"Nikkatsu Productions Presents" "KOCHIYAMA SOSHUN" "Original Story by YAMANAKA Sadao Screenplay by MIMURA Shintaro" "Directed by YAMANAKA Sadao" "Cinematography by MACHII Harumi Music by NISHI Goro" "KAWARAZAKI Chojuro in the lead role" "Cast:" "KAWARAZAKI Chojuro as Kochiyama Soshun" "NAKAMURA Kanemon as Kaneko" "HARA Setsuko as Onami" "When a toad sees himself in the mirrors that surround him, he becomes agitated and he gradually starts to exude an oily sweat." "Then we collect this sweat in a pan that has been prepared, mix it with 108 kinds of herbs and a leaf of bamboo, and boil it over a slow fire, this is how to make this oil." " Good day to you, sir." " How's it selling?" "Well..." "Oh, thank you, sir." "Move away, children, move away!" " How is it?" " Good day to you." " Is business good?" " It's cold, so only a few have come." "Oh, well, work hard." "Thank you." "Next, I will draw this long blade." "It's so cold tonight, I've only got a few customers." "Idiot!" "Wait till the boss hears this!" "But there are so many stores." "No one would notice one or two missing." "The master always checks, he's that stingy." "Don't be so harsh." "You wouldn't be able to earn a thing." "Come on!" "Ah, Onami-san." "Good evening." "So, have you sold much today?" "Not many people out as it's so cold, eh?" "That's right." "Never mind about that, you don't have to pay." "There are many stores, so no one will notice one missing payment." " But I don't want to cause any bother." " No, not at all." "I won't be earning anything out of it." "Well, if it isn't Kaneko-san?" "Hello, Kitamura-san." "I didn't expect to meet you here." "I'm glad you look so well." "Are you on duty here?" " I've been in Edo since last month." " Is that so?" "I'd better finish my rounds before it gets too late." "Goodnight, then." "But Kaneko-san, please don't be so brusque with me." "We've not seen each other for so long." "Let's talk over a drink." " Sorry, I'm a little busy today." " Kaneko-san!" "Don't feel sorry for yourself just because you've become a ronin." "We've not met up for so long." "How are you?" "We've often heard stories about you and your life." "Well, I make a living somehow." "Don't worry." "All the best." "Oh, Kaneko-san..." "Hey, sister!" "Hiro-chan, where have you been till so late?" "Please, I want you to stop calling me "Hiro-chan"." "Why?" "What's wrong with Hiro-chan?" " I'm not a child any more." " Is that so?" "It's late now, Hirotaro." "You'd better go home." "Well, he's a strange fellow." "He never used to be like that." "I suppose a man changes when he becomes a masterless samurai." " I won't be home tonight, sis." " Where are you going?" " How much, Madame?" " Thank you for your custom." "Oh!" "My small knife is missing." " What's the matter, sir?" " I've lost my knife." "What a disaster." "My knife is missing." "You win again." "I'm no match for you." "You play chess like an expert." "I've lost three times in a row." "I won't lose this one." "It's hardly interesting bidding only 10-mon coins." "Come on, bid a little higher." "I've got 50 ryo on me." "I'll accept any bet under 10 ryo." "What will it be?" " Well, I'll bid one ryo." " One ryo!" "Place your bet then." "If you win, you'll make five ryo back." "Stop that, Hiro." "Be quiet!" "If you don't like it, get lost!" "Place your bid, sir." "What a shame, sir." "That's one ryo to me." "You should bid two ryo next to get revenge." "You shouldn't do it." "Don't you see?" "Hey, Hiro..." "Don't mind those young fellows, sir." "Why not bet two ryo?" "I'll bid ten ryo this time." " Ten ryo?" " Yes, ten." "So if I win this one, I'll get 50 ryo, right?" "That's right, sir." "If you bid ten ryo and you win, that'll be 50 ryo to you." "So, ten ryo it is." "Are you watching this?" "This is the spirit of Edo, who cares if you lose 1000 ryo in one night!" "You could learn a lot from him..." "So let me get this straight, if I win, my ten ryo will get me 50 ryo back?" "Yes." "Very well." "Let's play." "Well, sir..." "I was tricked by that fellow." "I have nothing to say to tricksters who are tricked." "Sorry, sir." "With the 50 ryo I borrowed from you and my 2-ryo savings..." "Fool!" "Go and douse yourself in well water!" "Idiot!" "Thank you, sir." "Eh?" "It looks like one's missing." "Weren't there 43 stores there tonight?" "No, sir, 42." "Definitely 42." "No mistake." "What's the matter, Madam?" "There's a young man upstairs, is that it?" "Shall I call him for you?" "Well, is Hiro-chan there?" " Who's this Hiro-chan?" " His name is Hirotaro." "Really?" "I've never heard of him." "He comes here most days." "Very well, I'll enquire." "Wait here." " Who is it?" " It's me." "Oh, welcome home." "If he is there, please tell him to come home soon to his sister." "So, he's your brother?" "What's the matter?" " Is upstairs open?" " Yes, they'll be in there all night." " Is there a man named Hiro-chan?" " Who's Hiro-chan?" " His sister's come to fetch him." " You can go up and look." "All right, I'll go and ask." "Is there a Hiro-chan here?" "His sister's downstairs." " Who's Hiro-chan?" " Hiro-chan's not here tonight." "Oh?" "I'll let her know." "It looks like he's not here yet." "Is he not at Torako's place?" "You don't know Torako's place?" "Are there any other places like this around here?" "Yes, of course." "I'll tell you..." "Ken-san, who was that man?" "You don't know him?" "It's the husband of madam downstairs." " You mean...?" " That's Kochiyama Soshun." "There's Saito's house and another