DAIEI FILMS, LTD
SHINSENGUMI SHIMATSUKI
Original Story: SHIBOZAWA KAN Producer: TSUJI HISAKAZU Screenplay: HOSHIKAWA SEIJI
Costumes: UENO YOSHIO Set Design: NAYASHI YONEMATSU Film Editing: SUGANUMA KANJI & MIYAUCHI SHOHEI
Starring:
ICHIKAWA RAIZO Yamasaki Susumu WAKAYAMA TOMISABURO Kondo Isami FUJIMURA SHIHO Shima
SHIMADA RYUZO TANBA MATASABURO TAKAMORI CHIZUKO KOYANAGI KEIKO
TAKAMI KUNIKAZU MORI KUNIKO ISHIGURO TATSUYA SUGA FUJIO
KAGAWA RYOSUKE FUNAKI YOICI MIZUHARA KOICHI ARASHI SUNUEMON
HOSHIKAWA HAJIME GOBAYASHI KAZUO SHIKUICHI TAKESHI SENSEKI YASUZO
Directed By: MISUMI KENJI
Although he was living as an ordinary citizen in this town,
he committed murder and disposed of a body...
- The Shinsengumi.
The third year of Bunkyo (Spring, 1863)
Assassinations are being carried out all over Kyoto.
The city has become a battle ground between the struggling
Tokugawa Shogunate, which is on the verge of collapse,
and the new rising powergroups,
trying to take over from the Tokugawa government.
I don't know why you want to join the Shinsengumi.
I also don't know if the Kinno Clan is right either to try to overthrow the Tokugawa.
Just like madmen, both sides are killing people left and right!
Is the Shinsengumi really a gathering of samurai?
Do you know what people call them?
Vagrants. Vagrants. Just like mad dogs.
No. No!
I don't want you to become like them!
Why?
For what reason are you going to get yourself killed?
No. You're wrong, Shima-san!
I saw something today which made up my mind.
Help me!
Do you need my help?
I don't want to die!
I don't think you're going to live!
Perform Hara Kiri so you won't have to suffer!
If you have final words, I'll listen!
No! I don't want to die!
Help me! Help me!
It's painful!
Painful!
Help me!
Are you all right? Take courage!
Please forgive her...
Leader! ...she didn't know who you are...
Didn't know who I am?
She tried to seduce me!
You bitch!
Dayu!
You don't have to work today.
Take the day off because you have a headache.
What?!
You got a headache after you saw me?
Very well!
You had better take a good look at my face!
Serizawa-sensei! Please forgive her.
Our leader had too much to drink.
I will apologize to him.
You!
You take the woman's side, and oppose your leader!
You lousy farmer!
This is fun!
Did you say you'll apologize for that prostitute?
All right!
Apologize to me!
On your knees!
How about it?
Kondo-sama!
You stay out of it!
Serizawa-san...
You have patience.
A samurai can never do this!
I have something for the leader of the Shinsengumi.
What?
I'm the leader, Serizawa Kamo
This!
What is that?
I happened to pass a member of the Shinsengumi as he was dying,
and he asked me to give this to the chief.
I don't know his name...
They told me all the top officers are here.
Was he killed by the Kinno group?
Yes, he was.
The Aizu Clan is backing us up, but the Shinsengumi...
...is not doing well!
Tokuemon, you must do something about this!
Hey! We're going!
Hey, you!
Thank you for bringing that keepsake.
He was our member, Mori Heihachi.
I'm a ronin, Yamazaki Susumu.
Oh, sorry...
...Kondo Isami is my name.
Did Mori die as a samurai should?
Yes, like a samurai.
Maybe you think it's odd of me to ask a question like that.
Just like our leader said before,
I was a farmer on the outskirts of Tamagawa.
I only studied Kenpo swordsmanship because I wanted to be a samurai.
And finally I became a samurai.
But I don't know anything other than Kenpo.
To be a great samurai...
...a great samurai...
I just wanted to be a great samurai, because I was born a farmer's son.
Why are you telling me this?
