Toho Company, Ltd.
Katsu Productions present
Oyuki, you deserter! We have official orders to execute you at once!
Prepare yourself!
I beseech you, please kill Oyuki!
I shall accept the commission...
...for 500 gold pieces.
Lone Wolf and Cub
Baby Cart in Peril
Produced by Tomisaburo Wakayama & Hisaharu Matsubara
Original story by Koike Kazuo & Goseki Kojima
Director of photography Kazuo Miyagawa
Fight choreographer Eiichi Kusumoto
Music by Hideaki Sakurai
Tattoo art by Mori Seiji
Starring:
Tomisaburo Wakayama as Itto Ogami
Yoichi Hayashi as Gunbei Yagyu
Michi Azuma as Oyuki
Akihiro Tomikawa as the Child
Asao Koike as Yoshinao Tokugawa Tatsuo Endo as Lord Retsudo
So Yamamura as Jindayu Gomune
Directed by Buichi Saito
You see, the art of tattooing is performed
by pressing the left thumb hard against the skin like this,
and then applying dyes and inscribing the design.
The sound of tattooing is called the "distant echo".
It's a pleasant sound once you get used to it.
But those who aren't familiar with it say it gives them the chills.
They say the chills,
because the dyes used in tattooing are especially cold in the winter,
so warm clothing is essential.
Yet the tattooed area won't cool the body in the summer.
To bear a tattoo is a lifetime test of endurance.
She was a fine woman.
Neither before nor since then have I tattooed such a fine woman.
When I call a woman "fine", I'm referring to her skin.
Although I must say,
she was an extremely beautiful woman.
Her face must have been exceedingly pretty,
if her body was any guide.
Was she hiding her face?
Yes.
She just came in and silently stood right where you are.
She wasn't particular about the design of the tattoos.
She said anything would do as long as they would shock people.
Even if it was frightening enough to make one 's heart to skip a beat,
or even something that could arouse men beyond all imagination.
Whatever the design, she simply requested that I surpass myself.
Moreover. she asked to be tattooed on both her front and back.
I tattooed a Mountain Witch on her back.
and a Kintaro groping for a nipple in front.
Anybody would scream
when receiving a tattoo between the breast and the belly.
One feels an unbearable pain
that courses from head to toe.
But, incredibly, she was unaffected.
She didn 't let out one scream. not one.
I noticed something.
At first, I thought she was maybe a dancer,
but I was wrong.
It became obvious that she was trained in the martial arts.
It is said that the feudal lords employ swordswomen called "Besshiki-me ".
and judging by her appearance and manners. I think she was one.
Perhaps that was the reason why she kept her face hidden.
But why would a woman from a samurai family
carry a Mountain Witch tattoo on her back and a Kintaro on her breast
for the rest of her life?
What could be the reason?
Those tattoos were my life's masterpiece.
I prayed that they wouldn't bring her bad luck,
and I shall keep praying so.
Who's that? Who's that? If it isn't Ebisu!
And who's the next one? He's dark and short!
Who's that? Who's that? If it isn't Daikoku!
And who's the next one?
He's got a pointy head!
Who's that? Who's that? If it isn't Fukurokujin!
And who's the next one?
It's the big-bellied, long-winded Hotei!
And who's the next one?
The one on his right with the snotty nose!
Who's that? Who's that? If it isn't Jurojin!
Happy New Year, sir!
You've got to go home now, children!
Playtime is over! Time to go home.
Daigoro?
Daigoro!
Look at her!
Say, my little friend, we have to go home now.
Playtime is over. It'll be dark soon.
-The monsters will be out soon. -Go home!
Pa!
Pitter-patter, pitter-patter Pitter-patter, pitter-patter
The rain. so sad and cold
Tests a little boy's heart
As he waits for his father to return
Father's an assassin. so they say...
He was a child accustomed to seeing his father
spending nights inside old temples.
He was accustomed to seeing his father
offer prayers therein to the Buddha after completing assassinations.
Why did his father visit temples?
Was it to talk to his dead mother?
Was it to purify his body and soul?
Without answers. he sought his father in old temples.
Those eyes!
Like the stony eyes of a swordsman...
...who's been to the domain between life and death.
Only those who have travelled the road of death and survived
possess such eyes.
How is it possible for one so young to have experienced that?
Have my own eyes grown weak?
Pay attention to the wind direction!
-We'll get a fine crop next year! -Absolutely!
-We're placing the fires! -Don't get trapped in!
If he's not stopped, he'll be surrounded by the fire.
I can't just stand here and watch.
Yet this is my only chance to confirm my suspicions.
