Original subtitles

The Toho Co., Ltd.

and Mifune Productions present :

100 koban... Now, that's not such a bad deal, but...

...what is it that you want me to do ?

You're to travel to...

...the village of Ina, where you'll stay at the Inn called ''Kameya.""

For four or five days, you may drink and amuse yourself.

Drink sake and play, eh ?

Ha...! And then ?

A messenger will come to you carrying a document.

However, the document will consist...

...of but a single character.

This is in order to maintain secrecy.

I see.

If the character is ''mountain...""

...you're to head immedlately to Nakasendou...

...and thence to the border of Suwa.

But... if the character is...

''...three...""

...then you're to go to Sanshuu Pass...

...where you will wait until something happens.

Understood. ''Mountain"" means Nakasendou...

''Three"" means Sanshuu Pass.

And, what am I supposed to do there ?

Ah... you'll understand when you get there.

So that there'll be no mistake about it...

...the document will contain a Tenpo-sen coin stamp.

This seems to be a rather complicated matter...

...but I shall accept the commisslon.

Once you're at the designated location...

...I am certain that all will become clear to you.

Whether you are to kill...

...or not...

...will be a decision I entrust to your hands.

Return here when the job is done.

You'll be paid then.

Take this...

This is a bit of an advance to keep you going for a while.

Is this good luck... or misfortune ?

Guess I'll have to try my luck !

Machibuse ( Ambush) ''Incident at Blood Pass''

Produced by Mifune Toshiro & Nishikawa Yoshlo

Screenplay : Fujiki Kyu, Oguni Hideo, Takalwa Hajime & Miyakawa Ichiro

Director of Photography : Yamada Kazuo Art Direction : Ueda Hiroshi Recording : Ichikawa Masamichi Lighting : Sato Yuklo

Senlor Asst. Director : Maru Teruo . Asst. Director : Yasul Osamu . Music : Sato Masaru Editing : Araki Yoshihiro Sound Effects : Nishimoto Sadamasa

CameraAsst.: Murano Nobuaki . LightingAsst.: Dol Naoyuki . RecordingAsst.: Kobayashi Hisashi Art Asst.: TakayamaHikozaburoo . Set Design: Yoshida Yoshlo . Set Decoration: Satoo Kasataka

MakeuP: Kobayashi Shigeo . Costumes: Ikeda Makoto . Continulty: Fujimoto Fumle Fight ChoreograPhy: Kuze Ryu & Nanayokal(Mifune Productions)

SPeclal Thanks: KawanakajimaJindalko Drum CorP, Shinonol Preservation Soclety DeveloPing: Tokyo Laboratory Co., Ltd. . Sound Rerecording: Toho Dubbing . Line Producer: KurumadaMamoru

MiFune Toshiro

Ishihara Yujiro

Asaoka Ruriko

Katsu Shintaro

Nakamura Kinnosuke

Ichikawa Chusha Arishima Ichiro Kitagawa Mika

Tsuchiya Yoshlo Togami Jotaro Nakanishi Chleko Yamazaki Ryunosuke (Zenshinza)

Hisano Selshiro Araki Yasuo Tanaka Hiroshi Kimura Hirohito

Sada Yutaka Achiba Shinsuke Sawanobori Mamoru Okita Shun'ichi

Suzuki Haruo Kaminishi Koji Uruki Yasuji Echigo Ken

Ito Minoru Gondo Yukihiko Kakiki Koji Aral Isamu

Yoshiyama Kazutoshi Yokota Shigeyoshi Endo Toshlo Oshima Mitsuyuki

Kimizuka Masazumi Nakayama Kengo Takahashi Yoshiharu

Directed by Inagaki Hiroshi

''Ao, don't you cry...''

I see... you got tired of the drinks at the Inn ?

Well, I've been there for five days.

Well, I've been there for five days. Oh ?

Why on earth would you stay that long in a country village like this ?

A-ha, so you found a nice girI or something ?

I'm waiting for some money to arrive.

Oh... ?

Fear not!

I can take care of my tab.

Thank you, sir!

Again ?

I've got nothing against it, since it's business for me...

...but he's such a heavy drinker, so...

...if you're not careful, then...

...you'll end up in hot water.

It doesn't matter how I end up.

What do you mean ''it doesn't matter ?!""

You shouldn't be so easy on your husband, you know!

If it were me, I'd have killed the bastard!

What do I owe you ?

Welcome back, sir.

Has a messenger come for me ?

Yes. Here you go, sir.

Sanshuu Pass, eh ?

Please, stop...

I can do whatever I want!

Nobody, including you, tells me what I can or can't do!

Who... are you ?

Who're you ?

No! Leave me like this...

...or else... he'll hurt me again!

Was that your husband who just left ?

Leave me alone... Leave me alone!

How can I possibly leave you like this ?!

If you are in fear of him, then I can kill him for you.

No! Don't kill him!

Take me... with you...

''Minoya Inn''

Sanshuu Pass, which connects Shinshu, Ina and Suwa...

...was a crucial bottleneck during the Age of Warlords.

However, by the Edo period, it was just a backroad used mostly by outcasts.

Oh, how I hate this!

A nice young girl like me...

...stuck working at a teahouse, deep in the mountains...

...where people pass by only once in a blue moon.

Oh... what am I doing this for ?

Besides, I'm... not such a bad looking girl, I don't think.

If I go off to the village, then all the young men would be...

It's all grandpa's fault!

Hmphft, I say!

If onIy he'd die!

Then, I'd rip this teahouse to pieces...

...and fly directly to the village, like a freed bird!

Oh! Welcome! will you be taking a break ?

You can stay the night, if you'd like.

''Devil-killer :'' a type of fierce sake. We even have the best ''Devil-killer!""

What was that ?!

Well, then...

Yes, sir.

Sorry, my business is such that I cannot take anyone, never mind a woman.

