"1722, Spring" "Edo, Fukagawa" "The largest sake dealer in Edo" "You can't fool us" "Omiya we know you've got money hidden away" "What if Kumokiri hears about this?" "He'll be surprised" "He'll be really surprised" "He certainly will" "Let's first get the money away, Kumokiri" "Omiya really hid it well" "Kill them if they resist!" "Kichigoro, Kumokiri's Lieutenant" "Stupid..." "Rokunosuke of the Kumokiri Gang" "We've spent three years already..." "Tried to take the money, they're stupid" "They're a little too late" "They went down the river" "Go after him!" "They're the Akatsuki Gang!" "We've done as you ordered us" "What about Hoshiyemon?" "He got killed, poor fellow" "I see." "Thank you" "Yes!" "Kameya Inn" "Early this year, you left Shinshu..." "And arrived in Edo this month ls that correct?" "Yes, sir, that is correct" "Where did you intend going?" "No place particular," "Just wandering around?" "Yes!" "Then why are you staying here?" "I had something to do" "Like what?" "I'm a little ashamed to say lt was just a private matter lt has nothing to do with you" "You refuse to tell us?" "Wait" "Awoman's mortuary tablet?" "A relative of yours?" "Then he was..." "A samurai, I'm certain of that" "Shall we check on that?" "No, there was noithing suspicious about him" "A special police force named..." "'Arson and Theft Investigation Arm'..." "Was founded in the eighteenth, century." "It had strong connections and was quite effective." "Various crimes were included in its competence." "The offiicers for this force..." "Were selected from the finest samurai..." "They were given special emergency rights... ln regards investigation, arrest, and execution." "About the Omiya case..." "One of those arrested said..." "That he knew the Kumokiri gang, right?" "Yes, sir." "His name is Rikichi" "Let's use him as a decoy" "Make him agree then keep track ofhim" "Right, we'll get Kumokiri yet" "How could he escape us?" "He must be some kind of devil" "Devil?" "No, he's human all right, just like us" "There must be some way to solve this" "There must be" "Ochiyo, Kumokiri's Accomplice" "Don't...stop now, Matsuya" "Look!" "They're back!" "Denjiro, of the Kumokiri Gang" "So you're here?" "Yes, I'm here" "Yes, you told me to come" "We'll talk later" "Where can she change?" "Upstairs, as usual" "You seem to like her very much" "Today's the sixth time I've met her" "And you introduced me, she's wonderful I'm the richest merchant in Nagoya, yet she's got me" "You're joking..." "She's no professional" "No, she's not... I know for a fact" "Since you're my best client, I introduced you" "Actually, she's from an aristocratic family" "Aristocratic?" "Tell me more about it I've never asked her" "As a mattewr of fact..." "You're certainly some woman" "You know how to hold onto men I've asked so often before..." "Let me, just once" "You misunderstand me" "I don't do this because I like men lt's all part of my business I was just joking" "And what if the boss finds out?" "She was the wife of an aristocrat" "And her husband is recently dead" "Relatives took the house." "She had to leave lt happens sometimes" "And she is so good, too" "But no family, no money" "She was a good client, so I've taken care ofher I understand. I asked because..." "She has asked me to take care ofher" "She's asking too much" "And you're just here on a business trip" "But she loves me I must do something" "Don't tell me you'll marry her" "Jihei of the Kumokiri Gang" "His palanquin is here" "Yes, thanks" "That's just the point I'm single, so..." "Marrying her is not impossible" "That's what I'm thinking of doing" "You're joking l'm too old to joke about such matters" "Well, we'll talk about it later I'll go part of the way with you" "Has he gone?" "I'm asking you... ls he gone or not?" "Yes, he's gone" "Don't go too far with her" "Mind your own business I'm warning you." "Try something..." "And you'll be finished" "Look, someone's hiding there" "Stupid, what do you think I am" "Wait lsn't that Roku calling?" "He's coming after us" "Stop" "Who are you?" "Don't come, or you will be killed!" "Kill him!" "The boss said not to kill before ascertaining..." "So I did this I killed him." "Understand?" "I did it I was the one who did it" "You'll be punished, Ochiyo lt's the only way to get to meet the boss" "Just don't worry" "You can go back now" "What about you?" "Your boat's plain unlucky" "Let's go, Roku" "Kumagoro, of the Kumokiri