There's nothing wrong with my eyes, after all.
Even when faced with fire. he doesn't cry or call for help.
He 's only a child, yet he keeps calm knowing there 's no escape.
How incredible to see such preparedness!
What a strange child!
-It's finished! -It's over at last!
Lots to look forward to next year!
Come over here, everyone!
What's wrong?
It's a child!
He must've been trapped by the fire! We've got to get him treatment!
Wait.
Who is that child?
He was trapped by the fire and buried himself in the mud.
We have to get him treatment.
You say he buried himself to avoid the fire?
Yes, sir. He's a very lucky boy.
He didn't call for help, because he knew he could help himself.
Thus there was no need to be afraid.
Put him down.
What are you doing?
Why are you pointing your sword at a helpless child?
His eyes...
He has the eyes of one who has killed scores of men
and been showered with their blood.
His eyes are like stones.
-lt defies logic. -You're mistaken.
He sees my sword, yet there is no trace of fear in his eyes.
Every student of swordsmanship desires to reach
the domain between life and death.
-He has the eyes... -What are you doing?
I must confirm it.
-And do what? -I'll slay him.
-How dare you? -Move aside.
Or I'll slay you as well.
The Sui-O style horse-slaying technique!
Could he be the Cub of the Wolf himself?
Pa!
Itto Ogami.
Pa!
You're Gunbei Yagyu?
I knew you were still alive.
I defeated you.
The Yagyu's New Shadow style defeated your Sui-O style.
Yet you were granted the post of Official Executioner.
I remember...
The Tokugawa Shogunate imposed excessive taxes upon the lords.
The Shogunate freely exercised its right to execute anyone
who showed the slightest trace of disobedience.
The Official Executioner acted as a second
and beheaded those lords who were ordered to commit seppuku.
The Shogunate authorised the Official Executioner to bear his emblem
as a symbol that he personified the Shogunate himself
when he executed a lord.
That fool!
Summon Gunbei! This is an emergency!
This could seal the fate of the whole Yagyu clan!
You idiot!
Itto Ogami was appointed the Official Executioner!
How can this be?
I cannot believe you pointed your sword
in the direction of the mighty Shogun!
Explain yourself!
And I am told that Ogami staked his life to fend you off!
It might have looked that way,
but Itto couldn't parry my blows and he found himself in that position.
That's how it happened.
You fool!
Even if it was a coincidence,
it was seen as an act of selflessness by Ogami,
to guard his highness from your sword!
Stand up, Gunbei!
Gunbei...
Because of your fine swordsmanship, I will spare your life.
But from today on, the world will think that you've committed harakiri,
to atone for your foolish mistake.
Do you understand?
Change your appearance and identity and head for the north.
Summon Goroza, the master of disguise of the Kurokuwa group.
I am here, sir.
Goroza...
You know Gunbei well,
so it would be easy for you to emulate his appearance.
A moment, please.
What I ask is for the sake of the Yagyu Clan.
Will you die for us?
Yes, sir.
Please commit harakiri.
Allow me, Retsudo, to act as your second.
I entreat you...
Forgive me.
Ogami has defeated the Yagyu on a technicality.
From now on,
Itto Ogami will be Official Executioner and bear the Shogunate's emblem.
He'll be feared by every single lord in this nation,
and his name will be known throughout the country.
As for us...
...we Yagyu will always be compared to him and found wanting.
By offering Goroza's head in place of Gunbei's,
we may be safe for a while,
but the root of the problem will long plague us.
We will frame Itto Ogami...
...and make him appear to be a traitor to the Shogunate.
We will destroy his name, his clan will fall,
and we shall claim the post of Official Shogunate Executioner.
By whatever means!
If I had slain you that time,
my two brothers wouldn't have died.
This is the moment for my revenge, Itto Ogami!
Now that the Yagyu have claimed the post of Shogunate Executioner,
and once I slay you, all will be well.
Think you can defeat me, Itto?
Kill me!
-Why don't you kill me? -You've died once already.
There is nothing to be gained from slaying a dead man.
I declare to you, the Buddha of lnfinite Light,
that we, father and son,
stand at the crossroads to hell.
If a man and his wife opposes us, they will die,
and even if a Buddha stands in our way, he too shall die.
Pa!
Unlike the untouchable caste.
outcasts who made their living as street entertainers at this time
were called "Gomune's people".
Singers, dancers, roadside thespians,
comedians, puppeteers, storytellers and such like,
they all belonged to a special group led by Jindayu Gomune,
whose members were spread throughout the country.
Who the hell are you?
I would like to see Jindayu Gomune.
My name is Itto Ogami.
