Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU-HAIYUZA COPRODUCTION

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A SHOCHIKU PRODUCTION

Between 1760 and 1786, Japan was ruled...

by the tenth Tokugawa shogun, Ieharu.

Under the sway of Grand Councilor Okitsugu Tanuma,

government business was riddled with bribery and corruption.

The resultant breakdown in law and order...

led to the rise of a shadowy underworld...

of organized crime syndicates.

The people of the time called these groups...

"hunters in the dark."

HUNTERS IN THE DARK

Executive Producers

MASAYUKI SATO GINICHI KISHIMOTO, SHIGEMI SUGISAKI

Based on the Novel by SHOTARO IKENAMI

Screenplay by NAOTO KITAZAWA

Associate Producers TAKESHI ENDO and HIDEJI MIYAJIMA

Photography by TADASHI SAKAI

Music by MASARU SATO

Starring

TATSUYA NAKADAI

KEIKO KISHI, AYUMI ISHIDA

MAKOTO FUJITA, ISAO NATSUKI

KAYO MATSUO, AI KANZAKI TATSUO UMEMIYA. HAJIME HANA

Narrated by TOSHIYUKI HOSOKAWA

TETSURO TAMBA. EIJIRO TONO

YOSHIO HARADA, SONNY CHIBA

Directed by HIDEO GOSHA

EDO - 1784

Our target is the first palanquin.

Whatever you do, don't hit the second.

We want the first one. You got that?

Who's there?

You keep staring at the lantern.

Why?

SECRET HIDEOUT - THE KAMESEN RIVERSIDE TEAHOUSE

Good morning.

What lovely red camellias.

The camellias?

- Here you are. - Thank you.

Good morning.

Thank you.

These are for the room in back.

Is that right?

I'm impressed. Not many people study Tenjin-Shirai sword technique.

No, I've swung a stick around in fun - that's all.

I apologize for last night.

You got in so late, I had nothing to offer you.

You could have let me know earlier.

As they say, all is tasty to a hungry man.

Isn't that right, Tanigawa?

Absolutely.

By the way, this is Omon.

She manages this inn for me...

and makes sure my men know what's going on.

I am Yataro Tanigawa. Pleased to meet you.

Tanigawa has agreed to work for me.

Or rather,

he's a formidable ally who will be my secret weapon.

Please take good care of him.

See that he has a quiet place to rest up before evening.

I'm at your service, Mr. Tanigawa.

Now, Tanigawa,

I want you to know how much I'm counting on you.

Goodness! I really should change this scroll.

So, what sort of mood was the boss in?

He seemed pleased.

It stands to reason.

After all, with Tokuzo of Shirogane out of the way,

he only has Jihei of Shiba to contend with for control of Edo.

Everything gets decided tonight.

Too bad I can't be there to see it.

Don't get any ideas.

Well, Tanigawa...

it's time we got going.

Omon.

Omon.

Are you sure everything will go as planned?

There's no turning back now, you know.

I suppose you're right.

The arrow has left the bow.

But... what if...

what if -

Forget the what ifs.

Jihei's not the sort...

to bungle a thing like this.

They're supposedly meeting to divvy up control of the Edo underworld,

but one quick stab...

and Gomyo's finished.

But what about that ronin?

Can we really count on him?

That ronin?

There's no doubt in my mind.

He knows...

that I saved his life.

- Sorry to keep you waiting, Gomyo. - Hello, Boss Jihei.

As agreed, I brought just one bodyguard,

and I came unarmed.

I'm not concerned about that.

We're here for a heart-to-heart on how to divide up Edo's underworld.

As I see it, my girl's all the bodyguard I need.

But your man with his double swords -

rather looks like you're expecting trouble.

No need to read anything into it.

I'm sure we can settle things amicably.

Listen to you.

Boss Tokuzo was killed last night.

Fell into a trap at Omodaka Bridge.

What of it?

Having one of the big three bosses gone...

certainly makes our life easier.

But what are the chances you were behind that little plot?

Boss Jihei,

I hope your thing for this girl hasn't turned you soft in the head.

All this talk of traps and plots -

maybe you need to educate your friend here...

that in our line of work, you don't ask too many questions...

about that sort of thing.

