1867
Yoshinobu, the last Shogun, leaves his capital of Edo for Kyoto.
After a thousand years, the Emperor will be ruler again.
While Kyoto echoes to the clash of arms...
...not even the festival drums...
...can bring Edo to life.
It's just a mouse!
What manner of mouse, I wonder?
A very large mouse, it must be!
Hikoshiro...
...have you eaten?
Uh... yes.
Are you still awake, Mother?
Those drums are so noisy!
Go have some soba noodles, and a cup of sake.
Oh no, I couldn't.
Stop pretending.
Away you go.
That was poor food for a festival!
Not even a gift as we left!
Even Edo's fallen on hard times.
Hikoshiro!
It's been six years! Since I went to Holland.
You haven't changed.
Kamajiro...
I'm sorry, 'Admiral Enomoto'.
My profound congratulations.
It's not much. It's like the boat-boss here.
How about you?
Mm.
You married Inoue Gunbei's daughter, and you're in the Shogun's Guard?
Is it going well?
There was a problem. We divorced.
Divorced?
A woman?
No!
Two of my men fought in the Castle, and I took the blame.
Divorced, for only that?
Squire Inoue's a fool to lose a talented man like you.
I should have stopped it.
You're not sponging off your brother, I hope...
Sir!
Coming.
Let's have a drink soon.
We can't leave a good man to rot.
There you go.
You're not very lucky.
He studied 'Anglish' at your college, and look at him now!
I bet he went and prayed at the 'Three Circles' shrine.
What are you talking about?
Well...
...they say he went to Mukojima, to the 'Inari Three Circles Shrine'.
He went abroad, and now he's an Admiral!
The Fox God there works miracles.
People just say he went there because they're jealous.
Don't talk like that!
It wouldn't hurt you to try it once.
If you want, I guess I could go someday.
No time like the present! Promise me you'll go tomorrow.
Oh, all right!
Have one on the house.
No, no...
Pay me when you're a somebody.
Nonsense!
He's fluent in English! He doesn't have to pray to a Fox!
What are they talking about?!
Ow!
'Inari Three Circles'...
I don't have to go all the way to Mukojima.
There's a branch right here.
'I humbly beg favor.'
THE HAUNTED SAMURAI
I just realized...
...this is a Kunisada first print, and it only cost 20 mon!
It was a great buy.
Especially since it's on credit from the rice broker.
The price'll go up.
It beats paying a fencing master.
A samurai needs martial arts.
What good has western learning done Hikoshiro?
These days you never know.
He might still find something. Then we can live off him!
Hikoshiro, get up. The sun's been up for hours.
You certainly were drunk.
You were so late I was worried.
I'm sorry.
By the way, who was the gentleman who saw you home?
From the cut of his kimono, he looked like a rich merchant.
He's a clothier from Mukojima named 'Inari', no...
'Iseya'.
Mr Iseya?
Yes.
He offered me work as a bodyguard, and dragged me to a geisha house.
I most certainly hope you didn't accept his offer!
I wouldn't dream of it.
Well!
You're here, are you?
Good morning.
I thought you'd gone out early, so I cleared away breakfast.
Are you hungry?
I drank too much last night. Please don't worry about me.
Drank too much, did you? Well, isn't that nice!
What are you looking for?
Who are you?
Oh, I'm sorry.
My name is 'Inari', no...
'Iseya'.
'Not "Inari''..."Iseya"'?
Yes.
I am a clothier from Mukojima.
Mukojima? A clothier?!
Surely our meeting out here must mean something.
Perhaps to mark our acquaintance...
...you'd join me in a cup of sake?
You wouldn't be looking for a bodyguard, would you?
Not at all!
I would never ask that of a fine samurai like yourself.
I would just like to know you better.
That's all.
'Meaning'...
Shall we?
Well?
Shall we?
Here we are!
At last!
Inari sushi! I love it!
Have some more!
It's very good.
Come, Squire! Join us.
Did you say you came from Mukojima?
That is correct. Why?
And you like Inari sushi...
So you're the 'Three Circles' God of Fortune!
'Fortune'?
The God who made Enomoto an Admiral!
Surely you jest, sir!
Don't be modest.
How far am I going to go?
I wasn't born to just drift around in a time as important as this
Make it good!
Don't get the wrong idea.
I may look like a man of substance...
...but I'm not the God of Fortune.
If you've all eaten your fill, let's have some more music!
You're from the 'Three Circles' Shrine...
But not someone you should be happy about.
Don't beat around the bush!
I see...
Well, in fact...
No, I'd better not.
Tell me!
I see...
As it happens, I am the God of Poverty.
Poverty?!
Keep your voice down!
You're joking!
No, I'm not.
I'm leaving! You I don't need!
'Lf you wish to leave, please do.
'It was not I who called on you.
'The fault is yours, for clapping your hands.
"'Clap, clap'', you brought them together twice.'
You went so far as to 'humbly beg favor'.
I thought you were the God of Fortune!
