Original subtitles

Tales of Zatoichi

Don't!

A Female Boss and Her Wolves

Good day.

Brother.

Where you going with those flowers?

Today's the day the boss of the hunting ground passed away.

I remember.

Then let's take these flowers to him.

I'm gonna put something better in front of his memorial tablet.

I'm sure the lady of the hunting ground will be happy.

Yeah.

I'm sure she'll be smiling.

Ma'am, it's me. I'm coming in.

Oh, it's you, Otae. Come on in.

What are you doing here by yourself?

Today's the anniversary of your husband's death.

I was just thinking about the past.

Thinking about things after my husband died.

You know what?

I'm just sick and tired of seeing bloodshed.

I'm sorry. My brother must be giving you such a hard time.

Matsugoro...

He used to be a very kind and nice boy.

But it seems he's like his old self today.

He said he'll put something good before your husband's memorial tablet.

What? Matsugoro said that?

I see.

Boss, some weird guest came by. He's a masseur.

I don't remember calling for a masseur.

Yes, but he said he wants to place a stick of incense to pay his respects...

...to the big boss.

His clothes are pretty much made of dust.

Should I tell him to leave?

Wait.

It's lchi.

That's lchi.

I don't know who put these here, but these daffodils...

...smell really good.

Ichi, you still remember the baby that was always crying...

...at Matsubaya in the next village?

Yes, I believe her name was Otae.

I used to change her diapers all the time.

Oh my...

Are you Otae?

Yes.

I'm sorry. I don't remember you at all.

I'm sure nobody remembers what happened when they were a baby.

But you're probably a fine looking lady by now.

You think I can still change your diapers?

No wonder we're getting older.

Yes.

Ma'am, I'll get some tea.

It's been a long time.

It sure has.

Ma'am, let me just give you a massage.

You don't have to do that. You should just go and get some rest.

Come on, just let me grab you a little.

Thank you.

Excuse me...

It's been a while since I gave a massage.

Yes.

Back then, when I was staying with your husband and the boss of...

...Matsubaya, I didn't have to worry about food for a year.

They really treated me well.

Things were really good back then.

My husband and Matsubaya got along very well.

They took a pledge of brotherhood and that wasn't all...

Well, the kids from both families needed to get a taste of the real world...

...so my kid went to work at Matsubaya and their kids worked at our place.

Good old days...

But I'm assuming they are both doing well by now.

Well, it's just that my son Kosuke...

I thought it'd be better for him to have an honest occupation.

So he is in Edo trying to be a metalworker.

That's great. I'm sure he'll return as an honest worker.

I sure hope so.

How is the son of Matsubaya doing?

I taught him well so he can go on with this occupation, but...

He wasn't successful?

It's just that he's got bigger than he needs to be.

You know what, lchi? I just want to dissolve this family and go clean.

After Kosuke comes back, I will let him marry Otae.

I don't care how poor we will be, I just want to make an honest living.

Boss!

Boss, it's urgent!

-Don't raise your voice. -Sorry.

-Don't you know that today is... -Yes, but...

Ichi, excuse me for one second.

We don't know who did it.

You know who did it.

What?

What's that thing on his chest?

It's Matsugoro's.

That bastard.

So...

...this is what he had to offer for my husband.

Now...

...it's your turn.

If you can get away, I'll let you live.

Let him go.

Hey! Kill me!

I'm a human being!

I won't let you hunt me like an animal!

Come on and kill me!

-All right then. -You asshole!

You don't kill a guy who doesn't flee.

Hey.

When you get back, tell the lady of the hunting ground...

...to just give me her entire territory.

You know...

I want to say you got guts, but...

...did you get your feet wet?

Boss...

I want to withdraw my pledge of loyalty.

Boss, please understand Tatsuji's feelings.

I know you took care of Matsugoro...

...when he was a child and taught him the ins and outs of this business.

He may be like a son to you.

But we're setting a bad example if we let him do as he pleases.

Boss, if we don't wipe away the disgrace we incurred...

...our boys are gonna be a laughingstock.

Boss...

Can you tell us what you think?

You boys are like my children.

I'm taking care of you boys in place of your parents.

So I'm just praying everyday that nothing bad happens.

But if we don't do anything, there'll be more dead bodies.

That's why we need to dissolve this family!