This is my son Daigoro.
We won't allow an assassin to go after Oyuki!
-Kill him! -Slay him!
I mean you no harm.
Pa!
What's with this creepy little brat?
Quieten down. You're being rude to our guests.
I do not know who you are, sir,
but I am Jindayu Gomune.
I am Itto Ogami.
I came here to ask you some questions.
Please come this way.
-But, Master... -Let him through.
Do you intend to find and kill Oyuki?
As an assassin, why else would I be seeking her?
To have such a master swordsman after her,
she truly is an unlucky soul.
Were you commissioned by the Owari Clan?
A stupid question to ask of one who makes a living as an assassin.
Please forgive me.
Certainly, Oyuki was once a member of the Gomune.
As a child, she studied small-sword techniques
and she used her talents to entertain people in the streets.
One day, Lord Owari was enjoying a day out in disguise,
when he chanced upon Oyuki's performance.
As His Highness Lord Owari is interested in the martial arts,
he invited Oyuki to become one of his swordswomen,
and to teach small-sword techniques to his clan's ladies-in-waiting.
As the leader of the Gomune group, that is all I can tell you.
As for what happened to Oyuki after that,
and why she chose to be tattooed as she did, in order to kill,
I can give you no answers.
I have heard only rumours. I do not know the truth.
Even if I knew, it is not for me to discuss such matters.
As stated before,
she is no longer a Gomune member.
Along the Kiso Highway, near Akasaka,
I hear there's a spa called Tsuta-no-Yu.
It's said that those who want their wishes to come true
should pray there before the image of the god Yunohana,
whilst fasting and purifying their body and soul
for seven days and seven nights.
If you are seeking something, perhaps that is where you should go.
I appreciate your kindness. Farewell.
Lord Ogami...
Oyuki is my daughter.
Tsuta-no-yu? Just over that hill there.
But it's such a lonely place,
not many people visit these days.
How ridiculous it is for you to challenge me.
Silence! I'll see through your sword trickery once and for all.
Where are you looking?
If you look into the flames, you'll be defeated.
Look not at the fire.
If you do, you will surely lose.
Don't be fooled.
Look into my eyes.
Don't look at the fire.
Challenge me as you look into my eyes!
My eyes! Look into my eyes!
Look into my eyes!
My eyes! Look into my eyes!
Why must such a beauty be one of the lord's swordswomen?
When a girl is obsessed with swordsmanship,
it's usually because she's so ugly she has no chance of marrying.
The moment you realise, it's too late!
If you're going to bite your tongue, wait until it's over!
Daigoro!
Please forgive him. He does not have a mother.
I beseech you!
Please kill Oyuki!
Pardon me, sir,
but people who want to make wishes come here to Tsuta-no-yu
to purify their body and soul and pray to the image of a god.
Is that your reason, too, sir?
Perhaps it is the wish of an assassin?
Deserter Oyuki! We have official orders to execute you!
Prepare yourself!
I heard that you were after me, sir.
The assassin...
...Lone Wolf and Cub.
You cut off the topknots of those Owari vassals.
I'd like to know the reason.
I deserted from the Owari Clan.
It's obvious that Lord Owari would send men after me.
If I send him the topknots I cut from his men,
then eventually the man I yearn to defeat, Enki Kozuka...
...will be sent to hunt me down.
That is why.
Then I put it to you,
that the Houses of the vassals you killed were abolished
and some of their dependents have committed suicide out of shame.
What do you have to say to them?
Lives have been sacrificed so that your yearning might be assuaged,
and now others yearn for vengeance.
I met your father, Jindayu Gomune.
Before we parted ways,
he told me that you were his daughter.
My father?
My father...
He's praying that I die.
Is that not so?
There are times when parents believe...
...that praying for the death of their own children...
...is an act of love.
Oyuki.
Enki Kozuka!
You've come at last!
You've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you.
Such beauty suits a woman of the Gomune.
You have an accomplice?
I don't need an accomplice to defeat you!
Unlike the last time, this time you'll meet with death.
Where are you looking? I taught you not to look at the fire.
My eyes! You must look into my eyes.
My eyes! My eyes!
My eyes! Look into my eyes!
That I can die without showing you...
...my bare skin...
...makes me happy.
I won't ever show your body...
...to anyone ever again.
You've come all this way to bring her ashes to me.
I must thank you.
If I may ask,
did she die an unseemly death?
She died a splendid death.
Excuse me.
One moment.
As you showed her kindness in her final moments,
may I ask that you stay for her funeral?
Fate has brought us together.
I'd like you to tell me of her final moments.
You say he killed both Enki and Oyuki.
