Original subtitles

[BOY panting]

[DOG, BOY panting]

[DOG yelps]

[MAN groans]

Master Shoan!

Don't worry, we've come this far,

so we should be safe for the time being.

Listen, Kotaro.

From this point, you must go alone.

[KOTARO] What?

Should something happen along the way,

sell this for the money.

[KOTARO] What about you, Master?

I'm going back.

I need to check if everyone at the temple's all right.

[DOG whines]

[SHOAN] In Akaike, go to the Mangaku Temple in Shirato.

Monk Zekkai will help you there.

[KOTARO] But--

[SHOAN] There's no time! Quickly!

[horse neighs]

Our country's not far ahead,

just beyond the mountain.

[speaking Chinese]

[MAN B] The footing's poor, so we'll have to walk from here.

[laughs]

[MEN grunting]

[THUG A] Come on!

Got it!

[THUG B] Count me in, too!

[THUG A] Finally, my fortune's changing!

[THUG C] Better hope you don't get yourself killed after this.

[THUG D chokes, coughs]

[THUGS arguing]

[THUG D] What's your problem?!

[THUG B] Hey, I said count me in, too!

[THUG A] After this game.

[THUG B] What makes you the boss all of a sudden?

[THUGS arguing]

[crash]

Found us a real good haul, boss.

What's the matter--

[chokes]

Fire!

[MEN groaning]

[ox bellows]

[BOSS] Keep firing!

[THUG groans]

[THUGS groaning, yelling]

[gasps]

[THUGS groaning]

[screaming]

[splash]

[THUG A screaming]

Agh, the pain!

[groans]

[yells]

[growls, yells]

[BOSS] You bastard!

[VILLAGER] Hey!

Give that back, mutt!

I'll beat the hide off ya!

Stop, ya stupid dog!

Damn you!

[DOG barks]

Hey, Tobimaru! We'll have a feast tonight!

[KOTARO] Hang on! I'll be right back.

[TOBIMARU barks]

[KOTARO grunts]

[TOBIMARU whines]

[KOTARO] Soon as we're finished eating,

we'll leave the village.

Okay?

[stomach rumbles]

[KOTARO] Huh?!

Who are you?!

[STRANGER] Don't worry, you're in no danger.

[KOTARO] Get out!

So you're telling me,

you've claimed this place?

[KOTARO gasps]

It's your home?

That's right! This place is ours now!

We got here a long time before you decided to show up!

[STRANGER sighs]

Then meet your new tenant.

[KOTARO growls]

Come on, Tobimaru, let's go.

Smells like we're having fish for dinner.

Tobimaru!

I'm frozen right to the bone!

The wind should die down in an hour or so.

It's one thing putting up with the cold,

but having to run around the countryside,

escorting the Chinese on top of that?!

[exhales]

Only so much a man can take...

[SOLDIER B] What could the Lord be thinking,

letting strangers like that into the castle?

[SOLDIER A] I'm sure the Lord has his own good reason.

[SOLDIER B] Which reminds me,

they're building something over the Shishine Fortress.

[SOLDIER A] Hm?

Oh, you mean that huge monstrosity

that's supposed to be a holy altar.

[SOLDIER B] I hear they surveyed the land,

measured the coordinates,

and finally decided to build it on the Shishine grounds.

They're given very strict instructions,

like the wood has to be cedar

and joined using bark instead of nails.

[SOLDIER A] I wonder what the Chinese are doing

in that old fortress.

We'll never understand how they think.

[KOTARO coughs]

Huh?

[STRANGER] That smells good!

Yeah, well you're not getting any.

Just so you know, I don't have a single fish to spare.

I take it you haven't been living here that long,

despite what you said.

Billowing smoke is a sign that the wood hasn't cured.

You haven't had the time to dry it yet.

[KOTARO] Who asked you?

It's still hot, so be careful, boy.

Huh?

[STRANGER] Thanks! I'll take that.

[KOTARO] Do what you want.

[STRANGER chuckles] I wasn't talking to you.

[KOTARO growls]

[chuckles] I was thanking the dog.

[KOTARO growls]

[TOBIMARU whines]

[barks]

[OLD VILLAGER] Yes, I did see a young boy

I didn't recognize run by.

Was he alone?

[OLD VILLAGER] Seems to me there was a dog with him.

When exactly did you see him?

[OLD VILLAGER] It might have been in the morning...

Where was he?!

[OLD VILLAGER] Um... Uh...

My memory's been... failing me lately.

Think harder, old man! It's important!

I understand, but yelling's not gonna help matters.

Oh...

Did you remember something?!

Huh?!

[OLD VILLAGER] Strange...

I don't recall anyone living in that temple.

[horses galloping]

[TOBIMARU growls]

[KOTARO] Tobimaru! Run!

[KOTARO gasps]

[yells]

[growls]

[STRANGER] Hmph.

We are soldiers of our master, Lord Akaike.

[SOLDIER C] Hm?!

Do not interfere!

He's only a kid.

Don't you think you're being a bit rough on him?

Move away!

Damn... vagabond...!

Don't you understand what I'm saying?!

[STRANGER] Don't do it.

[SOLDIER C] Enough of you!

[SOLDIER C screams]

[TOBIMARU barks]

[SOLDIER groans]

Sorry to disappoint,

but I've already gotten more involved than I would've liked.

[KOTARO] Tobimaru!

[TOBIMARU yelps]

[groans]

[BOTH grunting]

--[KOTARO] Tobimaru! Tobimaru... --[TOBIMARU whines]

[STRANGER] He's been poisoned.

It's not something a layman can cure.

Get him to a medicine man.

Where is one?

[STRANGER] Ask around the village.

If I go back there, I'll be captured.

[STRANGER] Then I would suggest you ride

and get to another village.

I don't know how to ride a horse!

