Original subtitles

TOHO

NINJITSU

Produced by Tomoyuki TANAKA

From a novel by Kosuke GOMI

Script by Hiroshi INAGAKI - Takeshi KIMURA

Cinematography by Tadashi IIMURA

Production Design by Morio KITA - Hiroshi UEDA

Sound recordist: Yoshio NISHIKAWA Lighting technician: Ichiro INOHARA

Original Music by Akira IFUKUBE Editing by Yoshitami KUROIWA

Starring

Toshiro MIFUNE

Yoshiko KUGA - Kyoko KAGAWA

Mariko OKADA

Senjaku NAKAMURA - Denjiro OKOCHI

Hanshiro IWAI

Akio KOBORI Eijiro TONO - Akihiko HIRATA

Ryosuke KAGAWA - Jotaro TOGAMI

Koji TSURUTA

Directed by Hiroshi INAGAKI

Don't go near him!

His strength is incredible.

I'm sorry...

Whoever touches the Martial Chronicles must die.

Do you want to die too?

An ambush? I didn't expected it.

Your technique is special. Who are you?

You're from the Shinkage school. Jubei Yagyu, probably.

And you?

I knew I'd have to fight the Yagyus.

If you're Jubei then I'm honored.

I'm a Kasumi ninja.

There are two brothers in this school.

Are you Tasaburo?

Or Senshiro?

Ninjas don't have names! Enough talking!

No...

You, catch them!

Run! You're dead if you don't!

I watched your technique carefully!

We'll meet again!

"Yagyu's Martial Chronicles" are very sought-after.

Peace in the imperial palace,

Tokugawa shogun safety,

and Yagyu clan safety, all depend on these Chronicles,

because they contain important secrets.

Knowing that,

one man, a skilled swordsman,

is trying to defeat the Yagyus.

His name is Fugetsusai Yamada.

Luckily,

Jubei Yagyu didn't find the Martial Chronicles.

He killed Nabeshima clan's weapon master, Sandayu Yuge.

He was a disciple of Tajima, Jubei's father,

I believe.

So he was a member of their clan.

Why did he kill him?

They sent him as a weapon master,

but in fact, Sandayu was spying for them.

He was probably of no use anymore.

So are the Yagyus.

In order to save his hide, Sandayu stole

the Martial Chronicles from the Nabeshimas.

He was about to offer them to the Ryuzoji clan, asking for their help.

So who is this woman?

Princess Yu of the Ryuzoji clan, I think.

I see... Princess Yu...

Listen, Tasaburo. You too, Senshiro.

I need these Chronicles

to reveal the ravages done by the Yagyus.

I want justice to be made.

The Yagyus have become puppets of the government

and held up to ridicule our code of honor.

I will destroy them.

I'll do it for the good of our country.

Tasaburo,

find Princess Yu and get the Chronicles.

Senshiro, go to Edo

and infiltrate the Yagyus.

But be careful.

They're not only very influential but also very powerful.

I shall remind you that as Kage ninjas,

we must never expect any outside help.

We don't collect the fruits of our feats.

We're acting in the name of justice.

Edo Castle

Hikozaemon Okubo!

Let's avoid him.

- Oh no! Izunokami Matsudaira... - Caught between two fires...

Lord Yagyu, please.

Forgive me for stopping you.

I have some news for you.

Did you know that the Martial Chronicles have been stolen?

No, I didn't know. But what is your point?

It would seem that the thief is related to the Ryuzoji clan.

Do you know anything about him?

No. I have no idea who he can be.

I don't think that

these Martial Chronicles are of the utmost importance.

Good. Then this robbery isn't serious.

I just wanted to keep you informed.

The snake and the badger

are trying to deceive each other!

What is this old racoon mumbling?

As Jubei says in this letter,

the current situation is serious.

Even more since Izunokami Matsudaira

got wind of the matter.

Father,

can the contents of the Chronicles harm us?

No.

Then why is this matter so disturbing?

Your brother, Jubei, knows it.

Tell us, father.

We're your children too.

Tomonori,

Oki,

Matajuro,

are you ready to sacrifice yourselves for the Yagyu family

and for the Shinkage school?

