Ninja, a Band of Assassins (1962) - full transcript
Ishikawa Goemon (Ichikawa Raizo), a talented young ninja, becomes ensnared in a twisted scheme to assassinate Oda Nobunaga, an evil warlord bent on ruling feudal Japan with an iron fist. Deceit, treachery, and entire gangs of enemy ninja lurk around every corner as Goemon travels the countryside to complete his task, win back his honor, and save his skin!
A Daiei Production
The first year of the Tensho period (1573), summer:
Oda Nobunaga, burning with ambition
to dominate the entire nation,
attacked the allied forces of Asakura Yoshikage
and Asai Nagamasa in the north of Oomi.
Bastard... you're
a corpse-robber!
Shut up!
Shinobi no Mono
(The Ninjas)
Executive Producer: Nagata Masaichi
Based on the original novel by Murayama Tomoyoshi
Screenplay by Takaiwa Hajime
Production Design: Ito Takeo, Doi Itsuo
Lighting: Kato Hiroya · Art Direction: Naito Akira
Music: Watanabe Chumei
Cinematography: Takemura Yasukatu
Recording: Okumura Masahiro
Sound Effects: Kurajima Yoh
Assistant Director: Nishizawa Eiji
Production Supervisor: Hashimoto Shoji
Editing: Miyata Mitsuzo · Props: Kawaguchi Ryu
Sword-fighting Choreographer: Miyauchi Shohei
Traditional Japanese Music: Nakamoto Toshio
Cast
Ichikawa Raizo
Fujimura Shiho
Ito Yunosuke
Kobayashi Katsuhiko · Jo Kenzaburo
Uraji Yoko · Fujiwara Reiko
Maki Chitose · Kishida Kyoko
Niwa Matasaburo · Nishimura Koh (Toho)
Nakamura Yutaka · Takami Kuni-ichi
Chiba Toshiro · Sawamura Sonosuke
Kato Yoshi
Mizuhara Koichi · Nanjo Shintaro
Terashima Yusaku
Nambu Shozo · Date Saburo
Funaki Yoichi · Hara Seishiro
Oki Tokio · Fujikawa Jun
Horikita Yukio · Iwata Tadashi
Kikuno Masayoshi · Kominami Akira
Kimura Gen · Inoue Akiko
Directed by Yamamoto Satsuo
I appreciate your gathering
here on such short notice.
Though Asakura Yoshikage managed
to escape to Echizen...
...I have received word that he finally
cut his belly at Ichijo Valley.
Goemon, yet again your
judgment was sound.
You were wise to leave
Yoshikage at Oomi.
Yes, sir.
In the 13 years since Oda Nobunaga took
Lord Imagawa's head at Okehazama...
...he has become a cruel, ruthless
and destructive tyrant.
If he continues unhindered, he will no
doubt conquer the entire nation.
We have pledged to utilize Ninjutsu only
in the service of those daimyo...
...who seek our services, and who
are willing to reward us for them.
It is sufficient that we employ
our an as mercenaries.
But I refuse to abide this Nobunaga,
who seeks to conquer the entire country.
It is just as our
Master says!
Nobunaga treats us Ninja
with contempt.
Such petty matters do
not anger me at all.
Several years ago,
he sacrilegiously set fire to Mount Hiei.
He reduced a thousand divine icons
to ashes in one fell swoop...
...and cruelly murdered 1,600 clergymen;
it was an unforgivable act of great evil.
The art of Ninjutsu was created by En-no-ozunu
the Ascetic during the reign of Emperor Tenchi.
It was then spread by the Yamabushi monks
of the Tendai and Shingon Mikkyo sects...
...in order to extend and protect
the practice of Buddhism.
The mudras and mantras of the Ninja are
the legacy of Tendai and Shingon...
...they are aspects of the divine
teachings of the Buddha...
...and thus, more than demons and devils, this
Nobunaga is the arch-enemy of all Ninja.
What will be Nobunaga's
next move?
What do you think?
If anyone has an
idea, speak up.
He's moving from victory to victory.
I think he'll invade Echu and attack Uesugi.
Master.
Yohachi. Go ahead.
Sir... Before Uesugi, he'll attack
Tokugawa Ieyasu of Mikawa.
He is a thorn in Nobunaga's side.
No, he'll do neither
of those things.
Uesugi is no longer a
match for Nobunaga.
Ieyasu is a deeply insightful strategist.
Thus, he will not yet oppose Nobunaga,
who currently has the momentum.
So what's your idea?
First, he'll go to the capital, where
he will claim the title of Shogun.
What?!
Wait, Yohachi...
I am thinking along the same
lines as Goemon.
Yes, sir.
Last night, Fujibayashi Nagato
gathered his men...
...and solemnly ordered them
to assassinate Nobunaga.
But we are the ones who must
take Nobunaga's head.
If by some chance the Ninjas of the Fujibayashi
garrison should manage to kill him...
...then our preeminent position as custodians
of the Iga Shiju-ku-ryu style...
...would be fatally undermined. Do bear
this in mind, and do not forget it.
That is all that
I have to say.
Endeavor, endeavor, perseverance
is difficult...
...we must be ready to immediately sever
even our love of parents and spouse.
Thus the word “Shinobi” puts
heart beneath the sword.
Goemon.
He has summoned you.
The Master?
From now on, I want you
to act as my counselor.
I hear that you are good with numbers; thus,
for now, I want you to remain here.
I want you to undertake an accounting
of income and expenditures.
Yes, sir.
Hitherto I have had Ino-ne
do all the bookkeeping.
But the burden is too heavy for her alone,
so I want for you to assist her.
So, will you accept?
It is an overwhelming
honor, sir.
He said that he couldn't afford to lose me
in battle! He's making me a lieutenant!
I'm finally getting my chance
to move up the ranks.
Goodbye to the endless menial days of
plowing the field and Ninja-training!
Dad, you'll see, I'll become a great Ninja
someday, even greater than the Master.
Dad. Dad? Aren't you
happy for me?
Do you earnestly believe
what you just said?
Of course. I'm Goemon, the best in our
garrison when it comes to special skills.
The only hurdle I've got left now
is to compete with the Master!
Goemon. What does
a Ninja live for?
Starting as an innocent toddler, he must
endure hard training in Ninjutsu...
...then he's sent to serve under some warlord
in the east, or some daimyo in the west...
...and does so knowing that
his life is always at risk.
“If he is captured, he must endure exquisite
tortures, and yet not divulge the truth."
“Rather than disclose his name, he
will intently seek death instead."
“When escape is no
longer possible...
“...he will burn his
face with fire...
"...and if fire be not at hand, he will
disfigure his face with his sword...
“...and thus no one will ever
know his true identity."
“He is born in darkness, and
he will die in darkness."
“This is the path of the Ninja's life,
it is the path of death."
I've memorized it well,
haven't I?
Goemon. Human happiness and pride are
not for the Ninja, don't you know that?
Nonsense! A Ninja can bring down an
invincible fortress, all by himself.
He can defeat great armies of thousands
and tens of thousands.
Seems like you're too far gone.
I've lost you somewhere along the way.
Oh, just wait and see.
I'll become the next Master.
There are times when I'm mixing gunpowder,
all alone at the mountain hut...
...that I become unbearably
frightened.
That's silly. That hut is well guarded, no one
can get near it. Dad, you're being paranoid.
Perhaps so. I just want to teach you
these formulas for our gunpowder...
...then leave for somewhere quiet,
and end my days in peace.
Good night.
Hey. Does the Master ever
sleep with his wife?
She always sleeps alone.
You've got to be kidding.
You're new here so you wouldn't know,
but since his wife arrived...
...they haven't so much
as held hands.
No way.
If you think I'm lying,
ask anyone.
Everybody knows
about it.
What's wrong with
the Master?
Who's there?!
It's Kizaru... Open up!
Right.
Please let me speak to the Lord.
He has not returned yet.
I have information for him,
please call him.
He will be here directly.
If you please...
Please wait
a moment.
Please...
An old man disguised as a farmer, you say?
Yes.
Only Ishikawa Goemon or Momochi Sandayu
are capable of such sophisticated disguises.
Momochi?
Why would anyone from Momochi's
group be skulking around here?
