Original subtitles

English translation modified by Big Condor

A Portrait of Shunkin

It was not long after the 1868 Meiji Restoration.

There was a street in Osaka.

Lined with traditionally drug stores called Doshomachi.

The druggists were proud,

their families were respected,

they remained old-fashioned.

Naturally, feudalism still remained with them.

Welcome.

Mr. Omiya is here.

Hello, I haven't seen you for ages.

How are you?

Mozuya Pharmacy was one of the bigger shops.

Yasuzaemon, the master had two daughters,

Koto was younger.

There was a servant named Sasuke who came from Omi when he was 13.

He was expected to become an apprentice.

Sasuke.

Sasuke, you're wanted.

Sasuke, Miss Koto wants you.

Miss Koto is waiting for you eagerly.

Thanks.

Miss Koto, you ask for me?

You're late.

I'm sorry.

You're supposed to trim my nails today.

How can you forget it?

I have to carry the things from the warehouse.

No excuses!

Sorry.

Take me to my music lesson after you trim my nails.

All right.

Oh, no!

Too short!

They are not of the same length.

Can't you trim the nails equally?

I'm sorry. I'll be careful next time.

Sasuke, will you please come out?

What for?

I need him here.

His father has arrived from his hometown,

and ma'am sent me for him.

Sasuke,

go and see your father.

Later!

I'll see him later.

You've been away from Osaka for a while,

take Sasuke with you and look around.

No, I'll get the medicine today,

and I'll return home tomorrow.

You're as tedious as ever.

Poor merchants

have no time to waste.

The master is here, you haven't change a bit.

I'm old.

Your son works as hard as you.

Thanks to you,

you've been kind to my son.

I really appreciate it, thank you.

Don't be so humble!

He deserves it.

Where is he?

Bring him here.

I sent for him.

Never mind.

I'm glad if he can be of help to you.

Koto always needs Sasuke

to do things for her.

She's blind,

we pity her.

We let him to take care of her as she wishes.

I'm obliged.

She's very kind to him.

My father worked

for your shop too.

We're grateful to you.

Please let him reciprocates

your kindness and work for her.

Since she is blind,

she loses her temper easily.

Sasuke soothes her temper,

we thank him.

How are you, Miss.

It's been a long time.

Don't be so polite.

Though I haven't seen her for a short time.

She looks like a full-fledged business woman,

more mature and beautiful.

You mean her?

She's going to get married.

My elder daughter is really somebody.

She wants to run the shop.

My employees say she sores them more than I do.

Sasuke, your father's here,

come and see him.

I know.

But Miss Koto's going to her music lesson.

You don't have to go.

Koto,

go with somebody else, 0k?

Who do you want?

Otoku?

She talks too much.

Otane?

She's awful.

She acted badly in front of me.

Let me go, ma'am,

I'm accustomed to it.

But...

your father's here, you have to see him.

It doesn't matter,

I'll talk with him tonight.

Miss Koto, let's go.

Let's go.

Come back earlier.

She's grown even more beautiful.

We have to realize that we're old.

You're right. I'm sorry.

She asks Sasuke to accompany her to the music lesson.

Since she's handicapped,

let her have her way.

So I go now, sorry.

Her music teacher likes her.

He said Koto is gifted in,

and he teaches her especially hard.

Her reputation is good among professional koto players, and he teaches her especially hard.

Her reputation is good among professional koto players,

she plays very well.

That's very nice, congratulations.

She likes music,

she wants to be a professional.

Her determination, however, makes me feel sorry.

Everybody is born to be useful.

Once I think of it,

I would feel better.

She knows it too.

Sen kichi just passed by

with a fragrant smell.

Who is she?

Don't you know, young master?

She's the daughter at Mozuya Pharmacy.

- Mozuya Pharmacy? - I won't cheat you.

I always believe young master has it on you.

I thought you know all the beauts in Osaka.

So was I.

But I don't know this one.

Really?

But it's pity,

I wish she could see.

I can't believe she's blind.

I can't stand it,

I can't control myself once I smell a girl's fragrance.

Help me get acquainted with her.

Not again! That's your illness.

I've got an idea,

study koto with her

from her teacher.