Gang" "Excuse me, are you Master Tsuji?" "I've been waiting for this day..." "But he's not coming. lt can't be helped" "By the way, I hear that Shojumaru..." "Has been appointed heir to the Owari clan" "Remember to tell him that I understand. I will tell the boss" "Also, that I'd like to see him then" "You left this" "I'm on a journey yet I forget my spare sandals" "Met the boss last night" "He said for you to be patient" "He's worried about you I can tell" "You'll leave Edo for Owari" "The boss will see you then" "Roku, I know you are also just a man" "So you know how women fee" "This is because you are a man" "It's going to rain" "You're so good" "Look out!" "I almost got killed" "No one's upstairs" "They're pretty smart I was afraid of this" "They got away" "Not a sign of them" "Vanished like the mist" "They're fast" "No time to praise them now" "The police are quite tough..." "We'd have had it if Okada hadn't informed on them" "Give him some money" "Of course" "Rokunosuke killed someone." "That's against rules" "What will you do?" "I'll put up with it for a while" "Rather than that, you tell Okada..." "To lie low for a while" "Haven't much luck these days... I'll go to the Horinouchi Temple to pray" "Are you really going?" "I wonder" "I understand" "About the Muashi-ya, our next target" "We're all ready and waiting I also went there today" "°-l disguised myself as a merchant.'" "Speak of the devil and he will appear" "Shichimatsu of the Kumokiri Gang" "Kamezo of the Kumokiri Gang" "Welcome back I delivered this oil to the Daimyo of Kofu..." "But he's never paid for it" "That's too bad... I've been working here a long time..." "But I haven't heard of that I'm just about worn out" "Where's your master?" "In his room, with his masseur" "Seems he'll have another woman, beginning tonight" "He's dreadful I know how you feel..." "But you need money, don't you?" "Think it over." "Understand?" "Being a head-maid isn't easy" "Not at all" "And I have to take care of the master" "The money's under the alter... I've got the keys" "His trouble si that he is a widower" "He ought to get married again" "Omatsu, of the Kumokiri Gang" "You're the one who ought to get married" "Everything's ready" "Let's go according to plan" "Omaki I'm here" "You're earlier than usual" "What ofit?" "Don't, you have a guest" "Who?" "Look!" "It's daytime, don't embarrass me" "You got away cleverly" "The police are after us" "We have to act fast I'm here to thank you" "I'll have her open a teashop or something" "Glad you know her that well" "But watch out for the others on the force" "The others?" "They're nothing" "They don't know how to treat a veteran like me" "Yamada's the chief now..." "But only because he's Shikibu's favorite lt's unfair, they only give me paperwork lsn't that so?" "That's enough I'll be going then" "You won't see me for a while" "Wait." "For a while?" "The boss is going to a temple..." "To pray. I have to go too" "And he's very clever I'd like to see what Kumokiri's like" "They say he's rather short" "And ugly, just like you" "Am I so short and ugly?" "That's not so" "He's as handsome as a Kabuki actor" "Then he's like me" "Stupid." "You're no better than the rest" "You're just telling lies again" "We're done" "Let's go" "What's wrong?" "That measure?" "He's blind" "Hurry" "Wait a moment" "What is it?" "My comb, it's from my dead mother" "No time now" "They haven't seen me I can make it" "What'll you do?" "Don't fail now" "We'll meet at the usual place I'll be there" "For the Awa Clan" "Arson and Theft Investigation Arm" "How did they know?" "They've won again" "Don't worry about it I told you there was a key to all this" "Listen, now..." "Every case has its key... I'll show you" "Okada!" "Go!" "You dog, you" "Spy!" "What..." "Here's your key" "He's no longer a samurai let him live..." "And let him suffer" "What about his woman?" "Kumokiri's got her" "What?" "He's on our way, banish him" "Stand up" "Hi..." "Yes" "Are you sure this is from Kumokiri?" "I'm sorry, the messenger was Kumagoro I regret that I didn't arrest him" "Never mind" "Kumokiri will exchange" "Omaki for the woman" "But there are conditions" "The conditions are..." "That each of the parties send a representative..." "The place is the public bath named Fan..." "Near Koami-cho, near Edo Bridge..." "At four in the afternoon..." "Both women will be sent there." "Numbers li-6 and Ha-9" "Your friends are waiting li-6 and Ha-9" "Your