Arrest
With the arrival of the Black Ships,
the 200-year stability of the shogunate was shaken,
plunging Japan into the swirls of upheaval.
The age was reduced to chaos in the name of justice.
The powerless masses at the mercy of the times
were oppressed, and all they had was stolen.
Reincarnation of Nezumi Kozo, you're under arrest!
I am Katagiri Sanosuke of the Kyoto Mimawarigumi.
Come quietly!
Don't let him escape!
Yes, sir!
Follow us, rookie!
What? He's gone!
Damn it! Where'd that punk go?
This is the story...
of the noble thief of the Bakumatsu
who works in secret to recover the things stolen from the weak:
Get-backer Roman...
...and the men who pursue him.
What?!
What's he doing over there?
Did he predict what Nezumi Kozo would do?
I've got you now, reincarnation of Nezumi Kozo!
You won't take me so easily!
1000 Ryo
I lost him...
Hey!
What makes you think you can act on your own, rookie?!
I told you to follow my orders!
That's right! Follow orders!
Let him off the hook.
We got the stolen money back.
All's well, right?
I apologize. I acted rashly.
Just watch yourself from now on.
Watch yourself!
Yes.
That was fine work, Magoichi.
No, I couldn't have done it without you all.
Bakumatsu Gijinden Roman
A Lavish Banquet for That Hateful Jerk!
The reincarnation of Nezumi Kozo appears again,
but the 1000 ryo box was safely recovered.
The Kyoto Mimawarigumi lives up to its reputation, eh?
I never thought I'd meet a man who could lay a hand on me...
If I didn't have those flash bombs old man Gennai gave me,
I'd have been in trouble.
Was there always a guy like that in the Kyoto Mimawarigumi?
Oh, well. I'll have the priestess look into it sometime.
Helpers
I'm still sleepy...
I think I'll grab a few more winks.
Helpers
Why are you taking an afternoon nap this early in the day,
you stupid brother?!
But, Koharu, it's called an "afternoon nap" because it's in the afternoon!
If you have time to sleep, then get to work!
Right...
Honestly, Katagiri-kun, do you feel no shame,
letting one little burglar give you the run-around?!
Yes, sir...
Now the ronin of Mibu will be even more cocky.
The Kyoto Mimawarigumi will only lose credibility!
All of our men are performing well.
Our opponent was just a bit better.
If this keeps up, I will have to decide how to deal with you, as well.
If you don't want to leave
your wife and young daughter out on the street,
then capture that Nezumi Kozo immediately!
Yes, sir.
That's what he said.
What a tyrant.
That's right! A tyrant!
Even with a new officer,
the fact is that Nezumi Kozo is giving us the run-around.
Still,
considering our new officer is him... Right?
Right?
Sakai Masazumi Abe Chikara Suzuki Magoichi
Suzuki Magoichi...
How did we end up with a useless guy like him?
Now, I wouldn't say useless.
His capture of the thief yesterday was brilliantly executed.
Though, it is true that there's no telling what he's thinking.
For that, I apologize.
Don't stand behind us without saying anything!
You scared me!
Please forgive me.
Katagiri-sama, I've completed my patrol.
I saw nothing particularly unusual in town.
I see. Good work.
Time to rotate. I'll be going, then.
Hey, what's the hurry?
Our work day is over.
Care for a drink?
I know a good place in Kawara.
You're new to the capital.
I'm sure there's a lot you don't know yet.
Frankly, I—
I'm sorry.
I don't hold my liquor well.
If I accompany you, I will only cause trouble.
You dare refuse an invitation?!
You dare?!
No, it would be rude to invite one who can't drink.
Sorry to keep you after work, Magoichi.
Not at all.
I'll be going, then.
Even if you can't drink,
you always accept an invitation from the chief.
Always!
I guess that's just how kids are these days.
Manjiro the Helper...
Now, then...
Helper-san!
Are you the guy who's been following Omitsu around?
You're bothering her! Never come near her again!
Get out of the way!
O-Omi-chan is going to be my wife...
In the afterlife!
