Samurai Vendetta (1959) - full transcript

Tange Tenzen and Nakayama Yasubei are honorable samurai living in an era of corrupt officials and treacherous clans. But after finding themselves in opposing clans and ensnared in a love triangle, only bloodshed can ensue! An epic tale of slashing swords, cutting betrayal, and bloody revenge, Samurai Vendetta is justly hailed as one of the best samurai films ever made!

A Daiei LTD Production

Samurai Vendetta

("Hakuoki")

Produced by Miura Nobuo

Production Design: Zaizen Sadao

Based on the original work by Gomi Kosuke

(serial in "Sankei Shinbun")

Screenplay by Ito Daisuké

Cinematography by Honda Shozo

Sound Recording: Kaihara Yukio

Lighting: Nakaoka Kenkon

Art Direction: Ota Sei'ichi

Music by Saito Ichiro

Color Techniques by Shirahasé Naoharu

Edited by Taniguchi Takashi

Sets: Miwa Yoshiki

Swordplay Choreography: Miyauchi Shohei

Traditional Japanese Music: Nakamoto Toshio

Assistant Director: Inoue Akira

Production Supervisor: Ozawa Hiroshi

Developed at Toyo Developing Studio

Cast

Ichikawa Raizo

Katsu Shintaro

Introducing Maki Chitosé

Mita Tokiko

Kitahara Yoshiro

Shimada Ryuzo

Chiba Toshio

Funaki Yoichi

Izawa Ichiro

Kagawa Ryosuké

Yamato Namiji

Kamo Ryoko

Hama Setsuko

Suga Fujio

Shimizu Gen

Azuma Ryonosuké

Arashi San'émon

Mizuhara Koichi

Mitsuoka Ryuzaburo

Nanbu Shozo

Araki Shinobu

Katsuragi Koichi

Shima Yasuhiko

Terashima Yusaku

Daté Saburo

Hara Seishiro

Ono'é Eigoro

Asano Suzuko

Sudo Tsuneko

Kongo Reiko

Takakura Ichiro

Godai Sentaro

Hamada Yuuji

Yokoyama Fumihiko

Fujikawa Jun

Tamaki Kazué

Kikuno Masayoshi

Oki Tokio

Toyama Kinshiro

Yasuda Yoshiro

Kasuga Kiyoshi

Sakurai Isamu

Shibata Soji

Hata Takashi

Osugi Jun

Kominami Akira

Mikami Tetsu

Kimura Gen

Minami Masao

Ideno Kenji

Matsukuni Yoshiki

Hon'ma Eiko

Kamiwaki Esuko

Higashiyama Kyoko

Directed by Mori Kazuo

I remember the first

time I met him.

I had to assist my uncle in his duel

with the Murakami brothers...

...and while I was running towards

Takata-no-baba...

...at the corner of the Ana-

hachiman Shrine...

This is an emergency!

Please excuse me!

I am much obliged.

That's not a good tasuki!

"Tasuki:" A cord used to tuck up kimono

sleeves, and keep them out of the way.

My tasuki?

If you're not careful,

that tasuki will...

It's dangerous; if that tasuki

becomes untied...

"I hereby commit to writing, that on this day,

at half-past the bottom hour of the snake...

"Half-past the bottom hour of the snake:" ~11:30 AM

"...at Takata-no-baba, the Itto-ryu and

Chishin-ryu schools will duel...

"...to determine which style is superior with

respect to the principles of the sword."

"This challenge is therefore issued

for this express purpose."

"It is my will as

a warrior to..."

Scum!

He's in danger. If that

tasuki unravels...

Is something

the matter?

I warned that man about his tasuki, but

it seems he did not understand me.

I am going to go check on him.

Meanwhile, continue on.

Follow through.

He's taking on the Murakami brothers.

You there, Sir Ronin.

Use this as your tasuki.

Your Lordship.

Your Lordship. What is it?

Your Lordship. What is it? We cannot risk

any mishaps during this important trip...

...so we turned back to

watch out for you.

You're right. You never know what

kind of calamity might befall us.

Those are the Murakami brothers; we're

of the same Chishin-ryu school.

Indeed they are.

Indeed they are. It is as you say, old man, we

might invite trouble by getting involved.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Yes.

Uncle. Uncle. A... Are

you alright?

Uncle. Uncle. A... Are

you alright? Yasubei.

I am Horibé Yahei of the Asano clan,

from Ako in Banshu Province.

It is an honor. I am Nakayama Yasubei,

a ronin of Shibata in Echigo.

And this is my uncle...

And this is my uncle... Oh, never mind the

formalities, we must tend to the injured.

Yes.

Yes.

Fortunately, my palanquin is available.

Please do not hesitate to use it.

Please do not hesitate to use it.

Uncle, are you alright?

Uncle, are you alright?

Hey, bring the palanquin.

Uncle, are you alright?

I know it's abrupt, but we have a man

who was mortally wounded...

...while fighting for the sake

of his samurai honor...

...and who wishes to commit seppuku

in front of your gate.

Please consider

our request.

How could we...

How could we...

Hold it.

You.

Tell me, whose residence

do you think this is?

I don't know.

I don't know. Huh? And yet you

still make such a request?

Indeed. Clearly, this is not the residence

of townsfolk or farmers.

So I assumed that it is the residence of a

samurai, and came to make my request.

And what if it is a samurai mansion?

And what if it is a samurai mansion? It's said

that samurai mutually support each other.

That is so. However, there is such a thing as

protocol when it comes to such requests.

I understand why you have come here,

but there are things we must know...

...before we can consider your request, such

as your affiliations, family name, and rank.