[STRANGER] Then I guess you're stuck here,

forced to heal him yourself.

He won't be needing this where he's going...

Are you gonna leave us here?!

You can't expect me to hang around

a dangerous place like this.

[KOTARO] This is all your fault!

My dog saved your life. He's dying because of you.

And now you're gonna turn your back on him and walk out?!

You ingrate!

I saved you, remember?

Which makes us even.

Huh?

If you wanna make a go of it alone,

then you've got to stop depending on others for help.

[KOTARO sighs]

[sniffles]

[KOTARO] Wait!

Here, how 'bout a deal?

If you promise to help save my dog

and get us to safety at the Mangaku Temple in Shirato,

I'll give you this as payment.

It's worth 10 gold ryo!

Ten ryo?

Yeah, sure! At least that much! Just look at it!

[STRANGER] Hm...

Hm...

Hmm...

Well, it doesn't look cheap.

Of course it isn't!

I've never told a lie.

Cross my heart and hope to die.

Oh no, you don't!

That's close enough.

It won't do me any good if you run off with it now.

I'll give it to you when you take us there.

So what do you say?

Shirato, huh?

That's quite a distance from here.

Don't you want something worth 10 ryo?

[STRANGER] Hm...

[STRANGER] Let me think.

Do you want the treasure or don't you?!

[STRANGER] Uh...

Do you want it, yes or no?!

[echoes]

[KOTARO] Does Tobimaru look okay?

Is the town far from here?

Answer my questions!

I hired you, remember?!

The dog seems to be in some pain,

but he is still breathing.

We've got a while before we reach the town.

Go faster, then!

No, the horse will tire.

And besides, even if we find a medicine man,

we don't know if he'll agree to treat a dog.

Hey, why were those men chasing you?

You hired me to help. The least you can do is tell me.

[KOTARO growls]

If my dog dies, you'll be to blame!

I won't give you the treasure,

and I'll definitely never forgive you!

I'll curse you all the way to the grave.

[STRANGER] Hm...

What a cranky little boss.

He says to hire more workers,

so we can speed up the construction.

Of course, right away.

[LORD AKAIKE] They've already paid me 2,000 gold ryo.

Now they're willing to pay an extra hundred because

they want more workers and construction materials?

What they're doing hardly makes sense.

[ITADORI] I'm sure they have their reasons for the rush.

But they'd never tell us even if we asked.

[sighs]

Hmph.

It probably has something to do with

that little boy they're trying to capture.

Still, the more they keep this business to themselves,

the more I want to find out what's going on up there.

Yes, indeed.

We can't press these people too hard for answers.

They are vassals of the Ming Dynasty.

[KOTARO] Huh?

[STRANGER] Bury that saddle somewhere around here.

Its distinct shape will draw too much attention.

[KOTARO] You should've stolen one of the samurai's horses.

[STRANGER] I chose the best horse.

[KOTARO] Then why don't you bury it?

When you're done, bring the horse and follow me.

[STRANGER] Oh, and take too long,

and you'll be out here on your own.

[KOTARO growls]

Aw, darn it.

[grunting]

[MEDICINE MAN] I've done the best I can,

but keep in mind, I've never treated an animal before.

[door thumps, creaks]

[KOTARO] Tobimaru!

Will he be okay?

The wound itself wasn't serious.

But the poison's gotten into his body.

The best hope now is to keep him stable

and give him lots of water.

Water?

To dilute the poisons.

[KOTARO] Agh, damn it!

[STRANGER] He can't swallow yet.

He's still paralyzed.

Put Tobimaru down!

I said, put him down!

[growls]

Did anyone see what happened here?

Unfortunately, no.

The only survivor had broken off from the group

to contact the others.

So he's no help to us.

Is that right?

[OLD VILLAGER] Huh?

[OLD VILLAGER] Is there a festival?

[OLD MAN] If you get too cold, use the straw mat.

You'll be more comfortable that way.

It's much appreciated.

[OLD MAN] No trouble at all.

You've already paid me what I'm owed.

Oh! And there's a hot spring just a short walk from here.

Take a dip if you like.

--[STRANGER yawns] --[KOTARO gasps]

Looks like I overslept.

How's the dog? Does he look any better?

Where do you think you're going?!

I'm going to town to get us a new saddle.

Clever story, except I bet you're planning

to run away from me, aren't you?

If I left now, I would've done all this work for free.

[TOWNSPEOPLE chattering]

[horse neighs]

[TOWNSPEOPLE gasp]

[murmuring]

[TOWNSPERSON A] Is that the one?

The youngster with the yellow hair?

[TOWNSPERSON B] Yeah, I hear he's a guest

frequenting the Lord's castle,

and you're not gonna believe this--

They say his eyes are blue!

[TOWNSPERSON A] Are you serious?

[TOWNSPERSON B] I am!

You know, we'd be sitting pretty if we sold that blue-eyed

outside at one of those freak shows.

Not likely!

He'd probably eat you alive before you even got close!

Don't I know it?

[BOTH laugh]

[VENDOR] Will this one do?

[grunts]

That saddle's from the Owatari Clan.

[VENDOR] I got it from a farmer who steals from dead samurai.

You mind if it bears the crest of a fallen lord?

Doesn't really matter.

The horse won't mind, one way or the other.

[yawns]

[MAN D] Jin-Hai and Tu-Si haven't returned

from yesterday's search.

Both men are very skilled.

I seriously doubt that anything would've happened to them.

[CHILDREN laughing]

[MAN D] Who would've thought it'd take so much effort

to find one child?

[MAN C] I agree.

And we only have four days left.

I'm sure he'll eventually turn up at the temple.

But if we miss the next full moon,

we'll be stuck in this country for another year.

I've already had enough of this wretched place.

[MAN D] If this is what it takes to get the Xian medicine,

then so be it.

Xian medicine...

