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.
I WAS SO CRUCIFIED, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
Report.
Leave it to me. 'Sneaky Spider' Saizo never blunders.
The goods will arrive by tomorrow.
I'm doing this big job for you in Edo and delivering it all the way here, mister.
Please have the money for me as promised.
Money, huh? About the money, the circumstances have changed slightly.
Perhaps I should say that I've changed my mind.
What did you say?!
Dammit...
You've got a big mouth for a petty thief.
The sky is sunny...
My heart is sunny, too...
Ah, I feel marvelous!
Days like this make me excited something good will happen!
Dammit, w- We've been tricked!
Hold it, hold it, hold it!!
I don't know what the circumstances are...
...but I won't stand by while a samurai raises his sword towards a lady traveler!
I, Meow of the Iron Cat Fist, will act as backup!!
You're in my way. Get lost!
I don't think so!! If I got lost with a simple "okay"...
...just because you told me to, I wouldn't be much of a woman!
I've said I'll do it, so I'm gonna do it no matter what!
Help! Everyone, this samurai lowlife has killed a weak, defenseless women!
Look at me! I'm unarmed, but he's gonna kill me!
Eek! What a horrible bastard he is!! Let's remember his face, everyone!
D- Damn!
Stop, thief! It's a thief!
Serves you right! Get the hell out of here!
Be strong!
T- Take this...
Please, I beg you...
Please give this box to a man in the next town named Saizo.
Please...
Mr. Saizo, right? You can count on me! Don't worry!
Your life... will probably be in danger...
So p- Please be careful...
Huh? What?! Hey... What? What?!
What's going on?!
Aah, how pleasant it is...
This kind of day seems well-fitted for an afternoon nap...
Sister! Sister!
Oh, it's Meow.
H- How could you tell?!
Hey, hey! Wait up!
I don't want trouble. Shoo, shoo.
There you go, being cold to me again. My life is only in a little danger...
Be in danger all by yourself.
It's okay 'cause I'm in disguise! You know...
...I'm just supposed to deliver this box to a Mr. Saizo.
I told you, keep your distance.
It looks like my life is in danger because I'm carrying this.
That means, you know... There must be quite a treasure in this box!
So I'm thinking...
Ah, what wonderful weather...
...that when I deliver his treasure safely, maybe I'll be given lots of reward money.
Uh, no! Of course that's not the reason I took it upon myself.
I'm just saying it would be nice. Then...
Meow, you're a wanted person.
What?!
WANTED
"Meow of the Iron Cat Fist, aided a heinous criminal...
"...assistant to 'Sneaky Spider' Saizo, stole items in Edo..."
"...and is fleeing with the goods."
"Anyone who sees this woman, report her immediately"?!
So that woman was a heinous criminal...
Now that I think about it, she did have the face of one.
Yeah! That's it! She did...
She should have, you know, added the "Sneaky" part before the name "Saizo."
Even I would've thought it was a little strange. She only said "Saizo" after all.
I thought she meant any old Mr. Saizo.
Oh, my god! I- I aided a criminal, didn't I?!
That makes me a criminal, too!
I'm amazed how you can stuff your face while I'm in this kind of jeopardy!
Yeah, because it has nothing to do with me...
So inconsiderate... I feel pathetic...
This happens because you keep poking your nose into everything, dumb fool.
Would you not say it with fish on your face? It makes me feel more pathetic.
Why don't you use this opportunity to let yourself get caught and crucified for a while?
I think it's a little late now, but maybe the shock...
...will startle your brain into resuming its normal growth.
H- H- How could you say such a thing?!
I hate to say it, but I can't retort.
I am a fool.
What am I gonna do, Sis?!
Don't get me involved.
Coldhearted woman!
By the way, Meow, what on earth did you accept?
Although it has nothing to do with me...
Huh?
The contents of the box. You know, the item that's turned you into a wanted person.
I dunno.
- Did you find her? - Yes, sir!
Proceed as planned.
I've already sent my men to intercept.
That brat has caused me a lot of trouble. When you catch her...
...I will dispose of her before she can say anything unnecessary.
Sir Magistrate, actually, there is one problem.
There is a woman samurai accompanying the brat.
Undoubtedly, the brat has told her everything. What shall we do?
A woman samurai? Don't make me laugh.
Yes... It would seem appropriate to quickly dispose of her as well.
You have a job.
Hey.
If you fail this time, there will be no next time. Do you understand?
Listen. That plate is a superb item which is extremely hard to find.
Get it for me, no matter what the cost. Don't screw up.
A plate? Is it a plate? It definitely looks like a plate.
It's just a plate, isn't it?
No, no, that isn't possible! Two people have died and my life has been put in danger!
