TSUKIKAGE RAN Kaze ga touge wo... The wind came down...
...orite kita. ...the mountain peak.
Tamoto yurashite... It rustled my sleeve...
...sugitetta. ...and passed me by.
Onna hitori no... Are you gossiping about me?
...tabiyuku wake wo The woman who travels alone?
Uwasa shiteruka, yanchana suzume? Mind your own business, mischievous sparrow.
Nanoru namae wa... The bigger a name to call oneself...
...arudake jama yo. ...the more a nuisance it is.
Aru wa kimama to... What I have is freedom and...
...tomo no osake. ...my companion, sake.
IT WAS PRETTY AMAZING WHEN I STRIPPED
The sky is sunny...
My heart is also sunny...
Sis normally shows up about now, but...
...I wonder where that sake-swilling woman has wandered off to?
"Ukiyo-tei?" I see, ukiyoe! Woodblock prints!
Get a load of the assortment of spiffy-looking ladies!
These are called beauty portraits, aren't they!
Just kidding!
Excellent!
That was startling! What is it, mister?!
Excellent, excellent! Oh, excellent!
What's with this old man?! He's shouting at me out of nowhere...
You're excellent. Truly excellent.
No, really... You're beautiful!!
There's no need to be so shy.
What did you just say, mister?
I said there's no need to be so shy.
- No, before that! - I said "excellent!"
- No, no, after that. - I said "truly excellent."
- After that! - Lady...
Did you say I am beautiful?
I did.
Oh, is that all! You're a really honest guy, aren't you?
And here I was thinking you were a pervert...
- Pervert? And here I was thinking you were a pervert...
No, no, I was just a little startled, mind you...
So, you want something from me, mister?
Oh, yeah. I almost forgot! I rent a room in the Ukiya-tei here.
My name is Tonto Sharakusai.
Oh, I'm the Iron Cat Fist's...
Iron Cat Fist?
Actually, never mind. I'm Meow. Just Meow.
I'm on a journey in search of SOMETHING.
In search of something? In search of what?
Like I said... Something.
Hoh...
So, mister, you say you rent a room in the Ukiyo-tei here...
...what do you do for a living? Are you a fortune-teller or something?
No, no, I'm a painter, you see.
A painter?! Do you mean...?
...the kind that paints stuff like this and this and this?!
Well, yes, that's right.
Really?! That's incredible!!
So, what does a master painter like you want with someone like me?
The moment I saw you, I was stunned by your beauty.
My restless heart, forever seeking art...
...screams that it wants to paint you.
So, if possible, I'd like you to model for a picture...
Of- Of course, you need not worry about the finished product!
I'll concentrate all of my talent on the painting.
What do you think? Will you do it?!
I'll do it!!
Ooh, really?
I'll do it, I'll do it, I'll do it! Of course I'll do it!
Let's go right now. Where's your workplace, master?
Meow!
Over here, over here!
There she is, dangling a bottle in broad daylight. What a sorry sight!
Master, wait here a second. I'll be right back.
Sister, you should see yourself. It's pathetic.
What have you been doing, Meow? Got money?
Money? Yeah, I've got money...
Excellent. Okay, come on in!
What? Hey, wait...
Excellent!!
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
- What's that? - A master painter.
I am Tonto Sharakusai!
Sis, this painter scouted me out, and...
Oh, well. Let's talk inside.
That's true...
Hey, master! Aren't we going to go paint now?
Oh, I almost forgot.
But let's get something to eat for the task ahead.
Meow, hurry...
Oh, brother!
Hey, mister! Another bottle of sake!
Coming right up!
By the way, Meow, why is this guy here?
Listen, Sister Ran! This gentleman wants me to model for his painting...
Say, you... A female samurai is very unusual. And your name is Ran?
- Yeah. - Ms. Ran, the truth is...
OMIYOoo!!!
What's that all about?
Hm? I don't know what's going on, but I hear them from time to time.
Say, it's awfully depressing for grown men to cry together like that...
- You think so? - Ms. Ran, um...
OCHOoo!!!
- Ocho? - Um...
OMIYOoo!!
Say, say, Sis...? About those three guys...
I said I don't know. If it bothers you that much, go ask them yourself.
But they're crying so much... I don't dare ask them.
Here you are.
Mister, mister! Say, why are those guys screaming so much?
Them? Oh, their women ran out on them!!
Ran out on them...? On all three, you mean?
Yup!
Uh, by the way, Ms. Ran...?
About what I have to say...
Uh, who are you again?
Uh, as I was saying...
Your name is, uh... Usankusai?
Tonto Sharakusai!
Right. And?
Actually, Ms. Ran, you are truly beautiful.
Excuse me?!
The moment I saw you, Ms. Ran, I was stunned by your beauty.
What?
My restless heart, forever seeking art...
...screams that it wants to paint you!
Huh?!
So, I would really, really like you to model for my beauty portrait...