And if we do so...?

And if we do so...?

Even then, we cannot permit it.

Then we shall withdraw our

request to use your gate.

Excuse me... follow!

Wait... Nagao.

Yes sir.

Excuse me, wait.

We respectfully ask that you

come inside the gate.

We can go inside?

We can go inside? Indeed.

We can go inside? Indeed. He said we

cannot do it outside the gate.

We can go inside? Indeed. He said we

cannot do it outside the gate. Correct.

It would be disrespectful to permit a samurai

to commit seppuku outside the gate.

We shall make the proper arrangements

within the walls.

Such are the instructions of the Tayu.

Such are the instructions of the Tayu.

"Ta... Tayu?" You mean, he's a chamberlain?

Correct. Chisaka Hyobu, Edo chamberlain

of the Yonezawa fief in Unshu Province.

This mansion belongs

to the Uesugi clan.

Yes.

Let us go.

Let us go.

Yes sir.

I am obliged.

I am much obliged.

By order of Chief Shogunate retainer

Okubo Kaganokami...

...I was assigned to inspect the offices

of various Shogunate vassals.

"Map of the territories of vassals"

The duel occurred on the very

day of my departure.

Over the course of the next month, I heard,

everywhere I went, of the popularity...

...of the Horiuchi Itto-ryu school, as

exemplified by Nakayama Yusubei.

And also of the loss of face suffered

by my school, Chishin-ryu.

Eventually, after I had completed my

assignment and returned to Edo...

"The Divine Chishin-ryu ('four worlds of the

whole mind') Sakaki Chishinsai Dojo"

The Murakami brothers and their students

died on the sword of Nakayama Yasubei.

But we have witnesses that saw you at

the very site while it was happening.

All three of us clearly

saw you there.

Why then, if you were there, did you

just watch the Murakamis die?

I did not watch them die. At

the time I passed by...

...the Murakami brothers, Nakatsugawa

Yuken, and others, were still alive.

But as I was on official,

Shogunate business...

...I judged that my orders did not

permit me to become involved.

Coward!

Coward! There's no excuse!

Coward! There's no excuse!

You were cowardly!

Then let me ask

you something.

You also witnessed the destruction

of the Murakami's entire school.

So why then did you all not retaliate

against Nakayama Yasubei?

Are you kidding? We're not

skilled enough for that.

And we have never been

in an actual swordfight.

I too have never

killed anyone.

Enough of this nonsense!

We are having this discussion because you

are a distinguished member of our dojo.

In order to avenge the Murakami

brothers and their students...

...and thereby restore the reputation

of the Chishin-ryu school...

...we have no option but to challenge

Nakayama Yasubei to a duel.

What have you

to say?

It would probably be futile.

It would probably be futile.

How dare you! Explain yourself.

After seeing what happened

to the Murakami brothers...

Note: Tenzen is using an expression that

means "an undisciplined, inept mob."

...he is unlikely to be defeated

by a "murder of crows".

A murder of crows?!

A murder of crows?! Then what if you, Sir

Tangé, were to challenge him personally?

I will not do so. Now, if

you will excuse me.

You coward!

You coward! Shame on you!

You coward! Shame on you!

Have you no concern for your fellow students?

Have you no concern for your fellow students?

Have you no understanding of bushido?

Have you no concern for your fellow students?

Have you no understanding of bushido? Traitor!

Have you no concern for your fellow students?

Have you no understanding of bushido? Traitor!

Have you no understanding of bushido? Traitor!

And what if I were a traitor?

And what if I were a traitor?

This is what!

And what if I were a traitor?

"Tangé Tenzen"

Note: Tangé's nameplate has been taken off the wall,

implying that he's been thrown out of the school.

"Tangé Tenzen"

"Nakayama Yasubei"

Sir Chishinsai's dismissal

of Tangé Tenzen...

...is a signal to us, the Itto-ryu

school, that he desires to...

...end the interminable state of hostility

that exists between our two schools.

In other words, by removing the central

figure of the Chishin-ryu school...

...he has diminished the

resolve of his students.

It is a pragmatic way to prevent

future incidents.

Knowing this to be the case, I too must

respond to his thoughtfulness in kind.

This the true, and only, reason why you

are being dismissed from our school.

I understand.

And I would have all of you

understand my intent.

There he is.

Here they come again.

Right now, he's the most

popular guy in all of Edo.

Even the Kabuki actors

are envious.

Be quiet! We must get

them out of here!

You can't do this!

You must leave!

You're a total heartthrob,

aren't you?

I hear you're getting marriage

proposals left and right.

I'm just a ronin, barely scrounging

enough work to feed myself.

How can I afford

a wife?

How are your employment

prospects?

Yes sir. I have received

two or three offers...

From Lord Matsudaira of the Saijo fief in Iyo,

the former master of my late uncle Sugeno.

Also, from the clan of Lord Nosé-Izumo,

the Shogunate master of firearms.

And also, from Chamberlain

Asano, of Ako in Banshu.

Note: Asano will become the leader

of the famous 47 Ronin.

And...?

I am undecided about

all of them.

Actually, I have another offer for you;

they've been urging me to ask you.

As a matter of fact, they have

sent a messenger...

...and he is waiting in the

back, even as we speak.

The offer is from the chief retainer

of the Uesugi clan of Yonezawa.

Sir Chisaka Hyobu?

Sir Chisaka Hyobu? That's right. Your

visitor is Sir Nagao Ryunoshin...

...who has come here on

behalf of Sir Chisaka.

What an honor.

What an honor. Also with him is his

younger sister, Lady Chiharu.