True enough.

But now it's my turn for a little plot of my own.

Boss Gomyo,

could you be an easier mark?

How did a man like you ever get to be an underworld boss?

Get this.

Your right-hand man Yaichi, who arranged this meeting,

has been getting real cozy with Omon...

and long since sold out your sorry hide.

What do you think of that?

Eh, Boss Gomyo?

Go to hell.

If you're gonna kill me let's get it over with.

That's the spirit.

And I'm happy to oblige.

Do it.

You bastard!

Damn you!

Damn you!

SECRET HIDEOUT - LANTERN SHOP

Welcome back.

What do you think you're doing?

You better have a good explanation or there'll be hell to pay.

What's going on here?

Did you think just because the boss was away...

you could get uppity with his second?

What's this about, Sakimatsu?

- What in the world - - I suggest you be quiet, Omon.

- Yaichi. - What?

You said the boss was away.

I'd like to hear from your lips exactly where he's gone...

and what for.

From my lips?

You have any objection?

All right.

I'll give it to you straight.

The boss

is no longer of this world.

What's more,

Jihei's men will be here any minute now...

to shut every one of you up for good if need be.

That's how it is.

So you're saying...

you sold Boss Gomyo out to Jihei?

There's no time for questions.

If you value your lives then swear loyalty to me.

And be quick about it, or -

And if I'm among those who value their lives?

Boss!

The underworld code says the penalty for betrayal is a slow death...

by one stab of the dagger from everyone here.

What about Omon?

I never thought you would betray me.

I'm ready.

Do whatever you want with me.

If I die at your hand,

I'll have no complaint.

Since you left me for that stranger who threw herself in the river,

I've already fallen to the depths of hell.

Boss...

we should follow the code.

This picture again?

You've certainly got a childish streak in you.

Forever gazing at that same old picture.

But we will go there someday, won't we?

You promised we'd go together.

Yes, someday.

Since you want to go so badly.

It's funny.

With you always begging to go,

I feel like I've already been there.

Boss...

Just finish me off.

Just finish me off, please.

Look, Yaichi,

we all swore to live by the code.

It's a little late to beg for mercy now.

Falling in love with a forbidden woman -

that was my undoing.

I have no grudge against the boss.

Just finish me off, like the code says.

If it were anything else, we could offer apologies in your place,

but an attempt on the boss's life is unforgivable.

Omon...

Boss...

is something wrong?

You look so grim.

I've missed you.

Yesterday... today.

I've been so lonely without you.

Don't say that.

Don't tell me you're lonely.

I love you.

Oriha.

I'm floating.

Floating...

I feel like I'm floating.

Is this it - the place where I'm to die?

Omon,

the laws of the underworld say women must be dispatched without blood.

So accept what you've got coming and take a dive.

Goodness, you needn't be in such a hurry.

We've known each other for a long time.

At least

let me get ready.

Omon...

what are you doing?

Don't do that.

The famous mistress of Kamesen...

is to wash up as a corpse.

You can at least let me straighten my kimono.

It's not gonna work, you know.

I'm not like Yaichi.

That's not gonna work with me.

My, my...

I never thought you were so timid.

Look.

No more sharp objects.

Why don't you frisk me and see?

I can't do that.

No, Omon.

I can't do that.

You want me, don't you?

Then why not have me?

I'll be dead soon anyway.

I mustn't.

Hey, Omon...

what do you think you're -

SECRET HIDEOUT - ICHINOYU BATHHOUSE

Please finish up quickly. We're closing now.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Well, well, it's the inspector from Kanatsugibashi.

- I've come for a nice long soak. - Actually, we're closing early today.

Perhaps another day?

He likes the water piping hot. You got that?

Please, Inspector.

I'm an officer of the law in service to the shogun.

Are you really sure you want to cross me?

Not at all, sir.

"Profits gain in effect when given as an offering."

Very good.

"The civil servant's child must extend a grasping hand."

Now that's the truth.

From Lord Tanuma on high to us little guys walking the beat,

nothing gets done unless palms get greased.

That's what it's saying.

Couldn't have said it better.

Now hold on just one second! Are you mocking me?

This is unforgivable! - Please, Inspector. He's upstairs.