I apologize for all the trouble I've put you to.

For tonight, I'll stay here.

And then what are you going to do ?

We women can always obtain work doing

something or other, so...

At the very least, would you mind letting me know your name ?

My name... ?

Whatever for ?

I wish to remember you as long as I live.

All I did was help you run away.

I just cannot forget you...

I just can't...

I'm sorry, but...

...I've wandered all over, and forgot my name somewhere along the way.

You say... you'd like some work ?

If you'd like, how about working here ?

We can't pay you, but we can feed you, at least.

May I, really ?

If that's all right with you, you'd be a great help.

I could even go visit the village...

...I could get my hair done, too!

OK ? I'll go talk to my grandpa for ya.

''If it says 'three...'

''...then you are to go to Sanshuu Pass...

''...where you will wait until something happens.''

I'm supposed to wait here 'til something happens ? Feh !

He's under arrest!

Help me!

Wh... Who're you guys ?!

I'm an officer!

Why did you let him go ?! You idiot!

A-ha... Catchin' a crook, eh ?

Now that's somethin' I can't possibly help with!

Ha! What a bunch of stooges!

Give it up! You!

Hey!

A lantern surprise ? What's with that ?

I'm sorry!

Please forgive me. I didn't think that there'd be anyone passing by.

Is your inn closed ?

I know it's stil earIy, but...

But, please come in, if you'd like to rest.

You can stay the night, if you want.

I've gotta get to Suwa... I can't stay.

Really ?

Well... could I get some rest here ?

Oh, sure! Please come in!

Okuni ? We've got a customer!

Okuni ?

Okuni ?

Get the firewood ready. And is the water already boiled ?

Let's get him warmed up!

I'll take that.

Man! It sure is cold!

Welcome, sir.

Whew!

Cold, isn't it ?

Yes, sir.

"Amazake": weak sake made from rice dregs. "Mochi": pounded rice cakes. Sir, would you like some Amazake ? Or Oyuki-Mochi ?

Huh ? What's this "Oyuki" thing ?

''Yuki :'' Snow.

Oh! ''Yuki"" happens to be my name.

Oh ? Your name is ''Yuki,"" eh ?

Yes.

That's why it's called ''Oyuki-Mochi..."" It doesn't mean it's a cold Mochi!

Well, I could use something that'll FIRE me up! Got a crude sake ?

I had a feeling that you'd say that!

Why ? Is my nose red or something ?

I'm sorry! I didn't mean it that way!

A handsome traveler like you...

...and a sweet-bean Mochi don't exactly go together!

Okuni, will you please get the sake ready ?

Please, hurry up!

We've got a handsome visitor, so get the high-grade one, all right ?

Yes, ma'am.

That's one gloomy-looking woman. She your sister ?

You gotta be kidding me! She's been abandoned!

I just hired her today.

Abandoned ?

She was misled by a ronin...

...and he just dumped her like trash!

Wow... What a shame!

I talked to my grandpa about it, and we ended up hiring her.

With the festival coming up, the two of us can't run the shop alone, so...

What do you mean by "the two of you" ?

I'm an orphan, you see.

But I'm in charge here.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, we'd better get you some snacks to go along with that!

Okuni, go slice some pickled vegetables.

Surely.

You saw the bruises on her wrists...

Yeah... Seems like she's been tied up with a rope.

She's got bruises all over her body.

Hmm...

I bet that ronin must've done it to her!

Oh, welcome back.

Howdy! I had a trap set, and look, I caught two!

That's wonderful!

Oh! Didn't know you had a customer.

Oh ? Oyuki, he looks like your type : a master gambler!

That's right! So I talked him into staying here!

A gambler, yes... but I'm no master!

I'm about as far from being a master as you can be.

How about a drink ?

Oh, no!

I'd rather go for a Devil-killer than a fine sake like that.

A Devil-killer ?!

It's so potent, one shot will almost stop your heart!

But even two or three shots of it won't stop this heart of mine!

'Scuse me, I gotta go show this to the old man.

He lives in our barn. Used to be a doctor. Not worth talking about!

I haven't seen you around here, have I ?

I just started working here today.

Hmm... What brought you here ?

Nothing in particular... I was just passing by.

I'm Gentetsu. I live in the barn belonging to the folks here.

Uh-huh, what a babe...

Say, look at me.

Not bad at all...

Oh ? Such awful wounds!

I see someone has hurt you a lot... Don't you worry.

I'm a doctor... Don't worry!

Gen, isn't it a little too soon for that ?

It's better to act fast... if you wanna get acquainted!

Oh... ? Oh!

I'll have a shot of your Devil-killer!

I'm a...

...dispatched officer... from the Deputy's Office... Ibuki... Hyoma...

...Ibuki Hyoma...

I just... captured this con man... Tatsu the ''wild Monkey.""

But, in doing so... I've been injured.

Allow me to shelter here... for a while.

Grandpa! Grandpa!

Oh! Oh...

Say, Gen... D...Do something! You are a doctor, aren't you ?!

Gentetsu, do something quickly!

Nope. I'm no longer a doctor...

...and besides, I can't stand cops and robbers like them.

You can't let them die, just because you don't like 'em!

What I don't like, I don't like!

But, we're all the same, human beings!

Shut up!

Wh...

C'mon...

Huh ?

You've got to treat these two!

But I doubt that they can be saved, even if we do help them.

C'mon! You've gotta do something!

Even if there's no hope...

...we've got to try to help them... isn't that what compassion is all about ?!

Are you so pure that you can preach to us ?

You're all a bunch of cold-hearted jerks!

What if they die here ?!

That's right! I'll be in trouble if they die in my shop!

If they die, just throw 'em into the ravine.

If the five of us keep silent, it'll be fine.

Well ? What shall we do ?

Let's take care of him ourselves... Get some rags and water.

It won't make any difference...

Well... As for me, so long, everyone!