It sounds like nothing but a bad joke to me.

Is that also... what you think...

...about the drugs we take?

[MAN C] That's not the point.

The drugs you have are, at the very least, effective.

But Xian medicine...

[MAN D] I don't understand it either.

So then, why don't you take our medicine?

If you know that it's effective?

That wouldn't be interesting.

What's wrong? What happened?

Nothing. I just feel like having a little fun, that's all.

[laughs]

--Huh? --Huh?

[MAN D] Master Luo-Lang...

[FISHERMAN gasps, groans]

What is it now?

Jin-Hai and Tu-Si, they've been killed.

[LUO-LANG] Just when the game was getting good.

[footsteps]

[KOTARO] Took ya long enough.

Oh? You think so?

[KOTARO] You were probably out looking for someone

to sell me to.

[STRANGER chuckles]

Who'd wanna buy such a twisted kid?

Stop playing dumb!

[KOTARO] You've been so nosy,

trying to find out why I'm being chased.

I bet you were asking all over town!

Listen, kid.

I've had about enough of you.

Don't call me "kid," my name's Kotaro.

What are you trying to hide from me?

[STRANGER] It took a while to find someone

who'd sell me a saddle.

Ha! I wasn't born yesterday. That's obviously a lie.

[STRANGER] What's it gonna take for you to believe me?

Why should I trust anyone who's only motivated by money?

Money-grubbers always get done in by their greed!

Is that how you feel?

Maybe we should part ways.

Okay, but if you leave us now,

you'll have done all this work for free.

Huh?

[gasps] Tobimaru!

Tobimaru...

[STRANGER sighs]

Easy, boy...

Take your time.

[KOTARO] Huh?

[STRANGER] The medicine man gave me this.

He said to give it to the dog when he's well enough to drink.

It's bitter though, so he's probably not going to like it.

[door opens]

[STRANGER] I'll make dinner.

[door slams]

[KOTARO] Hm...

[KOTARO] Attaboy!

I'll give you this in a bit.

[LUO-LANG] The clothes and sword belong to Tu-Si,

but it's not him.

Tu-Si's right arm was once wounded,

and the cut went right to the bone.

And there was no evidence of such a mark

on the burnt corpse you found?

There wasn't.

Plus, there were other inconsistencies.

Judging from the blood's coagulation at the scene,

the first to die were Jin-Hai and two Riben soldiers.

Jin-Hai died from a single blow to the larynx,

obviously the work of someone with great skill.

The wounds on the other corpses

suggested they died by Tu-Si's hand.

Jin-Hai's hair was cut, but I believe Tu-Si did this

after Jin-Hai was killed as proof of his death.

Then what of Tu-Si?

Was he attacked by the samurai?

Is that what you're suggesting?

Most likely.

So that means Tu-Si must be--

They want us to think he's dead,

which must mean he's still alive and being held captive.

[OLD CHINESE MAN] Mm...

This is starting to become rather troublesome.

[TOBIMARU whines]

[KOTARO] I was wrong.

[STRANGER] Hm?

[KOTARO] Sorry about what I said.

It's just that... I was a bit upset.

We were both being hot-heads.

I wouldn't worry yourself too much about it.

I guess you could say I'm kinda short-tempered.

So try not to make me wait too long from now on.

[STRANGER gasps]

[gunshot]

What was that?

It sounded like it was coming from the Hisago area.

I heard they were going to be inspecting some kind of gift

that the guests from Ming brought with them.

What a terrible noise.

And it carries the odor of ill fortune.

[KOTARO] What kind of charm is that supposed to be?

You've tied it so you can't draw your sword.

[STRANGER] Let's just say... it's like a prayer.

Oh yeah? What kinda prayer?

[STRANGER] It's a secret.

Ugh, I didn't wanna know anyway.

[STRANGER] Shh, shh, shh, shh...

[KOTARO] You're sure nice to that horse.

[STRANGER] Hm?

Do you really believe there are benefits

in being nice to that beast?

[STRANGER] Sure I do.

What? Like having to dig a hole

and bury a perfectly good saddle?

You'd understand if you knew how to ride.

Being on a horse is a wonderful feeling.

And on a good horse, galloping at top-speed...

How can I describe it?

Well, you feel as if you're flying through the sky.

Really?

[STRANGER] It's not a bad feeling at all.

This beautiful breeze seems to blow right through you.

In that instant,

it's as if the weight on your shoulders

is lifted and you're free.

[KOTARO] You sure you're not making that up?

I mean, come on.

Do you honestly feel like you're flying through the sky?

--[horse snorts] --[KOTARO gasps]

[STRANGER] You'll have to give it a try

and find out for yourself.

--[KOTARO yells] --[thud]

[KOTARO] Ow...

You've gotta use your knees to hold on.

It's not my fault!

Your horse has a bad temperament; that's the problem!

On the contrary,

he's extremely calm.

Look between his legs!

Notice he's been gelded?

[gasps]

That's what they do to make the animal more placid.

What do you say? You had enough yet?

[KOTARO] Hmph.

[KOTARU grunting]

[door opens]

[LORD AKAIKE] If you ask me,

it didn't appear as though the Chinese suspected anything.

We should still be careful.

You're being overly cautious, as usual.

Any results?

This man is exceptionally stubborn, to say the least.

No matter what we do to him, he doesn't even raise an eyebrow.

Let's see about that...

[gasps]

This is unbelievable!

What do you make of this?

Despite our language differences, we're all human.

How can he not feel pain?

I still can't comprehend it

even though I've witnessed it with my own eyes.

Lord, if it pleases you, leave the interrogation in my hands.

[LORD AKAIKE] Hm, I know I can count on you.

Shogen Itadori, I'm leaving you in charge.

Find out what the Chinese are up to.

I will strike a deal directly with the Ming emperor.

