TOEI COMPANY LTD. Presents
AKO ROSHI
Tenth Anniversary Commemoration
Produced by OKAWA Hiroshi
Cast
KATAOKA Chiezo
NAKAMURA Kinnosuke AZUMA Chiyonosuke OKAWA Hashizo
OKA Satomi SAKARAMACHI Hiroko MIHARA Yumiko FUJITA Yoshiko HANAZONO Hiromi OKAWA Keiko
NAKAMURA Katsuo MATSUKATA Hiroki SATOMI Kotaro
HASEGAWA Yumiko HANAYAGI Kogiku AOYAMA Kyoko CHIHARA Shinobu KOGURE Michiyo
OKOCHI Denjiro KONOE Jushiro YAMAGATA Isao SUSUKIDA Kenji SHINDO Eitaro
OTOMO Ryutaro TSUKIGATA Ryunosuke
ICHIKAWA Utaemon
Directed by MATSUDA Sadatsugu
"Clouds of flowers..."
"is that the bells of Ueno or Asakura?
Basho Tosei wrote this poem in the Spring of the Genroku Era.
One hundred years have passed since Ieyasu unified the country.
The Fifth Tokugawa Shogun was now in reign.
There were no signs of hostility.
The inside and outside of the country was at peace.
Everyone was so druck with hapiness after new world open.
Slender built and refined...
the samurai prided on casting and sculpture...
and pined for the narrow blade.
A notice board with rules on life was posted...
and everyone took note of it.
Someone has defiled the notice board!
What?!
The notice board was defiled?
BRIBES ARE PROHIBITED
SOUTH MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE
Someone has no respect for the authorities!
Please bring this up to the Magistrate...
and conduct a strict investigation.
The Magistrate is out today to provide security...
and welcome the Imperial Envoys to Edo.
Envoys Yanagiwara and Seikanji have arrived!
Magistrate, a bad omen.
I am Asano Takumi-no-kami Naganori...
who was assigned to host the Imperial Envoys.
I am Date Sakyonosuke Muneharu.
CASH FOR BRIBES YANAGISAWA DEWA-NO-KAMI
Someone wrote my name on the notice board?
Not only has someone marked up the board...
he's ridiculing you, the Shogun's steward, as well.
What do you want?
Kira Kozukenosuke's steward delivered a gift for you.
A gift?
Fool!
Bribes are forbidden by law.
It is clearly stated in the articles!
Send it back!
Kira's steward...
With Yanagisawa's name printed on the board...
he couldn't accept the bribe.
I'll take it in his place.
Welcome!
I'm not here to bathe.
I'm here on official business.
On business?
Did a ronin wearing a two-tone crested kimono come...
in here?
There are so many customers here.
Hey!
What is it?
What're you doing?
A strange man is lurking around.
What?
He is strange.
No one peeps into the men's bath.
Leaving already?
Clerk!
Coming!
Pardon me.
What is it?
I'm here on official business.
Are you accusing me of defiling the board?
Not only that...
you attacked the Kira steward...
leaving Lord Yanagisawa's mansion and stole the gift.
Did you see my face?
I couldn't see your face...
but I remember the voice.
And the kimono is my proof!
The crest is a two-colored serpent.
That's not it!
Men, enjoy yourselves.
Thank you!
Fool!
I should rightfully kill you.
But the law states to care for dogs...
so I'll forgive you.
Now leave!
Damn!
I found it!
Move!
I need to question you about your kimono.
Come with me to the station.
Wait!
This crest belongs to Asano chief retainer Oishi Kuranosuke.
It's a garment I received while back at home.
Submit your questioning to the Overseer...
and have it forwarded to Horibe Yasubei...
at the Asano Upper Mansion.
Now leave!
Horibe Yasubei...
Thanks to all of you...
our clan maintained it's honor.
On behalf of the Asano, I thank you all.
Don't do that.
Please accept this small token of appreciation.
You've paid me more than enough...
and are treating us to a feast.
I can't accept this.
Don't say that.
If he doesn't want it, just take it back!
Shut up!
Treating me like a snail!
I'm not revealing my horns.
Listen up, Yasubei.
Lord Asano was appointed as the official host...
and instructed to receive guidance from Lord Kira.
because he pinched on his bribe, he incurred...
the wrath of Lord Kira and his repulsive actions.
For the envoys' visit to the Zojo Temple, he was told...
it wasn't necessary to change the mats at the lodgings.
But the Date were informed by Lord Kira to change it...
and promptly did so.
We found that out only yesterday.
In a bind, you cried for the boss' help.
With his one word...
we finished the job in one night.
Our boss was happy to be able to do this...
for an old friend.
He accepted this with his Edo spirit!
You flatter me.
Hey, Yasubei...
So take that back.
I'm happy.
Thank you.
I'm grateful...
you were able to change the mats overnight.
I, Takumi-no-kami...
have great vassals.