Because you tried to cover up for Mori, saying he died honorably.
But, he was not that kind of man.
Sometimes a fool can die as a great man.
Just like, a farmer becoming a samurai and dying like one.
That's right, you win!
That was supposed to be my line!
Yamazaki-kun, what I'm trying to say is...
samurai aren't just about looks,
but their determination.
He said the samurai are about determination.
He's the first man I've met with such a shining eye here in Kyoto.
I thought that I could trust this man named Kondo.
I won't be anything, unless I do something now.
Shima-san, you have a job in medicine, saving peoples lives.
I only know the sword.
That's all.
Forget that!
I want you to forget the sword!
Forget about becoming a samurai?
I can't do that!
We lived under the same roof for half a year, a man and a woman,
but we kept our relationship clean.
Because I had pride.
I tried to be patient.
Our late parents were friends. That is the reason.
I know how a ronin ends up these days.
I depended on you, but I can't do that anymore.
Chee...! He ate and ran again!
Why don't you go after him?
It's better to give him free food than to have him get violent.
Anyway, he is no good.
Thank you very much.
Hey, I have a good job for you!
Why don't you come with me?
You have very good sword skills, I'll recommend you.
That man who was stealing at Sanjogawara
I'll spread word that I killed him for the Shinsengumi.
The Tosa Clan asked me to.
Let's work together.
They'll provide good sake.
Hold it!
Are you a member of the Tosa Clan?
That's correct.
Tosa Clan's, Okamoto Kyuzo.
If you don't want to end up like him, keep your mouth shut!
Did you?
Yamazaki, is that you?
Tani-san?
You're still around here?
After I join the Shinsengumi, I don't know what will happen.
I just know this...
...there is a man I can trust.
That's all I need.
I want to say goodbye to 2 years of a ronin's life,
and use all my energy now.
For what? For killing people?
No, to save my own life.
A samurai's life in the Shinsengumi awaits me.
SHINSENGUMI HEADQUARTERS
I'll read the rules!
Item! Obey your Commander!
Item! Do not leave the group!
Item! Do not raise money without permission
Item! Do not use our status as your excuse for anything!
Item! Do not fight over a private matter!
These are the rules, and if you break any of them
...you must perform Seppuku!
Chief, you look very good in it.
You're trying to make me feel good!
Someday, I'll give these to all my members, and pressure the Kinno!
But, if you keep hurting merchants, Kondo and Hijikata will speak out.
Enough of that! The Shinsengumi is mine!
But, it's with the Aizu Clan, that I must be careful!
Presented to group leader Serizawa-kun.
I see.
I'm impressed.
- Ninmi. - Yes.
The Kinno are using a big war fund.
So don't be shy about it.
You accused Yamatoya of helping the enemy.
And then threatened Yamatoya, didn't you?
Yes.
Yamatoya was so scared that he admitted giving Kinno 10,000 ryo.
I see.
So, we also have to...
Leader, we're finished.
This time we have no great fighters among these new recruits!
Everybody!
Even those who were just farmers or merchants.
Can now dress and walk the streets as samurai.
You should all be thankful!
Hey, you!
Stand up and leave!
No! I won't leave until I become a samurai!
Leave!
No!
Kid!
I'll cripple you for life!
All right! Come fight me!
Harada, no more.
Take your mask off.
Where are you from?
Otsu.
Are you a farmer? How old are you?
Fifteen. Hikohei is my name.
Do you want to be a samurai so bad?
If I can't be a samurai here, I'll go to the Kinno!
Let him join.
Do you mean it?
Thank you very much!
Please take care of me!
Take care of me! Take care of me!
What's going on?
If the leader isn't here, I'll wait until he gets back!
Today it is!
Even if the sun goes down, I won't budge from here!
If she wants to see the Chief, let her see him!
But, uh...
I knew it!
The Chief is here!
Hey, wait!
Who is she?
The wife of clothing merchant Fujiya.
She came to collect past bills.
Serizawa-sensei also has something to be afraid of.
Everybody, they are the new recruits.