[OLD MAN] Samurai! You're up bright and early this morning.

So are you.

[OLD MAN] Have to be!

I've got to make my way to town.

With any luck, I'll get a decent price for these.

Too bad I can't grow a tree that bears gold, eh?

Then I wouldn't have to bother selling at the market!

[TOBIMARU yelps]

[TOBIMARU whines]

[sniffs]

[KOTARO gags, coughs]

Are you cooking cow dung out there?!

[STRANGER] I'm just boiling some nuts.

They only need to cook a little longer,

and then the smell will go away.

[KOTARO] You'd better not be trying to poison me

so you can steal my treasure.

[STRANGER] Unbelievable...

He sure lets suspicions get the better of his imagination.

[WOMAN] I'd say... twenty mon for all of it.

Is that the best you can do?

'Fraid so.

If that's not good enough, then find yourself another buyer.

[groans]

[TOWNSPEOPLE murmuring]

Pardon me, what does the sign say?

[OLD TOWNSPERSON] The Lord is searching for someone--

A boy with a dog.

Th-There's a reward offered to the person who finds him.

[TOWNSPERSON C] A boy with a dog, huh?

There are tens of thousands of kids like that!

Don't waste your time on such nonsense!

[OLD MAN] Hm...

Look.

Huh?

Those foreigners wander around the castle like it's theirs.

[SOLDIER D gasps]

[SOLDIER D] I surrender...

Compared to your archery skills, your swordsmanship needs work.

Next!

[SOLDIER E] Yes, sir!

[ITADORI] Hmph.

[SOLDIER E yells]

[yelps]

[SOLDIERS gasp]

Sorry about that! Must've slipped from my sweaty hand.

What do you say?

There's no fulfillment in merely watching.

Why not get some exercise?

Oh, of course. You don't understand a word I'm saying.

Now that poses a bit of a problem.

[footsteps]

[ITADORI] Huh?

[ITADORI chuckles]

Fetch me a sword!

[OLD MAN] Excuse the... intrusion!

Huh?

I wonder where they've disappeared to.

[clack]

Huh?

Ooh... Now, what does this say...?

[KOTARO chuckles]

That tough guy attitude won't get you very far

if you don't even know how to read or write.

Sit up straight; you're slouching.

[KOTARO] Hmph!

Who told you to lean back in the saddle?

[KOTARO growls]

You don't have to point out everything.

[STRANGER] People with no skill need harsh instruction

if they're going to get any better.

[KOTARO] Maybe I'd learn faster if you were a better teacher.

[ITADORI'S WIFE] It's all swollen...

I can't believe you of all people were hurt so badly.

Who exactly were you dueling against, Husband?

A man who's visiting from Ming.

He has blue eyes, and he's at least six feet tall!

My! He sounds like a demon!

Perhaps even more frightening than a demon.

I've only met one other person before

who was as skilled as he.

Who was the other one?

[ITADORI] The first was an acquaintance from long ago,

back when I served for the Owatari country.

We competed for honor in combat.

But after one of our victories, he vanished.

Seems his fighting spirit had died.

[ITADORI'S WIFE] Then he must've been a gentle soul.

[ITADORI] No, he lacked the heart of a warrior.

Huh?

In my eyes, he was nothing but a pathetic man

that threw his God-given talents into the gutter.

And how will you use your own God-given talents?

I take it you won't let them go to waste as he did.

[laughs] No such thing.

I'll use them to climb to the top and gain even more power.

You talk as if you plan on conquering the country.

I've no interest in setting my sights

on an objective that will only take me so far.

I aspire to greatness.

And the scope of my goal will determine

the height of my ascension.

[TOBIMARU barks]

[KOTARO laughing]

[KOTARO] Ooh, look at all those scars!

[STRANGER] I got them in the battles I fought.

Which country did you serve back then?

[STRANGER] It's not worth bringing up.

It was destroyed and no longer exists.

Won't you serve a lord again?

No.

I've had enough.

Hey, you know what?

I just realized, I never asked your name.

You were a samurai, so I bet you have a really fancy name,

something strong and brave.

[STRANGER] Red Hair.

[KOTARO] Huh? That's kinda funny.

[STRANGER] Red Demon. No Name.

Cut it out! I just asked, you don't have to mock me.

Huh?

[NO NAME] I'm not joking.

I'm No Name because I'm actually nameless.

Every time I served under a different lord,

I was given a new name.

[NO NAME sighs]

Grab that piece of bamboo for me.

[NO NAME] I make this with that nut extract.

It should keep my hair black for about 10 days.

Does that mean... you're a foreigner?

[NO NAME] Who knows?

I couldn't tell you.

They say I was plucked from a shipwreck.

But I was the only survivor.

Some people thought of me as a freak.

But nobody points me out since I learned to dye my hair.

Life is much easier for me now

that I'm not serving under any lord.

What's wrong?

You'll catch a cold unless you move in close to the fire.

It's strange seeing you go quiet all of a sudden.

Don't tell me the color of my hair scared you.

Not even close!

I've seen foreigners so many times, I couldn't count.

It's just... you caught me off guard, that's all.

[NO NAME] Feel good, dog?

We're being watched.

Huh?

Pretend you haven't noticed and keep talking about something.

[KOTARO gasps]

Like what?

Hey, were you serious when you said

you've seen a lot of foreigners?

Where was this?

Tell me about it, hm?

In the country of Ming.

I was living over there until two years ago.

[NO NAME] Were you all by yourself?

No, I was with my father and Tobimaru.

[NO NAME] What about your mother?

I was told that she died not long after I was born.

[NO NAME] So where's your father?

[KOTARO] He died, too.

He left to be with my mother when I was six.

[NO NAME] Then how'd you get here on your own?

[KOTARO] I was about to be sold to someone.

But a monk from this country

who was training in China saved me.