How would I know? Kizaru...
I've heard that you saw Goemon.
Yes.
What was your impression?
I'm sorry...?
How would you assess his skills?
I would say he's adequate.
Adequate, eh?
You're just a sore loser. In my opinion,
Goemon is a rare, great talent.
Indeed, it's possible that he might eventually
surpass Sandayu himself.
I even wish I could induce
him to work for me.
Oh, I've been waiting
for this!
If he's making you jealous, hone your skills
and try to become Goemon's equal.
If I may be so bold, it's rumored that Goemon
plays fast and loose with women.
If that's true, then he's not
fit to be called a Ninja.
Well, I've got the same problem!
Right, Hinona?
Now forget about that old farmer,
and have a drink! Give him a cup!
Please.
In that case...
Going already?
Stay a while and relax.
Don't stop him, Hinona.
He's doing us a favor. Right, Kizaru?
I've finally chased
Kizaru away.
He brought you information, but it's as
if you wanted to chase him away.
Not as if, I did chase
him away!
Oh gee.
It's all your fault.
My fault?
I couldn't wait to be alone with you.
Lord, you shouldn't jest.
This is no jest. I'm going to show you
a thoroughly good time tonight.
Please...
Tamo, are you ready to go?
Yes.
Let me say once again...
...that you are Kunoichi, that you
are a woman, and not a Ninja.
Your role is as an assistant
to Ninjas...
...and you must obey every order of
your commander. Understand?
Yes.
This is your commander, Magodayu.
You will obey Magodayu's commands
after you arrive at Nagashima.
Yes.
A samurai's most prized virtue is
the ability to indulge in shame.
A Ninja, on the other hand, in order
to complete a mission...
...must be crafty, deceptive,
dishonest...
...and commit whatever vile
deeds are necessary.
A Kunoichi must abandon all feminine
pride... never forget this!
Sir!
Nagashima is the headquarters of the Ikko-sect
rebels. Nobunaga will undoubtedly attack it.
Speaking of which, several warlords arrived
yesterday at Inabayama Castle in Gifu.
This is a matter of
utmost concern.
They're getting ready. The Ikko will be
exterminated in a surprise attack.
As Nobunaga appears to be about to attack,
I shot some warning message arrows...
...into Nagashima's Seigan-ji Temple.
Well done.
Yes, sir.
Tamo. Come receive
the cup of farewell.
Yes, sir.
Attack!
Halt!
Goemon...
Excellent, as always.
I don't have time to fool around.
Know where the Master is?
I don't know.
Strange.
He's nowhere in the garrison.
What was that noise?
I don't know.
Dad!
What happened here?
I have no idea, there was a huge explosion,
and I couldn't see anything in the smoke.
Is that a woman?
Yes, sir.
Brave of her to attack me, Nobunaga.
Tell me your name!
I will spare you for your bravado.
Now speak!
Speak!
Bury her...
...up to her neck.
She must suffer as long as possible
before she dies. Got that?
The bloodthirsty heretic.
I, Nagata, will one day show him the
horror of defying the Buddha.
What if Momochi beats us to it while
you're sitting on your asses?
He forced the Imperial Court to make
him Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.
Nobunaga's arrogance indeed
knows no bounds.
If we don't snuff him out now, the future
of the Ninja will be in jeopardy.
Go to Gifu at once.
Kudobei's poisons and Yohachi's shuriken
are the pride of the Momochi garrison.
The silent and the moving.
Do whatever it takes to eliminate Nobunaga.
Yes, sir!
You're working hard.
Has the Master
returned yet?
I heard he was going
to be late.
Goemon...
What... what is your
opinion of me?
What do you mean?
You must know how it is
between Sandayu and I.
Don't deny it.
He hasn't so much as touched me since
our wedding. What kind of wife am I?
Do you pity me, as a woman
who has given up on life?
Or perhaps you think of
me as a lifeless doll?
Not so... I, Ino-ne, am neither
of those things.
Sandayu has treated
me coldly.
I've been waiting for the day
I'll be able to pay him back.
Blood is boiling in my body;
I burn with passion, like this!
Goemon!
When you came to
the garrison...
...I vowed to be reborn as a passionate
woman, a woman who lives for you.
Goemon, I'm begging you!
I'm begging you!
Ino-ne...!
I'm so happy, Goemon!
Tighter!
Ino-ne.
Hold me much tighter!
Let's go...
Doh...
Ah... now this is a fine
daikon radish.
Farmer, where
are you from?
Well, sir, um...
Well?!
Yes, sir.
Answer me!
Move!
Well...? Yummy...?
Now...
Lord, your cat.
Get him!
This way!
Charge!
Fools!
Out of the way!
Dammit!
Oh Goemon, you've come...
did anyone see you?
Don't worry. I made sure
everyone was asleep.
You're being silly.
But... aren't you getting
tired of me?
Would I be sneaking in
to see you if I was?
I'm so happy...
I'm so jealous!
It's obvious from his clothes
and tools that he's a Ninja.
Lord, he must've been hired, perhaps
by Uesugi, to take your life.
Talk! Who sent you!
Talk, you bastard!
Talk or you'll be tortured
to death!
Do it.
- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Hold it.
He's a Ninja.
Mere torture won't
make him talk.
Yes, sir.
Let's see, now...
...since his insolent ears won't hear
us anyway, he doesn't need them.
Cut them off!
Yes, sir.
Well...?
Can't you hear
me either?
Bastard!
How's that?
Has your hearing
improved?
Seems like he's still having
a problem hearing us.
Nobu'osu.
Cut off the other one!
Yes, sir.
You think it over
for a while...
But you won't
last too long.
“A Ninja must endure any kind of torture,
and even at the cost of his life...
“...he must not speak a word about
his identity or mission."
Oh! Hey!
Get him!
Don't lose him!
Don't lose him!
There he is!
So Yohachi's dead. They say he disfigured
his face, just as a true Ninja should.
Nobunaga must
be in a panic.
His castle security is extremely
tight, inside and out.
What happened to Kudobei?
He's crafted a rumor that Nobunaga's attacker
wasn't a Ninja, but a survivor of Asakura.
He's spreading it around
the Gifu castle area.
Quite cunning. He's a couple
notches above you, I'd say.
That's nothing...
You'll see, I'll be the man
who kills Nobunaga.
Well said! That's what I expect from
Kizaru of the Fujibayashi garrison!
Good job.
Hinona, there's something I need
to check... take the saké away.
Yes.
I feel like Sandayu is watching
us from somewhere.
Sandayu's eyes
are upon us.
Ahh! Over there!
Where?
There. From behind the wall.
He's glaring at us!
My Lord... my Lord...
please forgive me.
There's nobody there!
Calm down.
Our Lord, our Lord
is there for sure!
That's ridiculous. The Master has
gone to Ryuguchi, remember?
But that mouse...
Mouse?
He knows the an of using mice, you know.
Sandayu knows about us.
I'm scared!
He's going to kill me!
So you'd just let him
cruelly murder you?
If you don't want to die, you have
to pull yourself together!
You can still get out of this.
He hasn't caught you in the act.
If I were to disappear,
you'd be fine.
Where will you go?
But you're the most skilled
man in the whole garrison.
You're going to leave me,
and go to serve another Master?
Don't be ridiculous. Anyway,
if I leave the garrison...
...the Master will certainly
forgive you.
I don't like it. Sandayu already
knows, so I'm doomed.
If you're leaving the garrison,
then I'm going with you.
Let go, you dog! How dare you
sleep with the Master's wife?
When the Master gets back I'm telling him
everything. Just you wait and see!
What are you doing?
I have to kill Hata.
Goemon!
If I kill Hata,
no one will know!
It's pointless. We can't fool Sandayu!
Let's leave the garrison at once.
Take me with you!
Let go!
Let's run away together!
Let go!
Ino-ne!
Ino-ne!
Master!
And where are you going? Running
away to the Fujibayashi garrison?
Running away?
Now why would I be
running away?
Shut up. Do you really think you can
conceal anything from Sandayu?
If you still insist that you don't
know what I'm talking about...
...then we'll just have to
go and talk to Hata.
Do you still
deny it?
Please forgive me.
That cannot be.