You thought what you wished.
And I am much more effective than that God of Fortune...
...Kamajiro prayed to.
Just between you and me...
...I'm even better than those big shrines at Ise or Izumo.
That's enough!
I don't need your bragging!
Think of this as pity from the God of Poverty.
This is the last time you will see luxury like this.
Guzzle down the sake.
Make it a real party.
Go wild.
Everyone! Let us go wild!
Go wild! Go wild! Go wild!
Don't laugh!
I have to laugh.
You're a foot-samurai's second son.
You've got no post, and no job. How can you get any poorer?
That God doesn't pick very well.
Maybe not.
But it's strange the Three Circles should bring Poverty.
In fact...
...I went to Mukojima yesterday.
Three Circles
Three Cyrkles
Three Circles
They're not the same.
Not the same?
You went to the 'Three Circles' in Mukojima, didn't you?
Hikoshiro! Hikoshiro!
Mother! What's wrong?!
There's trouble at home!
Trouble?
'Push! Push! Push! '
Brother! Is it true the rice dealer has held back our stipend...
...as surety for our debts?
Yes.
Then how will we eat?!
Don't worry.
I'll just sell our samurai status.
Our status?
The dealer says lots of merchants and farmers buy samurai status.
For at least 500 ryo!
500 ryo?!
Surprised?
Even a clapped-out family name like ours.
We can pay generations of debt and still live in comfort.
Good, huh?
No!
Sell the 300 year-old Bessho name for money?!
While there is light in my eyes, I will not agree!
Mother, we don't know what will become of the samurai.
We're better off with money than foot-samurai status.
Brother...
are you sure this is true?
Not true?
What would you know about it?
I doubt anyone would want to buy a lowly samurai name like ours.
Your friend Enomoto...
...and Kawaji, Mizuno, and Katsu...
Everyone with influence now comes from families that bought status.
Well...
All right.
If you're so proud, go ask Squire Inoue...
...for some alimony.
What are you saying? That will only bring more shame on us...
...and make Hikoshiro feel worse!
Do you have another idea?
If we don't do something, there'll be nothing to eat.
It's all right, Mother.
Let's wait and hear more from the broker.
On your feet!
A samurai at another's house asking for money?
It's an outrage! Get out!
Father! Help Hikoshiro!
Yae!
Yae! This man is no longer of this house.
There is no reason to pity him!
Kobungo, throw him out.
Kobungo! Throw him out and purify the place!
Young Sir, would you mind? Please!
Hikoshiro!
Yae! Get away from him!
Bring salt! Purify the place!
Yae!
Forgive me!
It pains me, Young Sir, to treat you that way...
...when you were so good to me.
You're an Inoue servant.
Of course you do what Squire Gunbei tells you.
You are still very kind, Young Sir.
Stop calling me that. It's depressing.
'Hikoshiro'
No, 'Hiko'.
Yes, sir.
But Squire Gunbei is a terrible man.
No.
It was stupid of me to ask him for money.
What's wrong?!
Has he been hard on you because we were friends?
You don't know, do you.
Know what?
About that fight.
That's all in the past.
I just never imagined two friends would start fighting in the Castle.
All right! I'll tell you the whole story!
It didn't just 'happen'.
Squire Gunbei staged it to get rid of you.
'Staged it'?
All my master cares about is money.
He only wanted a hard-ass, er...
...'straight-laced' samurai like yourself as a stud!
A 'stud'?
I didn't say that.
The Master did.
Well done, well done!
Drink up!
The stud has serviced the mare. Now we're rid of him!
Young Sir! I mean, 'Hiko'!
You mustn't take revenge on Squire Gunbei!
I will have satisfaction!
No, Young Sir, I mean 'Hiko'!
You can't do that!
Silence!
This is no time to be starting fights.
Did you get our debt called in?
You're sharp today.
When your brother goes to sell your family's status...
...the debt will be exactly 500 ryo.
You will be flat broke.
Good work, if I do say so myself.
Oh no you don't!
Stop!
You can cut me in pieces, but a God doesn't die.
We can't die.
If you don't believe me, try it.
Cut me open.
A spirit!
Who are you?
Begone, specter!
'I exorcise thee...
'... and bid thee gone! '
How dare you!
Stop it!
More, Kobungo! More!
Will you leave me alone?
I can't do that.
I am a God...
...but there are Gods above me.
I must complete my task, or I cannot return whence I came!
Then suffer.
I can't stand it!
All right! Of the 500 ryo...
...I'll leave you enough to just get by.
Genteel poverty! You'll be half-poor.
Do you agree?
No! Withdraw...
...or think how to save my family. Surely a God can do that.
If a man...
...vex a God to tears, he will pay!
I'm not vexing, I'm asking.
Our family will be dissolved, and my mother is old.
Think of something.
All right, all right!
There is a special way I'll tell you.
Just stop him from cursing me!
No tricks, all right?
Just stop that, will you?
Stop.
Stop it!
Stop it, he said!