Please be kind to them.
Tani-san, please explain to them about the Shinsengumi.
Come in! Come in!
Sit down, please!
Ah, this is the Shinsengumi membership board.
And the man that just left here is Okita Sohji.
Though still young, he's the best man in the Shinsengumi.
Someday my name is going to be up on that board.
For certain!
Hey, kid!
Have you ever killed anybody?
No, I haven't, but I will!
By the way, my name is...
...Otsu Hikohei, and I'm not a kid!
If you find any men and you think they're Choshu ronin,
make sure you kill them!
Use any excuse you like for killing!
If you fight with them and fail to kill, but are wounded by them...
...our rule is that you must perform Seppuku!
Does everybody understand?
Somebody, please go to Yamatoya in Yoshiyamaichi!
Kusonoki...
...and Yamazaki, you, too!
For what purpose?
Did you hear what the master of Yamatoya said?
He said, "This is not a loan, it's a gift."
Just what are we doing here?
You have to tell that to the Chief.
Hey, look there!
Are you clan members, or ronin?
What's going on?
Are you the Shinsengumi?
Let me handle this!
Stay away! I'll kill them!
Why did you kill by yourself?
Now I know that I'm truly a member of the Shinsengumi!
I wanted to prove it to myself!
Oh, come in!
What's wrong?
The man inside is an animal.
I don't know.
Maybe Ninmi gave an order to Yamazaki.
You already warned Ninmi-san.
You gave everybody a warning today didn't you?
Even though Ninmi is close to me.
I can't always keep an eye on him!
Are you sure you didn't know about it?
Leader!
How do you explain forcibly raping the merchant's wife who
came here to collect your bills?
You idiot!
Next, you'll call me a lousy farmer.
Don't use you're mind when you use a sword!
Use your body power! With your body!
Next!
Otsu Hikohei! Please instruct me!
Stop!
Don't be rash!
Your life depends on it!
Yes!
Stop right there!
Put down your equipment!
Be seated.
For breaking our rules, we request that Ninmi-san commit Seppuku.
Hijikata!
We're sorry to lose you. Ninmi-san, from the Shinsengumi.
As one of the 13 original members, you've worked to build the group.
But, we can't ignore our rules.
I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Shut up!
You have no manners! You ignore me as Leader!
In that case, I'll tell you the particulars of the crime.
Ninmi-san used his position to often break into the homes of
citizens and take their money to use for personal pleasure.
In Shimabara, Sumiya...
...In Ghion, Yamano...
We have witnesses who told us.
Ninmi-san, perform Seppuku according to our rules,
or we'll have to just chop off your head!
Chief, please vote.
Leader!
Seppuku!
The Kaishaku will be Okita...
Sir!
No...
...Yamazaki, you do it!
Yes!
A farce is being presented between Noh players at the Temple.
Let's go over there to see it.
The execution of Ninmi-san is their first step in removing you, Chief.
As they try to take over leadership of the Shinsengumi.
Serizawa-sensei.
Yeah?
If you don't take care of things with...
Oume-san, you'll give them a good excuse to get rid of you.
Leave it alone!
Sooner or later I'll take care of Kondo!
I will kill Kondo tonight!
You keep saying "I'll kill, I'll kill"
You're awful!
I am here for you.
Sensei, please be kind to me.
Now I'm the wife of Leader Serizawa,
aren't I?
All right! All right!
As you see, Oume is beckoning.
Leader!
Kondo is an expert in the Tennen Rishin style!
We're too drunk to kill him tonight.
Even though he's our leader, just like Ninmi-san he is a criminal!
You can't let him remain!
His position should be taken away!
Yamazaki!
I order you to stop this talk!
Is it because I'm just a new member?!
The Shinsengumi has many members, but when it comes to a decision,
about our Leader's execution, the Managing Staff will do that!
Yamazaki.
We will consider what you said.
Toshi-san, I think what he is saying might be right.
We should do it now.
Yamazaki said we shouldn't ignore what the men have to say.
And his words just echo theirs.
