Samurai Assassin (1965) Movie Script

The Toho Co., Ltd. presents

A Toho / Mifune Productions

Presentation

There are a total of thirty-six

gates into Edo Castle.

Eighteen of these cross

the Outer Moat.

The other eighteen cross

the Inner Moat.

In essence, they are the bottlenecks

that control access to the Castle.

The Daimyo enter the Castle

through one of the gates...

...usually the one closest

to their Edo mansions.

Thus, each Daimyo has chosen

one entrance as his favorite.

The Lord of the Hikone Domain, and

Great Elder of the Shogunate...

...Li "Kamonnokami"

Naosuke...

...always enters through

the Sakurada Gate.

A hemp symbol

in a circle...?

That's Sir Satake Izuminokami

from Nihonmatsu in Ooshuu.

Sir Satake of Nihonmatsu in

Ooshuu? I see. I see...

Well, it's almost 8:30... The entourages

using the Sakurada Gate should...

Yes, sir. That's about

it for now.

Here you go, sir.

Thank you.

It's cold this morning.

Thank you.

Well, Edo Castle blanketed

in snow is a sight to see.

Besides, for unemployed

Ronin like us...

...the opportunity to witness the Daimyo

processions is a true delight.

I hope that your wish to become

an officer will come true soon.

Today, Li Naosuke did not

arrive at the Castle

By command of Commander

Hoshino Kenmotsu...

...we retreat from the Sakurada

Gate for the time being.

It is the morning of February 17th,

1860... Nine in the morning.

The 32 men who retreated

from the Sakurada Gate...

...gather at Sagamiya,

in Shinagawa.

Sagamiya is a large teahouse

suitable for meetings...

...and is listed in the "Edo Illustrated

Map of Famous Places."

Today is February 17th.

It's our understanding that the Shogun's

household and the high officials...

...will be holding a "Ongusoku

Iwai no Gi" armor ceremony...

...before Shogun Iemochi's excursion

to the countryside.

Great Elder Li Naosuke had no reason

not to show up at the Castle!

Our plan was...

...elaborately developed, with the utmost

care, so that it would be top secret.

As such... it is unthinkable that there

was an accidental disclosure...

...that would allow the House of

Li to learn of our intentions!

There must be a traitor

among us.

It's the only explanation

that I can think of.

We have been infiltrated by someone

working for the House of Li.

Samurai

"Samurai Assassin"

Produced by

Tanaka Tomoyuki

Screenplay: Hashimoto Shinobu

Based on the book "Samurai Nippon"

by Gunji Jiromasa

Photography: Murai Hiroshi * Art Design: Akune Iwao

Sound: Nishikawa Yoshio * Lighting: Nishikawa Tsuruzo

Music: Sato Masaru * Mixing: Shimonaga Hisashi

Asst. Director: Yamamoto Yuzuuo * Effects: Izumi Minoru.

Editing: Kuroiwa Yoshitami * Line Producer: Suzuki Masao

Developing: Kinuta Labs * Fight Choreography: Kuze Ryu

Starring:

Mifune Toshiro

Kobayashi Keiju Aratama Michiyo

Ito Yunosuke

Ebara Tatsuyoshi

Tono Eijiro

Nakamaru Tadao

Yachigusa Kaoru

Tamura Nami

Sugimura Haruko

Otsuji Shiro inaba Yoshio

Hirata Akihiko

Amamoto Hideyo * Sawamura Ikio * Togin Chotaro

Ogawa Yasuzo * Nihei Masaya * Kurosawa Toshio

Tajima Yoshifumi * Ichikawa Koraizo

Kirino Hiro-o * Yamamoto Yasushi * Mukai Jun-ichiro

Iwamoto Koji * Kusakawa Naoya * Tsutsumi Yasuhisa

Hidaka Yurie * Tokita Fujio * Hasegawa Hiroshi

Terashima Mitsugu * Shimura Takashi

Fujita Susumu * Nakamura Shikaku

Ichikawa Chusha * Kita Nagama * Housei Kan

Matsumoto Koshiro

Directed by

Okamoto Kihachi

It is 11 in the

morning.

The meeting at Sagamiya ends.

Three men choose to remain.

So, it seems that... there's

a traitor in our midst.

Don't worry. It's nothing but the

Chief's absurd speculation.

Don't you worry. I

have faith in us.

I have more faith in your Jigen-Ichi

Style, Sir Tsuru...

...than I do in our leader's

maneuverings.

Right... Without any solid evidence, he's

already talking about a "traitor!"

We're supposed to be comrades, our

lives all pledged to the same cause.

Thank you very much.

Come back again!

Thank you very much.

Please come again.

Sir, the baggage... Here you go, sir.

Please come again.

What's wrong? Huh?

I apologize for the

disarray, sir...

I'm sorry to barge in like this...

Sir?

May I ask who you are?

Sir?

May I ask who you are?

Sir, I may not look like it, but...

...thanks to our generous patrons,

I am the manager of Sagamiya.

What do they call you?

Sir?

Your name.

Sir?

Your name.

Sir, my name is Okiku.

Okiku?!

There's no doubt that he's a Ronin,

originally from Bishuu?

Well, at least that's what he claims.

Nobody has confirmed it yet.

So, he lives in a mud hut by

the Kamakura riverbed...

...works as a bouncer... a hired body-

guard... and extorts and blackmails?

He's a ruffian, indeed!

Yes, sir.

Perhaps I got carried away about

increasing our manpower.

Seems I've hired someone

we ought to suspect.

Niiro isn't the only man we ought to

watch. There's another suspect.

Nobody important. One

Kurihara Einosuke.

He used to work for Matsudaira Sahyo-

nosuke, the Yada Clan Chief in Joshu.

I see... Matsudaira Sahyonosuke

and Li Naosuke are...

...very close friends. That's

a very obvious connection.

Besides, it's... unusual that

he's friends with Niiro.

Sir Hoshino... Why not eliminate these

two from our group, right now?

No, wait... We can't

possibly do that.

These two...

...have become well acquainted

with our other men...

...and many are undoubtedly

loyal to them.

It would be different, if they chose

to leave on their own...

...but if we discharge them, it might send

the wrong message to the men.

Besides, these two... are

no average swordsmen.

So, they'll be very useful

to us, if the need arises.

But, if we don't do something...

Uh-huh.

Go check their homes and backgrounds.

Report on their activities in detail.

And, if either turns out to be

an infiltrator working for Li...

...or, if there's any reason

for us to suspect them...

...then we'll slay them

without mercy!

The sooner we find

out, the better.

If we've been infiltrated

by li's agents...

...who knows how he'll strike

against us, and when.

We're dealing with the one they call

the "Demon of Hikone," after all.

He who instigated the vicious

and merciless Ansei Purge.

Well? So, what next?

Huh?

When will we attempt to carry

out our mission again?

As the saying goes, "Walls have

ears, doors have eyes."

Sir?

It's not that I suspect

you as well.

But, only I should know

the actual date for now.

Yes.

But, for the time being,

let me tell you this...

We won't be waiting

for long.

The date of the next attack

has been decided upon.

However, aside from Chief Hoshino

Kenmotsu, nobody knows when...

...except that it will be in

the very near future.

So, you're telling

me that...

...the suspects were gathered

near the Inner Moat?

Correct, sir. I estimate there were about

thirty Ronin, mostly of Mito origin.

How were you able to determine

that they were from Mito?

Someone close to

them must have...

...allowed an "exchange of

information" to occur.

That's the only plausible

explanation.

If we continue to let these

rebels have their way...

...who knows what undesirable

consequences await us?

We should strike at them now.

No...

Sir?

No...

The Ansei Purge... was a

bit harsh, in hindsight.

That being the case, wouldn't

we be repeating that error...

...if we attack them, based

only on a suspicion?

No, sir, it's not just

a suspicion.

Until they've actually done something,

it's no more than a suspicion, isn't it?

In that case, your processions must

be more heavily guarded!

The foundations of the Tokugawa

Shogunate... aren't that weak!

I didn't cancel my trip to the Castle

today because of your concerns.

I did it so I could meet the messenger

who arrived this morning...

...and hear from him the current

situation in Kyoto and Osaka.

The Great Elder, assaulted by

Ronin, in broad daylight?

How in the world could such

a absurd thing happen?

For 300 years, the authority and spirit

of the Tokugawa have endured.

It will never be so weak as to succumb

to something as ludicrous as that!

It sure feels like

spring today!

