TOEl COMPANY LTD.
SHINSENGUMl: LAST DAYS OF THE SHOGUNATE Soretsu Shinsengumi Bakumatsu no Doran
Producer: OKAWA Hiroshi
Screenplay: HISA Yoshitake Original Story: SHIRAI Kyoji
Music: MANJOME Tadashi
Cast:
KATAOKA Cheizo
SATOMI Kotaro - WAKAYAMA Tomisaburo TAKADA Kokichi
HANAYAGI Kogiku - OKAWA Keiko
TSUKIGATA Ryunosuke - YAMAGATA Isao
OTOMI Ryutaro - OKAWA Hashizo
Directed by: SASAKI Yasushi
" Recruiting masterless samurai."
" Since last year in Kyoto, the outlaws are pushing
" revere the Emperor and expel the barbarians.
" Due to a plot to overthrow the Shogunate,
" we are gathering men of allegiance.
" You will receive 50 ryo as preparation money.
" Upon arrival in Kyoto, you will work for the Shoshidai
" and be employed as a Hatamoto."
Stop that!
Don't hold back. Have some.
Don't .
Depart!
SANJO BRIDGE
SHINCHO ROSHI GROUP
Be careful on your way.
Who is it?
I am Tajima Orinosuke.
Is Katsura in?
He is in the back. Please, come in.
Thanks for coming from afar.
What is the Shinsho Roshi group doing?
A total of 193 ronin entered Shintoku-ji Temple in Mibu today.
As I followed them on their travel here,
there were some formidable men among them.
And they were?
Serizawa Kamo and his 10-plus men from Mito.
Kondo Isami and his men who joined as masterless samurai.
Kondo Isami?
Do you know him?
While I was at the Saito Fencing Hall in Edo,
he was quite known at the Shieikan Hall.
How many of his trusted men accompanied him?
Hijikata Saizo, Okita Soshi, Nagakura Shinpashi,
Toda Heisuke, and Harada Sanosuke are the key five.
Which means, the Royalists' biggest enemy will be...
It's Kurahara.
Why Tajima, welcome back.
Katsura, now that the Shincho group has arrived,
the Shoshidai will move lively.
KYOTO SHOSHIDAI
Why is the Shincho group a failure for the Shogunate?
I have the details written down.
The majority are stray ronin or outlaws
who are after the compensation money.
Are you saying the Roshi group is useless?
I'm not saying that.
It's just that if they use the Shoshidai's authority
and become rampant, the people of Kyoto may be inconvenienced.
I understand. After thorough investigation,
I will take the necessary steps with the Shugoshoku.
That's absurd! How can you back out on your promise now?!
I understand your anger, but His Excellency decided
to have you men return to Edo and serve there.
Please understand and consent to it.
What about our travel costs and stipend in Edo?
The Shogunate will cover that.
Will you swear to that?
You needn't ask twice.
Pardon my rudeness.
We will leave immediately, as instructed.
Let's leave.
The rest of you should leave, too.
Preposterous!
Let's go, too.
What shall we do?
Must you ask?
We came here because we were unable to make a living in Edo.
I'm concerned about the Shogunate's future.
But the way the group was...
Stop that!
In that group, my name, Kondo, and yours are in it.
We can't just meekly resign like the others.
You don't plan to return to Edo?
Of course not!
I'm relieved now. I thought you would say that.
That is admirable, Kondo. I, Serizawa agree with you.
But you can't remain here as a mere ronin.
How will you deal with that?
When is the Shugoshoku coming?
I will prepare a petition.
What? A petition?
I understand the circumstances.
As you request, you will work for me and protect the city.
Thank you for accepting our request.
The Choshu clan has collaborated with the nobles
to overthrow the Shogunate,
and the Satsuma and Tosa clan deserters are in the city.
Therefore, 26 of you may not be enough.
Mondonosho, handle it.
Yes, sir.
Let me introduce you.