I'm going to
kill you.
So, it appears that you're
not ready to die.
Yes...
Well then...
I'll let you live.
But in return, you must
kill Nobunaga.
Can you kill him?
Yes.
He's not going to be an easy target.
I'll kill him.
I assure you, I'll kill him.
If you blunder,
you're dead.
You think you can do it?
No matter what it takes!
Nobunaga will be going
to the capital soon.
So you too must be on
your way at once.
Yes.
Don't rush things.
But don't go too slowly, either. Make your
plans with care, and strike perfectly.
Yes.
But even if you're successful, it won't
be atonement for your great sin.
Thus, while waiting for your chance,
you will become a burglar.
A burglar?
Steal money only.
If you fail, there's a possibility
that Nobunaga will attack us.
Either way, we will require a fortune
to support our military expenses.
I'll let you have a tenth
of the stolen money...
...but the rest will go to the agent who
will accompany you. Understood?
But it is strictly forbidden
for a Ninja to steal.
Silence!
Did you not steal my
wife from me?
Not only that, you got her killed,
and tried to run away.
I, Nagata, bear witness...
...that if there's any man in the Momochi
garrison that can kill Nobunaga...
...then Ishikawa Goemon
is that man!
If Goemon kills Nobunaga, our Fujibayashi
garrison will forever be beneath Momochi!
The Ninjutsu lineage of Fujibayashi has
endured since the ancient Heian era!
We can't let upstarts like the
Momochi rise above us!
So our garrison will immediately deploy
our most skilled men to the capital!
No matter what it takes, kill Nobunaga
before Goemon does!
If Goemon beats you to it,
then consider yourselves dead!
The Capital (Kyoto)
My Lord...
...may I have another?
I heard that Imperial official got his entire
stash of money stolen last night.
Serves him right. The rich can't even
afford a good night's sleep!
Pretty impressive burglar, I must say.
Rumor has it that it was a Ninja.
Who cares, it's none of
our business anyway!
If Ninjas are thought to be thieves, then
our reputation will be besmirched.
Thus we must ensure that
the thief isn't a Ninja...
...even though
he is a Ninja.
“Not a Ninja, though
he is a Ninja?“
Don't you understand?
The thief's name is
Ishikawa Goemon.
He was once a low-ranking Ninja
under Momochi Sandayu...
...who slept with Sandayu's wife.
When he got caught, he tossed
the woman into a well and fled.
It must become publicly known that he
was excommunicated from the Ninja.
You don't have to reveal my name.
Is there any other way?
Must the Master
go this far?
You've got no one to
blame but yourself.
I'll be spreading
the rumor.
All you have to do is
obey the Master.
The money...
You'll see, in two or three days, Ishikawa
Goemon will be the talk of the town.
Ishikawa Goemon
Wanted: Ishikawa Goemon
"Reward for the arrest of Public Villain
Ishikawa Goemon:
for information about his where-abouts,
50 pieces of silver.
For his capture,
200 pieces of silver."
Ishikawa Goemon is now
attacking women.
That Goemon's always
been lecherous.
He took advantage of
his Master's wife...
...dumped her in a well and took off;
he's that kind of villain!
He posts his name when he robs a
place... what kind of guy is he?
He's got a bushy beard, and so ugly just
seeing him sends chills up your spine!
Not to mention, he's about 7-shaku tall,
a giant the size of a demon!
That's not right,
I heard he's around 5-shaku tall!
No way! They say he effortlessly
leapt over an 8-shaku wall.
Come on, let's get going.
- Yeah...
- Okay...
The Master urgently inquires as to why you
stopped burgling after Nobunaga arrived.
I've been investigating him.
Liar. The Master knows everything.
Nobunaga's going back
to Gifu tomorrow.
Villain!
Are you Goemon?!
You couldn't
kill him.
Why did you
interfere?
There they are,
get them!
Here they come;
now what'll you do?
I'll settle the score
with you later.
He's getting away!
He's gone to the
other side!
Sakai
Come on, come have
a good time.
We'll treat you right!
Get in, hurry up!
Come on in!
What a handsome man!
Shut up!
Ooh, he's scary...
Hey, do you want
to play?
Eat.
I'm telling you
to eat.
Thank you.
I've had no customers...
so I couldn't eat.
Don't explain,
just eat.
Y... yes.
What province are you from?
Kawachi.
Got parents?
I just had my grandpa, but he died.
And you, customer?
Mind your own business.
Thank you.
Customer, are you
a traveler?
Enough with the
"customer".
But I don't know
your name.
My name
is Maki.
I'm Goemon.
Sure... you're Ishikawa Goemon!
And what if I was Ishikawa Goemon?
Yeah, sure
you are...
Ishikawa Goemon has
a scruffy beard.
And he has a horrible
face, like a demon.
Even I know that.
But you...
Well, I wouldn't care if you
were the real Goemon.
What's so funny?
When we first met, I was
really scared of you.
Are you angry?
I'm fed up.
Of me?
No, never you.
I don't ever want us to be apart.
You're a good person.
You look beautiful.
Really?
I won't ever let you go.
I'm so happy!
Oh yeah, I heard that Ishikawa
Goemon got caught.
They caught him?
Aren't you glad?
Yeah, I'm glad.
Last night a customer from the capital
said he watched him get executed.
He said that he was laughing
when they crucified him...
...and even when they disemboweled
him, he laughed like it was nothing.
Talk about bravery!
He wasn't being brave...
Just thinking about being crucified
drove him insane.
Liar! Ishikawa Goemon
wasn't a coward.
If Goemon could hear what you're
saying, he'd be pleased.
I don't want to talk about
Goemon any more.
What is it?
Hey?
What a creep!
You said it.
Die!
They said the sword went in
his belly and out his back.
What a cruel way to kill...
Stop it.
What is it?
What are you
mad about?
Just shut up!
“What does a Ninja
live for?"
“Lately I've come to realize, down to my very
bones, that the Ninja's life is meaningless.”
Maki...
Will you be
my wife?
Let's go somewhere quiet,
where we can live in peace.
Where no one will bother us,
and it'll just be you and me.
Here's your redemption money,
go buy your freedom.
If this isn't enough, I've got all the money
it takes. Let's get out of here, right away.
You've neglected two missions, and spilled
Ninja blood. What's the matter with you?
Say what you will. I'm fed up with stealing
money and attacking Nobunaga.
Fool. Infatuated
by a woman...
...you are depraved
in body and mind.
Did you think the Master didn't
know what you've been up to?
“Know this: the punishment for
disobedience is instant death."
You can't just linger about;
Nobunaga is coming here to Sakai tomorrow.
To Sakai?
He's supposed to be coming to
inspect the port, but that's just a ruse.
Two or three days ago Kiraya
Zaeomon got a shipment of...
...newfangled Portuguese muskets,
and he's coming to buy them.
He will definitely meet
with Kiraya Zaeomon.
You couldn't ask for a better chance;
that's all I've got to say.
Goemon.
This way!
Go around!
As expected, the Portuguese-made ones
have far better craftsmanship.
Hey...
Sir?
It was worth coming to Sakai, wasn't it?
Indeed, sir.
Zaeomon.
Yes, sir.
I'll buy all the muskets
you can supply.
With armor and helmets getting stronger than
ever, guns are the future of warfare.
It is indeed as
you say.
Even so, are there any fools left who dare to
confront your awesome might, my Lord?
Indeed there are.
Madmen, who are more
obstinate than foolish.
Madmen?
Don't you know?
It's those Ikko rebels.
We thought that we had crushed
them at Nagashima...
...but now they've dug themselves
in at Ishiyama's Hongan-ji Temple.
They believe that if they die in battle, they'll
go to paradise; that makes them tough.
There are others...
groups that are even tougher.
Like the Ninjas of Iga.
Villain!
Turn out!
Zaeomon, look after our Lord.
Yes, sir.
Turn out!
Intruders! Turn out!
Intruders!
- Intruders!
- Intruders!
- Ouch! Ouch!
- Ouch! Ouch!
Ouch!
Fools, why are you hanging back?
Hurry up and catch him! Now!
What are you doing?!
Get him!
Catch him! Catch him now!
Move!
Hey, come play
with me.