- Koto? - Yeah.

Forget it. I disgust it.

Dancing would be better for me.

So you have to give up.

There is no other way.

I can't lose such a big fish.

I must catch her.

You'd better give up.

I don't believe I can't get her.

All right.

I'll do anything for her,

I'll study koto or samisen if it helps me to get her.

The teacher is biased,

and earnest when she plays.

That's right.

She's his best pupil,

and pretty, too!

Nonsense! He's blind, too!

He can't see her, how does he know she's pretty?

You plunge yourself to it thoroughly.

What's the title?

'The Moon'.

'The Moon', so beautiful!

You've got a nice job,

you take her hand everyday.

How nice!

But I pity her,

if only she could see.

Miss Koto is unlike the others.

She's not blind,

she can see things with her heart.

You sound as if you were her lover.

So noisy, stop it!

Sasuke.

Enough!

You come here to learn business!

You're going to be a druggist!

Everybody is working hard for the master.

Not a musician!

Why play the samisen?

I'm sorry.

Where did you get it?

I saved my monthly allowance for that.

You take Miss Koto to her music teacher.

It's not for you!

- Have you forgot your job? - No.

Your father asked me

to take care of you the other day.

Never do that again!

I understand.

I've caught cold because of you.

Sasuke.

Sasuke.

Come here.

Yes.

Anything else?

Play the samisen.

You can use mine.

I can't,

I'm not good enough.

Bullshit!

My eyes are blind but my heart's not!

Late every night,

I hear you practicing the samisen.

I can hear it clearly.

Why don't you tell me?

I can't play it before you,

I'm not good.

Forgive me, I'll never play it again.

Tell me,

why did you start practicing?

You want to be a

better player than me?

That's impossible! How could I?

I just wanted to experience

the hardship of practising music like you do.

This is true.

Then, play it!

But...

I just promised the shopkeeper

that I wouldn't play again.

He's not the master here.

I ask you once more,

do you mean to disobey me?

Play it!

My instrument has broken,

please lend me yours.

- Higher tone on the third string. - Yes.

I'll begin.

Why did you play an easy tone?

Play a more difficult one.

- Replay it from start. - All right.

Sasuke, have you forgotten today's date?

Today's New Year's Eve,

we're busy in the shop,

and you sit here playing samisen.

Do you know what your work is?

I told him to play,

scold me if you want.

Sister,

I have something to tell you.

What?

You're flattered

wherever you go.

Do you know why?

Everybody pities you

in the name of Mozuya.

Actually, they don't want to treat you like that,

understand?

Your music teacher is kind to you,

because you're a daughter here.

In other words,

you're good at nothing, Miss Koto.

What else can you do except this?

You want Sasuke in the shop?

It's good to know.

Do you...

want to go back to the shop with my sister?

Please forgive me, Miss Oyoshi,

find someone else to replace me.

Please let me take care of Miss Koto.

Oyoshi,

since Sasuke's has this idea,

just let him take care of her.

Mom, you're always like that!

You always side with her.

I'm your daughter too!

Oyoshi, listen to me...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry to cause you troubles.

- Yes

Starting today, I'll teach you samisen.

Thank you.

So that is it.

Don't give heed to what other people say.

I'll teach you well,

and you have to practice hard too.

I Will.

Oyoshi.

Why is she angry?

Koto teaches Sasuke to play the samisen.

Oyoshi is taking care of the shop.

So it's natural that she's unease.

You too,

don't meddle in their affairs,

otherwise she'll think we are biased.

Kot0's a good player now,

if she wants to be a teacher, we'd better not interfere.

It's Sasuke who's playing now!

Sasuke?

He's good, even though he has no teacher.

All right,

maybe he should be released from the shop.

It's too tired for him to run here and there,

and it's no good for everyone.

Let him learn with her from the same teacher.

He can learn music,

and she'll be encouraged, too.

And Oyoshi will be convinced.

That's a good idea.

Thus Sasuke was released from the shop.

He too,

became Shunsho's pupil.

They both believed it was good for Sasuke.

Koto treated him even more strictly.

No! Not again!

You shouldn't play like that!

Why can't you remember?

Sorry!

No! Try again!