What? The boss is here?

A comic ditty making the rounds at the time said,

"Never could I aspire to Lord Tanuma's heights,

but surely I can hope to at least become shogun."

Okitsugu Tanuma's power and influence exceeded even the shogun's.

The gate of the grand councilor's mansion

was thronged with favor-seekers bearing bribes,

turning the vicinity into a veritable marketplace.

You seem deeply unhappy that you did not receive...

the promised appointment as overseer of Ezo.

Indeed, sire.

Now that the seizure of Kitamae fief has been completed without incident,

at this point...

I believe my services are no longer necessary.

You don't mince words.

I appointed Lord Ishikawa of Kazue to that post.

If you want to know why...

it's because there are still elements who want to revive the Kitamae Clan.

And your concern is?

I hardly think the country samurai of Ezo can accomplish much,

but should they uncover the slightest fault in what we've done,

it could hurt you,

or even me.

Surely you needn't be concerned about that, sire.

It's by being concerned with the slightest details...

and attending to each of them with the greatest of care...

that I've maintained my hold on this position of power...

for over ten years.

Until these Kitamae malcontents have been completely rooted out,

I need you to continue the undercover work...

I've asked you to do here in Edo.

When all cause for concern has been eliminated,

I promise to make you governor of Ezo.

Good enough?

He seems nervous about us.

Can't blame him, the way the boss dumped us on him.

You're sure it's all right if I stay here with you?

I doubt the boss would mind.

Do you really -

Do you really not remember anything...

about your past?

No.

I don't.

I hope you never do.

Why?

I'm afraid of what might happen if you remembered.

Even if a time comes when I do remember my past...

I won't change.

Then why don't you -

What?

If you go on working for the boss...

I just know something terrible is going to happen.

So it seems

we're down to just seven men.

The knaves...

think they can stand up to Grand Councilor Tanuma.

They're damn good with their swords,

but they're also crafty sons of bitches.

I must ask you to stop right there.

The reason for an assignment...

is something we don't inquire of our clients...

in the underworld.

I don't know about other bosses,

but my practice is to make my own inquiries.

Mr. Shimoguni,

you used to be...

the official representative in Edo...

for the Kitamae Clan, whose fief was seized last year,

and yet you plotted the breakup of the clan you represented,

cozied up to Lord Tanuma...

and became his trusted lieutenant.

And I believe what you've asked me to do...

is nothing other than to hunt down the remnants of the group...

that has been trying to revive the clan.

Then let me ask you this.

What do you think of their leader...

Chief Retainer Kakizaki?

Talk of reviving the clan sounds noble enough,

but he got where he is only by lineage and favoritism. He's incompetent.

As for me,

I'm a man who arranged the undoing of my own clan -

a traitor.

But let me say this, Gomyo.

I gave up on my clan and stood idly by as it was destroyed...

only because I could see...

that changing times had created forces no one could hold back.

Listen, Gomyo.

Once I saw the clan was doomed,

I decided to make a clean break...

and instead pursue a new dream...

across the vast and boundless land of Ezo.

Ezo?

That's right. Ezo.

I dream of opening up the land of Ezo...

with my own hands, my own wits.

Endless plains...

vast herds of wild horses...

more fish than anyone could catch...

lakes where ten thousand waterfowl play.

It's not just a dream!

It's not just a dream!

Once this business is taken care of,

I will be named governor of Ezo.

Think about it, Gomyo.

There's more to life than being master of the underworld.

Why not come out into the daylight?

You and me, a samurai and a townsman -

together we could pursue great dreams in Ezo.

Isn't that what life's all about?

Sorry.

You're probably wondering what hit you.

Don't worry. You have plenty of time to think it over.

Hello, Inspector. Long time no see.

- Hello there, miss. - We appreciate your vigilance, sir.

You're so pretty. I can't stand it.

Uh-oh.

It's burning.

Oh, well.

It's a bit scorched, but it'll have to do.

What's the matter?

Don't worry about the police. They went on by.

Here you go.

Stop sulking, will you?

You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me.

And besides...

I've tasted the fruit.

What do you expect me to say?

I'll never meet another woman like you,

no matter how long I live.

So I'm not letting you go, even if it kills me.