Just like the doctor here ordered...

...if you throw 'em down the ravine, no one will find out!

I won't tell anybody.

I mean, I'd hate to get involved, y'know!

Yo, lady! How much do I owe ya ?

Leave whatever you feel like leaving...

...but not so much that you'll regret it afterwards.

Oh ? You've got quite an attitude, lady! I'm your customer, don't you know ?

You were, until a minute ago. But you're nothing but slime now.

What was that ?

Hey! Who do you think I am ?!

You don't know me! What gives you the right to bitch at me like that ?!

What's wrong ?

Oyuki... We'll meet again, if luck brings us together.

Wh... ?

Who the hell are you ?!

I see you're in a hurry, but... why don't you stay a little longer ?

If you have any objections, say so.

A-ha... so it's you... the ronin who abandoned this girl.

Fine! This is getting interesting. I'll do as you suggest. But, listen...

...I ain't gonna just shut up and let you boss me around!

We'll deal with the problem between you and I later.

Okuni... bring some Devil-killer, please!

old man, get me some hot water in a bucket!

It's a bit ironic that the Devil-killer saved humans.

Have you forgotten that a former physician is here ?

Ha! At least a small part of you is still human, eh ?

old man, get the medicine box!

Oh, I'll do that.

Hey!

Nobody goes to my room, except the old man!

Oh! That's right...

Get me that rag!

Yo, my good man... is there any chance they'll make it ?

"Sensel": teacher, doctor, learned person, etc. Call me "sensel"! I'm a doctor!

Oyuki... Another round of sake!

Sure!

Say, young fella...

What ?!

Now that the injured men are taken care of, let's settle our differences!

C'mon!

Say what ?!

Oh ? Why, you pompous little prig!

Say what ?!

Oh!

You beat up a woman. Now you'll get paid back 100-fold!

Fine, try me, you damned fool!

How dare you show up, as if you still had feelings for her or something!

You should talk!

''Feelings ?!"" Damn you!

C'mon, you little bastard!

Dammit!

Stop it! Stop it!

Damn you!

C'mon, you damned fool!

Ow!

Damn you!

Why, you...

C'mon, you little bastard!

Dammit!

Ah... I haven't felt this great in a long time!

I feel like... I've been snared by a fox!

I took care of 'em while you were screwing around out there.

Look at that... A cop and a robber, sleeping together, side by side...

Are you sure they'll be all right ?

You stubborn old man! You want me to repeat it thirteen times ?!

I said, by tomorrow they'll be jumping for joy!

Well, the officer's got injured legs, so... he won't be jumping much.

Did you take care of your problem ?

Well, y'know...

Now that that's settled, you two ought to disappear...

When that guy wakes up, it won't go well for you guys, will it ?

And, the same goes for you, I belleve...

Oh, certainIy.

old man...

...don't tell anybody that I treated these guys.

Got that ?

You'll be sorry if you open your mouth!

I know that already.

You'll say that it was you who treated them.

For saving an officer's llfe, you'll get 5-ryo for sure!

Is that right ?

And if that thlef turns out to be...

...a major crook, then you might get 10-ryo, even.

10-ryo ?!

I wonder. I doubt that he'd fetch 10-ryo!

You sure fooled the old man!

Seems there's more to you than meets the eye!

Just what is it that you wanna say ?

Nothing, really.

Well, then...

I'd better disappear, just like the doctor ordered!

Wait! You and I haven't finished patching up our differences.

How about it... over a Devil-killer ?

How about it... over a Devil-killer ? I could care less about that.

No stomach for it ?

Shit... I just can't get along with samurai, of all people.

Well, why don't we try a shot of this Devil-killer ?

Huh ? Pour!

That's more like it!

I'll join you!

It's nice to patch things up. Besides, I'll profit from it!

Okuni, get some pickled vegetables or something, please!

Yes, sir.

I've been waiting for you.

You're too old to scream like a baby...

Ever since I first laid my eyes on you, I've had feelings for you.

I bet you don't realize it, but...

...you have something devilish...

...a sort of power to seduce men.

I'd rather die! I'll die!

This is a matter between a man and a woman.

Don't take it so serlously.

I'm an honest guy, see.

I'm in love, because I am.

I want to hold you, because I want to.

That ronin that you're fond of...

...he ain't gonna hold you.

He ain't gonna even tell you that he likes you.

Isn't that right ?

Okuni ? Okuni...

Oh! How are the pickled vegetables... ?

Hey...

Wha'dja... Huh... Wha...

I tol...

Oh! Yippedee...

Gotta tell ya... this stuff... really is a Devil-killer!

Uh-huh!

Did you sleep well ?

Huh ? Yeah...

Say...

...Yo...

"Yo" is OK, isn't it ? I don't know your name.

"Yojimbo": a bodyguard Sure. "Yo" as in "Yojimbo"! Fine by me!

I had a feeling that I'd see you again sometime.

Hey, now...

It's not like I came back because I had feelings for you.

I know that...

Then, you'd best be quiet about that.

Because I'm the kind who risks it all, who tests his luck in everything.

Hey...

You might get in trouble if the officer sees you...

...so I brought you some rice balls.

Were you... able to finish making your medicine ?

Uh-huh. I'm almost done.

Once I'm finished, we'll make a killlling!

Ah... I'm looking forward to that!

Nevermind that, old man...

You haven't told anyone about me making the medicine, have you ?

How can I blab ?

This medicine is illegal... so if anybody finds out, you'd be equally guilty.

I know that already!

I haven't told my granddaughter or Okuni about any of this!

Uh-huh...

But... remember, if we make money from this, we're splitting it even!

Uh-huh.

Don't you forget it!

Uh-huh!

Ow...

My head hurts! Damn...

Guess I conked out!

Ha!

They look so peaceful!

An officer and a crook sleeping next to each other like chums, dammit!

Oh, boy...

