Original subtitles

with a wind this strong...

...I don't think a normal person with sight could withstand it.

For me, this wind is nothing!

The only thing I hate is killing people.

But if it's just you wind, then try your best to knock me down!

A Challenge of Chance

It's about six hundred paces to Ashio.

There's a copper mine in Ashio, so it's probably a noisy place.

But when going across the mountains, it must be very quiet.

Oh, are you a masseur?

Yes.

well you can come over here if you like.

Thanks.

It's just that I was drawn by the smell of liquor.

I know. You want some of this, don't you?

I happen to have an eye for liquor.

Ah, I see.

If you don't mind drinking what's left, then go right ahead.

Oh, I don't mind at all.

Here, drink the sake. The gourd, take the gourd!

Thanks. Then I'll take it.

Just finish the rest will you? There's not much left.

It's all empty.

It's all right. There's plenty more sake at the outpost.

Thanks a lot. It's just that when it comes to liquor...

You have an eye for liquor. I understand.

well, thanks again.

No problem.

That was really good.

I hate to ask after you gave me such good sake, but...

what do you do for a living?

Take a guess.

well, since you're drinking sake in a place like this...

I got it!

Are you the person who wrote "The old pond, a frog jumps in, sound of water"?

"The old pond, a frog jumps in, sound of water"?

That's a good line.

No, I didn't write that.

I see.

Then you must be a merchant at the copper mine, right?

You're wrong again.

No?

You can't be a gambler...

Don't get mad.

You are so well guarded...

well guarded?

what is that supposed to mean?

well, that's just what I thought.

It looks like the wind has calmed down, doesn't it, Mr. Zato?

Yes.

I guess we were destined to meet here.

Traveling is more enjoyable with a companion.

You're probably not happy traveling with a blind masseur, but I'll join you.

I hear that with blind people, other senses are heightened.

But you're just unbelievable!

- I live by using my instincts. -I see.

You've got great instincts.

Nice shot!

Shoot!

Sir, you'll have to excuse me. I need to go.

You leaving so soon?

I heard some weird noises.

That's too bad.

Hey, Mr. Zato, my name is Tatsuzo.

If you need a place to stay in Ashido, look for a house called Yamagen.

That's where I'm heading right now.

Your name is Tatsuzo, and you're staying at Yamagen. Got it.

If I happen to be in the area, I'll pay you a visit.

- I'll see you around. -Yes.

- Kansuke. - Yes?

with that gun of yours, there's nothing to fear.

It's a scary weapon.

All right, I'll buy it.

Take the money. It's better than shooting birds, right?

As you probably know, l, Yamajyu the employment agent...

...have been putting laborers into the copper mine for seven long years.

And you. It's not fair for you not to give me the contract!

Be quiet!

From now on, Boss Yasaburo is in charge of the laborers.

If you wanna enter the copper mine from now on, you go in as a laborer!

That's not fair!

Even if I work all day sweating like crazy in that cellar, I won't be making much!

If you don't like it, get the hell outta here!

Officer! Officer!

Please give me the contracts for the twenty men I took care of until yesterday.

Starting today, Yasaburo is in charge of all the contracts.

But we have been working for more than ten years!

Shut up! If you have something to say, say it to the manager of the mine!

Then I won't be able to work today. Please!

That's enough!

Yasaburo is in charge of all the contracts!

If the Yasaburo family is in the business of employing others...

...then my family is also in the same business.

Heaven shall not allow that kind of unlawful act!

Be quiet! You will not object to the orders of a higher authority!

I don't care who's in charge. Such unreasonable acts shouldn't be allowed!

Business in the copper mine will be finished!

The lives of people working at the outpost will be ruined as well!

Listen pops, our boss now runs the mines and the outpost.

You're no longer needed, pops. You hear?

You squirt!

Officer!

Officer!

Mr. Kurazo.

what about our contract?

A special arrangement has been made for the Yamagen family.

The boss is giving you ten contracts.

Tell your master to be very thankful to our boss.

Hey mister, watch where you're going!

I'm sorry. It's just that I'm blind.

Hey, what are you pulling?

You probably can tell with your eyes wide open.

where is the temple located?

How the hell should I know?

where is the temple?

Hey pal, I said I don't know!

where is the temple?

You go straight down the path and make a left!

