Original subtitles

AIKI Production Committee

Executive Producer Masaya Nakamura

Directed by Daisuke Tengan

Haruhiko Kato

Rie Tomosaka

Ryo Ishibashi

Hook him!

Use your left!

Wanna be a nothing again? Well, it's showtime!

Go out and win! Knock him down!

Left! Use your left!

Taichi!

Move!

You asshole!

Break!

Out!

What are you playing at!

Taichi!

Taichi!

You OK?

You OK?

Taichi!

Taichi?

What happened?

Are you OK?

Someone call an ambulance!

Ambulance!

Hurry!

Taichi!

Ashiwara?

Can you hear me?

Ashiwara?

Where am I?

In hospital.

You were in a coma since the accident.

It's been, what?

Three days.

Three days already.

Do you remember your name?

Yes... Taichi Ashiwara.

What happened to Chika?

She got off with a broken leg and ribs.

It's a miracle.

Thank god!

How'd you feel?

Great!

Rest for now. I'll be back later.

Thank you.

I'll take your temperature.

Um...

Yes?

Have I still got my legs?

Yes. Look.

I can't feel them.

Your sister's been here all along. She's cute.

Excuse me.

I'm sorry.

Life's about helping and being helped.

I won the fight you know!

Chika told me.

But...

I won't get the newcomer award like this.

You're lucky to be alive.

You don't get it.

Just living isn't enough.

What happened to my bike?

Wrecked.

Is that so?

Oh well. I'll buy a better one with the insurance.

Mr. Ishikawa.

Whichever way you look at it, you're sunk.

Yes.

I'm sorry.

An accident with no insurance. Pretty rash wasn't it?

Insurance gives limitless coverage for accidents.

I know. I didn't have any money.

That's exactly why you get insurance.

Accident indemnity...

Damages and medical, it's 1.2 million yen maximum.

What are you going to do, boss?

I'm no longer the boss.

I see.

Your company finally went bankrupt?

Well, the biker survived. In the end...

That might make things worse for you.

Want some?

Can I go to the toilet?

You just went!

It's nerves... Please...

Ishikawa. You OK?

Ishikawa. What are you up to?

Open the door!

Ishikawa! Answer me!

Open up, Ishikawa!

What are you doing in there!

Open the door! Ishikawa!

The 12th vertebra is shattered.

Now...

We've inserted a Harrington rod for support.

When the spine fuses, we'll remove the rod.

We also have to reinforce your broken femur quickly.

Doctor. Will I be able to fight again?

You mean box?

Better forget it.

What?

Stay calm and listen.

Spinal injury has permanently damaged your nervous system.

You are paralyzed from the waist down.

In short, from today you'll be in a wheelchair.

Boxing is out of the question.

Hold on, doctor.

Don't say that. Isn't recovery possible?

Unfortunately, with spinal damage...

Ashiwara. You OK?

Are you alright?

I'm sorry.

It couldn't be helped.

You fell awkwardly trying to protect me.

I heard the car driver committed suicide.

He was deep in debt, had no insurance.

Incredibly irresponsible.

Chika.

Huh?

I...

I can't box anymore.

Don't say that. You'll soon recover.

You'll make a comeback.

I...

You know...

It's permanent...

Huh. This ward gets no sunlight.

I'm Tokoname.

Nice to meet you.

Spinal damage, 7th vertebra. I'm your superior.

Welcome to the world of paraplegia!

What's for dinner?

Japanese style hamburgers.

I'll come back.

Girlfriend?

Can you still get it up?

You looking for a fight?

You're impotent. I can't get a hard-on either.

Everyone's different.

Some can't get it up, but come. Some get stiff, but can't come.

Unfortunately, I'm completely dead.

Just a tool for pissing.

And even pissing is a real chore.

Let's get along.

How long have you been here?

This is my third year.

After the accident, my kidneys and liver failed.

I've had surgery for bedsores three times.