Fine. I'll tell you everything.

These Chronicles are divided in three scrolls.

The first one is at the imperial palace, at Yabu's, the Great Counsellor.

The second one is in the hands of the Nabeshima clan.

And the third one is here, in our house.

The three scrolls put together

reveal some important secrets.

What secrets?

Secrets that could cause our ruin.

The country could be revolutionized.

Uniting our strengths to protect our family

will help to preserve peace.

Don't ask me more. I won't go any further.

I'll show you these Chronicles.

Oki,

bring the safe.

Take the scroll.

It's blank.

Tomonori, do you think of that?

The scroll has been stolen.

Or nothing has ever been written.

If the scroll was blank,

why would it draw so much attention?

- So... - It's a fake.

The real Martial Chronicles are...

up there!

Stay calm.

Who sends you?

You must pay the price to get the Chronicles!

Call Seigen!

Matajuro, catch him!

Did he escape?

There's a fire...

Calm down. It's a ninja trick.

To make smoke to escape in the following chaos.

Matajuro, don't kill him! Catch him!

I got you!

Light up the roof!

He jumped!

He escaped.

What are you doing?

- You're... - I'll kill you if you scream.

I'll kill you and kill myself after.

What are you doing here?

I wanted to see you.

I secretly love you.

A ninja doesn't reveal himself so I sneaked in.

But I picked a bad time and a wrong place.

I don't want to hear your lies!

Do you really think I'm lying?

Check behind!

I believe you.

Hurry!

When will we meet again?

Don't ever come back here.

The princess is back!

The princess is back! Quick!

Welcome.

We're happy to see you safe and sound.

Welcome back among us.

Come.

If I'm back here after a six months leave,

it's for a good reason.

To say you my farewells.

My decision has been carefully considered.

Please, don't be against it.

Why are you doing that?

I want to lead an ordinary life.

It's impossible.

You're a princess of the honourable Ryuzoji family.

As intendant of the clan, I can't accept it.

We didn't prove up to the task

and you're having a very hard life.

We accept all your criticism and reprimands.

We're asking you to change your mind.

Please.

Princess,

you know that the Nabeshima clan is the cause of our downfall.

We gathered here

and we're fighting to restore our clan.

If you leave us,

you'll be a disgrace to the family of your late father.

We can't re-form the clan.

What?

Accept this fate and get hired somewhere else.

Share the money we have left.

We can't accept that.

It's out of the question.

The Martial Chronicles!

It seems that the Yagyus want them badly.

If you go to them with them,

they'll probably hire you.

Let me live free.

You must think I'm lame

but I'm a woman. There's nothing I can do.

It's possible to re-form the clan!

If we bring these Chronicles to Edo, maybe...

- He's right. - Trust us.

Stop! Calm down!

You'll hurt yourselves!

He's dubious. Catch him!

You're the ones who are dubious.

- I'm here to see someone. - What?

Princess Yu must be here.

- Not at all! - I'm sure she is.

Bring her to me!

I want to see her!

You're a spy.

It's bold to come alone.

What's your rank in the Ryuzoji clan?

You're not the leader but you must have an important role.

Dirty dog, you won't get away alive!

One moment!

Well, it's not easy to see you.

What do you want?

- The Martial Chronicles. - What?

Stop pretending you don't know what I mean.

I risked my life for them and you stole them from me.

How insolent! Show some respect!

Don't think that I'm just a simple samurai.

Who are you? Introduce yourself!

A Kasumi ninja.

Do you remember?

So you're gonna give them back.

They belong to me.

Sandayu Yuge stole them for you.

You can't say that they're yours.

Yet,

you just confessed that you have them.

Who's keeping them?

You? Or you?

I'll get them!

What boldness!

I'm ready to risk my life!

Give them back!

Where are they?

I'm leaving but I'll get them back!

They will allow our rehabilitation.

Kagenta, protect them at any cost.

But where are we taking them?

- Not to the Yagyus? - No, to Okubo.

- Hikozaemon Okubo. - Good idea.

I've heard that he's hiring ronins from everywhere.

He'll be able to help us to re-form our clan.

But it won't be possible to re-form the clan without the heir.