Sure does. It's already February 20th.

So the good weather is no surprise.

There must be a lot of visitors

coming to Edo.

We've a lot to be

thankful for.

By the way... have you found

an appointment yet, or...?

Well... nothing ever goes

as one would hope.

That must be Elder

Li, right?

Yes. It's time for him

to leave the Castle.

Anytime you see him, he looks

like a man full of vigor.

Surely. He's the strong right hand

of the Shogun, after all.

If it weren't for him, our business

wouldn't be prospering as it is.

I have much to

thank him for.

As always, leading the procession

of men are...

...Nishikawa Chuuzaemon and

about thirty of his aides.

With their guards, they totaled

approximately sixty in all.

The procession, and the number

of men, hasn't changed.

It is said that there's a

spy among the men...

...but, could it really

be true?

Mito Mansion

...but, could it really be true?

To investigate Niiro Tsuruchiyo's

abode, a meeting is held...

...between Inada Juzo and two other

men. It is February 21st.

His home is a disheveled and

bare hut built out of mud...

...by the Kanda-Kamakura riverbed,

in a little-traveled area.

What does he do to earn

his three meals a day?

Sir?

What does he do for living?

Sir, from what I can gather, he

doesn't have a steady job.

If one could call it

an occupation...

...he bodyguards for Bizenya Tatsukichi,

an employment agent in Fujimi Village.

We know that a monster like

you is working here!

We'd like to save face... but,

no, not for this pittance!

So, it's a pittance. What're

you gonna do about it?

This is what

I'll do!

Go back where you came

from, you pest!

Or we'll break your

arm right off!

So, he's quite

capable.

And seems to be an extremely

dangerous bodyguard at that.

Surely, sir.

Still, I doubt he can afford to eat three

times a day on what Bizenya pays.

Certainly, he couldn't afford

the booze that he loves.

So, he referees matches, and raids

gambling houses and dojo.

He's more or less

a blackmailer.

He'll do anything but steal and murder,

so he can indulge in wine and women.

What about family ties?

Sir, there was his mother... but she

passed away five years ago.

Mother died five years ago, eh?

Yes, sir.

So... how did this monster

become one of us?

Sir... what happened was...

May you rest in peace...

Your deaths won't be forgotten!

We swear we'll behead "Red Devil" Li!

Your deaths won't be forgotten!

Run for it! Follow me!

You're all with the House of Mito, right?

Yes, sir.

"1 koku:" enough rice to feed a famiiy for a year.

A foot-soldier; 10-koku and 3 retainers.

An aide to the Commissioner of

Shrines; 3-ryo and 2 retainers.

An aide to a District Commissioner;

7-koku and 2 retainers.

You're nothing but a bunch

of superfluous lackeys.

I was hoping that at least one

of you was an Elder's son...

...or the son of a

troop leader...

...I guess I was wrong.

Sir?

So the reason Tsuruchiyo helped

them was because...

...if one of them turned out

to be an important figure...

...he could extort a large

sum of money?

No... that wasn't it...

"Built with utmost care..." but the Ecchuu

Loincloth, upon completion, falls apart.

Huh?

Well, you see... If one of you were

somebody significant, then...

...I could've asked for a

reward for saving you.

I could've used that chance

to obtain a position, but...

The Ecchuu Loincloth

must've fallen apart!

Well... as we are of low rank, we really

don't have any way to thank you.

No matter how much searching

you do around Edo...

...it's impossible to stumble upon

a truly sweet opportunity.

So you see, from

now on...

...if you aren't a high-ranking officer

somewhere... you're doomed.

But... you're such a swordsman that

any Daimyo house would want you.

Don't be ridiculous. You're all men

with meager positions in life...

...but you still don't know the

hardships of being a Ronin.

You have no idea to what extremes I've

sunk... I've done everything I can.

Skills alone won't get

you anywhere.

I wonder if what you're saying is true.

By the way, fellows...

...you were saying some rather serious

things back there in Nihonbashi.

About beheading Elder Li, or

something to that effect.

But, you know... that's

pretty interesting.

Certainly interesting, if you're

really serious about doing it.

Sir, what you're saying

is very odd.

Still, you wouldn't

have saved us...

...if you didn't resent Elder

li's arbitrary conduct.

I've got nothing to do with him,

no connections whatsoever!

I hold no grudge against him,

nor am I indebted to him.

He's a complete stranger to me.

No, that can't be so!

Otherwise, why help? If you got caught,

you'd be in prison along with us!

You bunch of

rockheads!

Sure, Li Naosuke is indeed

the "Red Devil..."

...from your viewpoint

as men of Mito.

But it's different, for someone like me,

who's got no connection to him.

The reason there's been a lot of political

crap these last few years...

...is because the Tokugawa and

their allies are scheming...

...about who'll be the next Shogun,

that is. Isn't that so?

The House of Mito wants Nariaki's son,

Yoshinobu, to be the next Shogun.

And, you want Nariaki to live in the

Castle's Nishinomaru Quarters...

...so that he can rule the nation.

B... But...

Listen to me until

I'm done!

Everything seemed to be set, then he

stepped forward to oppose you.

That was Li Naosuke,

the Lord of Hikone.

He used his post as the Great

Elder to bring to...

...Edo Castle a 13-year old, one Yoshi-

tomi, from the House of Kii...

...and basically made him the

14th Shogun, Iemochi.

The infuriated, uncalmable

Mito faction allied with...

...clans from Satsuma and Choshuu who

shared the same feelings of outrage...

...and won the support

of officials in Kyoto...

...who then brought the matter to

the attention of the Emperor.

Once the Emperor learned of

this... he declared that...

...the Shogunate, that is, Li Naosuke's

achievement, was far from desirable.

And so, it was Li Naosuke's turn

to be most imperially enraged.

He discharged the officials that

worked for the Emperor...

...and arrested men from

Mito and Satsuma...

...sent them to prison, beheaded

them, and so forth.

This was the so-called

"Ansei Purge."

Well? Did I get any

of it wrong?

Indeed. There's truth in

what you've said, sir.

But, there's something important

that you've overlooked.

Say what?!

Consider Shogun Iemochi, only 14-years

old, of the House of Kii.

The question is, can He save Japan

from the crisis it faces?!

From the North comes Russia,

from the East, America.

From the West come England

and France.

Should He make one little error,

what'll happen to Japan then?!

We must destroy Li Naosuke,

the Devil, immediately...

...and make the Glorious Hitotsubashi

Yoshinobu Shogun.

We must rebuild the Shogunate

as quickly as possible, or...

...we'll be allowing the Emperor

to be disgraced as well!

We aren't just concerned about

who will be the next Shogun...

That's enough.

Imperialists, Anti-Shogunate

or whatever...

...it does me no good to listen

to lame arguments like these.

What matters is whether... you

truly intend to kill Naosuke...

...or are you

just all talk?

If you're planning to do

it, then count me in.

Li Naosuke's head is easily

worth a thousand ryo.

I'll do my best, demonstrate my skill...

and then I'll have his head!

That way, Mito, Satsuma, or

Choshuu... one of them...

...will want to engage

me, at a high price.

That much is true,

without a doubt!

So... sir, what is

your name?

Huh?

Niiro Tsuruchiyo. Formerly of

Bishuu clan, now a Ronin.

So, he joined us

because...

...he wants to become a legitimate

samurai... Just that?

Correct, sir. During our mission, he

will do his best for the cause...

...and after we succeed, he'll request

that the Mito, or another clan...

...grant him a position.

That is his only

motivation, sir.

At sunset that day, Hagiiwara

Matasaburo reports on...

...the living conditions of Kurihara

Einosuke, the other suspect.

Thank you for your

hard work.

Sir, Kurihara Einosuke's

home is situated in...

...Honjo-Koume, where liege vassals and

rich merchants maintain second homes.

Oh? Honjo-Koume?

Kurihara was once a retainer

in the employ of...

...Matsudaira Sahyonosuke, the chief

of the Yada clan in Joshu...

...and his stipend was

more than 300-koku.

300-koku? He must've been

an important man.

As close to his Clan Lord

as Kurihara was...

...as important

as he was...

...why did he leave his clan, become

a Ronin, and join us?

That, sir, we don't

know for sure...

...but according to Yamamoto,

a close confidante of his...

...Kurihara is an exceptional,

avid scholar, who...

...is well-read in Western philosophy.

Oh?

Based on his studies, he

strongly believes that...