My head hurts!

Oh, you're up already ?

Oh ? Well, I gotta get going soon.

Go wash your face then.

Huh ?

I'll get your breakfast ready for you.

My face, huh ?

C'mon. Hurry!

Ow...

Damn!

Take that! Tatsu! Get up!

Ow...

A guy like you... doesn't deserve...

...to sleep in a bed like this! Come here!

A guy like you...

Stop! What are you doing ?!

Quiet! He... He's a criminal!

But, he's hurt!

S...So am I! I got hurt because of him!

But we're all human beings...

No! I'm an officer... H...He's a crook!

Okuni... forget it. It's got nothing to do with us.

Wh...What ?

Wh...Who the hell are you ?

I bet... you're some worthless nobody, right ?

Enjoy your ego while you can, I say.

Your face... I'll remember that face of yours!

He said that something was going to happen at Sanshuu Pass.

Is this what he meant ?

Oh, Officer... I see you're better now, sir. Thank goodness!

I understand that... I've troubled you.

I'll send a report to my superlors... so that you'll be rewarded.

Yes, sir. Thank you in advance!

Goodness, am I ravenous...!

Sir ?

Bring me food!

Yes... Yes, sir! Hey! Bring food!

No! Please don't go!

Gee, you're puttin' me in the spot! Oyuki...

I've got nothing to do with 'em, y'know...

Won't you bring my sword, boots and rain-hood ?

No!

Don't you... understand how I feel ?

I've never felt like this... ever before!

Please! I beg you... don't go!

If you must... then take me with you! Please!

Hey, young fella!

Huh ?

Don't you dare deceive my na�ve granddaughter.

M...Me ? You think that I'm deceiving her ?!

That's not it. That's not it, Grandpa!

You be quiet!

Oyuki is my very, very precious granddaughter.

I can't allow her to be taken by a gambler to be his toy!

Food...

Give me food...

I'm gonna starve to death...

Wait.

It'll make matters worse if he dies.

Feed him.

Um... The rope... Don't untie it!

How's he supposed to eat, sir ?! Must he eat like a dog ?!

No... it's just that... you must not untie him!

That's just too awful!

What did you say ? He committed a crime!

Are we supposed to treat him like we treat law-abiding people ?

If so, then what is the meaning of Justice ?!

Or, what is this... are you... ordering me to do something ?!

No... sir, I wouldn't... be so presumptuous, Officer.

Th... Then, put it down there!

There's an old saying : ''Despise the crime, not the criminal.""

How true!

But, this guy committed a crime... profited from it...

...and has no sense of remorse! He's a worthless scumbag!

Do you stil think we shouldn't hate him ?! What do you say to that ?!

I'm not the sort who debates such matters.

Y...You... You look rather famllar...

Huh ? This is the first time I've passed this way, sir. Yessiree.

Hmm...

Uh... as an Officer of the Law... I'd like to ask you some questions...

I must ask you to stay for a while.

What for, sir ? Of course, being a gambler... I live a frugal life...

...but never have I done anything wrong, not once, sir!

Besides, don't you remember, I helped to treat your wounds...

...when you stumbled in here last night! Well ?

I mean... you, sir, allowed me to help treat your wounds.

Besides, I'd have already left if I were somebody shady.

Is that all you have to say ?

If so, then shut up and sit down.

Water...

Give me water.

W... Wait!

If you want water... then confess!

Give it up... and tell all!

Wh...Who... tended my wounds ?

Who was it ?

Oh... that would be me, Officer...

I suppose that the wisdom and knowledge of the elderIy helps at times like this.

Really ?

You're a doctor, too ?

V...Very commendable.

I smell Senninko...

Where... did you obtain such an expensive drug as that ?!

Oh... er... well...

What if I told you that it was I who provided it ?

A-ha...

You guys are obvlousIy hiding something!

You can't fool me... no matter how well put-together your story is!

Man, am I starvin'! Hey, Oyuki, some food!

Whoa! Passin' through!

Here you go.

Here you go. Oh! I don't need your chopsticks.

'Cause you see... I never use chop- sticks that aren't mine.

You're my kind of a man!

Shit! It wasn't that funny, guy.

See... gamblers got their own style of living, you know!

We figured that you'd be here!

Are you the one who apprehended him ?

That's right.

That's right. We're from the District Office.

Officers Mukal Tazaemon and Igawa Magoshichi.

Sir Mukal ?! Sir!

I am... a dispatched officer from the... Deputy's Office... Ib... Ibuki Hyoma.

Last night... I... captured... Tatsu the ''willd Monkey!""

Talk about a job well done!

We heard that Tatsu had slipped into the mountains around here...

...so we've been searching for him since last night.

It's weird...

The crook smlled when he saw those officers.

I shall send a report about you to the District Office.

Thank you, sir!

I see that you've injured your legs.

My blunder, sir!

Want us to lend you a horse ?

It shouldn't be too painful for you if we proceed slowIy.

I greatly appreciate your kindness, sir!

They're gonna kill him!

Say, you... Ronin, and the young fellow... help us out a little!

Damn!

Hey! Go! Go after them!

Why, you! Wh...

Dammit, you!

Damned fool!

I struck him carefully with the back of my sword...

...but he bit his tongue to kill himself.

Why, you... what were you thinking ?!

That was close!

How careless of you... to not be able to see through their disguise.

Say what ?!

Ha! No doubt about it... he must be one of Tatsu's cronies.

Tough luck!

Seeing that they tried to spring Tatsu...

...he clearly isn't just an average crook!

Finally, you're getting the picture.

I was gonna wait until we were back at the Office before interrogating him...

...but I don't have that luxury now! Hey, fess up!

Just exactly... what were you guys trying to do ?!

Hey! Hey! Hold on a sec!

What're you doing ?!

It's true that you originally captured him, but more recently...

...it was me... and that man over there... who recaptured him.