Do whatever you want with me.

I...

I already...

died once anyway.

Stop saying that.

Forget all about your underworld life...

and being the boss's woman.

I'll help you forget. Okay?

Tonight's the night.

The boss asked me to bring you your advance payment.

And the target?

The group's gathering for a meeting.

I've got my work cut out for me.

This one's gonna be a real matter of life or death.

Two or three I can take on with confidence.

But six or seven -

You mean...

Can you help me get ready, Sukegoro?

Of course.

I have another request too.

If I get killed,

I want you to give that money to Osaki.

Sure.

That'll be fine.

I'm counting on you.

All right.

Welcome!

We're out-of-towners who don't know Edo very well.

Shimoguni's thugs are bound to catch up with us.

Not necessarily.

We've been blind to the perfect hideout.

Next time, we'll meet at the Kitamae Clan's family temple.

You mean the Hannya-in in Asakusa?

It's gotten pretty run down lately,

but it's the perfect hideout.

Instead of worrying about a hideout, sir,

why don't we go on the initiative

and eliminate Shimoguni?

Don't underestimate him. He's a formidable opponent.

Then let me ask, sir: What is our plan?

Plan? Plan for what?

For reviving the Kitamae Clan.

There was no hope of that to begin with.

- No hope? - Sir!

How can you say that?

Look.

How can we revive the clan when we don't even know where our young lord is?

Then what have we been doing all this time?

Looking for a way to push Shimoguni aside and get Lord Tanuma's ear.

Look.

Every plot slips up somewhere...

and leaves a chink open in its armor.

They left our young lord alive. We just need to find him.

What are you grinning about?

Planning sweet nothings with your lady after your nightcap?

Must be nice.

All right. Ready to go.

I guess there's more to you than meets the eye, Kasuke.

Welcome.

Bring me sake.

Here you are, sir.

Aren't you keeping your lady waiting?

It's cold out. I'll have one more for the road, nice and hot.

Right away.

Heizaburo?

Heizaburo Sasao!

You!

Heizaburo, I'm your friend Sugioka!

Omon!

How about a drink?

No, thanks.

I'm not washed up yet.

Not by a long shot.

I've still got plenty of chances to hit it big.

I'm not gonna be eating chaff forever.

Look, Omon.

When I get my hands on a chunk of money,

let's move to Osaka...

and get a fresh start.

You gotta understand how I feel.

You can't give me the cold shoulder now.

If you do -

Boss...

You're stuck on him.

You're stuck on that Yataro fellow, aren't you?

Why would you -

Lately...

you've had a new glow about you.

Just because he showed you a good time...

we can't have you going for wool and coming back shorn.

That just won't do.

Why do you think...

Boss Jihei planted you in Gomyo's operation?

It was for a chance just like this.

But look at you!

No, really, Oren.

You have to trust me.

Just tell me when and I'll lure him out for you.

That's more like it.

Otherwise how can Jihei ever rest in peace?

Whatever it takes,

even if I have to do it from my grave,

I intend to avenge Jihei's death.

Anyway,

just so long as you remember you're living...

by the code of the underworld.

Right, Osaki?

You're all right!

Thank goodness!

Undo my sash, would you?

You'll get your kimono dirty.

Take my things to the owner at the front counter.

"From Tanigawa for Osaki."

Osaki.

Kill him! Now!

Yataro!

Kill him!

Kill him!

Now's our chance! Kill him!

Yataro!

Filthy bitch!

Damn you!

Tanigawa! Is it bad, Tanigawa?

Hold on, Tanigawa.

SECRET HIDEOUT - LANTERN SHOP

He needs a doctor. What should we do?

Just when the boss is out, too.

- Tanigawa! - We've got to get a doctor!

No!

No doctors.

Too many questions. Could get the boss in trouble.

- Tanigawa! - Let me see what I can do.

Sorry to barge in like this, ma'am.

Are you all right, Mr. Tanigawa?

I'm sure you men have other things to do.

Right. We've gotta clean up.

We'll leave him to you.

Careful.

Thanks.

I'm afraid I don't know you.

I'm sorry.

My name is Yataro Tanigawa.

Mr. Tanigawa?