behind the store." "Those are the gambling places around here that I know." "Thank you for your kindness." " Do you know the way?" " Yes, I know it well." "Pretty girl." "Off home already?" "Master, sorry about the last time." "You were the one who advised me during the gambling?" "I've often heard your name, but never knew your face." "Forgive me." "Nothing to forgive." "I owe you thanks." " You must be joking." " Come and sit down." "What's your name?" "Sorry I didn't say." "I'm Hirotaro, no..." "I'm Nao." "Pleasure to meet you." "Nao, let's drink to our new acquaintance." "It's wrong to give a young man such a large cup." " It's only one cup." " You shouldn't." "It's fine." " Ooh!" " You can drink!" " I can handle one or two flasks." " Excellent!" "You don't look like you could." "Oshizu, there's no more." "Bring us some of the good stuff." " Do we have any?" " If not, go to the sake merchant's." "But I haven't paid him for two months." "You're hopeless!" "You should always keep 10 or 20 barrels in." "That's your business, isn't it?" "Such extravagance!" "If there's anything else you need to buy, don't hesitate to ask." "Really?" "Well, I've been longing for another jacket." "Very well, I'll buy you one." "Anything else?" "I had to borrow the tea chest in the back room..." "Borrowed?" "Don't be so stingy, just buy it." "We're very short-staffed, so I'd like to employ a girl..." "Fine, I'll pay for her." " Madame?" " What is it?" " I'm really sorry, but..." " You've lost again, haven't you?" "Yes, I've lost everything." "So..." "I wonder if I could trouble you for a loan." "Fine, I'll sort you out." " Keep it." " Eh?" "How kind..." "That's very kind of you, Master." "Madame, thank you." "Dearest, that belt you bought me last year..." "Belt?" "I'll buy you one..." "Tonight, I'll buy anything." "Nao, shall we go to the Yoshiwara and buy a courtesan?" "Oh, yes." "Oshizu, go and order us two palanquins." "You've no need to pay for a palanquin." "You'll be able to ride without paying..." "Nao, drink up." "You'll poison him ifyou make him drink." "I'll drink it, all right?" " Stop it." " But the boy shouldn't..." "Boy?" "Madam, he's a fierce drinker!" " Is he that strong?" " He's strong, all right!" "Nao, drink from this instead." "Is he all right?" "Contrary to his boyish appearance, he can down two flasks!" " Oh, it's true." " He can drink like a fish!" "Master..." "Nao, a young fellow like you must have a lot of girls." " I don't believe it." " It's Nao, don't you know?" " I have no girl." " There's no need to hide it." "It's true, I don't." "Is this the first time you've been to such a place?" "Where are you going?" "Master, I'm not drunk yet." "You're Hiro-chan, aren't you?" "I knew it was you!" "Omitsu-chan." "Yes, I'm Omitsu." "You've grown up, haven't you?" "I hardly recognised you." "Master, that boy's quite something." " Is Onami-san well?" " My sister?" "Same as usual." "You just said you had no regular girl, but she's a listed courtesan." " She is not!" " No, we're friends from childhood." "I heard the young master took a courtesan out." " I'll bet that costs a pretty penny." " About 500 ryo." "I can't imagine that stingy fellow paying such a price." "Good day, sir." "Welcome back, sir." " Ushi." " Sir?" "I told you to fix this yesterday, didn't I?" " It wasn't yesterday." " What?" " It was the day before." " Idiot!" "So why haven't you done it?" "Have you got no glue?" "None." "It's too much trouble having to go and buy any." " I'll go and buy you some." " Really?" "Is Onami there?" "Ah, Kaneko." "Kitamura, what's the matter?" " Sorry for last night." " Not at all." "I came here to discuss a matter with a young lady." ""A matter"?" "It's a rather troubling matter, actually." "Where's Onami?" "She's just left to go and see her brother." "So, what's the matter?" "Well, it's very serious, in fact." "I think you know this sword of mine." "Yes, it's very well crafted." "Is it a Takemitsu?" "No, far from it." "It's a treasure of the Kitamura family." "It's a famous Muramasa blade, bestowed by the previous lord." "Is that so?" "But last night, the small companion knife was stolen." "Oh, yes, the knife's missing." "Who could have stolen it?" "I think it was the brother of the girl in this house." "Hiro?" "I wonder if it was him..." "If my lord hears of this incident, I'll have to commit harakiri." "You'll have to cut your belly?" "That's terrible." " I'm in a desperate situation." " You are, aren't you?" "By the way, Kitamura, how old are you?" "My age?" "I'll be 53 this year." "Fifty-three?" "They say one's life lasts 50 years." "So for a man who's lived till 53, that's good enough, eh?" "And now this one." "Here we have a small knife, with gold and silver ornamentation." "It belongs to a samurai, so differs markedly from any piece owned by farmers or merchants." "Such exquisite objects rarely come up for sale in this market." "But in these straitened times, this small knife has to be sold." "See for yourself." "It should be worth at least three ryo." "It doesn't look that good." "So, what price do you bid for this small knife?" "How much do you bid?" " One ryo." " One ryo, one ryo..." " Two ryo!" " Two ryo..." "Two ryo and two bu." "Three ryo!" "Five ryo, five ryo!" "Seven ryo!" "Seven ryo and two bu!" "10 ryo!" "11 ryo!" "It's getting late." "Where did he go to buy the glue?" " Hey, Hiro." " Morning." " Hiro, wait!" " I'm in a hurry." " You spoiled my business that day..." " We'll talk later." " Wait a moment!" " What