Well ? Don't you dare torture him like that without thankin' us first!

Thank you for what ?!

For having rescued you!

I'm an officer!

You expect me to thank... a gambler like you, or a ronin like that ?!

Looks like we're going nowhere with this.

You can forget dealling with such a lunatic.

We were fools to believe that we'd profit from rescuing him.

Serves you right!

I'll wager that you're all a bunch of conniving, dirty bastards!

Say what you like!

But, let me say this...

One of his friends got away on a horse.

He'll be back by tonight.

This time, he'll bring his whole gang.

We'd better make a run for it, or else... we're dead.

Hey, young fella... Shall we leave soon ?

That's right, dear... I won't stop you this time!

But, promise me... that next year... or the year after that...

...that you'll return!

H...Hey, girl... why do you have such feelings for me ?!

What do you mean, "why" ?!

Stop pretending you don't know, you stupid bastard!

If you're going, then get going!

Be quiet, grandpa!

You see... I can't watch you get involved in something awful like that...

...I can't! I'm afraid!

Oyuki...

...thank you!

Of all people that I've known...

...you're the only one who's treated me like a real human being.

I'm happy!

What are you talking about ?

Give me water...

I'll get some.

Whoa!

What are you doing ?!

I remember now!

You're... Yatarou of Inadani!

Yes! You're Yatarou!

You're the Yatarou that was caught by my father...

...and sentenced to be homeless!

What can I do, now that you've remembered ?

To tell the truth, last night, when you said your name was Ibuki...

...my jaw almost hit the floor!

So, that's it, eh ?

Your old man was the one who made me lose my home.

If that's the case, then I've got something to say.

Don't get fresh with me! Crooks have nothing to say!

Shut up!

Your old man made me a crook, and made me lose my home!

He exaggerated the little argument that I got into.

That's right...

...the guy I got in a fight with was the son of a village official.

The bastard who left his mark on my face recelved no punishment...

...while this fatherless, farmer's son...

...thanks to your old man, was marked as the crook...

...in front of the entire village.

Think of it as retribution!

As for me...

...I served my two-year sentence of exile.

I wanted to go back to the village as soon as possible, but...

...I figured that I couldn't go back looking like a fallure, or...

...Mama would be heartbroken, so another two years went by.

Once you're a crook, it ain't easy to go straight again.

Your old man, you see...

...branded me so that I can't make a living working an ordinary job!

Are you trying to beg for sympathy... with this made-up story ?!

Not from you!

Please, Oyuki...

...believe me!

It was really tough... thinkin' about my Mama, left alone in the village!

Oh, I forgot about these... All right ? Look at these...

10-ryo in koban.

I was hoping to see my Mama's smile once again...

...but she's gone.

Oyuki... here...

I want you to have them.

Don't accept that! It could be stolen money!

Everyone and everything you look at...

...is a suspect in your eyes, you asshole!

Hey, my ronin friend...

...you too ought to get the hell outta here fast.

Oyuki...

...we'll meet again!

It'll be nice if I'm working a normal job the next time I see you.

Before we part, please...

It's on me.

I thought that I'd vanish smoothly, but you're stopping me, eh ?

I felt that... if we said good-byes this time... that we'd never meet again.

Uh-huh... You're probably right.

You want to know the truth ? I was actually afraid of you.

But, I had to follow someone as fearful as you...

...to escape from my vlolent husband.

Now, I'm happy, all thanks to you.

Besides... it turned out that you're not as fearful as I thought.

Men, you see...

...experience certain feelings when they hear things like that!

What kind of feelings ?

Y...You expect me to say it in words ?!

Oh, damn it!

You are a wonderful man.

How could you possibly know such a thing ?

There are people who can't be figured out, even after knowing them for years.

Then there are those that can be, even after just one look into their eyes.

Er... sir...

...if you're...

...if you're not in a hurry, I need to talk to you about something.

It feels like the wind is blowing in a different direction now.

I hate to be rude, but if there's no money in it, don't waste your breath.

Well... I might not have much now... but...

...1-ryo in koban...

...no... 2-ryo! How's that! Well ?

Well ? Would you please stay here overnight ?

You want to hire me, in anticipation of the attack to rescue Tatsu ?

T...Two ryo is a great deal of money! It's 10 days of my salary!

I hate to disappoint you, but I don't work for small change like two or three ryo.

Petty though you may be... You ARE still a samurai, no ?!

Even a petty samurai can onIy take so much... now that you put it like that.

There are countless ronin who can barely make ends meet.

For us to survive, honor is no longer an option.

The onIy thing we can trust is money!

Y...You wretched bastard!

Say what you like!

C'mon! Let's drink!

Yeah!

Hey, Mister!

Oyuki!

Oh, Oyuki!

Oh! It's you guys!

Yeah! We've come to practice our drumming, for the festival.

We're going out to the forest by the temple...

...to work on our Suwa Drumming routines!

Oh ? Really ? And how good are you gonna be this time ?

Well, you just watch!

We have to compete against six ina villages, but the prize will be ours!

Oh! If you're that good, then I'd like to go listen to you...

...but, we'll be so busy here during the festival, we won't be able to.

Have a drink on me. And, won't you let me hear you play ?

We thought you'd say that! That's why we're here!

For a drink, we'll show him! Right, guys ?

Yeah! Of course!

All right! Let's show him the best part!

Good! Let's do the ''Attack of Takeda Shingen's Troop at Kawanakajima!""

Yeah!

Something is about to happen...

...if that's true...

I know !

It's best for me to observe here for a while, from a distance.

Ready...

Yeah!

Yeah!

Stop this! Stop it, you fools!

Stop it! Stop it!

Th...This is no time to be playing a drum routine for a festival!

I'm... from the Deputy's Office... Officer... Ib...Ibuki Hyoma...

Ib...Ibuki Hyoma!

Hey! Somebody... anybody will do... Go to the Constabulary at once!

