tosan Throughway Squadron...

...and Colonel Aragaki Yaiichiro...

Yet... this morning, just as we're about to get our chance...

...we lost two of our best men.

Hanzo... please lend us a hand.

You too were once a liege vassal...

...so, for the sake of the Shogunate that prospered for three centuries...

...Hanzo!

Are you familiar with the term, "the river of time?"

What?

Don't you think that the Shogunate crest will be...

...no...

...has already been carried away by that current?

I know... but we want to die honorably, fighting...

...knowing that we die fighting that current of change.

If the flower of the Shogunate crest must wither, best that it does so with grace.

Is there any grace, or ugliness, in death?!

Everything goes into the void...

It all becomes nothing...

That is all there is to it.

That's why... before I die...

...I want to find a cause to which I can devote myself with passion...

Nothing more.

Nothing more. You mean, money?

Well, there is that also... You mean, money?

Then, you'll do nothing... to defend 300 years of Shogunate rule?

For 300-ryo... maybe.

What?!

What?! Wait!

In that case, Hanzo... let us pretend that this talk never happened.

But this Red Lion fellow... You will kill him, yes?

Oh! You mean, the 20-ryo job?

I wonder whose money that really was?

Well, as I was paid, I'll have to make sure the job gets done.

Why, you rotten scum!

Why, you rotten scum! Please wait!

I'm very sorry, gentlemen...

...but, we need to talk in private.

Who's there?!

Oh... it's you, Amagaeru.

Spring has come.

Thunder roars... cats fight...

By the time the Imperial Squadron arrives...

...I wonder if the peach flowers will be blooming?

No... it may too soon for that.

You're a strange woman.

I just can't understand you.

If you want to die so much, why did you marry me?

I'll die in your place...

Don't patronize me!

I hate that kind of behavior. That's why I left you!

I believe it was best for everyone.

Besides, I can't fathom why a man like me, and a woman like you...

...got married in the first place.

Then, why... did you follow me here?

You think that I didn't get over you?

Then, why?

Are you going to interfere with our plans?

Oh?

Do it, if you want to. Your timing is perfect.

I was just starting to dislike living, you know.

I hate you...

You're so cute...

...when you act this way.

What's wrong, Gon?

Gon...

You know, Tomi...

...the truth is, I'm no more than a peasant's son after all.

How can you say such a thing?

What everybody's looking up to is this Red Lion...

...not me.

So as soon I go away for a moment...

...they start shouting that I'm a faker or a phony.

And just because they couldn't find the money box... they lost all faith in me.

No matter how hard I try in the name of the Imperial Flag...

...the peasants don't give a damn...

...and Mama just can't understand me!

Maybe I'm a dim-wit like she said!

But... you've never told a lie.

No...

No... You are not a liar...

...and... you saved me from the living hell I was trapped in.

Tomi!

Tell me, Gon...

...are you really going to make me your wife?

Of course I am!

Even though I used to be a whore? Are you sure?!

Don't ask such an obvious question! You're the only wife for me!

Please forgive me, Gon...

What's wrong?

What's wrong? It's all my fault... Gon...

What's wrong?! What happened?!

Hold me!

Such a wonderful man... How could I do something so awful?

Punish me... I deserve it!

Tomi! Tomi!

Yago, who left us before witnessing the beginning of the new era...

...you, my friend, were a true Warrior of Soumou!

In honor of your bravery...

...allow me to dedicate my poem to you.

"You passed away so young... leaving me...

"Where can I go... now that you're gone?"

Oh? You must've brought a funeral gift.

If it's just pocket change, you'd better turn around and leave!

It's just a token... but here is 500 ryo. Please accept it.

Ha! 500 ryo isn't enough to let you act so uppity!

Then, why don't we accept his horses as well.

Wh... Why that's...

Don't look so bitter. Your gift comes just when we need it most!

Say, is there anyone among you who can ride a horse?

Yes sir!

Yes sir! Commander... what're you gonna do?

We'll deliver this contribution to the Imperial Squadron.

Lack of money has slowed them down.

When I tell the captain about how I was able to convince the people...

...in this village of Sawando... I bet that he'll be so...

Well, Tomi... it looks like I'm an Imperial Force Sekiho Trooper after all!

What?! They're sending men to the Imperial Force?!

Yes, sir.

How could you give them money?! That was totally uncalled for!