This is Serizawa Kamo and Kondo Isami of the Shincho group
who will be remaining in Kyoto. Get along and work together.
Pleased to meet you. I am Ito Kashitaro.
And this is my younger brother, Suzuki Mikisaburo.
The rest of the men share our same view.
Pardon me, but may I ask what that is?
That's obvious, it's for the Shogunate.
I'm relieved to hear those words.
Your headquarters will be at Yagi Gennojo's mansion in Mibu.
You are now the Shinsengumi.
" Live with Sincerity under God."
SHINSENGUMI HEADQUARTERS
A woman named Ocho is requesting to see you.
Ocho?
Yes, sir.
Show her in.
You can't judge a man by his appearance.
I never expected Kondo to know such a beauty.
I am Ocho. The Shoshidai ordered me to come here.
And you are?
I am originally from Yanagibashi, Edo.
Because I was born into an immediate vassal's family,
I became Mondonosho's agent and have been
living here in Kyoto for the past two years.
I see... And the reason for your visit today?
It may not be of use to you,
but I have information on the Royalists.
That would be helpful.
Hijikata, copy it down.
Yes, sir.
It's the Shinsengumi.
Welcome.
Where is Tajima?
He is not back yet.
I will wait then.
Okay.
Okayo, we have a guest. Serve some tea.
I will be leaving then.
I have many parties tonight.
All right. Give my best to aunty.
Sis, don't you like Orinosuke upstairs?
The Madam said so, Orinosuke is handsome,
so if he rents upstairs, you will be uneasy.
What are you saying? You are still a kid.
Stop being precocious and leave already.
All right. Bye!
Welcome.
Have some tea.
I appreciate it.
He should be back soon. Make yourself comfortable.
Excuse me...
Tajima is a lucky fellow.
What are you talking about?
Tajima and I are from the same province
and we both devote ourselves to the interests of our country.
My lodging has men loafing around and is tasteless.
On the other hand, Tajima has a flower arrangement.
There is nothing between Orinosuke and me.
I know that, but...
Okayo.
What are you doing?
I like you. I will give up my samurai status
and my mission for you, so please...
Okayo!
Okayo, Tajima is back.
Who is the guest?
It's Maehata.
Where were you?
At Shinmachi in Gojo.
I see. I thought you were at Gion?
Don't go near Ikumatsu's place for a while.
Katsura left for Choshu last night to get a consensus.
Choshu?
What did you want?
The group has decided to burn the Shinsengumi Headquarters.
So you should...
I refuse.
Refuse?
I can't act recklessly while Katsura is away.
Just look at their conduct.
During the day, they act big,
and at night they are at the Shimabara-Gion pleasure quarters.
Doesn't that make you upset?
Is that your reason for taking on the Shinsengumi?
That is not it.
Then give it up.
Unlike a tradesman's daughter,
Kondo Isami is a formidable man.
Where is Serizawa?
He is in Ueno.
When he returns, tell him that Kondo
will be at Yamasei in Gion.
I will.
Kondo will be at Gion and Serizawa is at Shimabara.
How thriving for them.
Leaving already?
I'm just going for a walk.
Stay here and drink.
Hey!
Who is that woman?
That was Oume.
Oume?
She used to be a geisha here before,
but last fall, the master of Horikawa fell for her...
Never mind that. Tell me where she lives.
She will probably be someone's mistress someday.
But she sure is pretty.
Who cares about that?! We need money.
Our stipend alone won't get us on in the world.
Don't be so hasty.
We will discuss that in Shimabara.
Yamamoto and Murakami! Where are you going?
You needn't hide it.
My men are drinking at Aoki-ya.
If you would like, go and join them.
He is up to something.
I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you tonight.
And so you went out for recreation?
Don't be ridiculous.
The Madam of Aoki-ya asked me over...
to discuss mutual financing.
Who are you?
Serizawa Kamo, the Shinsengumi's top leader.
What can I do for you?
Take this.