My daughter and Lady Chiharu

are tea-ceremony friends.

They are both students of the

Sohen-ryu school of tea.

They're old friends; they've participated together

in Lord Kira's tea parties together, and so on.

We're all connected in strange

ways, aren't we?

It has been a while

since we last met.

It is good to see you

in fine health.

This is my younger

sister, Chiharu.

It is a pleasure to make

your acquaintance.

Until that moment, my heart had never

leaped at the sight of a woman.

I've been surrounded by many women

since the Takata-no-baba duel.

But not one of them had

captured my heart.

Welcome home.

Miss Oshizu, it's you.

Miss Oshizu, it's you.

As you were not here, I let myself in.

As you were not here, I let myself in.

It's alright.

As you were not here, I let myself in.

It's alright.

It's alright. I came to receive the finished

products and to deliver materials.

I appreciate it.

"Uzen-ya"

Move! Move! Make way!

Open up!

Young Miss.

Young Miss.

Look. Those samurai are having

another staring contest.

What will you do if they've been sent to discuss

marriage proposals with Nakayama-san?

You're driving me nuts.

Get yourself together!

It's a "Noble Dog"!

It's a "Noble Dog"!

It's a "Noble Dog"!

Don't go near the "Noble

Dog"! Hurry up and run!

"Tinker, Genpachi"

Please. Ahead of me.

No, don't mind me.

You go first.

Elders have precedence.

Please go first.

Well...

Well... Please...

Well... Please... I'm in no particular

hurry. Please go ahead.

Oh no, please,

you first.

It was a time when a dog had

more value than a person.

They were referred to as

"Noble Dogs" by edict...

...of the fifth generation Shogun Tsunayoshi,

based on his pity for all living things.

Needless to say, the killing

of birds, beasts, and fish...

...and even insects such as butterflies and

dragonflies, was strictly forbidden.

And in particular, when

it came to dogs...

...if anyone kicked them, stepped

on them, or was cruel to them...

...they would be sentenced

to hang by their legs.

Anyone who caused injury to

a dog would be beheaded.

And crucifiction awaited any offender who

killed or poisoned a dog, and so on.

"Senshu-in" (Temple)

However, I would have never imagined

that such a calamity would befall me.

"Hut for the Noble Dog"

"Shichimen-zan [Temple], Senshu-in"

Be careful, it's the

dog-hut patrol.

Oh. Nakayama-uji.

"-uji:" More polite than "-san," similar to "-sama".

You... I saw you the other day when

I was running to Takata-no-baba.

Yes. Tangé Tenzen.

Yes. Tangé Tenzen.

How do you do...

You'll be in serious trouble if someone

sees you. Leave here immediately.

But...

But... You'll have no excuse with

that blood on your sword.

Let me deal with

this matter.

I cannot impose such

a burden on you.

I should handle this; I'm just

a ronin with nothing to lose.

I am grateful for your

kindness. Be well.

Go, quickly.

It appears to be a woman.

However, I am a monk.

Benkei decided to leave,

and not attack him...

...however, Ushiwaka insulted him, kicking

the handle of his Naginata as he passed.

"You are violent, and I will

teach you a lesson"...

...Benkei declared as he

picked up his Naginata.

Naginata in hand, he said,

"I will show you my skill."

Benkei aimed a killing blow at Ushiwaka,

but Ushiwaka was unruffled...

Look at that drunken loon.

Wait a minute, he's doing the sacred dance-

oblation to the god Shichimen.

How laudable

of him.

Shichimen was my late mother's

protector deity.

After she had my big

brother Ryunoshin...

...she prayed to him to have a daughter

next, and her wish was granted.

That's why she named me after

this temple, Senshu...

...so that I would continue receiving

the deity's blessings.

After Senshu Temple?

Note: These logograms can be read as both

"Senshu" or, more commonly, "Chiharu."

Oh. That's why your

name is Chiharu.

Yes. Today is my mother's

memorial day.

I see. Does Tangé-dono

worship here too?

"-dono:" Quite polite, similar to "-sama".

No, Tangé-sama is...

No, Tangé-sama is... Huh?

No, Tangé-sama is... Huh?...a

very close friend of the abbot.

Oh. They play Go together.

Oh. They play Go together.

Yes.

Oh. They play Go together.

Yes. I see.

Um... if you dropped in even for a short while,

my father and brother would be delighted.

Regarding the matter of

your employment...

...Sir Chisaka is constantly hounding

my brother, asking if you've decided.

Well, as to which offer

I will accept...

...the truth is, I've just made up my mind. I

will drop by and visit your brother soon.

But today, I have some

unfinished business.

You will be disposing

of the Noble Dog?

In an instant, my

heart was set.

Chiharu is my life. She is the one

and only woman I will ever love.

I will live for the sake of my love for her,

and die for the sake of thatlove.

And as for the offer of a position,

I decided to dedicate my life to it.

We have something to

discuss with you.

Concerning what?

We would like to see a demonstration

of the Horiuchi Itto-ryu style.

And who might

you all be?

We are the vengeance of

the Murakami brothers!

Nakayama-dono. I am most grateful

for the service you have done me.

Because of you, I was able

to avoid calamity.

I wanted to express my thanks,

and thus I followed after you.

Oh! Tangé.

Excuse me, Nakayama-uji.

I am indebted to Nakayama-uji.

If you will not depart, you

will have to face me first.

How bizarre. Strike

him down.

Retreat. If you attack,

you will see blood.

So you refuse

to listen.

So you have decided

about the position?

Yes sir. Regarding

that issue...

Things seem to be going

very well today.

Chiharu-dono of the Nagaoka

family is here too.

