Original subtitles

Translated from the Chinese DVD subs, please pardon the mistakes!

It was the time of the Warring States.

There were 3 feudal states that shared a common border.

Hayakawa was the largest and most influential.

The alliance between Akizuki and Hayakawa led to greater prosperity.

The Yamana clan, stricken by poverty was driven by desire

to seize control over the miltary powers of the 3 feudal states.

They launched an offensive on Akizuki.

And razed her to the ground.

However,

the remnants of Akizuki

and its military funds

vanished without a trace.

What do you think you're doing?

Listen up!

If we don't find the treasure, you dogs will be here for the rest of your life.

You dogs.

Keep on digging.

You worthless scum.

Get to work.

Damn it!

What's this?

I found something!

What's going on.

There's something hard here.

This is bad.

This could be Akizuki's military treasure.

Stand back.

Get me a torch.

Yes Sir!

Step aside.

Move aside.

Step aside.

Out of my way.

Out of my way.

Where do you think you're going?

Leave it to me.

Hey! Hey!

Who's there?

Who are you!?

It's not important, we've got to run.

We'll be killed if we get caught.

Mind your own business.

Get away from me!

What the hell! Scram.

Are you trying to piss me off? Stop following me.

You saved my life.

How would you know?

What?

The explosion from before.

He was getting all jittery, so I knew there had to be fumes.

Fumes?

There were pockets of poisonous gases from the underground

that exploded on contact with fire.

Are you a gold miner?

Ah, yes

I'm the carpenter Shinpachi.

Those were samurai from Yamana.

Evil men..

Did you have a feud with the the samurai too?

Damn it! I'll give you a taste of my medicine.

Get down! You'll get us both into trouble!

Do-don't go.

Let go of me! Let go of me!!

What the heck were you thinking!

It's all your fault.

What now.

Thank God!

Water, water!

Water.

What's this?

Is this.. go-gold?!

No way... Gold?

It is gold.

It's real! It's gold! Gold!

Just like a crescent moon.

Cresent moon?

Cresent moon, isn't that the state symbol of Akizuki.

Akizuki?

Doesn't that mean...?

Damn!

Found it!

Hand that over

I found it!

It's mine.

Go look for your own.

Who's that?!

He shot at us.

Should we grab him?

You! Wait!

Bastard!

Stop right there!

What happened?

Look.

He's running in there.

He can't escape now.

You've got some skill with that.

Where did you find this?

Tell me.

How would I know.

Where did you find it?

I said, I don't know.

Around the waterfall.

Slightly lower - downstream.

Idiot!

Where are you going.

You don't need to know.

There's no way I'm letting you have it.

Greed is what kills a man.

We don't know who'll be the dead man.

We are samurai from Yamana

and that's the military treasure of Akizuki.

You'll never get away with this.

You're a bad liar.

What are you going to do about the gold?

You obviously can't use it in Akizuki.

If you're thinking about going to Hayakawa, that's a bad idea.

The borders of Hayakawa and Akizuki are heavily guarded by Yamana.

The samurais are everywhere.

What would you do then?

Let's strike a deal

I've got an idea.

A way to escape with the treasure.

Now,

Akizuki and Hayakawa are allied states.

Those who are carrying Akizuki's treasure need to escape

to Hayakawa.

There's no way... Yamana won't allow that to happen.

If that's the case.

It's impossible to escape from this side.

That's why we've got to do at the right time

and enter Yamana.

Enter the enemy's territory first

then enter Hayakawa from there.

Through Yamana - to get to Hayakawa.

Yeah, that's the plan.

But entry is prohibited.

We happen to know the terrain of Yamana very well.

You selfish bastard! Stealing our idea and killing us!!

What are you thinking?

It's gold.

If we spilt the gold equally.

Yeah?

Yeah?

I will take half of it

the other half will go to the both of you.

That's fine, that's fine! We'll accept your terms.

You only stand to lose if you kill us

I will not hesitate to kill you if you ever betray me

don't forget these words.

At least tell us your name

I'm the gold miner, Takezo.

Rokurota.

Rokurota, the bandit.

Reaching Hayakawa via Yamana.

It's brilliant! Going through enemy territory.

It was only when I lured him with the treasure did he come up with this.

He's a smart boy.

Who will be useful to us.

Him?