...unless Elder Li is destroyed, Japan

will not see the dawn of a new era.

Uh-huh...

His scholarly studies lead him to believe

that the death of Li is imperative?

That, sir, is what Yamamoto

has told me.

Uh-huh.

By the way, this Kurihara...

...as he is no longer an

aide to his Clan Lord...

...how, then, can he afford to live

in such a noteworthy mansion?

Sir, as for that...

...his wife, Mitsu, happens to be

the daughter of Kagaya Seibei...

...a shipping agent in Shinmachi,

near Shiba Shiodome Bridge.

The mansion is Seibei's

second home.

Thus, Kurihara's leisurely

lifestyle in the mansion...

...is not, I believe, grounds

to suspect anything.

And so, Kurihara Einosuke can spend

his days focusing his mind...

...on scholarship... and

swordmanship.

I can well appreciate that he's

absorbed in his studies...

...but, "swordmanship?"

Yes, sir. In Okachi Village, in Shitaya,

one Tachibana Isshinsai runs...

...a dojo, specializing

in the Nen Style.

Now, this Kurihara Einosuke,

and Niiro Tsuruchiyo...

...I hear that the two are

on very good terms.

Yes, that's correct, sir.

Their personalities and lifestyles

make them complete opposites.

How could they possibly get

along so well...? How?

Well, I wondered about

that myself, sir.

A comrade named Kojima Kaname

ought to know the answer...

...as he's especially close

to Niiro Tsuruchiyo.

You should definitely hear what

Kojima has to say, sir.

In December of last year, eh?

Yes, sir.

It was close to

the New Year.

Having become uneasy about

the advent of the New Year...

...Niiro headed to Tachibana Isshinsai's

dojo in Okachi Village in Shitaya...

...after discussions with

his fellow rogue Ronin.

For what purpose?

Sir... it was for Dojo-harassment.

Not good...

That will be all.

Wait!

We've accommodated enough outside

styles for today. Please leave.

Impossible!

Here I stand.

I believe that... I've clearly demonstrated

our strengths to your four friends.

If you want to brag, you ought to wait

until you've finished dueling with me.

It seems I have no choice. Very well

then, please prepare yourself.

I'm ready right now!

What?!

'Twas... a long duel... that left us

speechless with admiration...

...but, in the end...

Their skills were perfectly

matched, so...

...if they continued, the result would

have been a simultaneous strike...

...and both would have suffered

grievous injuries.

So, the match was

concluded.

If I may so ask... that is Jigen-

Ichi-Style, isn't it?

That is correct.

Your Nen Style... seems

rather useful.

I haven't had this good of

a workout in a while.

After that, the two rapidly

became close friends.

Occasionally, Niiro would visit Kurihara's

mansion in Honjo-Koume.

Actually, I personally accompanied

him once or twice.

He laughed!

The son of Kurihara Einosuke...

Eiichiro, eh?

What a fine name it is!

A fine name, indeed!

Eiichiro... You're so lucky to have

such wonderful parents!

Sir Niiro, do you have

children yet?

Huh? I may not look like it,

but I'm very much blessed!

Sir?

Pun: "Juu-ni:" Twelve. "Ni-Juu:" Twenty.

Sir? Twelve sons, twelve girls...

Pun: "Juu-ni:" Twelve. "Ni-Juu:" Twenty.

Twenty, in all!

Pun: "Juu-ni:" Twelve. "Ni-Juu:" Twenty.

Twenty, in all! Surely you're joking!

Well, not only don't I have kids,

but I don't even have a wife.

I didn't realize...

I am sorry.

How about your parents?

Are they alive?

I did have a mother, but she left

this world five years ago.

I'm so sorry.

That old fool... I constantly gave her

a hard time when she was alive.

Sir?

You see, I have no idea

who my father is.

He doesn't know his father?

Correct, sir.

By the way, Kojima...

How could such a fatherless fellow...

be a Bishuu Ronin? Do you know?

Sir Hoshino... I do not mean to

be disrespectful to you, sir...

...but Niiro is not a spy

for the House of Li.

That... I, Kojima Kaname,

personally attest!

If you can't determine the answer, then

we'll have someone else find out.

But, Sir Sumida...

You were, after all, assigned the

duty of watching the others...

...yet, you've not once passed

on anything concerning Niiro!

What exactly have you been

doing every day?!

Just what's Niiro been up to,

since our last meeting?!

Sir, the truth

is that...

...well... lately...

...since the February 17th

plan was called off...

...er... our comrades congregated

at Sagamiya in Shinagawa...

...where we had an official meeting.

We know that already!

Ever since then... Niiro has been

staying at Sagamiya...

...and refuses to leave,

no matter what we do!

"Botamochi:" a traditionai sweet.

"Botamochi during the Bon Festival...

"Udon-noodles during

the day..."

Get Okiku! Okiku,

I said!

Here, now! Have

some sake!

I'm not staying here so I can look

at your ugly gourd of a face!

Get your boss!

Get Okiku!

Madam! How many days do we

have to put up with him?!

We gotta get him to go! I'm going

to call in the Constabulary!

But you know...

...if the Constabulary comes around,

business will suffer.

"Botamochi during

the Bon Festival...

"Udon-noodles during

the day...

"Have rice

at night...

My... my... if it isn't the arrival

of the Ocean Princess!

Sir Niiro...

What is it?

You've been here far too long, sir.

What is it?

Your family must be

worried about you.

Mind your own business!

I must say this; forgive my rudeness...

Say what?!

I must say this; forgive my rudeness...

Because you arrived with my long-time

patrons, the gentlemen of Mito...

...I realized that I couldn't possibly

be impolite to you, until today.

But... I ask that you settle your

account for the time being...

...as financial matters need

to be taken care of.

So what if you need to take

care of financial matters?!

I'd like you to pay what

you owe us, and...

...kindly ask that you return

home for the time being.

If our Sagamiya is to

your liking, then...

...please come back again

at a later date.

Since you demand it

of me, I will leave.

But, let me tell you, lady...

I've got no money!

But... if you tell

me that...

...you'll be in trouble

if I don't pay...

...then I guarantee that

I'll get the money...

...after I leave, that is.

Please don't be concerned

about the bill, sir.

I merely ask that

you leave.

You're so aloof...

Oh! Wh... What are you doing...?

So aloof...

Listen you, sooner or later...

I will become...

...a full-fledged, two-sword retainer with

four or five-hundred koku in income!

When that happens, Okiku... I will

come here, to make you my wife!

Enough kidding around!

If you don't stop, I will be forced

to call in the Constables!

Lady... how much

do I owe ya?

I don't care

about that!

However, I ask that you never

come here again!

As long as I pay,

I'm a customer.

No... perhaps it is you who

owe me money, lady.

Listen, Okiku... I've become like this...

like a stray dog... because of you.

"Kisoya's"

Tell your boss, Masagoro.

He'll understand.

Tell him that Tsuruchiyo

is here.

"Sir Tsuruchiyo?"

That's Niiro Tsuruchiyo!

It's been five years, hasn't it?

Since the last time I saw you.

You look healthy, at least

from what I can see.

Isn't that obvious?

But, it's so disgraceful...

Your mother would be so saddened,

if she were still alive.

Stop talking about

my mother!

I've come here to discuss money!

No, it cannot be.

Kisoya... you and my mother were two

of a kind. Don't try acting otherwise.

Indeed, two of a kind... that

was your mother and I.

We sacrificed everything to help you

become an honorable samurai.

We encouraged you to excel in swords-

manship... and academics...

My... And, look what

happened...

But, these five years that I've had

to live alone... I've learned a lot.

I left the path of the

samurai once...

...but it made me realize how

cold society can be.

Anyway, these days, you either become a

merchant like you and save money, or...

...become a respectable samurai

and strut around!

That is, if you've got any desire

to live like a human being.

But, I can't imagine being

a merchant or craftsman.

Of course not! Not you!

There you go again, just like mother did!

If there's really samurai blood in

me, as you've always said...

...then why can't you tell

me who my father is?!

I'm not a kid anymore... It's

no use trying to hide it!

But, let me

say this...

...I've had it... with living

like a lone wolf!

I'll... I'll become...

...a real, spear-carrying samurai.

Huh?

I'll become more important than

you or my mother ever was.

I'm about to get involved in

a fateful undertaking...

...not just that... it's a once-

in-a-lifetime opportunity!

I'll keep on top of this

opportunity...

...and I'll never let go of it, even

if lightning strikes me!