Watch her carefully.

Kaede will stay with her. It'll be fine.

Princess,

it's time to get inside.

The temperature is dropping. You'll catch a cold.

Kaede,

you're a woman, you can understand me.

Let me leave.

What are you talking about?

I'll be in trouble.

I'll help you.

You?

Time to sleep!

- What are you doing? - You want to leave.

- I'm helping you. - You're a savage!

I don't care!

Help!

Princess!

Why don't you call for help?

Why don't you kill me?

So I can get the Martial Chronicles back.

Is it the reason you kidnapped me?

Did I have a choice?

I thought you'd behave like a man. I was wrong.

You're pretty when you're angry.

Where are you taking me?

I don't know.

But you,

you said that you wanted to leave your men.

I'll take you wherever you want.

What are you doing?

- You don't have them. - Were you doubting me?

I wanted to be sure.

Where are they?

Who's keeping them?

Tell me!

You're stubborn.

You'll talk sooner or later.

There's been some trouble.

Perfect. Set the village on fire.

Go to the swamp!

On the other side!

Fire! Fire!

Fire!

The village is burning! Fire!

The village is burning!

I beg you,

don't take the Chronicles.

The fifty men of the clan will find some work thanks to them.

The future of these men depend on it.

I don't care about my life, only theirs.

It's your problem. They're also important to me.

You really are a demon.

You're saying that

you want to save your men with the Chronicles.

But it'll do is get them killed.

Why?

They hold some compromising information for the Yagyus.

They fear a public scandal

and will murder anyone holding them.

Do you understand?

Get rid of them for the sake of your men.

The one who possesses them is condemned.

We're acting to get rid of the Yagyus.

Believe me.

What must I do?

I'm ready to sacrifice myself

to save my men, but...

Believe me.

Trust me!

The village is in fire!

The Yagyus came here.

Go back there.

What about you?

I give up on this hostage idea.

I'll get the Chronicles honestly.

It's strange that Tasaburo has released his precious hostage.

They talked a lot in the boat.

It's weird.

Well. Keep watching him closely.

The Yagyus burned the village. They're merciless.

What next?

The princess and her men are going to Edo.

Good.

If they're going to Edo, it means that they have the Chronicles.

We can kill them one by one

before they get there.

Buzaemon, tell me who has the Chronicles.

Don't worry about that.

I promise that we'll make you happy.

Watch the princess carefully. Understood?

We're in danger.

It's better to sleep in a temple.

Yes, you're right.

But Kagenta, don't spread the word.

Only the five of us must know.

It's odd. Who could play the flute here?

Protect the princess!

All of you, be on your guard!

I was expecting you.

Who are you?

Don't be scared! He's alone!

Yes, I'm alone.

Are you all going to attack me?

Or just one by one?

What do you have against us?

Nothing. I just need something.

What?

The Martial Chronicles.

Don't attack him!

You stand no chance! He's Jubei Yagyu!

Will you give them to me?

One moment! Wait!

You're right, we have them,

but they'll help us to re-form our clan.

We're not acting against the Yagyus.

If you're really Jubei, we can negociate.

What do you think?

Show them to me.

I'll help you if you show them to me.

He wants to trap you!

Don't give them to him!

This voice...

He'll kill you, even if you yield!

Run!

Show yourself! Who are you?

Tasaburo of Kasumi!

I'll drop this rock! Take the opportunity to run!

Be careful!

Step back!

The princess wants to get rid of them to save us.

How does she plan to do it?

By giving them to the Yagyus or to this Kasumi ninja.

- Or yet... - Buzaemon.

This ninja is manipulating the princess.

He must be lying to her to get

the Martial Chronicles back.

But Jubei tried to kill us.

Maybe it wasn't really him.

And even if it was Jubei,

it proves that the Chronicles will help us.

Keep them preciously.

You're right.

What do you think, Kagenta?

I agree. They're our only way to survive.

Then let's stick to our initial plan.

How dare you?

It's me. Don't be afraid.

I'll scream if you come any closer.

Calm down.

I can only see you here.

Please accept my apologies.

I must talk to you.

Meet me at the bell after your bath.