Spinal-injury after effects are the worst.

You still have some more operations?

Ah, er...

One on my thigh.

Compound fracture? They'll put in a Kuntscher nail.

What's that?

If I had a hammer...

Hey, what do you mean?

I'd hammer in the morning...

Music!

Can you feel it?

Of course I can feel it, you butcher!

It's skewed a little.

You trying to kill me!

Stop!

Stop!

I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

Here he is.

Have you ever been hospitalized?

Hey, you look well.

Your hair's grown.

We just visited Chika.

Look what I've brought.

Put it down there.

You really look the invalid!

You won't get the newcomer award now.

Hey, don't look so glum!

I always looked glum.

Don't! What happens if we're caught?

I won't snitch.

You're a lucky bastard. Most people would be dead!

Future world champion!

Can you drink?

Yeah, why? I'm over 20.

I didn't mean like that.

I meant with your broken leg.

Oh... I'm fine.

Alright then, drink!

Cheers!

What's up?

You piss me off.

Get out!

What?

Get out!

What are you pissed at?

I never want to see you again.

What?

Forget it. Let's go.

I'll come back.

Chika.

Don't bother.

It's over.

Goodbye.

Let's go.

That's how your world starts to shrink.

Shut up! Butt out!

Cheers!

May I?

You'll be out soon.

Yes.

How's Taichi?

He's fine.

He told me never to come see him again.

I'm sorry. He's in shock about life in a wheelchair.

No wonder.

But it bugs me. I've got to work and run his house too.

If only our parents were alive.

Taichi will never be the same again.

He can't box. His life is completely different.

You sure you can live with that forever?

To be honest, I don't know.

I love him, but...

I can't run away.

But there's no need for you to get involved.

He's vain.

He doesn't want anyone to see him like this.

Especially you.

Ouch!

Uh... Ashiwara isn't it?

Yes.

I'm Saburo Ishikawa's widow.

From the accident?

Yes.

I'm sorry. On behalf of my husband.

I apologize.

I'm very sorry.

I don't ask forgiveness. If it takes my whole life...

I'll pay you back, believe me.

I know it's pathetic of me to be here.

But I'll pay you back, a little every month.

If it takes my whole life. Believe me.

Please.

Go.

And don't come back.

Hey!

Your dad is garbage.

Garbage!

Gar-bage!

Gar-bage!

Life is long!

Use your remaining strength to make the best of life!

Ouch! It hurts! My back!

Push!

Put your head forward.

Right, and down!

Yes!

Right, back!

Once more!

Ouch!

Get up on your own. Get up!

Come on.

Come on!

Right, off we go.

Hold on tight.

Yes, that's it.

That's it, on your own.

One, two...

Raise the front wheels higher!

Tokoname, this way!

On a slope, turn only one wheel.

Remember, there are no flat roads.

Here you are, Ashiwara.

I'll leave it here.

Good night.

Tokoname, here you go.

Midori?

Yes?

I can't do it myself. Please help me drink it.

You're such a baby. Go to sleep.

Goodnight.

Above 13?

A 1 or a 2.

What do I do?

Pass.

Pass.

Me?

What cards should I play?

Low cards. Or a pair of something.

There's no reason not to discharge you soon.

What about my kidneys? The results weren't good.

Doc says you're OK.

The hospital can't keep you any longer.

You'll be discharged next week.

I'll call your wife and inform her.

Ouch!

Just when you're about to be discharged!

It's my own fault.

I was smoking and spilt coffee over myself.

You've no nerves. Be more careful with hot things.

When I see a beautiful nurse like you...

I feel the light of hope!

Don't start!

He doesn't deserve any sympathy.

Tokoname. Don't you ever do that again!

It was an accident!

It's not the first time is it?

Tomorrow, you're going to a new ward. In a week, you'll be out.

We can treat that burn in outpatient.

Fuck you bitch!