Whoa, watch it!
H-Hold it, you idiot!
You can do it, Onii-chan!
That blade looks sharp!
Let it stab you just a little!
Damn, this doesn't add up...
Omi-chan!
Huh?
A-All right!
That was great, Onii-chan!
That wasn't great. Everyone's still alive.
It looked like he just fell by himself...
Thank you so much, Helper-san.
Well, that's how it goes.
Here you go, as promised.
Thanks.
That was brilliant.
Magoichi-san...
Oh, yes, hello.
You're...
Have we met somewhere before?
Uh... No...
You need something from me?
I'd like you to do a job for me, Helper-san.
What?
Welcome!
Hey, Koharu, how do you know this guy?
He came here once before.
He wanted you to do a job for him.
Sakura loves him.
I'm so glad... that such an adorable dog likes me.
Please, come in.
You'd better take this job, Onii-chan!
I know, I know!
I'll put on some tea.
So, what does the Kyoto Mimawarigumi want from a helper?
I'd like you to find someone for me.
Yohei of the Ukigumo.
Leader of a group of traveling performers,
the Ukigumo Troupe.
If you guys are looking for him,
he must have done something, right?
I cannot say.
What?
Due to the circumstances, I am unable to tell you.
Please understand this, and carry out the job in secrecy.
In exchange, if I may call it that,
I will ensure that your payment
Well, now...
is more than sufficient.
I can count on you, right?
Oh, yeah! I can do it!
But, I'm not gonna!
Is it not enough?
The amount isn't the problem, sir!
Manjiro the Helper doesn't work for money.
He only works to put smiles on people's faces!
I'm not so desperate for money that I'll take
some shady job that offers no details!
So, you won't do it?
Damn straight, I won't!
I apologize for imposing.
I will take my leave.
And never come back.
What do you mean, you don't work for money?
Are you in a position to be choosy, you deadbeat?!
Rent skipper! Broke loser!
That's hot, Koharu-chan!
Our guess was wrong.
It was unexpected.
A man who doesn't work for money...
Just as well.
We're continuing our search for Yohei.
I'll let you know what we find.
Yes, sir.
They are already on the move.
Don't let your guard down.
Do not let the Mimawarigumi find out who you are.
As you wish.
Where'd he go?! Keep looking!
What is it, Sakura?
I smell blood...
Hey! Are you okay?
Koharu, go wake up Dr. Hansuke!
R-Right!
I found the blood trail!
A dead end...
This way!
If you don't know, why don't I tell you?
Fools.
Thanks for your help, old man Gennai.
Hang in there, gramps. The doctor will be here soon.
Wait... "Ukigumo Troupe"? Are you...
I'm a traveling performer. My name is Yohei.
Just who is this guy?
Thank you all.
Don't mention it.
What the hell did you do?
Why are those guys after you?
I can't remember a thing.
My troupe of traveling performers, the Ukigumo Troupe,
has been around for generations.
We have devoted ourselves solely to entertainment
in the hopes of bringing smiles to people's faces.
It must have paid off,
as we have even performed for the former shogun.
The shogun?!
That is impressive!
We have borne no grudge against anyone,
nor done anything to cause others to bear a grudge.
So I don't...
You don't know why they attacked you?
I hope the others are all right...
I'm sure you're worried about your troupe mates,
but it's your own health you should worry about right now.
Ohya-san...
It's our way to help those who wash up in our town.
Stay here until your wounds heal.
At no charge, of course.
I'm a generous man.
How are you generous?
Thank you.
The Kyoto Mimawarigumi is also looking for this man.
What is going on here?
I'll be going, then.
Just a minute.
Magoichi, why don't you come to my place today?
My wife is quite the cook.
What do you say?
I'm sorry.
I have some business to attend to.
Hey, Katagiri-sama is offering you another invitation!
Yeah! Another invitation!
I'm very sorry. Have a good evening.
Th-That little...
Maybe I'll try inviting him to Shimabara next time...
Why, Katagiri-sama?
Why do you concern yourself with him so?
He's just a kid who knows no courtesy.