He said to stop it!
So what's the special way?
Hm?
Spit it out or he'll start again!
Wait wait wait!
All right, all right, all right!
I'll tell you.
Even amongst the Gods...
...there are esoteric mysteries.
Mysteries?
This one is only used...
...once in ten years, or even once in a hundred...
Forget that. What is it?
This esoteric mystery is called 'change of lodging'.
'Change of lodging'?
It is reserved for those special occasions...
...where the one afflicted makes the God weep.
He was bawling his eyes out.
Yes.
But that was for a different reason.
Kobungo...
Stop it!
Stop it, please!
Then tell us about this 'change of lodging'.
The calamity can be moved.
To someone else?
Yes.
But the person who is haunted in turn...
...can only be someone you know.
That's perfect!
Why not move it to Squire Gunbei?
If someone hits you, you hit back.
Yes! I am no man's 'stud'!
Move this curse to Inoue Gunbei!
It's not that easy...
Kobungo!
Stop it! Stop!
Stop.
Stop!
Don't do that!
What's wrong with you?!
It might not be all you want, but I'll do what I can.
Welcome home.
You went and talked to the rice dealer, did you?
The Head Clerk came, said his staff shouldn't have seized our stipend...
...and left us a whole bag to apologize.
Better to drink than fret.
Have one.
Shoo! Shoo!
What's that?!
A Light! Bring a light!
Kane, what's happening?!
A plague of mice, sir. There must be a cat in the rafters.
What is this?!
Husband!
Kane! Do something!
Husband!
Iseya Clothiers
Burn! Burn!
Wait! Wait!
The money box!
It's too late, sir!
Our lives come first!
No!
The money-box!
Yae!
You're safe! Where's Ichitaro?
He's gone with Mother and Father to Kane's house.
So everyone's all right?
Yes!
Good.
Good!
It's just some riceballs.
My mother made them. She toasted some for Ichitaro.
Thank you.
I'm sorry. That's all I can do for now.
We have no right to this kindness after how we've treated you.
This must be retribution from the Divine Gongen.
Mother asks that you not lose heart. Ichitaro will be hungry.
Thank you. Give my regards to your mother.
Off you go.
Damn you!
What's wrong?
The House of Inoue has been left without a penny!
The change of lodging is done!
Some change that was!
You burned Yae and Ichitaro out of their house!
Who said to involve them?!
Die!
I simply answered your wish for a change of lodging.
Hey...
Hey!
Iseya?
Iseya!
You said Gods don't die!
Hey! Iseya!
You remembered, did you?
That is correct.
So please stop wasting your strength.
That wasn't nice.
What wasn't?
I did what I could, and you got more than you bargained for.
Anyway, he's ruined at one stroke.
As God of Poverty, I can be proud.
Proud? That was a base trick!
To escape from poverty...
...you wished disaster on another.
One such as you has no basis...
...for telling me what base is.
'Base is'!
Uh-oh... Iooks like rain.
How so be it, my task is finished.
I must go close up shop.
Thank you for your patronage.
Well, well, well! And who is going...
...to be next?
Hello.
Your job's done, isn't it?
Yes, my work with you is done, but...
If I may...
I would rest easier afterwards if I mentioned something...
What?
Well...
...as 'Three Cyrkles', the name of our shrine, suggests...
Surely there aren't three of you...
Surely there are.
And when the next comes, as he surely will...
...may I ask that you not mention the 'change of lodging'?
Who will he surely be?
He follows Poverty, so let's try to imagine...
You don't mean...
The God of Disease. And 'mean' he is.
And now Squire Inoue is penniless, the God of Disease will haunt him?
The very idea!
The 'change of lodging' was special, just for you.
The one the God of Disease will come to haunt...
...is you.
And after you have writhed in agony...
...then will come...
No. Let's stop there.
It's just too pitiful.
Let's stop there.
And now, if you will pardon me, I will take my leave.
If you would please remember what I've asked...
You poor man!
Ah, me!
You poor, poor man!
Ah, me! You poor man!
Hurry!
To the dike!
'Save us, merciful Buddha! '
Hurry! Let's get out of here!
Quick!
Pile them up!
Hikoshiro!
I'm heading for the temple! Tell Yonosuke if you see him!
You get out of here, too!
I'll cover your post!
Hello, sir.
Where did your brother get to?
I didn't see him last night.
I certainly hope...
...he didn't desert his post.
No, he was here just now...
Wasn't he.
This is his son Yonosuke. I'll go and find him.
Don't lie for him. I know all about it.
As a matter of fact, there's trouble about his duties.
Has he done something wrong?
The Squad Leader has said this would be a good chance...
...to be done with him.
Be done with him?
Careful!
You go off and play.
We had a tough time, didn't we!
We'll need clean clothes... Yes.
He's always like that!
Mother! We're home.
What would you like?
We need to talk to you.
I didn't get a wink of sleep all night. Let's talk tomorrow.
This is important. Hear us out.