Who do you think pays your wages?

What kind of hospital kicks out the sick?

Do you want to die so badly?

You've only been here 2 months.

You'll die anyway. Why do it in hospital?

My life's already over.

I can't do anything on my own.

There's no point to living any longer.

Aren't you being a little pathetic?

For a measly 12th vertebra spinal injury?

I'm not a hospital junkie like you.

I'd rather die than stay here.

You think I like it here?

I'm a middle-aged man with 3 small kids.

My wife works her butt off morning to night.

We live in a cramped apartment. No elevator.

There's no place for me to go home to.

My being in hospital keeps my family happy.

I see your type in every hospital.

Pathetic!

Think you're the saddest person in the world.

You can't change what happened!

You can feed yourself, you're mobile.

With a cervical vertebra injury, even suicide is hard!

So... what am I supposed to do?

Don't do it.

What a waste! You could get a good price for these.

A pill overdose.

Suicide after 2 months? That's 10 years too soon.

Live a year.

If you can't find any joy, I won't stop you next time.

OK?

Fact is, twice before...

It rained. But this time it'll be fine.

I don't know.

Hammock, breeze, blue sky!

Excuse me, same again.

Say.

What?

Today I'm celebrating. Guess why?

Birthday?

Uh, no.

No?

Wedding anniversary?

Unfortunately, I'm still single.

What then?

What could it be?

I don't know. I give up.

Give up?

OK, let's see...

It's one year from the day I decided to kill myself.

Here you are.

Put it here.

What? Am I bugging you?

Not at all.

I'm bugging you! You want me to piss off!

Not at all.

Because I'm handicapped. Aren't I allowed to drink?

I never said that.

Because I don't work and live off your taxes.

You think I can't come out in public and drink?

Sober up.

Hey!

Ouch!

How can you go out with a dog like her?

Aren't you ashamed?

What's wrong with him? Asshole.

Just ignore him.

We'll move over there.

What is your problem?

What? You wanna have a go? Go on, punch me!

Here, go on! I'll let you punch me.

Go on, slug him!

I don't pick on the feeble.

Sorry.

What! Hey, you!

Come back here! You jerk!

Your stuff's in the way!

Hey, come back! Don't take the piss, bitch!

Hey, you two! Dog!

Calm it down now sir.

What now?

Excuse us.

Hey, hold on. I've got money.

We don't need money. Don't ever come back!

I've got money!

Oh, sorry. You OK?

Shut up. I'll kill you.

What?

What yourself! Asshole!

Sorry. Sorry.

Don't hit my chair! Bastards.

Bastards, get out of here!

Hey, Tokoname! A year already and no joy!

Taichi, wake up!

Taichi!

Oh, it's you, sis.

What about your work?

I've taken the day off.

It's hospital day.

I don't need to go any more.

Look at this room! Where's your helper?

I didn't like him, so I fired him.

Again? How many's that?

What's it to you? It's my money.

You mean welfare money!

Think you're self-supporting? Your reputation's terrible.

You know how hard it is to find helpers?

Oh shut up. You're just like mom.

What?

Say, sis.

Get rid of this for me.

Over there. Quick. Please.

You've only a little insurance money left.

You can't afford to go drinking every night.

Can't be helped. I want to work, but I get rejected everywhere.

Says he, without the slightest desire to work.

How long can this go on?

I mean, I can't take care of you forever.

Hey! Don't start drinking again!

Hey, careful, it's cold!

Right. Hospital. Get ready.

I'm not going.

Stop messing around.

I don't want to go.

Come on.

I told you to butt out!

What do you want, sympathy?

You've cut off all your friends, you drink all day...

You think I can just stand aside?

You didn't get married because of me, did you?

Nothing to do with you.

Are you so desperate to play the good sister?

I'm so happy I could cry.

You should have dumped me and got married.

Seeing your face is bad for my sanity.

I'm going.