Hers is yet another matter that

merits congratulations.

Huh?

Since her marriage has

been decided...

...and since she won't be able to casually

go about as she pleases after that...

...she's enjoying some frivolity

with Namino, as a last hurrah.

Who is to be her husband?

Who is to be her husband?

Oh? You didn't know?

Not at all.

Not at all.

Well you're not keeping up.

It's been the talk of the town

for a long time now.

And you have a considerable

connection to him as well.

It's Chishin-ryu's

Tangé Tenzen.

So you and Tangé-sama...?

Yeah, but you know, I go and pray

to Shichimen every month, right?

And Tangé-sama is there all the

time, playing Go with the abbot.

So one thing led to another,

and the two of us...

You'll incur divine wrath on yourself,

using Shichimen as a matchmaker!

Now, down to the business

of government...

Yes. Truly... I am

sorry to say...

Huh?

Huh? I want to continue enjoying

the carefree life of a ronin.

What?

Please forgive me for my continuous

and insolent lack of courtesy.

Note: This Noh song, "Takasagoya,"

is sung in traditional weddings.

Oh from Takasago, raise the mast of the light

ship... raise the mast... of the light ship.

As the tide swells, let us set

sail along with the moon.

Beyond the waves looms

the Isle of Awaji...

...and far beyond the open

seas of Naruo...

...swiftly we sail, and

arrive at Sumino-é.

Though I had wished for a position

with the Uesugi clan...

...contrary to my will, I came to

serve the Asano clan instead.

Perhaps this is

my destiny.

Our target tonight is

Kira Kozukénosuke.

Who knew he was the father

of Lord Uesugi?

Really? Nakayama Yasubei

got adopted?

Yes, by Horibé-sama.

Really? Does Horibé have a daughter

who has come of age, perhaps?

He does have a daughter, but

I hear she's only 12 or 13.

Yes... I saw her with a group of

children at Takata-no-baba.

The oblation-offerings

have been prepared.

Hmm... was that a

cat? Or a dog?

No, the laws are so stringent, none

of our neighbors keep pets.

Then what

is that?

Perhaps an assistant of Inari, the

mansion's guardian deity.

Note: Inari is depicted as a fox-deity.

A fox, huh?

I pray every day to Inari that you will

be returning as quickly as possible.

I can only be as fast

as my duties allow.

Let's see. My duty in Kyoto will take

me through to the third month...

...about the time of

the Hina festival.

By the time of the Hina festival,

I'll have earned enough...

...to send you some of Kyoto's famous

husband-and-wife Dairi Hina dolls.

No, I want you to come home as fast as

you can. Who cares about Hina dolls?

Oh. Please wait

a moment.

This is a Hina doll I made

when I was a child.

Please take it with you on your journey,

and think of it as me, Chiharu.

Chiharu.

Yes.

Chiharu...

My dear...

How did you spend your day?

How are you doing?

Did your duties go smoothly

and without impediment?

I, Chiharu, finally

finished this.

Does it look good

on me?

Starting tonight, I am going to

sleep in this from now on.

Do you like it?

My dear.

Chiharu is going

to go rest now.

Poor thing,

all alone.

Here, let me give you

dinner, as usual.

Chiharu will keep

you company.

Here. A broth of horsetail

shoots.

Oh, it's not to your liking?

Chiharu will take it away.

How about some pickled

fish this time?

I'm so glad.

You like it?

Oh yes. I've been so concerned with

the food, I forgot about saké.

But since this is the Sekku

festival, for girls...

...you'll have to drink white saké

to keep Chiharu company.

Oh, you're going to pour some for Chiharu

too? I'll gratefully keep you company.

My, one after another like this. I'll

get drunk if I have too much.

Oh, it's so good.

But if you're not going

to be drinking...

...it's truly boring.

My, I'm so drunk. What's

the matter with me?

Chiharu. What happened?

Hey.

Hey. Hmm?

Hey. Hmm? We shouldn't

be wasting any time.

If anyone in the mansion sees

us, there'll be trouble.

Let's just bring her out.

Let's just bring her out.

Alright.

My Lady!

My Lady! What happened?

My Lady! My Lady!

My Lady! My Lady!

They found out. Alright,

I better go and...

Wait. This should teach Tangé a lesson. Keep

the woman alive for our future enjoyment.

You did a good job. Here's

the promised payment.

I know about the sequence of events from

the courier. Did something else happen?

Yes. I couldn't explain it all in a letter

before you got back to Edo...

...so I wanted to tell you

everything in person.

Kajihei.

Kajihei.

Yes.

They bribed Mié to help them,

and then killed her.

But she confessed before she died, and

we have the names of the culprits.

You say there were five of them?

You say there were five of them?

Yes. They were all present...

...when you, My Lord, defended

Nakayama Yasubei-dono...

So they are all from the

Chishin-ryu school?

That is correct. They were injured

in their scuffle with you, My Lord.

One lost most of his fingers

when you struck his hand.

That would be Mita Shirogoro.

Another lost an eye when he got

cut from his forehead to cheek.

That was Iki Rentaro.

A third had the area from his

nose to upper lip sliced off.

I believe that was

Niki So'émon.

The next one had the side of his face sliced

off down to his jaw; he even lost an ear.

I'm certain that was Tomonari Mikinosuké.

And the last tripped, resulting

in his shin being gashed.

That was Totani Hyoma.

I see. So it was

those five.

Others were also hurt, but those five had

serious injuries they could not conceal.

They were exiled from the dojo, they lost their

positions, and they all became ronin.

So they held a grudge, and...

So they held a grudge, and...