The Local Advisor spoke to me about your duties.
The decoy armor in the Shogun's warehouse...
...is dirty and rusted.
It is in no condition to be used should His Highness require a decoy.
Is that all?
Think about it, Hikoshiro.
What good is a decoy in the Shogun's armor...
...in an age of cannons?
You fled your post last night, as well.
They wish you replaced.
What?
Replaced?
That is correct.
Fine!
Going to that smelly old warehouse every three days is depressing!
Let them replace me!
Squire Sahei...
...what do you mean?!
It was in 1615...
...that our gracious ancestor of the Bessho name...
...fought the Toyotomi clan at the Summer Battle of Osaka.
It was sunset.
As red flames enveloped the mighty castle...
...the warriors of Sanada Yukimura, ready to give their lives...
...attacked the first Tokugawa Shogun, leyasu, the Divine Gongen.
Donning the Shogun's armor, so Gongen could make his escape...
...our ancestor...
...strode before Sanada, and in the guise of the Shogun...
...most bravely cut him down!
The Shogun was most pleased...
...and made the House of Bessho...
...his 'shadow warriors'!
That's how it goes?
You know it very well.
I'm beat!
I know!
Mother...
...I have an idea.
We are 'shadow warriors'.
What if Hikoshiro were to become my shadow warrior?
How dare you!
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Lord Matsudaira has sent a gift of sake!
Hiko...
If you take over from your brother, your family will be fine.
Will they let you do that?
My mother and brother went to the Troop Leader...
...and said my brother was ill. The Troop Leader said...
...he'd been expecting them.
That's wonderful!
Driving that God away brought you luck!
You'll put a knot in Disease's tail, too!
Let's drink to that!
What's wrong?
I just felt a chill.
Maybe it's a cold.
Hiko!
Are you OK?!
Are you all right?
That's a bad fever!
Even with your new post, you don't want the God of Disease.
Wait here.
One shove and he's out.
You don't look good. I'll help you home.
Thank you.
I live in the foot-samurai quarter. My name is Bessho Hikoshiro.
I'm Kuzuryu, the 'nine-headed dragon'...
Kuzuryu Tamegoro. Climb on.
Wait! I want to talk to you.
What?
Just come here.
I know my sumo.
I've never heard of a wrestler named Kuzuryu.
Fool!
There's sumo down in Osaka, too. I've come up here...
...to push over some Edo bums.
Hey, wait a minute.
You could say 'sorry', or at least introduce yourself.
You're a fox, all right!
I just saw your demon face in the river.
I'm no demon.
All right...
You're the God of Disease, here to haunt that samurai!
Listen, noodle-vendor, it's too late to shove me out of the ring.
He'll burn with fever, foul himself where he lies...
...get thin as a dry stalk of grass and rot from his fingers and toes.
No! You can't do that!
Do you know Enomoto, just back from Holland?
They say that Hiko, I mean, 'that samurai'...
...has even more talent, and he's just starting to rise.
You can't kill him now!
Even still...
...he prayed at our shrine.
I know that. I know that!
Mr Disease...
Don't call me that!
Disrespect a God, and you'll pay!
Wait! Just a minute!
Kuzuryu Tamegoro! It must mean something that I recognize you.
So grant me a wish!
I can't leave that samurai alone, if that's what you want.
Yes, you can!
You can do that, that...
...'change of lodging', to his brother, Bessho Sahei.
What?
How do you know about that?
It seems the God of Poverty was kind enough to do that.
Damn that fool!
That's a once-in-a-century thing!
He was supposed to be poor by now!
Well, I'll show him!
Could you maybe...
No!
Won't be trifled with.
But Mr Disease!
Wait! Ow!
Just get through this, Hikoshiro, and it'll all be fine.
Yes...
Bessho Hikoshiro, you have charge of the shadow-warrior armor.
Do not fail in your duties.
Bessho Sahei, instruct him fully in all his responsibilities.
I will.
He's gone. Relax.
You work from mid-morning for three hours, every third day.
Dust the armor if you feel like it.
As of today, you're head of the House of Bessho.
This'll suit you.
I'm not going to fade with the times.
You've got talent...
...and you believe the Buddha protects you.
He does.
No mistake about it.
Pass the job to Yonosuke when he comes of age, will you?
Have no fear.
Hey!
Hey, you!
You're the God of Disease.
For a man as smart as Enomoto, it took you a long time to notice.
Sorry I didn't help you home.
That's all right.
But I want some time.
I can't revive my house if I'm sick.
Not just that.
Poverty's left my wife and son destitute.
Please...
Just for a little while. Make me feel better.
I beg you!
A God can't grant just any old whim, you know.
Poverty moved his curse. Surely you can do something!
Dream on!
You won't get the change of lodging twice.
For your own benefit, you clapped your hands to us.
I don't need to advance, or even survive.
But the Bessho family and my son are depending on me!
Drivel!
You can drool away till you rot for all I care.
Please!
Now Hikoshiro, with his ability, has taken over the family post...