Thanks, Oriha. Good of you to step in.

It was nothing.

That's a nasty wound.

I got caught with my guard down. Sorry.

I'm the one who should apologize, but first thing now is to fix you up.

Oriha? - Yes, sir.

I need some cotton.

- I'll go. - No, that's all right.

Sir?

It's been a long time.

I believe I have some information you'd be interested in.

Kasuke, was it?

Yes, sir. Good to see you, sir.

So,

what is this information you speak of?

The whereabouts of a samurai named Heizaburo Sasao.

Heizaburo Sasao?

The man who tried to kill you but wound up killing his own father instead.

There were some killings at Esashiya last night.

I believe he was the swordsman.

There's a rumor going around that former retainers of the Kitamae Clan

are quietly being eliminated by underworld assassins.

What do you make of that, sir?

- I'm not sure. - Well, as it happens...

I hold two keys to solving that puzzle.

Keys?

That's right.

There's a woman with a bitter grudge against underworld boss Gomyo.

She happens to be living with me now.

You want me to buy your pillow talk?

There's something else.

There were only two witnesses to Zenzaemon's Sasao death -

his son Heizaburo...

and myself.

Heizaburo.

Father!

Asakusa...

Hannya-in.

Zenzaemon's dying words...

have to be worth at least 100 ryo to you.

I believe I'd like to hear

the rest of that story sometime.

Perhaps you could come to my house.

Not a chance.

That'd be like a moth flying into the flame.

If you want to reach me,

there's a riverside teahouse in Shinbori called Kamesen.

Tie a note to a branch of the willow tree there.

A teahouse in Shinbori?

Yes.

It's empty now. Nobody goes there.

The name is Kamesen?

Yes, sir. Now, if you'll excuse me...

Are you satisfied...

Mr. Sharaku?

I've been looking...

for a man like you.

This...

is all I can offer.

You're worth 100 ryo yourself.

Is that right?

I know where Gomyo's hiding.

You can hit him when he comes crawling out into the open.

Don't screw this up.

Don't worry.

Oriha?

Thank you for taking good care of me.

I read the book you lent me the other day.

And?

One of the stories was a travel journal.

Yes.

What about it?

Mr. Tanigawa...

Mr. Tanigawa...

are you still unable to remember anything from the past?

Yes.

But oddly enough...

I haven't forgotten how to read.

Look at this.

Doesn't this drawing...

bring back any memories?

This sound.

The tinkle of this bell.

Doesn't it awaken anything?

Miss Oriha.

Ezo.

The Kitamae Clan.

Don't those names mean anything?

What are you asking, Miss Oriha?

You know something, don't you?

Miss Oriha!

Heizaburo!

You do know something.

Miss Oriha!

Heizaburo!

You are Heizaburo Sasao!

I don't understand.

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

I'm sorry.

Tell me.

Who are you?

Tell me.

The Hannya-in.

Go to the Hannya-in temple in Asakusa.

If you go there...

everything will become clear.

Yataro Tanigawa is a man

SECRET HIDEOUT - SOMEZEN DYE SHOP whom I cannot afford to leave alive.

Why don't you call him by his real name - Heizaburo Sasao?

Heizaburo Sasao was a retainer of the former Kitamae Clan.

Just before the clan was broken up, he disappeared

after being attacked on the way to Edo with his wife.

It was you who ordered the attack.

Oh, you needn't tell me any more.

That's the way of the underworld.

At least that's what I'd normally say.

Gomyo.

At this point,

being secretive gains me nothing.

This goes back...

to events of two years ago.

When the Kitamae fief was to be seized,

the only means we had of saving the clan...

was through our young lord Kanemaru.

With this in mind,

Kanemaru's guardian Zenzaemon Sasao came to me,

begging me to meet with Lord Tanuma...

to forestall the breakup of the clan.

After our lord killed himself in a fit of madness...

it's only natural that the clan be disciplined.

But abolishment,

along with the seizure of clan lands,

is going too far and must be prevented.

Please embrace our young lord Kanemaru

and appeal to Lord Tanuma...

to allow our young lord to carry on the family name.

Thankfully,

you are on very close terms with Lord Tanuma.

I beg you.

He finally left,

after reassurances from me.