...will you do it?
I guarantee the finished product will be good! After all...
...I will paint you completely devoting every last shred of my talent and spirit!
I swear I will create a master painting to go down in history!
- I refuse. - What did you say?
Hold on a second, master! You just said the same thing to me...
...and we were about to go start painting. I'm going to be your model, aren't I?
Oh, don't worry. I'll paint you as promised...
...just as soon as I'm finished painting Ms. Ran.
Like I'm saying! Why does she get hers first?!
That's because, you see, even artists are only human.
It's only human for a painter to want to paint a beauty first.
What are you talking about? I'm beautiful, too, remember?
Hmm, yes... About that... It really is a delicate problem...
...but I think there has been a misunderstanding.
I'm sure I never said a word about you becoming a model for a beauty portrait.
What do you mean?!
I'm saying this because I believe the misunderstanding...
...should be dispelled sooner or later, but...
...I happen to be painting a series of girls' facial expressions.
I wanted you to become a model for one of them.
I've finished painting most of them, but I desperately wanted the last expression...
..."The happy-go-lucky Look."
You would not believe how difficult it is to find such an expression...!
I was on the verge of giving up when I met you, Meow.
It's all good, it's all good!
It's not all good! You called me beautiful, remember?!
Oh, that. I said that out of the usual habit.
Then, because you accepted without protest, I decided "what the heck?"
This isn't good!! This isn't good at all!!!
Don't be that way. After all, now I've been honest with you.
Ah, my mind feels unburdened now! In the first place...
...you should not jump to conclusions. You'd better be careful about that.
HEY!
Don't ignore your own shortcomings and speak that way to me, you!!
Now, now, Meow... You called me a pervert...
...so let's call it even, okay?
What do you mean, "let's call it even, okay"?!!
I'm pissed off!
Ms. Ran, can't I get you to reconsider?
Learn when to quit.
Very well. I'll retreat today. But I have not given up yet.
Meow, I'm going to paint you first. Aren't you glad?
You know, Meow, in this light you look rather beauteous, too.
Everything you say is for your own interests. I don't trust you anymore!
Now, now, don't say that... I never lie to my own beauty-seeking heart.
Meow, you are probably beautiful. You are merely a little individualistic.
Beauty portrait...!
All right. Since you insist...
...I will try to make the painting somewhat beautiful.
Somewhat...?
- To the best of my ability. - Best of your ability...?
Yes... Well, I'll give it a shot.
Well, if you insist...
Oh, really? That's great, that's great!
Okay, it's time to eat.
He's acting like nothing happened!
OKUMAaa!!!
Okuma?
Master... You want me like this?
Okay, how about this?
I wonder why you can't make up your mind...?!
Would it help if I maybe stripped a teensy bit?
I'm pretty amazing if I strip.
How about this?
No, please put it back on.
Hey, make up your stupid mind!! I'm helping you out because you said...
...you desperately need me for this picture! How can you be so lifeless?!
I'm sorry.
Still, however I try, I'm having difficulty getting inspired like this...
Is it my imagination, or do you insult me every time you open your mouth?!
You say that, but your request is mighty difficult, too, you know.
The face of a happy-go-lucky beauty just isn't coming to me...
You made that request yourself, remember?!
What do you say to going with a happy-go-lucky-only picture?
Goodbye.
No, I'll be put out! I'll be very put out!
You're the face I waited for all this time! No one can take your place now.
This alone is true.
Don't be so impatient. Oh, I know! Why don't we take a break? C'mon, c'mon?
Here, here! I have manju! They're really delicious!
- I really am not persuaded. - It's not like that at all!
See? Manjuu.
I need to pee. Where is the latrine?
Drat, I should have borrowed lodging fees from Meow as well.
She is such a thoughtless girl! I only need a little!
Oh, well. I think I saw an abandoned temple around here...
Stop!!
Stop, you bitch!
Dammit!
L- Lord Samurai! Please help me!
Well, well! Hello there, mister!
Sorry for disturbing you. It'll be over soon.
Hey! You caused us a lot of trouble! Now, get your ass over here!
No! Please, Lord Samurai. I beg you, please save me!
You...!
Ouch!
I will not let you have her. Get lost.
Wh- Why you!
- A... A woman! - A woman?
Don't act mighty, you lowly woman!
Get her.
Didn't you hear me tell you to get lost?
You've got a lot of lip. I think you want to get hurt.
Get her, guys!
You'll... You'll pay for this!
Thank you so much...! You saved me!
Um, my name is Omiyo. Could I trouble you for yours?
I can't. I forgot what to call myself.
Huh?
Omiyo?
Um... yes.
OMIYO!! I missed you so!!
Gosaku!
I- I thought I'd never see you again!
Gosaku!
Omiyo, where the hell have you been all this time?!
I... I... Oh, what should I do?! It's horrible!
I was desperate to get away so I could tell everyone!
What?