Please...
praise Yasubei for this.
Lord Kira is here for the inspection.
I inspected the rooms the Date prepared.
He's still young...
but competent.
Your instructions the other day stated that...
changing the mats wasn't necessary.
I inquired with the Date...
and had this changed last night.
Please...
inspect it.
I've heard rumors that the Asano are frugal...
despite their wealth.
This must have cost a lot to accomplish overnight.
How grateful to the power of money.
Splendid.
After marking up the board, he now steals...
the bribery gift. What a guy!
Isn't that what you were searching for?
I'm glad it turned up.
Damn it!
The teakettle was displayed on the Nihonbashi Bridge?
It was even noted that it was a bribe from you...
to Lord Yanagisawa.
Who would do such a thing?
Lord Kira...
It could be the Asano craftsmen.
Asano craftsmen?
Why would they do that?
Their lord, Takumi-no-kami...
is being tormented by Kira.
I wouldn't do that.
Rather than just biting their lips...
what if this is their retaliation?
Torment him more.
It'll set a good example for the other men of integrity.
Although it is night...
Lord Awaji-no-kami would like to see Lord Asano.
Please relay this message!
"BELIEF"
What, Lord Awaji?
It's all right.
Do not worry.
It's just you and I.
Forget the formalities.
Takumi-no-kami, you are one-track minded.
I was afraid this assignment would trouble you...
and I was right.
You look worn out.
Let's forget everything tonight and drink.
I brought liquor from my home province.
I just have one request.
I would like your wife to serve us.
Actually...
Don't be so stingy.
You needn't be here since you aren't feeling well.
Lord Awaji's voice carries to the back of the mansion.
I can't be resting quietly.
I think it's better that I serve him.
That's harsh!
Wait!
What grudge do you have against me?
Are you aware that I am Uesugi retainer Katada Yunoshin?
I understand the situation.
I'll take you on.
Katada, wait.
You're no match for him.
I'll take your place.
Move!
Whatever the circumstances...
it's unfair to gang up on one man.
I will assist you.
I appreciate it.
Retreat!
Sir Horibe...
You know who I am.
Who are you?
I am Hotta Hayato.
Excuse me.
In the past, a real lord would take only one bite...
out of a huge sea bream and leave the rest...
even if it was his favorite food.
If the lord said "I'd like to have more..."
his vassal would offer their untouched fish to him.
But you won't have that many sea breams around.
When they ran out, they would distract him by saying...
"the cherry blossoms in the garden are beautiful."
While he's looking at that, they would flip the fish...
to its other side and make it appear as if it were a new one.
However...
one day...
they could only buy one sea bream.
When the lord asked for more, the vassals were in a bind.
When the lord saw their faces...
he said...
"shall I look at the cherry blossoms in the garden?"
Lord Awaji's story has come true.
We just received some broiled sea breams from Ako.
Broiled sea breams?
Several days ago, we received a letter from Kuranosuke...
that he would send us some food to remember Ako.
When Yasubei went to check...
it had just arrived.
The Chief Retainers stood in front and the others followed.
Hurry and show me.
Each one has a name on it.
Kanroku...
that must be Chikamatsu.
Kinemon...
this must be Okano.
Hannojo is Sugaya.
Shinzaemon is Katsuta.
Matsunojo...
who is he?
Kuranosuke's son!
Wasn't Matsunojo just a child?
He's grown up so much...
that he can catch a fish this big!
There's one from Kuranosuke.
Matsunojo's fish is just as big as Kuranosuke's.
Splendid.
My mens' good intentions...
Let's have this right away.
I want Matsunojo's fish.
I selected mine before my honored guest.
Forgive me.
However...
I won't give mine up even to you, Awaji.
I want the "hiruandon's" fish.
If Kuranosuke heard this, his pride would be somewhat hurt.
Who's one would you like?
I'd like the one you've seen after the cherry blossom in the garden.
She got me there!
The rest of you select one and enjoy the taste of Ako.
I was in such a good mood that I stayed a while.
I'll take Kuranosuke's fish with me and leave.
My father, Yasumasa...
was assigned a job in Nikko...
with Kira Yoshinaga last year.
The cunning Kozukenosuke utterly humiliated him...
and considered striking at him numerous times.
When he thought about me and the clansmen...
he clenched his teeth and bore it.
Thanks to that...
I exist today.
Kozukenosuke is equal to a cat or dog.
It's foolish to waste your life on an animal.
You needn't see me out.
Awaji's good intentions...
I am very grateful.
Wait.
Kataoka Gengoemon, was it?
Were you the one who paid the respects to Kira?
No...
it was Edo retainers Fujii and Yasui.
I may be meddling...
but what did you present Kira with?
A piece of dried bonito.
One dried bonito?
Rumor has it that the Date presented Kira...
with several rolls of Kaga silk...
a hundred gold coins...
and a pair of Ryuko's hanging pictures.