Well... well... you see...

...I thought that it'd calm him down for now, see...

It's too dangerous.

That Red Lion fool... he's already aware of our existence.

If he lets the Imperial Force know about us...

All right. I'll kill him.

No! No! Stop it!

What the?! When did he...

Say, Commander, I'm gonna borrow this for a while! I've always wanted to try it!

Shit! You little punk!

Sanji! Are you sure you've ridden a horse before?!

Of course I have! It's nothing!

Say, Commander... sorry to ask, but... could you give my ass a push?

Shit... You're such a pain in the ass!

I've got a weird feeling about this...

Shit...

Geez! I wouldn't know where I'm going... even if somebody pulled me by my nose!

Just follow me!

I've traveled this path since I was little! I can do it with my eyes closed!

Let's go!

Giddyup!

Damn...

Giddyup!

Giddyup!

Halt!

Get off your horses, you suspicious men!

It's the Imp... Imperial Squadron's temporary camp!

What? The Sekiho Troop?

Shall we get rid of them, sir?

No. I'll go see them.

Wow! There's a White Lion!

Yeah. And a Black Lion, too.

But you know... when all's said and done, the Red Lion is the best!

Yeah!

Are you the men from... Sawando village?

Yes, sir.

Pardon me, sir... Are you Sir Sagara Sozo?

This is Sir Aragaki Yaiichiro of the Tosan Throughway Squadron!

Sir! "The people of Sawando village fully support the imperial cause.

"We await the squadron's arrival. " That's my commander's message... er...

Sir Minamoto-no Gonzaburo, that is.

Sir Minamoto-no Gonzaburo, that is. That region belongs to the Shogunate...

I believe a deputy was in charge of it.

Yes, sir. And, our commander tamed him like he was a little cat.

Oh? By himself? How wonderful!

So... if the squadron went there now, there would be no resistance, right?

Correct, sir! You can just walk right through... unarmed, even.

Now that is just splendid!

Now that is just splendid! Thank you, sir.

And so... what's this "contribution money" that I was told about?

Yes, sir... Right here, sir!

Oh... er... where is the gentleman named Sir Sagara Sozo?

Hmm? Oh... Sagara Sozo, eh?

He's right over there...

He's right over there... Huh?

Huh?

Right behind you. Huh?

The one on the far right... that's Sagara Sozo's head.

Sagara Sozo of the so-called Sekiho Troop... "

What's the meaning of this?!

The Sekiho Troop fraudulently represented themselves as Imperial Advance Troops...

...and made false promises, like halving taxes and loan cancellation.

As their disgraceful actions dishonored the Imperial Crest they wore...

...they were executed last night.

You're guilty of the same crimes!

W... Wait a sec!

B... But... that stuff about halving taxes... wasn't that an order...

...made by a higher authority of the new government?!

I've no recollection of giving such orders.

They were an unauthorized action on the part of Sagara and his men.

Th... That's strange!

That's why our commander fought for you...

I'm not gonna say "Oh, I see... okay... " and leave! I ain't no moron!

Well, you did come all this way to deliver a large sum of money, after all...

Let me explain.

Let me explain. Yeah, tell us!

Just how do you expect the new government to survive...

...if they can only collect half the taxes...

...when there are already enough problems to deal with?

I get it! When you figured out that you couldn't keep your end of the deal...

...you made scapegoats out of the "fake" Sekiho Troop!

People said great things about those "fakes," everywhere they traveled...

Oh, a-ha! I get it! The higher-ups got jealous!

So you used them, and then threw them away! How convenient!

Fakers?! Impostors?! To hell with the Imperial Flag!

Kill them.

Shoot him! Don't let him get away!

"Guestroom for Sir Sagara Sozo of the Sekiho Troop. "

"Honorable First and Second Squads. " All right! Put them out in order!

All right! Put them out in order!

"Honorable Third through Sixth Squads. " All right! Put them out in order!

"Honorable Third through Sixth Squads. " Put up the signs.

"Honorable Vanguard Sekiho Troop Auxiliary Unit. " Put up the signs.

"Honorable Vanguard Sekiho Troop Auxiliary Unit. " Make it look good.

"Honorable Vanguard Sekiho Troop Auxiliary Unit. "

"Honorable Seventh and Eighth Squads. "

"Honorable Seventh and Eighth Squads. " All right. Number six should be out a little more.