The authorities are out in force;
they've chased away all the customers.
Hey! Is it... Hata?
Wow! Goemon,
it's you!
When did you come to Sakai?
About a month ago.
You've become
so famous.
You're the talk of the town.
But I knew you'd never get caught.
Why did you become
a prostitute?
It all started because
of you.
Me?
It was midnight, ten days
after you ran away.
I saw a blow-dart stuck in madam's
pale white neck.
A blow-dart?
Her face has haunted me ever since.
I couldn't sleep any more; I got so scared
that I ran away from the garrison.
She'd been struck by a dart?
Of course!
You should know, you shot her!
No, it wasn't me.
Then, the Master...?
How did you know about
me and Ino-ne?
A mouse.
A mouse?
That's right.
A mouse scuttled over my
feet, and woke me up.
I went to the toilet, and on the
way I heard madam's voice.
I took a peek.
I was so incredibly jealous!
I was in love with
you back then.
What's the matter?
What's the scary look for?
It was all a ploy
by the Master.
He put me together with Ino-ne, knowing
what would happen, and then killed her.
He ensured you would witness it, so now
he's got me trapped, every which way!
Wow... Is the Master that
big of a bastard?
Come to think of it,
maybe he killed your father too.
What?
That morning, Murota and
I went to gather firewood.
From the mountain
ridge, we saw...
...the Master go
into the hut.
You're sure you saw that?!
Yes.
The hut blew up...
...shortly thereafter.
Now that I recall, when I
was running to the hut...
...Sandayu came dashing
up out of nowhere.
So he probably
did it.
My dad made gunpowder for many years,
and never had an accident.
He's in that storage hut?
Yes, sir, we're sure of it.
With a woman.
You'd better get out of here.
Leave this to me! Hurry! Hurry!
Hold it!
What do you want?
I'm just a prostitute.
Surround the hut!
I didn't do anything!
Let me go! Let me go!
What did you come
here for?
What is this?!
A scroll containing your
father's secret formulas.
What's it doing here?!
He gave it to me before he died.
That's a lie! My father
was blown to bits...
...but this is intact; it's proof
that you killed my father!
Bastard. You did it to get
his gunpowder secrets.
Silence.
Have you forgotten your great debt to
me, and how I showed you mercy?
Shut up!
You can't fool me anymore.
Not only did you kill my father,
you killed Ino-ne as well.
Have you gone insane?
First, you lose your head
over a woman...
...and now you cook this up to
justify breaking your oath?
Not so. Listen...
I'll make myself clear.
As of today...
...I am no longer a Ninja! We are complete
strangers now. And you can have this!
Say what you will, but as long as
you live, you cannot escape me.
Mustard powder... you know what
happens when you breathe it.
I don't want to kill you.
You'd better leave quickly.
8th month of the 8th year of
the Tensho period (1580):
Nobunaga obtained an imperial edict, then
attacked and burned Hongan-ji Temple of Ishiyama,
the last stronghold of the Ikko-sect rebels, killing
everyone inside, men and women, young and old alike.
He's finally going
to come here.
Master, who do
you speak of?
Nobunaga.
Luck is on his side.
First it was Mount Hiei, then Nagashima,
and now Ishiyama.
He does not fear the punishment
of the Buddhas...
...he's as cruel as a man can be,
and everything is going his way.
We Ninjas of Iga are the only ones
left who might thwart him.
Will Nobunaga
attack Iga?
He will... as soon as he's confident
that he can take us.
Then, it's war.
We must kill Nobunaga
before he attacks.
There is no other way
to protect Iga.
But who can kill
Nobunaga?
Magodayu.
Yes, sir.
Return and do as you've been doing;
don't let Nobunaga out of your sight.
Yes, sir.
They're done roasting.
Eat it while it's hot.
It's good.
Yes.
What's the matter?
Why aren't you eating?
What's the matter?
Not feeling well?
I'm sorry...
The roasting smell
got to me.
That's weird.
You always enjoy it.
Well...
I... am going to
have a baby.
What...?
Really?!
Wow! You're having
my baby.
It should be better now.
Come back inside.
Yes.
I'll go get you some mountain grapes,
I saw a bunch of them nearby.
They're juicy, so they'll
be refreshing.
But it's so late.
It's nothing. I can get around
this mountain blindfolded.
I'll go with you.
No, the night wind is hard on the body.
Wait inside, I'll be right back. Okay?
Who's there?!
Sandayu! Show yourself!
You will address
me as "Master".
I told you that you'll never
be able to escape me.
I will be free of you.
You'll see!
Do you think a low-ranking novice Ninja
could even touch the mighty Sandayu?
One whistle from me
and Maki's dead.
Yozo is at your hut. Maki will live or die,
depending on what you say.
That swine Nobunaga has spent a fortune
on the construction of Azuchi Castle...
...as a demonstration to
the nation of his power.
When Nobunaga takes up residence at his
new castle, there will be days of festivities.
If you take advantage of the pandemonium,
you will surely get your chance.
Make haste to Azuchi. The faster you
arrive, the more chances you will get.
If I succeed in assassinating Nobunaga,
will you give me my freedom?
First you must succeed,
then we shall see.
This is a deadly poison called
"tranquil cessation".
One drop will induce
a very quick death.
Fool! You will leave immediately,
from right here!
Here is your Shinobi
outfit and tools.
Do not return until you
have killed Nobunaga.
In the meantime, I shall
take good care of Maki.
Maki is having
my child.
Go!
I told you to go!
No, I don't care if he's
a Ninja or not.
He's the only man for me!
In all the world, only him!
Then a word of warning. Ninja are never
permitted to truly love a woman.
It's a strict code.
Best you keep
that in mind.
And you mustn't leave this hut at all.
My eyes will always be upon you.
Forget these words
at your peril.
Will he come home
safely?
That depends on whether he obeys
the commands of the Master.
If he succeeds, it'll be life.
If he fails, he'll find death.
Come on, run faster!
Go right, turn left at that corner;
left, left, left, tum left there!
There, that's the Yamato river.
Come on, why are you so slow?
Follow the riverbank!
Hey, "Monkey"...
Yes, sir.
Come here, it's a perfect view. Yes, sir.
Indeed, my Lord, like the view, your
enlightened power is now perfect.
Not quite...
Yes?
Consider... the Ninjas of Iga.
Father, let's just crush
them now.
What are you talking about?
Have you forgotten the thrashing you got
when you impetuously attacked them?
They're Ninjas, far trickier
than the Ikko rebels.
By the way, Monkey, is everything ready
for the castle-completion celebration?
Yes, sir, everything's
on schedule.
Generals Tanba Nagahide
and Tsutsui Junkei have already arrived.
My Lord!
Call a doctor!
Call a doctor!
Call a doctor!
Get Sir Kinoshita, hurry!
Lord! Lord!
Hurry!
Who is it?
It's the ghosts of the Ikko rebels!
What are you doing to me?! Get out of my way!
My Lord, please
calm yourself!
Rin Pyo To Sha Kai Jin
Retsu Zai... Zen!
Adversary Oda Nobunaga,
immediately perish!
What's wrong
with him?
I am sorry, but this
defies diagnosis.
What are we going to do if he doesn't
regain his senses? It's almost time.
Could it be the curse
of the Ikko rebels?
Or maybe this is the
work of a Ninja.
A Ninja?
You still don't know
what's wrong?
“The willow teeters
in the wind..."
“Why do our hearts
become wistful?”
“Indeed, the Iris is
poetic of old."
Damn it!
My Lord, are you
feeling better?
I'm fine.
Until I unite the nation
under my dominion...
...I won't die, not even if
they beat me to death!
I am ever in awe of your
amazing good fortune.
Monkey, will we reach
Otogi Pass by dawn?
Yes, sir, undoubtedly.
I'm sure no one at the castle
knows we're gone.
They're probably too swept up
in the celebrations to notice.
We're under attack!
Nobunaga's launched
a surprise attack!
Nobunaga?
We've failed!
Hinona! Hinona!
Fool!
My Lord, this is the end!
Don't kill yourself!
Lord, let me die!
Let me die!
There's still
a way out!
This way!
Fire!
Don't let them get through!
Don't let even one get through!