Yes.

Old man... how much of this has

become public knowledge?

Well... you see...

So it's quite

the news.

If I may, My Lord.

Of course the five won't

admit that they did it.

But...

...there are rumors of another man that Her

Ladyship spoke with, before the wedding.

What?

And that when you were not home,

My Lord, she would receive him.

They're saying she was

having an affair?

So if they're spreading that rumor, there

must be someone who witnessed it?

Yes. And they're saying it was not just

once, but twice, then three times...

...and that there can be

no doubt about it.

So who is it? Who is the man that Chiharu

was seeing from before the wedding?

Well... it's...

Well... it's...

Who is it?

Nakayama Yasubei-sama.

But why would Nakayama Yasubei have been

seeing Chiharu before the wedding?

Come to think of it, there was that stray

dog incident at Shichimenzan Temple.

So Chiharu knew Nakayama

Yasubei from that time.

Tangé-dono.

Nakayama-uji.

Nakayama-uji. My surname has been

changed. I am now Horibé Yasubei.

My apologies.

My apologies.

Oh no, as you are.

It has been a very long time since we

last met. How has your lady been?

Well, thankfully.

I have not seen Chiharu-dono

since the wedding.

I do miss her.

And you, Nakayama... no, Horibé-uji,

are you married yet?

Oh no, that will have to wait.

The girl is still only 13.

Is that so?

Well, if you would excuse me.

Well, if you would excuse me.

Excuse me.

Please give Chiharu-dono

my best regards.

Yes.

Excuse me. Goodbye.

Old man.

Old man.

Yes?

Yes?

I get it now.

Yes?

I get it now.

I get it now.

Huh?

The five villains hate both

Nakayama-uji and myself.

If Nakayama-uji and I were to fight, they would

be killing two birds with one stone.

It's a ploy to make us self-destruct.

It's a ploy to make us self-destruct.

Oh... indeed.

Old man. Have you heard of Momonji-ya?

Old man. Have you heard of Momonji-ya?

Momonji-ya?

Hey, Yasubei. Our groom-to-be.

Hey, Yasubei. Our groom-to-be.

Oh, I have just returned. Welcome home...

Sure, sure.

Well, it's just 10 days until

the imperial envoy arrives.

Yes.

Yes. The official advisor, Lord Kira,

is being deliberately unhelpful...

...and Lord Asano has no choice but to bow

like this and say "Please excuse me."

This is a very difficult time

for our lord; all I can do...

...is keep praying that the important duty

of entertaining the imperial envoy...

...will go smoothly, and

without a hitch.

That must have been stressful

for you too, Father.

As the old saying goes...

"Far from court,

far from care."

Whoops. I can't very well say such

a thing to our groom, can I?

You were always telling me about how

carefree it was to be a ronin...

...and who was the old man that

forcefully talked you out of it?

By the way...

...during your ronin days, you

were chased by all the girls.

I saw it with my

own eyes too.

However, rumor has

it that our groom...

...has an eye for an upstanding

Shogunate retainer's wife.

They're saying that you are having a secret,

adulterous relationship with her.

Huh?

Huh? It's an absurdity.

The jackasses!

Who said such a thing?

Who said such a thing?

I'm not telling, not telling.

Because if I told you, you'd

go and kill them.

Which vassal are they

talking about?

Which vassal are they

talking about? Ahem!

"I'm afraid our Yasubei will have a loving

wife who is the best in the world."

"He doesn't have any interest

in some other man's wife."

That's how I reproved them.

If only Oko here would come of age sooner,

I'd have you both married at once.

Otei.

Otei. Yes?

Otei. Yes? Why is Oko

so slow to grow?

Because, my dear...

Because, my dear... It's because

you're not raising her properly.

But that's something that

can't be... my dear...

What are you saying? You were

13 when we were wed.

You were already

a grown woman.

Dear...

Welcome home.

I am prepared for the

consequences.

Please punish me.

I have been waiting for

you to touch me...

...and thus I have wearily endured

life until this day.

If we were townsfolk or farmers, this

incident could be forgotten.

But such is not the case

for the samurai.

You are a married woman who

was violated by several men.

Such a woman can no longer

be called a man's wife.

I know that all

too well.

However, if we were

to separate...

...with the circumstances already

public knowledge...

...it would be tantamount to my

making you commit suicide.

I cannot let that happen.

But since the public believes you

have committed adultery...

...naturally, I will lose face as

a samurai if I do not kill you.

I cannot let that

happen either.

What wrong have you

done, anyway?

We have been ensnared

by their cowardly ploy.

One...

There is definitely one

way out of this, but...

...it is inevitable that we

will have to part ways.

Darling!

I am a woman whose body has

been thoroughly defiled.

I'm finished.

Chiharu.

Do not die, Chiharu. No matter what

happens, you mustn't die.

Because if you disobey

me and kill yourself...

...remember that you will not be my

wife again for seven lifetimes.

We have located the item that

you ordered us to acquire.

Well done. When

can I have it?

We can deliver it whenever

you wish.

Can you maintain secrecy?

This involves breaking the edict of

sympathy for living creatures.

If our involvement were to become

known, our lives would be forfeit.

So you see...

To celebrate the end of my assignment,

my father, Ryunoshin...

...along with our closest relatives,

wish to share some drinks.

And then?

And then? Chiharu, don't say anything

else. Just silently follow me.

Yes.

Not a big deal.

I've been enjoying the famous Tangé-Kyoto

cherry-blossoms of Edo...

...and it's a good excuse to indulge

in some bad singing.

News from the mountains, the

cherry blossoms bloom.