...the Bessho name is sure to rise.
I look forward to it.
Oh, don't be silly.
We've only just escaped having our status revoked.
Not at all!
Looks like our host's too sick to make an appearance.
Who cares?
Just call it my retirement party and have fun!
If you don't like the music here, we could always try...
...the red-light quarter!
Shall we?
That's terrible!
Ignoring the host and carrying on like that!
Hiko!
Why didn't you tell me this had happened?
And why didn't you tell me Gunbei let you go?
Well...
That was my fault in the first place.
Anyway, I'll get rid of that God of Disease for you.
I've had time to study.
Just wait here.
What's wrong?
This one's strong!
Sanbei! Stop that!
You're shaming us!
Squire Hikoshiro, you must eat.
It is by our ancestors' grace you are well enough to work today.
Just show up, tell them you suddenly feel sick, and leave.
More rice!
More rice.
Hikoshiro! Are you here?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
When we heard you'd taken over these duties...
...Katsu Kaishu said he wanted me to introduce you.
I am honored the Navy Commissioner should come to such a place.
Skip the formality.
I'm not in that post any more. I am merely a masterless samurai.
Well, well, well!
I'm surprised we still have shadow warriors...
...but what really amazes me...
...is that after 15 generations you're still a perfect decoy!
What do you mean?
Stop moping around in here.
Go meet His Highness, and you'll see.
How'd you like to work with this man?
We have a new land to build.
A new land?
Yes.
Will His Highness build it?
He is resigning his Shogun's commission.
There'll be no Shogun, no clans, just the Emperor.
No barriers between us. We'll all build it.
Is this true?
Bessho Hikoshiro!
If we don't, we'll fall prey to the foreigners in their black ships.
Before we are retainers of the Shogun, we are 'Japanese'.
We samurai must build, instead of just burdening the peasants.
Is this not the real dream of the samurai?
Could I have some time to think?
We need men like you now.
What's wrong? Are you sick?
It's nothing.
Now, isn't that something!
Go away! This is no place for you.
Well!
A sumo wrestler in the Shogun's warehouse?
Oh, he's here to help.
The armor is heavy. Sometimes I need the guy...
Er, 'the man'.
Kuzuryu, introduce yourself.
I am Kuzuryu Tamegoro.
You need have no suspicions of me.
No?
You'll excuse me if I do...
Think about what I've said.
Let Kamajiro know.
No... I'll walk over next time I'm at the Castle.
I'm going down to Osaka. I hope you'll say yes.
You're sure you're all right?
I'll be better soon. It's nothing.
Have a safe trip.
Be seeing you.
Well, I'm impressed!
Important men like that praise you. I'll have to change my opinion.
However, 'I'll be better soon.' And 'it's nothing'...
...are just fine words.
But you've changed your opinion...
Oh, no.
Don't let a little praise go to your head.
You're a worthier opponent now, that's all.
But, Hikoshiro...
...when I see a good man like you, I think there's lots of others...
...I should be afflicting.
You mean you'd move the curse?
To wear someone down till he's half-dead...
...is a sumo technique.
I hope you don't mean Inoue Gunbei! Poverty's already afflicted him.
Don't talk nonsense. I don't even know Gunbei.
If you do, there'll be trouble!
Whatever's the matter?
Nothing!
I'm just out of breath.
Ichitaro, I brought some sweet-bean paste.
What's wrong?
Ichitaro!
I'm sorry.
He hasn't seen you for a while. I think he's shy.
How is Squire Gunbei?
He just stays shut up in his room...
...refusing to see anyone.
Is he ill?
No. He eats well, and his color is better than before.
I see.
All he thinks about is money. I'm just as happy not to see him.
'Every cloud has a silver lining'?
'When one God abandons you, another finds you.'
Well, I know it's hard, but look after Ichitaro.
Tell me if you need anything.
I can't do much, but I'll do what I can.
Thank you.
Be strong.
Mother!
Mother, come quickly! Sahei's coughing up blood!
Blood?!
Sahei! Speak to me!
I'm beat! I'm out of the ring!
Lay off me! We're drinking buddies!
Don't throw me!
The Gods are punishing you for pretending to be sick...
...then inviting wrestlers for a wild party!
Sahei...
...it pains me to say it at a time like this...
...but there is a matter I'd like to raise.
Yes, Mother.
But I can't rise to it, so I'll take it lying down.
All right.
As head of the family, Hikoshiro should live in this main house...
...but the other one is too small for you.
You will also require nursing for the present.
It will be crowded, but I will move over here...
...and leave the other house to Hikoshiro.
All right?
Chiyo, would you bring the 'Yasutsugu' sword, please?
Leyasu, the Divine Gongen of Tosho Temple...
...praising the courage of our ancestor...
...gave him his post and this sword, the treasure of our family.
As head of our family, Hikoshiro will now preserve it.
No!
Not that!
In this sword are the spirits of our ancestors!
The family head must have it!
Hikoshiro, treasure this sword.