Give me the instrument.

- Yes.

Then play it again.

Yes.

Wrong again!

How many time do I have to tell you, stupid!

Sasuke, are you hurt?

No. Not at all.

Good players practice hard

before they succeed.

You must practice hard, too.

That's why I'm so strict to you.

Yes, I know.

Please, Miss Koto,

be strict to me until I can play well,

make me an expert.

I won't complain!

I just wish you to treat me strictly.

So remember what I told you, play again.

Thank you Miss Koto.

No! Play again!

I'll Play again.

Do you know what time it is?

You don't want to sleep?

What happened to your hand?

Nothing! I'm a bad pupil

and I troubled her.

It's nothing!

Don't get hurt when practicing.

Sleep now, it'll be dawn soon.

It's more painstaking than in the shop.

Mom, don't intervene while I teach him.

I must teach him to be a good player.

While we're practicing,

I don't want any intervention.

Go on, Sasuke, continue playing

until you play it well, understand?

Yes, I'll play again.

That's right?

I'm sweating.

Practicing is never easy,

how can you improve without practicing?

Really?

How long will it take to learn one piece?

For you, three years.

But it's impossible for you to practise so long.

That's bad!

I wish I can play well earlier.

I want to play a duet with Miss Koto of Mozuya.

How long can I play it like that?

You'd need a lifetime.

This place is not suitable for you.

That's enough, you can go home.

You look down on me.

It's difficult for me to find you,

and now you say I can't learn it for my lifetime?

This is no place for drinking tea.

You'd better learn songs

from a geisha.

Would I learn quicker from them?

I don't know.

Anyway, I don't want you here anymore.

You expel me?

I wanted to leave a long time ago.

Really? Anything can happen.

That's right.

It's a mad world.

Really? So interesting!

What are you doing?

Take these things out!

Ok, let's practice.

Yes.

Sasuke.

I'm sorry, I didn't notice.

Sasuke, you shut your eyes, didn't you?

Yes.

Why did you do that?

Tell me!

You know I am blind,

and you want to mock at me?

No, not at all!

Because...

I want to feel things the way you do, Miss Koto.

Call me teacher!

Sorry, teacher.

I just want to share your feelings, teacher.

We can play through empathy.

I don't believe you!

You try to make a fool of me!

No!

Yes! That's what you did.

Get out, I don't need your sympathy!

I don't want you to pity me!

I don't want you to take care of me!

Get out!

Teacher.

Get lost! I don't want to talk to you!

I was wrong, please forgive me.

I respect you with all my heart,

I'd serve you for my whole life,

I don't want to leave you.

Teacher, don't send me away,

I will do anything you ask me to.

If I do anything wrong,

you can scold me,

beat me.

Have you been driven out?

What have you done?

You offended Miss Koto?

Don't worry.

She gets nice after she gets mad, right?

Earthquake!

Go to the street, quick!

Earthquake! Get out of here.

Don't take anything, move!

Don't take anything!

Sasuke.

What are you waiting for?

Miss Koto...

Sasuke.

Miss Koto.

Sasuke.

Don't worry.

It's all right.

Sasuke.

Stay here. Don't go away.

I'll stay here with you.

Sasuke, don't ever leave me.

I'll never leave you.

All my life!

There's great.

Thus they stayed together

day and night.

They lived in a subtle relationship.

Then a mysterious thing

happened to the girl...

Very good.

You've made a remarkable progress.

It wasn't easy.

Because you teach well.

You have tried hard, but...

don't forget her kindness!

To learn music,

and the credit goes to Miss Koto.

I know.

She helped me to learn from you,

I owe her a lot.

Tell her to take care of herself

and come to see me after healing.

Yes.

Goodbye. Thank you.

You're back.

- The master wants you. - Yes sir.

You want me, sir?

- Come in. - Yes sir.

- Come closer. - Yes sir.

Just come back after lesson?

Yes, I've just returned.

The teacher praised me today.

I want to thank Miss Koto for

she teaches me well.

From today...

she'll be away for a while.

Her mother is taking her to Arima Spa.

Sasuke.

She's pregnant with your child,

you know that?

Impossible, I wouldn't do that!