Sir, my men witnessed their deaths.
The rumours are true after all.
Not only does he defy the Shogunate
but he defies your clan as well.
The proof being that he's staying
with those lowly Gomune outcasts,
after trespassing on Owari territory.
If you do nothing, my lord,
you'll become the laughing stock of the entire country.
I won't allow it.
How dare he?
-Master! -Master! Owari clansmen are coming!
Itto Ogami, show yourself!
What are you doing here?
-Who are you? -We won't let you pass!
Shoot them.
Master! Master!
Move!
Are you Jindayu Gomune?
Yes.
What is the meaning of this intolerable commotion?
We've been informed that the assassin Lone Wolf and Cub,
the former Official Executioner, is here.
Hand him over and there'll be no problems.
If you don't,
we've orders to raze the village and slaughter everyone.
-I refuse your request. -What?
Do you want to be burned to death?
Time for me to go.
You must not leave, sir!
Jindayu...
I came here of my own free will.
I wish to leave the same way.
I can't allow it!
Are you defying the orders of the Owari Clan?
Itto Ogami is a guest of mine, a guest of Jindayu Gomune.
If we were to make the same request to a guest of Lord Owari,
how do you think you would react?
Fool! Watch your mouth, you lowly Gomune outcast!
-Remember who you're speaking to! -Then let me tell you this.
Lord Owari controls a fief of 61 9,000 bushels.
His clansmen number roughly 4,000.
In comparison, the Gomune people under me number over 200,000,
and they are spread all over the nation.
This is not a matter of number, nor of strength.
I'm saying that, as human beings, we all prize courtesy.
If Lord Owari is a human being, then so are we.
We all eat and we all shit, and so we are all equal.
If we are human beings, then it is only common sense
that we all cherish honour and courtesy.
Thus, there is no reason for me to hand over my guest,
when I am being coerced into doing so.
We Gomune people also have our pride.
You impudent fool!
-Have you gone mad? -Master!
-Damn you! -Hold back! Don't attack!
Lord Jindayu! Lord Jindayu!
Honourable Ogami...
Behead me and take my head to the Lord of the Owari.
Tell him that you slew Oyuki because her father wished it so.
As penance for Oyuki defecting from his clan and for her many sins,
I, in place of his lordship,
put an end to her life.
And tell him that I too died...
...as penance for her sins.
Lord Jindayu!
The heart of the parent is the heart of the child as well.
I feel as if...
I feel as if Oyuki is calling me...
...to join her.
Master!
Master! Master!
-Master! -Master!
I wish to see the Lord of the Owari.
Take me to him.
Mind your manners and kneel!
Lord Owari,
I am not here because I was captured.
I am here of my own free will.
What?
The real cause of all your recent troubles was Enki Kozuka.
Oyuki fled from your clan
because Kozuka shamed her more than she could bear.
She slew him single-handedly in order to restore her honour.
The reason I have come here is to tell you this.
Have you lost all sense?
Just who do you think you are talking to?
Furthermore, Jindayu Gomune had done nothing to your clan.
Killing him was unforgivable.
You rogue!
I am Yoshinao Tokugawa. Do you have any idea where you are standing?
We, father and son, live at the crossroads to hell.
We don't give a damn about the Tokugawa, the Owari,
or the emblem of the Shogunate!
Kill him! Kill this impudent fool!
Daigoro!
I'll take you with me.
Don't move!
In the blink of an eye...
...both his life and his 61 0,000-bushel fief will perish!
Is that what you want?
Listen to me.
We, father and son, will leave the castle,
and Lord Owari will accompany us!
Stand up.
You will go first!
-Damn you! -Don't interfere! Hold back!
Stand back!
Lord Ogami, please wait!
Please! Please wait!
Lord Ogami, take me with you!
I must refuse.
Then please have mercy on my lord!
You have no need to worry. I will release your lord unharmed.
Lord Owari, hurry!
Lord Owari!
Lord Owari, please stay down.
-Stop! Don't shoot! -Lord Owari!
Daigoro, listen carefully.
I will be entering the crossroads to hell.
If I don't return, you will die here, too.
Understand?
-Attack! -Yes, sir!
Retsudo! Prepare yourself!
Here I am!
Itto Ogami, parry the swords of the Yagyu, if you think you can!
Pa!
Daigoro.
Pull the sword from my back.
Remarkable.
Remarkable that you've survived, Itto Ogami.
No matter what happens, you must live on...
...for the one who shall finally finish you will be neither Yagyu nor Kurokuwa,
it shall be me.
Farewell, then,
till the day I send you straight to hell!
The End