And... tell them to send... about ten detention officers! Understood ?

Everybody, don't listen to what this lunatic says. Keep on drumming!

Here, let me!

Oh! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

Yeah!

Yeah!

Yeah!

All of you... don't you believe me ?

I'm an officer! I'm really an officer!

C'mon!

Chilly, ain't it ? I brought you a drink.

I appreciate it.

It sounded very exciting out there. Did everybody go home ?

Yeah. Everybody left. Even the yojimbo and the gambler.

Is the officer still here ?

Yes... With his legs like that, he can't possibly go anywhere.

It'll be nice if he got the hell outta here as fast as possible...

...as he's behaving like a king, without paying us a single mon!

Say it! Fess up!

I don't know anything... I really don't know anything!

Give up, and confess, why don't you ?!

I bet that you...

...think that I'm like a devill or something...

...but it's not like... I've got no compassion or feelings.

It's just that... I'm dedicated to my duty!

I'm serving the Law, upholding Justice...

...and trying to make a small contribution to society, understand ?

I too have... a wife and kids... two kids.

Two kids! Ha! Such things don't matter! But I do know what compassion is!

If onIy you'd fess up... the world will be a much merrier place...

...it'll be a merrier place! I beg you... Confess!

It doesn't matter what you tell me to do...

...I don't know anything... aside from what I've done.

I'm... I'm telling you the truth!

Stop acting like a baby!

If...If you don't know anything... then... why did...

...why did your buddies try so hard to rescue you ?!

Hey! Hey!

At last, I've found you!

I'm so glad that I've found you... I'm so glad...

I looked for you everywhere...

...for ever so long...

I realized that I can't live without you.

I won't let you leave my arms again! Don't give up on me...

It won't work, even if I do come back to you.

No... It was all my fault... I was a good-for-nothing, you see.

''A thread, once severed... can never...""

I persevered, and did my best to preserve that thread...

...but it's been broken.

There's no going back now.

Is that it... ?

You're telling me that you can't forgive me.

No... I'm saying that it's for your own good.

If I stay with you... you'll really be a good-for-nothing!

Please understand.

All right... For my own good, eh ? Now that's a mighty excuse.

Dear!

Where's this ronin you ran away with ?

You're making up storles just to be with him! Damn it!

Fine! I'll challenge him! That fool!

Wait!

Damn it!

A-ha! So you're the bastard who took Okuni away!

No! That man is an officer!

Say what ? Come out, ronin!

Where's the ronin ?!

Where's the ronin who's supposedly fooling around with Okuni ?!

He's... fled to Suwa.

All right! I'll get that bastard!

W...Wait, my good man!

If you're going to Suwa, then I have a job for you. I'm an officer... Ibuki.

Ibuki, Kabuki, I don't give a damn! I don't have a second to waste!

will you please consider! Hey, my good man!

I don't know what this is about... but, who the hell are you ?!

Dear!

We'll be taking Tatsu with us without any fuss.

There are no busybodies to get in our way this time.

Besides, you can't walk. Hey, tie up the women!

There should be an old man, too. Tie all of 'em up in one place!

Wh... ?

What do you think you're doing ?!

I'm saved! I'm saved!

This is no time to get all excited! How dare you goof up!

Forgive me, sir...

Forgive me, sir...

C'mon! Show me what you were given!

Oh, that ? Hold on a moment, sir...

Before I do that, I just gotta... you know... do this much!

How dare you do to me what you did!

Ha! ''Make the worId a better place,"" eh ? Such bullshit! You damned bastard!

Take that!

Tatsu!

There's no reason to beat the bastard like that... after all, he can't move.

What did you say ?!

Do you know what awful things he did to me while I was all tied up ?!

He made me eat like a dog... and didn't even let me have a drink of water!

Are you satisfied ?

Ha! I'm just taking a break!

Then give me the secret document that you're supposed to deliver.

I didn't receive any secret document, sir.

What ?

I was told that secret documents could get stolen or lost, see.

So, the message was tattooed onto my left arm.

Great idea, eh ?

S...Show it to me!

And, I fell in love with it!

Three dice... I suppose it's a riddie...

''2, 3, 4... the licenses good in Okazaki""

Pretty neat, wouldn't you say ?

This way, no one knows what it means.

I sure don't have a clue what it's about, myself!

I see. Very well done.

Is that it, sir ?

So, you understand the meaning of this, eh, sir ?

Uh-huh.

Oh, that's good to know.

I'm glad that I was of use to you, sir. And, I'm gonna keep the tattoo...

These ''2-3-4"" marks must mean something fortunate.

Ha! This year, luck will be coming my way!

That's right...

...you get to go to Heaven!

S...So awful...

H...Horrible...

Don't make a sound!

If you do, then this is what's gonna happen to you, too!

Come in.

We're informed that it'll be ''at Sanshuu-Pass, on April 2nd.""

They'll be going through the Pass tomorrow, eh ?

No doubt about it, sir.

I knew I was right about that!

Have you gotten the men ready ?

By morning, we'll have about ten of our men together.

The entourage that'll be going through Sanshuu-Pass...

...will have disguised themselves as salt-porters...

...and there'll only be a few guards.

What happened to our little bandit ?

We took care of him, sir.

If you wish, we can eliminate the others as well.

You didn't serve Law or Justice.

You were only interested in making a name for yourself!

You wanted to receive some kind of recognition! Well ? Am I wrong ?!

Can't you see that your ambition... is causing all of us to suffer ?!

Do you stil think that what you're doing is right ?!

I don't know what's going on... but crook or loony, what's the difference ?!

You be quiet.

I bet that those people... are going to kill us all.

Grandpa... aren't you starving ? I am.

Never mind that... I'm stuffed full of emotion.

I'll go make some rice balls or something!

Hey! Don't...

You! Don't move!

Aren't you hungry, too ?