friends are waiting" "Not yet?" "They're waiting li-6 and Ha-9" "Quick now!" "Each party will have a palanquin..." "Ours on the bath side..." "Kumokiri's on the opposite side..." "This is a gentleman's agreement..." "Let no one else interfere." "It's Roku and Ochiyo" "Thank you" "I'm sorry to be late lt's been a long time" "I'm glad you're well" "Tell her how good she is" "She's got Matsuya around her little finger" "That's good to hear." "Sit down" "We're all here lt's time..." "Let's start" "Denjiro, go outside and watch" "Yes..." "To begin with about Omatsu" "I won't punish her" "That's not fair I'm prepared for punishment" "Work better next time" "Understand?" "Omatsu" "Boss..." "I..." "Omatsu" "Brink up and listen..." "They say stealing is the easiest way to get rich" "That may be true but I've got a bounty on me" "No matter how hard you work..." "No matter how hard you try..." "You'll end up the same way" "They'll kill you and your name will fade away" "We've been lucky for ten years" "Everyone knows our names" "And we've enough money for you all..." "To now lead safe and peaceful lives..." "So... I've made up my mind that..." "The next job in Owari will be our last" "Please understand that..." "We work together for the last time?" "We'll steal no more" "Kumokiri and his gang will disappear" "That's what I've decided" "Yet, even if we stop..." "No one will believe it..." "They'll say we'll come back..." "They'll say we'll rob again..." "These thoughts will prey on their minds..." "The authorities will go on worrying..." "Long after we are dead" "This fear will maintain" "This is what we, all of us..." "Really want to happen" "Do you approve?" "We approve" "You have our lives in your hands" "We will do as you say" "You understand?" "Thank you, then" "I came alone as I promised" "What do you want to sell me?" "Kumokiri's true identity" "Not a bad deal" "But I do not want money for it" "Who are you?" "You tell me, or the deal is off I'm the masseur I was at the Musashi-ya" "What masseur?" "What did you see?" "Though I am blind I can see who Kumokiri is" "Do you really know?" "Ten years ago... I was a samurai with the Owari Clan" "My name was Sajuro Tomizuka" "What destroyed me was the embezzlement of..." "The accountant," "Kuranosuke Tsuji the accountant." "You embezzled the clan's funds..." "And you refuse to admit it..." "Because of your shameless conduct..." "You are sentenced to commit hara-kiri..." "Your house will be abolished..." "And your family will be most severely punished." "Signed:" "Tsugutomo Owari." "But Kuranosuke and his brother lori..." "Refused to obey and fled" "Eight samurai were selected... I was one of them..." "To find and kill the two" "We staked our lives on this mission" "Several hours later... I awoke to find..." "The Tsuji brothers both gone... lf l returned I would be punished..." "So I took the heads of my comrades..." "And disguised them as heads of the Tsuji brothers lt was the only thing for me to do" "Yes, the only way I could have saved myself" "Seven men were killed by these two?" "Yes, I apologize" "Well, it's over now" "And no one else knows, right?" "Certainly, sir" "We are grateful" "Give me those heads" "I'm beginning to understand what you really want I will help you to get it" "But I have one condition I know" "Kumokiri's head..." "You want it, don't you?" "Edo Castle" "Shikibu..." "You've failed to foil these robberies..." "The elders have strongly reprimanded you..." "Yet you refuse to retire..." "You have courage, and I admire it" "Have you any prospects?" "Of course, sire I have almost discovered who this Kumokiri is" "And I have a man who can identify him" "What's that?" "A man who was an Owari clan samurai" "Ten years ago there was an embezzlement case... ln the Owari clan lt is my guess that Kumokiri is connected with us l have begun to suspect the connection" "If you are that confident..." "Then I have no more to say" "But, Shikibu..." "You are certainly some samurai... I am a member of the Shogun's council..." "And my political life is in your hands" "Yes, sir" "I am sorry, sire" "You've betrayed me I want to see a higher magistrate" "Stop!" "You're only to be exiled, you're lucky" "Hi!" "Yes" "Concerning our Owari investigations..." "We have no idea where Kumokiri will next attack..." "But this time we must get him, no matter what" "This may be the worst case we've ever had I am prepared, sir." "He is the worst