We were strictly ordered to avoid the appearance of a bribe.
That is what Takumi-no-kami would like.
But his retainers should have more wit than that.
And defy the lord's order?
You are dealing with Kozukenosuke!
You're just giving a dog the food that he loves.
The dog will then wag his tail... and stop barking at Takumi-no-kami.
Once everything is settled...
take responsibility for defying his orders and commit suicide.
Isn't that the duty of a chief retainer who has been...
entrusted by the lord?
Leave.
Depart.
You needn't worry.
After hearing Awaiji's opinion and your lamenting that you...
haven't served me well enough makes me happy.
However....
I will pursue the path I believe in.
I detest politics based on bribery.
Accepting those men will make me an even more detestable person.
Making my vassals behave detestably...
and then ordering them to commit suicide.
I can't treat my vassals that way.
I just have to endure it all.
If I do so...
my vassals and I won't have to act detestably.
Gengoemon....
do you think...
I won't be able to endure it?
I just have one more day of this assignment.
By the time these cherry blossoms become post-blossom foliage...
we'll be back home and we can all go sea bream fishing.
Lord Asano!
You have the wrong attire!
My attire?
Kira tricked me again.
Lord Asano, this way.
Your retainers just sent me a letter and this garment.
Reading the letter it stated that Kira instructed you...
to wear the long formal attire, but they had their doubts...
so they readied this just in case.
My vassals sent this?
The others and I have heard about Lord Kira...
and we were concerned.
Please bear if for one more day.
Gentatsu...
I appreciate your concern.
I'll help you get ready.
I am Kajikawa Yosobei, Her Ladyship's caretaker.
After you are done with your assignment...
please come to see me regarding Her Ladyship.
All right.
Just one moment.
Sir Kajikawa...
I don't know what this meeting is about.
But if there is a question...
I shall hear it.
Today is the day of the grand ceremony...
for the Imperial Envoys.
A man who arrives late is unbefitting for...
such an important task.
I inquired about today's attire and your instructions...
were to dress in the long formal attire.
But I arrived to find everyone dressed in court attire.
My vassals anticipated such...
and prepared my attire.
I was therefore able to change in time.
Silence!
Making excuses is disgraceful for a samurai...
is what I was taught when I grew up.
However, these days it's the fashion to be unshameful...
and drool like a cow.
It's common knowledge what the attire is for this day.
And you send your vassals to inquire about it.
I thought it was a joke...
so I responded accordingly.
But you, a country bumpkin...
took it seriously and now blame me for it.
This is highly ridiculous!
How grateful that the country is at peace.
Even without ability...
a clan lord and his vassals...
can covet a high ranking and be arrogant.
Leaving that aside...
any errors today...
will embarrass the Tokugawa.
I'll ask the elders to replace you immediately.
Please wait!
I will heed to whatever you tell me to.
Please do not have me replaced.
Lord Kira...
for the Asano clan and my vassals...
please do not do that.
Move aside.
Please!
I will do whatever it takes to appease you another day.
Please wait.
I beg of you!
To be touched by a sinecurist will dirty my attire.
Kozukenosuke, wait!
Takumi-no-kami, you are in the castle.
Let me go!
Just one stroke!
Have mercy!
Bear in mind the location you are in.
Let me go!
Bloodshed in the castle!
Please come out!
A samurai's mercy!
Let me go!
Lord Asano Takumi-no-kami has injured Lord Kira!
Insolent!
Forgive me.
Wait!
How dare you defile the Wakisaka crest with blood!
Villain!
You fool.
Naganori...
Regarding today's incident...
I have been ordered to hear your story.
I, Okado Denpachiro...
will rephrase my words.
Explain...
why you attacked Kozukenosuke...
without regards to where you were?
I bear no grudge toward His Excellency.
However...
Kozukenosuke has inflicted unbearable...
humiliation on me on several occasions...
I attacked him with hatred.
Whatever...
punishment you hand out...
I have no objections.
A moment of insanity...
shall I say?
If I plead insanity...
the fault will lie with me only...
and not cause trouble to my clan...
I truly...
appreciate...
your kind consideration.
However...
if I claim insanity...
my action will not be justified.
I feel pity for my vassals, but...
How could this have happened!
The lord swore he would bear it no matter what!
Perhaps he forgot about his vassals.
Silence!
It's actually your fault that this happened.
If you were just prudent enough to patch up...
the lord and Kira's relationship...
How dare you speak that way to your superiors!
Silence!
Who cares about rank in this crisis?
After promising he would bear any humiliation...
It must've been totally unbearable for him
to break his promise.
How I feel for the lord...
Sir Kataoka...
what is Kira's condition?
The wound was shallow.
Will he live?
How regretful...
the lord must feel...
Sir Hayami...
and Kayano...
I've written about the situation in detail to Oishi.
Deliver the letter to him immediately.