Think I'll go and have a nice slow crap.

Look in the mirror. You've become a total asshole.

Registered mail.

Thank you.

You can't walk at all?

Not many places hire people in wheelchairs.

They won't spend a cent on a barrier-free workplace.

You dropped out of high school?

If only you...

Had some qualifications.

Stop it!

Wait!

I asked if you were going to work?

Let me through.

Stop it. Let me go.

Let's do her here!

Hey hey hey! What's going on?

What's it to you?

Piss off.

Looks like fun. You gonna rape her?

Let me have a go too.

He's not right in the head.

Let go!

It hurts!

Was that supposed to be a punch?

What was that?

You bastard.

I told you it didn't hurt.

Handicapped people should be home in bed.

If you hadn't come here, you wouldn't get hurt.

Ow! That hurts!

He's biting me! Bastard!

I'I kill you, you bastard.

Kill me!

Please kill me!

Kill me, kill me!

Kill me, now!

What's wrong with him? He makes me sick.

You bastard.

Well, you lot, this looks a lot of fun?

Wheelchair repair costs.

And medical expenses for this guy.

Come on, pay up!

I like loose cannons like you.

He took on three guys! In that condition!

The one thing you can't abide is rape, right?

Uh, yeah.

Rape is the shame of man.

Though I've done it myself, when I was wasted.

Rape is evil!

Don't shout the obvious.

Well, anyway, here, drink up, Ashiwara.

Thanks.

Don't overdo it though. You're hurt.

Alcohol is poison.

He's very handsome. He's cool!

I told you he's cool!

From now on, any trouble, just call me.

You bragging again?

Quiet.

By the way, what do you do?

Me? I'm unemployed.

In this condition, it's not easy to get work.

The world's a heartless p ace.

I know a good part-time job. Wanna try?

It would help me out.

Easy huh? I'll check up later.

Here's the paper numbers. Here's the money.

Right.

The punter picks from these.

And I exchange them for prizes?

That's it. Perfect!

Except the big prizes. Keep these hidden.

Make sure you don't make a loss!

Roll up, roll up! Pick a lucky number!

Fabulous prizes!

How about it?

Come on... Want a go?

Try your luck, come on.

How about it?

You won't get any punters like that.

Huh?

I'm Samako.

Samako?

Sama as in "ikasama" (fake).

Hey, you two! Come over here.

What is it?

For just 300 yen...

You could win a big soft toy... or Game Boy Advance!

Really?

It's a scam. Dad said so.

What a scaredy cat! I like men with courage.

Try it. Even if it's a scam, I won't trick you.

- Maybe I will. - Go for it!

A punter's going to try his luck!

Hold on, wait.

Right, 300 yen please.

Thank you.

Pick a number from the box.

Which one?

Uh... this one!

You sure? OK.

Isn't it exciting?

Incredible! Number 14! Grand prize!

Here you go, the killer whale!

You're good, for one so young.

I'll have a go too.

300 yen please.

Thanks. Pick a number.

It'll be great if you win too!

It's so exciting!

I don't believe it! Another grand prize!

Here you go, Game Boy Advance!

I wanted this for ages!

Isn't that great?

Thank you. Bye.

Hey, wait a minute!

What's wrong with you? Giving away grand prizes!

Punters carrying prizes is good advertising.

See, here they come.

Over here! Come on!

Pick a number and win! Quick, or the big prizes will go!

What?

You can win this!

Look, it's what you wanted eh?

That was fun!

Thanks for helping out.

You live nearby?

My home is every capsule hotel in Japan. I'm a casino sharp.

I moonlight as a shrine maiden. Come see me sometime.

I'd like to pay you back somehow.

A bike accident?

But then everybody goes through periods of bad luck.

I hit mine in a Korean casino once.

Should a shrine maiden gamble?

Why not?

Of all the gods in heaven, five of them must gamble.

You're pretty laidback.