A simple leaf with a humble background

with the determination of a weed.

The determination of the little leaf.

He's nothing but a man driven by greed

not someone I would view with much regard.

As for the army's treasure, just do as we planned.

But princess..

You're irreplaceable

I'm not the princess, but your brother Shichiro

I stopped being a princess the day I bound my hair up and changed into these clothes.

Well, that's only a short term strategy.

It's only your appearance that's changed. Everyone will know you're the princess once you speak.

Fine! I'll not say a single word when we leave this place.

Is that alright?!

Princess!

Just like how princess, no. - Shichiro would have put it.

Right? Rokurota.

Hey, that's mine.

It hurts - you idiot.

In the end, we're both trapped in here.

If we're not of any use, he wouldn't even bother feeding us.

Is that so...

Excuse me.

Father, the Yamana troops have gathered at the foot of the hill.

Roughly - 300 men.

It's starting...

If that's the case, we'll act according to plan

and leave in the morning.

Yes Sir!

Rokurota.

This belongs to the king...

This is the king's most beloved... treasure.

My father told me to entrust my life to you.

Let's go make the necessary preparations.

Rokurota Makabe.

The undefeated warrior of Akizuki

one who wields the powerful blade

will also have moments of weakness.

One must have the flexibility of a willow And the power of a blade

I've got it, Elder Nagakura.

He is the blade and I'm the willow.

No. Princess you embody both these qualities.

Do you want to stay behind?

Stay here in this city?

Prepare the men for battle.

Yes Sir!

Princess.

We'll reach Hayakawa.

Elder Nagakura.

Brother.

It's your privilege to be the princess's decoy.

Yes.

It's all up to you, Sayae.

Do take care, brother.

Suspicious fella.

Hey, Takezo, Takezo!

You!

Last night, you actually.

He's my younger brother, Shichiro.

Young brother?

My brother can't speak anymore.

It's all because of the pebbles you threw.

No matter how.

You're carrying so little!

Look at how frail he is. There's only so much he can carry.

Then you should be carrying his share!

Fine. Let's go.

You first.

Hurry up!

Take it.

Stick it on your wound. It'll help to relieve the pain.

Hey!

What's happening over there?

It's Yamana.

They've come to rob us of the gold.

Lord Takayama.

There's no mistake.

It's Elder Nagakura from Akizuki.

Suicide...

In that case, this must be Princess Yuki.

The line of Akizuki has ended here.

We should be able to find the treasure soon enough.

Where's Makabe Rokurota?

He should remain by the princess's side.

We've not found him, dead or alive.

If the princess did commit suicide, Rokurota would have followed her to death.

Even so...

This woman can't be Princess Yuki.

They burned down the city because they knew they would lose the battle.

This only proves that the princess has fled.

In that case.

We need to strengthen the patrols around the border.

They must be headed towards Hayakawa now.

Yes Sir!

Saye.

Elder Nagakura

I've let you down.

It's an honour to die for loyalty.

My sister will surely...

No.

If I were Saye, I would surely hate the princess.

She was 19, but so am I.

We only have one chance at life.

Princess.

Shut up!

You didn't even shed a single tear when you killed your own sister.

Your supposed 'virtues of loyalty'

is something that I'm sick of

Takezo, I'm sorry.

Goodbye.

Sake. Food. Women.

Women.

Are you a fool?

Did you really think you could run away.

We were the ones who found the gold.

Right. That's why all the gold

is ours alone.

All?

How?

Hey, I think the mountainous path is better.

The horses can manage the steep slope.

Then let the horses carry it

I will carry it myself.

Slow down...

Yes.

Weren't you highly accurate in throwing pebbles?

Yes...

Try throwing one over to the other side of the cliff.

Those men are from Yamana.

Damn it! There's no way to pass from here either.

What is it, Takezo?

There's no way.

We better pass through the checkpoint

but we don't have an authorisation pass.

Hurry up!

Get in!

Quickly!

Thank you sir.

Next one.

From the grasslands. That's enough. Let them pass.

Is that alright, sir?

This is the checkpoint of Yamana.

Why does the princess of Akizuki want to enter into enemy territory?

Isn't that like grosss stupidity?

But Sir... Takayama's orders were...

Shut your mouth!

Takayama? He's nothing but a samurai from the village

I am the one who makes the decisions here.