Left?

Damn it!

I guess it's impossible to rest in peace...

...when you're buried by a guy you haven't even met.

I didn't even get to know your name or where you live.

Oh? It seems like we have some mourners.

I don't know if they're here to say a prayer or join you in the afterlife.

I don't think you'd appreciate them accompanying you, but...

It's better than traveling alone, don't you think?

what?

A blind masseur?

Yes, he's amazing! He took out Senta with a single blow!

Boss, he's the blind masseur I saw this afternoon!

I see. Now it makes sense.

Maybe he's the one they call Zatoichi.

Kurazo, go find that blind masseur!

YAMAGEN

It feels like everything in the past is coming back.

My father must be very happy.

Yes, it seems like everything happened just yesterday.

You're the only thing that changed. You've become a wonderful lady.

I read your letter, and I just had to come.

You shouldn't have.

It's just that I don't have anyone to complain to.

Oh, don't worry about it.

I heard that my friend's child is in trouble, so I just had to come.

By the way, I met this strange masseur.

A masseur?

Sister.

Please.

Ah, thanks.

well, tell me about this Yasaburo.

Yes.

He came out of nowhere and it's only been a little over three years...

But he's climbed up the ladder and now he even controls this place.

He has nothing to fear.

He is seemingly gentle and doesn't even shout.

But the things he plans and does are frightening.

He sheds no tears nor has any feelings.

He's a cold-blooded person.

Our followers were killed one after another.

Gonta is the only one left alive.

This place is under the influence of Yasaburo.

And the officers at the mines are also controlled by Yasaburo.

He has the officers at his command as well...

Through the generations, the Yamagen family has been involved in providing...

...jobs for the laborers.

And you tried to protect your family tradition even though you're alone?

You're a wonderful daughter to a wonderful friend.

But now that I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you.

I assure you.

Thank you so much.

They offered me money to end the Yamagen family business.

They also used scare tactics and told me it would be good in the long run.

But I never gave in.

I'm surprised they were able to keep their calm.

I'm surprised too.

And today, they gave us ten contracts.

- what is that supposed to mean? - I don't know.

Anyway, I'm here now.

Let's talk it over carefully.

- Yes. - Yes.

- May I come in? - Yes.

Did you make up your mind?

I thought you might change your mind. So I came here to ask again.

I'll speak on behalf of my late father.

I'm not going to close this place down no matter what you say.

well done. That's what I like about you.

Did you get the contracts I handed out today?

Do you want me to thank you?

I'm not a boorish man.

what I want to say is that this kind of job isn't made for a woman like yourself.

women should act like women.

Get a great husband...

Thank you, but I must turn down your proposal.

I see.

Once I set my sights on something, I get the job done.

I'm also stubborn just like my father.

Please leave.

If you want me to leave, I'll leave.

Is he the old fart that came to help you out?

I don't know about the past but...

Nowadays, this old fart won't be able to do shit at this outpost.

Miss...

...Oshin.

This is my final warning.

You have until tomorrow.

Damn it! He comes here and says whatever he wants?

That Yasaburo... he likes you, Oshin.

No way.

That is what I have long been suspecting. The way his eyes look at her...

He's definitely a man...

- Gonta. - Yes!

Stop talking like that and bring sake for this gentleman.

Yes, of course.

He doesn't work as much as some, but he sure does talk a lot.

well...

Nevermind what Yosaburo thinks.

But if tomorrow's the deadline, then we have to come up with a plan.

Hey mister, don't you think you should talk to Boss Yasaburo?

why do I have to talk to him?

You're planning on giving massages here?

Yes.

Then you better go talk to him. Okay?

If you start your business without his approval, you'll be in trouble later on.

what do you mean "trouble"?

will the boss of this outpost rob me of my earnings?

well, when Boss Yamagen was in charge, nothing bad ever happened.

Places around here used to be peaceful and quiet when he was in charge.

- Mr. Yamagen? - Yeah.

Really.

After Boss Yasaburo took over...

- Then what happened? - Nothing.

well, hello!

Hello!

Hey pops, you're gonna have to pay double starting tomorrow.

Double? You can't do this to me. How are we to make a living?

You live like this!

You live by crying. You got it?

Hey, let's go.

You bastard!

You are the masseur...

That sound can't be good.