[KOTARO] After he rescued me, we came here by boat.

He looked after me at his temple.

What made you decide to leave the place?

I had no choice.

It was attacked.

[NO NAME grunts]

[THIEF A yells]

[TOBIMARU growls]

[THIEF A yelps]

Let go of me!

[NO NAME] Have you come from Akaike?

No, nothing like that!

We haven't!

We're just-- We're merely thieves passing by.

Thieves! Nothing more! We came across you by coincidence!

That's enough, Tobimaru.

Let go of him.

[THIEF A grunting]

Please! Forgive me! Forgive me, I beg of you!

Hurry up and get out of here.

Thank you! Thank you very much! You're too kind!

[laughs]

[THIEF A grunting]

Excuse us.

[NO NAME] Wait a second.

Leave behind all the money you have.

Huh?! We don't have any money. Not a single cent on us!

Oh, come on!

[grunting]

You gotta believe me.

If we had any money, we wouldn't be stealing!

[coins clink]

[NO NAME chuckles]

That's a sound I love to hear.

[THIEF A whimpers]

[KOTARO laughing]

How slow-witted they were.

Thick and thicker than thieves.

We need to pick up the pace to make up for the lost time.

Can the dog keep up?

I think so.

If he struggles too much, I'll let you know.

You might wanna hang on tight

so you don't get thrown off the back.

Right!

[NO NAME] Hyah!

You were right!

It does feel like you're flying through the sky!

This is fantastic!

As planned, we'll have Yue-Shen and Shui-Chen

go to the temple tonight.

Huo-Chou, you will accompany me

during the ritual at the altar tomorrow.

The rest of you work on finding the child

and the preparations for leaving the castle.

The altar was finished in time,

but the last part of the plan has been a complete disaster.

As it stands, I could not bear to face the Emperor.

Perhaps we should start thinking about

an alternate tactic.

Should we acquire the child after the designated time,

if we don't have him by the full moon in two days,

our next opportunity will be a year from now.

In that time, it's possible that a war could break out,

destroying this country and causing us to lose everything.

And you're suggesting...?

[LUO-LANG] They would never know

if we delayed the ceremony a few days.

[OLD CHINESE MAN] You're telling me to send

a false message to the Emperor?

I don't believe it would make a difference to the boy's blood.

You're speaking of the Emperor!

If we said we found the child on the mainland,

our own country would be responsible

for building the holy altar.

If we were back home,

waiting a year or two wouldn't make much of a difference.

[OLD CHINESE MAN] That's enough!

[LUO-LANG] I'll go check the escape routes.

[grunts]

[OLD CHINESE MAN] That fool!

How dare he even suggest that we deceive the Emperor?

I don't care how skilled he is.

A barbarian is still a barbarian!

[SHOAN] Is there no alternative to handing him over?

Our temple is at stake.

We can't continue refusing them any longer!

I understand, but defying Buddhist teachings--

[ZEKKAI] Silence!

What could be more important than protecting our religion?

Be thankful that you're walking away with your life!

[SHOAN] No, wait!

Release me!

[SHOAN groans]

[cries]

[footsteps]

[TU-SI whimpering, groaning]

[SOLDIER F] What is that?

He started up about two hours ago.

[TU-SI groaning]

[VILLAGER B] So in the end, you didn't get the reward?

[OLD MAN] Not only did I come away empty handed,

but the samurai accused me of lying!

He was extremely mad at me...

Thought they'd kill me.

Like I say, there's no such thing as easy money.

Looks like we'll get some snow tomorrow.

[VILLAGER B] Uh... What're ya saying?

It's a beautiful sunny day.

[OLD MAN] Look!

Even though the west sky is partly cloudy,

you can see Mount Akaike clearly.

That's a sign it's going to snow.

[TU-SI groaning] My drug...

[SOLDIER G] That seems to be last of it.

[TU-SI groaning]

What is it?

It's a drug that he's been taking.

[ITADORI] So this is what happens when it wears off.

Put him out of his misery.

[LORD AKAIKE] Xian medicine?

[ITADORI] According to the Chinese we captured,

they came here in search of an ingredient

in order to make the Xian medicine,

an elixir that brings immortality.

[LORD AKAIKE] Hm... Immortality, you say?

[ITADORI] It was prophesized by

a trusted eunuch in the Ming court.

[LORD AKAIKE] So that's how it all began.

[ITADORI] Yes...

If you follow the divination of a certain priest,

it's possible to attain eternal life.

A medicine for immortality can be created

with the blood of a living child

chosen through prophecy once each century.

The Emperor believed this and ordered his men

to find the child.

[LORD AKAIKE] And they crossed the ocean to find him?

[ITADORI] Yes.

The altar at the fortress, a mechanism to tell the time,

everything's been done in order to collect the youth's blood

as set out in the prophecy.

[LORD AKAIKE laughs]

A chosen one... every hundred years...

I don't know...

Is there even such a thing as immortality?

[LORD AKAIKE] Who cares? It doesn't matter.

The only thing that matters is

that you couldn't even buy this child they're after

with 10,000 gold gan.

Then what's our next step?

[LORD AKAIKE] Why, that's obvious.

Find the child first,

then rid ourselves of those wretched Ming.

My Lord, may I remind you that they're the only ones

that know what the child looks like.

And they've been roaming around the area

without a guide since yesterday.

[LORD AKAIKE] I've already taken appropriate measures.

Besides, they'll eventually come crying to us,

saying they can't get anywhere

without knowledge of our language.

No matter what they try,

the bottom line is they're in our country.

You must be lonely without Luo-Lang around.

[MAN D] Hm?

You're like a wife who's recently lost her husband.

Don't be ridiculous.

The only reason I might look unhappy is

that I don't have my hawk at my side.

[WOMAN A] You're good at making excuses.