I want to quit and go clean starting now.

But if we dissolve now, this town will belong to Matsugoro.

He got too powerful and he's uncontrollable.

We can't let him be in charge of this town.

So if you want to leave this family, I'll be happy to let you go.

I want you all to be honest human beings.

So don't hesitate to leave. I don't mind at all.

All right?

I'll tell you one thing.

You should never hold grudge against those who become clean.

And you...

I don't care what you do from here on...

...but don't you ever engage in gambling.

Yes.

Oh, and one more thing.

Even if you see me on the street, you should never say a word to me.

-I can't even say hello? -Of course not.

You left the family to start a new life. Right?

You can now walk in public with your head up high.

We can only walk on the dark side of life.

But a simple greeting...

Quiet!

Anybody else?

If you want to leave, I'll do whatever I can to provide you with money.

So tell me if you want to leave.

I can't believe I'm drinking sake with you, lchi.

It's like a dream.

I was going to leave after I prayed to the memorial tablet of the late boss.

-lchi. -Yes?

Is my cooking that bad?

What? You cooked this?

Yes.

No wonder it's so good.

Oh my...

Delicious.

Otae wants to make something good for Kosuke...

...so she is in the kitchen all the time.

I see.

Hey, Otae...

If you start acting like a housewife, Kosuke will dislike you.

Even if I act like a housewife, I'm sure Kosuke will love my cooking.

Right, lchi?

Yes, of course. You can't eat delicious stuff like this in Edo.

Kosuke has been watching women who are refined in Edo.

He's probably forgotten about you.

He's doing it again.

Ichi, my brother always teases me like that.

That's because he cares so much about you.

He just wants to tease you at times.

Since when did you become a fortune-teller?

You're just too sharp, lchi.

Do you remember this incident?

Otae was just a baby and she fell sick due to the measles.

When her conditions got worse...

...Kosuke, who was staying here at the time, went flying outside.

So I wondered where he went.

It turns out that he went to the shrine to pray.

When you heard that, you too went flying to the shrine...

...and prayed alongside Kosuke.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I remember that.

Neither of you wanted to be second best...

So both of you were going back and forth between the shrine and the gate...

...and in the end, you both collapsed with your faces all red.

Wait a minute, lchi. You're wrong.

Our faces weren't red when we both collapsed.

Really?

Our faces turned pale.

Are you boys from Matsubaya?

Hey, watch what you say.

This is one of Matsubaya's territories.

If you don't watch your language, you're gonna get hurt.

You boys are gonna get seriously injured.

What did you say?

I don't want to involve innocent bystanders. Step outside.

You bastard!

Any of you folks married?

I am, but so what?

Okay, I'll let you go.

Stop messing around!

Go tell Matsugoro that I'll be paying him a visit soon.

I see.

I think the lady of the hunting ground became impatient...

...and hired someone who could be helpful.

It's getting very interesting now.

This is just what I wanted.

Boss, you'll have to excuse me.

Wait!

-Are you storming their place alone? -Yes.

I won't let you do that!

Boss, let me choose my place to die!

Just wait a minute.

We're fighting over a territory. All of us are involved in this.

Ichi.

Sorry about all this. I know all of this sounds absurd.

Yes.

Hey Otae.

Go see him off.

Ichi.

Yes.

I guess I'll get going then.

Bring me some paper and an ink stone. I'm gonna challenge them to a fight.

I don't know who killed our boys but he's got some nerve.

Mother, I'm finally home.

Now that I'm back, I won't let Matsugoro lay a finger on you.

Mother, I'm gonna take good care of you from here on.

You idiot!

Who told you to become a yakuza?

I was waiting anxiously for you to return as an honest working man.

But what is this?

What the hell is this!

You haven't hit me in a long time.

It brought back memories of my childhood.

Now, I feel like I'm finally home.

Hey everyone, I'll be taking over from today.

-lf you're dissatisfied, let me know. -Of course not.

Young master.

We don't have the words to describe how happy we are.

I'm sure the ones killed by Matsugoro are happy with this too.

I'm counting on you boys.

Yes.

Kosuke...

Otae.

Why don't you ask Otae how happy she is to see you coming back as a yakuza?

Why...

What happened to you...

Like father, like son.

Otae, you too have your father's blood.

Welcome back, Kosuke.