You can pretty much guess what I want.
In this politically critical time,
what arrogance from a mere townsman!
Go.
Hurry and beat it!
I will go.
She will be here shortly.
Did she say so? - Yes.
She is aware that I am Kondo of the Shinsengumi?
Yes.
I didn't think so, but she is quite tough.
I wonder about that. She could be brazen.
Who is brazen?
You folks are. Kyoto women can't be trusted.
I can't stand you. If you continue talking that way,
I won't serve you anymore.
That's fine with me. I can pour myself.
Then do so!
Hijikata, you can't win over this little girl.
Chiegiku, pour for me.
Sir Kondo, would you like a drink?
I will have some.
Were you born in Gion?
No, my father is a top maker called Chokodo.
He has a master like spirit, but he doesn't try to earn a living.
That's why I am staying with my aunty.
Ikumatsu!
I am Ikumatsu.
I am Kondo with the Shinsengumi.
Pour me a drink.
How is your lover doing?
Who do you mean?
Don't pretend! We know it's Katsura Kogoro of Choshu.
A woman informed us that you were sheltering him.
It won't do you any good to hide if from us.
Fine with me. Go and search my place.
All right. Okita, let's go.
Don't !
Why not?
The Shinsengumi's duty is to guard the city.
Going overboard is forbidden.
When you have a chance, relay this to him.
The Shogunate and Royalists may have different views,
but we both care for our country.
If possible, I would like to avoid bloodshed.
I will.
As of tonight, you are my woman.
Do anything stupid and your nose will fall.
Remember that!
He's manly, but does he have money?
What a shock. I didn't expect Serizawa to be so evil.
So instead of doing small jobs...
let's make our move tonight.
Dear... I hear strange sounds.
Dear!
We are the Royalists who work for the Emperor.
Make a sound and you will die.
Did something happen?
A notice was posted by the Sanjo Bridge.
The Royalists committed a forced robbery last night.
What! Robbery?!
They were two men who killed Izumi-ya Seibei and stole 500 ryo.
Can you think of anyone?
Of course not!
If we did, we wouldn't be sitting around here.
We would grab our share and go to the Shimabara quarters.
Silence! You shouldn't speak so imprudently.
Our mission as Royalists...
Enough with that!
You are the very one who resents the Shogunate!
What?! I resent the Shogunate?
It's true!
I won't forgive you!
How noisy. That's enough.
Kurahara...
As they say, walls have ears.
What good does it do to talk loudly about that in daylight?
But...!
Never mind that.
The one who broke into Izumi-ya and stole 500 ryo... was me.
I'm only joking.
Have you ever considered it to be a desperate measure?
Meaning?
It's a trap.
I think I know the enemy and our allies quite well.
Amongst our comrades here, no one would commit robbery.
Reading that notice, I think there is more to this.
Then the culprits is...
It could be a thief or the Shoshidai's trap.
The Shogunate may be using this as an excuse
to eradicate the Royalists.
This is just my thinking so I could be wrong.
In any case, be cautious and watch the situation.
They are here.
Show them in.
Come on in.
You wanted to see us?
That's right. Come closer.
This is just a rumor, but I hear you, Yamamoto
were formally a yakuza named Yuten.
And Murakami, you were somehow connected
and was tired of being a bodyguard.
I don't care about that.
Just take it out.
Take out what?
The money.
You ignored my offer last night and didn't show up at Aoki-ya.
And I heard you returned late last night.
I gather you followed me here,
waited for dark to fall and broke into Izumi-ya.
We would never...
Silence!
My insight is not to be taken lightly.
If the truth becomes known, you will both be beheaded.
Everything can be contained in my heart.
Now pay me.
Such sore losers.
Oume, this is for your current expenses. Keep it.
Do it more often, so we can blame it on the Royalists.
And it will be our pretext to arrest them all.
But just make certain you don't get caught.
Yes, sir.
SHINSENGUMI HEADQUARTERS
Wait!