The cherry blossoms are blooming

in the mountains.

Those are Usu-zakura blossoms

from Mount Kurama.

Broken branches placed on

the road will guide you.

Led to the mountain, you will see

the blossoms along the way.

You come under trees...

...gaze at the blossoms.

If you find a house...

...with cherry blossoms,

you may enter.

Noble or commoner, relative

or stranger, you may enter.

Such is the custom

in the spring.

Take that.

Son-in-law... What happened?

The mystery is

now solved.

What mystery?

What mystery?

Yes.

There are those among

you, I believe...

...who have heard allegations about

unacceptable behavior by Chiharu.

But in truth, taking advantage

of my absence...

...the bedroom of my wife has

indeed been invaded.

Insolence! Chiharu would never

do anything immoral!

As for the true culprit, he has

just now been revealed.

Please see for

yourselves.

Oh. Oh!

Oh. Oh! Oh.

Oh. Oh! Oh. It's a fox. It's

an old and venerable fox.

So it was a fox who

was responsible.

It was all the doing of a shape-

shifting monster.

Until this happened, on this very night,

I was very much concerned.

However, even if this clears

Chiharu-dono...

...and even if this monster was

a shape-shifter, it's still a fox.

We can't harm a living creature, violating

the imperial prohibition...

...and yet avoid the Shogunate's

punishment.

We've got a serious problem.

We've got a serious problem.

Tangé-uji, what are you going to do?

If this event becomes

public knowledge...

...then rumors will spread that

Chiharu has been unfaithful.

Fortunately, all of us

are close relatives.

If we are to protect

Chiharu's honor...

...tonight's event must be kept to

ourselves, close to our chests.

Yes, yes, what other

way is there?

We can avoid bringing shame upon my

daughter, and it will help Tangé too.

It is sufficient that her relatives

believe in her innocence.

As to the fox-slaying incident,

it's a secret. A secret.

Indeed.

Tangé-dono, that was

superbly done.

Truly yours is the finest example

of Chishin-ryu swordsmanship.

It was two or three days later,

a day I will never forget...

It was the 14th day of the 3rd month of

the 14th year of the Genroku period.

Together we left the house

early in the morning...

...and visited my mother's grave

at Shichimen-sama's.

This will be the last time that we walk

together as husband and wife.

We are going to the Nagao

household now.

You will be returning to your

original home today.

Had you been sent back with your honor

sullied by immorality and adultery...

...you would have had

to kill yourself.

This, in turn, would give credit to rumors

that Horibé was your lover.

I have erased the stain

of immorality, but...

...there is something that cannot

be erased, no matter what.

And that is your defilement by

those Chishin-ryu bastards.

You are not guilty, so I will

not have you punished.

But I cannot allow myself

to hold your body.

My reason, my mind, permits

it, but my body cannot.

We have to part.

I do love you. This is

because I love you.

And once we separate,

what then will you do?

I will request to be relieved of my official

duties, and once I am free...

...I am going to kill those

five bastards.

What is it, Chiharu?

It's so early. You're

here by yourself?

No... um...

Where's Tangé-uji?

He's with Father

right now.

You're crying. What's

going on?

What? You cannot tell me the

reason, no matter what?

Yes.

Yes. Chiharu knows the reason

why you're leaving her, I hope?

She knows.

She knows.

Fine. Then I'll ask Chiharu.

Chiharu will not

tell you either.

No, she will definitely

not tell you.

This is a matter between husband and wife,

and only between husband and wife.

That's unacceptable.

How can a samurai take back his daughter

without knowing the reason?

But Chiharu is also aware of this.

But Chiharu is also aware of this.

Hold it.

Let me ask you something. Unfortunately,

I wasn't present at the fox-incident...

...but no one suspects Chiharu of immorality

and adultery anymore, is that not correct?

Not in the slightest.

Not in the slightest. And will you attest there

is nothing shady about Chiharu in any way?

Absolutely. Otherwise, I myself

would have punished her.

It is because there is nothing of the kind,

that I would have you take her back.

This is absurd.

This is absurd. But Chiharu knows about it.

This is absurd. But Chiharu knows about it.

She might, but I don't. So it's unacceptable.

In other words, it's a vicious circle;

it can't be explained by words.

If not by words, then perhaps

with swords.

If that is what you desire,

I will gladly comply.

That is what I desire!

Big Brother.

Big Brother.

Move.

Move.

No.

Move.

No.

No.

Will you defy your big brother?

Darling.

Darling.

Don't come near me.

It... It is as you have

desired...

Let that arm be

my payment.

Please take Chiharu...

...back into your care.

Hey, hey. Where do you

think you're going?

The imperial envoy and his entourage

will soon be arriving.

You must use a different route.

You must use a different route.

Yes. Sorry about that.

Come on.

Wait. Is someone injured?

Yes.

Yes. I would be forsaking my duty if I were to

let blood defile the imperial envoy's path.

I will have to investigate.

I will have to investigate.

Yes.

What is his name and status?

What is his name and status? Tangé Tanzen,

of the clan of Lord Tozawa Ise-no-kami.

Wait. I am the chamberlain of the

Uesugi clan, Chisaka Hyobu.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Yes sir.

Is it Tangé-uji, the relative of Nagao

Ryunoshin of the Uesugi clan?

It is indeed.

Everyone, everyone gather!

We have a major incident!

Have you gone mad?

Have you gone mad?

We are within the palace walls!

On the very day I was returned

to my original home...

...and my husband Tenzen lost his

arm because of my brother...

...in the "hall of pines" of the Shogun's

palace, Lord Asano of the Ako fief...