Listen carefully, you only have to obey me.

Yes Sir!

What's on the cart?

Rice.

Rice?

Yes.

Let me see..

You're dead if you try to smuggle something in.

Okay. Let them through.

Yes Sir!

Next...

Proof?

Quit playing games, show me your pass.

What's this?

Stop pretending. Show me your authorisation pass at once

I found this when I was collecting firewood.

This is...

What?

Commander, he found this.

Where did you find this?

Just by the riverside two miles away.

On the grasslands... quickly send men to search the area

I've got to find this faster than Takayama

stifle that village man's arrogance

the riverside two miles away...

Let's go!

Yes!

I would like a reward in exchange for that piece of gold.

Yeah fine, scram

I'm not leaving until you give me a reward,

Move on! move on!

Quit complaining.

Where's my reward!?

Get lost!

All of you too.

My reward!

Scram!

That fella is really bright.

Hey - hold it right there.

What are your names.

Answer me.

He can't speak, he's hurt his head.

Can't speak?

You are one pretty boy.

Just like a woman.

Is this a man?

I'll not spare you if you don't answer truthfully.

He's my younger brother. Is there anything wrong?

Your younger brother.

Fine, let me give you a reward

I want this young boy.

The rest of you, just move along.

Go on!

Go on!

Yeah - get lost.

Wow, your skin is really smooth.

Even prettier than a woman. It's the young boys who are most alluring.

Sir, my brother...

He must be really lucky to be able to serve someone like you.

Shichiro must be really glad.

Really. Your name is Shichiro?

It's his honour.

Shichiro.

You've got to serve the commander well.

Shichiro, Shichiro.

You have good taste, my lord.

Is it alright if he's not actually a man?

What are you saying? Didn't you just tell me he's your brother?

Actually, she's my wife.

It's for her safety from those guys that I told her to disguise herself.

Right?

Shut up. Stop that nonsense.

We've just got to do a body examination.

You are being disrespectful!

Hold it there!

Don't bother.

He is too naive.

It's a woman.

Woman?

Commander.

Filty! Get out of here!

Commander, what about the reward?

Let's just go.

You don't have to be apologetic.

It's your quick thinking that saved me.

Thank you for your hard work.

Stop making that facial expression, it's arousing suspicion.

He should have just told us she was a woman.

Say.

Whoever draws the shossssssssrtest stick

will be the first to have her tonight, how about that.

Which one do you want?

Let me see...

Which one?

This.

If you dare lay a finger on her, I'll kill you!

Let's go.

Stand back! Lord Takayama is passing through.

Isn't this the great Takayama?

Why have you made a trip here personally?

There's a rumour that Princess Yuki and the stragglers were sighted around here.

What a joke.

Why would she take such a risk?

Only a fool would think that way.

Unfortunately nobody's as stupid as you.

What did you say?

Did you see a group of suspicious people?

Suspicious people?

They are heading for Hayakawa.

And so?

Commander.

We've searched the river banks thoroughly but couldn't find anything.

What's going on.

It's the same thing in every village.

No thanks to the samurai.

The suffering of the people means nothing to them.

Let's grab a bite if you're hungry.

Are you kidding me? Here?!

Don't act tough. It's still a long way ahead.

Don't panic.

It's easier to hide among the crowd.

What are you doing? Walk!

Sir.

Are you speaking to me?

This cart of yours looks pretty good.

Would you like to trade it for my horse?

What?

Yeah.

The four people who were transporting the firewood were pulling a horse.

Among them was a woman disguised as a man.

You're not lying - are you?!

Of course not.

You found a woman dressed as a man

and you let her get away?

It's because...

You...

Commander.

Committed suicide out of his own incompetence.

You village man

of low birth status

of low birth status

there aren't any stupid men from Yamana.

Thank you.

Alright, everything goes to the dealer.

Pay up! Come on.

These ladies sure don't know who they're dealing with.

What are you waiting for! Get some water and wash my feet

I'm sorry.

Tearful the whole day.

You've never been exposed to the real world, right?

It's a good learning ground for you then.

Stupid! She just can't learn.

What are you doing?

She's got no sense.

Can we really use this idiot?

Do you know how much you cost me?

What are you looking at?

Why did he change it to a cart?