Aren't shrine maidens supposed to be virgins?

How dare you! I am a virgin!

The shrine priest likes to gamble too, so we get along.

Life's a gamble. In the dumps, you can still hit the jackpot!

I don't think so.

Life is crap.

A stinking pile of crap with flies buzzing around.

All your dreams and hopes are inside crap.

You're such a romantic!

No, I'm not.

Instead of being glum, I'd rather have a laugh.

In the crap?

If you can't get out, might as well have fun.

Then being covered in crap won't be so bad.

You're tough.

Yeah.

It'd be nice if I were.

Well, I've got to go gamble.

Hope you win.

I will. The god of gambling's with me.

Mr. Ashiwara?

Registered mail.

Come on, come on.

Yes!

HE MADE HIS DREAM COME TRUE

Even so.

Just let me train here.

What about other wheelchair sports?

Isn't basketball better?

I'm hopeless at team sports.

All I can do is fight. It has to be martial arts.

Ashiwara. Punch the bag.

Without stomach muscle, you can't balance.

OK, Ishikawa, put your gloves on!

Don't think bad of us.

We teach tournament karate here.

How are you going to kick your opponent?

We beat the crap out of lazy students.

Anyway, you'd rip up the mats.

What do you mean, rip up the mats!

Here you go, asshole!

Don't underestimate me, bastard!

It's piss!

Incredible.

Thank you.

So, shall we go?

Uh...

Can I be a student?

No school will take me since my injury.

I thought, in your style, there may be a chance.

What's your name?

Taichi Ashiwara.

I'm in a hurry now. Can I contact you later?

I'll come to your school.

I have no school.

Write your contact details here.

Go on ahead, please.

What's up?

I applied to join.

Aiki-jujutsu?

Yeah.

Wow. That's bold.

I've changed my mind about you.

Just to kill time. Looks easy too.

Anyway, he'll probably reject me.

Sensei's the real deal. He's a salary man.

Ah, Sensei. I was looking for you.

Good evening.

Fact is, Tai Chi classes are overflowing.

They want to add a class on Wednesdays at 6.

I see... that's a problem.

And Karate class is full too.

We're a public hall. We have to bow to fashion.

I must ask you to give up one class.

Sensei.

Uh, thank you.

How do you lock it?

This lever, here.

Come at me.

It might work?

Looks fine to me. Why not?

This is Taichi Ashiwara. I'm out right now.

Hello. Hiraishi from Aiki-jujutsu.

It's about your application.

I'll call back.

Goodbye.

Hello, it's me, Ashiwara!

Yes.

Really!

Aiki-jujutsu was founded by the Aizu clan in the Edo era.

The brilliant Soukaku Takeda perfected it in the Meiji era.

Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba was also an adept.

Aiki uses not only physical strength...

But also spirit to control the opponent.

Oh.

We train endlessly to master the subtle moves and spirit.

First you train alone.

When you grab your wrist, do this.

Just hard enough to make a sound.

Do this every day.

Try to grab me.

Like this?

Remember that sensation.

Uh... right.

The 3 keys are breathing, reflexes and circular motion.

This is Aiki-up.

This is Aiki-down.

Go on, try.

Right, Aiki-up.

Revolve around the top of the thumb.

Yes, once again.

Next, Aiki-down.

Revolve around the tip of your little finger.

Yes, that's it. Once more.

Keep the fingers straight.

Minimal action and speed break your opponent's balance.

Eyes focused on the same point.

Elbows close to your sides.

Movement is supple. Don't use undue force.

Read your opponent's breathing.

Don't hold your breath. Keep it natural with your actions.

Are you OK? Need any help?

I'm fine.

No really, I'm OK. Thanks.

I'm fine.

How about a yo-yo?

Wanna go? Two?

And so?

You can't get it up?

Huh? Well...

Half way up.

Is that so?

Can you... come?

Well, just about, a dribble.

Just about?