is it?" " You must be that monk's accomplice." " I don't know him." " Just tell me who that monk is?" " I don't know!" "Tell me, who is that monk?" "That brother of yours is a handful, isn't he?" "I really don't know what to say in apology to that samurai." "Well, if your brother happens to show up here tonight," "I'll send him packing." "Thank you, sir." " He's Hirotaro, yes?" " Yes." "Sorry for disturbing you." " I'll fetch him when he arrives." " Yes, please, Kenta." "Was that about the man last night?" "You really don't know that fellow Hiro-chan?" "I don't know him." "That girl just said that he comes in here every night." "You must know him." " I'll bet that Nao knows him." " Who are you talking about?" "That young man called Hirotaro, the one that girl's looking for." "You surprise me." "Why should you care about him?" "Well..." "I feel sorry for that girl." "I'm back!" "Oh, Nao's back." "I've been meaning to ask you, Nao, where have you been?" "Do you know a man named Hiro-chan or Hirotaro?" " Do you know him?" " I'm not well acquainted with him." "Any idea where he is right now?" "I can't imagine." "Why, what's the matter?" "His sister came by, she was very worried about him." "What's with him?" "Excuse me, sir." "That young fellow that just entered..." "You!" "You were the one playing chess!" "Oh, it's you." "I didn't know this was your house, sir." "Let's play one game." "Oshizu, bring me a chessboard." "It's no joke, I'm in a hurry." " I must refuse..." " Wait a moment." "I don't suppose you know a fellow called Hiro-chan or Hirotaro?" " Hirotaro?" " You know him?" " Master, don't be joking with me." " So?" "I've never heard of anyone named Hirotaro." "Excuse me!" "What are you doing, Hiro?" "I'm not Hiro." "My name's Nao." "Keep that in mind." "It won't do any good hiding him!" " We can't find him." " That's not answering my question." "I cannot report to my lord with such an excuse." "I'll have to petition the judge of Minami-machi to arrest this girl's brother." "Kitamura, there's no need to be so rash." "He should be back tonight." "We'll wait a few days and if he doesn't appear, then I suggest you petition the judge or commit harakiri." "Very well." "I'll do as Kaneko says and wait a few days." "You'll wait?" "Very good, Kitamura." "Thank you, sir." "I'm sure you'll find your knife." "If the knife isn't returned to me in three days' time," "I will petition the judge to take action." "Who is the current judge of Minami-machi?" "I think it's Judge Kato." " It's Kato, is it?" " You know him?" "We've met a few times." "What's his given name?" " Kiyomasa, I think." " That's right, Kato Kiyo..." "Anyway, if the knife doesn't appear in three days, officers of the law will come and investigate." "Be prepared." "Goodbye, Kaneko." "If this matter's made public, his life will be in danger." "He's hardly likely to bring it to the judge." "You'll be fine." "Master, is something wrong?" "It's you, Ushi!" "I remember, I came here for glue." " Onami, some glue, please." " Who was that samurai just here?" "It's nothing to do with you." "Onami, what's happened?" "Who on earth would pay ten ryo for such a trivial knife?" "It's a waste of money." "But you were the first to bid on it." "Bid?" "The first price I bid was only one ryo." "But something like this, see?" "It's only worth one ryo!" "No one but a fool would pay 10 ryo for it." "But before I bought it at 10 ryo, you'd bid 7 ryo and 2 bu." "Listen, that's because you'd said 7 ryo beforehand." "I said 7 ryo, because you'd said 5 ryo!" "And what did you say before that?" ""3 ryo!" "3 ryo!"" "When I tried to buy it at 2 ryo, you should've stayed quiet!" "It's your fault, you said 2 ryo and 2 bu." "I beg your pardon!" "Firstly, this is what I did." " Eh?" " What?" "Hey, both of you!" "Why are you both quarrelling?" "Well, it's over a small knife that I just bought..." " A small knife?" " Yes." " I'm looking for a small knife as well." " You too, sir?" "Then how about this one?" "I bought it today from a friend for 20 ryo." "What?" "20 ryo?" "It's an exquisite piece, sir." "If you're interested, sir, I would sell it to you for 20 ryo." "No, the one I'm looking for isn't as cheap as..." "What is it?" "Now I see..." "Is it to your liking?" "It's magnificent, even though it is a fake." "It even looks genuine." "Where did you get it?" "Well, that..." "To be honest, it was a family heirloom of a good friend of mine." "It's very well crafted for a fake." "I can tell it's a fake, though others couldn't." "You have impeccable judgement, sir." " How much was it?" " 20 ryo, sir." "Right, then." "I'll buy it for 30 ryo." " 30 ryo?" " Exactly, I'll give you 30 ryo for it." "However, you must tell no one that it's a fake." "Yes, sir." "I promise." "Give me ten ryo..." "No problem, you don't need to pay." "I won't be earning anything out of it." "Ushi, don't say a word to my boss." " Thank you so much." " Not at all." "Goodbye, Onami." "Onami, who's that samurai who came today?" "Nobody." "I heard him say he was petitioning a judge." "I guess Hiro must've been up to no good again." "He's a troublemaker." "Ushi, I'd like to ask you a favour." "What is it?" "Lately, Hiro-chan hasn't been coming home." "Really?" "I bumped into Hiro today." "You met him?" "Well, since he hasn't come home, he could be at that monk's place." "Monk?" "He's recently become an accomplice of that dubious monk." " Onami, that's him there." " Who?" "That's the monk." "Ah, so you've opened a stall here?" "Then I