...attacked Lord Kira Kozukénosuke, the father

of the current Lord of the Uesugi clan...

...whose family my family, the Nagao,

has served for generations.

And since that day, Tenzen

was never seen again.

My dear.

Chiharu-dono.

I asked around at the Shichimen temple,

but no one there has seen him either.

His whereabouts are completely

unknown.

Horibé-sama said that he was visiting

comrades to promote the revival...

...of the Asano Clan, with Lord Asano's

brother Daigaku as the new lord.

He said he was next

going to Kamigata.

Even one year later, as our plot to avenge

ourselves upon Kira proceeded...

...I still had no idea at all where

Tangé Tenzen was.

Then, at Maebara Isuke's rice shop, which

we were using to spy on Kira's mansion...

"RICE" (Rice Shop Gohei)

The lady who is Kira's tea-ceremony

partner just came out the mansion.

What?

What? I had Emoshichi keep watch for

people involved in the world of tea...

...because they might provide

useful information.

I'm going to follow her.

I'm going to follow her.

Yeah.

Wait, this isn't good. I'm wearing

a tea-ceremony outfit.

I'll be conspicuous. Hey.

Somebody else go.

Yeah, I'll do it.

"Rice Shop"

Welcome home.

"Shiho'an Sohen-ryu School of Tea"

Our Namino and Lady Chiharu

are tea-ceremony friends.

They are both students of the

Sohen-ryu school of tea.

They're old friends; they've participated together

in Lord Kira's tea parties together, and so on.

Um... it's urgent. From

the chief retainer.

From Sir Chisaka Hyobu?

From Sir Chisaka Hyobu?

Yes.

Tenzen is still alive.

Tenzen is still alive.

Oh... where is he now?

I figured he's too good a man to let die.

I sent him to the mineral hot springs...

...of Shirabu Takayu outside of Yonezawa,

so that he could recover from his wound.

I thank you

so much.

The reason why I asked you here,

is to ask you to go and fetch him.

What?

I know he feels indebted to me, but

I don't want to impose upon him.

What do you want

him to do?

I have written down

the essentials.

I've hired men to guard

the Kira mansion...

...but they're hungry for money,

and I cannot be sure of them.

So in other words, you would have

Tangé supervise these men?

That's right. To keep a leash on them,

he can do whatever it takes...

...whether it's killing them, reducing

their numbers, whatever.

Needless to say, I will reward

him handsomely.

He won't take a reward.

He won't take a reward.

He will get the reward upfront.

Among these men, there are five that

can definitely be disposed of.

That's right, five men.

Five men. Do you

understand?

There are five

of them...

I needn't tell you their names,

you know who they are.

Surely this is enough to entice

Tangé back to Edo.

"To Sir Tangé Tenzen"

Old man.

Old man.

Yes.

My life was spared, and yet I now am going

to go and kill... or perhaps be killed?

Ours is a twisted world

of warring titans.

Yes.

Here I teetered on the brink of

death for some months...

I feel wistful about leaving

these hot springs.

Where do you think

Tangé went?

Who cares. He's vanished,

that's what matters.

He better not show himself either,

because this time, I'll...

There's still Horibé.

Are the Ako guys planning

revenge or not?

Maybe Sir Chisaka's hunch

is wrong, after all.

Hey, Uesugi men.

Sir Chisaka Hyobu

has passed away.

What?

I see. Without Sir Chisaka, we no longer

have access to the Kira mansion.

Now that that's over with, the question

is how can I make a living?

Please, my dear. You needn't

worry about such things.

I'll gladly take

care of you.

That will not happen.

Who cut my arm

off, and why?

It is not that it was cut

off. I let him cut it off.

My arm was the price I paid

to return you to their care.

You are now a woman

of the Nagao clan.

No, no. I stood up to my brother

and ran away. Ever since then...

...I've been making a living all by myself.

The Nagao clan and I are no longer...

Enough. Make no mistake

about this.

I did not come back because you came

to fetch me. I returned to repay...

...Sir Chisaka for his kindness;

you should know that by now.

I have always

known it.

If so, then don't be

so presumptuous.

How could you offer to support

the husband who left you?

Kajihei!

Yeah.

Yeah. Remember this. From this day on,

this woman is not allowed to visit me.

But sir, we no longer have access

to the Kira mansion.

No, I shall get them. I will get those

five bastards, no matter what.

However, old man. I have to pay

my debt to the deceased...

...who arranged it so that I could

pursue my vendetta.

So, to repay Sir Chisaka, you will ally

yourself with the Kira faction...

...and oppose the

men of Ako?

That's right, I will use the broken

body that he saved from death.

Until I can repay him

for his favor.

I can talk

the talk...

...but talk can't

kill anyone.

How far can I go with

only one arm?

Since Chiharu has returned to her home,

she must no longer be Tangé's wife.

So what? What of it?

Though nothing has been

formalized yet...

...I have a woman to whom

I am effectively betrothed.

What do I want

with Chiharu?

I went together with chief retainer

Oishi and had a look...

...and Kira's new mansion

is starting to take shape.

Yes. They're planning on moving from the

Uesugi mansion sometime this month.

Well, this is what the chief retainer

says to do. Otaka...

Yes.

Yes. Is the tea master having a year-end

tea party by any chance?

It is as you say.

It is as you say. Will Kira have the

tea party at his adopted son's...

...or will it be held at

his new mansion?

You are right. How absent-

minded of me.

He will have the party at his own tea

room, which he's very proud of.

He will most certainly

do that.

Then, on that day, they will

most likely leave Uesugi...

...make preparations at the mansion,

and spend the night there.