They must've started something again.

- where is Ms. Yamagen? - Hurry! Hurry!

Ms. Yamagen!

They used explosives against us!

Those ten contracts Yasaburo gave us this morning... it was a trap!

He used explosives out of nowhere!

Then the rocks came falling from above, and crushed them the men to pieces.

we were lucky enough to escape!

- Are you all right? - Hey, Yosuke! wake up!

wake up!

All this is the result of my incompetence! I'll put an end to this for good!

- I can't take it anymore! - That's right!

I'm flattered, but for honest workers...

- Anyway, take the injured to the back. - Got it!

You guys hurry and go!

Uncle! Hey uncle!

- Oh, yeah. what's wrong, Oshin? - Uncle, that person.

Oh, it's the masseur.

- I knew it. - Sister.

Sister!

Yeah?

Ah, hello.

I was just on the other side listening to your story.

You folks seem to be in great trouble.

There now, just come on inside.

It seems like I came here at a very bad time.

You don't have to worry about a thing.

well, I just heard some rumors from the owner of the canteen...

...about this person named Yasaburo.

It's nothing.

The Yamagen family isn't going to back down from a newcomer like Yasaburo.

He took over our business at the copper mine and gave us until today...

...to give up the Yamagen family name.

And before we said anything, they made all this trouble with explosives.

My name is Oshin.

Sorry we can't be better hosts at a time like this.

No, I'm sorry for visiting at a time like this.

Uncle told me about you.

Uncle was saying many great things about you.

You just can't keep things to yourself, huh?

I heard about it this morning, the incident at the graveyard...

well, I heard the story, and I knew that it was you.

Sister! Come here quickly! There's something wrong with Yosuke!

what?

Hey mister, just try to relax will ya?

I gotta help out and do something.

You asshole!

That's why...

...I told you to get rid of him.

That masseur...

I don't need any more water.

How sad. He was too young.

Hey, go ahead and drink that water. It's really good.

Okay, if you insist.

It's good water, isn't it?

This water does taste good.

Yeah. I used to come here and drink the water.

I think it was thirty years ago.

well, to tell you the truth, l wasn't interested in the water.

I just wanted to talk to the girl who was doing the dishes at this place.

She must've been one hell of a woman, right?

Yeah.

She was the only daughter and her name was Otama.

But I made a stupid mistake and went on a journey for two years.

By the time I got back, she was already married.

And her husband was my friend Genbee.

Oshin is his daughter.

I see.

Then Oshin is like your daughter then.

Yeah. Something like that.

If something happens to Oshin, Genbee is never going to forgive me.

Mr. Ichi...

Have you heard of a man who calls himself "Tatsu the sword-thrower"?

Ah, a song?

No no, a sword-thrower.

A sword?

Have you heard of him?

Yes... yes.

I believe it was four or five years ago in Shinshu.

Rumors say he displayed some great fighting skills.

I have never been to that area of Japan.

I've never been there.

But that doesn't matter.

Mr. Ichi, can you help me out?

Here, come on inside.

Um... the masseur is here.

Oh, thanks for coming.

Come and meet our Boss.

who do you mean by "the Boss"?

There's only one Boss in this place.

Hello there.

Are you the Boss?

Nice to finally meet you.

Thank you for formally inviting me to this place.

well, it's really something.

I felt chills when I came by this place.

This place feels way different than the one I was in before.

Damn right it is. If you're making a big fuss about a few explosives...

...you can't do good business, you know.

I see.

So everyone does what they're told to by Boss Yasaburo?

Nevermind that.

It seems you killed off several of our henchmen. Is that true?

Oh, they were your henchmen?

It's just that I can't see. So I kill anything that attacks me.

what?

Please, please forgive me.

Hey Kurazo.

The masseur is apologizing with his head down.

why don't you close one of your eyes for him?

Hey, Mr. Ichi.

I don't want to see any bloodshed this time around.

If you're staying at Yamagen...

...then some of our boys will end up wearing funeral clothes.

Plus Oshin, Tatsuzo, and Gonta will all have to go into coffins.

So I'm telling you to get out of that place.

You got it?

well, this masseur you see before you is a bit contrary.

when other people say left, I say right.

when they say white, I say black.

- I just can't seem to... - Agree?

Yes.

Then maybe I should make you agree!