shall have a cup of your sweet sake." "Chessman, won't you open your place tonight?" "Please, don't joke with me, Master." "Onami, there's my money." "Goodbye." "It's hard for a woman working on her own." "Hiro-chan was always such a good boy when he was young." "So, he still hasn't come home?" "He's a cause for worry." "Why can't he live an honest life?" "When he returns home, you'd better discipline him." "I think he's in with a bad crowd." "That's true." "I heard your brother comes every night to my place." "That's not good." "Though I say so myself, it's no place for honest men." "I beg you, could you please bring Hiro-chan back to me?" "He's good natured and shy." "He's not the type to become one of your followers." "You're right." "He's your brother, he should keep his distance from people like me." "Please bring him back to me." "I beg you, he's my only brother." "You're an odd one." "You talk as if it's me keeping your brother at my place." "Hey, stop trying to seduce this young lady." " What did you say?" " Ushi, is this the fellow?" "You're the one who ripped him off for 50 ryo." "What of it?" "You've got a nerve." "Come along with us." "Madam, I have a matter to discuss with this samurai, but we'll talk later." " So, where are we going?" " Master...?" "Don't come, Onami." "I'll be back soon." "This place will do." "Hold that for me." "It seems one of your legs is shorter than the other." "Fool!" "One leg's just longer than the other!" "It's unbecoming to fight a man with bad legs." "Have no fear, my arms are strong indeed." "Ready?" "Master!" "There's no need for this!" "I'll be fine." "Move away, it's dangerous." "Step aside, it's dangerous." "Here I come!" "Onami, what's wrong?" "You've cut your hand badly." " Stop the fight." " Is there no ointment?" "Ushi, bring some ointment." "Fetch some of that toad oil!" " Toad oil!" " Master, the oil's fake." "Why don't you sell ointments, you idiot?" "Just go and buy some, quick!" "You've become friends now, haven't you?" "Ushi and the Morita clan have a bad reputation, so we don't bother taxing them." " You're employed by the Morita clan?" " I've nothing better to do." "But with your skills..." "What do you know about my skills?" "I was surprised when I saw you draw the long sword out so smoothly." "I surprised myself as well!" "I only bought it two months ago, and that was the first time I'd drawn it." "I'm surprised I was able to draw such a sword." " You're a stalwart bodyguard." " Onami, one more cup!" "Madam, as you were saying before, am I to blame for your brother?" "Ushi told me that Hiro-chan is often at your place these days." "The young man who comes to mine is called Nao." "There's something strange about him, though..." "I never noticed that Master Kochiyama liked sweet sake." "My husband drinks sweet sake?" "You see, you think you know it all, but indeed you know nothing." " It's always the way." " What did you say?" "I just meant, sweet sake is sweet..." "Please don't be upset with me." "Kenta, don't try to trick me." "I think I treat you very well." "If you've something to say, say it frankly." "I didn't want to upset you talking about it, but you remember that girl looking for a fellow called Hiro?" "That's the girl who owns the sweet sake shop." "Please don't tell the master, it's an absolute secret, but the master's favourite, Nao, he's really that girl's brother, and his name is Hirotaro." "Don't worry." "Master Kochiyama hardly ever refuses a request." "Wait a minute." "Kenta, good evening." "Is the Master in?" " He's absent." " Madam..." "See you again, Madam." "Will you allow me to stay here tonight?" " Nao..." " Sorry for disturbing you." " I must refuse you." " But..." "Is Hirotaro your real name?" "Forgive me, Madam." "But I'm depending on you, Madam, please let me stay tonight." "I'm sorry, I didn't expect this to happen." "It's fine." "Perhaps it's better this way." "If only Master Kochiyama was here." "Since I can't get away with this, what should we do, Omitsu?" "Hiro-chan..." "I'm resolute in my decision." "What decision?" "Are you willing to die, Omitsu?" "Yes." "There's nothing to hope for if I live." "Then I will die, too." "Hiro-chan, what are you saying?" "I don't mind." "What's the use of living long?" " Let's die together." " That's not right." "What would Onami think, if I was responsible for your death?" "Don't mind my sister." " I'm home." " Welcome back." "Please, come on in." "It's a bit scruffy, but please, let's have a drink." "Fumi, bring us something." "I just met this fellow at that late-night drinking spot." " Sit yourself down." " Thank you." " Has Nao come in yet?" " Nao?" "I'd like to have a talk with him." "With Nao?" "I suppose you would, yes." "Come and greet him politely." "You're a strange one." "Wait a moment." "Go and greet him properly." "Do it now!" "So Nao is really Hirotaro." " How do you know that?" " None of your business." "I have never noticed you had a liking for sweet sake." "What's the matter with sweet sake?" "Don't play the innocent with me!" "It's not you liking sweet sake that I mind." "I suppose someone's been spreading false rumours." "I'm disappointed." "Nao's sister, the girl who came here the other day, she's just a child!" "What are you saying?" "This is what's been on your mind?" "Sorry, but we'd best be leaving." "Madam seems to be in a bad temper." "Well, I'm sorry about that, but let's go drinking somewhere else." " Where are you going?" " Quiet!" "Kochiyama answers to no one but the