Tell no one. Please.

Princess...

Princess...

What do you want?

Nothing. I was worried of not seeing you coming out.

I'm coming.

No, take your time.

You'll come? All right?

I'm really sorry.

I didn't think you'd come.

What do you want?

Who has the Chronicles? Tell me.

I don't know.

That's it?

The Yagyus will spare you if you give them to me.

Jubei's behavior confirms my words.

You told me that you'd get them honestly.

It's not the case.

We've got nothing more to speak about if you're finished.

What are you doing?

I love you.

What?

What about you? Do you love me or not? Tell me.

Don't you love me?

Do you love me?

This is indecent!

Indecent?

Is it because I'm a ninja?

Don't you trust me?

I'll leave the world of the ninjas after this mission.

I promise you

that I'll become one of the best swordsman in Japan.

I made this decision

when I first met you.

Talk to me. What are you feelings for me?

What do you feel?

I know your feelings.

You're here because you love me.

Say it!

Don't martyrize me.

I'm just a puppet.

The happiness of my clan comes first.

No! You won't be a puppet!

Wait!

Wait!

I'm gonna take care of you tonight.

Shall I cut you into pieces?

Or shall I decapitate you?

Anyway, you're gonna die.

Dirty ninja!

Sorry! I can't die now!

We'll meet again! See you later!

You wanted to give it to me. Show me what it is.

- A mirror. - A mirror?

A small hand-mirror. I made it myself.

It's beautiful.

- You put some lacquer. - Yes.

I accept this gift as a proof of your love.

A mirror is like a woman's heart. Does breaking it bring bad luck?

I'll keep one half and you, the other.

Once we'll be older, we'll get married.

And the two parts will be together again.

Do you understand?

The prince!

The prince is coming!

What? Prince Chiyomatsu of Mito is here?

Help me to change my clothes.

We're here today for a specific reason.

The prince wants to fight the master, Tajima Yagyu, with real swords.

That's his request.

How unfortunate, our weapon master is not here.

Prince, we must be on our way.

Be reasonable.

Your opponent isn't here, the duel isn't possible.

Tomonori, fight me.

I haven't reached your level of skill yet.

You don't want to fight with a sword?

Then I declare myself the winner.

I defeated the Yagyus. I'm the best!

Wait!

I accept this duel.

What are you saying?

Matajuro! No!

He's Chunagon's heir but he must not be spoiled.

Get ready!

I appreciate your determination.

Don't you take a sword?

I'll use a technique of the Shinkage school.

Fine.

Careful!

That's our technique.

Tomonori, did I make a mistake?

No. You're a great swordsman. I'll never be as good as you are.

Liar! Matajuro defeated me!

He's the one who's great!

You're a liar!

Shoza! I hate you all!

I hate you!

Brother, is that... ?

Tell no one.

I'll talk to our father.

An intruder! Where's Seigen?

Intruder!

Seigen!

Where's Seigen?

Rascal!

Your name is Oki, isn't it?

You really are a daughter of the Yagyu family.

Liar!

Liar?

Oh yes, you're talking about last time. Forgive me.

I didn't want to die. I lied to you

to save myself.

You said that you loved me.

I made it up to escape.

You're heartless!

A ninja has no heart.

I don't know what love is.

Always on the run like a rat...

that's the life of a ninja.

I don't collect the fruits of my feats. I live in the shadows.

I'll die in the shadows.

What are you waiting for?

Why don't you call for help?

I guess you want to let me go.

I accept this kind gesture.

But know one thing, a ninja doesn't show any gratitude.

Farewell.

Wait!

I'll kill you if you come any closer!

Your brother, Tomonori, skillfully dodged it

but you, you won't be able to do it.

Why don't you kill me?

You want to know why?

Yes, I want to hear it. Even if I have to die for that.

I'll never tell you why, even with my last breath.

The Martial Chronicles owned by Great Counsellor Yabu

have fallen in the worst possible hands.

Who?

Hikozaemon Okubo.

How did he get them?

The Great Counsellor fearing that the secrets might be revealed,

hid the scroll inside the painting "The Cart and the Flowers".

The Shogun brought it back from Kyoto.