Hold on, and I'll make some rice balls for you.

He told you not to move, you brat!

We're starving, you know, so...

Well ? Nothing wrong with that, right ? Oh! The snacks for the sake are...

Step forward! Step forward, I said!

You're going to kill him, aren't you!

Silence!

If so, why don't you kill us all ?!

Hey, Okuni!

A real villain doesn't kill one by one!

We've prepared ourselves for the final moment.

If you're going to kill, then kill all of us now!

What did you say ?

What a gutsy bitch!

Fine. At the crack of dawn... we'll kill you all, just the way you want!

But... I've got nothing to do with this!

You see, I just happened to come in while this was going on.

Please don't kill me! I don't wanna die! I really don't!

Please... I won't tell, so please, at least let me go... Please!

Spare me... of all the people here... please... don't kill me!

No matter what you do to them, please don't kill me... please, don't!

I hate getting beat up!

I think we ought to finish 'em.

No need to hurry.

Hear the drums beating ?

The young men of the village are up in the mountains.

They could return here at any time, nobody knows when.

If you want to kill 'em, wait 'til the time is right.

Come on now, it's done!

Whoa... C'mon now, eat up, everyone!

Yippedee... There!

Take another one!

All right, then I shall take the rest.

No, it's not what you think...

It's not what you think.

If I'm going to die... then I want to kill myself, rather than be killed.

Let's see you do it, then!

C'mon! kill yourself!

No!

You lying bitch!

Am I beat! Sure could use a drink!

Mountain nights sure can get cold.

I'm gonna get a drink of this.

Oh ?

Oh oh... I finished it all by myself!

I'll go get some from the teahouse at the Pass.

They'll all be asleep by now.

If they are, then I'll wake them up.

I'm trying to save your life... don't you see that ?

I'd rather die!

I'll kill you, then.

I'll kill you...

I'll cut you to shreds.

What the... ?! You're still here ?

I saw some weirdos heading towards the shop, so I followed them.

It's a hell on earth in there.

I see... so something did happen, after all.

All right. You keep watch out here while I go inside.

What... ?!

I thought you were strange... but that's an understatement!

You're gonna get killed!

Life and Death... that's my trade!

Never mind me, think about yourself!

W... Wait a sec!

Open up!

Stop it!

Stop it!

Open up, old man! old man!

Open up, old Man!

Hold it...

old Man!

old Man!

old Man!

What the... ?

You came at just the right time.

I figured that you were still around.

So you're... the key figure in the incident I was told about.

You mean... you know something about this ?

I know nothing...

I was instructed to come to this Pass, that's all.

The proof is a piece of paper wrapped around my small sword.

So you're the skilled yojimbo that I was told to expect.

So, it turns out that I'm to be a bodyguard for crooks, eh ?

This is too hilarious!

Let him go.

As you're one of us, I'll explain everything.

Porters carrying salted barracuda will be going through the Pass tomorrow.

But, in fact, they'll be carrying the Shogunate's gold.

The carriers will take a break at the teahouse.

The officers will go in for some refreshments.

Up the mountain, there's a cannon aimed directly at the teahouse.

Upon seeing the officers going into the teahouse...

...a rope will be used to signal that they are inside...

...and the cannon will be fired at the shop.

The officers will all be killed, obviously.

As soon as their underllings are properIy panicked...

...we'll fall upon them... and slay all the horsemen and footsoldiers.

We can collect the booty afterwards.

Any comments ?

All I have to do is to lend a hand, right ?

You're very understanding.

But, let me say this...

This is not just a simple robbery.

If the gold being delivered to the Shogunate is stolen...

...then a clan will surely cease to exist.

In other words, it's a Shogunate conspiracy, eh ?

You can guess why we're doing this, can't you ?

The fate of some country clan...

...well, that's none of my business.

And... I can't back out, now that I'm in this deep.

From now on...

...you'll do exactly as I tell you.

I'll do anything.

ExactIy, remember that!

Enough.

All right... I'd like you to...

...kill all the people in the teahouse.

You did say that you'd do anything.

Seems you'd like to say something...

...like, ''I'd like to spare the woman I fell in love with.""

Is that what you want to say ? But, that can't be done.

If we must kill, then we've got to kill them all, without exception.

I'm the type who really hates leaving loose ends, see!

I've slain many, but I've never killed anyone who didn't deserve it.

Stop complaining!

If you spare even one life, I assure you that you won't live to see another day!

I'm very thorough.

I don't leave things undone.

You two... go up the mountain and man the cannon.

Yes, sir.

Uh-huh...

The job of pulling the rope to signal the firing of the cannon is... yours.

Yes, sir.

Uh-huh.

You...

Don't say a word.

If you say anything stupid, I'll behead you!

Didn't I tell you ? To risk it all, to test my luck... that's my style.

J...Just as... I suspected... y...you were a... crook, after all!

If you've figured out that much, then, officer...

...why don't you tie us up and take us to your Constabulary ? Huh ?

Serves you right!

What's the matter, officer ?

Are you gonna race to your constabulary or what ?

Try it, if you think you can!

C'mon! Try it, if you think you can get away!

Get outta here, and make a run for it!

This wimp is an officer ?! Ha!

What a loser!

How pathetic!

Serves him right!

Oh!

You think that it's all right to let him get away ?

He's heavily injured, so I doubt that he'll make it to the village.

So we have a traitor among us.

Wh... What did I do ?!

What... are you... ? Come on, say something!

Hokke...

From now on, I'm replacing Hokke.

There's no escape for anybody who defies us!

old Man!

Oyuki!

Open up, please!

Hey! old Man!

Man, it's cold!

Oh, sorry about this...

I bumped into my old friends when I got here.

2-sho : approximately 1 gallon. Oh, Okuni... 2-sho of that Devil-killer, please!

Oh, old Man... why don't you get the beds ready for everyone ?