Does he think we can replace the horse?

How can we break free from his control?

Don't panic.

Seize the right moment.

We've agreed to escape tonight.

Stupid, you decided that by yourself.

Hey, there's only one.

It's only the two of you who are eating your hearts out.

Shut up and eat.

What?

She looks quite pretty under all that dirt.

Where did you get this?

Akizuki.

For how much?

Five silver coins

I'll let you have it if you like.

Heh! I've not stooped to that level.

What's that?

You want to buy the girl?

Yeah.

No way.

Why?

I can't let my people suffer!

Princess.

But our priority is to transport the gold to Hayakawa.

Are we not doing it for the people?

How long more are you going to follow us!

Did you hear me? Scram back to Akizuki.

Let me do it, princess.

This cart is such a bad idea.

What more with a woman coming along with us.

Don't stop. Keep going.

Did you see a group of four with a horse?

No.

If you do see them, report it to the samurai.

Yes Sir.

Move.

We managed to fool them. Our lucky day!

What are you saying, you were just complaining a moment ago.

That's...!

Akizuki's...

Princess.

Forgive me.

It's all my fault.

What...

Princess?

Bastard.

Quickly report this to the army.

Hey, Takezo, don't doze!

I'm not gonna care about you anymore.

You go on first.

Hey, Takezo!

Princess.

Where's the princess of Akizuki?

I don't know.

Listen up! Princess Yuki was disgused as a man.

But she could have reverted to a woman again.

Gather up all the young women you can find.

You wouldn't be suffering if she didn't choose to come to Yamana.

Princess.

Let them go.

What?

Do you know who I am?

Princess Yuki of Akizuki.

What?

Yuki

I'm the one you're looking for.

Grab her!

How you dare lie to me.

You...

Go back - princess

I'm worried about Takezo and Shinpachi

I can't abandon these people.

Princess.

Women. Sake. Food.

Women. Women. Food.

Who's that?

Me

Takezo.

How are you?

She's Princess Yuki! They treated us like fools.

By now they would have been executed by their enemy already.

Is that right...

Claiming to be thieves... They just treated us like monkeys.

Yummy!

Takezo, have a bite too.

They left the good stuff for themselves.

Come on Takezo

Takezo.

You're really annoying

Takezo.

What should we do?

Head for the mountains.

What? Mount Ararai?

Once we get into the mountains, it's familiar ground.

Alright. We'll spilt the gold once we get to Hayakawa.

Don't you ever betray me.

Is this the right way?

It's looked the same for a very long time.

Stupid! That's how the mountain is.

It's all your fault, you led us this way.

Shut up!

I'm not gonna shut up!

You owe me an apology.

Apologise!

No way!

That hurts!

It's all your fault.

What happened?

Give me a break!

Pull harder!

What do we do now?

It's all your fault

I'm sorry. I will certainly change my ways.

And follow Rokurota all my life.

Please give me a chance... please

I said that those who betray me will die.

Who started it?

Liars! You'll just kill us once we're of no use to you.

What did you say.

Samurais are all the same.

My father served the samurai too.

But they killed him like he was worth nothing.

You'll kill me sooner or later, so just do it now.

Fine, I'll give you what you want.

Rokurota.

Are you really going to kill even before the king's sword

using violence to force others into submission?

What difference are we from the Yamana samurai?

Right?

I'm sorry, we broke our promise.

What?

We shouldn't have lied to you.

Please forgive us, Takezo.

What are you talking about.

The story of your father saddens me.

But I hope that you can learn to trust

that not all samurais are what you think them to be.

Don't think you can deceive me again.

One day

I will repay your favour.

Therefore, before we reach Hayakawa,

please allow me to travel with you

we need you.

Please.

Princess.

There's no way we can ever trust you again.

Bow! Rokurota.

Please!

No way... right?

You can only act tough - Takezo.

If you're unwilling then go away.

Idiot. That's impossible.

Then just shut up.

Takezo, Shinpachi. Is it heavy?

It's a small matter when it's for your princess.

Bastard.

What?

Don't speak so loudly to the princess! or say her name.

But isn't this the princess?

I will address her however I please.

Not when she's one from a fallen state.

If her name is Yuki, just use Yuki.

But...

You're still a stunning beauty.

What nonsense! Let's go.

Ouch! What are you doing?