Yet, Okubo, the old racoon,

ignoring this fact...

I'm surprised that you know this painting.

Of course I know it. It's "The Cart and the Flowers".

I have refined tastes.

I got it from the Great Counsellor.

I give it to you if you like it.

Many thanks.

And within a second, evil was done.

If only we could get the scroll back...

But our adversary is formidable.

Okubo is hiring many ronins from all over the country.

If they notice...

I've got an idea to submit.

Ask Matajuro to dress up as a "Ku-no-ichi".

Ku-no-ichi?

Woman

Our last resort.

Our young master... What will he do?

What is this disguise?

Rika! You're Seigen Izumono's daughter. Don't trouble yourself like that.

Here's what "dressing up as a Ku-no-ichi" means.

Pulling out the teeth.

The young master will...

Wait!

- Where are you going? - To tell him to stop!

He's doing it for the Yagyus.

You must not stop him.

Matajuro, are you ready?

Yes.

You're doing it for the shogun and our family, the Yagyus.

Tomonori, get in position.

Open your mouth.

Tortoiseshell structure. Ivory teeth. You can hardly tell.

Wonderful. You did a great job.

Matajuro, try them.

Everything is fine. Don't worry.

Young master...

Rika, thank you for all you did. I'm all right.

Thank you.

Come on, tell us, Senshiro.

Do you have an appointment with a man or a woman?

I'm jealous.

You'll see.

You'll feel so dull in comparison

that you'll leave immediately.

How mean...

I was waiting for you.

You made your nest here?

More or less.

Show me these Martial Chronicles.

I want to check their authenticity.

What? You don't have them?

I couldn't get them.

Princess Yu will go to Okubo's so I went ahead of her.

You're at his house, aren't you?

I don't understand.

Robbing people on the road

is very easy.

I find it odd.

Did you do it on purpose?

What?

- You let the princess have them. - Stop! Shut up!

What's tormenting you?

We're Kasumi ninjas.

We don't love anybody.

Look at you.

Your anger proves that I'm right.

Why did you want me to come?

To tell you all this.

Maybe you don't know it

but a man called Matabei is following you.

Be careful.

- Who hired him? - I can't tell you.

But we mustn't have any human feelings.

It's a brotherly advice.

Did you see? It's Matabei.

A spy for another spy...

A spy must behave like a spy.

Tasaburo will go to Okubo's with Senshiro.

Princess Yu and her men are going too.

That's enough!

We must take care of Tasaburo.

- Shall we kill him? - Wait.

Let's give him one last chance.

Then we'll see.

Since when are you back?

A new one?

Don't be upset. It was my way of saluting you.

You're doing quite well.

He's my elder brother.

You could have told me.

Where's Okubo? I want to introduce him.

He's having a visit.

A beauty. Go and have a look at her.

A beauty? It's a woman?

From the Ryuzoji family.

Princess Yu.

No. It's not her.

What?

Magnificent, magnificent.

You're making me uncomfortable.

I didn't have so much pleasure in a long time.

I'm happy to live a long life.

I'd like to straighten out my kimono. Can I use a room?

There are no women here.

Choose the any room you want.

She's so touching...

Ryuzoji family's princess

is offering a dance to the old man that I am

to obtain the rehabilitation of her clan.

I have tears in my eyes.

Excuse me. Princess Yu and three of her men are here.

We just met the princess, you idiot!

But she asked me to announce her.

That's odd...

I can't be fooled like that!

Leave while the sun is still up.

- What? - Quiet!

Princess Yu is already here.

No, it's not her.

Here's the real princess.

Who are you?

Who's there?

One of you must have the Chronicles.

What?

You are...

Thief!

- Stop! - Why?

- I'm acting honestly. - No!

- Let go of me! - Princess, watch out!

An intruder! Come, all of you!

Intruder!

Intruder!

Calm down! Calm down!

How dare you break into somebody's home?

It's intolerable.

Senshiro, congratulations.

Even if it's just one half, its value is priceless.

We're pointing our blade at Tajima Yagyu's throat.

Tasaburo, what happened?

You had the Chronicles within your grasp.

That's enough. I overestimated you.