" The ringleader for the robbery is Tajima Orinosuke..."
Tajima?
Shall we arrest him and verify the truth?
Hijikata, take the lead on this?
Yes, sir.
Welcome back.
Where is your father?
He went to Tashio-ya. Have you eaten already?
Not yet. - I will get it ready.
Okayo, about the other day...
Did Maehata do something rude to you?
No, he didn't .
He was just teasing.
Then I can continue to trust him as a friend.
...Yes.
Thanks for telling me that.
I feel relieved now.
We are the Shinsengumi.
Are you bringing Tajima Orinosuke his meal?
Is there a problem?
Are you Tajima Orinosuke?
Indeed. I have done nothing to have you barge in like this.
Silence! Come with us and we can find out.
Quietly accompany us.
I refuse.
Are you resisting?
Insolent!
Kurahara... - What's wrong?
It's the Shinsengumi.
Shinsengumi?
They intend to take us on.
I will handle this. Go on.
Are you an accomplice?
What are you talking about?
Stop pretending. You must have an idea.
I don't . As you can see, I am just a...
Mocking us?!
I don't like senseless killing.
As Kondo mentioned at Yamasei in Gion,
the Shogunate and Royalists may have different views,
but we both care for our country. Good luck.
TAJIMA ORINOSUKE
You think I commited that robbery?
I don't want to think that. You are the most well-behaved.
I don't think you did it, but...
Now that the bulletin has been posted,
we can't just ignore this. We must hear your explanation.
Explain what?
How do I explain something I have no knowledge of?
That may be true...
All right, if you doubt me that much,
I will commit suicide.
Suicide?
I have done the best I could until now.
It's greatly mortifying to be suspected in this manner.
I will commit suicide to clear my name.
Stop.
Tajima, don't waste your life.
But Kurahara...
You could never have committed robbery with your personality.
And you wouldn't have.
Maehata, you and Tajima are friends from the same province.
Isn't there something you could argue in his favor?
I feel that way, but we don't live together.
So you can't vouch for his whereabouts that night?
But according to that bulletin, there were two men.
If Tajima is the culprit, you would be his accomplice.
Stop that!
I was only joking.
Shall we defer this incident until Katsura returns?
That's fine. But I hope the Shinsengumi
doesn't use this as an excuse to take action.
You needn't worry about that. Kondo is not a cowardly man.
Welcome.
Chiegiku.
Are you done?
I have something to ask of you.
I know, it's about Orinosuke, right?
How did you know that?
Okayo told me about it.
Who is that?
She is my real sister.
She claims the Shinsengumi are doing a terrible thing.
But Tajima committed robbery...
You are wrong! He would never do such a thing.
He is a fine man.
Do you really think that?
I don't know anything about the different parties,
but I do know that Orinosuke is a fine man.
What about this?
Do you recognize this handwriting?
No, I don't . I'm not good at writing.
Shall I ask someone?
Please do that.
Ono-ya from Shijo is here to see you.
Ono-ya?
He is the master of a dry goods store
and an old customer of ours.
Show him in.
Please come in.
I am Ona-ya Jihei.
I am Kondo of the Shinsengumi.
What did you want to see me about?
It's about Serizawa.
Welcome home.
Ocho is here.
Welcome back. Do you know Tajima's whereabouts?
Not yet.
Then I will find him.
There's something else I want you to look into.
Come closer.
All right. I will start on it tonight.
Thanks.
Excuse me.
Where is Serizawa?
He left earlier.
When he returns, tell him I want to take him to Arashiyama.
A stunning view... and the sun is so bright.
It's so peaceful here.
I agree.
I wish the Shinsengumi could be as tranquil.
By the way, do you know an Ono-ya, from Shijo?
No, I don't know the man. What about him?
It's just his story, I don't know if it's true.
But, he says he was wronged by one of us.
And mentioned your name.
What? My name?
I'm sure he's lying.
Won't you clear your name?