Oh! I see!!
I bet this box contains the secret...
...or maybe it doesn't. This is nothing but a plate after all.
Ah! How can this be?! Without the shadow of a doubt, I have finally become a fool!
Say, this plate...
I can't believe that this was my destiny.
Wait, Meow... The plate...
I can't believe that the great Meow of the Iron Cat Fist has become a wanted person...
...over a single plate... My life is pointless.
I was sure it was an amazing treasure...
Maybe the guys after the box also mistook it for some kind of an amazing treasure...
Hey, you! I'm trying to deplore my lousy fate here! How dare you laugh?!
No, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Meow, you're extraordinary.
I am really astounded!
This plate may be loaded down with leftovers, but it's horribly valuable.
I'm sure that such a plate is overjoyed to be used for a real purpose!
Are you complimenting me or slandering me?
Complimenting you. You're so extraordinary, you're stupidly extraordinary.
Y- You think so? Am I that special?
Well, I did have that feeling...
...but now that someone's actually told me so... it's so embarrassing, really!
By the way, Meow, it's not important, but about that bulletin board...
How do they know your face and your "Meow of the Iron Cat Fist" name?
I dunno. Oh, well. Maybe I'm just that famous now?
You said you only stated your name when you entered the fight at the roadside, right?
Uh-huh.
The man who was killed said "We've been tricked!" to the samurai...
Uh-huh.
Why did Saizo's men deliver the stolen goods here?
What? Huh?
Official business!!
Official business! Official business!
Surrender! Surrender!!
Wow, these guys are certainly enthused about their job.
What are you doing? Hey!
Sis, what'll I do?
There's nothing you CAN do.
You can't brandish a sword at government officials.
Hey! You're talking like it has nothing to do with you!
Your life won't be in danger inside a jail cell...
...so it's safer than staying here. Besides, once they investigate...
...they'll realize that you have nothing to do with Saizo.
Besides... it will shock you into resuming growth, remember?
Come with me. It might fix your drinking problem, too!
Mind your own business.
You are Meow of the Iron Cat Fist, aren't you!
It's no good to resist! Surrender yourself, now!!
The time has finally come...!
Meow, if you run, you will definitely be labelled dangerous.
Here, go and take advantage of their gracious offer.
Ow!
Don't be rough with her. She won't run.
Sis...
You will come with us as well!
I have nothing to do with it. I am merely a passerby who listened to her troubles.
If you want to be specific, I am your kind collaborator.
Uh, r- Really? Thank you for your assistance.
Now, everyone! Go!!
Well, then. Meow is spending the night in a dungeon, and I'd better find lodging myself.
Did you get it?
Yes, sir!
I have longed for this moment.
Oh, how wonderful!
It was worth the effort. This is truly beautiful...
What is the meaning of this?!
I will investigate personally! Leave for a moment!
Sir!
Magistrate, your highness! I may not have known she was a thief...
...but I still repent from the heart that I assisted a heinous criminal!
Please, I hope you take my good attitude into consideration before making any decisions...
Magistrate, sir! Please wait a moment!!
He had a cold feeling about him, didn't he...?
Everyone!! After my personal examination of the girl, Meow...
...I have ascertained her guilt!
She is a criminal, dangerous through the Iron Cat Fist technique.
Therefore, I sentence her to death tonight by crucifixion and lance thrusts.
I instruct you to begin preparations immediately!
Sir!
Bring me sake and any side dish.
Coming!
Hey, did you see that bulletin board?
I saw it, I saw it! They say she's a female outlaw...
It's rather frightening, isn't it?
Actually, I witnessed a bit of a scuffle at the roadside yesterday.
I saw the person named Meow.
My, my! So, a person like her must be frightening indeed.
No, no! Far from it! It's some kind of a mistake.
That girl only tried to save someone who was slashed by a samurai.
Uh, actually, I saw that, too. No matter which way I look at it...
...she can't be anything more than a busybody.
I had the feeling that the bulletin board seemed to have it all wrong...
...and it's been bothering me ever since.
Yeah, yeah. You're right!
But there's no way we can oppose what the magistrate says.
Now that you mention it, I happened to overhear something...!
Yeah?!
It seems that the magistrate here doesn't have a very good reputation.
The Lord seems to be a good ruler, but he's very old for governmental works now...
I see, he's using it to his advantage. That explains that... It happens a lot.
Yeah, yeah.
Uh, no. I'm not anyone suspicious.
I wasn't particularly eavesdropping, that would be rude...
...but I'm sitting right beside you, so I heard everything by accident.
Actually, I have a favor to ask of you... Could you repeat what you just said in detail?
Hey!! The officials are preparing for a crucifixion by the riverside!!