If we fail tomorrow,

we're stuck in this country for another year.

Still upset over your clash with Lord Bai-Luan yesterday?

Nonsense.

The only thing I'm concerned about

is finding the man who took Jin-Hai's life.

[WOMAN B] Really?

How like you, caring more about some flagrant soldier

than the Emperor's directives.

[LUO-LANG] Oh, I'll follow the Emperor's directives,

even if they come through a dubious priest

or the whim of a prophet.

Right now, the Lord's army is laying in wait.

But starting tomorrow, I'll be leading them.

My commands will keep you busy.

[YOUNG SOLDIER] It's my honor to serve under you.

--[music plays] --[BOTH] Huh?

[music continues]

I wonder if it's the Princess playing that music.

[ITADORI] Hmph.

[chuckles]

She's well beyond your reach.

Huh?

Never set your aspirations so high that they're unattainable.

Take my word.

[laughs]

[YOUNG SOLDIER sighs]

Wait for me! Master Itadori!

[TOBIMARU barking]

[KOTARO] Hey.

[NO NAME] Hm?

[KOTARO] You're a pretty good swordsman, aren't you?

[NO NAME] What about it?

[KOTARO] Instead of only teaching me how to ride a horse,

you should've taught me how to fight with a sword.

[NO NAME] What good would that do you?

Well, what do you think?

It would come in very handy when I'm older.

You can count on swords; they're dependable.

[NO NAME] Dependable?

Yeah, I guess I used to think the same thing when I was a kid.

You don't think that anymore?

[KOTARO gasps]

[TOBIMARU barks]

[laughs]

[NO NAME gasps]

[KOTARO] You have a lot of nightmares.

So how come you're awake?

[thunder crashes]

I can't sleep with all that going on.

Yeah, I guess I don't blame you.

Hey, I know a way to stop having nightmares.

Want me to show you how?

[KOTARO] It helps to curl up with something you love,

and think good thoughts.

That's what I always do.

And it really works.

[NO NAME sighs]

[MAN D] Master Bai-Luan?

[BAI-LUAN] Huh?

[MAN D] I saw your lamp was still burning...

I've been too busy thinking about something.

Feng-Wu...

If you were given immortality,

what would you do? How would you spend your life?

[FENG-WU] I have one goal--

To live with pride...

...even if my time is cut short.

[BAI-LUAN] You're still very young.

I've lived for so many years now,

I'm at the age where I could die at any time.

But the strange thing is,

the longer I live, the deeper is my desire to keep on living.

We've been searching for the Xian medicine

for an awfully long time under orders of the Emperor.

And although I completely understand

that it's not for my own use,

somewhere in my heart,

I feel I'm searching for my own benefit.

[thunder crashes]

[NO NAME] I never expected Shirato's Mangaku Temple

to be this magnificent.

[KOTARO] Your payment, as promised.

[NO NAME] Hm?

Hey, you know...

I might've got carried away when I said it's worth 10 ryo.

It's worth more like--

Yeah, I figured as much.

[KOTARO] Uh...

I know how people like you operate.

It's not worth 10, but with a little luck,

maybe I'll get five gold coins for it.

[KOTARO] Well...

[NO NAME] Hm?

[gasps]

[NO NAME] One ryo?

It's still not a bad earning, right?

It's more than you started with.

And you'll be rewarded one day.

You're a piece of work, kid.

--I'm not "kid," I'm Ko-- --[SHOAN] Kotaro!

Huh?

Kotaro...

Master Shoan!

Master Shoan!

[KOTARO] I'm so happy you're safe!

I was worried about you.

As was I.

Thank goodness you're okay.

I'm so glad.

I thought as long as I made it here,

I might be able to see you again, Master Shoan.

I...

Come with me.

I shall escort you to see Master Zekkai.

[TOBIMARU barks]

[KOTARO] No Name!

Goodbye, kid! So long!

If you ever decide you want a name,

come see me and I'll help you out!

I promise I'll think of something great for you!

[NO NAME chuckles]

[TOBIMARU whines]

[TOBIMARU whines]

[string snaps]

Master Shoan?

It took a long time, but you're finally here.

Master Zekkai?

[ZEKKAI chuckles]

[gasps]

[growls]

[yelps]

Let go of me! Curse you! Let go of me!

You tricked me, you liar!

You sold me out!

[growls] Traitor!

[groans]

We need him alive.

He'll be easier to carry if he's unconscious.

Let's hurry.

[SOLDIER H] They're coming.

Don't use arrows just yet.

Let's get them!

I'll take care of this.

[whistles]

[SOLDIERS yelling]

[yelling]

Go get backup!

Tell Master Itadori we need men!

Damn you!

[NO NAME] Well, my friend...

Where to next?

[horse galloping]

Whoa!

Quickly...

[NO NAME grunts, groans]

[TOBIMARU barks]

[yelps]

[TOBIMARU barks]

[MONKS gasp]

[MONKS yell]

[TOBIMARU growls]

[ZEKKAI] Who are you?

What did you do with the child?!

Don't! You mustn't say any--

Answer me.

Answer me!

Tonight... Tonight at midnight,

he will be killed and his blood drawn.

Why are they doing it?

I don't know...

Where are they?!

I don't have any idea.

Those Chinese don't tell us anything;

they don't trust us.

Once people are no longer any use to them,

they're slaughtered.

So you handed the boy over knowing he's going to be killed.

I... wanted to save Kotaro.

Master Zekkai chose to surrender him.

It wasn't me!

[NO NAME] But in the end, you abandoned him.

[SHOAN] It's true...

You're absolutely right.

It's just as you say.

I honestly did abandon the boy.

The foreigners threatened me.

I was afraid for my life,

so I gave him up.

I-If you were me...

If you were in my position...

...you would've done exactly the same, I'm sure of it!

Am I wrong?