Brother...
Suit yourself.
Then I will take it in my charge.
Sahei!
What is the meaning of this?!
I told you not to.
Will our ancestors forgive us...
...for treating 'Yasutsugu' like this?!
Whatever's the matter?!
Mother, Hikoshiro...
...I'm finished.
He's come for me!
Who?
That wrestler who followed me!
Death knows I love sumo...
...so he's come for me as a wrestler!
Sahei!
Did you move to my brother?
I had no such intention.
Did you or didn't you?!
That's the way it happened.
It may sound stupid...
...but when you take on human form, their irresponsibility rubs off.
So what will happen?
That depends on him.
It does?
I just planted the seed.
I could have done more...
...but I've got another job, so I can't.
I'll be leaving tonight.
So with care he'll recover?
Usually they die...
...but he's a happy-go-lucky fool, so he's hard for us to deal with.
He shouldn't have a chance, but you never can say.
So that's how it is...
There's no need to drive you away with stones, then.
I won't make you a farewell gift, but will you have some soba?
With pleasure!
So, Kuzuryu, I guess number three's coming now.
'It serves you right' sounds a bit harsh, but...
Hold it!
I can't stand any more!
You tell that third one to come haunt me instead!
Wait!
Your father was my customer. It'll be easy.
Bring it on!
The God of Poverty, then Disease...
Most people can guess what comes next.
Don't play games! In Edo we talk straight!
If you want.
I want!
Next comes...
Yeah?
...Death.
Whoa! Forget it.
I take it back.
You asked.
And you told me more than I wanted to hear.
Poverty and disease I'm used to.
But death I've never tried. So please, I beg you!
Don't worry. I wouldn't move it to you.
You wouldn't?
That's Hiko for you! I knew I could count on you.
I should pray to you!
It's getting a little crowded. I'll take my leave.
Leave these things here.
Goodbye.
Of all the people the Three Cyrkles could have visited calamity upon...
...it had to be you.
I feared poverty and disease, so I wanted to protect myself.
I don't want to die like a dog...
...but only a coward would move Death to someone else.
Thank you.
Made by Yasutsugu
May I tell you something...
...I could not say to your Honored Grandfather?
Yes. What is it?
This sword is not a Yasutsugu.
It is a fake.
But my ancestor received this from Lord leyasu himself!
However the tale goes...
...words will not make it true.
What shall I do?
Make it sharp.
That I ask.
Can the passion behind words make them come true?
If you please.
Thank you.
Where do you live?
The goblins'll get you if you play here.
I can't go home.
There's a gentleman there, so I have to stay outside.
Are you hungry?
Come to my house. I'll see you home later.
What's your name?
O-Tsuya.
Go ahead, eat.
There.
Thank you.
More rice!
I apologize for the trouble.
Well, a little charity may help Sahei get better.
That's all right.
I'm sorry.
My stomach's upset, so I took some bear gall from the shelf.
Bear gall from the shelf...
No!
Why?
That's not bear gall!
Throw it up!
That was rat poison!
'Be prepared'...
Got it.
'The future is a closed book'...
Got it!
'As ye sow, so shall ye reap'...
Got it.
'Let sleeping Gods lie'...
You met a girl named 'O-Tsuya'? As in 'funeral wake'...
A perfect fit.
That's not funny.
So what will you do?
Try to move this one, too?
No.
I'll meet him face to face and see what he really is.
Well said!
I'm resolved to do the same.
You? I'll face this alone.
You were the only one who treated me with respect.
I cannot stand and watch.
Kobungo!
Ichitaro!
I'll kill you!
Are you OK?!
Let go! It's your fault our house is dissolved!
Let go!
I'm sorry!
This way!
Please forgive Ichitaro!
Your house is dissolved?
Yes. Because of the fire, my father is removed from his position...
...and our family dissolved.
Whatever Grandpa says, it isn't your father's fault.
Your mother told you that!
So why...
That man is not my father.
It's like Grandpa says. It's all his fault!
Ichitaro!
It's all right.
He's heir to the Inoue name.
He should trust Squire Gunbei, and wish to take vengeance for him.
Don't blame him for it.
Halt!
I'm sorry!
Halt!
You're Death!
I'm sorry, Mister!
Samurai!
Stop it!
She's just a kid, damn it!
I'm sorry!
You're not sorry!
She said she's sorry. Leave her alone!
Wait!
What's so funny?
Using my own son was a mean trick!
Thanks.
'Thanks'?
That's praise.
At least Poverty and Disease showed some consideration!
Mister, for us consideration isn't a good thing.
It's not God-like.
You're not God-like.
Did you think a small boy would be able to kill me?
I thought because he was your son, you wouldn't fight back.
Shall I try your wife next? Or your mother?
Enough.
Kill me now
You don't get it.
My job is to make it so you will die.
I can't kill you myself.
Mister, I'm hungry.
Is it good?
Yeah!
It is?
So who is this girl?
The Goddess of Death.