criminal ls law, breaking always evil, I wonder..." "And are law, abiding citizens always right?" "Listen, this is only an assumption..." "But if you were told to kill yourself..." "For a false charge... lf even your most distant kin were punished..." "And the woman you loved taken away..." "What then would you do?" "If such a man then hates the government..." "And dares go against its laws..." "Can we then arrest him so easily..." "Even though we are the police?" "Well, be that as it may, you may go" "But come back alive." "Understand?" "Yes!" "Welcome back!" "Nagoya, Capital of the Owari Clan" "The wholesale good are here..." "The areas are Kyoto, Osaka, Edo.... and dAoswfanralulpthaesSweayntdoai,Hakata" "The wholesale total is ten times that of the retail" "And this is the shop lt's very prosperous" "I'm glad you've returned safely" "Thank you" "I wish to introduce her" "tell everyone to come" "Understand" "These are your rooms" "Oh, how sweet!" "I wanted you to like them" "She's so beautiful" "You think so, too?" "Now, listen." "This lady is from..." "An aristocratic family in Kyoto" "Fate ahs led us to our happy engagement..." "Soon we are to marry" "So, from today, regard her as my wife and..." "Be kind to her." "Do you understand?" "Yes!" "Now that you are married to me, you must learn..." "About business, and servants, and money" "You all must help her" "Understand?" "I am Ochiyo and I ask for your favor" "Sanji, of the Kumokiri Gang" "Shall I lend you some chips?" "We really should help each other" "Thank you, but I must be going" "You go for the evil?" "Fading like the mist, just like Kumokiri?" "One of the Matsu-ya's clerks?" "No, Sanji of the Kumokiri gang, I think" "Who are you?" "Fukuyemon, chieflieutenant of the Akatsuki gang l've had no chance to talk with you..." "But I know who you are" "Glad to see you here in Nagora" "We're both in the same boat, come with me" "I know who that is" "Won!" "I'm quite lucky l've finally met you." "So you work with Kumokiri?" "And you embezzled..." "Considerable of your shop's money." "Here take it" "Isn't it hot, though?" "I don't want to owe you anything, I'll pay you back" "In Edo, Kumokiri outwitted us and..." "My best men were all taken by the police..." "Don't blame me" "I don't" "But do me a favor, tell me where the Matsu, ya money is" "And where the keys are." "That's all I can't betray my boss" "Actually..." "You've already betrayed him" "You're a Matsu-ya clerk now" "You're here to have a good time?" "Your hand is so hard" "You're very manly" "Pour me some sake" "Daughter of an old friend, a thief, he is" "Met accidentally, she's in the gang too now" "Make up your mind and you can have her" "Then you'll be in my gang, too" "Don't forget where to meet" "You gamble too much these days" "Cheated?" "That's why you're running away" "What happened?" "There was a police card" "Two men and a woman got away" "Are you one of them?" "Fukuyemon discovered who I was" "Does he know you're at the Matsu-ya?" "I'm sure he's gotten wise" "What shall we do?" "Please forgive me" "That woman with Fukuyemon..." "We've got to find her..." "How's that?" "He said her name was..." "Omaki" "is she a police spy?" "Idiot!" "Get rid ofher!" "Yes!" "Follow him and watch" "Go tell the boss." "He's at the Utsunoya pass" "Kill Fukuyemon or we're los" "Yes" "She's mine, don't touch her" "What're you saying?" "I don't want to die" "I want to live" "Hit me, kick me, I'll never tell you I want to see your boss, understand?" "Shut up" "Good, go ahead" "You'll wish you hadn't" "He knows something I thought he was just acting big" "But I see there's something funny about him" "How was it?" "They approved using offiicial messengers" "Two days will be enough lf you can't trust me, then write:" "I know something you want to know." "I know where in Owari Kumokiri will next strike." "Now, listen..." "Pay the palanquin bearers well..." "Have the two of them go by palanquin" "That's your job" "Among the police Yanagi is the best swordsman" "The only way to fool him is by..." "Using the palanquin" "Kumokiri, who do you think you are fooling?" "Go!" "Go!" "I want you to take this money..." "And promise you will never see us again" "What do you mean?" "Ochiyo and I will soon be married" "She will be my wife" "She must be respected, and respect herself" "Seeing you will remind her that..." "That she was really bought. lt will be hard I'm not young any more" "But I