Leave immediately for our home province...
and report today's incident to Chisaka Hyobu.
You are a dutiful son. I feel for you, Lord Uesugi.
Fortunately, it was a minor wound...
and I am somewhat relieved.
But...
what is Father's punishment?
Despite facing danger...
Kozukenosuke showed good sense...
therefore he will not be punished.
This is all due to your help Lord Yanagisawa.
I, Uesugi Tsunanori, will always remember this.
And...
what is Takumi-no-kami's punishment?
He has been placed under Tamura Ukyodayu's custody
and immediately...
ordered to commit suicide.
Shogun's order!
To Lord Asano Takumi-no-kami of Ako.
Due to your disregard of being in the castle...
and injuring Lord Kira...
you are hereby ordered to...
commit suicide.
I have one question.
How is Lord Kira?
He sustained two injuries, both minor.
Minor?
Due to his old age...
he is in serious condition.
Furthermore...
as he ran through the hallway...
with his injury, be bumped into Lord Awaji-no-kami.
Enraged, Lord Awaji-no-kami struck him hard.
As a result...
I hear he is in severe pain.
Please change your attire.
Please witness my end.
YONEZAWA CASTLE
Chiyo...
Are you awake?
What happened to the messenger from Edo?
He was administered medication...
and is resting in another room.
I may...
have to appear at the castle.
In your condition?
Reporting!
What is it?
Sir Saruhashi from Edo has arrived.
Show him in.
The punishment was decided upon...
and Lord Kira...
Fool!
As long as Lord Yanagisawa is in power...
I needn't be told about Lord Kira's punishment.
What about Lord Asano?
He committed suicide the next day...
and his castle forfeited.
What, the next day?
Without a thorough investigation?
That is what I heard.
Absurd!
Chiyo...
I'm going to the castle.
Prepare my clothes.
You've been instructed to concentrate on recuperating.
As Kira's son, our lard will not ignore...
his father's danger.
The Ako have Oishi!
Do you think the Ako will seek revenge?
You'll be facing Oishi as an enemy?
Oichi and you go back a long ways.
People have envied your closeness.
One incident I particularly remember was last year
when the Yonezawa Clan's 300,000 koku stipend...
was cut in half.
When we had no means to rebuild our finances...
Oichi, who's province by the sea produces salt...
suggested that our mountain clan make weavering products.
Because of that, the Yonezawa clan has prospered until today.
Having no idea that this was happening...
I just sent Oichi's wife a pongee that I made.
I am a vassal of the Uesugi.
My duty is to protect the Uesugi at all costs.
Even if Oishi and my position were reversed...
Oichi would show up before me.
To avoid this is not what a friend...
nor what a man would do.
How could we turn over this castle that easily!
This castle should be our dying place!
As long as Daigaku...
the lord's brother, is around...
shouldn't the vassals appeal to restore the clan?
If Kira is still alive...
it is our duty to go to Edo...
and avenge our lord's death!
Coming here despite your ill health, it is as you feared.
I hear people bad-mouthing father in the castle.
It is nothing for you to trouble yourself about.
Hyobu...
Don't you dislike my father?
No matter what kind of man he is...
he is still my precious father.
Hyobu...
I beg of you.
Please protect him.
My lord!
He's back.
Thank you!
Everyone is talking about Ako.
What are they saying?
They've decided to entrench themselves.
What?
Meaning Yasubei and the others will take on...
the Shogunate's army?
Boss, that's more like it.
You said you're not friendly with the Asano or Kira...
so you could care less!
Hush!
I'm an Edoite...
I hate unjust rulings!
Since Ieyasu's time, it has been decided that...
in a quarrel, both parties are to blame.
BOTH PARTIES ARE TO BLAME
Hotta Hayato?
That's what he calls himself.
Do you know him?
That young man...
is he skilled?
Yes...
I think he uses the Ono style of fencing.
He could possibly be more than I can handle.
Locate him...
and find out if he's interested.
Chiyo gave me permission.
Sister did?
I have a favor to ask of you.
Welcome!
A continuation from the other night?
I've taken a liking to your skill.
Would you like to work for the Uesugi clan?
The Uesugi are looking for men...
...because of the Ako?
I refuse to attend on someone.
But...
if you give me a lump sum...
and tell me to work for that amount...
The decision for a siege and to die in the castle...
How many have returned by the appointed time?
Sixty-one men.
I am moved by your deep sincerity and loyalty.
Today, we received the late lord's farewell poem...
and the sword he used at the time of his suicide.
I would like to see it with all of you.
"The blowing wind"
"My life is shorter than the spring flowers"
"The blowing wind..."
"My life... is shorter..."
"...than the spring flowers"
Men, come closer to me.
Observe this well.
Self-immolation?
The decision to besiege and die at the castle
reduced the men to 60-plus.
It's not worth sending the Shogunate's army.