But on his way home,

the crest on the lantern...

caused him to be mistaken for me,

and he was attacked by an assassin.

The assassin...

was none other than Zenzaemon's own son, Heizaburo.

The man now in your employ by the name of Yataro Tanigawa.

He killed his own father?

A strange fate.

With Zenzaemon's death,

all possibility of saving the Kitamae Clan...

vanished forever.

But as Zenzaemon lay dying,

he said something to Heizaburo.

I must find out what it was and make sure there are no loose ends,

or my dream for the future could be in jeopardy.

Gomyo, remember when I spoke to you of my dream for Ezo?

How about it?

You just have to make up your mind.

What do you say, Gomyo?

Even a lotus mired in mud blossoms from time to time.

I have no use for such dreams now.

Gomyo!

I'm afraid I can't give you an answer on the spot.

Why not?

My business is built...

on the mutual exchange of favors...

and the tangle of debts and obligations they incur.

It's not so easy to break loose...

purely out of self-interest.

Are you saying you need time to do some untangling?

And one other thing -

What is it, sir?

She threw herself in the river.

Why would she do a thing like that?

Stop asking useless questions and get a doctor.

I need some time.

I can't wait long.

I'll give you until midnight tonight.

Very well.

Midnight tonight.

Right.

Right here.

Bring Heizaburo Sasao here by midnight.

Understand?

And if you don't show...

I trust you'll be prepared...

for the consequences.

You needn't worry.

One good thing about my business...

is that you learn to live without regrets.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

You better be here. Understand?

Midnight!

Midnight, Gomyo!

He's not strong enough yet to go out on his own.

Do you have any idea where he went, ma'am?

He said something about a family temple.

He said he came to Edo to visit -

That's it.

His family temple is Hannya-in, in Asakusa.

Boss.

That's got to be it.

That must be where he went.

Well, well.

The face of the child lives on in the adult.

Those eyes, that mouth -

they show clear traces from 20 years ago.

You are Zenzaemon Sasao's son Heizaburo.

No doubt about it.

You are Heizaburo Sasao of the Kitamae Clan.

Sadahachi, take Oriha to the storehouse at Kamesen.

No.

I don't want to go.

I don't want to be separated from you.

No.

Listen, Oriha.

There's something I must do.

As soon as I'm done, I'll meet you there.

You go on ahead and wait for me.

No.

I won't.

- That's enough! - No!

No!

- Boss! Take it easy! - Back off!

Mind your own business!

I'll attend to you myself later.

Until then,

please just do as I say.

All right?

Good.

Now go.

Go.

What are you waiting for?

Boss!

Listen, everyone!

Pay close attention to what I'm about to say and tell the others.

Why so formal all of a sudden, boss?

Starting right now, I'm bringing down the curtain on this organization.

What?

What the blazes do you mean?

I don't have time to explain.

I'm just...

sick and tired of this business.

Here's the deal.

As a parting gift, let me give you just one tip.

Tonight...

when the midnight bells finish tolling,

the Edo police will be out in force.

So get your affairs in order by then, and run or hide to save your skin.

If you're still hanging around here at midnight, you'll never see tomorrow.

- Boss! - One more thing.

In the back you'll find the strongbox with all the money you helped earn.

Divide it up among yourselves.

- Hold on a second, boss. - You can't do this!

I don't wanna hear it! I'm not your boss anymore!

We owe each other nothing!

Cast off your shackles and start looking out for yourselves!

Got that?

Your father...

left this letter case with me...

when he returned to Ezo from Edo.

He wanted me to give it to you should anything happen to him.

Inside you'll find...

the Kitamae Fief charter, signed by Ieyasu Tokugawa himself.

"The land of Ezo shall be the hereditary fiefdom of the Kitamae Clan."

If you show it to the shogunate,

it's not something they can lightly ignore.

The letter case also contains the location...

where the young lord is hiding in the Chichibu Mountains.

Reverend priest,

what exactly...

does that have to do with this Heizaburo you speak of?

Your father laid down his life trying to save your clan and its retainers.

You must carry on his will to ensure that his sacrifice was not in vain.

Why should I care about any of that?

Though a man must live in the present,

he cannot discard the past.