Shogun." "Hey, you're the one who came in the other day." "Come in." "I'm sorry to disturb you." " Not at all." "What is it?" " Well..." "Is Master Kochiyama here?" "You need to talk with my husband, do you?" "He's been so kind to me." "He told me this morning I'd find my brother Hirotaro here." "Oh, really?" "You mean Nao." "Young men these days act so shamelessly." " Last night he was here..." " Hiro-chan was here?" "He came with a young girl, asking if he could stay." "My husband was out." " Where has Hiro-chan gone to?" " No idea." " My husband hasn't come home..." " Is Master Kochiyama out?" "He's probably at your stall." "Kenta, these modern girls look as if they won't say boo to a goose, but we can't just ignore them." "That's true." "A girl who looks like a child can lead a man by the nose." "Women can be so wicked." "And she even comes here to pester me." "How frightening!" "You're as silent as you are good natured." "It's not that easy being a woman." " But you're highly talented, Madam." " Kenta?" "Don't get sweet on this girl or my husband will scold you!" "Oh, I see!" "Toji-san, you're looking well today." "I wouldn't say that, I just saw a strange omen this morning." "What happened?" "It's more than just a happening, I saw the corpse of a courtesan." "The corpse of a courtesan?" "Corpse of a courtesan..." "Well, then, here's to the corpse of a courtesan." "Corpse of a courtesan..." "Forgive me for mentioning it, but she was so beautiful." "When I held her in my arms, I was trembling." "A double suicide, was it?" "Here's to the double suicide..." "A double suicide..." "Hiro-chan, when did you come home?" "Where have you been?" "I've been desperately looking for you." "Please, Hiro-chan, just think how I must feel." "What's happened?" "It's soaked through." "Here it is, boss." "Onami?" "Is she here?" "Boss, what should we do?" "Is that Ushimatsu?" "Onami, is Hiro home?" " No." " I suspect he is!" "No." "Has Hirotaro done something?" "It's not a trifling matter." "He's committed a major crime." "Has Hiro returned home?" "If you lie, there'll be trouble for you." "No, my brother hasn't been home for days." "What has Hirotaro done?" "He's eloped with a courtesan I own named Omitsu." "If I do nothing about it, then I will have lost face." "Onami, my boss can also offer you a means of making a living." "Hiro has forgotten his debt of gratitude to my boss." "He'll get a broken hand or leg as a warning." "Ushi, stop it." "You'll gain nothing by threatening the girl." "Madam, is it true that Hiro hasn't come home?" "Yes, sir." "When my brother returns, I'll make him apologise to you." "I'm not interested in apologies or forgiveness." "This is going to cost him 300 ryo for taking Omitsu." "300 ryo?" "Can you raise that kind of money?" "Well, can you?" "Ushi, I think she can raise that amount." "You're right, sir." "Hey, Onami, 300 ryo is a large sum." "You'd better think carefully about this." "If you can't raise it, then come and see my boss." "He'll be merciful." "Goodbye." "I'd like a balloon, please." "That one!" "Please, madam!" "I'll get the balloon for you." "Here you go." "What's the matter, sister?" "Are you angry?" "Sister?" "Sister!" "We have no way to settle this matter." "Bad news again?" "I just feel as if I'm going round in circles." " He hasn't come home yet?" " He's wandering about somewhere." "I knew you'd be worried about him." "He might be lying in the snow." "Kenta, that's enough!" "One can never really know another's feelings..." " Kenta!" " What is it, Fumi?" " There's someone here for you." " Man or woman?" " It's a woman." " A woman?" "How can I help you?" "Madam, you'll be amazed when you see who's here!" "I see." " You've eaten too much." " And drunk for too long." " Longer than a demon's loincloth!" " Very impressive." "Since opening, we've never served two people as much." "And it's not very expensive, 12 ryo and 2 bu." "Exactly, sir." "Thank you very much." "However, I have no money." "I'll borrow it..." " You're joking, surely?" " I'm deadly serious." "That's going to be rather difficult." "Then you'll have to come with us to my house." "Let's go." "How about we have a drink somewhere else?" " Yes, let's." " Surely you're joking, sir?" " If you could just settle your bill..." " Don't worry." "Come and drink with us somewhere." "Wait a moment." "I never pay a penny, wherever I go drinking." "It's the same everywhere." "But I'm worried about my work, being away so long." "So I'll head back now." "Let's drink another time." "Farewell!" "As my old lady's in a bad temper," "I'm not responsible if she doesn't pay you." "But, Master..." " I'll be back later." " Thank you." "Thanks very much for the money I borrowed from you, Madam." " Lady Luck's smiling on you lately." " Don't underestimate me." "Sometimes the wind blows from the north, sometimes the south." " You've sold that girl, haven't you?" " I'll leave it to your imagination." " I have to take the money to Hiro." " Just as I thought." "Don't breathe a word to the Master." "Yes, I know." "See you anon." "Madam, the Master's back!" " Welcome back." " Madam's been rather anxious." "Welcome home." "I've been worried about you." "Isn't there anyone with you?" "Just a "horse" who followed me." " What do you mean, "horse"?" " A debt collector." "Pay him!" "Sorry for troubling you." "Sorry, Madam." "Sorry you've had to come all this way." " Thank you." "It's 12 ryo and 2 bu." " Right..." " And here's a tip for you." " Many thanks." "Goodbye." "Thank