Sandayu! Show yourself!
Sandayu.
One Master ruling
two garrisons...
...pitting them against each other
to accomplish one aim.
This is the ultimate expression
of the essence of Ninjutsu.
Maki!
The End
The first year of the Tensho period (1573), summer:
Oda Nobunaga, burning with ambition
to dominate the entire nation,
attacked the allied forces of Asakura Yoshikage
and Asai Nagamasa in the north of Oomi.
Bastard... you're
a corpse-robber!
Shut up!
Shinobi no Mono
(The Ninjas)
Executive Producer: Nagata Masaichi
Based on the original novel by Murayama Tomoyoshi
Screenplay by Takaiwa Hajime
Production Design: Ito Takeo, Doi Itsuo
Lighting: Kato Hiroya · Art Direction: Naito Akira
Music: Watanabe Chumei
Cinematography: Takemura Yasukatu
Recording: Okumura Masahiro
Sound Effects: Kurajima Yoh
Assistant Director: Nishizawa Eiji
Production Supervisor: Hashimoto Shoji
Editing: Miyata Mitsuzo · Props: Kawaguchi Ryu
Sword-fighting Choreographer: Miyauchi Shohei
Traditional Japanese Music: Nakamoto Toshio
Cast
Ichikawa Raizo
Fujimura Shiho
Ito Yunosuke
Kobayashi Katsuhiko · Jo Kenzaburo
Uraji Yoko · Fujiwara Reiko
Maki Chitose · Kishida Kyoko
Niwa Matasaburo · Nishimura Koh (Toho)
Nakamura Yutaka · Takami Kuni-ichi
Chiba Toshiro · Sawamura Sonosuke
Kato Yoshi
Mizuhara Koichi · Nanjo Shintaro
Terashima Yusaku
Nambu Shozo · Date Saburo
Funaki Yoichi · Hara Seishiro
Oki Tokio · Fujikawa Jun
Horikita Yukio · Iwata Tadashi
Kikuno Masayoshi · Kominami Akira
Kimura Gen · Inoue Akiko
Directed by Yamamoto Satsuo
I appreciate your gathering
here on such short notice.
Though Asakura Yoshikage managed
to escape to Echizen...
...I have received word that he finally
cut his belly at Ichijo Valley.
Goemon, yet again your
judgment was sound.
You were wise to leave
Yoshikage at Oomi.
Yes, sir.
In the 13 years since Oda Nobunaga took
Lord Imagawa's head at Okehazama...
...he has become a cruel, ruthless
and destructive tyrant.
If he continues unhindered, he will no
doubt conquer the entire nation.
We have pledged to utilize Ninjutsu only
in the service of those daimyo...
...who seek our services, and who
are willing to reward us for them.
It is sufficient that we employ
our an as mercenaries.
But I refuse to abide this Nobunaga,
who seeks to conquer the entire country.
It is just as our
Master says!
Nobunaga treats us Ninja
with contempt.
Such petty matters do
not anger me at all.
Several years ago,
he sacrilegiously set fire to Mount Hiei.
He reduced a thousand divine icons
to ashes in one fell swoop...
...and cruelly murdered 1,600 clergymen;
it was an unforgivable act of great evil.
The art of Ninjutsu was created by En-no-ozunu
the Ascetic during the reign of Emperor Tenchi.
It was then spread by the Yamabushi monks
of the Tendai and Shingon Mikkyo sects...
...in order to extend and protect
the practice of Buddhism.
The mudras and mantras of the Ninja are
the legacy of Tendai and Shingon...
...they are aspects of the divine
teachings of the Buddha...
...and thus, more than demons and devils, this
Nobunaga is the arch-enemy of all Ninja.
What will be Nobunaga's
next move?
What do you think?
If anyone has an
idea, speak up.
He's moving from victory to victory.
I think he'll invade Echu and attack Uesugi.
Master.
Yohachi. Go ahead.
Sir... Before Uesugi, he'll attack
Tokugawa Ieyasu of Mikawa.
He is a thorn in Nobunaga's side.
No, he'll do neither
of those things.
Uesugi is no longer a
match for Nobunaga.
Ieyasu is a deeply insightful strategist.
Thus, he will not yet oppose Nobunaga,
who currently has the momentum.
So what's your idea?
First, he'll go to the capital, where
he will claim the title of Shogun.
What?!
Wait, Yohachi...
I am thinking along the same
lines as Goemon.
Yes, sir.
Last night, Fujibayashi Nagato
gathered his men...
...and solemnly ordered them
to assassinate Nobunaga.
But we are the ones who must
take Nobunaga's head.
If by some chance the Ninjas of the Fujibayashi
garrison should manage to kill him...
...then our preeminent position as custodians
of the Iga Shiju-ku-ryu style...
...would be fatally undermined. Do bear
this in mind, and do not forget it.
That is all that
I have to say.
Endeavor, endeavor, perseverance
is difficult...
...we must be ready to immediately sever
even our love of parents and spouse.
Thus the word “Shinobi” puts
heart beneath the sword.
Goemon.
He has summoned you.
The Master?
From now on, I want you
to act as my counselor.
I hear that you are good with numbers; thus,
for now, I want you to remain here.
I want you to undertake an accounting
of income and expenditures.
Yes, sir.
Hitherto I have had Ino-ne
do all the bookkeeping.
But the burden is too heavy for her alone,
so I want for you to assist her.
So, will you accept?
It is an overwhelming
honor, sir.
He said that he couldn't afford to lose me
in battle! He's making me a lieutenant!
I'm finally getting my chance
to move up the ranks.
Goodbye to the endless menial days of
plowing the field and Ninja-training!
Dad, you'll see, I'll become a great Ninja
someday, even greater than the Master.
Dad. Dad? Aren't you
happy for me?
Do you earnestly believe
what you just said?
Of course. I'm Goemon, the best in our
garrison when it comes to special skills.
The only hurdle I've got left now
is to compete with the Master!
Goemon. What does
a Ninja live for?
Starting as an innocent toddler, he must
endure hard training in Ninjutsu...
...then he's sent to serve under some warlord
in the east, or some daimyo in the west...
...and does so knowing that
his life is always at risk.
“If he is captured, he must endure exquisite
tortures, and yet not divulge the truth."
“Rather than disclose his name, he
will intently seek death instead."
“When escape is no
longer possible...
“...he will burn his
face with fire...
"...and if fire be not at hand, he will
disfigure his face with his sword...
“...and thus no one will ever
know his true identity."
“He is born in darkness, and
he will die in darkness."
“This is the path of the Ninja's life,
it is the path of death."
I've memorized it well,
haven't I?
Goemon. Human happiness and pride are
not for the Ninja, don't you know that?
Nonsense! A Ninja can bring down an
invincible fortress, all by himself.
He can defeat great armies of thousands
and tens of thousands.
Seems like you're too far gone.
I've lost you somewhere along the way.
Oh, just wait and see.
I'll become the next Master.
There are times when I'm mixing gunpowder,
all alone at the mountain hut...
...that I become unbearably
frightened.
That's silly. That hut is well guarded, no one
can get near it. Dad, you're being paranoid.
Perhaps so. I just want to teach you
these formulas for our gunpowder...
...then leave for somewhere quiet,
and end my days in peace.
Good night.
Hey. Does the Master ever
sleep with his wife?
She always sleeps alone.
You've got to be kidding.
You're new here so you wouldn't know,
but since his wife arrived...
...they haven't so much
as held hands.
No way.
If you think I'm lying,
ask anyone.
Everybody knows
about it.
What's wrong with
the Master?
Who's there?!
It's Kizaru... Open up!
Right.
Please let me speak to the Lord.
He has not returned yet.
I have information for him,
please call him.
He will be here directly.
If you please...
Please wait
a moment.
Please...
An old man disguised as a farmer, you say?
Yes.
Only Ishikawa Goemon or Momochi Sandayu
are capable of such sophisticated disguises.
Momochi?
Why would anyone from Momochi's
group be skulking around here?
How would I know? Kizaru...
I've heard that you saw Goemon.
Yes.
What was your impression?
I'm sorry...?
How would you assess his skills?
I would say he's adequate.
Adequate, eh?