Mount Ararai, eh?

Hey, who are these people?

Tonight's the new moon. It's gonna be very busy up there.

Busy up there?

Isn't it best to hide amongst the crowd.

Eh, Takezo?

Takezo!!

It's been a long time since we saw you.

You've got yourself a pretty wife!

Shinpachi, the firewood...

Come on! We'll help you.

The life of a man, burns like a raging fire.

The life of a firefly, as short as its glow.

Ponder and you will see. The world is dark and filled with suffering.

Life is nothing but a dream. What matters is how we live it

Takezo, we're going ahead first.

See you soon.

Thanks!

Were you thinking of escaping to Hakazawa tonight?

Yeah, we can't see the moon tonight.

Yamana is unlikely to make a move.

Princess.

Amazing!

This is fire festival of Yamana.

The people of this country

are relieving their pain and suffering through song and dance?

No, not only this country.

It's the same wherever you go.

Tell me, Takezo.

Do the people need a princess?

If only this world

had no wars or differences in status

then there wouldn't be so many unnecessary deaths.

Let's go.

You alright?

Let's go.

This song was composed by the people living in the mountain.

People living in the mountain?

Men who lived by the labour of their hands.

People without concerns or worries.

Come to think about it,

there are many things that I have to bear.

But... this is my life.

You have a choice.

You don't have to bear that burden.

You don't have to be a princess.

Stop your dancing.

We're conducting a search.

Your festival ends now.

What are you talking about?

Didn't you agree that we could celebrate the fire festival?

That's right, scram!

Get lost! Get lost!

Quiet

or you will suffer the consequences.

Don't joke.

This is the annual festival.

There's no way we'll allow you to stop us.

Let's continue dancing!

Yeah.

Kill all of them.

Hey! Hey! What are you trying to do?

This... this is mine.

Get out of my way!

What are you doing?! It's mine!

Let's get out of here!

Let's go.

Hurry!

I'm the cause of all of this.

I... can't hold on for much longer.

Run away

with me.

Rokurota.

Princess.

Where's Shinpachi?

Don't bother about him. We've got to go.

Don't move a muscle - Makabe Rokurota

I don't wish to kill you today.

Stop it. It's no use.

What?

A wise man picks his battles.

As you'd expect from greatest samurai of Akizuki.

You've thought about this carefully.

Quit joking

Takezo!

Rokurota.

We finally meet Princess Yuki.

Finally.

Take her away.

Yes sir!

Let go of me!

Takezo!

Once this city is completely taken.

It'll become the biggest obstacle to the Hayakawa army

I finally understand

why you're so desperate for Akizuki's treasure.

Rokurota, it's such a shame

with your intelligence and abilities

you'll surely become a great man if you worked for Yamana.

Where did you hide the treasure?

Tell me.

The life of a man, burns like a raging fire.

What?

The life of a firefly, as short as its glow.

Shut up!

You...

beating him isn't going to work.

Get up!

Princess.

What's most important is to stay alive

I've decided

do whatever you wish to me.

Come here.

Stop joking

Takezo!

Ouch!

You're still alive?

I was so worried for you.

Where did Princess Yuki go?

She was taken away by Yamana.

Taken away?

Where?

How would I know? There seems to be a city on the other side of the mountain though.

It's gold! Gold!

Hey, where are you going?

Takezo, let's find the gold instead.

Are you ready to tell me where the gold is?

I'll leave it to your imagination

the suffering of your princess...

How much more can she bear?

The life of a man, burns like a raging fire.

The life of a firefly, as short as its glow.

Ponder and you shall see, the world is full of darkness and suffering.

Life is but a dream, what matters is how we live it

I'm entrusting the princess to you.

That bastard -

This way!

Sake...

Women...

Food...

Sake...

Women...

Food...

This is where the general's room is

and there's only one guard here.

Hey, I know where the princess is.

Really?

The guys working up there think they heard a woman's voice.

There's never been women up there.

Please.

Please help me to rescue the princess.

And we'll escape from here too.

Alright.

We can't forgive them for what they did.

What should we do?

We've got to dig

and release the poisonous fumes.

We don't have to worry about water anymore.

That's right.

Keep digging until you find water!

We've found the treasure

and there's one thing left to do

but I won't kill you yet

I still have a reason to keep you alive.