"Honorable Seventh and Eighth Squads. " Hey, fellow! Number three!

Hey, fellow! Number three!

So? How do you plan on doing it?

It's got nothing to do with you, does it?

Just that... I was wondering what Oyo will be doing... That's all.

Can't get over her, right?

Can't get over her, right? Nothing like that...

I was only curious, that's all.

You will destroy the Red Lion...

That should be your only concern!

Hey... Hey...

Hey... gather all that junk... and take it out back!

What?! "Bogus Troop?!" Four men were killed?!

The squadron should be here soon, I'm sure.

I should go inform the deputy...

Sure.

Good! If I catch him alive... it'll make a hell of a gift for the Imperial Squadron!

"Peaceful is the uninformed. " We'll lay an ambush... and he'll be ours!

Wait! If you make a mess out of it, you'll wreck all of our plans.

Well, why don't you leave it all to me, for the time being.

Wh... Wh... What is it? What're we talkin' about?

Well, you see... We were thinking of drinking... a celebration...

...in anticipation of the Imperial Squadron's arrival!

Not such a bad idea.

Not such a bad idea. Right, sir!

Now that things have settled down a bit... well... why not!

Hanzo...

He's come.

Shall we?

It's Sanji! Sanji is back!

Oh! I'll deal with you later!

Sanji!

Sanji!

Sanji! Sanji!

Sanji! What happened?!

They got us...

They got us... What?!

T... The guys were all killed!

We were told... that the Sekiho Troop was bogus!

Say what?!

Say what?! Sir Sagara Sozo was... beheaded!

What?!

What?! You were being duped, Commander...

They were using you... They were using you for their own ends!

We got so pissed... so we showed 'em really good!

"One... " "Two... " "Three!"

Sanji!

This has got to be a mistake! Some kind of a mistake!

This can't possibly be true!

I'm a trooper of the Imperial Squadron!

An imperial trooper, no matter what anybody says!

Look at the Imperial Crest! Look at this Red Lion!

Goddammit!

Listen, Sekiho Troopers, you Imperial Squadron impostors!

By order of the Imperial Squadron's Commander... you're under arrest!

I'll destroy you! Lemme go!

I'll destroy you! Lemme go! Gonzo!

Gonzo!

What are you doing?! Gonzo!

What are you doing?!

What are you doing?! Gon!

Gon!

Let me go! Gon!

Let me go!

Let me go! Gon!

Gon!

What are you doing?! Gon!

What do you think you're doing?

We'll see whether the true squadron or the impostor will win.

You know, like the saying goes: "Winners write the histories. "

Busybodies who have nothing to do with this should get lost.

Why did you?

Didn't I tell you before how much I hate the Imperial Squadron?

And you're a fake, so I don't have to deal with you!

Geez! What an oddball he is!

Osode... Osode...

You can hit the bottle from here, can't you?

Yes. I can.

You! Farmer! Have five men of the Imperial Squadron come this way?

Yes... They've come, yes...

...but they were all killed by those wretched Sekiho troopers.

Sirs, I'm Deputy Kamio Kintayuu, in charge of this region!

Is the Imperial Squadron's main force here yet?

I'm a local merchant... Kisoya Kihei!

I'm the one who contributed 500 ryo! Is the Squadron Commander here?

No! No! We've no intention of resisting you!

None whatsoever!

Here! Here! See? As you can see! As you can clearly see!

W... We two have come here...

...to see the Imperial Squadron Commander... personally...

...as there's a matter we wish to report... and that's why we are here!

Stop! Speak from right there!

T... T... The Sekiho Troop's... scum Gonzo...

...has been... b... by... our own efforts...

...been trapped inside a whorehouse called Komagane-ya...

That's right, sir!

That's right, sir! He's a trapped mouse! A trapped mouse!

He's a trapped mouse! A trapped mouse!

That's right, sir! He's a trapped mouse! A trapped mouse!

Uh-huh. That's very good.

There is one more thing I wish to tell you...

Just inside town... is a group of plotters who seek to take...

...the life of the Imperial Squadron's Commander.

They're called the "Mobile Unit One... "

Over there!

They've come again!

They've come again! Shit...

Guys, you'd better make a run for it!

There's no more reason for you to be with me.

Damn it! I don't understand what's going on anymore!