am truly in love." "For the first time I'm not lying. it's true I understand. lfit's for her sake... lfit is for the two of you... I'll be happy to withdraw I am glad you understand I am grateful." "Thank you" "This is the last time you should see her now" "Would you like to buy some sushi?" "Show it to me" "Yes!" "Be careful" "Sanji got killed... lt was hard to contact you" "Send someone else then" "Ochiyo!" "What do you want?" "Denjiro turned informer" "They don't know what we're up to, though" "But the investigation Arm is there" "And the boss says to hurry" "The boss?" "is he in Nagoya?" "I don't know, Kichi said so" "Tell the boss that... I'm to marry Matsuya in three days" "There you are" "Husband..." "Don't just look..." "Buy something I don't want anything" "That's just like you" "Here's something for you" "Thank you very much" "Take it and go" "Yes!" "Thank you" "Ochiyo is ready, sir i check it" "How beautiful!" "You may go" "Beautiful" "They say you're an angel..." "They're right" "You are an angel" "Your fragrance" "Your form" "You are a real angel I have an angel" "An angel, how fortunate I am!" "Good morning, Lady" "Good morning" "Where's the money?" "and the keys?" "I'm just married... I can't ask him so soon" "You'd better hurry" "You should be careful of the garden path, madame" "May Kumokiri be well..." "May I marry him after..." "All of this is over" "What are you praying for?" "For your good health and prosperity" "Don't worry about that I am protected by myriad pieces of gold" "What do you mean?" "You are standing on a huge fortune" "What?" "The treasure house is right under your feet" "There's a landing under the shrine flooring" "Beside it is the treasury" "But the keys, I worry about them..." "They ought to be carefully hidden" "They are very near us..." "But they are always on the move" "Where are they?" "That, no one else knows" "No one else knows at all I am the only one who knows where they are" "It has been a long time" "Who are you?" "The masseur who was at the Musashi-ya." "There's more, too." "Ten years ago..." "Ten years ago?" "Because I failed to kill you... I have had to live as you see me..." "But now luck is mine lori Tsuji" "You cannot kill me, can you?" "This is a sanctuary" "There are many samurai outside" "You cannot touch me I've won, this time I've won" "This time I'm the one to win" "We meet again" "As Nizayemon...no..." "As my brother, lori" "Will you do me a favor?" "Our vendetta has lasted ten years" "Now our very chance for revenge has come" "Our very chance?" "Yes, look" "That boy will be offiicially appointed as the Owari heir" "The celebration will be in then days" "On that night the Lord of Owari will retire..." "To his private suites with his wife and son" "They will be off guard" "The private palace is here" "As you know..." "There is a hidden escape passage for the Lord lt is through this pond" "But we can enter through it" "The day the Lord of Owari retires..." "That is the day of our last and best chance I have decided to die there" "For ten years now... I have been waiting for this." "Now it has come I want you to join me, to attack and die" "Please help me" "Please, I beg it of you" "lori Tsuji...he died ten years ago" "The man before you is Nizayemon..." "That notorious bandit who rebels against the government" "As a robber, I..." "Nizayemon, lead my own life I do not care that I am notorious l like this life. I obey no one" "Are you not sorry you are only a robber?" "Sorry?" "No, I shall never be" "Authority and political power are for samurai..." "Thieves are to resist them" "Samurai live on their vanity, but..." "Thieves are free, they live as they please" "Actually, I quite enjoy my life" "Then, you mean..." "You will not obey even your own brother?" "lori i am sorry" "But I do not care for castles or for lords..." "Much less for the girl I once loved" "To me these are as nothing" "Your way oflife and mine..." "These are opposite to each other" "That can be our sole conclusion" "How you live." "How I die..." "Which is right?" "I shall say no more I no longer consider you my brother" "Even if I fail... I shall try alone I shall go by myself" "Are you awake, madame?" "Has my husband gone?" "Yes, madame." "He said there was something urgent I see. I'll stay in bed for a while" "You may go" "Yes!" "What do you think?" "is this the missing clerk?" "Yes, I'm certain" "Did they commit suicide?" "No, they were