You're just a sore loser. In my opinion,
Goemon is a rare, great talent.
Indeed, it's possible that he might eventually
surpass Sandayu himself.
I even wish I could induce
him to work for me.
Oh, I've been waiting
for this!
If he's making you jealous, hone your skills
and try to become Goemon's equal.
If I may be so bold, it's rumored that Goemon
plays fast and loose with women.
If that's true, then he's not
fit to be called a Ninja.
Well, I've got the same problem!
Right, Hinona?
Now forget about that old farmer,
and have a drink! Give him a cup!
Please.
In that case...
Going already?
Stay a while and relax.
Don't stop him, Hinona.
He's doing us a favor. Right, Kizaru?
I've finally chased
Kizaru away.
He brought you information, but it's as
if you wanted to chase him away.
Not as if, I did chase
him away!
Oh gee.
It's all your fault.
My fault?
I couldn't wait to be alone with you.
Lord, you shouldn't jest.
This is no jest. I'm going to show you
a thoroughly good time tonight.
Please...
Tamo, are you ready to go?
Yes.
Let me say once again...
...that you are Kunoichi, that you
are a woman, and not a Ninja.
Your role is as an assistant
to Ninjas...
...and you must obey every order of
your commander. Understand?
Yes.
This is your commander, Magodayu.
You will obey Magodayu's commands
after you arrive at Nagashima.
Yes.
A samurai's most prized virtue is
the ability to indulge in shame.
A Ninja, on the other hand, in order
to complete a mission...
...must be crafty, deceptive,
dishonest...
...and commit whatever vile
deeds are necessary.
A Kunoichi must abandon all feminine
pride... never forget this!
Sir!
Nagashima is the headquarters of the Ikko-sect
rebels. Nobunaga will undoubtedly attack it.
Speaking of which, several warlords arrived
yesterday at Inabayama Castle in Gifu.
This is a matter of
utmost concern.
They're getting ready. The Ikko will be
exterminated in a surprise attack.
As Nobunaga appears to be about to attack,
I shot some warning message arrows...
...into Nagashima's Seigan-ji Temple.
Well done.
Yes, sir.
Tamo. Come receive
the cup of farewell.
Yes, sir.
Attack!
Halt!
Goemon...
Excellent, as always.
I don't have time to fool around.
Know where the Master is?
I don't know.
Strange.
He's nowhere in the garrison.
What was that noise?
I don't know.
Dad!
What happened here?
I have no idea, there was a huge explosion,
and I couldn't see anything in the smoke.
Is that a woman?
Yes, sir.
Brave of her to attack me, Nobunaga.
Tell me your name!
I will spare you for your bravado.
Now speak!
Speak!
Bury her...
...up to her neck.
She must suffer as long as possible
before she dies. Got that?
The bloodthirsty heretic.
I, Nagata, will one day show him the
horror of defying the Buddha.
What if Momochi beats us to it while
you're sitting on your asses?
He forced the Imperial Court to make
him Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.
Nobunaga's arrogance indeed
knows no bounds.
If we don't snuff him out now, the future
of the Ninja will be in jeopardy.
Go to Gifu at once.
Kudobei's poisons and Yohachi's shuriken
are the pride of the Momochi garrison.
The silent and the moving.
Do whatever it takes to eliminate Nobunaga.
Yes, sir!
You're working hard.
Has the Master
returned yet?
I heard he was going
to be late.
Goemon...
What... what is your
opinion of me?
What do you mean?
You must know how it is
between Sandayu and I.
Don't deny it.
He hasn't so much as touched me since
our wedding. What kind of wife am I?
Do you pity me, as a woman
who has given up on life?
Or perhaps you think of
me as a lifeless doll?
Not so... I, Ino-ne, am neither
of those things.
Sandayu has treated
me coldly.
I've been waiting for the day
I'll be able to pay him back.
Blood is boiling in my body;
I burn with passion, like this!
Goemon!
When you came to
the garrison...
...I vowed to be reborn as a passionate
woman, a woman who lives for you.
Goemon, I'm begging you!
I'm begging you!
Ino-ne...!
I'm so happy, Goemon!
Tighter!
Ino-ne.
Hold me much tighter!
Let's go...
Doh...
Ah... now this is a fine
daikon radish.
Farmer, where
are you from?
Well, sir, um...
Well?!
Yes, sir.
Answer me!
Move!
Well...? Yummy...?
Now...
Lord, your cat.
Get him!
This way!
Charge!
Fools!
Out of the way!
Dammit!
Oh Goemon, you've come...
did anyone see you?
Don't worry. I made sure
everyone was asleep.
You're being silly.
But... aren't you getting
tired of me?
Would I be sneaking in
to see you if I was?
I'm so happy...
I'm so jealous!
It's obvious from his clothes
and tools that he's a Ninja.
Lord, he must've been hired, perhaps
by Uesugi, to take your life.
Talk! Who sent you!
Talk, you bastard!
Talk or you'll be tortured
to death!
Do it.
- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Hold it.
He's a Ninja.
Mere torture won't
make him talk.
Yes, sir.
Let's see, now...
...since his insolent ears won't hear
us anyway, he doesn't need them.
Cut them off!
Yes, sir.
Well...?
Can't you hear
me either?
Bastard!
How's that?
Has your hearing
improved?
Seems like he's still having
a problem hearing us.
Nobu'osu.
Cut off the other one!
Yes, sir.
You think it over
for a while...
But you won't
last too long.
“A Ninja must endure any kind of torture,
and even at the cost of his life...
“...he must not speak a word about
his identity or mission."
Oh! Hey!
Get him!
Don't lose him!
Don't lose him!
There he is!
So Yohachi's dead. They say he disfigured
his face, just as a true Ninja should.
Nobunaga must
be in a panic.
His castle security is extremely
tight, inside and out.
What happened to Kudobei?
He's crafted a rumor that Nobunaga's attacker
wasn't a Ninja, but a survivor of Asakura.
He's spreading it around
the Gifu castle area.
Quite cunning. He's a couple
notches above you, I'd say.
That's nothing...
You'll see, I'll be the man
who kills Nobunaga.
Well said! That's what I expect from
Kizaru of the Fujibayashi garrison!
Good job.
Hinona, there's something I need
to check... take the saké away.
Yes.
I feel like Sandayu is watching
us from somewhere.
Sandayu's eyes
are upon us.
Ahh! Over there!
Where?
There. From behind the wall.
He's glaring at us!
My Lord... my Lord...
please forgive me.
There's nobody there!
Calm down.
Our Lord, our Lord
is there for sure!
That's ridiculous. The Master has
gone to Ryuguchi, remember?
But that mouse...
Mouse?
He knows the an of using mice, you know.
Sandayu knows about us.
I'm scared!
He's going to kill me!
So you'd just let him
cruelly murder you?
If you don't want to die, you have
to pull yourself together!
You can still get out of this.
He hasn't caught you in the act.
If I were to disappear,
you'd be fine.
Where will you go?
But you're the most skilled
man in the whole garrison.
You're going to leave me,
and go to serve another Master?
Don't be ridiculous. Anyway,
if I leave the garrison...
...the Master will certainly
forgive you.
I don't like it. Sandayu already
knows, so I'm doomed.
If you're leaving the garrison,
then I'm going with you.
Let go, you dog! How dare you
sleep with the Master's wife?
When the Master gets back I'm telling him
everything. Just you wait and see!
What are you doing?
I have to kill Hata.
Goemon!
If I kill Hata,
no one will know!
It's pointless. We can't fool Sandayu!
Let's leave the garrison at once.
Take me with you!
Let go!
Let's run away together!
Let go!
Ino-ne!
Ino-ne!
Master!
And where are you going? Running
away to the Fujibayashi garrison?
Running away?
Now why would I be
running away?
Shut up. Do you really think you can
conceal anything from Sandayu?
If you still insist that you don't
know what I'm talking about...
...then we'll just have to
go and talk to Hata.
Do you still
deny it?
Please forgive me.
That cannot be.
I'm going to
kill you.
So, it appears that you're
not ready to die.
Yes...
Well then...
I'll let you live.
But in return, you must
kill Nobunaga.
Can you kill him?
Yes.
He's not going to be an easy target.