If you don't, there won't be any time left to sleep!

Must've been quite merry in here.

They've visited Mt. Tenryu, and are now going to the Temples of Atsuta and Ise.

For poor men like us, that is quite an experience!

All right... These are on me.

Oh! You're too kind!

You're too kind!

What ?! I'm onIy returning the favor!

Oh!

Oh!

Are you going to stay up all night ?

Yeah. We need a little more practice.

Give my regards to everyone.

Sure! Yes, sir!

I'll be staying here for the night.

Well, then! Take care, sirs!

Take care, sirs!

Good-bye!

I was thinking about them myself.

I had a feeling that they'd show up here tonight.

I'd like to believe that I'm much smoother than Hokke.

Fellows... if you wanna get some sleep, then take turns doing so.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

As for you, you too can rest in peace... soon.

Come with me.

Let me show you something.

One pull on the rope, and the cannon will fire, destroying the teahouse.

I put it together while I was pretending to be out hunting rabbits.

Most ingenlous.

By the way...

...do you have any feelings for that girI... Okuni ?

Not particularly.

Don't bullshit me!

Anyway... What's your connection to the Shogunate ?

There you go again, changing the subject. Don't worry about it...

Well, that's what I'd like to say, but let me explain.

I was once a physiclan holding a position at Edo Castle.

There was a problem with a woman...

You had an affalr with a lady-in-waiting... ?

No!

It was elder Mizuno Echizennokami who had the affalr.

I was made his scapegoat... and had to leave Edo.

He's the most important man in Edo, you see.

I see.

So, Mizuno knows that... I'm keeping a secret of his.

The less I'm able to travel along the public roads...

...the more Mizuno's authority becomes enlarged.

Ironic, isn't it ?

Consider this operation...

Even if our risky ambush succeeds, the most we'll get is 20,000 in koban.

Yet, without much effort, Mizuno hopes to acquire the entire Sanada clan.

I can't possibly go against the authority of the day.

Looks like you missed.

Oh... your swordsmanship is so admirable!

Do you stil have suspicions about me ?

I only wanted to test... your swordsmanship.

How about it ?

Why don't you travel with me from now on ?

I appreciate that, but... I must refuse.

You wanna live a life only for yourself, eh ?

You don't know what you're missing!

What are we supposed to do ?!

If I'd known this was going to happen, I would've let you go with that gambler.

If it weren't for my pride and greed...

Forgive me!

Isn't there any way... that we can save at least these two ?

There's nothing that... I can do anymore.

Please let me in... I'm a messenger sent by ''Crow.""

''The convoy of gold destined for Edo will depart from the village...

''...at the base of the mountain at dusk... and head towards the Sanshuu Pass.

''By the crack of dawn, it'll reach the teahouse.""

Thank you for the message. How about a drink ?

No, I must return tonight.

Well, then... give my regards to ''Crow.""

Yes, sir.

Escort him out.

''Crow"" wishes you the best of luck.

If onIy he hadn't said... that he had to go back tonight.

Where are you going ?!

To take a leak.

''kill Gentetsu''

Get up!

Yojimbo...

...why don't you start... getting rid of them.

All right!

Everybody, stand up. Line up and go out the backdoor.

The porters... They've arrived at the Pass!

All right...

Everybody, to your positions!

I expected better of you!

You ruthless bastard!

What's the matter ?

Nothing.

Shit!

Open up!

Leave them!

Yojimbo...

You think that you've succeeded in saving their lives...

...but there are gunpowder bombs placed inside.

If I set fire to the barn, it'll all go up in smoke!

Do it, if you think you can.

When they hear the exploslon, the porters will go back.

Then your dreams will go up in smoke as well!

Betrayer!

I am not the one who betrayed you.

You were betrayed by ''Crow,"" the man who set everything up!

The same man who ordered you to snatch the Shogunate gold...

...ordered me to slay you!

It's a trap!

A trap laid by someone to whom your existence is inconvenient.

Look at this.

''Crow"" wants my head ?! He wants me dead ?! It can't be true!

I don't want to kill you.

It's ''Crow."" That's who I want to kill.

The convoy is here!

Gentetsu!

Forget about ambushing the Shogunate's gold!

You must leave at once! If you don't, you'll be in great danger!

Sllence! Everybody, to your positions!

Wait, Gentetsu!

Gentetsu, stop!

You've got to stop!

Weren't you ordered to kill me ?

Why don't you do it ?

kill me... Why don't you kill me ?!

WHY ?!

Gunpowder bombs... Is there a lit fire around ?

There's fire... in the kitchen.

What are you going to do ?

I...I'm gonna blow this up... to warn the convoy.

It's too dangerous!

Oh, shit!

Bandits!

Watch out!

Bandits!

Attack!

Go!

Oh! It's sand!

Don't withdraw! You idiots!

Attack head on!

They're decoys! They're carrying sandbags!

What did you say ?!

My dreams... just sandbags ?!

Damn it!

Gentetsu! Get outta here!

Gentetsu!

Damn you!

Damn you!

Go to Hell...

Go to Hell!

Yojimbo...

I'll be waiting for you in Hell!

Gentetsu!

I'm Ibuki!

Hey! I'm Ibuki!

Oh! Sir Ibuki!

I've injured my legs... I'm unable to walk!

Grandpa...

...I won't go anywhere...

...I'll stay with you, Grandpa!

Apprehend them all, without exception!

Yes, sir!

C'mon! Hurry! G...Grab all those crooks!

Hurry up!

Okuni, it's dangerous!

Let go of me! He'll be...

You can't!

But, he'll be...

Hurry up!

Hurry up!

Y...You idiots! You mustn't apprehend that man!

Unhand him!

Yes, sir!

Fools... Can't you tell the difference...

...between good and bad people ?!

You blithering idiots!

Oh! W...Wait!

You've got to... say something to Okuni!

''The End''