Even Oishi doesn't stand a chance.
Sixty men?
That many?
In this age of peace...
did you think there would be...
that many men who would give up their lives?
But...
If each of them went after Kira's life...
that'll be 60 times!
It's time for your medication.
Father is home!
Welcome back.
Chisaka's wife sent this handmade pongee.
I'm thinking about sending this back.
That's not necessary.
Accept it graciously.
Show it to me.
This is well-made.
If the retainer's wife can make this...
it shouldn't be much longer before the Yonezawa textile...
will be recognized as the best in Japan.
Riku...
your relationship with Hyobu's wife...
does not change because of the current situation.
And...
Hyobu and my friendship will not either.
I haven't seen Matsunojo around.
He went fishing with Hachisuke.
Fishing?
My lord...
please enjoy the sea bream I caught for you.
Gengoemon told me about it.
I was so happy...
that I cried out loud.
You were looking forward to returning back home...
and going fishing with everyone...
Therefore...
I went fishing with Hachisuke, but cried...
most of the time that I could only catch this one small fish.
Fish is not supposed to be offered in front of the tablet...
so I will place it here.
I will take it back so no one will know.
Please eat it.
We've finally come to Ako.
366 miles.
Young Lord, your whim is not a first.
Until the Hotta were deprived of their samurai privileges...
I was with the group assigned to you.
That's why I worry to send you out alone.
Young Lord...
we've been followed for a while.
Since we left Osaka.
You knew?
There's one more.
People don't trust me that easily.
THE MATSUDAIRA'S SERVICE ENTRANCE
Ohagi (rice covered with bean jam)!
Men all excited over bean jam.
I made sushi for you.
That's unnecessary.
Hey you...
I have a question for you.
After being greatly talked about as the country's cowards...
and that they are true men...
they're not acting that way.
- What's this about? - The Ako men.
Changing from dying in siege to self-immolation is fine.
Now they've decided to meekly surrender the castle.
Surrender the castle? That's ridiculous!
Chief Retainer.
Chisaka Hyobu, despite his illness, appeared at the castle.
It is rumored that Oishi is known for building a province...
while Chisaka was known for his military tactics.
You were both equally admired.
Now that Chisaka is our enemy...
what is your plan?
No matter what I come up with...
Hyobu will see...
right through me.
Then...
There is nothing I can do.
We'll take it as far as we can.
But...
One thing...
our advantage is that we have 50-plus men...
who are willing to give their lives.
Chisaka is probably the only one on their side.
Kurazo.
He's talking in his sleep.
Who is Kurazo...
It was Kuranosuke's nickname while they were students.
Kuranosuke is not a cow in the dark...
but an elephant.
Hence the name Kurazo.
Oichi...
nicknamed him Hyogo.
Hyogo?
Because he lacks more than simpleton.
So his name is Hyogo.
They're that close and now they're enemies...
Kurazo...
My short sword...
All right...
I'll give it to you.
Kazuma...
how is it?
Everything is in order.
I am moved by this clan's samurai discipline.
Kuranosuke...
show me around the estate.
We were able to put the castle in order...
by 6 AM this morning, up to this room.
We apologize for the procrastination...
and expect to be severely reprimanded.
The inspection of the castle has been completed.
Once we, the former vassals of the Ako clan...
receive approval to break up...
we will be grateful if we could gather in this room...
and take one item each with us.
Kazuma!
Stand guard.
I understand your feelings...
I thank you.
I appreciate it.
Kuranosuke...
I asked Naganori for the sea bream you caught...
and enjoyed eating it.
I could hear you all the way in Ako...
that I, Kuranosuke, gained honor.
As my appreciation for the sea bream...
I shall relay a message to you.
After Takumi-no-kami's incident...
a servant...
Okada Denpachiro examined him.
Then...
he asked if it was a moment of insanity.
Insanity?
This is what Naganori said.
Kuranosuke...
remember it well.
"If I plead insanity, the fault will lie with me only"
"and not cause trouble to my clan..."
"I truly appreciate your kind consideration."
"However..."
"if I claim insanity..."
"my action will not be justified."
Action?
And...
He teared and said...
"I feel pity for my vassals, but..."
Kuranosuke...
"BELIEF"
Please divide this amongst everyone.
After you kill the crafty Oishi...
each man may go off on his own.
I'm leaving.
Let's hurry.
Sir Kiyono.
Osen?
My brother, Chisaka, instructed you to...
inform him of the Ako's movements in detail.
To order Oishi's death is out of line.
But...
Besiegement, death in battle, and self-immolation...
Exposing most of the clan who think that is reckless.
Then...
with his trusted followers...
divides the clan's treasures amongst themselves.
Oishi needs to be punished!
You...
informed them of such.
Where are you going?
To kill those ronin.
No!
Daizaburo's boat should have left by now.
We will punish the disloyal and immoral Oishi!
Each man is skilled.