Here you are!

Thank you.

Don't make it such a big deal out. I'm OK.

But even so.

Young man like you. That sucks.

Is there something I can do?

Nothing, huh?

I'm one of the lucky ones.

Some guys are completely dead.

Dead?

Right.

Ashiwara.

Why don't we get hammered tonight!

Go on.

Thanks.

What's up with you today?

Women should be mute!

Oooh, scary.

You know the video store next to the pachinko?

Yeah.

They're looking for staff. Ashiwara, how about it?

Would they take me?

Yes. The owner's a bit weird.

They've got a fantastic porn selection!

Asshole.

Hello!

Look who's here!

How are you, shrine maiden?

Here you are! A present.

Huh?

Cute eh?

Where'd you get him?

I won him. He's got a certificate.

Who were you gambling with?

A rich guy.

It's a male! He's got a big thing!

His name's Fake. English for "ikasama"

Are you related to Samako? You're so cute!

Your turn.

I can't resist.

How's your Aiki training going?

Well, uh, it's difficult.

Stupid!

That's why you have to train!

What a dumb master you have Fake.

Look after him properly.

Goodnight.

Bye.

Uh...

Huh?

There's something I've wanted to tell you...

Hmm.

When I'm with you, I feel at peace.

I don't know why exactly.

You hitting on me?

No way! Not during training.

Goodnight.

Fake.

Bedtime eh?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You're getting the hang of it.

Yes, I think so.

Boss, three returns.

Right.

Walking downstairs, hand in pocket, you slip.

You can't take your hand out of your pocket.

Alec, come at me.

When your opponent's balance is broken.

He's also unable to take his hand away.

No matter how he tries.

Doesn't he look happy?

Come on.

Yes... Here too, he can't let go.

Come...

Someone else want to try?

Once Aiki is in force, you can't let go.

OK?

Cheers!

Help yourselves.

Sensei?

How can I become as strong as you?

Well now. The secret is plenty of beer.

Look, Aiki-up!

No, seriously...

I started when I was 30.

In Hokkaido.

Really.

I kept coming back for the post-training party.

Same as now, huh, Sensei?

You might be right.

Here you go.

But strong or weak?

I've never thought about that.

I enjoyed how the moves started to work gradually.

Didn't you ever fight?

Contrary to appearances, I'm a very sober guy.

Ashiwara.

Killing techniques have no place these days.

Empty-handed, Aiki disarms an opponent...

Before a fight can begin.

Anyway, eat!

Here, Kawazoe.

This time, Aiki-down

Ah, yes.

Thank you.

Hey, Fake!

Fake! Fake!

Yes!

Oh no. Now I'm in trouble.

Taichi.

I'm going to get married after all.

Really?

You seem fine again now.

Even though you hang out with Yakuza and do Karate.

They are racketeers, not Yakuza.

And it's Aiki, not Karate.

Same thing.

I'm glad you found a guy who'll accept your family.

My charm dazzled him.

Whatever.

It's him!

Hey.

What?

It's that guy!

Who?

The bastard in the wheelchair.

Hey!

Your sort makes me sick.

You live off our taxes!

Bet that feels good, huh?

He can even afford a dog!

Fake!

Ouch!

Get off! Get him off me!

Get off! Ouch!

I'll make dog food out of you!

Fake!

Stop!

Over here!

Hey!

You should worry about yourself.

You bastard... shut up!

What are you playing at?

Oh, that's so cruel! Take this!

Let me have a go.

Beat the crap out of him.

Nobody will save you this time.

Might as well give up.

You can't do anything on your own.

Fake. You OK?

None of the moves work in a wheelchair.

I was stupid...

To think I'd become stronger.

A "martial" art That's useless in a fight!

Hey!

Hey, hey!

I heard you were in the wars.

You OK?

Sorry to worry you.

Don't mention it. Leave it to me.

We're looking for them right now.