You'd been together

from morning till night.

You should know everything.

I don't know anything.

You do. Who else?

The father is either you

or another pupil.

Can you suggest who?

She never has a lover.

Then tell me,

you're the father.

Impossible!

She's my mistress, and my teacher.

I am a servant.

That's an insult to Miss Koto!

Sasuke, tell me the truth.

I won't get mad at you,

I won't scold you.

If you are her child's father,

I'll be glad and relieved.

Please tell me.

I'm sorry, master.

I wish I could.

Don't complain of mom's loquacity.

I ask you once more,

tell me the name of your child's father.

Please tell me!

I'm sorry

to have you and father worried.

We had make a pledge

not to disclose his name.

So don't ask me again.

Don't be so stubborn.

Is Sasuke the father?

Mother! He's my servant

and pupil.

How could he be?

Or Sasuke...

does he says anything about me?

No. He says nothing.

But if Sasuke is the father,

we'll be at ease,

and we'll take him as an adopted son.

I had discussed this with your father.

Don't pity me because

I'm handicapped.

It's humiliating

to choose a servant for my husband.

Where did you hear it?

I'm blind but I am not deaf.

All right, don't talk about it.

But what'll you do with the child?

We don't raise an illicit child.

Give away my baby,

I'll remain single.

Koto.

The watermill!

It's autumn again,

we went to Minoo

to see red maples.

A big watermill.

The scenery's unforgettable!

Mom, actually...

I know everybody is kind and tries to take care of me.

You all take care of me,

but I can't rely on it forever.

If my whole life relies on you

then I'd be spoiled.

Do you want me looked down by others?

My child,

don't say that.

Forgive me of being an unfilial daughter.

Please let me have my way.

Whatever happens

I won't regret or complain.

That's the only way for me,

there's no better way.

Before long the child was born,

but the child's father remained unknown.

Kot0's parents had no other alternative,

they sent the baby

to a family in Kawachi.

It was not far away from Sasuke's home.

Nobody knew where the family was.

Before the rumor faded,

Koto encountered two unhappy incidents.

Towards the end of the year,

her father suddenly died of disease.

Within a month,

Shunsho, her music teacher,

passed away before spring.

With her teacher's permission, Koto became a music teacher

under the name of Shunkin.

She lived in a new house

with Sasuke near Yodoya Bridge.

Sasuke, I'm finished.

Yes.

Don't paint it too strong,

otherwise my sister would say something.

- She doesn't like heavy makeup. - All right.

When did we last see her?

On your father's death anniversary.

Why does she call us back today?

Don't know what happened?

I don't know what it is,

was it the Tenko?

Yes.

The bird sings

because it's a sunny day.

Watch the door.

Take care.

This Hakuho wants to bathe,

has it bathed today?

Sorry, I forget.

I don't listen to any excuse.

All right, I give it a bath now.

Goodbye, Miss Koto.

She can see things better than us.

The birds are more important than me.

It's raining outside,

everybody comes to play the drum.

Hello.

Is it your practicing day?

Sorry, teacher's out.

Really? I need to talk to her.

I'd like to wait for her.

Please give this to her.

Thank you.

Don't tell her it's from me.

Ok.

And this,

this is for you.

Thank you.

Come in.

I'll wait here.

Thanks a lot for your kindness.

You are welcome.

With any student?

No.

- She sleeps here? - Yes.

- Alone? - Of course.

How about Sasuke?

He sleeps upstairs.

Really?

Why should I cheat you?

Why do you keep on asking such questions?

That's weird, he takes care of her

from morning till night.

He even helps her to have a bath,

but they sleep separately?

If I were him I would quit long ago.

What's wrong with it?

They're teacher and pupil.

Does he call her teacher

when they're alone?

When Sasuke has a meal,

he eats with us in the kitchen, right?

Right.

That means they aren't man and wife yet?

I still have a chance.

- Right? - Fool!

You call me a fool?

I just can't believe it,

that's really strange.

Your father is old,

he wishes you could resign

and take over his business.

This is urgent,

so he has someone to send a message to you.

So, do you want to go home?

Come on, make up your mind!

Don't be so hasty!

Besides, we need him to take care of Koto.