I've been locked away in the storehouse of the Ukiya-tei all this time!
Several people are still imprisoned there right now!
Aah, I have to do something quickly!
Huh? It looks like I got lost. Oh, well!
If I run into anybody, I'll get directions.
I never imagined it would go this well.
Hey, the finishing touch still remains. I trust you haven't left anything out?
Yeah, don't worry. Everything's going smoothly.
And our guests?
All first class. They all get excited when we show them a picture.
Gathering customers with the sample paintings of women, and they make bids accordingly...
...big brother, you never fail to impress me.
When we've finished the bidding tomorrow, we'll switch towns.
We can't stick around once we've got what we came for.
You know, those painters and carvers work really well for the pittance they receive...
...not realizing the real fortune they pull in.
This is bad.
Oh, there you are! Hey, Meow!!
Over here, over here!
That's good, that's good. I was worried you had left!
We're actually not allowed in this area. What's wrong?
Tee-hee?
You...!
The Ukiyo-tei, huh?
Um, hello? Are you awake?
Lady?
Huh? Where am I? What happened to me?
This is the dungeon of the Ukiyo-tei.
You were both brought here unconscious.
Both?
Aah, I remember! I have no time for this!
Are you all right? You have an enormous bump on your head.
You should take it easy.
There's no time to be worried about such trifles, I tell you!
Master! Master, are you okay?!
Come on, wake up!
Oh, hi, Meow. Good morning.
Thank goodness you're awake.
Now I have to come up with a way out of here...
What's all the shouting for?
I don't know. This has never happened before!
Meow, you in there?
Sis!!
Oh, there you are. Would you believe it?
I merely said that my friend must be in there, so I'd like to see her...
...but these people made such a fuss of it.
You see, I have this little problem of finding money for lodging tonight...
Here, Meow.
Right!
Ah, yes, yes...! Let's do this in a wider area, okay?
Say, Meow... I realize this may not be the best time to ask...
...but I can't understand what's going on.
It's open! Everyone, stay here until things are a little more settled down.
Master, look after everyone.
I don't know what's going on, but leave it to me.
It's okay, everyone. Relax and wait here.
Are you ready yet, Meow...?
Coming!
It's you!
Hey, Sis! The Ukiya-tei guys are total imposters!
- So it would seem. - Oh, you already know?
There you are, villain!
Now that you know our secret, we'll just have to kill you.
I'll send you to Hell along with that brat behind you!
Do you think it will be that easy?
I happen to hate thugs like you who feed off the weak the worst!
Hey, you! I, Meow, share the exact same opinion!
I'm going to let you learn that to your expense, so say your prayers!
How brave you are! Hey, get them!
It can't be!
Dammit!
Damn...
Sensei!
A mere woman, a samurai? How absurd!
Cheeky wench!!
Right on!
She did it!
D- Dammit!!
Hey! You're not going anywhere!!
You little...!
Stop it!!
Look at them go!
- Dear! - Mohei!
Cho! Ocho!!!
Okuma!!
- Mohei! - Minokichi!
Wow, I didn't know they were a couple.
This is refreshing!
Mm, the wind feels nice, the sun is smiling...
...it couldn't be a nicer day. Don't you think so, too, Sis?
Sort of.
What's your problem?
Incidentally, Meow, whatever happened to your picture modeling?
Why don't you stay behind and have him paint you?
Forget it. All he does is groan. He's making no progress whatsoever.
Hey, wait up!
He-e-ey!!
How could both of you leave without saying goodbye? That's rather unfriendly.
Ms. Ran, please. Won't you allow me to paint your picture?
No, I think I'll refrain. You have plenty of other models.
I've fallen for you all over again. Please, I'm begging you!
Sis, why don't you stay behind and have him paint you?
What about you? Why don't you let him paint the happy-go-lucky expression?
Well, I'm anxious to paint Meow, too...
...but regretfully, my talent can't keep up with her face.
However, Ms. Ran, I am confident I can make a flawless beauty portrait out of you.
I may have lost my publisher, but I have the talent and the tools...
...so I'll try to make it work somehow. So, please, Ms. Ran?!
You're quite persistent, you know that?
I don't care what you call me. My restless heart...
...forever seeking art, tells me it wants to paint you!
You say that, but I really can't...
There's nothing to be flustered about! Just say you'll do it!
Well, I can understand how your restless heart forever in search of art...
...would be completely infatuated with beauty such as mine, but still...
Excuse me?
Then you'll do it?
Well, any woman will fall if you're that insistent...
Excellent!
Excellent, excellent, excellent... excellent!
You are truly beautiful! There's no need to be so shy.
The moment I saw you, I was stunned by your beauty!
My restless heart, forever seeking art...
What is his problem?
This is rich! Looks like you lost your chance to be a model!
In- Inexcusable! Utterly inexcusable!
The next episode of Tsukikage Ran is: "The Mole Was In The Wrong Place."
Don't miss it.