Sir Tsuruchiyo... what exactly

are you referring to?!

Forget it. Forget it...

I'll tell you about it someday... when I

return with four or five vassals in tow.

Today's topic

is money!

10-ryo!

I must object, sir.

What?

You say you've suffered greatly... but

you don't know what suffering is!

The reason you've become this way,

Sir Tsuruchiyo, is because...

...we always pampered you,

perhaps too much!

Kisoya... so you're not going

to give me money...?

If that's not to your liking, then

force open my safe yourself!

You've not been to this

mansion in five years...

...yet as soon as you do,

look what happens!

On top of it, you come up with

some fantastic story...

"If I go to Kisoya's, I can get

money, no matter what."

You always behaved like a spoiled

brat! You haven't changed a bit!

I, Kisoya Masagoro, refuse

to give you a single mon!

If you're not going to pay... then I'll just

have to ask my creditor to come here.

I must say that what I saw

today was splendid.

Shichidayu Dances... Always

a delight to see.

When people say something is "out of

this world," this is what they mean.

They've all dedicated their

lives to their craft.

'Tis the excellence achieved only by

those devoted to a single thing.

However...

Huh?

Why did you choose an evocative

piece as the "Kurozuka?"

Well, as I would be watching the play

with you, Sir Sahyonosuke...

...I thought that we ought to watch

something joyous and gorgeous...

...but, 'tis disheartening that you see

it only as an evocatory piece!

If you put it that way, I must not

say what I was about to say.

No need for such formality.

Please speak your mind.

A unit of Mito's Tengu Faction

has assembled...

...and they've filtered

into our district.

Yes, I'm aware

of that.

They pose as Mito vassals, and can use

the Mito Mansion in Koishikawa.

From this base, they've contacted

Satsuma and Choshuu vassals...

...and together, they've been

hatching various plots.

I am aware of that, too.

Things look to be coming to a head.

And, if so?

Things look to be coming to a head.

And, if so?

What if... your life were in danger?

That's totally ludicrous!

But... what if it were so?

No, it will not happen.

Why not?

Do you expect me to put it in words?

Why not?

Do you expect me to put it in words?

Tell me. Today, tell me everything.

Our Fourteenth Shogun, Iemochi...

is how old as of this year?

Fourteen years old.

I am the Lord of Hikone, a Tokugawa-

affiliated domain.

I am the Li Family's 15th descendant:

"Kamonnokami" Naosuke.

And, to top it off, I'm the Great

Elder of the Shogunate.

It is no exaggeration

to say...

...that the Tokugawa government

cannot run without me.

So, why would the men

of Mito seek my life?

At a time when we're faced with

many national dilemmas...

...the Mito... one of the three Great

Houses, wants me dead?

It's ridiculous!

If I were to die now, the Shogunate

would crumble into dust!

We are living in

unstable times.

Reforming the government

by killing me?!

'Tis nothing but a bad story,

fabricated by fools!

Should anybody dare

to destroy me...

...the 300-year old Tokugawa

government would fall.

And that would

mean...

...that the age of the samurai

would be over!

Concerning Niiro Tsuruchiyo's

background...

...even though his real father's

identity is unknown...

...the fact is, Niiro Soan, a Bishuu clan

physician, acted as his father.

So, this Niiro Soan, a physician

to the Bishuu...

...with a fief of 10-koku, and two

lackeys, is his adoptive father?

That means... he's considered

to be a Bishuu Ronin?

Certainly, sir.

Ah, so he must've tried to get a position

in Edo somewhere, but failed...

...so that explains why he's

living like an outcast.

Yes. I believe that's a plausible

explanation, sir.

Although I did suspect him, I don't

think Niiro is the culprit anymore.

What's the matter?!

Allow me to report to you, sirs...

We've unmasked the betrayers...

spies associated with the Li!

What?!

What?! It went to the mansion

of Matsudaira Sahyonosuke?!

Yes, sir. From the Akasaka

Gate, to the right, then...

...further up Ushinaki Hill via

Omote-Denma Village...

...then, down Yagen Hill... past

the Shogunate Sentries' office.

No doubt about it, sir.

Matsudaira Sahyonosuke, the head of

Joshu-Yada, has a mansion there.

As it seemed rather peculiar,

we investigated further.

The woman in the palanquin was Lady

Ochiyo, Matsudaira's concubine.

Why would Matsudaira's concubine

visit Kurihara?!

Mitsu, Kurihara's wife, and this

Lady Ochiyo happen to be...

...sisters, blood

relatives!

To check, we went to Shiodome, and

checked with some shipping agents.

One Kagaya Seibei had two daughters.

The older is the Lady Ochiyo...

...concubine to Matsudaira Sahyonosuke,

head of the Yada clan in Joshu.

Her sister is the wife of Kurihara Eino-

suke, a close aide to Matsudaira!

We have verified

all of this, sirs!

Our secrets have spread from Kurihara

to Matsudaira Sahyonosuke.

And, from Sahyonosuke to

Li the "Kamonnokami?!"

So that's how it is.

Really... one can never tell

about some people.

Well, I for one have always

believed that...

...it was rather odd that

Kurihara joined us!

So... how shall we

deal with this?

Niiro!

What's up?

What do you mean, "what's up?!"

I heard from Kojima Kaname that

you're here all the time...

...so I became worried.

Come on, Niiro.

Let's go home.

Don't worry about the bill...

I've taken care of it.

What did you say?!

I've taken care of it, the whole thing.

It's none of your concern.

Madam Okiku took the money

from you, then?

No, I didn't see

the Madam.

I was told that she was visiting a lumber-

yard in Fuyuki Village, in Fukagawa.

This struck me as somewhat strange,

but... I paid the head clerk.

Like I told you, you should've

minded your own business!

You don't pay

the clerk!

But, the fact that she went to the Fuka-

gawa lumberyard is interesting...

...the fact that Okiku

did that...

Now, that makes

me laugh!

I am Okiku, the Madam

of Sagamiya.

Niiro requested that I

send my clerk here...

...but the matter isn't settled yet,

so I've come here in person.

I'm sorry to interrupt

your busy schedule.

So, miss, you're the... You're

from Sagamiya?

Yes, sir. I am she who is

called Madam Okiku.

My goodness...

Really... it's remarkable how there

can be look-alikes in this world.

When they say "be as alike as two

split melons," they mean this!

"Two melons?"

No wonder Sir Niiro did what he did...

No wonder... he couldn't

have helped himself!

Pardon me, but... what do

you mean by that, sir?

When I first met Sir Niiro,

he also had...

...a surprised look on his

face, like yours, sir...

...and wouldn't stop

staring at me.

I'm curious as

to why...

No... as long as I can collect what

he owes, that's all it matters.

But... something about

this does bother me.

If you don't mind, sir,

please tell me.

I'm sure that there must be

a reason not to tell me...

...but, if I don't ask...

then I'll regret it.

No... if I may be blunt... it does

feel somewhat ominous.

If I may...

...if I may so ask,

Mr. Kisoya...

Well, sooner or later, I

would've had to tell...

...you, of all people, at least.

Excuse me?

There is too much of a resemblance...

too much for mere strangers.

As this may involve you in the future,

please allow me to explain.

But, remember... I am telling you this

because you seem trustworthy.

Please, never tell anyone.

Not even Sir Niiro.

Do you understand?

Yes, sir. I'm not Okiku of Sagamiya

for nothing... I know that much.

The blood of a samurai family

runs in Sir Niiro's veins.

I cannot reveal their name, but they are

of exceptional legacy and status.

Sir?

But, he is the son of a concubine...

...or rather, I should say, adolescent

mistakes resulted in his birth.

The woman... gave birth to him

back in her home town.

There was a reason

for that.

It was not possible for the son to

be recognized by the father.

It so happens that the woman's father

and I were very close friends...

...so, recognizing how sad

the situation was...

...I chose to take young Niiro

and his mother with me...

...and we proceeded

to a certain place.

It was the house of a physician, who

worked for a major Daimyo.

We went there so that the

child could be adopted.

Instead of growing up in a merchant's

house like mine, it would be better...

...for him to be raised in the house of a

physician with samurai connections.

That was what we... the child's

mother and I... concluded.

But, when young Niiro turned

13, the physician was...

...transferred to a country fief

within his Lord's domain...

...where, later, he contracted

an illness and died.

That happened when

Sir Niiro was 22.

However, he had no desire to succeed

his physician "father."