you, Madam!" "Goodbye!" "Seems my wife's temper has changed dramatically." "This may sound like an arbitrary request, but it's vital you carry it out." "I'll handle it, sir." "I've many mouths to feed in this house, but no one gets a free lunch." ""No free lunch", I see." "Is that so?" "I'd like you to deliver a message." "Once you've done that, you must return here straight away." " I can wait three days..." " I see." "And what's the message?" " I want you to go to Onami's place." " This is about Onami!" "It's always a pleasure visiting her." "The message is:" ""The Morita Gang demand the 300 ryo you promised yesterday."" "Boss, I'd like to ask you to repeat what you just said..." " I want you to fetch that 300 ryo." " 300 ryo?" "Don't look at me like that." "All you have to do is to fetch the money." "Boss..." "I'd just like to ask you about that 300 ryo." "How can she possibly raise 300 ryo?" "Since Onami sells sweet sake for only five coins, she'd never raise that amount." "Even if you demand it, it'd be futile for me to go fetch it." " Hey, don't you remember me?" " Who are you?" " Return my knife!" " What?" "My life might depend on it." "Give it back!" " Not that again." " Listen, boy!" "It's enough to make me lose my temper, but I won't." "Just give it back to me, I'll be indebted to you." "Please." "Why do you keep going on about such a trivial thing?" "Ah, Kitamura." " Is that you, Kaneko?" " What's the trouble?" "The trouble is this little upstart!" "He doesn't realise the value of the thing he's taken." "This knife was a gift to me from my lord." "Even so, it's possible he may ask for it back." "Yes, I suppose every lord is like a child." "When he's in a good mood, he gives, and in a foul mood, he demands it back." "Very much so." "So, then, when are you committing harakiri?" "Well, no..." "Kaneko, as a friend of mine, could you try to persuade the boy?" "Hiro, I'm not that good at persuading people, but I think stealing the knife was a bad thing to do." " So hand it back." " I don't have it." " Where is it?" " I sold it at an auction." "What?" "You sold it?" "You sold it?" "Then there's nothing I can do." "Kitamura, it's time to..." "Well, in fact... and this is a secret between us, I actually found a substitute for it." " A substitute?" " Well, it's a fake, naturally." "But only an expert would be able to tell." "I see." "That's convenient for you." "Yes, but it's still not the genuine article." "Even so, I can avoid having to commit harakiri." "Good day to you." "The Boss has ordered me to get the 300 ryo you owe." "Have you heard anything from your sister?" " That's been dealt with." " Dealt with?" "Why did you hand over 300 ryo?" "Hey, Hiro, you must have some reason." "Why have you gone so quiet?" "What's happened to Onami?" "Where's your sister?" "Hiro!" "Look at me straight!" "You're so rotten, you can't even say it?" "I'm sorry, Master." "Last night, my sister sold herself because of me." "Sold herself?" "Where did she go?" "I'm not sure, but she went somewhere near Inari Alley." "That's Kochiyama's neighbourhood." " Will he be all right?" " Who do you mean?" "I'm talking about Kaneko." "He's been acting a little strange lately." "I think he's fallen in love." "If that happens, he'll be beyond our control." "He left here before noon." "Now it's almost sunset." "Yes, it is late, even if he does have a limp." "That's what I mean." "He was acting rather odd when he left." "He might have disappeared with the money!" " Are you really going to Koga?" " Yes, of course." "It'll be just the two of us alone in the mountains." "There's no need to remind me." "I've managed to escape before, but I know my luck can't last forever." "Hey, are you there?" "Oh, you're here." " What's the matter?" " Perfect timing." "How did you avoid losing your job, Kaneko?" "I managed to hold onto it." "Can I have a word?" "What's wrong?" " Onami's gone." " How come?" " I heard she sold herself." " Sold herself?" "Why?" "I'll explain later." "The place where she sold herself is in Inari Alley." " Do you know it?" " Around Inari Alley?" "Wait." "Who would do such business around here?" "I know!" "Kenta, at the house opposite." "He's a thug for some pimps." "Let's go over there." "Come in, Onami." "Anyway, let's go upstairs and discuss this." "Go straight upstairs, quick." "Oshizu, don't let anyone upstairs today." "Your sister's lovely, isn't she?" "Here's 100 ryo." "Take it." "100 ryo?" "It says 300 ryo on this receipt." " That's only on paper." " But..." "You don't understand the ways of the world." " All is settled, if you accept it." " I'm no fool, I refuse!" "All right, we can discuss it later." "Just sign your name here." "Hiro?" "Boss, Hiro's here." "Hiro, you can never escape from me." "You killed Omitsu, didn't you?" "I have no regrets about the dead girl." "As I explained to Onami, I demand from you a lump sum of 300 ryo." "Kenta, hand that 300 ryo to the Boss." "What are you saying?" "100 ryo is enough!" "Kenta, what are you doing here?" "Ah, Boss of the Morita Clan..." "Kenta, you showed me a receipt for 300 ryo." "You don't fool me." "Boss, please take a look at this." " Has Onami sold herself?" " Who told her to do so?" "It was because you threatened her!" "You can ask this fellow for your 300 ryo!" " Hiro, wait a moment..." " Kenta." "Don't mess with me." "What do you expect?" "That I'd let you get away with this?" " Where's Onami?" " Well, she's at my house." "She's worth 600 ryo if we take her to the Yoshiwara." "You, go