Would you be willing to disobey a command

in order to stay true to your own values?

Would you?!

It's not so easy!

You couldn't do it!

[TOBIMARU howls]

Would you have done any different?

Sure, you talk like you know it all,

but will you go and rescue the boy?

No, you won't, because going after him would be suicide!

We're alike, you and I!

You're no different from me!

[GIRL screams]

[TOBIMARU barking]

You're lower than a damn dog.

And you have no right to that holy cloth.

[hawk screeches]

What's the cloth's color?

The signal is yellow and red.

Very well! They made it in time.

I know yellow is the sign that they got the child,

but the red?

That signifies that the soldiers of this castle have betrayed us.

Hurry and call Luo-Lang here.

[GROUP laughing]

[GUARD A] Stop right there!

Halt!

Step back!

What business do you have?

Never mind that.

Let them come in.

[sighs] Told you...

They've come crying to us, as I expected.

Now, how can I help you today?

[GUARD B] Where's the Lord?

[GUARD C] Go around to the front!

[GUARD D] What are the Chinese doing here?

[GUARD E] Something's wrong!

[GUARD F] Look for him!

[KOTARO groans]

[TOBIMARU barking]

Why did you attack them without my authorization?!

The Lord's orders were to hurry and get the child!

Right now, I am the one that is giving out the orders!

[ITADORI] Where's the child?

[YOUNG SOLDIER] We're not sure where he is.

I have a good idea...

Probably at the Shishine Fortress.

What about this monk?

What shall we do with him?

He's a traitor who conspired with the foreigners,

put him to death.

Yes, sir.

What is that?

He served under this traitor.

I'm told he committed suicide while the monk was unconscious.

Is that so?

We'll return to the castle at once.

The rest of you will remain here until the next orders are given.

[SOLDIER I] I bring news!

[GROUP] Huh?

[SOLDIER I] An urgent message!

[ITADORI] The Lord?!

[SOLDIER I] They came in unarmed to catch him off guard,

and that's when a gang of them stormed in.

[ITADORI] What about Isogai?

And Fuchinobe?

[SOLDIER I] Unfortunately, they were killed.

Does that mean you merely watched

as the Lord was abducted?!

They--They threatened his life!

We could do nothing.

[ITADORI] Why didn't you chase after them?!

They poisoned every one of the horses,

so none were in any shape to go in pursuit.

We have troops from Wataoki and Kawashi

heading to the fortress as we speak.

But being foot soldiers,

the soonest they could possibly arrive is this evening.

What's that?

You said troops from Wataoki and Kawashi?

[SOLDIER I] Yes, sir.

As it stands, Master Itadori,

you're the only commander left.

The Princess ordered that you be left in charge.

I came as fast as I could to report the news.

Jurota, get horses, armor, and helmets--

enough gear to outfit the two of us.

[JUROTA] Understood.

[ITADORI] We're changing plans.

You men return to the castle.

Jurota and I will head to the Shishine Fortress.

[SHUI-CHEN] While we're here buying time,

you will travel along the ridge and cross the border.

[WOMAN A] The boy certainly gave us trouble.

Not long from now, we'll be done.

We just get through this,

and we can say goodbye to this country.

[WOMAN A] You're right.

We can finally return to our own soil.

That's yours, isn't it?

The stranger who came after us from the Mangaku Temple had it.

Then what became of him?

I'm not convinced you could have handled him on your own.

Hmph. I used this to send him to his grave.

[TOBIMARU whimpers]

This might belong to your master.

But don't bite me if I'm wrong.

[KOTARO gasps]

Jurota, you're familiar with the paths in this area, aren't you?

There is a shortcut, but I'm not sure the horses will make it.

We'll ride them into the ground if need be.

Quickly!

You see this?

When this hand points to the heavens,

your soul will leave your body,

and only the blood flowing in you

will live on for the sake of our emperor.

There could be no greater honor.

[PRINCESS] Are you worried about him?

Not especially.

Well, don't worry.

Shogen used to be a ronin,

but I hear he is very loyal to the Lord

and highly trustworthy.

I'm sure he'll do everything to rescue him.

[ITADORI] Will it succeed?

All of us from Wataoki and Kawashi,

myself included, have been practically raised

by you, Master Itadori.

There is no reason to worry.

[ITADORI] I'm counting on you!

I'll do my best!

Huh?

Jurota?

It's Jurota!

Look! Master Itadori is here as well!

[SOLDIERS chattering]

How do you wish to handle this?

Buy us some time by using the Lord as a shield.

Moments away from the ceremony

and yet another interruption...

[grunting]

[LORD AKAIKE screams]

[SOLDIERS gasp]

[SOLDIERS chattering]

Shogen? Shogen?! Is that you down there, Shogen?

[SOLDIER J] We can't storm the gate with him up there.

[SOLDIER K] Master Itadori, what shall we do now?

It's time, Jurota.

Shogen--

[SOLDIERS gasp]

[ITADORI] Silence!

Warriors! Now is the time to look to your hearts

and make a critical decision.

Will you follow me? Or the dead Lord?

Come under my lead and you shall be rewarded

with anything you desire!

I choose to follow Master Itadori!

What will you do?!

I will also follow Master Itadori!

Yes! I will, too!

I say we follow Master Itadori!

[SOLDIERS chattering]

[ITADORI] Now we will take the Shishine Fortress!

[SOLDIERS cheer]

Wh-What the hell...?

Unlike our perception of an emperor,

to these men, their lord is no more than a man

holding an appointed rank.

He was simply inappropriate to use as a hostage.

Ruthless world of the warriors...

Leave Huo-Chou to carry out the ritual.

We'll descend and stop them in their tracks.

[ITADORI] Fire!

[NO NAME] Damnit...!

I lost him!

Curse this snow.

Move back!

[JUROTA] Charge!