I made the mistake of thinking you were very good.

I promise you to bring the Chronicles back!

Shut up, fool!

A woman doesn't make a ninja's head spin.

- You forgot your duty! - Never...

You think you can fool me?

I've got proof and witnesses.

These three men

saw everything.

You're banished.

Go wherever you want.

I won't apologize again.

I never forgot my duty.

I'll bring back the scroll to prove it.

Good bye.

Senshiro...

you know our law.

Tasaburo broke it. We can't let him live.

You're his brother. What do you think?

Ninjas must not have feelings.

Whoever betray them must be punished.

I'm proud of you. Are you resolute?

I swear I am.

Then you can kill him.

Do it!

Must I live as a ninja?

Must I die as a man?

Will I remain a spy?

Will I become a weapon master?

Is Fugetsusai trying to overthrow the Yagyus

in the name of justice or to take their place?

Wait!

Is that you? Senshiro?

Don't come any closer, traitor!

I see. You came to kill me.

Fugetsusai's order?

It doesn't matter! Defend yourself!

Fate wanted it to happen. Don't hold back!

Very well.

Fool, why don't you kill me?

Pick it up! Resume the fight!

Stupid fool!

Push me in the pond.

What?

They're watching us. Push me in the water and run away.

So, you...

It's not because we're brothers. It's because you're human.

- What about you? - I'll die as a ninja.

Go, run!

We must not hesitate.

We must fight the Yagyus.

Wait. Rushing can prove to be fatal.

What?

You and your blasted caution!

Then why did we come to Edo?

Calm down.

Princess.

Are you sad?

What are you doing?

The visit to Okubo was a failure and we don't know where to go.

Release my hand.

Our hope to re-form the clan is shattering.

What are you trying to tell me?

Princess, everything I did, it was for you!

Kagenta...

Let's run away together! You'll be an ordinary woman.

And me, an ordinary man.

I'm a princess...

Our clan is gone. Let's run away together!

Wait, Kagenta!

You're showing your true face. You're despicable!

You have no excuse!

You should be decapitated or hanged.

I grant you the hara-kiri,

since I was considering you like a samurai.

You're crazy!

One moment!

What's the point to fight?

We won't re-form clan.

We're all equal.

The scroll is here.

I have a plan. Are you with me?

We must find a way to live.

What's your decision?

All right. Kagenta, I'm with you.

We'll talk about it later.

But what shall we do with him?

I have an idea.

Buzaemon...

What happened?

It's the Kasumi ninja.

I missed him by a minute. I'd have saved him if I'd been there.

Okubo, what business brings at such a late hour?

My Lord, I wanted to address you

a request of the utmost importance.

This behavior isn't like you. Speak.

Please allow me...

to act this way.

- To commit hara-kiri? - Yes.

Why? Tell me why.

Yagyu clan plots are the reason.

What?

I'm sure

that you'll think I'm crazy.

But if I really was,

my heart would be lighter.

Wait.

You're accusing the Great Inspector? Give me a proof.

I don't have one.

Saying such a thing without evidence is insane.

I'm ready to take responsibility for my actions.

If I was wrong, at my age,

I'd be happy to die by your hand.

Okubo, what are you trying to tell me? You're hiding something.

You saw right through me.

Tell me.

- All right. - Come closer.

In fact, I'd like to ask you to dismiss

the Great Inspector, Tajima Yagyu, from his post.

Dismiss him from his post? It's unthinkable.

Do you have a personal grudge against him?

Not at all.

I'm risking my life by presenting you this request

for the good of the people and of the Tokugawas.

You've probably heard of the dissensions

between the Great Inspector, Tajima Yagyu,

and the old vassal Izunokami Matsudaira.

They both have important posts

and if these dissensions become public knowledge,

you won't have any respite.

Fine.

Since you insist, give me some time to think.

- Okubo. - Yes?

No hara-kiri!

Turn around.

I've been delayed by a talkative old man.

I kept you waiting.

What's going on?

- Don't panic! - Who are you?

I don't have any bad intentions.

Why are you here?

I have a request.

- Go see my subordinates. - No.

I really need to talk to you in person.