I want to know him.
When people get to know each other, a bond is formed.
A strong bond protects both parties
and keeps death at a distance.
Magoichi's eyes are always smiling,
but inside, he takes no pleasure in anything.
Those are the eyes of a man whose heart is dead.
I have seen many men who still wore the same eyes and smile
at the moment they died.
I don't want to let any more comrades die.
That's why I want to get to know him.
Human relations certainly are troublesome.
Oh, I was just talking to myself, Kocho-san.
You're a strange man.
So close to me, yet so distant.
I can hear your heart beating,
but I feel nothing.
I sense no emotions from you.
That's fine.
What?
That's as it should be.
I'll come by again.
Thank you very much.
You're back rather early.
Oh, Okuni-neesan...
He makes me lose confidence.
I use all of my wiles on him,
but he doesn't show the slightest response.
Oh? For the most competent girl in Shimabara,
that must sting badly.
It sure does.
Such a waste, too. He's so handsome.
Well, well. It seems there's a handsome man here, as well.
I have found Yohei of the Ukigumo.
Make him divulge the location of the spring cherry blossom.
If he refuses...
Well, I suppose I'll get back to the search.
What are they...
A wonderful Nanjing Lily performance!
I must thank you.
I'm feeling much...
Ouch...
You still shouldn't overdo it.
Right...
I've found you, Yohei of the Ukigumo!
Gennai-san's trap worked!
I thought the bad guys would show up.
Yohei-san, Dr. Hansuke, we're getting outta here!
That's... Yohei of the Ukigumo...
They're gonna catch up!
Leave it to me!
Come, Kansuke-san!
Hanbei-san!
Kanbei-san!
What are these guys?!
Helper-san! Now's your chance!
Everyone! Get them!
Helper-san, where are we going?
I thought this might happen, so I got us a boat.
Y-You!
You are Yohei-san of the Ukigumo, correct?
There's something I'd like to ask you.
I won't let you lay a finger on him!
I, the Helper, will protect him!
You seem to be mistaken.
What?
I'm here to protect Yohei-san.
I see them! Over there!
Helper-san, please take Yohei-san and run.
I'll handle this.
Hurry!
All right!
I won't let you pass.
Who do you think you are?
I am Suzuki Magoichi of the Kyoto Mimawarigumi.
Out of our way!
What?!
You...
Pathetic excuse for a public official!
Die!
Now that I've drawn these guns,
you are the ones who will die.
Damn you!
It can't be...
We, who have mastered Jigen-ryu,
brought down in the blink of an eye...
Just who are—
Perhaps I was imagining things...
B-Boss!
Oh... Zankuro, Shinbei, Oume...
I've driven away the black hoods.
They won't be pursuing you any further.
You...
Thank you so much.
Yohei-san of the Ukigumo,
there's something I'd like to ask you.
Yes?
Finished talking?
Yes.
I'm sure the name Osuzu is familiar to you.
Osuzu, the dancer?
I wish to know where she is.
Osuzu... passed away.
She fell ill... long ago.
Then, what about her daughter?
Daughter?
Osuzu died a single woman.
She didn't have any children.
You saved our hides, uh... Suzuki-san.
Oh... No need for thanks.
Now I owe you one.
Not at all. I was discourteous toward you a few days ago.
I believe we're even now.
I misjudged you.
If you're ever in a pinch...
Just come see Manjiro the Helper anytime!
All right, I will.
Later!
You put on quite a show there.
I am sorry.
Just as well. So, how did it go?
Osuzu has already passed away.
Yohei was not even aware that she had a daughter.
I see. Well, we can't help that.
Yohei
Stand by until further notice.
Yes, sir.
Find the spring cherry blossom at all costs.
That is the duty of the official
Oniwaban assassins of the Mugai clan.
I am aware.
Good morning, everyone.
Next Time
Aren't maps great?
I can't leave Shimabara,
but I look at maps and imagine other cities and countries.
It's so exciting.
So, next time on Roman:
A Lavish Banquet for Guys in Trouble!
I've actually been to lots of places, you know...