Of course I will.
Boatman! Bring us back in!
Yes, sir.
Welcome home. Hirayama and the others are here.
Welcome back.
Oume, Ono-ya went to Kondo for help.
We need to silence him.
We will threaten him, and shut him up!
Threaten him?
We will burn his place down tonight.
Will you help me?
Certainly! We are all here because of you.
I like that. Let's Go!
Welcome back.
Has Ocho come back?
Not yet.
How did it go today?
We will deal with that later.
Serizawa is a samurai.
He will take responsibility.
Spy! That will show you!
Another killing stroke?
No, not necessary.
My aim was dead certain.
Ocho! What's wrong?
Leader Kondo! Ocho's been stabbed!
Ocho!
Kondo...
Who did this to you?
Serizawa...
Serizawa?
Everything you heard about him is true.
In fact...
Hold on!
Where is Serizawa now?
Ono-ya...
We have started the fire.
They won't be able to stop it now.
Good work. Let's go.
Ocho told me everything.
I can't believe you did this.
Silence! Don't challenge me...
Wait!
You leave me no choice.
We brought her in.
Sit her down.
Tell the truth, or you will be an accomplice.
Yes.
What are the names of the men who ran?
Noguchi, Yamamoto, Murakami,
Inoue, Saeki, Asano, Yoshimura and Kawashima.
A total of eight.
Were they all Serizawa's disciples?
It appears so.
I am embarrassed.
To think, among the Shinsengumi...
there were such misguided men.
According to Oume, Yamamoto and Murakami
committed robberies, and claimed to be Royalists.
Serizawa pocketed kickbacks for his pleasures.
The total amount is roughly...
Where to?
To take responsibility.
I can't face the Shogun or the Shugoshoku unless I do.
But...
I'm here to relay the Shugoshoku's message.
His Excellency has already left Edo to punish the Choshu.
Kondo, thank you for coming by.
How is His Excellency?
He arrived safely.
He's been concerned about these troubled times,
he seems deeply worried.
About the other day... Will you reconsider?
To have such misguided men in our group...
It shows poor insight on my part.
I understand, you're conscientious,
but His Excellency's life may be in danger.
Won't you please bend, and heed my request?
Kondo, I'm staking my life and the Aizu clan
to fulfill my duty as Shugoshoku.
Please understand my feelings.
I am honored.
If you insist...
Will you continue as the Shinsengumi leader?
I will.
I am relieved.
Take warning, be careful of this city's ronin.
The messenger said you had something for me.
Here it is.
How did you get this?
Chiegiku had it.
She wants to prove Orinosuke's innocence.
And wants to find out who wrote it.
I will look into it.
Also, Okomo returned early this morning from Choshu.
Okomo?
There he is.
I will be going then.
Katsura, good work.
Kurahara, Choshu clan will now oppose the Shogun.
We're forging an alliance with Satsuma
through Ryoma Sakamoto of Tosa.
To rally our supporters,
we will be meeting tonight at Ikeda-ya.
That's good. What time is it for?
10 PM.
How will we contact our men?
I will start from now.
Miyabe will contact the rest.
I will see you there. I'm off.
Okayo, where to?
I'm invited to my aunt's in Gion, for the festival.
Wait.
Don't you want to know where Orinosuke is?
I came over to tell you...
You needn't bother.
When the time comes Orinosuke will be back.
Welcome back.
Miyabe sent a letter.
I heard about that.
I saw Katsura at the Kamo riverbed today.
Is that what Ikumatsu's messenger wanted?
That and another thing.
Another?
Read this.
It says that you are the robber.
I asked the others, no one knows about it.
Do you recognize the handwriting?
No... I've never seen it before.
Are you sure?
Yes.
I see...
You are kind to spare a friend. I admire that.
I will take care of it. You go to Ikeda-ya on time.
We will clear this up when the time is right.
To think that Maehata betrayed me...
It can't be true!
Where's Maehata?