Now is the chance to enforce discipline among our officials.
I'll talk to the Leader.
No, since you're going to become the next Leader,
you telling him to commit Seppuku might raise some suspicions.
Please let me handle this matter.
You make sure to let him end his own life as Leader.
Of course!
Let him perform a fine Seppuku.
Yes, according to our rules.
Serizawa!
This is fun!
You! Stop laughing!
Sohji! Put your sword away!
Harada! Get rid off the body!
Hurry it up!
Quiet! Quiet!
The Leader was attacked and killed by intruders!
Go after his attackers!
Don't make any noise!
Hijikata-san...
This is a shame, Kondo-san.
The Leader was attacked and died...
...we have to stick to this story.
Why don't you write the truth?
We have no choice.
"We are saddened by this, and wish that he rests in peace."
Let's put it on the bulletin board right away!
That's how it is.
That's cowardly conduct!
Watch your language!
It's the same thing!
Is this really how a high ranked member acts?
You must understand!
Youngster! Don't get too upset!
He died without performing Seppuku and you said not to kill him!
Why did this happen?
If I had to kill him, I'd never have done it like that!
Is that really how samurai act?
I joined the Shinsengumi because I believed in you...
...but, shame on you!
Where is the manly pride you told me about?
Don't believe everything I say, Yamazaki.
Sometimes we just don't have any choice.
I don't understand.
No, I don't want to understand!
You can blame me,
but don't say anything to the other members.
If you do, it will put you in danger.
This is my fault. I'm to blame.
Don't ask anymore questions.
For your safety,
and for mine as well.
- Keep looking! - Find them!
"You went through the good and bad times while you were alive...
...and you always had a passion to build the group for the better...
...But sadly, you had to die in this manner and we lose your greatness...
...This is a terrible tragedy...
...We remember your great resolve no matter what the situation.
...But sadly, we have now lost our Leader...
...Listen, Chief...
...We shall continue to keep your vision alive...
Goodbye, Serizawa-sensei, please rest in peace!"
Hijikata-sensei!
Oh, this is embarrassing!
Please don't laugh!
I couldn't stop crying while listening to Kondo-sensei's words.
As you know,
Serizawa-san had a bad reputation,
but never was an unkind word said about him!
You took care of is funeral and sent him on to heaven!
I really appreciate that!
You are all true samurai!
Hijikata-sensei! Hijikata-sensei! Hijikata-sensei!
Hijikata-sensei!
Excuse me.
Yes.
Your friend is here.
Yes.
Please.
Can I bring dinner now?
Yes, please.
I missed you.
Something happened to you, didn't it?
I feel our lives are rapidly changing...
...I'm scared.
I was told to go to Nagasaki.
A pupil of doctor Masaki Dojun came back from Holland and
I was told to become his assistant and learn medicine.
Are you listening?
Do you want me to stop you?
Should I say "Don't go"?
Well...
I know that you'd be a good doctor.
And are you still going to become a great samurai?
Are you making a remark?
Why is that?
Why do you think I'm making a remark?
Shima-san I understand why you hate samurai.
Your father was killed because he took care of a wounded man
who was their enemy.
A doctor's job is to save lives.
But a samurai only wants to kill.
But, people are rising up and the killing has already begun.
What happened to you?
Back when you joined the Shinsengumi your eyes lit up.
But now your eyes look dead.
Nonsense!
Excuse me.
Please enjoy your meal.
You aren't happy with the Shinsengumi!
I know your lying!
Kondo Isami isn't the man you thought he was, is he?
I heard that he grew up a poor farmer in Bushu Tama.
And that he's a heartless, greedy man whose job it is
brutally kill people in Kyoto!
That's not true!
He's Chief of the Shinsengumi, and he thinks human life has no value!
No. It's not true!
He does whatever he wants for personal gain no matter how awful!
Kondo-san isn't like that!
He's a great samurai!
If that is so, why are your eyes so sad?
I thought so...
...you haven't changed a bit.
You still trust Kondo, don't you?
Who are you? State your name!