Again!

I'll go in first.

[ITADORI] Storm the fortress!

Master Itadori!

Once we've taken the heads of our enemy,

there's something I desire from my allegiance.

[ITADORI] Don't worry, my friend!

The Princess shall be yours!

[SOLDIERS yelling, groaning]

[SOLDIERS gasp]

[JUROTA grunts]

Damn you!

[ITADORI, WOMAN B grunting]

Shoot her!

Make it fatal this time!

[SOLDIERS] Sir!

[ITADORI] Troops! Split up!

[SOLDIERS] Yes, sir!

[HUO-CHOU chanting] As decreed in the prophecy...

[HUO-CHOU chanting] As decreed in the prophecy...

[chanting continues]

Don't back down!

Hyah!

[SOLDIERS yelling]

[SOLDIERS yelling]

[SOLDIERS yelling]

[SOLDIER L] Now's our chance!

Rush in while they're still distracted!

Fall back!

You soldiers fight elsewhere.

[ITADORI] I'm slaying this one.

He's mine.

I've always been better with my lance than my sword.

Things will be different... this time!

[SOLDIER yells]

[laughs]

[TOBIMARU barks]

[whimpers]

[ITADORI] I cannot even begin to comprehend

what's going through your mind.

Such unnecessary sentimentality.

This is how the world works.

Our Lord assassinated this lord

to become the new ruler of this land.

And it was all possible thanks to your efforts in the shadows.

I am truly envious of you.

Hurry up and do it, you goddamn coward!

[GIRL screams, sobs]

[sobbing continues]

[thud, splatter]

[HUO-CHOU chanting]

--[TOBIMARU barks] --[NO NAME] Kotaro!

Tobimaru!

Kotaro!

Move it!

Out of my way!

[KOTARO] Tobimaru!

[NO NAME yells]

[ITADORI] Come on! What's wrong?

Pain is a stranger to me!

Try and pierce my heart with that sword if you can!

Do it!

[gunshot]

Hurry back here at once!

Huo-Chou's been defeated!

I've slain the rest of them.

Tobimaru!

[KOTARO] Huh?

Let's get outta here.

[BAI-LUAN] Someone's interfered with our ceremony!

The crucial time has come and gone.

The question is: What do you wish to do now?

There's only one answer.

We get the child back and wait for the next chosen time.

I don't care how long it takes!

[FENG-WU] Then I'll go find him.

[NO NAME] Unbelievable...

This is gonna cost you.

I-I knew it was you.

I could hear your voice.

You called out my name, didn't you?

[sniffles]

Damn it! What took you so long?

I told you I have a short temper.

And that I didn't like to wait.

Don't just stand there.

We have to get going.

Okay, I'm right behind ya.

[NO NAME] I wasn't talking to you.

[KOTARO] Mm?

I was talking to that dog of yours.

[growls]

Get back, quickly!

[KOTARO gasps]

[TOBIMARU barks]

[KOTARO yells]

[KOTARO] No Name!

Gah!

[FENG-WU] Where's my sword...?

[groans]

[FENG-WU] My sword...

[KOTARO] No Name!

[FENG-WU] Master... Luo-Lang...

[FENG-WU] Sword... Master Luo-Lang...

Defeating Shui-Chen and Feng-Wu...

He's quite the warrior.

[BAI-LUAN] Luo-Lang!

Move over, you're in my way.

[KOTARO, NO NAME grunting]

Come on!

[BAI-LUAN] I'll put an end to this.

[BAI-LUAN] Huh?

Bastard!

Have you completely lost your mind?!

Oh, I'm quite sane.

In fact, I feel very fortunate that I ended up in this country.

I've finally met a worthy adversary.

[BAI-LUAN gasping]

You brought me to this land,

and for that, I'm truly grateful.

You...

...Western barbarian!

Luo-Lang! Are you trying to trick the Emperor

and obtain the Xian medicine for yourself?

How can you be so selfish?!

Immortality for an honorless commoner such as yourself,

isn't that a waste?

A highly regarded noble like me is worthy!

I deserve immortality--

Haven't you lived long enough, old man?

[BOTH grunting]

[TOBIMARU growls]

[TOBIMARU growls]

[NO NAME] What just happened?

The foreigner just killed one of his own men.

He's alone...

The only one left.

This isn't the first time we've met.

[groans]

No Name!

Here, take this.

It is medicine.

It will help you to ease the pain.

[NO NAME] Don't want it.

[KOTARO] Huh...?

I'd rather fight with the pain.

It makes me feel more alive.

[NO NAME groans]

[LUO-LANG chuckles]

[NO NAME yells]

[BOTH yell]

[KOTARO gasps]

[KOTARO] No Name!

[LUO-LANG gagging]

[retching]

You've gotten a lot better at riding.

It actually feels like I'm walking on clouds.

You're just trying to make me feel good.

Do your wounds still hurt?

[NO NAME] Getting better.

That treasure of yours was cheap, but it came in handy.

[KOTARO] Told ya!

[NO NAME] Unbelievable...

You're quite the boss.

[NO NAME] How far are we?

Can you see the town yet?

[KOTARO] No, not yet.

But I'm pretty sure we're almost there.

[KOTARO] Hey...

[NO NAME] Yeah?

[KOTARO] When you're all better,

what do you say we leave this place and go overseas?

If we're in a foreign country,

I bet people wouldn't make a fuss about your hair color.

[NO NAME] A foreign country?

That's not a bad idea...

But how would we come up with the money to get there?

There's all kinds of ways--

Anything from stealing to being bodyguards.

We could even become pirates if you want.

[NO NAME] That sounds like you got it all figured out.

Does that evil mind of yours know no bounds?

Stop criticizing!

And hold on tight, so you don't get thrown off the back!

[NO NAME] Yes, Boss.

Here we go!

Hyah!