They made a mistake messing with racketeers!

Taichi. I'm going.

One thing, though...

You're cool when you're training.

What's up with her?

Did you have a fight?

Taichi!

Look who's here!

Where are they?

We'll put them in wheelchairs!

Idiot!

You lot are raring to go!

How's Chika?

Big!

Who did it to you? Where are they?

How about a beer?

Come on, let's drink.

Right.

Aiki is about harmonizing spirit.

It's not about winning by strength.

Harmonize spirit. Make his body part of your own.

But...

I don't understand.

Aiki is not psychic power.

The moves do not work without spirit.

Do not reject your opponent. Accept him.

Ashiwara.

There's no other way ahead for you.

But...

My way isn't working for me.

I don't care about winning or losing.

Sensei.

What should I do?

My master always said...

A good question contains its own answer.

If you're confused, you are asking the wrong question.

You'll be OK.

I don't get it!

Nobody rents the classics.

Only porn films or Hollywood action films...

It's the surgeon!

Yes.

Have you got Busty Ninja Babes in Hell 3?

Busty Ninja?

We've got it!

Ashiwara.

Put these back on the shelves.

Over here.

There's a new series coming soon.

I said Part 3. I want Part 3!

Hold on a moment.

That's Part 2.

It's here somewhere.

Are you all right?

Yes, thanks.

You OK?

Be careful.

I said Busty Ninja Babes in Hell 3!

You found it?

Hold on a moment.

We should have it.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

That's it.

That's it!

Yes.

That's it!

Right.

With the brakes off, you're going to get pushed around.

Yes.

This time, try to engage a little sooner.

Engage earlier, try it.

Get in there early.

That's it.

Yes, good.

Shungo, congratulations!

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

What is it about Tami that you like?

Everything!

Everything.

Shall we find you a wife too, Fake?

Taichi.

Thank you for coming.

Don't stay over here. Come drink with us.

Really?

Fake, come here boy.

Wanna drink?

Let's get smashed!

It was great tonight.

Sis looked really happy.

Yeah.

Fake had a good time too.

I'm happy for her.

I'm so happy!

Let's have another drink.

- Where? - Your place.

- No. - Why not?

Let me go home.

We're sleepy, aren't we Fake?

Say.

Do you know them?

No... not at all.

Let's go. Come on.

You look well.

Yeah.

I'm done for. No hospital will take me.

I'm on the blacklist.

You managing somehow?

I get by.

Nowadays, I sell these.

What's that?

Imported stuff.

Double-strength Viagra.

With these I can just about get it up.

You're joking.

No lie. Even me.

I sell them to other paraplegics. Help them out.

Really.

I'll give you a free trial.

It's bad for the heart, but it's good stuff.

We deserve a little joy in our lives too.

Thank you god!

Taichi, I'm here!

Are you drunk again?

Fake!

Did you win?

- Hey. - What?

Gambling and martial arts are all about balance.

Keeping balance is the most difficult thing.

You must know that.

Right.

In the push and pull, win and lose, I don't know anymore.

What? You lost again?

Thanks.

That's great.

You really got into some weird stuff here.

Yeah.

Sensei told me.

The moves do not work unless you accept the opponent.

There is only one real power. Not the power to oppose...

But the power to accept.

What's that?

I read it in a book.

But for a guy in a wheelchair...

It's scary and dangerous to accept an opponent.

If you can't move yourself, you can't win.

Right.

I fee as if I'm just starting to get it.

Just a little.

Hm.

That's great.

Don't wind me up.

You really irritate me.

Hurry up!

Make your move!

What?

Are you so scared of accepting someone?

That bastard!

What's double-strength about this!

What is it?

I'm sorry.

Sorry.

I...

I can't do it.

I don't need it.

Just love me more spontaneously.

That's great.

Let your fingers do the talking...

You must be Ashiwara?

Yes.

Message from Samako.

She'll be away for a while. Keep training.