My little brother was killed at the Sanjo riverside!
I, Yamazaki Susumu of the Shinsengumi shall kill you!
Shima-san! Get yourself together!
Excuse me.
Please try to relax your shoulder.
That's it!
Please don't move until I say it's all right!
Please stay still...
He was a poor farmer, and now he's become the Leader!
Now he gets money from Aizu Clan, and has been fooling
around in Shimabara!
He's nothing but a farm boy!
He can't be too much of anything!
No. We can't say that.
That man is the greatest swordsman in the group!
This is going to be our biggest challenge.
That Kondo is really something!
He doesn't go around Kyoto threatening people.
Even after been called a ronin and hated by many.
He's now trying to win their hearts.
That man.
I've seen him somewhere.
Our plan is to take action around June 6, during the Ghion Festival.
We'll choose a very windy night, light the fires in order to
burn down the Palace.
We'll kill Nakagawa Miyakeri, a powerful guard of Kyoto,
and also Matsudaira Katanori,
and Shogun Tokugawa Keiki,
all in one go!
During the confusion, our other men will enter the Palace...
...kidnap the Emperor, and take him to Choshu.
The only way to destroy the Tokugawa Shogunate
is to turn Kyoto into a sea of flames.
Furutaka-san, how are the preparation going?
We still have time till the day of action...
...and don't call me Furutaka Shintaro no matter what!
Please remember that I'm an antiques dealer Matsuya Kiemon!
Just make sure!
I was thinking, Kondo-san.
Yes?
It doesn't matter how we do it, I want you to lead the Shinsengumi.
I know that, Toshi-san.
The Shinsengumi's make up strongly reflects your influence.
Don't you want to be the Leader?
No, because in this life there is a rank and order.
I am not of high enough rank.
But, I get pleasure in building the group.
Nobody knows this pleasure but me.
If you do nothing but smile people will come and follow you.
You'll be the best Chief ever!
That makes me sound like a lazy fat man!
You are a fat man, but, somehow I'm afraid of you.
Maybe it's because of the difference in rank between us.
That reminds me of something.
Oh?
There was a man who the people called a 'Fearsome Beast',
and he really became more powerful than a beast.
Is that right?
The Shinsengumi is in the middle of a whirlwind right now.
We're rising rapidly in both power and influence.
Kondo-san, it's more than 10 years since we started in the farm Dojo.
You were 22 and I was 19.
Somehow we've made it this far, and we're still alive.
That calls,
for a drink!
Here.
By the way,
You weren't married when you moved to Edo as a salesman,
and you had many women while you were there,
but how are you doing now?
Right now I just want to be alone because the future is uncertain.
You knew I was seeing many women, but you didn't say anything.
That's just like you.
All the members need a break sometimes.
Anyway, how about you Kondo-san?
No, not me.
Sensei.
Oh, now I get it!
That's how it is?
I'm leaving. Leaving.
Toshi-san! You?
Shinonome is waiting for me, too.
What's wrong?
That Kindayu like you too much.
All she does is talk about you. Kondo-sama this, Kondo-sama that!
Absurd!
I'm only a 'Country boy'!
Whichever woman you invite is always so proud you picked her.
We fight each other to be chosen by you.
And these fights are as serious as samurai matches!
The most beautiful woman in Shimabara and
a man from the countryside is not a pretty picture!
It's embarrassing with the light on.
Let me put out the light.
You go ahead. I'll be up there later.
Yes.
Are you on the day shift now, Yamazaki-kun?
Miss, here's your money.
Yes!
Hey!
Master! Give me one more sake cup!
Yes! Yes!
Thanks.
I heard that you turned down Hijikata-san's request that
you become a Director.
Yeah. I didn't do anything to deserve a promotion.
You're been very stubborn!
Don't be so against Hijikata-san!
I'm all right just as long as Kondo-san is there.
You're a very skillful man, but you are too stubborn!
It's going to be your loss!
As long as you stay in the group you have to empty your mind.
And just kill when so ordered!
That is the way to stay alive!
If you start doubting everything your sword will become dull.