Tomorrow

will be the grand wedding of our prince with Princess Yuki

this way the remnants of Akizuki's empire will fall under my reign too.

The princess will bear the children of our young master.

Bastard...

Let me go!

Throw him in!

Oh... it's you.

Shinpachi! What are you doing here!

Takezo.

Go..gold.

Sir.

Let me see..

This is...

lead!

There's not even a single bar of gold!

Move away!

What happened?

There's no gold.

They will...

there's no time!

What's going on.

You look gorgeous.

Princess Yuki.

Bastard!

I will ask you one last time,

where's the gold.

It's useless.

Rokurota doesn't know anything.

The gold should have arrived safely in Hakazawa by now.

You can't fool me.

Shut up!

A hundred strips of gold carried by a hundred people.

Thanks to the commoners of Akizuki.

Wise princess!

You actually fooled all of us.

It's definitely Elder Nagakura's style

but I don't share your confidence.

How stupid can you get!

These people are nothing but scum

scum can never be trusted.

I...

I trust them.

Found it!

Pull!

Did you find water?

Not water, it's fumes.

Fumes?

Poisonous fumes.

Run! There's poisonous fumes!

What's he talking about.

Don't go there!

No way.

Get out of here! There are fumes -

Run!

Where are you going?

To save the princess?

Yeah.

Just forget about it. It's no use.

You never know

I'm not going with you, I've got gold to gather.

Shinpachi there's no gold. It's all fake.

You can't fool me.

Shinpachi!

You fool.

There's no hope for Akizuki

once I kill you.

Bad news!

What's the commotion.

Sir, please leave the area immediately.

Sir, please leave immediately.

There are poisonous fumes leaking from the underground.

Fumes?

How could that be?

Lord Takayama!

Is this your scheme - princess?

Sorry, this was my idea

Takezo.

You're the peasent from the fire festival.

That's right, a low-life from the mountain.

Don't despise us

I'm returning this to you

Takezo, protect the princess.

Rokurota.

You must survive.

Men! After them!

Yes sir!

Let's go.

It's them!

Bastards.

Come here!

Run!

Yuki.

Let's go.

This way.

There!

That way!

Takezo, this way!

Shinpachi, thank you.

Although gold is my priority

I worry about you too

what's up? Makabe Rokurota.

Even a great hero like you can be so defenseless.

Remember this scar?

Why didn't you kill me the last time

I thought you would kill yourself for honour.

That day - I swore

that I will not live for honour

but fight only for my own gain.

Alright.

Great, get on.

On this?

This will take you to the exit.

You're not coming?

I've gotta find the gold. Take care.

Shinpachi.

There they are!

Takezo, why did you come back?

I already told you

if we leave, we leave together.

Will you accept my offer?

Join me and rule this state together

not only Yamana

but conquer Akizuki and Hayakawa too.

So this is your true motive.

It is in such times that we can establish ourselves and leave a legacy.

You're delusional.

Then you're better off dead!

I'm not gonna dirty my hands.

Kill yourself.

Yuki, are you alright?

Rokurota.

Shinpachi

Takezo, I'll leave the princess to you.

You sure have the will to live.

Are you alright?

The elders have told me

if there isn't genuine support from the citizens

it's impossible to rule a country

I've always trusted my people

will they be waiting for me in Hayakawa?

I will always wait for you.

Will you really wait...

Even if the days ahead are rough

I will never leave you.

In good and bad times

never leave you.

Remember our promise.

Princess Yuki has arrived.

Open the gates.

It's a miracle that everyone is safe.

That's great, isn't it.

Wait... we made a promise.

Forgive me.

Hey, Takezo.

Where are you going?

Forgive you...

Why must you be so stubborn?

Don't you want your reward?

There should be a limit to this pride of yours.

Bad boys have principles too.

Oh I see..

These are what I believe in

I found these in the Yamana city.

The gold they left behind.

When they were fleeing?

Yea.

You're really fearless

I've gotta think of my livelihood.

Just so you know, I'm not sharing any with you.

It's what I deserve.

Sorry, I'm not interested.

It's not gold.

Not gold!!!

Shut up.

What the heck.

Wait a second

we may be able to turn this into cash.

Wait for me - Takezo.

Wait up!

Translated by: xiaojo@lj