Listen to me, Heizaburo.

A hesitant heart is filled with doubt.

You must lay your life on the line to revive the clan.

I don't know.

Make no mistake, Heizaburo.

The fate of the Kitamae Clan rests on your shoulders.

I just don't know.

Right now

all that means nothing to me.

What do you think you're doing?

We've been listening with great interest.

Heizaburo Sasao, your life and that letter case are ours.

Would you take advantage of a clan crisis for personal gain?

Get out!

Heizaburo!

The letter case!

The letter case!

Heizaburo!

Hagino!

Hagino!

Tanigawa!

Tanigawa! You must pull yourself together!

It's me.

You're gonna be all right. You can rest easy now.

Tanigawa!

Boss!

What?

I have something to tell you.

I remember...

Remember?

You finally remember your past?

I remember my past!

Is that right?

That's good.

No!

No!

I wish I hadn't.

I wish I hadn't remembered.

Tanigawa!

Tanigawa!

Don't you dare die on me now!

Boss!

- We came to help! - What the hell?

We always intended to live and die with you.

Idiots!

Boss!

All right.

You guys take Tanigawa to the storehouse at Kamesen.

Yes, sir!

Tanigawa, you've got to live!

Boss.

We got Tanigawa safely to a boat. - Good.

We should go to Kamesen too. Miss Oriha is there.

If we don't - - Everything will be fine.

It's best to let those two be alone.

Where will you go now, boss?

Me? I have an appointment to keep...

at midnight.

Midnight?

I have to meet Shimoguni...

at the Somezen Dye Shop.

Somezen?

That could be a problem.

That's where all the others are - the whole crew.

What are you talking about?

We wanted to delay the police long enough...

to let you get further away from Edo.

And everybody's there?

Why did you do a fool thing like that?

What the hell do you want?

I'm in the same business as you. People call me Sharaku.

This is where you both die. I'm afraid I can't offer you any rites.

Asshole! Who do you think you're dealing with?

Boss!

You dog!

Die, you lackey!

Out of my way!

I've got no use for you dogs!

Gomyo...

if you think this means you've won, don't bet on it.

That ronin you risked your life

to protect -

What about him?

He's being tailed by Oren,

and right about now...

she's probably -

They've got to be here somewhere! Rip out the floorboards and find them!

KAMESEN

Damn!

Still no good news on the willow.

Omon!

Perfect!

Our quarry's come to us!

Wait right here.

We're here, Mr. Tanigawa.

Don't worry about the boss. He'll be coming later.

Omon!

What the hell?

Omon, you saw it too, right? That boat with the ronin?

It disappeared right before my eyes.

You must know.

Is there some place along the river to hide a boat?

A secret passage,

or a tunnel from somewhere in this house to the river.

You must know.

I have no idea.

We're looking at a gold mine here.

The ronin's somewhere close by, and Gomyo will be here any minute.

Then Shimoguni and the police rush in,

and the stage is set just the way Shimoguni wants.

He'll pay a pretty price to know where that ronin is.

Come on, tell me, Omon.

You can get to the river from the basement of that storehouse.

Through there?

Perfect.

Hurry and give me the key.

Forgive me.

Forgive me.

Please forgive me.

How could you do this to me?

I don't wanna die.

When I find the boss, I'll bring him here.

Sukegoro.

Ma'am...

take care of yourself.

Darling!

I've finally paid...

my debt.

Darling!

Darling!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Miss Oriha.

No, my name is -

My name is Hagino.

I'm your - - No!

Don't say it.

You mustn't say it.

Listen to me.

You've got to save yourself. Go with the boss.

Go with the boss and live.

You must be Mr. Shimoguni.

I implore you.

Please spare the boss's life.

The boss?

In exchange I'll tell you...

where to find the ronin you seek.

Run!

Hurry! Run!

Run!

You must be the wife of Heizaburo Sasao -

Hagino.

Wrapped in each other's arms...

return home now to Ezo.

Now!

Is that the charter that the Kitamae Clan's fate rides on?

The grand dream on which you've staked everything,

and the sum of my life in the underworld -

that's what's riding on it.

Very well, Gomyo.

Watch me seize that dream...

with my own two hands!

THE END