But, many members are thinking in the same manner now.
Well, I'm going back on patrol.
Get out of the way!
Hey!
Step aside! Step aside!
What do you mean "Step aside"?
Hey, you wait!
I, Officer Uchida Shojiro, ask you to come to
the Magistrates office!
Don't you know...
I am a Shinsengumi member, Toda Heisuke?
Any violent man must be arrested! Even a Shinsengumi member!
If you resist, we'll handcuff you!
What?
What did you say? Toda got arrested?
Did he say it was Officer Uchida Shojiro?
He's just a town Magistrate. He is disrespectful!
Kill him! Kill him!
Wait!
Go find out where Uchida usually patrols!
Hey, Yamazaki! I need your help!
Yamazaki! Why don't you draw your sword?
Kill him!
Yamazaki, kill him!
This is Kondo-sensei's order!
No, it can't be!
He would not give an order that isn't good for the Shinsengumi!
I won't do it!
You!
Okita-san, you're trying to test me, aren't you?
Get him!
Don't come near me!
Stop it! Stop it!
They acted restlessly.
This is troublesome for the Aizu Clan, who back the Shinsengumi.
The Choshu Clan is trying to get rid of the Shinsengumi.
So, if we can't take care of this matter, we will be in trouble!
You can't kill a magistrate and get away with it. Kondo-san...
...otherwise the Shinsengumi will be disbanded!
You're right.
This is my mistake.
The town magistrate told us if we don't present the criminal to them,
they won't let the Shinsengumi get off easily!
His name is Yamazaki Susumu!
He always opposes our rules, and is a very violent man!
Find him as soon as possible!
We will!
He already escaped.
And we can't find him.
That's not good.
They might release Toda Heisuke since he only acted rudely, but...
Kondo-san, let me be frank about all this.
As a result,
you seem to have turned your back on the Aizu Clan.
As your friend, I have to tell you.
Since this dishonorable action, if you don't regain their trust,
the Shinsengumi will cease to exist at all
By the way, Kondo-san,
I received information that something will happen soon.
I'm telling you this just in case.
The Kinno is hatching some plot.
See if you can find out what it is.
Yes.
Well, please find the killer in the Uchida murder case!
We surely will.
Sohji!
Even though you were with them,
you let them do such a stupid thing!
I heard what you said.
Is that so?
I will commit Hara Kiri.
What?
I take responsibility.
It doesn't matter who wanted to kill Uchida anymore.
If we don't give them the killer or his head...
...the Shinsengumi cannot continue to exist!
Stop it! Stop it!
Yamazaki Susumu has already gotten away.
That's what I told them, you can't commit Hara Kiri.
Isn't that right?
Anyway,
you can leave right now.
It might be hard for you to stay.
What's going to happen to the Shinsengumi?
The Shinsengumi is your life!
I came here to find a purpose for living and...
I want to die a samurai!
Many Kinno men have come to Kyoto recently.
There's rumor that they are plotting something.
If you can find out what it is they're up to,
we can stop them from carrying it out,
and we can both survive this crisis.
If we're successful,
the group will be stronger than ever!
Welcome!
Hey Hurry up!
Yes!
Everybody says that your medicines are the best.
Thank you.
Here...
Yes.
This money is for the previous bill.
Is that all right?
Yes, it is.
Get out of here!
Get out! Hey, is anybody here?
Who is he?
Get him out! Get him out!
Don't come around here anymore!
Thank you very much!
He has some nerve!
Oh!
What happened?
It's going to be at Sanjo Ohashi in Ikedaya.
Choshu clansmen and their comrades are in and out of there.
Yamazaki wrote in his report that they are:
Higo's Miyabu Teizo,
Matsuzawa Junsuke,
Choshu's Yoshida Toshimaru,
Sugiyama Matsusuke,
Saeki Tomohiko.
Tosa Clan's Kitazoe Yoshimaru,
Ishikawa Junshi,
and Banshu's Otaka Matajiro.
Most of them are influential figures!