Isn't that nice!
Aren't you a cute little Goddess of...
...'Death'?!
Oh, no!
It's all on the house!
Oh, no!
I don't haunt just anyone!
Oh, well... I've always wanted to be really scary.
I'm a Goddess, after all.
My job is to do what it takes to kill you.
I know that.
Still, I don't fear dying.
But not a dog's death. So wait a little, please.
Wait?
If I must die, I want it to be like a samurai.
How is that?
I'm thinking. Wait a little.
How long?
I won't make it difficult. Just don't involve anyone else.
Hurry, then. I get complaints from upstairs.
Thank you!
New Year's, 1868
Early in the year, in Kyoto...
...the southern clans fought...
...the Shogun's army.
Against the new cannon of the rebel forces...
...the Shogun surrendered Osaka Castle.
Read all about it! Shogun's army loses battle at Fushimi!
Shogun's retainers killed!
Hot off the press!
Read all about it!
He's gone to war without his decoys? I'm going to Kyoto!
Are you serious?
It is a samurai's dream to die defending his lord.
In that case, I'll come with you.
O-Tsuya! I've found how I want to die.
I'll go to Kyoto, and die gloriously defending His Highness.
Come with me.
I'm afraid you're too late.
He's a rat.
A rat?
Yes.
He left his retainers at the battle...
...and sailed away on a ship.
Our Shogun?
Are there two?
He abandoned his retainers...
...and fled?
Go and see for yourself.
His ship docks at Hama Palace tomorrow.
Too bad. I thought I was done.
Hiko, let's go back!
No. As a Tokugawa retainer, I want to ask why...
...he abandoned his men.
You'll be charged with lese majesty!
The Goddess has laid a trap for you!
Stand aside!
His Highness approaches!
It's His Highness!
Hiko!
Who are you?
I am a foot-samurai, serving as Shogun's decoy.
I am Bessho Hikoshiro.
My ancestor served as shadow warrior...
...to leyasu, at the Summer Battle of Osaka.
Raise your head.
This is strange...
I know you have returned to regroup your forces.
I offer my life to defend you as your shadow warrior.
Then change places with me.
I'm tired.
I'm joking.
Your Highness! What is it?
Nothing. An acquaintance.
Don't sell your life cheap.
Onward!
What are you doing here?
How was Yoshinobu?
Were you waiting to hear?
I'll bet you're hungry.
It's ready.
You'll like this.
What a nice view!
Are you feeling a little better?
I'm all warmed up. Thank you.
If you're feeling sleepy, shall I lay out a futon?
Mister...
...why are you so nice to me?
I'm the Goddess of Death. I'm here to kill you.
I know that.
But it's ironic...
It took the Goddess of Death to make me search for what to do...
...to give my life meaning.
Then, when I met His Highness, I found that meaning.
Something a God can't do, but a person can.
Something a God can't do?
There isn't anything.
It's the greatest of us all who made you.
You're like bugs, doing whatever we happen to imagine.
That may be true.
But O-Tsuya...
...there's one thing we can do that you can't.
What?
Die for a cause.
Die?
Yes, that makes you different from us.
You're gone in a flash.
Yes, we are.
But because we die...
...we can stake our lives to accomplish something.
O-Tsuya...
...the limits to life don't make it flash.
Because of those limits, through death you can send off sparks.
That'd be something.
So you understand how I feel?
No...
...but I feel it here.
It won't be long now.
February: Submitting to the Emperor...
...the Shogun retires to a temple.
April: Edo Castle surrenders.
There's no more need for a Shogun's decoy now.
Oh, and...
...I don't smell spirits around you.
O-Tsuya's probably gone home.
'Gone home'?
With the world turned upside-down, maybe she thinks her job's done.
That's great!
Let's drink to that.
Hi, Mister!
I'm closed!
No, listen to me first.
So much for your nose!
I've thought about what you said.
I felt like you were wonderful and I was horrible.
That made me sad.
I've moved the curse. I've come to say goodbye.
Oved it?!
You know!
If you make a God cry, the curse can be moved.
Who to?!
Yoshinobu.
Y-O-S-H-l-N-O-B-U.
'Yoshinobu'?
Who's he?
What a stupid name!
Who?
'Yoshinobu'...
I've heard the name...
What?! That's His Highness!
Mister!
I don't know him! You can't move it to him!
You met him when he came back to Edo.
Now he plans to abandon the retainers ready to fight for him...
...and run away to Mito.
Isn't that awful?
Long life to you.
Wait, O-Tsuya!
I smell her.
I do.
No mistake about it. She's in there.
I'll go look inside. If she comes out, grab her.
But...
'Where is he?
'Across the moat, at the main gate?
'Bounce, bounce, bounce, where is he?
'Outer ward, inner ward, or in the keep?
'Bounce, bounce, bounce, out in the garden?
'Sitting on Gongen's knee?
'Bounce, bounce, bounce, he's nowhere to be found.
'O, if he isn't here, what will I do now? '
O-Tsuya!