What do you want?

I'm here to ask to re-form the Ryuzoji clan.

I beg you to accept.

I'm not...

I'll kidnap this woman if you refuse!

Wait! Wait a moment!

So? Will you re-form the Ryuzoji clan?

Promise me that you will.

Without your word...

Intruder!

Intruder!

Intruder!

Please! Accept my request!

I know that these are troubled times,

but the fact that someone can sneak into the shogun's room is inadmissible.

He's ordering me to arrest the samurai from the Ryuzoji clan.

Do you really think that this man was one of theirs?

- Do you have another idea? - Yes.

I think he has something to do with the Yagyus.

I have the proof.

He blocked the door with this ninja item.

Another evidence.

We found these weapons at Hikozaemon Okubo's.

They belong to Kage or Shinkage ninja schools.

These pieces of evidence

condemn Tajima Yagyu.

Let's not go too fast.

This fox pretends that he doesn't care about the Chronicles.

I'll bring him down.

Who will win?

The Yagyus or me, Izunokami? We'll know it soon.

Jubei.

You must be tired from your trip,

but there's still one man to kill.

- Who? - Hikozaemon Okubo.

He went to see the shogun in person.

It probably involves us.

But...

Can't you kill him?

I can.

It's easy to kill a man like him

but he's close to the shogun.

It could cause us some trouble.

Do you think that the shogun could disband our clan?

We know the secrets of the Chronicles.

There's nothing he can do against us.

Don't worry. Kill him!

Who's there?

Come in.

Come closer.

Why were you listening?

How insolent!

I know. I was suspecting that I would have to face your wrath.

Father, am I not your son?

Or am I too young?

What are you saying?

Believe me, I'm not upset.

I obeyed you for the good of my family.

I risked my life when I went to Okubo's house.

But why don't you tell me the secrets of the Chronicles?

Fool. I already told you.

We need them for our family and to preserve the peace.

But these explanations aren't enough.

Matajuro, don't you think that you know enough?

I don't know more than you do.

Why shall we doubt? We're acting for justice.

What is this justice?

I don't understand your way of thinking.

I've made the mistake of not telling you everything.

Justice must be dispensed publicly.

But if these secrets are revealed,

we won't talk of justice anymore.

I don't understand. Tell me why!

Listen.

Our family only earns a 12000 koku salary.

Compared to the three influential families allied with the Tokugawas,

the li, Honda, Matsudaira families,

and to the lords loyal to the Tokugawas, like Okubo,

we play an equally important role.

Do you know why?

Because I hold the secrets of the Martial Chronicles.

If the shogun holds this superior position in front of the emperor,

it's because of our family.

In a word, the Martial Chronicles secrets

are so important that all this depends on them.

And I'm the one who holds them.

So you want to give them away?

- Shut up! - No!

You're crazy!

Jubei, stop.

Do you really think that I'm a traitor?

I'd like to believe the opposite and to trust my father.

But... I don't understand anything!

Wait! Matajuro!

Young master, wait!

I already told you everything.

Take me with you!

No, that's impossible. My confusion is too big.

I want to think alone.

No... I don't want to think about anything.

Rika...

Here.

Forget everything that happened.

Our love should follow the destiny of this mirror.

This is too cruel...

Young master!

Wait! Say that again!

No problem. Ryuzoji clan's men are all stupid.

Calm down. Let's talk.

The Yagyus didn't let us re-form our clan.

Do you know that the so-called princess at Okubo's house

was in fact Matajuro Yagyu dressed up like a woman?

I'm here to become your ally.

Let's talk quietly. Sheathe your swords!

Don't come any closer.

I have something to tell you.

- I don't want to hear it. - Yes, you do. I...

You're really despicable.

What are you saying? I...

Do you still think that I'm an enemy?

What impudence! You're the one who killed Buzaemon!

I killed him? It's a lie!

I never attacked your clan!

You can kill me too. I curse you!

There's no reason for that.

I'm not a ninja anymore.

I've been banished.

My old comrades are hunting me down.

So tonight, I came to say my farewells.

Believe me! I didn't kill Buzaemon!

I'll be a famous samurai

when we'll meet again.