and bring Onami to my house." "Yes, sir." "Come on, Kenta." "What a mess you're in!" "It'll take 300 ryo to save you from selling yourself." "Very well, I will prepare the 300 ryo." "Don't worry." "I'll help you out with the money." "You have a plan?" "For now, I have no special plan." "I see." "Listen..." "I know how we can raise between 300 and 500 ryo." "You do?" "It's not that unusual." "Listen to me..." "Hey, Kenta, where's Onami?" "Onami's gone!" "Did you see anyone entering my place?" "The young girl, have you seen her?" " Leave me alone!" " Where have you hidden her?" "It's no joke, she's escaped." "We can't let her!" "Let me go!" " You're putting on an act." " It's true!" "I'll ask over there." "Fumi, did you see anyone leave my house?" "No?" "Madam, have you seen that girl called Onami?" " Why, what's the problem?" " She must've escaped!" "What are you getting so flustered about?" " Nothing, sir." " What brings you here?" "Nothing..." "Well, I'll come back later." "Where have you hidden the girl?" "What a mess?" "There she is!" "Hey!" "Don't you try to escape!" "Right, I'll go and get everything ready." "I'm relying on you." "Wait." " Oshizu, how much money have you got?" " Money?" " Ten ryo will do." " But we need money for travelling." "I know that." "I'll have the money by tomorrow." "Use this for preparations." "Are you ready for this?" "It's going to be a matter of life and death." "Doing this certainly makes me feel more human." "So far, I've been on "free lunches", I think." "But this is different." "If you can gladly die for another, then you're truly a man." "Oshizu, we're leaving tomorrow night." "Go and make preparations." " What's wrong?" " It's nothing at all." "We'll stay in Edo today and tomorrow." "Then I'll shave my head and be gone for good." "I might not make it home until tomorrow." "Take care of the girl upstairs, won't you?" "By tomorrow, we'll be travelling." " Onami has escaped?" " As yet, no one knows where she is." "Kenta's running around in a panic." "Enough, you idiot!" "You talk as if this problem affects only them." "Look at it from my position." "If she has escaped, it's a total loss for me!" "That's true." "I'll go and search for her." "Yes, you will." "And bring her back by the morning." "All of you, spread out and search for her!" "Come on, you lot!" " You're Hiro, aren't you?" " Boss..." "I won't stand for behaviour like this..." "Where's my sister?" "Please give her back to me." "Give her back?" "I should be asking you where she is." " Even you don't know where she is!" " Please, just give her back." "Silence!" "Ushi, anyone, are you there?" "What do you think you're doing?" "I feel like complaining." "I've completely lost face." "Fumi, go ahead." "I'll follow on later." "Goodbye." "Madam, listen to me." "I was due to receive 300 ryo from the Sagami Inn for a "jewel"," "I'd promised to deliver her tonight." "But now what on earth am I supposed to do?" "It's like trying to find a fox in a forest, no trace nor shadow." "I could cry..." "Evening!" "We're closed tonight, sorry." " Shame." "I'll go upstairs then..." " No one's allowed upstairs." " Master's orders." " Really?" "That's a bit strict." "Madam, what's upstairs then?" "Madam, don't tell me that..." "I'm going out to the bath house." "Look after the place for me." "Upstairs is out of bounds, as the master said." "Understood?" "You're not allowed upstairs." "Thank you, Lord Dokai, for acting as messenger for his highness." "I will respectfully receive the message." "His highness' request is nothing too taxing, but he would like to see the knife given to your late father, Lord Izumo." " It's the small scabbard knife." " Small knife...?" "Exactly." "In fact, it's not just a humble "small knife" that he wants to see." "It's actually one of your family treasures, crafted by Goto Yujo." "Your late father received it from the Shogun himself." "I would very much like to view this knife." "Actually, his highness bought another small knife the other day." "That was also a masterpiece crafted by Goto Yujo." "When the Shogun himself saw this blade, he said that it looked very similar to the small knife that he presented to Lord Izumo some years ago." "But there is only one of Goto's genuine masterpieces in existence." "So you are saying that there seem to be two such knives?" "It is indeed a mystery." "Forgive me for saying, but I daresay the knife that his highness has bought is fake." "That is so, providing the real knife is still in your family's possession." "What are you saying?" "That Lord Izumo's knife has been lost?" "Not at all." "Since it's such a special knife, presented by the Shogun himself, it's hardly possible that it could be lost." "Then again, it seems impossible that there could be two of the same." "Do you know anything about this?" "The knife given to my late father by the Shogun?" "Yes, sir." "The masterpiece by Goto Yujo?" " I know it, sir." " Where is it?" "Bring it to me." "I'm sure the late lord presented it to Kitamura Daizen." "He gave it to Daizen?" "Summon Daizen here." "You haven't mentioned to anyone that this is a fake, have you?" "No, sir." "Tell no one." "This is what my late father received from the Shogun, the masterpiece by Goto Yujo." " I see." " The one and only knife." "I see." "Sir, there can be no mistake." " They look very alike." " What?" "Other people may be easily deceived, but not me." "What are you saying?" "I'm saying that this knife is not the work of Goto Yujo." "And what