That will be the night...

That will be the night... I see.

That will be the night... I see. That night

will be our one-in-a-million chance.

Indeed. Indeed.

If only there was a way we could find

out when the exact day will be...

...our vengeance will be as

good as accomplished.

I have discovered that the master of

ceremonies at Kira's tea party...

...is going to be Shiho-an

Yamada Sohen himself.

How do you know that?

How do you know that?

Horibé, do you have contacts?

Yes. I have a few people

that can be called that.

Alright, I'm next.

Take that!

Hey. Tangé's alive,

and he's back.

What?

He's putting on a 5-mon

street show in Ueno.

"Mon:" The smallest monetary

unit, akin to a penny.

It's a lousy 5-mon per challenger,

but it adds up to a day's wages.

You must be tired.

Old man.

Old man. Yeah.

Old man. Yeah. Chiharu was

here, wasn't she?

Old man. Yeah. Chiharu was

here, wasn't she? Yes. Um...

I know it well... Chiharu's scent.

What did she want?

What did she want? She said that Master

Shiho-an will be preparing...

...for the year-end tea

party at Lord Kira's.

As to the day and time,

they're uncertain.

But that will probably be the best time for

the Ako samurai to launch an attack.

I see.

Therefore, if a person associated with Asano

attempts to confirm the schedule...

If such a person approaches Chiharu-sama

to learn what she knows...

...then indeed we could infer that they

will indeed attack on that day.

Understood. So I must get rid of the bastards

before that. Is that what you're saying?

Old man. They will come

to get me first.

Yeah?

I didn't think my 5-mon plan would

yield results this quickly.

Today, I saw the bastard Mita

Shirogoro in the crowd.

He will most likely gather the rest of them,

and come after me in the next few days.

Will they come, or

will they not?

They'll come.

If the woman reveals to us the tea party

schedule, our troubles are over.

But if by some chance she suspects

our plan, we'll have to kill her.

But that won't be easy...

Otaka, it's a gruesome task.

But you're the only one who knows

anything about the world of tea.

Hmm... we all have

to make sacrifices.

Alright. Let's decide who'll

be going with you.

If anyone gets black, he'll

be going with Otaka.

Uh... wait.

How about this.

This task...

Can you put me, and me alone

in charge of this task?

No matter what, I cannotlet

anyone else kill Chiharu.

If she must killed,

then I will do it.

To kill Chiharu would be tantamount

to killing my own attachments.

As I valorously departed

to the land of death...

...I would be severing my attachments

to this world.

Is your teacher home?

No, Master Sohen sent for

her, and she just left.

When is she coming home?

When is she coming home? I don't know. But

she was going to visit Shichimen Temple first.

You see? That's Tangé

for sure, isn't it?

But he's only

got one arm.

I dunno, that's

the weird part.

I was waiting for you.

I was waiting for you.

T... Tangé!

T... Tangé!

I was going to cut you to ribbons...

T... Tangé!

...but I won't sully my sword on scum that

are no better than dogs and beasts.

This is how you beasts

will be treated!

Tangé!

That'll teach you.

That'll teach you.

Ey ho, ey ho, ey ho...

Ey ho, ey ho, ey ho...

Stop.

Oh! Dear!

Not good. I'm worried about those

two guys; I can't relax.

Yeah. Haven't heard a peep from Totani

either; he's worried about them too.

What happened?

What happened?

What happened? I plugged Tangé, but

I don't know if the wound was mortal.

Niki's neck was smashed;

he died instantly.

Shirogoro's still breathing, but

it's just a matter of time...

"I don't know. But she said she was going

to pay a visit to Shichimen Temple first."

It was already dusk

when she left...

I can't imagine she'd be visiting

the grave at night.

That can only mean...

Maybe Tangé Tenzen

is at the temple.

Alright, let us do what is chivalrous,

and lend a helping hand.

Two of the men sent by the Uesugi

to aid us have been killed.

We must avenge our comrades. We

must kill Tangé no matter what!

Agreed!

Agreed! Agreed, without reservation!

Agreed! Agreed, without reservation! We

are grateful for your deep kindness.

If you say that you've been sent by Chiharu

of Nagao, they will accommodate you.

Whatever is lacking in the writing, old

man, you'll have to convey in words.

I understand. I'll

take care of it.

Perhaps, if the doctor will be delayed,

you could also get some medicine.

You are so kind.

Please endure just

a little longer.

I have asked Doctor

Kyorindo to come.

Dear...

Dear...

Hmm?

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

For what?

I too have kept this with

me at all times.

You have forgiven me?

Like I told you repeatedly,

you were not at fault.

Did you think that I was just saying

words I did not mean?

I'm so sorry. Even if

I were to die now...

...I will have no

more regrets.

Who is it?

Who is it?

It's been a while.

You've come.

Tangé, I'll give you

your last rites.

We'd like to challenge you to a fair fight,

but look at the pathetic shape you're in.

So you would challenge

me to a fair fight?

Sure. If you think you can fight

us with one arm and one leg.

Fine.

There's not enough room

here. Let us go outside.

Dear!

Tangé-dono! I, Nakayama Yasubei,

will now repay the debt I owe you.

Nakayama-sama.

Nakayama-sama!

Nakayama-sama.

The year-end tea party is tomorrow,

the 14th, at night.

I am much obliged.

Dear.

Oh from Takasago, raise the mast of

the light ship... raise the mast...

As the tide swells, let us set

sail along with the moon.

Beyond the waves looms

the Isle of Awaji...

...and far beyond the open

seas of Naruo...

...swiftly we sail and

arrive at Sumino'é.

The End