-Who are you? -Hello.

Ichi!

Yes.

You're Zatoichi.

Yes, it's been a while.

This is great!

Now that lchi is with us, we'll be unbeatable.

You're pathetic.

You're getting help from an outsider. You're not a true yakuza.

I said that because I really like lchi. I hope I didn't offend you, lchi.

It's okay.

-Excuse me, excuse me! -Yes.

My job is done.

That's odd.

Why is Matsugoro challenging us to a fight now?

Did any of you get into a fight with Matsubaya?

We've been doing what you told us to...

Even if they treated us cruelly, we kept holding back.

I know that. That's why I can't figure out what this means.

Mother, I started the fight.

What did you say?

I was checking out the town on my way here, and...

...since Matsugoro was acting big, I just had to...

All the effort I put into this family...

You just wasted all my efforts. Do you realize that?

Mother...

I'll take care of this.

You don't need to worry.

You and your constant worries...

I'll take care of this problem in 3 days.

I don't need you boys to help out.

Kosuke, be a good man.

I want you to live cleanly.

Everyday, I was waiting for you on top of Sennin Peak.

But you...

Otae...

I want you to be the wife of a yakuza.

Then you don't want to change?

If you just say yes, this can be settled amicably.

I too was very anxious to see you again.

Then, leave this town with me.

You just don't get it.

Hey, can I ask you something?

Sure.

I heard some of the members of the hunting ground are...

...now members of this family.

Yeah.

Can you go get them?

Hey, Brother.

Who's the guest?

I hear you boys have quit being yakuza before.

Yeah.

The lady boss told us we could go anywhere we wanted.

I see.

What happened to the money she gave you?

That money is gone already.

I knew it.

Who the hell are you anyway?

Who do you think I am?

Bastard!

We got trouble!

Hey, we got trouble!

He's the successor of the hunting ground! Boss!

Boss!

Kosuke.

It's really you, Kosuke.

Matsugoro...

You've been running wild while I was gone.

Yeah.

But I'm only doing things your mother told me to do.

She said that a yakuza should take advantage of other people's weakness.

That's why I have to kill every member of the hunting ground.

But I won't kill your mother.

I won't kill your mother, but the rest of them have to die.

Your mother also told me not to show any mercy.

I wish she could've taught me too.

Well, we can talk about that later.

Why don't we just drink for now?

I see you took care of my boys.

I was thinking you might come back as a weak-hearted, obsequious guy.

I'm happy to see you drinking sake with joy.

By the way, I think your mother's preparing for the worst.

She hired an outsider.

-An outsider? -Yeah.

He took care of my boys here last night.

That was me.

What? It was you?

It was just my way of saying hello.

I see.

So it was you.

This is great.

Now it's getting interesting.

Oh, thank god.

I just want you two to be friends forever.

Otae, you shouldn't come here.

Are you still in love with her?

Yeah.

You plan on marrying her?

Yeah.

Fine, fine.

Go and marry her... if you can survive that is.

-lf you can survive. -Brother, stop it!

You stay out of this!

It's too bad you won't be able to see our wedding, Matsugoro.

Kosuke.

I'll talk to you about the marriage later.

After I cut off your brother's head...

...you have to say yes or no to my marriage.

Prepare for the worst.

Otae, this is a talk between men. You just get out of here.

But, Brother...

Just go away!

Hey, Boss, don't be offended by what I say.

What is it?

I feel very sorry for Otae and...

Oh, you mean about Otae?

I know what you're about to say.

You once spoke to me about your wish...

...that you wanted to dissolve this family...

Do you still feel the same way?

In fact, the feeling is growing stronger.

It's getting very complicated now.

-Hey, lchi. -Yes.

You can stop now. Thank you.

Boss, the boss of the hunting ground is here.

-She's here? -Yes.

Well, what a surprise.

-Ma'am. -Hello, Boss.

Thanks for coming.

Unfortunately, I have to attend my pal's memorial service.

But what brings you here today?

Boss, you know that's impossible.

An old lady like yourself shouldn't attempt to kill me.

Even if you kill Kosuke, I won't give you my territory.

I see.

-You must really care about your kid. -You're wrong!

I can't let a rowdy man like you control this town.

But...

You are the one who raised me to be that way.

If you really want my territory, you'll just have to kill me.