I'll kill him.
I assure you, I'll kill him.
If you blunder,
you're dead.
You think you can do it?
No matter what it takes!
Nobunaga will be going
to the capital soon.
So you too must be on
your way at once.
Yes.
Don't rush things.
But don't go too slowly, either. Make your
plans with care, and strike perfectly.
Yes.
But even if you're successful, it won't
be atonement for your great sin.
Thus, while waiting for your chance,
you will become a burglar.
A burglar?
Steal money only.
If you fail, there's a possibility
that Nobunaga will attack us.
Either way, we will require a fortune
to support our military expenses.
I'll let you have a tenth
of the stolen money...
...but the rest will go to the agent who
will accompany you. Understood?
But it is strictly forbidden
for a Ninja to steal.
Silence!
Did you not steal my
wife from me?
Not only that, you got her killed,
and tried to run away.
I, Nagata, bear witness...
...that if there's any man in the Momochi
garrison that can kill Nobunaga...
...then Ishikawa Goemon
is that man!
If Goemon kills Nobunaga, our Fujibayashi
garrison will forever be beneath Momochi!
The Ninjutsu lineage of Fujibayashi has
endured since the ancient Heian era!
We can't let upstarts like the
Momochi rise above us!
So our garrison will immediately deploy
our most skilled men to the capital!
No matter what it takes, kill Nobunaga
before Goemon does!
If Goemon beats you to it,
then consider yourselves dead!
The Capital (Kyoto)
My Lord...
...may I have another?
I heard that Imperial official got his entire
stash of money stolen last night.
Serves him right. The rich can't even
afford a good night's sleep!
Pretty impressive burglar, I must say.
Rumor has it that it was a Ninja.
Who cares, it's none of
our business anyway!
If Ninjas are thought to be thieves, then
our reputation will be besmirched.
Thus we must ensure that
the thief isn't a Ninja...
...even though
he is a Ninja.
“Not a Ninja, though
he is a Ninja?“
Don't you understand?
The thief's name is
Ishikawa Goemon.
He was once a low-ranking Ninja
under Momochi Sandayu...
...who slept with Sandayu's wife.
When he got caught, he tossed
the woman into a well and fled.
It must become publicly known that he
was excommunicated from the Ninja.
You don't have to reveal my name.
Is there any other way?
Must the Master
go this far?
You've got no one to
blame but yourself.
I'll be spreading
the rumor.
All you have to do is
obey the Master.
The money...
You'll see, in two or three days, Ishikawa
Goemon will be the talk of the town.
Ishikawa Goemon
Wanted: Ishikawa Goemon
"Reward for the arrest of Public Villain
Ishikawa Goemon:
for information about his where-abouts,
50 pieces of silver.
For his capture,
200 pieces of silver."
Ishikawa Goemon is now
attacking women.
That Goemon's always
been lecherous.
He took advantage of
his Master's wife...
...dumped her in a well and took off;
he's that kind of villain!
He posts his name when he robs a
place... what kind of guy is he?
He's got a bushy beard, and so ugly just
seeing him sends chills up your spine!
Not to mention, he's about 7-shaku tall,
a giant the size of a demon!
That's not right,
I heard he's around 5-shaku tall!
No way! They say he effortlessly
leapt over an 8-shaku wall.
Come on, let's get going.
- Yeah...
- Okay...
The Master urgently inquires as to why you
stopped burgling after Nobunaga arrived.
I've been investigating him.
Liar. The Master knows everything.
Nobunaga's going back
to Gifu tomorrow.
Villain!
Are you Goemon?!
You couldn't
kill him.
Why did you
interfere?
There they are,
get them!
Here they come;
now what'll you do?
I'll settle the score
with you later.
He's getting away!
He's gone to the
other side!
Sakai
Come on, come have
a good time.
We'll treat you right!
Get in, hurry up!
Come on in!
What a handsome man!
Shut up!
Ooh, he's scary...
Hey, do you want
to play?
Eat.
I'm telling you
to eat.
Thank you.
I've had no customers...
so I couldn't eat.
Don't explain,
just eat.
Y... yes.
What province are you from?
Kawachi.
Got parents?
I just had my grandpa, but he died.
And you, customer?
Mind your own business.
Thank you.
Customer, are you
a traveler?
Enough with the
"customer".
But I don't know
your name.
My name
is Maki.
I'm Goemon.
Sure... you're Ishikawa Goemon!
And what if I was Ishikawa Goemon?
Yeah, sure
you are...
Ishikawa Goemon has
a scruffy beard.
And he has a horrible
face, like a demon.
Even I know that.
But you...
Well, I wouldn't care if you
were the real Goemon.
What's so funny?
When we first met, I was
really scared of you.
Are you angry?
I'm fed up.
Of me?
No, never you.
I don't ever want us to be apart.
You're a good person.
You look beautiful.
Really?
I won't ever let you go.
I'm so happy!
Oh yeah, I heard that Ishikawa
Goemon got caught.
They caught him?
Aren't you glad?
Yeah, I'm glad.
Last night a customer from the capital
said he watched him get executed.
He said that he was laughing
when they crucified him...
...and even when they disemboweled
him, he laughed like it was nothing.
Talk about bravery!
He wasn't being brave...
Just thinking about being crucified
drove him insane.
Liar! Ishikawa Goemon
wasn't a coward.
If Goemon could hear what you're
saying, he'd be pleased.
I don't want to talk about
Goemon any more.
What is it?
Hey?
What a creep!
You said it.
Die!
They said the sword went in
his belly and out his back.
What a cruel way to kill...
Stop it.
What is it?
What are you
mad about?
Just shut up!
“What does a Ninja
live for?"
“Lately I've come to realize, down to my very
bones, that the Ninja's life is meaningless.”
Maki...
Will you be
my wife?
Let's go somewhere quiet,
where we can live in peace.
Where no one will bother us,
and it'll just be you and me.
Here's your redemption money,
go buy your freedom.
If this isn't enough, I've got all the money
it takes. Let's get out of here, right away.
You've neglected two missions, and spilled
Ninja blood. What's the matter with you?
Say what you will. I'm fed up with stealing
money and attacking Nobunaga.
Fool. Infatuated
by a woman...
...you are depraved
in body and mind.
Did you think the Master didn't
know what you've been up to?
“Know this: the punishment for
disobedience is instant death."
You can't just linger about;
Nobunaga is coming here to Sakai tomorrow.
To Sakai?
He's supposed to be coming to
inspect the port, but that's just a ruse.
Two or three days ago Kiraya
Zaeomon got a shipment of...
...newfangled Portuguese muskets,
and he's coming to buy them.
He will definitely meet
with Kiraya Zaeomon.
You couldn't ask for a better chance;
that's all I've got to say.
Goemon.
This way!
Go around!
As expected, the Portuguese-made ones
have far better craftsmanship.
Hey...
Sir?
It was worth coming to Sakai, wasn't it?
Indeed, sir.
Zaeomon.
Yes, sir.
I'll buy all the muskets
you can supply.
With armor and helmets getting stronger than
ever, guns are the future of warfare.
It is indeed as
you say.
Even so, are there any fools left who dare to
confront your awesome might, my Lord?
Indeed there are.
Madmen, who are more
obstinate than foolish.
Madmen?
Don't you know?
It's those Ikko rebels.
We thought that we had crushed
them at Nagashima...
...but now they've dug themselves
in at Ishiyama's Hongan-ji Temple.
They believe that if they die in battle, they'll
go to paradise; that makes them tough.
There are others...
groups that are even tougher.
Like the Ninjas of Iga.
Villain!
Turn out!
Zaeomon, look after our Lord.
Yes, sir.
Turn out!
Intruders! Turn out!
Intruders!
- Intruders!
- Intruders!
- Ouch! Ouch!
- Ouch! Ouch!
Ouch!
Fools, why are you hanging back?
Hurry up and catch him! Now!
What are you doing?!
Get him!
Catch him! Catch him now!
Move!
Hey, come play
with me.
The authorities are out in force;
they've chased away all the customers.
Hey! Is it... Hata?
Wow! Goemon,
it's you!
When did you come to Sakai?
About a month ago.
You've become
so famous.
You're the talk of the town.