Together with his mother, he

left for Edo, in search of me.

He said that he had no intention

of becoming a physician...

...but instead wanted to become

a samurai of rank.

I myself believe that nothing is

impossible, at least in spirit...

...so, after discussing

it with his mother...

...we let him study at a dojo

in Ichigaya Yarai, under...

...Sir Todo Tatewaki, a master

of the Jigen-Ichi Style.

As for academics, we sent him to

Sir Miura Ansai's seminary...

...in Yanaka-Oiwakekata

Village.

For the next seven

years...

...Sir Niiro was a young

man, full of hope...

...who immersed himself in the worlds

of academics and swordsmanship.

His mother and I both looked

forward to his success...

...and bright future, with

pride in our hearts.

This anticipation was not at all

a dream... It was no fantasy.

I knew that Sir Niiro's real father, an

important Shogunate official...

...also took an interest

in his future.

When the time came, when Sir

Niiro could live on his own...

...on the day when he became a

respectable, deserving man...

...we had secretly arranged for

a very special event to occur.

But... like they say, "Nothing

ever goes as planned."

An unexpected incident

took place...

...one that drastically changed

Sir Niiro's life.

It was about a month before he was to

receive what he had worked for...

...a Commendation for Completion

of Studies at the Todo Dojo.

In anticipation of this most

commemorative event...

...to pray for his life-long blessing

in swordsmanship...

...we visited Kashima Shrine, in Hitachi,

where the Gods of War are sanctified.

On the way back, we enjoyed

a boat-ride in Itako.

It's nothing but rice fields,

every which way!

"Oh, if only the Irises were in bloom!"

Captain, we're bored to death!

Hey! Take us somewhere!

Anywhere!

Excuse me, but seeing as we're traveling

together, how about pouring me a drink?

Both the lady and I are a bit seasick,

not feeling all that well.

I am sorry but we cannot

serve you.

It must be fate that has brought

us together. Pour me a drink.

It wouldn't be all that enjoyable if an old

woman like me were to serve you.

I believe that it's best if you drink such

valuable sake amongst yourselves.

You're too soft, fellow.

Let me handle this!

C'mon, just one drink!

Pour me some!

As I just told you...

I'm not asking you, old Mushroom!

I'm asking this wench, over here!

Don't be so conceited!

I ask you, just a drink!

How dare you! Shit!

Sir! Y...You're being unreasonable!

Shut up!

You young punk!

Kill him!

You bastard!

Come back here!

Just who was the lady

that you speak of?

She was of the House of

Takatsukasa in Kyoto...

...the daughter of Sir Ichijo Narihisa,

the 3rd-ranking General.

Such an important person!

On top of that, this "princess"

was named "Kiku-hime."

Oh, my... Even our names

are the same!

Indeed... Strange things can

happen in this world.

So... what happened

after that?

You may fool others... but you cannot

deceive the eyes of this samurai!

Who do you wait for... at Kanda Myojin

Shrine, after the day's lessons?!

You are still in training... yet

you're lusting after women!

How dare you let your mind

stray from the sword?!

Further carelessness

won't be tolerated!

Kiku-hime was to wed the eldest

son of Miyamori Betto...

...a distinguished Shinto priest known

throughout the Kanto region.

As Sir Kii's auxiliary mansion was

in Edo, near the Akasaka Gates...

...she often traveled there with her father,

Sir Narihisa, all the way from Kyoto.

Kiku-hime would leave the Kii Mansion

just about every day...

...to visit Matsunaga Wafu's residence,

to study Nagauta singing.

For a lady of a famous family,

she's rather spirited.

Instead of requesting that the instructor

visit her, she'd travel so she could...

...take lessons in the company

of regular girls.

It seems that you're visiting the Kanda

Myojin Shrine all the time, Miss Ichijo.

Offering special prayers, perhaps?

No... I don't believe in gods or buddhas.

Then, perhaps you're meeting

someone special there?

Yes... Someone special

is waiting for me.

If you'll excuse me...

The relationship between the two

grew stronger every day...

...but there was no way that such

a thing could last for long.

Soon, Sir Ichijo Narihisa

came up with ways to...

...prevent Kiku-hime from leaving the

Kii Mansion even for a minute.

Then... nobody knows how Kiku-hime

managed to do it...

...she somehow eluded her guards...

and escaped from the mansion!

What?

You've run away,

just to be here?!

Yes... my father wishes me

to marry... against my will.

I had to be here, even

if I had to run away!

I care not for

status!

I thought that, if this is what Kiku-

hime really wants, then...

...I'd offer to talk to Sir Ichijo, in hopes

that the matter might be resolved...

...by offering him a solution

to his problem.

Why force apart two

people in love?

What if it causes them

to plan to elope?

Who knows what kind of nightmare

it could become?

So I imposed upon a merchant who

frequented the Kii Mansion...

...and after much

discussion...

...we were able to arrange a meeting

with Sir Ichijo Narihisa...

...who was staying in the West

Quarters of the Mansion.

Kisoya... haven't you

ever heard...

...people say that "lanterns and

bells can never go together?"

But, Sir Ichijo...

Listen to me, Kisoya.

The owner of this mansion,

Sir Kii Yorihisa...

...happens to be the 3rd-ranking

Provincial General.

But, 3rd-ranking means... that they're

at the same level as my House.

That means, Kisoya...

...that unless he's the noble son

of a Daimyo or something...

...discussing his marriage to a princess

is just absurd, isn't it?

"Unless he's the noble son of

a Daimyo or something...?"

That's right.

T... The truth is that...

What is it?

No... It's nothing.

"Unless he's the noble son of

a Daimyo or something..."

Considering the situation, I considered

revealing Tsuruchiyo's lineage...

...but I just couldn't, not

without asking you.

Of course not.

Even if marriage negotiations

were entered into...

...who knows what problems of

social standing might arise?

Besides, until he becomes

a worthy warrior...

...until he's mastered swordmanship,

and we can be proud of him...

...until then, the truth must

not be revealed.

That was the promise we and His

Highness made to each other.

We're nowhere

near that time!

In the meantime...

...the marriage negotiations concerning

Kiku-hime and Miyamori Betto's...

...eldest son continued

to progress.

But, Tsuruchiyo could not wrest

Kiku-hime from his heart.

Eventually, he marched straight

into Sir Kii's mansion.

What?!

What?! What you've just told me, and

the manner in which you said it...

...I for one believe it's

a bit impudent.

But, sir, Kiku-hime clearly objects to

marrying the son of Sir Miyamori.

Whom my daughter will marry...

is none of your concern.

Of course, it is my daughter's

life we're talking about...

...so I cannot say that I have

not considered you.

But, having done so, I have concerns,

and so I simply cannot consent to it.

Niiro Soan, the Bishuu clan physician,

was merely a father figure to you.

Actually, he's not

your real father.

That means you're but the

son of some concubine...

...a man who doesn't know

who his father is.

How can I possibly give my precious

daughter to someone so lowly?

But, what if I return with my

parents? What then?!

That depends on what happens...

when your parents and I talk.

Kisoya... why won't you tell

me the name of my father?!

Hey! Why won't you tell

me who my father is?!

Why won't you

tell me?!

Why do you say that keeping it

a secret is for own my good?!

If you're doing it for my sake, then

tell me! Tell me who my father is!

Tell me! Mother!

Tell me!

Next! Next! Who's next?!

You friggin' brat!

Brat! Twerp!

You womanizing, drunken

crazy bastard!

Forget about your

Certificate!

As of today, we're no longer teacher

and student... you're expelled!

You are to never step into

this dojo ever again!

"To become a samurai is to master the

sword?!" To hell with it!

"To become a samurai is to master the

sword?!" To hell with it! What?!

"As of today, we're no longer teacher

and student?!" That's for me to say!

This world never works the

way you want it to anyway!

I, Niiro Tsuruchiyo, will live

my life my own way!

As of that day, Sir Tsuruchiyo...

left this house as well.

Oh, my... from that day

on, he became...

...like a rolling stone, tumbling

down a steep hill.

Does that mean, Sir

Tsuruchiyo is...

...dead, as far as we're

concerned?

That's correct, sir.

He's no longer living

in this world.

Sir Nozaka...

...even if you should meet someone that

resembles Tsuruchiyo in every way...

...he's no longer...

Niiro Tsuruchiyo.

What happened to Sir Tsuruchiyo

over the next five years...?

Well, you know very well

just what happened...

I understand now.

Actually, I understand

very well now.