And...

he's now Koto's assistant.

Mom, so you want to

adopt Sasuke.

How can you say that?

Miss Oyoshi, could you please come out?

I don't understand this.

You've been here long enough

to learn business.

Sasuke, I want your answer

as soon as possible.

I wish my husband had settled

this with your father,

but he passed away so suddenly.

For a long time,

Otoku's preparing Koto's favourite sushi.

Sasuke.

Yes.

You want to go home, don't you?

You couldn't answer

because of me?

Regarding our relationship,

we're mistress and servant, teacher and pupil.

I won't leave teacher alone.

My sister and her husband

can handle the family's business.

As for me, my job is

to take care of teacher.

I'm determined.

Don't you understand

what I've done for you?

Sasuke.

Teacher, I've finished my affair,

it's time for us to leave.

Sasuke, let's go.

Yes.

Really? Sasuke

even warms her feet for her?

Yes.

She doesn't like a footwarmer.

She told us this.

He's very attentive,

nobody can be that kind.

Bullshit, I can be more attentive.

You can give me your feet and let me try.

- I won't do that - You won't?

Not many people have this chance.

- I won't. - Come on.

Teacher's back.

Welcome home.

Yes, she's back.

Hello, teacher.

I'm Ritaro of Minoya.

I have a request to make,

so I've been waiting for you here.

Sorry.

I have a villa at Tenkajay,

and I have built an annex.

On this occasion,

I'm planning to hold a party.

The plum trees are in bloom,

blossoming red and white.

They fill the garden, what a view!

That's amazing.

Will you play the Koto

under the plum blossoms?

A combination of plums and beauty.

What do you think?

Under that circumstance...

I'm afraid I can't play properly.

Don't worry, I've fixed the date and sent my invitation.

It's not formal.

Have you decided to go?

Anybody home?

Who is it?

I don't want you.

What can I do for you?

Who are you? I want to see the teacher.

I'm her assistant,

please tell me what you want.

Ok.

Look at her,

your teacher hit her and her face is marked.

She's learning to become a geisha.

How do you teach your students?

How do you compensate it ?

I'm sorry,

she is earnest in teaching.

Too earnest,

I want to see her.

You can't settle the matter.

Wait.

I'll apologize.

Sasuke, don't apologize.

I'm a strict teacher.

If you complain

you shouldn't have sent her here.

What? Say that again!

Although that girl

paid the fee to learn music,

she's not so talented.

I teach her out of goodwill,

you can't complain.

What did you say? Damn you!

Wait!

Wait! Leave us alone, teacher.

You're a big man,

don't shout at a young lady like her.

That's awful!

We can discuss it dispassionately.

You are her husband?

Husband? Well, whatever...

That's good.

Try something to make her look beautiful again.

Beautiful?

That's impossible!

You're her husband, you should pay this for her.

Pa, you're wrong,

he's also a pupil here.

What? Pupil?

I'm Ritaro of Minoya.

The boss of Minoya?

I think this is settled.

Since you've compensated it,

and with the plead from the master,

I have to accept the outcome.

I'll go home.

But your method of teaching is wrong.

You'd better meditate.

Let's go.

Take care.

It's our bad luck!

Be careful.

So awful!

I'm sorry to involve you.

He wanted money,

that's all.

Sasuke, return the money to him...

- immediately. - Yes.

No. Forget it.

So the plum blossom...

will you come and play the koto?

So please...

That thing, the teacher has...

She has accepted it. Great!

Make use of the time to practise.

It's a deal!

Thank you.

I'm going back.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Even the bird knows it,

it doesn't want to sing for uninvited guest.

How nice! This is unexpected!

A well-deserved reputation, she's Osaka's best.

Right,

what's the music?

I think it's a new tune.

That's really something.

Although she is blind, she plays so well.

Party is not his real purpose,

she's the target. We all come here to act.

Master cudgeled his brains for her.

Good...

This is remarkable!

Thanks a lot, teacher.

We're intoxicated,

just don't know how to describe it.

I'm flattered, I'm not good enough.

You're too modest!

Dinner's ready over there,

let me guide you.

Sasuke.

Yes.

Come here.

Come on in, please.