murdered" "Then, Kumokiri..." "He may have been working for the thief" "There may be more like this at Matsuya's" "Some gambling troubles?" "Do you have any idea" "No, I have no idea" "Change the screens here" "Yes!" "Please don't forget it" "Tell him I'll get the keys by tomorrow night" "Are you sure?" "They're somewhere near, someplace no one would look" "Some unexpected place I'll manage" "Manage?" "I can't say that. lt must be definite" "Have I ever failed?" "Do you understand now?" "Yes!" "Are you certain Matsuya doesn't know about this?" "Yes, sir" "Sakuzo, the head clerk, and I are the only ones who know I'm afraid I don't know how rich Matsuya is" "Much less the whereabouts of the treasury and the keys" "Matsuya himself alone knows" "But I know something about this tunnel" "Matsuya's father told me lt was from his father's time?" "It goes from here to here" "Tobei, you found this out?" "Yes, but I don't know where the treasury is lf we go too far, Matsuya will find out" "Then Kumokiri will fail..." "We must act so that" "Matsuya suspects nothing" "Are there other spies in the shop?" "Yes, and one of them is closest to Matsuya" "Are you going out so early?" "The magistrate has summoned me" "Sankichi was killed" "Which reminds me." "Let's go to the Saya villa..." "Early tomorrow morning" "But, this evening the merchants..." "Have to go to the castle" "Why the villa tomorrow?" "You are most precious to me I don't want to involve you in anything I'd like you to move to the villa" "Please say that you will I don't understand, but if you insist" "That's good, let's do it" "Se how strange your master is lt seems fond of you" "The keys are somewhere near us..." "And how do you feel?" "..." "How are you?" "But they are always on the move" "Boss..." "Come!" "Boss!" "Them..." "Now, let's get going" "You made it, Ochiyo" "Wait" "What's wrong?" "This is very strange..." "The frogs..." "They've stopped croaking" "What?" "Boss, this is?" "Don't be scared" "To the tunnel!" "Stay calm, understand?" "Rokunosuke." "Be quick!" "Rokunosuke." "What are you doing?" "Ochiyo!" "Ochiyo!" "Boss, let's go!" "The tunnel... lt's the only way!" "Rokunosuke" "Let's go!" "Let's go!" "Ochiyo!" "Ochiyo!" "Rokunosuke" "Ochiyo!" "Let's go!" "Boss!" "Boss!" "Not that way" "Wake up all the clerks and servants" "Where is the way to the moat?" "Fire!" "Fire!" "The rear door is this way" "See that Ochiyo gets away" "Boss!" "Go!" "We'll meet at the Juzen Temple" "Juzen Temple, understand?" "Wait there" "Go now" "Go!" "Ochiyo, hurry!" "Come!" "Ochiyo!" "Be quick!" "Take care ofhim" "Please..." "Take good care ofhim" "Now, it's time to fight" "I'll get you I may not be much..." "But I have my pride" "I am not much..." "But I am a samurai" "My Lord!" "They have fled to the cliff" "This has been..." "The worst business deal I've ever made" "The police say there's no sign of Kumokiri" "And we almost got him too" "An old man has come..." "He won't give his name" "Wants to tell us something about Kumokiri" "Under arrest, Kichigoro" "Omatsu, Shichimatsu..." "And three others" "Those killed are:" "Rokunosuke and sixteen others" "Those being pursued..." "Nizayemon," "Ochiyo..." "Kumagoro and Jihei ls that correct?" "Yes, sir." "No mistakes" "We met once, at an inn in Edo, didn't we?" "Yes, sir. I am happy you remember" "And what is it that brings you here?" "That is the point" "The fact is that I am..." "The very Nizayemon for whom you are searching" "You are Kumokiri?" "This is no mistake?" "No, sir i swear it by the gods ofheaven and earth" "You must believe me" "I appreciate your devotion... I, Kumokiri Nizayemon..." "Am truly grateful" "And I thank you" "Tie him up!" "There is no need." "He gave himself up" "Kumokiri Nizayemon" "Yes!" "Before we arrest you... I would like to ask you one question" "How do you feel now?" "I would like to know" "Well... °" "Unable to bear the snow, the bamboo breaks... °" "After it breaks it realizes how free it is.' l had nothing to live for while I lived" "Now, facing death... I have discovered the proper way to die" "When you die, Kumokiri's name will disappear" "The place for you to die..." "You have chosen it well, you can rest assured" "Thank you, sir" "For your future reference... I have sent for Kumokiri's things left behind" "For all ofhis stealing..." "He lived modestly enough I can see what kind of man he was" "And you, what do you wish for?" "Here..." "My wish is written in