But, I'm not the Princess

Kiku that you speak of.

I cannot possibly do anything

for Sir Niiro.

No, you should not

be so concerned.

Still, no matter what foolish

deeds he's done...

...if it can be repaid with money,

then I, Kisoya, will...

And, then... well,

Okiku...

If you ever get

a chance to...

...I know he can be like a

wolf sometimes, but...

...please say something kind once

in a while, a "hello" would do.

Yes, of course.

One, two...

Whoa!

Thank you for your

patience!

Here you go, ma'am!

Welcome back, ma'am!

Is Sir Niiro in the "Paulownia Room?"

Welcome back, ma'am!

Is Sir Niiro in the "Paulownia Room?"

Oh! He's gone home, ma'am!

"Gone home?"

Madame, no more.

No more, I'm fine.

It's just ordinary home cooking,

but did you like it?

Very good! Very

good indeed!

Somehow... I feel at ease only

when I'm at your place.

It's intriguing.

Well, how could someone like you

be so out of control at Sagamiya?

Well, don't worry about that.

Sir Niiro, would you like more sake?

No, I've had plenty already.

Sir Niiro, would you like more sake?

But, you know...

Wait...

Well... I just can't understand

something.

What is it?

Something about you.

What don't you understand

about me?

Your life... It seems to me

to be peacefulness itself.

Why then... have you

joined the cause?

It should be obvious to you. My

reason is the same as yours.

No. You shouldn't

joke about it.

I'm different from you.

If I don't do something, I'll either

starve like a stray dog...

...or have to live

like a bandit.

"In order to stay dry, you've got to cross

bridges, no matter how dangerous."

On the other hand... your situation

is completely different.

You resigned from a comfortable 300-

koku post as a Shogunate aide!

My principles, you see... are contained

in the books you see there.

The world is fast changing

around us.

The 300-year old feudal govern-

ment of the Shogunate...

...is doomed, thanks to the arrival of the

American Black Ships at Shimoda.

The world is moving

in a new direction...

...and I want to help push it

forward with all my might.

My feelings are the same as yours.

No, it's different. I...

Well, listen!

No, it's different. I...

You're deliberately blinding yourself

to what's really essential...

...and putting the blame

on something else.

We are both at the center of a vortex

of revolutionary change.

We're trapped in an unstoppable,

enormous whirlpool...

And, everyone is thinking...

"I've got to do something."

No, I'm not like that.

For me, this is the surest, quickest

way of becoming a noble samurai.

In other words... I want to live more

like a human being... And that's all.

What's the matter?

"Like a human being," you said?

Why, is that crazy?

"Like a human being," you said?

Why, is that crazy?

No, it's not crazy.

In essence, I feel the

same way you do.

However, what I am doing... I'm

not doing just for myself...

...but, for the whole

human race...

...so that everyone can live like human

beings. That's all that I wish for.

I don't understand...

I don't understand

it at all.

There's only one thing

that I understand...

Huh?

...that you, Kurihara Einosuke,

are a good man. That's all.

Oh, Ma'am, please

don't mind me.

By the way, where's young Eiichiro?

Oh, he's sound asleep.

Ah, "Strong becomes a child that

sleeps often," like they say, eh?

Well, I'd better get

going myself.

Give yourself a break, Sir Niiro. Why

don't you stay here tonight?

No, I cannot

do that.

It might be a disheveled hut, but for

me, it's my one and only castle.

By going home to my castle, I

can sleep the way I want to...

...with my knees

in my arms!

Please excuse us for coming

in while you were away.

We would like to make a formal

request of you, Niiro.

A request?

Correct.

We'd like you to assassinate

the traitor in our midst.

A traitor?!

Who is it?

A former Yada clansman from

Joshu, Kurihara Einosuke.

What?!

It can't be true!

Besides, what evidence

do you have?!

As they say, "Before accusing,

question seven times!"

Actually, Niiro... to be honest,

we suspected you too at first.

But, we found that there were

no grounds to suspect you...

...and that Kurihara Einosuke is the

traitor. We apologize for this.

Why do you say that Kurihara Einosuke

is the traitor?! Explain!

Are you familiar

with his wife?

Yes, I am. She is an admirable,

wonderful wife.

What about her older sister?

Her sister? No, I don't know her.

The sister of Kurihara's wife is named

Chiyo... She is the Lady Ochiyo...

...a concubine of Matsudaira Sahyono-

suke, Lord of the Yada clan in Joshu!

What?!

Upon learning this, we too were stunned.

No... We were being

too trusting.

Niiro... Matsudaira Sahyonosuke

and Kurihara could be...

...considered to be

brothers-in-law.

Lady Ochiyo has often visited Kurihara's

mansion in Honjo-Koume.

Thus, anything could... No... everything

will, via Sahyonosuke...

...be relayed to Li Naosuke,

the devil himself!

But...

...that alone does not prove that

Kurihara acted on li's behalf!

Niiro...

...are you saying, then, that you've never

suspected Kurihara of anything, ever?

He's not of Mito, Satsuma

or Choshuu provinces.

And... I don't mean to insult you... he's

not an opportunist like you either.

Matsudaira's close affiliation with the

Shogun means they're close to Li, too.

Besides, Kurihara was a trusted aide of

Matsudaira, the head of the Yada clan.

So why did he join us?

Well, that's because... It's because...

Niiro... our decisive moment

is just over the horizon.

When we decide on the date,

and carry out our mission...

...what will happen to us if

li's men are forewarned?

We'll be arrested

for sure!

And then we'll all be hung

from the tops of trees!

Anyone suspicious must be eliminated

as fast as possible, no matter what.

I refuse to do it...

I cannot do it!

Then, who will?

Kurihara has mastered the

secrets of the Nen Style...

Even two or three of our comrades

wouldn't stand a chance.

Indeed, he'd cut them all

down in an instant.

And, if we send many men, it'll stir

up a lot of trouble and attention.

You, Niiro... You're the only one

who can destroy Kurihara!

Here's the plan. Kojima will tell him

that, even though it's late...

...an emergency meeting will be held at

Yamazakiya, by the Nihonbashi Bridge.

You'll be waiting for Kurihara by the river-

side, where people won't be around.

There, you will slay

him in one stroke.

But...

Fine. Well, that's too bad.

There's not much more we can

do to try and convince you.

Niiro... effective immediately,

you are to...

...leave our Elder Assassination

Group!

What did you say?!

We were hoping that you were with us,

and that we could count on you.

But, if you can't be convinced, then...

there's nothing to be done. Farewell.

Wait!

I pledge that... I'll serve you, and

that I will destroy Li Naosuke!

But, Kurihara Einosuke must

be destroyed first.

We can't possibly proceed

with our plans, if...

...we have a viper at our

breast! Farewell!

Wait!

Niiro... Then, will you...

take care of Kurihara?

Well, you'd prefer not

to act alone, I'm sure.

Don't worry. You'll have some help.

Three good swordsmen, in fact.

No, they'd only be a hindrance!

I will kill him by myself!

Who's there?!

Why... it's you,

Niiro!

You heard about the meeting

at Yamazakiya, right?

Don't give me the

wrong idea...

Standing there like that, one might think

you want to test your sword on flesh.

Come on. Let's

get going.

But... how did you know that

I was coming this way?

Niiro... what's wrong? You don't seem

like your usual self tonight...

Niiro! Why?!

Why, Niiro?!

Why?! Why?!

Why?! Tell

me why!

Why! Why! Why?!

Why?!

Niiro...

Why me...?

Why...?!

"'Tis worthless to leave behind

valuable things.

"What's worth leaving behind is what's

not valuable... Mother's...

"...memories, imperceptible,

intangible...

"That is the reality of this

ever-changing world."

Oh? You're not

having any?

Sir Niiro, how about

a drink of hot sake?

Sir Niiro?

Quiet...

But, you shouldn't drink so much.

Quiet...

Be quiet!

Then, perhaps you should

make that your last.

"The stomach is a part of the body also,"

as they say... You should be careful.

This is crazy! You

shouldn't...

Ma'am, step outside! Excuse us.

Please excuse us for a moment!

Niiro, something's come up! Something

horribly unexpected!

What is it? Is our

mission starting?

No, that's not it! Well, Niiro... we've

found out who the real traitor was!

K... Kurihara Einosuke was innocent!

What?!

It was all an awful mistake!

What?!

Kurihara didn't

betray us.

The conspirator who

spied for Li was...