If we catch them all at once,
it would be like striking gold!
But, letting them escape would be a disaster!
Somehow, we have to succeed!
Is Furutaka Shintaro listed?
I don't see his name.
We know that Furutaka is the Choshu Clan's most important man.
There are influential figures from each of the clans,
but nobody named Furutaka. Don't you think that's odd?
I think so, too.
Yamazaki seemed a little nervous didn't he?
How much can we trust his report?
Hijikata-kun!
Yamazaki is risking his life by doing this spying!
He's also in a position to put us in danger.
That's not true!
Yamazaki's a honest person!
That's why he's so dangerous!
Once an honest person gets confused, he might stir things up.
We should have cut off his head!
If we trust Yamazaki and he gets us in trouble,
I don't know what will become of us!
Please don't forget that we, the Shinsengumi are at risk now!
It's too much!
I received a letter from a friend in Osaka, a boat keeper.
And he asked me to take care of this person.
I didn't know he was a Shinsengumi member.
This is my fault!
It's all right. Just leave now.
Yes!
I am very sorry!
If a Shinsengumi spy is here were in danger!
How about if we go to Yoiyama in Ghion?
OK, let's do that.
I'll tell Furutaka-san to put all the weapons together.
Do you understand that we're going to do this on June 5th?
This is interesting!
The city will be upside down, with the sky lit up by flames...
...ashes falling from the skies, and the ground covered with heads!
Compared to that,
a man to man fight is just like child's play!
This is great medical treatment!
I think that,
the most popular doctor in town isn't Masaki-sensei, but you!
Really!
Thank you.
What are you thinking?
Come on!
What did you say?
No, nothing!
Sorry, but it's a great feeling to just sit here,
and think about nothing at all.
Were you like that just now?
Are you crying?
Yes.
I am so happy right now.
But I'm also afraid that this happiness will disappear!
I've also been very happy these past 2 or 3 days.
I was happy when they told me at the Shinsengumi headquarters,
that you, Yamazaki, had escaped.
And you came back to me!
I know it's so.
You aren't going anywhere ever again are you?
Right.
You'll stay here?
Yes.
I don't have to worry anymore do i?
Right.
Are you really sure?
Yes, I'm sure, Shima-san.
Please, just call me Shima!
Shima!
I wake up in the middle of each night,
wondering of you're still here.
I'm a fool, aren't i?
Shima!
This time you really called me Shima!
Rehearsals for Ghion Festival have already begun.
The time passes so quickly...
...another year gone by.
Is it all right for me to be here...
...and do nothing?
"We have to break it off. I can't forget about being a samurai."
"Women are off-limits from the samurai world."
"You can hate me."
IKEDEYA
Oh, it's so hot! Morning!
Tea is ready.
Oh, I can't stand it.
Who is that?
'Hitokiri' (Killer) Kyuzo. A member of Tosa Clan.
Should we let the chief know?
No. It's too soon.
Hey!
Welcome!
This is 32 mon, and this is 23 mon.
That place called Matsuya is doing very well, isn't it?
They're always getting lots of goods, but they never sell anything!
Thank you!
You, come with me!
Hey!
I did it! I really did it!
Marutetsu Shichi... Furutaka!
Hey, this is a samurai contract.
Matsuya is Furutaka Shintaro?
Otsu! Go tell them now!
Yes, my real name is Furutaka Shintaro!
What's wrong with that?
Damn!
Say it!
Tell us what your plans are,
and where you'll meet!
You know...
I can do anything when I get upset.
If you tell us, we'll let you live.
I promise.
How about it?
Damn! You no-good!
I can't take this hot weather!
The wind stopped blowing!
It's too hot!
Hey! Put a nail in his foot, light a candle on there and
let the hot wax drip down.
If he still doesn't talk,
I have another idea!
Don't mind! Matsubara,
go ahead!
Did he confess yet?
Leader!
- Hey! - What is it?
What's wrong?
It's the water!
Did anyone drink the water?
Don't drink the water!
Who's in charge of today's cooking?
It's me.
Harada!