I've prepared food and drink for everyone.

- Take a seat, please. - Thanks.

Please follow me!

This way!

The sweet fragrant of plum blossom!

Let's have a walk in the garden.

Sure.

Sasuke,

your seat is ready.

You're so kind.

The music was wonderful.

Too bad the guests don't know how to appreciate,

I have intended to play it just for you.

How did you like it? Give me some opinions.

I don't have any opinion, just superb!

Really?

You can play it like that too.

Not a chance!

I can't play it like that.

I can't keep up with you forever.

Teacher, everybody's waiting.

Come this way.

This way.

Please.

This is your room,

come on in.

It's difficult to have the chance to hear your wonderful performance.

Just too difficult!

So master has prepared food and drink for you.

And your friend...

we preserved a seat for you.

No, thank you.

Don't be so bored.

Teacher, may I take him?

You may go to have dinner to meet the host's desire.

Come on, let's go.

This way.

Teacher, has a rest.

Why he's still there?

Didn't you say he was gone?

So foolish you are...

Oh, he have come back,

He's impossible!

Come with me

to this room.

No need to serve me.

Make yourself at home,

take a seat and relax.

You two take good care of him.

Sit down, please,

and have a drink.

No, I can't drink

without teacher's permission.

It's no big deal!

- 50W)'-

Ok, I'll ask teacher for her permission.

I don't think it's a good idea...

Come here.

What'll we do?

Tell him this,

teacher says he can drink but not drunk.

Just use your wisdom to tell him,

and get him drunk.

Okay?

Have a drink, teacher.

I'll drink too.

They're enjoying the Part)'-

How boisterous they are !

Anyway, they can't appreciate teacher's performance.

They don't deserve to sit with teacher.

Let them enjoy themselves.

Come on, have a drink.

Have another drink.

Cheers!

What's Sasuke doing?

He's making himself at home.

It's a happy day, don't worry.

Relax and have another drink.

Come on, bottoms-up!

I've had enough.

No, that's not counted, drink some more.

Right, we should start eating.

No kidding!

Meal is not acceptable at this happy time.

Come on, have another drink.

Teacher, actually...

I envy Sasuke's job,

may I replace him? Just for once?

You said Sasuke? He plays very well.

I can't play the koto,

but I have a tender hand.

Stop it! I'm your teacher!

I know you're my teacher,

but now it's not lesson time.

What are you doing, you...?

I want...

Why do you stand up?

Sorry.

Sasuke!

Teacher.

Teacher.

Boss, what's the matter?

You finally got her?

Maybe you were too hasty, weren't you?

I did nothing!

I only touched her hand,

then she threw this thing at me. I only touched her hand,

then she threw this thing at me.

What? She really has the guts.

Damn her!

She'll be sorry for that.

No, no. Do it again.

What's funny?

Practice seriously, otherwise it's useless!

Play again!

Not again!

Why make the same mistake?

Watch me.

Sasuke.

That's all for today.

Practice hard at home.

Thank you, teacher.

I'm not your teacher.

Teacher's inside.

Thank you, Sasuke.

You are welcome.

Goodbye, Sasuke.

Goodbye.

What's up?

Don't teach if they're not serious.

Yes, ma'am.

Why were they laughing?

They laughed without reason.

They laughed the moment I start teaching.

You teased them so they laughed?

No, I didn't.

Then, what's so funny?

They're young girls,

and they wear beautiful kimonos for you.

They talked with their eyes,

that's why they were laughing.

Teacher, in my eyes,

you're the only woman,

thereiis no other woman in my mind.

Why do you say that?

Don't get me wrong.

If you're worried,

I'll stop teaching young girls.

I won't get close to them anymore.

You don't have to do that.

You're the only woman in my heart,

and there's no others.

I don't hear any other woman.

I only wish

to know more about you.

You do?

Teach again tomorrow.

You're tired, have a good sleep.

Teach again after sunrise.

It's cold after sunset.

My hands are cold.

I didn't notice that.

I'll get a fire pot.

This is better.

Stay as we are.

Here for a lesson.

Not today. Refuse her politely.

Yes.

Sasuke, my feet are cold, too.

Yes.

Let's close the doors.