is your evidence for asserting this?" "This knife is well made, almost as good as the genuine one." "However, a fake is a fake." "Lord Izumo, if you look closely at this." "This is where the problem lies." "If it were a genuine piece..." "Sir, please!" "Please wait a moment, sir." "And you are?" "I'm Kitamura Daizen, chief retainer to this family." "What do you have to say, Daizen?" "I beg to differ, sir, and I can assure you that the knife is definitely the one given to the late lord by the Shogun." " It cannot be a fake." " Is that what you say?" "Yes, sir." "Absolutely." "It is not a fake, sir." " So Daizen can tell, eh?" " Yes, sir." " Daizen, so this knife is...?" " Yes, sir." "You fool!" "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "Lord Izumo..." "If the Shogun knew that you had lost the knife, you wouldn't be forgiven." "I think I must report this to his highness..." " No!" "...as soon as I return." "But then Daizen interrupted my train of thought." "Please, send our best regards to his highness in Ueno." "I humbly ask this of you, sir." "Lord Izumo, this knife is surely the one which your father received from the Shogun." "It really is the one and only masterpiece forged by Goto Yujo." "It's a splendid piece." "I shall thus inform his highness." "Thank you, sir." "Daizen..." "If it's convenient, I'll take the gold pieces now." " Permission to speak, sir." " Something serious has happened." "What is it?" "That previous guest, he's a fake!" " What are you saying?" " A fake, sir." "Don't be discourteous!" "It's not a fake." "It's a genuine piece by Goto Yujo." " Now go away!" " But it's the..." "Go away!" "The knife is definitely by Goto Yujo, but..." "Yes, of course it is!" "No... a fake... that knife..." "That man who came, he's the fake!" " I mean that monk is a fake, sir." " What?" "Yes, sir, the monk is an imposter." " The monk?" "An imposter?" " Yes, sir." "Why didn't you say so earlier?" "I must report this to my lord." "But listen..." "Which one is the fake?" "Tell me clearly." "The monk or the knife?" "It's the monk, sir." "Onami, we've got the money." "What's the trouble?" " She's not here." " She's not?" "Oshizu, the girl's not upstairs." "What happened?" " Nao came and took her away." " Nao took her?" "It was Nao, nobody else, so I presumed she'd be all right." "Where are they?" "I just dropped by his home, but it seemed no one was there." "I want to give her the money quickly." "You've got the money to buy her contract?" "I've got money, but now I'm in danger." "Government officials were just here before." "Already?" "Hello?" " Open up!" " Who is it?" "We're members of the Morita clan." "Open the door." "Hello?" "Evening." "Is Hiro here?" "We're also looking for Hirotaro." " He's not here?" " What's happened to him?" " Don't you know?" "He killed the Boss." " The Morita leader?" "Master, please, don't even think about hiding him here." "I beg you." "Let's go, men." "I'll stay here and keep watch." "You lot, search around." " Did Nao say where he was going?" " No, he said nothing." "Did you hear that?" "Hiro!" " Master!" " You bastard!" " Have you seen my sister?" " What?" "I've killed the Morita boss, so tell my sister not to worry." " Thank you for your help." "So long." " Wait." " I thought Onami was with you." " No, I'm looking for her." "You are looking for her?" " Oshizu, what have you done?" " I know nothing." " Where is she?" " I know nothing about it!" " She vanished while I was out." " Listen, woman..." "Don't you understand my feelings?" "Where have you hidden Onami?" "Tell me!" "Why have you fallen in love with such a child?" "I beg your pardon?" "Oshizu, open up!" "Open it now!" "Who are you?" "We're not after you." "Hiro is here, so move out of our way!" "No!" "I won't let you enter my house." "You're a stubborn one!" "Hiro, come out if you call yourself a man!" "I'm coming!" "I won't forgive you if you lay a finger on her!" " Let go of me!" " Fool!" "Don't you understand?" "If you die, what will become of Onami?" "Master Kochiyama!" "If you don't let Hiro out, she'll lose her life." "Let me out now!" "Please, don't stop me." "If I let her be killed, then I can't call myself a man." "You're still green, you've never been a man!" "You've dishonoured us all." "Go home and sip your sweet sake!" "Open up, quick!" "Master Kochiyama, her life's in danger if you don't hurry!" "Ignore them." "Escape with Hiro." "What will you do about her?" " Enough!" " Anyway, this is my job." "This is a matter for me." "She's my wife." "I will deal with this, don't worry about me." "Make your escape, quick!" "And look after him." "I'll take Oshizu with me and escape via the back door." "If you don't hurry, he'll be in danger." "Go!" "Very well, I'll take Hiro with me." "All right, I'll open up." "You've hurt her?" "Brace yourself, Oshizu." " Be strong, Oshizu." " Where's Onami?" "Where did you send her?" "Onami was taken to the Sagami Inn in Shinagawa." "Kenta took her." "The Sagami Inn at Shinagawa?" "Hiro, go quickly." "I'll wait for Kochiyama." "Go!" "And give my regards to Onami." "Go, quickly!" "Kochiyama!" " I've found out where Onami is." " I'll guard here." "You go, quickly!" "My time has come." "If a man misses his chance to act, the rest of his life is lived in shame." " I understand." " Go quickly." "Go quickly!" "Faster!" "Faster!" "Let's delay them here." "Nao, go to the Sagami Inn in Shinagawa." " Take this and go straight to Onami!" " But Master..." "Go quickly, Nao!" "Go!" "Go quickly!"