Be on guard.
Hachisuke...
stay close to me.
Wait!
Following orders from your parents?
Or is it your kindness?
In either case...
your further concern is not necessary.
Matsunojo...
do you remember an Oishi Mujin?
I believe he's your cousin.
His second son was adopted by Hotta Jinzaemon...
who worked as the 2,000 koku Building Magistrate.
Isn't that Toranosuke?
He's highly skilled in the Ono style of fencing.
Father!
Was that him?
Last year, Jinzaemon was appointed...
the Building Magistrate to erect the Gojiin in Edo.
Because he offered no bribes...
problems with defects were taken up...
his family was deprived of the samurai privileges
and he died committing suicide.
Thereafter, Toranosuke has become a cynic...
and is drinking day and night at a place called Tanzen Baths.
Don't be ridiculous!
I need to drink...
to survive in this filthy world.
I know what you're going to say after that.
Since Ieyasu's days, both parties are to blame in a quarrel.
Lord Asano committed suicide and his clan was abolished.
The mean Kozukenosuke, with Yanagisawa's help...
is doing better than ever. Isn't that right?
That's right.
I thought the Ako men would at least besiege the castle...
but instead, how sad...
they meekly surrender the castle.
Damn...
those foolish Ako men!
How could I not drink?
And if we say you should stop drinking...
you'll go right back to "That's ridiculous!"
You're wrong about that.
I made a bet with Osaki, the boss' tomboy daughter.
You're in love with her.
Shut up!
I made a bet.
Not one Ako man has the heart to take revenge.
If that happens, I'd work for free for ten years.
What do you think?
Hey...
Don't you think I'll win?
Den-san...
How would you know?
Sir...
What do you think?
Osaki claims surrendering the castle is proof that...
they plan to take revenge.
I'll make a bet with you, too.
I think they will.
Uki-sama, have some sake.
Cherry blossoms in the height of summer.
Isn't this a good idea?
For artificial flowers, it's really well made.
That's good.
My drink.
Chisaka was brilliant to hire Hotta Hayato...
to spy on the Ako men...
but was suspicious of him...
and he was right to have him followed.
I have also tailed him for other things.
Like?
You know about the notice board, don't you?
Going out?
That woman...
who is following us works for Kinsuke.
Who is she?
Shall I tell you?
I want to talk alone with the samurai.
Aren't you popular?
Be careful.
What do you want?
You have a connection to the Ako men.
That's right.
But they are the Ako ronin. I am an Aho (fool) ronin.
The "ko" and "ho" aren't related.
Why...
did you disguise yourself as a beggar...
to save Kuranosuke's son?
Confess...
or I'll shoot you.
Shoot me?
I don't mind...
being shot to death.
I've lost my will to live after seeing Oishi's wretched plight.
If you shoot me...
You will save me the trouble of killing myself.
Shoot me!
Kuranosuke is...
at Gion?
Not only Gion, he's extended himself to Shimabara...
Fushimi and Shimoku-machi.
He even sent his wife Riku back home to Tajima...
and took in a Gion prostitute as his mistress.
Then he bought almost 25 acres of land in Yamashina...
and planted chestnut seedlings.
If he is thinking about making money in the future...
he has no intentions of taking revenge.
Chief Retainer...
Kuranosuke!
Damn...
He's revealing his actions to me!
Besiegement...
then self-immolation.
He got rid of the cowards along the way...
and has now united with the remaining men for revenge.
Until the time is right...
to deceive society...
he must behave shamelessly.
When we were students...
Lord Naito Izumi-no-kami...
and Nagai Shinan-no-kami...
were involved in bloodshed, and the Naito were abolished.
We discussed how we would retaliate...
if we were the Naito vassals.
It is something we thought up together!
Kuranosuke is putting that in action!
Not hiding a thing...
he's taking me on straightforwardly!
...to me..
Straightforwardly...
Get a physician! Hurry!
Gengo...
what is it?
Yasubei just sent an express letter to Edo.
Chisaka has collapsed.
Hyobu has?
His recovery is doubtful.
Hyobu...
Hyobu has known by such a way...?
I am...
I am to blame...
I cut open his heart.
Thank you.
Now that a clan revival with the lord's brother is not possible...
we can't just idly bide time.
As the days go by, our blood pledged comrades have dropped...
like dead leaves.
Mori Koheita...
Koyama Gengoemon...
Nakamura Seiemon...
Hashimoto Heizaemon...
They weren't corrupted to begin with.
They just couldn't tolerate passing time in idleness.
If Oishi intends to live a leisure life in Yamashina...
We have no choice.
We should take action on our own.
Even if it means just the five or ten of us!
Don't act prematurely!
Fools!
Have you forgotten your blood pledge...
that you would take revenge for the lord no matter what!
Passing of time?
Fools!
What do you think we are all enduring this for?
As you all know...
I, Yahei, am 76 years old.