When will she be back?

She's in a spot of trouble.

It might be a long time.

That girl.

She might seem spacey, but she's really awkward and lonely.

I suppose you know that already.

No. I don't know her at al.

Well, women are a mystery.

Uh.

Do you know where she went?

I can only tell you this.

Most women, when they run, head north.

Surely that wasn't a goodbye present?

North?

Next week, at the Maghreb Embassy...

There will be a martial arts exhibition.

The Prince is a great fan himself.

He wants to see Japan's ancient martial arts.

Really.

I'm not so fond of gaudy shows.

I turned down the invitation once.

But there was so much pressure, I had to accept.

I'll participate with Kawazoe.

And Ochiai.

I'd like you to come too, Ashiwara.

What?

Not me! I'm still a novice.

Just come along for the fun of it.

Please.

Right. I'm going.

Thank you.

Aiki-jujutsu Association.

Welcome.

Ashiwara.

Relax!

Yes.

You jerk!

What was that!

I've told you 100 times!

That move is not allowed in our style.

I apologize.

I hate excuses!

Yes.

Once again!

Who are they?

There are all types of martial arts.

The Prince is very rich.

A Royal Martial Arts Master would be very well paid.

Wow!

The martial arts are rarely lucrative.

So Sensei stands a good chance?

No way.

He's a salary man.

That move is particular to this style.

Very impressive.

I'll go on ahead.

Next is an exhibition by Norizuki Ryu Kempo.

Is he OK?

A minor injury.

A true martial artist...

Is prepared to die at any time.

A martial art that just repeats moves is obsolete.

Our style uses only actual fighting techniques.

We are unbeatable among empty-hand techniques.

Next, Aiki-jujutsu Association.

It's fake!

This is not a martial art. It's a magic show!

It's an insult!

There's nothing magical to it.

It's the shame of Japan!

Using these fake moves to impress royalty!

If you think this trickery can beat me...

Why don't we fight right now!

Look, he's a coward!

Your sort are always the same!

If you don't fight, you can't lose.

Hey, you, say that again!

I'll take up your challenge!

Did you hear that?

You'll take me on! In a wheelchair?

Well, this is tough! I lose.

Can a guy who wins with one finger really fight?

Come on, fight, you bastard!

Hey, stop! Just ignore him.

Ashiwara.

Take him on.

Huh?

Ashiwara will fight you.

If Ashiwara loses...

I will fight you.

What?

I will hold you to your word!

It's an undeserved honor.

Listen.

Meet him head on, without fear. Harmonize spirits.

Do not oppose him, accept him.

Yes.

Unfortunately, our style allows no holding back.

If that displeases you, blame your Sensei.

Get on with it!

Our style is not for dilettantes like you.

Begin!

You're OK. Don't panic.

Don't run.

Calm down.

Playtime's over.

Ashiwara. Aiki!

Ippon!

Don't touch me!

Sensei.

Don't ever forget that move.

And... Ashiwara.

From today, you can wear the black belt.

Sensei.

Right now, I feel as if I'm standing tall!

Right, excuse me.

As if you're turning a ball in your hands.

Sensei. Bow!

Thank you.

Well done.

Let's deal with that next time.

Well done.

Don't forget to relax.

Sensei.

Yes, what is it?

Thank you for everything.

Tomorrow, I'm going on a trip. I won't be here for a while.

Is that so?

What's the point of your trip?

Uh... well...

I'm going looking for a girl.

Well that's good.

Fact is, that's my dream too.

But since I'm a salary man.

Ashiwara.

Wherever you are, you're my pupil.

Don't forget your training.

Yes.

I'll continue training until the day I die.

Thank you.

Hiraishi!

No more talk!

Attack!

Shit!

Die!

You stick with him.

To a racketeer, the whole of Japan is home.

Right?

See you around.

Here.

A bonus!

Aiki and Love contain the same characters, don't they?