They say it's for the cat-something girl from the bulletin board!
Meow of the Iron Cat Fist, out!
All right! I'm being released because I'm innocent!
Wh- What? What's this about?! Let go of me!!
Shut up and walk!!
What is this thing?! Where are you taking me?!
No! Let go!
Behave!
No! Let me out! Put me down! Where are we going?!
What do you want with me?
You're not bad...
The samurai who killed the traveling couple by the roadside is you, isn't it?
So, I'm right.
You were after the plate they were carrying, weren't you?
I don't need to answer that.
Why should I explain anything to someone who is about to die?
I don't intend to die.
The plate in question was transported by thieves at your master's request.
He must have promised a very large sum for it.
But he betrayed them in the end...
...and killed the two thieves in an attempt to obtain the plate for free.
Little did he expect a nosey do-gooder of a girl to dive into the fray.
Hoh... You really seem to hate her. Your honor was completely crushed.
Shut up! Blabbing things you shouldn't say...
Is it so annoying to hear the truth?
Damn it...!
The magistrate used all of the players, including yourself.
He put the Lady of the Iron Cat Fist on the wanted list...
...in order to crucify her without examination if she was caught.
Only the Lord or a magistrate would be able to pull it off.
Damn, you talk a lot, woman!
So, what are you going to do about it? I don't give a crap who the mastermind is.
I only do my job. If I stay by the magistrate, I can live in luxury.
Rest in peace together with the brat!
Y- You're kidding!! This has to be some kind of mistake, I tell you!
Investigate it properly! Wah! Sis, you liar!!!
It hurts! I said it hurts! Sloppy jerk! Be more gentle!
What a noisy brat.
Hey, you brainless magistrate! Don't think for an instant that you'll get away with this!
If you kill me, I swear I'll become a ghost and haunt you until you die!
Big-mouthed brat!! Finish it up, quickly!
Aah, how can this be?! I can't die this way...
Dad, Mom! I'm sorry! I have become a bad daughter!
I am going to Hell alone. God! Buddha! I'm sorry!
My ancestors, I have no excuse. I cannot apologize enough.
S- Sister, I don't know if I should say this...
...but even after I'm gone, please live as straight as always.
Hold it!!
Sis!!
Hold it! The execution is off!
What?! Who the hell are you?!
I am merely a good and beautiful lady.
You say jokes! Ha, ha, I see, it's you, isn't it!
The woman samurai who was found with this girl...
And you're the crooked magistrate?
Wh- What was that?!
Don't look so startled at hearing the truth...
The sun and this beautiful lady know all about what you have done.
Don't play with me, you troublemaker!!
Everyone, this is the criminal's accomplice. Seize her!!
It's useless to try to catch or kill me.
I have taken other measures to insure the truth becomes known.
Uh... Sis?
Huh? Meow, are you still up there?
What's all this about?
This magistrate had people killed and attempted to cover it up...
...by placing the blame on you and having you killed...
...all because he wanted one measly plate.
Shut up!! She's making it up!
What?! What did you say?!? Are you saying I'm completely innocent?!
Of course you are. You accepted the plate without knowing anything.
What are you doing?! Don't be deceived, everyone!
Don't believe the words of a villain!!
Ah, that's a relief! Thank god. I thought I'd had it...
Hey! Hey! HEY! You villainous magistrate!
How dare you falsely charge Meow?! Now I'm pissed off!
I made my peace with God because of you, dammit!! Aw, what a waste! You really offend me!
I won't let you get away with it, so prepare yourself!
Don't make me laugh, brat! Kill her if you want!
A person with a heart would not rob people of life over one measly plate.
Prattle on. It's presumptuous to compare that plate with the lives of petty thieves!!
You idiot!
I've waited for this!
Take this, you jerk!
Meow, do you feel better?
Do you surrender?!
Meow, you don't look too happy for a person who's had her name cleared.
Sis, I was tied up, stuck on a cross, and nearly skewered.
My self-respect is in tatters...
Self-respect? That's mighty lofty...
My delicate heart is injured. I can't get over it so easily.
Maybe, but there were good things with the bad.
Hmm... Now that you mention it, that's true.
Thanks to the three witnesses presenting their testimony to the Lord...
...I can once again walk under the sun with pride!
Oh, yeah! Now I remember. You also came to my rescue.
Yeah! Now I finally feel better!
That's a relief!
Still, those people sure were brave to come out like that.
Just the word "Lord" had their knees knocking together.
I guess this is my natural virtue, huh, Sis? Right?
I don't know about that.
The world isn't a total waste after all, eh?
The final episode of Tsukikage Ran is: "She Hid A Romance In The Past."
Don't miss it.