-That's all I'm going to say. -Wait a minute.

I told you before that I'm not gonna kill you.

All right, I'm not going out, so make yourself at home.

Ma'am, wait.

I want you to do me a favor.

Please give this to Kosuke.

Thank you, Otae.

I'll make sure to deliver it.

But I won't see you both until this problem is all settled.

Give me my haori. What are you waiting for?

I can't put up with this anymore.

Our boss can't do anything to that old bitch.

Are you kidding me?

He can take out that old bitch in an instant.

If it weren't for that old bitch, our boss would be invincible.

Brother, let's get rid of her.

Yeah.

Come on!

Gee, thanks.

What is this tacky-looking style?

It doesn't look good on me.

Who do you think made that?

Otae made that.

It may be tacky since it's made for an honest worker...

...but you should think about how Otae felt when she was sewing this for you.

Fire! Fire!

A fire started from the side of Ebisuya!

Boys, this is a chance to return a favor for the people in town.

-Go on and put out that fire! -Yes!

Hey, Boss of the hunting ground.

We're here to kill you.

What is the meaning of all this?

You set fire to a house of innocent people...

...and you come to kill me while my boys are out.

I never taught Matsugoro to play this dirty.

-Go back and tell him that! -What did you say?

Well? Aren't you gonna kill me?

You boys came here to kill me, didn't you?

You're not gonna kill me?

Then I'll make it easier for you!

Flee, flee!

Ma'am, you gotta hang in there.

Ichi.

-You... -Yes?

You didn't have to do all this.

I was ready to die.

But...

If I die, Matsugoro and Kosuke might put an end to all this.

Matsugoro!

Shut up! Get out of my way!

Hold it, right there!

Boss.

Stop pretending!

Don't come any closer. Step outside!

Kosuke, what happened?

Stop pretending!

You played dirty. You let your men do this.

My men did this?

Stop pretending like you don't know!

I see...

I let them do it.

Step outside!

We'll settle this once and for all. I want to fight you one-on-one.

Hold it.

If you want to kill each other, do it after you kill me.

Boss.

Yakuza have to protect their territory, even if it means killing their own.

That's what you taught me.

Hey, successor of Matsubaya.

Wait, just wait a minute.

If you're going to oppose the lady of this family...

...I'll have to fight against you too.

Don't you think you should put an end to this war?

I see.

I don't care if you're Zatoichi.

If you're involved in this, then it gets much more interesting.

Who did it?

Answer me!

Get out of here!

I don't want to see your faces.

Get out of here!

I guess if we don't kill that old bitch, our boss won't come to his senses.

But Zatoichi's with them.

Yeah, you're right.

If we can kill lchi, our family is gonna be famous.

Brother, Zatoichi is heading for the shrine.

What?

Otae.

Otae!

Hey!

Somebody!

Otae!

Where are my men?

Brother!

It was you?

You let lchi do your work.

What?

I heard you became a real man by going to Edo, but I guess it wasn't true.

Nonsense!

I never asked lchi to do this. You think I would do such a thing?

I see.

Then you and l... we're evenly matched.

That's right.

It's time for us to put an end to this.

Fine.

I'll kill you!

You bastard!

Hey Kosuke! Get up!

You couldn't beat me since you were a kid.

Get up!

Matsugoro. You give up?

You coward!

Stand up if you're a man!

Matsugoro...

When we were kids...

I remember we used to do this.

Yeah, with bamboo sticks.

Kosuke...

You don't need to hesitate.

Kill me!

Why aren't you attacking? Come and kill me!

Boss.

Those boys you raised...

They fought like real men.

What happened to them?

Matsugoro is dead.

What about Kosuke?

He went on a journey.

There won't be anymore fighting between the yakuza around here for a while.

This is what you wanted, right?

Yes, I'm glad it's over.

I'm glad.

But I'm...

But I'm all alone now.

Everyday, I used to wait for Kosuke to return.

I think I was very happy back then.

To Be Continued...

To Be Continued...

Next Episode

After 3 years, he'll be back for me.

That's what she thought about her lover, after becoming a prostitute.

Ichi is somehow attracted to her tender heart.

Then her lover appears all of a sudden.

But he has other plans.

Tune in for the next episode, "The Little Flower by the Lake".

See you next time!