it" "You intend to resign, do you not?" "That is correct, sire I would be grateful if you so permitted me" "You arrested a most notorious thief" "You are promised promotion" "Why do you wish to resign?" "Tell me" "There is no especial reason, sire" "But I think that now I must judge myself" "Judge yourself?" "." "He was human, so am I" "Both of us obeyed heaven's judgments" "While working on the Kumokiri case, you have..." "Learned about corruption in high places?" "But, Shikibu... I will say no more" "You may withdraw" "Wait" "Dispose of these as you please" "The name of Kumokiri shall be deleted..." "From all offiicial records lt will be my last gift to you" "°ßKumokiri Nizayemon°@" "°ßand four cohorts...°@" "°ßHave been exhibited and executed.°@" "lmpossible, I don't believe it" "We must hurry... I cannot believe it impossible..." "Ochiyo!" "Do you believe he is really dead?" "The government's announced it" "And he was exhibited at that" "They can't be lying" "I don't believe it" "He would never die" "He's alive, somewhere" "Ochiyo!" "I won't go to Kyoto until I'm sure" "You want to go back to Owari?" "You mustn't...you'd die there" "Ochiyo!" "Boss!" "Thank you" "Kichigoro, Shichimatsu..." "Omatsu..." "They are all dead" "Kichigoro looked at me as if saying... I should take care of you" "The man who died on your behalf" "He was the priest we met at Joshin Temple" "He closed his eyes." "He was peaceful" "He was even smiling slightly" "So, they are all dead?" "But you still have me. I am with you" "Kumagoro" "Will you follow wherever I lead?" "I will go anywhere with you" "Owari Castle" "It's really raining" "My son" "Yes!" "You are now my offiicial heir" "And I must tell you something" "You must listen to me well" "Years ago this palace..." "Was near ruin..." "They say my clan is rich..." "But there were many disasters..." "We were in dire straights ln spite of all that..." "There was one idiot who was unaware" "That was me" "Back then, the government was weak..." "So was the sixth Shogun, he died soon..." "And his successor was left undecided" "My lord is the closest relative of the Shogun" "There was nothing untoward in your following him" "Troubles in my clan prevented this... I tried to bribe the Shogunate's elders... ln order to win over the Lord of Kishu, my rival" "I spent our fortune, we were in debts ln a bad spot, as the commoners say" "The Lord of Kishu became the Shogun?" "Yes, but I do not regret it I feel sorry for those who are here" "They were... ln charge of the finances" "They had to pay our debts, maintain our dignity" "And how hard they had to work!" "Thank you, my lord!" "Your words have recommended all our sufferings" "They have vanished now I feel the same way!" "As do I!" "And I refuse to feel that way!" "Have you forgotten?" "I do not think you have" "HniagvhetImnaroetsatphpeesaeretdeninyyeoarusr?" "You cannot have forgotten" "Who are you?" "It is I... lt has been a long time, sire I was your accountant..." "My name is Kuranosuke Tsuji" "Kuranosuke Tsuji!" "You might well try to become shogun" "You are high offiicials" "You may well dispose of the clan's money your own way" "But you went too far" "Unable to pay your debts..." "To the moneylenders and merchants of the town..." "You falsely accused me of embezzlement" "You crushed me and my family to protect your honor" "Selfish, cruel, have you any excuses?" "The lord was foolish to trust the vassals" "And the vassals sacrificed..." "Their colleagues for the sake of promotion" "What shame!" "You are all unspeakable!" "Kuranosuke Tsuji..." "Lost his family," "saw his home destroyed" "And he himself fled, penniless" "But now he is going to die with you!" "Father!" "Mother!" "Be quick!" "lori!" "Oshino!" "Get out of the way!" "Wait!" "I no longer care that you betrayed me" "Just get out of the way!" "You are going!" "That boy, he is your own son" "Your own son!" "I believed..." "That you were still alive..." "And I always wished..." "To show you your grown son..." "That alone kept me alive..." "That was all that I lived for" "Close the doors" "What she said..." "No one must ever know..." "Or our clan is finished" "Oiku-no-Oshino" "You now must die" "Die!" "There's a way out here" "Boss!" "Be quick!" "lori!" "Stand up" "Oshino!" "Get in!" "lori!" "Oshino!" "Oshino!" "lori!" "Oshino!" "Fire!" "Oshino!" "Oshino!" "Oshino!" "Kumagoro!" "Autumn, 1722" "Kumokiri Nizayemon Died 1722" "Dedicated by Shikibu Abe"