We'll attack the Yagyus in their house

and steal the scroll in the ensuing chaos.

Do you understand?

With the Chronicles in our possession, the Yagyus will be finished.

As well as the lords following them.

Their lands will be ours as a reward.

When do you want to act?

The 15th of this month, during the night.

There'll be a banquet for the cherry trees in blossom.

Tajima Yagyu, Izunokami Matsudaira... They'll all be together.

In 10 days.

I'm eager to do it!

Kagenta, what are you hatching?

You're not our princess anymore. We're no longer your men.

We don't take orders anymore!

Kagenta, you...

Daisuke Akiba and Kanjuro Minami are getting close to Edo.

Monzaburo Hirayama and Tokuro Watarai too.

When the ten best men of the Kage school will be here,

we'll be able to retrieve the Chronicles.

We have a full scroll and one half of another.

The Yagyus have one and a half too.

Hayato Nanjo and Tokubei Ikeda are in Edo.

Kokingo Ide has arrived.

Buhei Sawara, Gonpachi Yamashiro and Saemon Togane are here.

Very well.

What must I do now?

Thanks for your help. We don't need you anymore.

Really?

Yes. Ten swordsmen, ten ninjas and twenty Ryuzoji samurai.

They're going to attack the Yagyus the 15th of this month.

The 15th, it's in three days.

Good. Give him a reward.

Take control of the city.

But make it easier for them to attack the Yagyus.

Make it easier for them to attack?

For the Great Inspector, it's a disgrace to be attacked.

It will be enough to make him lose his post.

And don't let this man go.

Don't worry.

Make anti-fire patrols during the evening of the 15th.

Go to the Yagyu's house as soon as something happens

and arrest the attackers.

Why do you look so sad?

Shut up!

I already saw you somewhere.

What?

You're a Yagyu.

You're looking for the Chronicles.

The Chronicles ?

I don't need them anymore.

Really?

Neither do I.

I'm tired of living.

Where are you going?

To Azabu, by Koishikawa.

It's quite a detour.

Take the way by the Yagyus house. It's shorter.

- Thanks for the advice. - Be careful.

I'm sure that they're from the Kage school.

They make us save time.

"Take the way by the Yagyus house" What a stupid fool!

Wait! It's dubious.

Could Izunokami be aware of our plan?

Tasaburo!

What do you want?

Come.

The princess is in danger. Go to the Dentsuin temple quickly.

What are you talking about?

Izunokami and the Yagyus went ahead of us.

Run to the Dentsuin!

What will you do? Where are you going?

It's none of your business.

Princess, you're nothing to us now.

Don't let her go!

Kagenta, you're...

Father!

I've heard that Fugetsusai's band will attack us.

Calm down. The Yagyu family is safe.

But...

Lord Yagyu!

Is there a problem?

No, everything is fine.

Good.

If anything happens,

it won't matter

since it's your men who are on guard duty tonight.

- We can go. - Fine.

Be discreet. Go out by groups of three or four.

It's okay.

Next!

Go!

Princess!

Princess Yu!

Princess Yu!

- Are you Tasaburo? - Jubei?

Watch out! Intruders!

We're under attack!

Kill them all!

Run!

- The Yagyus, at the temple? - They arrived before us.

The trap didn't work.

Well. Go and arrest them at the Dentsuin temple!

- Kagenta! - Princess, forgive me...

Buzaemon... it was me...

who killed him.

Why?

Take that... and save...

our people.

Kagenta!

You're the one who has them!

Princess!

I have a horse outside! Go!

Withdraw!

The man who sneaked into the shogun's house!

Catch him!

- Over there! - There!

They must be around here! Look for them!

- To the valley! - Go!

They're yours.

I don't need them anymore.

I only wanted your heart.

But now...

I know that you were honest.

It's too late for the two of us. I want to save you.

We can't stay together.

They'll stop if they find me.

Stay here a little then run away.

No, don't go!

You don't understand. I want to save you.

We must part.

I won't leave you.

All right. We'll try to escape as far as possible.

I'm happy...

We should be able to cross with those rafts.

They're here!

What are you doing?

I don't care if I die like that...

THE END