Teacher, what's the matter?

That hurts!

Teacher!

Stop, please!

What happened to you, teacher?

Somebody poured boiling water on my face!

Don't look!

Don't look at my face!

I won't.

Teacher, be patient.

I'll get a doctor.

Don't go away, Sasuke.

Stay here. Don't leave me,

Sasuke.

That hurts!

Get up!

Osaki, wake up!

Don't come in. Get a doctor!

What's wrong?

No question, just get a doctor!

Sasuke, it hurts!

Teacher, don't move!

Sasuke.

You want me, ma'am?

The birds are noisy.

Take them away!

Yes, ma'am.

I'll keep them here.

Better these days.

Since after the injury,

teacher's temper gets worse.

Sasuke.

I'm coming.

Yes, ma'am.

What did you talk to the maid about me?

Nothing.

I know, you talked about my face!

No! Never!

You've seen my burned face?

No. You told me not to,

so I don't look at it.

Really?

Teacher, tell me,

have I ever said anything behind you?

I know.

Sasuke, forgive me.

But how do I look now?

I can imagine it even you don't say anything.

It must be very ugly!

Don't worry, you'll get well soon.

Who could ever do that to you?

I'm sorry I didn't wake up to stop it.

Hello, young master.

What are you doing here?

I've been searching for you for a long time and couldn't find you at your home.

When I came here they said you were out.

What are you doing here?

Don't you see that I'm taking a nap.

It scared me.

Do you want to know the result of the errand you sent me?

I almost died.

All right,

cut the crap!

Are these nonsense?

If ever I'm arrested,

I think

you won't be able to take a nap like this.

I see.

This is the last payment. Understand?

Don't come here anymore.

Ok, no problem.

What is it? I'm tired.

Sasuke goes out to pray again.

Really? He's out again?

It's really hard for him.

Mr. Kato wants to see you.

Have you sent him away?

Yes, I said you were taking a nap.

Everybody comes here for the same reason.

They just want to look at my burned face.

No.

I don't care what people say,

or what they think.

But for Sasuke...

Yes.

One day my bandages will be removed,

then everybody sees me.

But I don't want you,

only you, to see my face.

I want you to promise not to look at my face,

or I would stay bandaged all my life.

I won't look at your face.

Never! I swear.

Is anyone here?

Doctor, it's very hot.

Yes, it's hot.

The doctor's here for you.

How are you today?

Doctor, sorry for the trouble.

Sasuke, leave us alone.

All right, take care, teacher.

Otane, we are out of bird feeds.

Go and buy some.

Leave them here for the time being.

Then I'll be going.

It's better now.

I'll remove the bandages tomorrow.

Thank you, doctor.

Without the bandages, you'll be in a better mood.

I've got to go, goodbye.

Thank you, doctor.

Osaki, go with the doctor to collect the medicine.

- Ok.

Sasuke.

I'm coming.

I'm here soon.

Sasuke.

Teacher.

Teacher.

I'm here

Sasuke, what happened?

I blinded myself.

I can't see anything now.

Everywhere is complete darkness.

Sasuke!

What's the matter with you?

I pierced my eyes with a needle.

Why did you do that?

Teacher.

Sasuke.

Teacher.

Now I'm blind like you.

We both can't see anything.

Sasuke.

It must be hurting.

No,

compares to your pain,

mine's nothing.

Now I can live in the same world as yours.

What I remember is your beauty.

My mind has only these memories.

Thank you.

Now only you can't see my face.

So you don't have to worry about it anymore.

We are the same now.

Like before,

we can lead a peaceful life.

It's wonderful, are you happy?

Yes, I'm overjoyed!

Don't worry,

I'll never leave you all my life!

From now until forever,

we'd be living together.

This was a grief thing.

Thus Koto and Sasuke lived together,

always together.

But they were never officially married throughout their lives.

Because of Koto's dignity,

she couldn't marry a servant.

And Sasuke,

tried to keep the teacher-pupil relationship,

and he respected his teacher.

To him, she remained

beautiful and capricious.

And for Koto...

did she feel

Sasuke loved her deeply?

Kot0's performance became better and better.

Sasuke became a good player

and served her all her life.