Hey, Mr. Ichi.

If you're a petty gambler, then let's play to see who's the better man.

Roll the dice and then we'll talk.

well, I'm relieved.

I was afraid I might have to use this blade again.

Boss, I like gambling too.

what's gonna happen if I win?

I'm sorry, can anyone give me a light?

Thank you very much.

Odd!

Even!

Game!

Sister!

Mr. Ichi!

Your guest wants to say goodbye before he leaves.

He played a game of dice with me and lost.

It seems he didn't have an eye for gambling either, eh?

Mr. Ichi...

A loss is a loss.

Mr. Ichi, please leave.

Mr. Tatsuzo, I was planning to stay for at least one night, but...

Farewell.

If you're done talking business, please leave.

Oshin, I'm gonna enjoy taking over this place.

Mr. Yasaburo, if you really like Oshin, then don't you have better ways...

...of dealing with this situation?

what?

I mean, don't you gamblers have any manners?

Pops, you're really something.

If you're that wise of a man, then why haven't you become...

...a big boss at your age?

I don't know what the rules are for being a gambler.

But I don't wanna lose.

The rules for this place are created by me. So I expect you to follow them.

Stop fooling with us!

Try and take this place away from us if you can!

I don't care what you say. I'm not gonna let it happen!

I see.

well, you still have some time left.

Pops, you should really think it over and get back to me.

Let's go!

Uncle, I want to thank you...

...on behalf of my father.

Stop it, stop it.

I just came here to do something worthwhile for your father.

I'll be happy to die for you, my friend.

Now Gonta, pour some in.

Yes. But it just doesn't make sense.

There's only three of us, but I see four cups.

Uncle, is the fourth cup for my father?

You mean for the late Boss?

It's a raid!

Mr. Ichi, you came back!

Mr. Tatsuzo, I don't know why I'm so greedy but...

I came back after catching the great smell of sake.

Mr. Ichi.

Uncle, you knew he was coming back, didn't you?

- Of course. - I'm astonished.

Mr. Tatsuzo, we don't have a chance...

...to win this fight even if we attack them first.

I was just thinking the same thing.

Those explosives used at the mines...

Do you know where they're located?

we're gonna use them to our advantage.

Explosives?

How?

Gonta...

Sorry to ask you this, but can you go snatch some explosives?

Snatching them would be a piece of cake...

And what do you plan to do with them?

we wait for the right timing and use about three of those explosives.

I see. If an explosion occurs at the mines...

...then Yosaburo will send his men over to the mines.

And that's when we strike Yasaburo.

Zatoichi...

...is dead.

Time's almost up.

Hey, go on over to Yamagen and bring me back Oshin.

And if that old fart Tatsuzo grumbles about this and that, kill him.

Yes.

Hey, let's go!

Boss! There's nobody there!

what, are you kidding me? Did you search the entire house?

Of course. There were four teacups and a bottle of sake in front of the family altar.

It's from the mountains.

Hey, go to the river! Kurazo, bring some men and go take a look!

Yes! Let's go!

Hey Tome, you said something about the teacups?

Yes, there were four.

Four?

- Hey Tome, bring a light over here. - Yes.

why is it so dark...

...in here?

You!

Mr. Yasaburo...

I thought about it deeply but I can't let you have this place.

If you really want it that bad, then take it from us by force!

what?

Hey, Tome! Get me my blade!

Now!

I went down to hell...

...but the great Enma wanted me to bring you before him.

So I came back to send you there.

All of you. Kill him!

You're definitely Tatsuzo the sword-thrower. Your skills...

were good from the very beginning.

Thank you very much.

Boss, no! No!

All right. Look, I give up, okay?

Oshin, you can keep your place! Okay? Please!

I... you!

Sister...

Mr. Ichi!

Hey, hey. Just let him go. That's our way of showing our gratitude.

Mr. Ichi!

Thank you for your kind assistance.

Thanks to you, I escaped death by a hair's breadth.

To Be Continued...

Next Episode

Tales of Zatoichi

Zatoichi travels along while accompanied by a young orphan.

The Flower that Bloomed with the Lullaby

Evil desire swirls, and the warmth of affection will blossom into flowers.

Tune in to Zatoichi.

See you next time! Tune in to Zatoichi.

See you next time!