Teacher... what's the meaning of this?

Is this what "world renewal" is all about?!

Theory and real life can sometimes come into conflict...

...well, it happens sometimes.

I told you so, didn't I?

What changes are the flowers on the official crest... Nothing more.

Gon... don't you just sit there!

You better run away... or you'll be killed!

Gonzo...

Sometimes the winner is he who runs away from it all, you know.

They've started fighting again by the stables!

What...

...by the stables?

Gonzo... remember, you've only got one life to live.

Mobile Unit One, and a liege vassal of 2000 koku...

...I am Monna Hyougo!

...and I am... Wakiya Shinroku!

...and I am... Sakai Tanobo!

...and I am... Yamaguchi Hikotayu!

Attack!

Fire!

Dear!

Dear! Shoot!

Withdraw! Withdraw!

Dear...

Do you see it... under the bridge?

C'mon, everybody! Run for it! Now's the chance!

Make a run for it!

Gonzo is right...

If we just stay here, we're doomed!

Everyone should get out of here at once!

Chuuta! Genta!

What about you, teacher?! Aren't you going to escape, too?!

No... I must lead the people...

Thank you very much, sir!

Everyone come out!

Everyone except the wretched scum of the Sekiho Troop, come out!

Even if you have helped them in the past...

...if you come out right now, you'll be forgiven! They'll be merciful!

Everybody... now's your chance to come out!

I beg you, everybody... Get outta here, please!

If you don't, I'll kill you all!

If you don't, I'll kill you all! You idiot!

You idiot!

Ow! You idiot!

You're their commander! If you really are one, then act like one!

Gon...

When you fell down from that persimmon tree...

...you held on tight to the persimmon fruit in your hand.

Don't you see what you've done?

Don't you see what you've done? It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

See that?

Your persimmon fruits... are walking around.

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

You've... really renewed the world...

Even if just for these three days...

...you've made the world ours, a peasant's world!

You've accomplished something nobody else could.

Gon...

...if you live, you can do it again... again and again!

Y... You think so... Mama, you think so?

Not just you and me...

Everybody thinks that way.

Take this... and take the back road behind the shrine...

...and head for Myoujin Peak!

Only the locals know that route!

C'mon! If the commander doesn't get on with it, nobody will follow you!

Hurry up and lead the people!

Hurry up and lead the people! Yeah! I'll go with all of you!

Yeah!

You'll be too easy to spot, so spread out and get out the back!

Commander... we will be waiting for you at the shrine.

Sure.

Sure. Let's go!

Let's go!

Yeah! Let's go!

Where's Tomi?!

Tomi?!

Where's Tomi?!

Is Tomi... gone? Did Tomi... Did she leave without me?

Don't just stand there, you jerk!

Don't just stand there, you jerk! You, stop pushing!

Boss! Please spare my Gon!

Please! Ask the Imperial Squadron Commander!

Please spare his life! Please! I'll do anything!

Boss, please... If I can only ask one thing in life, this is my request!

Shut up!

Shut up! Boss! Please, do something!

Boss! Please, do something!

Shut up, will ya! Boss! Please, do something!

I'm begging you!

I'm begging you! Who gives a damn about your man?!

Commander of the Imperial Squadron... Sir...

Sir...

Fire!

Tomi!

Tomi!

Gon...

I'm... your... wife, aren't I?

Oh...

Goddamn... you!

Damn you! Damn you! Damn you!

Is this what the Imperial Squadron is about?!

Where's the guy who called me an "Impostor" and a "Phony"?!

C'mon, Aragaki! Come out!

How dare you make a fool out of me!

Fire!

To hell with the Restoration! To hell with the "world renewal!"

Damn you... You wretched bastards!

Fire!

Bastards...

Fire!

Holy shrine charms came falling down from the sky, don't you know!

The gods were with our commander, the Red Lion, after all!

Dance... Dance...

Let us dance!

"It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!"

Let us dance...

Let us dance, for our commander the Red Lion is...

...the true god for us peasants!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

If something stinks, cover it with paper.

If the paper gets torn, glue some more on. Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Commander!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Commander!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

Keep pushing! Keep pushing! Never mind!

Push hard! Push hard! Never mind!

Keep pushing! Keep pushing! Never mind!

Push hard! Push hard! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

It's okay! It's okay! Never mind!

The End