...without a doubt, Masui

Sobei, the Staff Officer.

Sir Kenmotsu is conducting an

inquiry back at the mansion!

Explain it!

Explain!

Masui Sobei, a former

Mito clansman...

...who had been a warehouse clerk,

of 80-koku income. 35 years old.

In early February, this year,

the said individual...

...covertly maintained a second residence

in the hills of Kaminegishi...

...into which, he installed

a mistress.

The source of his funds

came under suspicion.

Sir Kenmotsu ordered Seki Tetsunosuke

to conduct an investigation...

...and Masui was observed meeting with

a samurai near the Nihonbashi Bridge...

...at the tea parlor "Hatsune"

in Yanagi Village.

When Seki Tetsunosuke

followed them...

...he saw them enter a warehouse

owned by Li Naosuke...

...near Nihonbashi's southern,

eighth district.

After obtaining the samurai's

name from the gate guard...

...it was revealed that he was Takigawa

Genba, an assistant to a Jr. Elder.

After interrogating Masui about his

connection to Takigawa Genba...

...it was found that Genba worked

for li's vassal, Nagano Shuzen...

...and he has been secretly talking

to Masui for a long time.

On January 31st, he received 20-ryo,

and a further 30 on February 21st...

...totalling 50-ryo. Masui Sobei received

these funds from Takigawa Genba.

He confessed to conspiring

against us.

Thus, he is hereby sentenced

to death.

Then... Kurihara Einosuke had...

nothing to do with it?!

Niiro... You're such a simple-

minded fellow.

What?!

You take things too seriously.

You're too frank.

If you don't become a little

more dispassionate...

...you can't possibly

destroy Elder Li!

That has nothing

to do with this!

Kurihara Einosuke was

one of our comrades!

Also... he had a wife, and

even an innocent child.

The blood of

Elder Li...

...and the blood of Kurihara Einosuke...

what's the difference?

Sympathy has no

place here!

From the start, this has been

the nature of our mission.

We can't allow our enemies to

wound us without reprisal.

Our hands must get dirty

with blood, too.

Listen to me, Niiro!

You must become a little

more cold-blooded.

By the 3rd of March, for certain!

What?!

On March 3rd, in the center

atrium of Edo Castle...

...a Joumi Day Celebration, important to

the Shogun's family, will take place.

In other words, the so-called

"Peach Observance."

Without a doubt, Elder

Li Naosuke will attend.

One traitor... and one suspected

of being a traitor...

...a total of two comrades

have been eliminated.

Finally, our mission

can commence!

Get rid of him.

Yes, sir!

Ichigoro...

Yes, sir.

Erase every single record concerning

Kurihara Einosuke and Masui Sobei.

We must go down in history

as devout men of principle.

There's absolutely no need to record

anything about traitors.

The mission... was

set for March 3rd.

March 3rd of the First Year of Man'en

(1860). The "Peach Observance."

Tomorrow is the "Peach

Observance."

Since I've come to Yokoyama Village, I

thought I'd buy these while I'm here...

An Emperor Doll and

an Empress Doll...

...they look so peaceful

together.

They're timelessly splendid whenever

you look at them.

Ma'am...

...many things happen along

the road of life, don't they?

They certainly do.

How 'bout it... If I become a noble samurai

with 2- or 300-koku in income...

...why don't you become

my wife?

But, I cannot possibly be

apart from Sagamiya.

Even better,

Sir Niiro...

...why not say farewell to your dream

of becoming some stuffy samurai?

Why not come live with me?

No, I cannot do that.

But... you can't go on chasing

a dream forever.

No, it's not a dream... It

will soon be reality.

You can't live like that

forever, Sir Niiro.

It may be a dream...

No, let's say it is a dream. At

least, until it does come true.

But, Sir Nosaka...

It can't be!

Well, I too think that

it's impossible.

But, Kisoya...

You must be familiar with the Tengu

Faction of the Mito clan?

Yes.

A part of their group is in Edo, and...

...we know for a fact that they're planning

on carrying out an unfavorable scheme.

Yes...

Well, I'd like to believe

otherwise, but...

...what if what we fear

does happen?

You see, the Lord seems to be

concerned about the matter.

Although Tsuruchiyo's "death"

was officially recorded...

...the Lord has recently been asking

about him... most emphatically.

The fearless Lord Himself...

asking three times!

Now that we've come this far, he

can't claim his official lineage.

If... even if it were only a glance...

If our Lord could...

Yet, we cannot not let Sir Tsuruchiyo

know anything.

This is such a shameful way of doing

things... but we have no choice.

The feelings of the one and the

only His Highness, Lord Li...

...and your consideration and

concerns, Sir Nosaka...

...are completely understood, sir! Allow

me, Kisoya, to see what can be done!

Welcome.

One, two...

Welcome.

Oh! Thanks again for the other day.

Is he here, by any chance?

You mean Sir Niiro?

Yes.

You mean Sir Niiro?

Yes.

No, sir.

That's odd...

No, sir.

I went looking for him along the banks

of the Kamakura, but he wasn't there.

So I assumed he'd be here.

Oh, I see.

I did the same thing when I happened

to be in Yokoyama this morning...

And, what happened?

Well, he was in then.

I bothered him for a little while

before coming home.

I see... I wonder where

he could be...?

Is this... an urgent matter, sir?

Well, it may be, it may not be...

Well, then, please come in! Come in!

Well, it may be, it may not be...

Well, then, please come in! Come in!

Yes! Thank you.

At times, he can be like a detached kite

drifting away! Such a troublemaker!

It'd be nice if he'd walk in

here while we're talking.

Oh, Sir Kisoya... didn't you say

that it's an urgent matter?

Well, it's not exactly

that urgent, but...

You see, a ship carrying some lumber

will be arriving tonight from Kiso.

By evening, I must get going

to take care of that...

...so I thought it'd be nice if I could see

him during the day, just for a moment.

I see. In that case, I will send my clerks

to a place where he might be found.

Though, I cannot guarantee

that he'll be there.

Oh, if I could impose

on you to do that!

And... where might that

be, if I may so ask?

The Mito Mansion

in Koishigawa.

"The Mito?!"

"The Mito?!" The first time that he came here

he was with Mito people, amongst others.

Since then, men from Mito are always

coming here asking for Sir Niiro.

So, that's the only place

that I can think of.

Sir Tsuruchiyo has been... associating

with Mito men?!

Yes. They all seem to be on rather

good terms with each other.

Well, at any rate, in that case, he

might be back by now, so...

...I shall head over to the

Kamakura riverside now.

Besides, using a palanquin, I could

be at the Mito Mansion in no time!

Oh? Why, it's you, Okiku.

Sir Niiro hasn't been back yet?

It doesn't seem so...

Sir Niiro hasn't been back yet?

It doesn't seem so...

What about the Mito Mansion?

It's not important enough to

get me to go all that way.

Okiku... what brings

you here?

Sir Kisoya...

Huh?

I... Okiku of Sagamiya... feel

a bit of resentment!

Huh?

I sense that there is something about

him that you're not telling me.

Even if you can't tell anyone else...

I ask that you tell me, of all people!

I know it's rude for me... Okiku of

Sagamiya... to say this, but...

...it feels like you're not

being frank with me.

Why, it's not whether or

not I'm being frank...

It's just that, if I may be blunt...

I have something on my mind.

But it's something that only

I can be concerned about.

I don't know if it'll actually

be a problem or not.

What is it... that you're

concerned about?

You said that Sir Tsuruchiyo was quite

friendly with the men of Mito.

When I heard that,

I panicked.

Is there a problem with him

associating with the Mito?

Okiku... you do know about

the Tengu Faction of Mito?

Yes, well... that they caused a great

commotion. I know that much.

Unscrupulous members of the faction

have been sneaking into Edo.

That's the rumor that's

going around.

Okiku... about the men Sir

Tsuruchiyo was with...

Are they new

to Edo?

Now that you mention it...

...I've seen some new faces... who,

I'm told, were recently posted here.

"New faces?!"

Yes. Among my many

Mito customers...

...are new faces with

Satsuma accents...

...as well as some who seem

to be from Choshuu.

Okiku, listen... About

Sir Tsuruchiyo...

Have you noticed anything unusual

about him recently?

No... Nothing

particularly.

The other day... Well, when he came

to visit me for the first time...

...in five years, he told me

something quite puzzling.

He said he'd soon become a noble

samurai... or words to that effect.

Oh, he told me that, too!