Go away!
To arms!
His Highness is in danger!
To arms!
And it was going so well!
Don't be angry.
For generations my family has guarded the Shogun.
I can't stand by and let him be killed.
No more.
In that case I'll have to move the curse back to you.
Do that. Please.
'Please'?
The Shogun doesn't die for the decoy.
So you mean...
My stupidity began this whole thing.
O-Tsuya, I'm sorry.
Are you crying again?
I can move the curse if I make you cry, can't I?
Move it back to me again.
I can't.
It can only move once.
And...
...to tell the truth...
...I'm fond of you.
The Shogun leaves Edo for Mito.
His retainers gather...
...at the temple in Ueno.
One stray bullet and all you've lived for is gone.
We'll contact you when we get settled.
Now it's time to get very far away.
Let us know how you are.
We will.
Keep safe.
Take care of yourselves.
Excuse me for intruding...
I have finished work on your sword.
Thank you.
Come in.
Are you happy with it?
It seems a little thinner.
It isn't our normal practice, but as you asked...
...I ground it sharp.
I thank you.
I accept it.
Then I will take my leave.
Well done.
You and me... both fakes.
Master Ichitaro?
Why are you dressed like that?
Yonosuke is to meet me.
They've just left for our home town in the country.
He's fled? The coward!
Oh, dear!
Ichitaro! What's all this?
We at the dojo have sworn to make a stand at Ueno.
If Yonosuke is not here, I will go alone!
Wait...
Yonosuke would not break his vow.
Wait a while.
Look who's here!
Good! There's thousands of us!
We'll blow those bumpkins away like so much foam!
I'm sorry.
I was conducting my father to his ship.
I thought you'd fled.
I apologize!
I understand.
Give me a moment. I'll prepare.
At ease!
Sit down.
I will not let you two go to Ueno.
A samurai has an obligation to fulfill!
I must fight to restore the honor of the Inoue house!
Ichitaro...
Yonosuke...
Your wish was also mine.
But His Highness has resigned. The age of the samurai is over.
Our ancestors' obligation to the house of Tokugawa...
...now means nothing!
Listen to me.
A new world is beginning. The old world is gone.
It is not your task to lower its curtain.
You are the only ones who can build the new one!
This is a chance that seldom comes.
You must not waste your lives over the passions of a moment!
They've both listened to reason. But they're still only boys.
Be kind to them.
Please.
I will.
What will you do?
I've finally found the road I should walk.
And seeing you has put my heart at ease.
Hikoshiro!
Look forward to the day we meet again.
So you're going?
Why? Yoshinobu's not there.
Not for duty.
I told you. In risking your life, you find what you are.
Not me. But I wonder, if I stuck close to you...
...could an Armstrong cannon kill me, too?
I'm tired of being a God.
You said Gods don't die.
How about a love-suicide? I've done that before.
We'd die together.
Love-suicide?!
Don't be silly! You're just a little girl.
I've lived...
...centuries longer than you.
Don't take me lightly.
A love-suicide with a little girl? They'd laugh at me.
No, thanks.
Let them laugh. You like me, don't you?
Sure.
I love you!
I can't help it!
Now I'm pledged to you. I'll never leave you.
So that's how it is?
Then let the whole world laugh!
Magnificent!
I will follow you.
I bear His Highness' banner, carried here from Osaka!
Wonderful!
We should have one of those 'photographers'...
Squire Katsu!
The Shogunate fell while I was waiting for you.
I was Military Commissioner.
Now I'm masterless again, handling the transition.
You don't look like you want to help build a new land right now.
I met His Highness, and realized what you meant.
I was born to be his shadow warrior.
He's not 'His Highness' now.
If their General has fled, his dead soldiers will not rest.
I will guard not only his life, but his honor and pride.
That will be a shadow warrior's tribute to a dying world.
So be it.
The decoy is in Mito.
You are the 15th Shogun.
Lead on.
It's not that grand.
It's only a whim I carry here.
Yes.
It's for me.
I'm with you.
What did you say?
Sorry. Something in my throat.
I see.
A token of farewell.
A money-box would be in the way.
Thank you very much!
Hey...
The Shogun!
His Highness rides forth!
'Any day now! ' 'Any day now! ' I can't do business!
Fight if you're going to!
Right! Everyone's cowering in their houses.
I've done well by my visit to that shrine.
Hiko!
Thanks. That's for the drinks.
You're a true samurai!
I'm not a samurai now. Isn't that so, O-Tsuya?
Is she still haunting you?!
Onward!
To Ueno?
The Shogun!
His Highness rides forth!
Huzzah! Huzzah!
Fire!
Mister!
Speak to me!
Did you die and leave me behind?
Original Story Jiro Asada
Hey, listen!
He sent off sparks, you know.
I didn't set off any...
...but he sure did!
Hikoshiro Satoshi Tsumabuki
The God of Poverty Toshiyuki Nishida
Directed by Yasuo Furuhata