He has stepped out. He knows about the meeting,
at Ikeda-ya tonight, so he should be back soon.
Are you sure he will be back?
He said he would change before he goes.
I will wait then.
Wait?
Is that a problem?
That's not it. We want to see the festival
before we go to Ikeda-ya.
Then go ahead.
I will leave with Maehata.
All right. We will be going first.
Kurahara has figured it out.
That means...
SHINSENGUMI HEADQUARTERS
He has something to inform you about the Royalists.
I am Maehata Sanjuro, a Tosa clan deserter.
I am Kondo. What would you like to tell me?
Katsura Kogoro and his men will be meeting with the
Choshu clan tonight to revolt against the Shogunate.
Where?
At Ikeda-ya in Sanjo.
When?
It's scheduled for 10 PM.
We still have two hours to go.
Todo, go there and verify it.
Yes, sir.
Ito, inform the Shoshidai and Shugoshoku about this.
Borrow some men and along with our men, search the vicinity.
All right. Let's go.
It's do or die time. Don't fail.
Welcome. It's upstairs.
Where is Kurahara?
He should be here shortly.
A messenger from Sakamoto is here.
He asks that you go to the Satsuma mansion immediately.
I see. Thank you.
It must be about the Satsuma-Choshu alliance.
I will be back as soon as I'm done.
Where is Maehata?
He is coming later with Kurahara.
It's almost 10 PM...
I wonder if...
Chief, it's just as it was informed.
How many of them?
Over thirty.
Everything is ready.
All right.
Depart!
Yes, sir.
" Sincerity"
Where are you going?
Let's see.
Everyone is merry with the festival.
That is a boorish question.
You are in formal attire. Did something happen?
Never mind that. Accompany us to the Shoshidai's mansion.
Shoshidai mansion?
That's right.
Thanks, but no thanks.
I would go to Shimabara or Gion, but not to the Shoshidai's .
Submit yourself.
Are you Kurahara?
That's right.
Men, the Shinsengumi are here!
Escape!
Tajima Orinosuke, you won't escape this time.
Shut up!
Tajima, you must not die here. Escape!
Tajima Orinosuke...?
Go!
Don't let him escape!
After him!
Ikumatsu!
What happened?
The Shinsengumi raided the Ikeda-ya.
Katsura left for the Satsuma mansion
before that, so he is safe.
And you?
I have to find Kurahara.
If you go, you will be caught.
They may come storming in here, too.
Let's go next door to Chiegiku.
I will be leaving now.
Aren't you staying over?
Father must be waiting for me.
All right. Chiegiku, walk her part way.
Yes, mom.
Who is it?
Orinosuke!
What happened?
The Shinsengumi are after me.
I feel bad about inconveniencing you,
but Ikumatsu insisted I come over. - I understand.
Okayo, don't just stand there, tend to his wound.
Yes.
Thank you.
Just feign ignorance and go to work.
But...!
Don't talk back. It's not the time for that.
Now hurry and go.
Where is Katsura?
I'm not sure. He doesn't come by much anymore.
We won't fall for that.
Search the house.
He's not around.
You are not the type that would give in to torture.
I wonder. You could give it a try.
That's some courage. Hijikata, let's leave.
Chiegiku!
Yes?
You are Chokodo's daughter. Don't you live nearby?
I live here.
Did Tajima Orinosuke come by earlier?
I don't know. I was home all night.
Ridiculous!
You can't go in!
Why not?
My mother is sick tonight and is not feeling well.
If scary men like you go barging in...
It's the government's order.
As our duty...
Duty or not, my mother will...
If you interfere, you will be punished.
Move!
No! I won't move even if you kill me!
Insolent!
Wait!
Sir Kondo!
Please tell them that my mother is not feeling well.
All right. Because of your devotion,
we will pass tonight.
Really?
Relay to her that Kondo is not the ogre or devil.
That depending on the circumstance,
that he would even cry for human sincerity.