If I should die before our decisive action...
how can I face the late lord?
Oishi has already left Edo.
He heard about Sir Daigaku and immediately gathered...
the men in Kyoto.
He waited for it to get dark before leaving Yamashina.
Where is he going?
He calls himself Tachibana Sakon, the steward for...
the Kujo family. He must be in Mishima by now.
TACHIBANA SAKON'S INN
There is a Tachibana Sakon already at this inn?
Yes.
He arrived here about four hours ago.
I am the only Tachibana Sakon who works for the Kujo family.
Show me to his room.
I'll expose him!
Please wait a moment.
What happened?
There are two Tachibana Sakons.
Meaning one is an imposter?
He'll be severely punished for using the Court's name.
Excuse me!
A Tachibana Sakon insists on meeting you.
I'll meet him. Show him in here.
Yes.
Men...
wait in the other room.
An outrageous fellow who doesn't fear the Court!
Stand by and make certain he doesn't escape.
Nice to meet you.
What is your name?
I am Tachibana Sakon of the Kujo family.
Silence!
I am Tashibana Sakon!
It must he Heaven's dispensation to meet a real person.
Submit yourself.
Nonsense!
How preposterous of you to use my name!
If you quietly leave...
I'll forgive you.
Let me ask you this.
Why are you headed for Edo?
To deliver a donation as my master's representative...
to the Shiba Zojoji Temple.
If so...
May I see the item?
If you have it in possession, I'd like to observe it.
All right.
Please take a look at it.
Indeed...
there is no doubt you are Tachibana Sakon.
I am willing to accept whatever punishment...
for causing this imposter situation.
That is not necessary.
As long as it has been cleared, then...
Thank you for your mercy.
I shall leave now.
We'll leave this inn immediately.
Here is the identification I've used to deceive society.
Please burn it personally.
I'll be praying from behind that you successfully...
make it to where you're going--Shiba Zojoji.
"At one time, for Matsunojo's manhood ceremony..."
"I promised I would be his grandfather."
"I'm fulfilling that promise."
"The name I have come up with is Oishi Yoshikane."
"Whether or nor you accept it..."
"To Kurazo... from Hyogo."
Matsuojo, come closer.
You will have your manhood ceremony tonight.
Your name will now be Yoshikane.
Yes.
Young Lord!
What is it?
Your uncle is in Edo.
Which inn is he staying at?
I don't know that.
Sakichi!
I want to meet my uncle...
Sen.
What happens to me?
I am your wife.
But...
You are Oishi's nephew...
I am Chisaka's younger sister.
When I shot you...
I forsook my family.
I...
I now belong only to you...
I am happy...
But, understand me.
My father was...
also forced to commit suicide.
Why did I defile the notice board?
Why did I go to Ako to save my uncle?
To be shot by you...
and lose my skill in the Ono style of fencing...
yet survive until today...
No!
Please...
THE KIRA'S SERVICE ENTRANCE
You all look reliable.
Since moving into this mansion...
I've been feeling somewhat disheartened.
With this many men, I feel reassured.
This is all due to Lord Tsunanori.
This will only be until next March.
Please protect me well until I go to Yonezawa...
in the spring.
Welcome back!
Where were you?
Father was impatiently waiting for you...
with a guest who wants to see you.
Hurry and go over.
Boss, I'm back now.
Come in.
Yes.
Hey.
What the hell... so you're the guest?
Denkichi!
Then...
You are...
Oichi?
That's right.
I have a favor to ask of you.
This is a map of Kozukenosuke's mansion.
You plan...
to take revenge?
That's correct.
We'll soon be breaking into his estate.
I want you to verify if this map is accurate.
But...
It was originally Matsudaira Noborinosuke's mansion.
I heard your family changed the mats.
Just a minute.
Should you be divulging such a secret to me?
Yasubei, I'm just a humble craftsman.
What if I went blabbing...
or if it slipped out.
There is nothing we can do.
We're relying on you on our own.
Rely on?
Yes.
Me?
That's right.
I'm the man who accused the Ako men of being cowards...
and bet against you being able to take revenge.
The more so...
Damn...
What should I do?
A guy like me...
THE KIRA'S SERVICE ENTRANCE
Who is he?
He works for the Ako.
He was searching around the kitchen.
I told you I am a mat craftsman.
I received an order to change the mats.
Don't lie!
The Steward claims that's not true.
I'm only here on my boss' order.
Confess or you'll get hurt more.
Confess...
Confess what?
I, Denkichi, am an Edoite.
I won't talk just because some country bumpkins...
pushed me around.
Even a worm will turn when trod upon.
All right.
Kill me if you want!
Kill me!
DECEMBER 14, 1702
It has been a while since our last meeting.
Kuranosuke...
thank you for coming.
Please look up.
You've become thin due to anxiety...
Are Riku and Matsunojo fine?