He's a spy! He poisoned the water!
The man in charge of cooking wouldn't be the one to do it!
Think about it!
Listen, everybody!
Furutaka confessed!
We're going to attack tonight!
Whoever can stand up, get ready!
Okita!
Kondo-sensei!
A mistake?
At last, he confessed!
They're going to meet at Sanjo Kawato in Shikokuya.
No.
Otsu returned with a report that
it's going to be Ikedaya.
I'm sure it will be at Shikokuya, I asked Furutaka...
...and I don't think he lied!
Don't you trust Yamazaki?
Kondo-san, you trust him too much.
It's very dangerous.
You don't trust yourself, do you?
Don't you think that Furutaka's words were true,
as his life hung in the balance.
But, I still take Ikedaya.
I don't think a samurai like Furutaka would give up the truth.
But, Furutaka also confessed details of the plan!
Sometime around Ghion Festival they'll strike!
Didn't the Official secretly hear of a plot for the near future?
Everything matches perfectly doesn't it?
Sohji! How many men can go?
Including us, there are 27 men!
If we're not careful,
we can get caught in their trap!
Shikokuya, Ikedaya, either place we don't have enough men!
Maybe we should ask the Aizu Clan for help?
Good idea!
We'll do that.
We want to take them alive,
and gather up all the evidence!
Yamanami-kun.
Please tell the Aizu Clan that we'll wait until 11 o'clock.
Sir!
JUNE 5th, FIRST YEAR OF GANJI
GHION FESTIVAL IN YOITAMA
What happened to the Aizu Clan?
It's already past the hour of 11.
They might not show up.
I don't think the Aizu want to go against the Choshu anymore.
If the Aizu get involved, it could become a full size war!
So, they want to make it seem that we attacked on our own.
And we'll have to fight alone!
It can't be!
Well, listen!
Lately the Shinsengumi has become too active.
And we've become a burden to them!
It's okay with them if we lose.
And if the Choshu lose, that's also okay with them.
Either way, it doesn't matter to them!
You doubt them too much!
I'm sure they will come!
I hope so!
We don't have enough men to take them alive.
It's past midnight.
They'll be moving out soon!
Do you still want to go to Ikedaya?
I trust Yamazaki, you don't.
Let's follow Furutaka's confession and go to Shikokuya!
You take 20 men with you to Shikokuya.
Will you be alright?
Counting you, that's only 6 men.
I don't know. You might be right.
Perhaps I'm being foolish, but I still believe Yamazaki.
Who is going to come with me?
Five men come here!
Very well!
The rest of you go with Hijikata.
As I've told you, please follow our rules.
And don't do anything that makes us look bad!
Yamazaki-san, I'm going to let them know.
Meet at Ghion barrier.
Yes!
Otsu!
Yamazaki-san...
I... I...
...wanted to die like a samurai!
Old man! Close the front door!
Yes!
A Shinsengumi dog!
Let me handle this!
Master, are you there? Police, open up!
Go back upstairs!
Leader!
Yamazaki!
Yamazaki, you did a good job!
Damn! Everybody, run!
We have to get out alive so we can fight them later!
Leader, where is Hijikata?
It's only the 6 of us.
Huh?
Yamazaki!
Hirota-san, come here!
Hirota!
Everybody, spread out!
Hirota!
Don't let them escape!
Hinoki, go around the back!
Wait!
Nobody was at Shikokuya!
So, Furutaka was a real samurai!
Toshi-san!
I bet you feel relieved, don't you?
I lost to you, Yamazaki.
Kondo-san trusted you to the end.
You're a better man than I.
Should I admit that to you too, Hijikata-san?
You already did that long ago!
The Aizu Clan troops are here, Toshi-san.
I'll bet they have a good excuse.
Good work!
Lord of the Higo asked me to tell you that he applauded
your courageous conduct and will give you a reward later.
Would he be saying that if we had all been killed?
No.
Because we're still alive we can receive
his applause!
Please tell him that the Shinsengumi and the Aizu will
now have something to cheer about!
THE END