That settles it. Let's go.
Ikumatsu, Gion women have backbone.
Katsura and Orinosuke are lucky men.
I'm so glad! You were terrific!
It's not me, it is Kondo that is terrific.
This sword along with the famed horse tied outside
is a token of appreciation from the Shugoshoku.
Thank you very much.
Hijikata, distribute the reward to all the men.
Yes, sir.
This is also the Shugoshoku's will.
If you have no objections, he would like to give you
a 3,000 koku stipend as a Hatamoto.
One moment, please.
I appreciate the offer, but I still can't
discard my personal feelings.
Personal feelings?
Therefore, I must firmly decline.
Admirable! I will relay that to the Shugoshoku.
What are you doing?
My only income is this gun that I picked up,
and the measly reward I received.
Thinking about it makes it so ridiculous.
Don't say that.
Kondo and his men were the first to attack.
That is true, but...
Let it go. The country will change in time.
There will be an opportunity to avail ourselves one day.
Let's be patient and increase our men by fall.
Welcome back.
Rejoice. The Shogunate's attempt to punish
the Choshu clan failed.
Really?
Not only that, according to Katsura, Sakamoto's mediation
is helping to progress our alliance with the Satsuma.
Then the matter of overthrowing the government...
It should realize soon.
According to the rumor, after the Ikeda-ya incident,
Maehata was protected by the Shinsengumi and is now a member.
Have one.
Don't let your guard down now that you are a member.
Kondo dislikes traitors.
Yes, I realize that.
As long as I, Ito am here, I won't allow the Kondo group
to have dictatorship, so you should be safe.
Have you heard? The Shogunate has halted
its punitive action on the Choshu clan.
Halted?
That is what I heard from the Choshu men.
The Satsuma-Choshu alliance is progressing.
Is Kondo aware of this?
Yes. He was summoned by the Shoshidai.
Stay here and drink.
That's the situation. In and around the city
of Kyoto, it will become tumultuous.
Do you have a standard for control?
No, I don't .
What?
As promised, I will stake my life on this mission.
I am relieved. Please handle it.
I will be leaving.
Ito of the Shinsengumi is here.
Ito is?
Yes, sir.
I apologize for this sudden visit.
It's all right. Kondo just left.
What is it?
As of now, I, and 35 others will break away
from the Shinsengumi.
Break away?
In reality, it'll be as usual.
If possible, we would like to take up residence
around Kodai-ji Temple in the east.
You will continue to work with the Shinsengumi,
to protect the city?
That's correct.
All right. I will allow it on the pretext that
you will be guards for the imperial tomb.
If that is Mondonosho's order,
I have nothing to say. Feel free to leave.
I'll pay my respects another day.
Let's go.
I can't forgive them! - Kill them!
Stop!
We will cross swords one day.
Let them go.
Our quarters will be at Choen-ji in Gojo.
Go ahead, I will join you there.
Yes, sir.
Where now?
When times are uncertain,
you must keep two options ready.
Meaning?
I'm going to Satsuma mansion.
SATSUMA CLAN
I understand your dilemma.
But this is not something that I, Saigo,
can decide alone. Let's meet again another day.
I will give you our comrade's signatures.
I will hold on to this.
Excuse us.
Katsura, do you think he is sincere? Or a fraud?
Probably the latter.
There will be more like him popping up.
Who is there?
It's me.
Oh, it's you men.
I hear you left the Shinsengumi.
Yes we did.
You must have a grudge against Kondo.
If you want to join us, I would have no qualms.
Since that day we have been waiting to take revenge.
But let me make this clear first.
You must trust me in all things.
Who knows when the country's situation will change?
Reporting. An urgent message from Anekoji.
The Satsuma-Choshu pact has been sealed
and both clans will soon enter Kyoto
to guard the Imperial Palace.
Is that so?
Welcome back.
How did it go?
Not too well. Saigo wouldn't accept us.