He had his manhood ceremony on his way to Edo.
Matsunojo had his ceremony before he entered Edo?
It is very difficult to explain why we are in Edo.
I, Kuronosuke, will work for a certain daimyo...
in the Western province.
The daimyo lives....
faraway toward the West...
in the west....
I will not be able to see you again.
This will be our last meeting.
I am saddened this will be our last meeting...
But if that is what you want, I am happy for you.
Thank you for your encouragement.
I leave with no regrets.
Kuranosuke...
When you meet your master...
please give my regards to him.
I'd like to give you something.
Come closer.
I am truly grateful.
Toranosuke?
I knew you would visit Lord Asano's wife...
and loitered about this area.
What do you want?
Uncle, you reprimanded me the other day.
But I, Toranosuke, can only extend myself out...
Please provide me a place to die.
Come with me.
Most of us are here.
It's been a while.
Oh...
You were at the Chief Retainer's mansion?
I am Yone and I worked in the kitchen.
Your husband is...
Tomizo.
I am Tomizo.
Is that why we're meeting here?
Please go on upstairs.
Hotta Hayato.
Please come in.
Toranosuke?
Toranosuke, it's cold tonight.
Please warm up with a drink.
Men, tonight we will conclude our blood pledge.
It has been a year and a half since we made our pledge.
During this time...
you encountered indescribable hardships.
The difference in thinking and ways of doing things...
created discord, to the verge of almost breaking up the group.
However...
at every such instance, a new inspiration emerged.
Furthermore...
it resulted in helping to deepen our bond.
After all, when this is over, we will all die together.
This thought has surely helped to overcome various things.
I, Kuranoshuke...
During my 40-plus years...
have never felt so wholly as I have this past year.
I warmly thank all of you.
We are ashamed that we jumped to conclusions...
and didn't understand your intentions.
We'll die with no regrets.
We endured it all for this day.
Everyone...
Let's die together.
I am happy.
Yone, Tomizo and Hachisuke...
thank you for everything.
I'll make it up to you in the other world.
I wish you success.
Toranosuke...
I understand.
If I had the skill, I would've asked to accompany them...
and die fighting.
I have skill...
but I still can't go.
Osen...
The Ako retainers have left to take revenge!
I now understand.
I now understand...
The raid on the Kira mansion is solely for the Ako retainers...
who risked everything for this day.
I needn't go with them...
Dear!
The Ako retainers have raided the mansion!
What? They have raided the mansion?
Father, are you all right?
No, don't bother me.
I'm enjoying myself.
Go and achieve distinction for yourself.
Yes.
Where is Kira?
I can't find him.
He's not around!
- He's nowhere! - He's not here.
That can't be! He's hiding somewhere!
He's not here.
He escaped!
An hour has lapsed since we raided.
There is no signal yet.
Could we have lost him?
The Ako retainers have raided the Kira mansion.
Chiyo...
my change of clothes.
Umon...
go to the front of the gate now...
and do not allow anyone from the Uesugi out!
Settle down!
No one is allowed to leave without the Elder's permission!
Anyone who leaves will be killed!
Hyobu!
My lord...
...where are you going? - That's obvious!
To my father's mansion!
You must not!
What did you say?
Am I just going to let my father get killed?
There is nothing you can do.
How insulting!
Look at him!
This man was in my father's manson...
He was injured...
yet he came here to inform me...
of the situation before he died.
How admirable.
But...
he belongs to the Kira clan.
I am Kira's son.
You are the lord of the Uesugi clan.
Should something happen to my father...
Move!
Move from there!
I will not!
You.
Sorry...
What are you doing?
You're being rude to your master!
I realize that...
but...
this is for the clan's sake!
How can that be!
If word gets out that I made no attempt to save my father...
I will be the laughingstock in town!
If you leave... it'll be more serious than that.
Are you that afraid of the Ako retainers?
Why would I be afraid of them?
What I am afraid of... is justice.
Hyobu...
Hyobu is afraid of a judge.
The Ako retainers are...
not only after Kira's life.
Takumi-no-kami risked his life and his clan for his hatred.
Without an investigation or trial he was beheaded.
Not having a proper trial was cruel.
The townspeople and the government...
are all rooting for the Ako.
Now...
if you kill the Ako retainers...
the people will hate the Uesugi.
My lord!
About me...
if you do not heed my advice, I have no choice.
If you still insist, kill me first to get pass.
It's indeed Kozukenosuke!
Pardon our insolence.
We are former vassals of Lord Asano Takumi-no-kami.
We are here tonight to take your life.
Will you fight us or commit suicide?
I shall take your life.
Resign to your fate.
Well done!
Good job!
Great!
Hey...
No one here knows about your achievement.
It's better that only I know.
But a bet is a bet, and you lost.
You must work at my place for free for ten years.
I've never been so happy!
Subtitled and Mastered by Cannibal King @ KuroTokagi