But I knew you'd never get caught.
Why did you become
a prostitute?
It all started because
of you.
Me?
It was midnight, ten days
after you ran away.
I saw a blow-dart stuck in madam's
pale white neck.
A blow-dart?
Her face has haunted me ever since.
I couldn't sleep any more; I got so scared
that I ran away from the garrison.
She'd been struck by a dart?
Of course!
You should know, you shot her!
No, it wasn't me.
Then, the Master...?
How did you know about
me and Ino-ne?
A mouse.
A mouse?
That's right.
A mouse scuttled over my
feet, and woke me up.
I went to the toilet, and on the
way I heard madam's voice.
I took a peek.
I was so incredibly jealous!
I was in love with
you back then.
What's the matter?
What's the scary look for?
It was all a ploy
by the Master.
He put me together with Ino-ne, knowing
what would happen, and then killed her.
He ensured you would witness it, so now
he's got me trapped, every which way!
Wow... Is the Master that
big of a bastard?
Come to think of it,
maybe he killed your father too.
What?
That morning, Murota and
I went to gather firewood.
From the mountain
ridge, we saw...
...the Master go
into the hut.
You're sure you saw that?!
Yes.
The hut blew up...
...shortly thereafter.
Now that I recall, when I
was running to the hut...
...Sandayu came dashing
up out of nowhere.
So he probably
did it.
My dad made gunpowder for many years,
and never had an accident.
He's in that storage hut?
Yes, sir, we're sure of it.
With a woman.
You'd better get out of here.
Leave this to me! Hurry! Hurry!
Hold it!
What do you want?
I'm just a prostitute.
Surround the hut!
I didn't do anything!
Let me go! Let me go!
What did you come
here for?
What is this?!
A scroll containing your
father's secret formulas.
What's it doing here?!
He gave it to me before he died.
That's a lie! My father
was blown to bits...
...but this is intact; it's proof
that you killed my father!
Bastard. You did it to get
his gunpowder secrets.
Silence.
Have you forgotten your great debt to
me, and how I showed you mercy?
Shut up!
You can't fool me anymore.
Not only did you kill my father,
you killed Ino-ne as well.
Have you gone insane?
First, you lose your head
over a woman...
...and now you cook this up to
justify breaking your oath?
Not so. Listen...
I'll make myself clear.
As of today...
...I am no longer a Ninja! We are complete
strangers now. And you can have this!
Say what you will, but as long as
you live, you cannot escape me.
Mustard powder... you know what
happens when you breathe it.
I don't want to kill you.
You'd better leave quickly.
8th month of the 8th year of
the Tensho period (1580):
Nobunaga obtained an imperial edict, then
attacked and burned Hongan-ji Temple of Ishiyama,
the last stronghold of the Ikko-sect rebels, killing
everyone inside, men and women, young and old alike.
He's finally going
to come here.
Master, who do
you speak of?
Nobunaga.
Luck is on his side.
First it was Mount Hiei, then Nagashima,
and now Ishiyama.
He does not fear the punishment
of the Buddhas...
...he's as cruel as a man can be,
and everything is going his way.
We Ninjas of Iga are the only ones
left who might thwart him.
Will Nobunaga
attack Iga?
He will... as soon as he's confident
that he can take us.
Then, it's war.
We must kill Nobunaga
before he attacks.
There is no other way
to protect Iga.
But who can kill
Nobunaga?
Magodayu.
Yes, sir.
Return and do as you've been doing;
don't let Nobunaga out of your sight.
Yes, sir.
They're done roasting.
Eat it while it's hot.
It's good.
Yes.
What's the matter?
Why aren't you eating?
What's the matter?
Not feeling well?
I'm sorry...
The roasting smell
got to me.
That's weird.
You always enjoy it.
Well...
I... am going to
have a baby.
What...?
Really?!
Wow! You're having
my baby.
It should be better now.
Come back inside.
Yes.
I'll go get you some mountain grapes,
I saw a bunch of them nearby.
They're juicy, so they'll
be refreshing.
But it's so late.
It's nothing. I can get around
this mountain blindfolded.
I'll go with you.
No, the night wind is hard on the body.
Wait inside, I'll be right back. Okay?
Who's there?!
Sandayu! Show yourself!
You will address
me as "Master".
I told you that you'll never
be able to escape me.
I will be free of you.
You'll see!
Do you think a low-ranking novice Ninja
could even touch the mighty Sandayu?
One whistle from me
and Maki's dead.
Yozo is at your hut. Maki will live or die,
depending on what you say.
That swine Nobunaga has spent a fortune
on the construction of Azuchi Castle...
...as a demonstration to
the nation of his power.
When Nobunaga takes up residence at his
new castle, there will be days of festivities.
If you take advantage of the pandemonium,
you will surely get your chance.
Make haste to Azuchi. The faster you
arrive, the more chances you will get.
If I succeed in assassinating Nobunaga,
will you give me my freedom?
First you must succeed,
then we shall see.
This is a deadly poison called
"tranquil cessation".
One drop will induce
a very quick death.
Fool! You will leave immediately,
from right here!
Here is your Shinobi
outfit and tools.
Do not return until you
have killed Nobunaga.
In the meantime, I shall
take good care of Maki.
Maki is having
my child.
Go!
I told you to go!
No, I don't care if he's
a Ninja or not.
He's the only man for me!
In all the world, only him!
Then a word of warning. Ninja are never
permitted to truly love a woman.
It's a strict code.
Best you keep
that in mind.
And you mustn't leave this hut at all.
My eyes will always be upon you.
Forget these words
at your peril.
Will he come home
safely?
That depends on whether he obeys
the commands of the Master.
If he succeeds, it'll be life.
If he fails, he'll find death.
Come on, run faster!
Go right, turn left at that corner;
left, left, left, tum left there!
There, that's the Yamato river.
Come on, why are you so slow?
Follow the riverbank!
Hey, "Monkey"...
Yes, sir.
Come here, it's a perfect view. Yes, sir.
Indeed, my Lord, like the view, your
enlightened power is now perfect.
Not quite...
Yes?
Consider... the Ninjas of Iga.
Father, let's just crush
them now.
What are you talking about?
Have you forgotten the thrashing you got
when you impetuously attacked them?
They're Ninjas, far trickier
than the Ikko rebels.
By the way, Monkey, is everything ready
for the castle-completion celebration?
Yes, sir, everything's
on schedule.
Generals Tanba Nagahide
and Tsutsui Junkei have already arrived.
My Lord!
Call a doctor!
Call a doctor!
Call a doctor!
Get Sir Kinoshita, hurry!
Lord! Lord!
Hurry!
Who is it?
It's the ghosts of the Ikko rebels!
What are you doing to me?! Get out of my way!
My Lord, please
calm yourself!
Rin Pyo To Sha Kai Jin
Retsu Zai... Zen!
Adversary Oda Nobunaga,
immediately perish!
What's wrong
with him?
I am sorry, but this
defies diagnosis.
What are we going to do if he doesn't
regain his senses? It's almost time.
Could it be the curse
of the Ikko rebels?
Or maybe this is the
work of a Ninja.
A Ninja?
You still don't know
what's wrong?
“The willow teeters
in the wind..."
“Why do our hearts
become wistful?”
“Indeed, the Iris is
poetic of old."
Damn it!
My Lord, are you
feeling better?
I'm fine.
Until I unite the nation
under my dominion...
...I won't die, not even if
they beat me to death!
I am ever in awe of your
amazing good fortune.
Monkey, will we reach
Otogi Pass by dawn?
Yes, sir, undoubtedly.
I'm sure no one at the castle
knows we're gone.
They're probably too swept up
in the celebrations to notice.
We're under attack!
Nobunaga's launched
a surprise attack!
Nobunaga?
We've failed!
Hinona! Hinona!
Fool!
My Lord, this is the end!
Don't kill yourself!
Lord, let me die!
Let me die!
There's still
a way out!
This way!
Fire!
Don't let them get through!
Don't let even one get through!
Sandayu! Show yourself!
Sandayu.
One Master ruling
two garrisons...
...pitting them against each other
to accomplish one aim.
This is the ultimate expression
of the essence of Ninjutsu.
Maki!
The End