Now that the Satsuma- Choshu have an alliance,
we must do something, or be left behind.
I will bring a nice gift and talk to him again.
A nice gift?
What else but Kondo's head?
Maehata, you were the informant before the fight at Ikeda-ya.
If the royalists were to take over,
you would have to do a great deed to survive.
Be prepared.
Yes, sir.
This is the list I borrowed from Saigo.
For reference, look it over.
Maejima Sannoshin...
Well, Tajima? Don't you think the handwriting
of the letter and that book are the same?
Then Maehata is...
He probably changed his name
and joined the Imperial tomb guards.
Maehata set you up as the robber,
and he is the informant who got over 10 of his comrades killed.
He has to be punished.
I'm going out.
Where to?
To their headquarters to confirm the truth.
Depending on the result then, on the spot...
You can't do that. He plays both sides well.
If we act in haste, we will get burned.
" Proof is better that argument"
Take Kondo as an example.
I feel badly, you are working so hard.
If His Excellency tenders his submission
and returns political power to the Emperor,
you and I must leave Kyoto immediately.
Be prepared.
Yes...
I have no idea what the future holds.
Kondo, if there is anything you need, tell me.
That is not necessary.
I did not join you for political advancement.
It is an honor, whether I win or lose.
I intend to carry out my mission with that will.
Well said.
If only the hereditary vassals had the same spirit...
Stop that.
The common folk would call it grumbling.
Shinsuke, I will be at Yamasei at Gion.
Come back for me at 11.
You are certain Kondo is at Yamasei?
Yes, he told the groom to return at 11.
I went back to check and his horse was tied at Yamasei.
A golden opportunity.
This gun will come in handy tonight.
You are alone again tonight.
So it seems...
Why don't you call the other women?
I just want a quiet drink.
Will you serve me?
How is your Mother?
Thanks to you, she was fine the next morning.
Really?
Yes.
Then Tajima Orinosuke must be happy, too.
You needn't pretend.
Is he still there?
No. When I woke up the next day, he was already gone.
He hasn't shown up since that day.
My sister Okayo...
Okayo?
She's my real sister, who is madly in love with him.
You are so honest.
Thanks to you, my mood has lightened.
I'm going out after all.
Wait!
Don't be so distant. Why not ask me to join you?
It's almost time. Let's go.
Men, let's go!
We will lie in wait at the Higashi To-in in Shijo.
Noguchi, stake out the Yamasei.
When will you be back?
In these times, who can say?
Chiegiku, take care of yourself.
Thank you. You be careful, too.
Give my regards to Ikumatsu.
I will.
Shall we run away tonight?
Fool, not with only this much money.
We will rob a mansion and hit it big!
" Bad news travels fast."
You two were the ones who committed the robbery.
I won't forgive you.
Priest, is there a Maehata Sanjuro here?
Yes, but he is now Maejima Sannoshin.
Where is he now?
He left to kill Kondo of the Shinsengumi
and headed towards the Higashi To-in in Shijo.
He will be here soon.
Wait! Where are you going?
I'm indebted to Kondo.
I may be criticized by our comrades,
but I can't ignore this.
Well said. Our mission is one thing.
Compassion is another. I will go with you.
Who are you?!
It's me. Ito.
I need your head to take to the Satsuma clan.
So, you've revealed yourselves...
Silence!
Sir Kondo, we will assist you!
You are...?
Maehata Sanjuro, if you are a man, fight me fairly!
What nerve!
Kondo, don't give up!
I am all right.
I never expected to be saved by you two.
I am a lucky man.
We have to leave you.
I wish you well.
Orinosuke...
Okayo is madly in love with you.
Be good to her.
Yes.
Leader!
Hijikata, Okita, Harada, Todo, Nagakura...
Those who embody sincerity...
and show compassion,
will perfect their spirits.
Do you understand?
Yes!
Fall in!
Proceed!
Subtitled and Mastered by Cannibal King www.KuroTokagi.com