What?!

It was just this morning, in fact.

What?!

I thought that he must

be dreaming, but...

...he said that he would soon

become a noble samurai.

Okiku... I'm afraid

that he'll...

Huh...?!

Forgive me, Kurihara...

I'll...

I'll do it...

Finally, tomorrow

morning...

For both of us, I shall

strive to do my best!

If I may ask, Sir

Kisoya...

...what did you mean when you said you

were concerned about something?

Sir Kisoya...

No, it's just my imagination!

It can't possibly be for real!

I just... cannot make

any sense of it all.

Just exactly what are

you talking about?

Okiku, it's just

a rumor.

Understand? It's just some

rumor floating around.

A group, led by Mito men, along with

Satsuma and Choshuu Ronin...

...plans to assassinate Honorable

Elder Li... or something.

That is ridiculous! It can't

possibly be true!

With the world in a

state of turmoil...

...unfounded rumors are bound to

appear and be spread around.

But, if we paid attention to them

all, we'd all die from worry.

Very true! I agree with you.

I hope that's the case here.

But, what if...

Just, what if...

I understand.

Sir Kisoya, your concern is that...

what if Sir Tsuruchiyo...

...becomes one of

the conspirators.

These days, those wanting to become

a samurai can do so by...

...being of service to the clans of Mito,

Satsuma, or even Choshuu.

Y... Yes... that's right.

But, what's so wrong

with that, then?

What?!

Sir Kisoya, I too cannot believe...

...that such a thing could possibly

happen right here in Edo.

But, if it were to happen, it wouldn't

mean the end of the Tokugawa.

And if it happened, Sir Niiro would

become an honorable figure.

It's so courageous...

It's so like him...

...to depend on nobody but himself.

It's a goal worth pursuing.

No! It can't be allowed! Y... You

can't be serious! It's ridiculous!

Nowhere in this world does the child

kill the parent... It's absurd!

Okiku... the truth

is that...

...Sir Tsuruchiyo's

real father is...

...the Lord of Hikone,

Himself!

So, anyway, Kojima...

...Niiro is not aware

of this yet?

Correct, sir.

As I informed you earlier, sir, in

preparation for tomorrow...

...I went to the Kamakura riverside

to confirm our plans with him.

However, Niiro was nowhere

to be found.

Just then, Kisoya Masagoro entered

from the front, a bit hesitantly.

I immediately sought

a place to hide.

A while ago, I reported that

there seemed to be...

...a mystery regarding the close relation-

ship between Niiro and Kisoya.

I became somewhat curious

about that, sir.

Before long, Okiku of

Sagamiya arrived...

...and they discussed the incredible

story which I've just reported!

I knew that I had to report here

as soon as possible, sir, but...

...I couldn't move until after

the two of them had left!

Also, the way they

were talking...

...leads me to believe they'll visit Niiro

tomorrow, to tell him the truth.

Take care of it by tonight...

Who shall we send?

We need our own men for tomorrow.

So, Sir Hoshino, perhaps you ought

to contact our friends in the clan...

...and ask them to dispatch people

unrelated to tomorrow's events.

Uh-huh...

But, if many men are running around

in the middle of the night...

...the suspicions of the gate guards

will surely be aroused.

Better to do it early

in the morning...

...using ten or so strong

swordsmen.

Please make the necessary

arrangements at once, sir!

"Sir Niiro"

"Masagoro"

"This is a matter of

great urgency.

"When you wake up in the morning...

please come to Fukagawa.

"Please be sure

to come."

It cannot

be done.

Because, tomorrow, finally... will

deliver the chance of a lifetime...

...a major event, the outcome

of which only heaven knows.

Oh? I'd expected that

it would get chilly...

...but this is really cold for

the "Peach Observance."

If you're thieves, you must've

had too much to drink!

Reveal your

names!

Oh? You're all unfamiliar faces...

Which House are you from?

State your names!

Damn you!

As scheduled, at 5 a.m., the eighteen

comrades gathered...

...in front of Atago Shrine

at the top of Mt. Atago.

Then, they went to the Sakuradamon

Gates, and made themselves ready.

Sir Hoshino Kenmotsu, along with

one man, assumed the vanguard.

They stationed themselves

inside a nearby tea parlor.

Hagiwara Matasaburo and the six men

of the First Unit, on the right...

...took positions by a trench

near the checkpoint.

The Main Unit, on the left, waited in front

of Matsudaira Osuminokami's Mansion.

It consisted of Sir Sumida Keijiro,

the Sub-Leader, and six others.

To the rear of the Main Unit were three

men lead by Kadowaki Shozaemon.

They stationed themselves at

the side of Uesugi Mansion.

The snow, which started falling the night

before, showed no signs of abating.

Would the heavens bring us

fortune... or misfortune?

It usually doesn't snow this

much in the morning.

It's certainly rare during an occasion

like the "Peach Observance."

It sure is. By the way... have you

become an officer yet, or...?

No... Things don't seem

to go my way.

But, soon my dreams

will come true.

That's excellent, sir! I hope

it happens soon!

7:30?

Yes, sir.

The entourage will come now?

Yes, sir.

The entourage will come now?

Yes, sir.

As today is March 3rd, the procession

celebrates the "Peach Observance."

Uh-huh.

But, with all this snow... the Daimyo

must be having a hard time.

Lady... I'll leave the money here.

Yes, thank you, sir.

Arrow ends and a

circle means...

...Sir Mori, Lord

of Ecchuu.

Huh?

I'm glad I made

it in time!

No... I'm sorry that I couldn't

get here sooner.

I was assaulted this morning by nine

assassins, hence the delay.

I'm afraid they might

have been li's men.

Are the other comrades

all right?

So far so good.

However...

...all the Choshuu men... and, except

for Arimura Jizaemon...

...all the Satsuma men...

failed to show up.

As a result... we're slightly

shorthanded...

...and so I've been impatiently

waiting for you to arrive.

My apologies.

Where should I

place myself?

Just like we planned, you're with

the First Unit, on the right.

To the right of the

checkpoint?

Yeah.

I expect you to

do your best.

Sir Kenmotsu... the assassins

that I fought earlier...

...they weren't sent

by you, were they?

Don't be ridiculous.

A true Ronin, a starving dog...

...nobody can predict

what he might do.

Besides... should the Mito fail

to distinguish themselves...

...certainly, you wouldn't

want the world to know.

Might as well play it

safe and kill him.

Now, that's a plan that Sir Hoshino, the

cold-blooded one, might consider.

Here we are, critically

shorthanded!

Niiro, how dare you accuse

me! It's ridiculous!

Wait! Even if you try to leave

me out, I won't let you!

I've long waited for this chance to gain

renown, here at the Sakurada Gates!

With strength paramount... I'll take

li's head with my own hands!

I won't allow anyone to get in

my way... be he friend or foe!

With you in such a frame of mind,

we can all feel invincible.

Well, then... show me your prowess.

Go and behead Li!

Well, then...

Sir Niiro!

Please, sirs! Sirs! I have

a complaint against you!

Insolent fool! Get out of the way!

I've a complaint against you!

Receiving Sir Hoshino

Kenmotsu's signal...

...the First Unit attacks the

palanquin's vanguard.

Next, they engage

the rearguard.

The Main Troop storms Li "Kamon-

nokami" Naosuke, head on.

Damn it!

No, you fools!

Fools! The fools!

Fools! Idiots!

Let go!

Damn you!

Fool!

Open the gate!

Fools! This means that Japan holds

no future for the samurai!

Niiro Tsuruchiyo,

a Bishuu Ronin...

...beheaded Elder Li Naosuke, not

knowing that Li was his father.

However, by order

of Sir Hoshino...

...all records concerning Niiro

were purged the night before.

Thus, Niiro Tsuruchiyo was never

a member of our conspiracy.

However, the fact remains... that the

one who took the head of Elder Li...

...was, without a doubt, his own son...

Niiro Tsuruchiyo, himself.

Look!

I won't let this head go for

less than 200-koku!

No... even 300 would

be a bargain!

Look!

Here's today's paramount

achievement!

Elder li's head is in

the hands of...

...a Bishuu Ronin,

Niiro Tsuruchiyo!

It was March 3rd, the

first year of Man'en.

On the day we celebrate the "Peach

Observance," it was unusual...

...to see Edo cloaked

in unrelenting snow.

Such were the events that transpired

at the Sakurada Gates.

"The End"

Samurai Assassin (1965) - full transcript