TOHO CORPORATION, LTD.
DESPERADO OUTPOST (Dokuritsu Gurentai)
Producer: TANAKA Tomoyuki
Screenplay by: OKAMOTO Kihachi
Directed by: OKAMOTO Kihachi
IT WAS NEAR THE END OF THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR,
IN A MOUNTAINOUS AREA AT THE NORTHERN FRONT
Oh, you have been going around different corps alone for a year!
I surely did.
Don't you get scared?
To tell you the truth, I am always anxious even though I travel with this many men.
I am the same way.
But after travelling all around, I can tell when the danger is near
as my palm gets itchy.
Really? Your palm?
It is just like weather forecasting.
When my palm gets itchy, I just run like hell.
That's convenient. I would like to buy one of your palms...
No, I can't help you with that.
By the way, where are you going?
I heard about this interesting outpost when I was at the hospital in Beijing.
So I am going to see them.
If I remember right, they are called Desperado Outpost.
Desperado Outpost?
Yes.
Let me warn you. You'd better stop. They are at the most dangerous place in this area.
I will avoid those dangers with this palm.
Really? Well you will have to stay overnight at Shogunbyo.
Shogunbyo?
SHOGUNBYO
KODAMA CORPS
KODAMA CORPS March in step!
Hey, who are you?
Excuse me. This is my ID.
Stop marching!
Oh...
You should call on the deputy commander and the commanding squad to pay your respects.
They will help you out. So long.
Thank you for everything.
Oh!
A wild chrysanthemum is blooming in the wasteland.
No, one, two, three... Seven of them all together!
Come on in, young man. Let's have a little fun.
How much if I stay overnight?
It's ¥5 and 50 sen, but I will give you a discount.
¥5? That's reasonable.
I will come back. Prepare a bath for me later.
Make sure you come back.
Hey soldier! Yes.
Where is the deputy commander?
He is at the shooting range behind headquarters.
All right. Let him run!
Hello, are you the deputy commander?
Yes, I am Lieutenant Fujioka.
I see, I am Araki from Maicho Newspaper. It's nice to meet you.
Why did you come to an uninteresting place like this?
Well, various things.
I am here for various news stories.
No, no.
There is nothing here. It is so uneventful that I am running out of things to kill time.
You should go back.
I am ready for the next one. Let him go!
That's the spirit!
What are you doing?
Browning semiautomatic pistols are sometimes unreliable, I heard.
They are useless by just doing this. I always wanted to try it once.
I am sorry.
Why did you stop me?
Cute girl like that should not be killed, I thought.
She is cute but also a spy from the Eighth Route Army.
Is she, really?
You never know. I am sorry for interrupting. Please go ahead.
But wait a minute.
There is no military policeman present.
There is no need for it! Really?
There is no need for it? Let me see...
Don't you think it's better to contact the military police squad first?
Otherwise they may think you did it to kill time.
That would hurt your evaluation.
Shut up!
I wonder what Kameda at the command centre would say...
Kameda?
The staff officer, Captain Kameda.
He is my good friend from junior high school.
I don't know what I should do. Rumours like this spread fast.
You won.
You are like a weasel.
It is like a battle between a weasel and a sly fox.
I apologize to you for my impoliteness.
Second lieutenant Yamaoka, just returned with the transporting squad.
Well done. Well done!
Run! Get lost quickly!
Ah, that man is a weasel, too.
Deputy commander, how about something like this for killing time?
I see. You are good. How many did you kill so far?
No, I am not in that business.
I have stolen the hearts of a few girls, though.
Really, Tomi-chan? You knew that reporter?
Yes, he is an awful man.
Awful? He ran away without paying?
Ran away without paying?
Yes, that's too bad. That's a big loss.
If he comes tonight, he will really pay for it.
Why are you laughing? I am concerned about you.
I am sorry.
But I really wonder why he is here.
It is silly to wonder about that. Getting the money back is more important.
First of all, our goal is to make as much money as possible,
and open a coffee shop in Shinjuku, Tokyo after the war.
Don't forget!
So these are the enemy's movements in this area.
We are here... and Kokufu's Grey squad is there.
The Eighth Route army in red is from here to there.
We are surrounded.
Are we okay?
What?! I am sorry.
The danger zone is from here to there...
Look! This small squad is in the middle of the Eighth Route army controlled area.
What is this?
That?
It is the Independent 90th platoon, also known as Desperado Outpost.
It is a garrison made up of the scum from various troops.
Really? Scum... That is interesting.
And what is their duty?
There must be a reason for being so deep into the enemy's territory.
Shut up!
It is all military's decisions. Criticism from someone like you will not be tolerated.
I am sorry about that.
Impudence is the trait of newspaper reporters.
I sincerely apologize.
By the way, I don't see the commander anywhere.
Where is he?
An enemy raid!
An enemy raid..!
Everyone take your positions!
The commander is here!
Machine guns move to the front! Artillery move to the South gate.
All command staff gather!
Move quickly!
That man there! Lie down! Lie down now!
That's him again... It's too bad for him.
Idiots! Stop doing laundry before the enemy!
Lie down! Lie down now!
I am too busy. I have no time for that.
Idiot! Idiot! Stop dawdling!
Are you real imperial army soldiers?
Don't you have any balls?
Of course we don't. Stop making fools of us.
What are you mumbling about?
Hey soldier!
Get the deputy commander! Get the deputy commander now!
These men will be in the stockade. Heavy punishments for them!
That's awful. He must be really ill. Why isn't he sent to a field hospital?
We waited to see if he recovers. We will send him back tomorrow morning.
I see. What caused his problem?
He slipped and fell from the rampart while he was patrolling at night.
He had neuralgia all along...
I see.
Don't let this out to preserve the commander's honour.
No, I will not.
And that means you will be acting for the commander starting tomorrow.
That is a big duty.
It is not that big.
The main force is on an expedition to the western part.
So we are mostly absent corps, a size of just one company. It is easy.
By the way, where are you sleeping tonight?
Do you want to stay at the command centre quarters?
No, don't worry about me.
I get too lonely sleeping alone.
What?
Ah, I see. You are clever at handling girls.
But go visit the command centre anyway, we will give you some rations.
Corporal Lance Cpl Corporal First Sergeant Apprentice Officer COMMAND HONDA KAWAKAMI TAKEDA SAKAI OKUBO STAFF:
Are you Apprentice Officer, Okubo?
No, I am Sergeant-Major Sakai.
That man went to the Desperado Outpost and died ungracefully.
Hey, Corporal Takeda!
Yes.
Throw that nameplate away. Yes.
Ah...
Are you the newspaper reporter that just arrived today?
Yes.
Lady-killer!
Huh?
Don't play innocent.
I manage the military brothel here. My name is Tachibana.
One of my girls is mad about you. Is it 'love at the first sight'?
She is waiting for you in bed in broad daylight!
Really? Then I am on my way.
So long everyone.
Hey, don't rush.
Apprentice Officer OKUBO
Hello, Second Lieutenant.
Oh, it's you.
You are an exciting man, I envy you.
Huh? What is that about?
I am not fit to be a military officer anymore. Maybe I am too old.
When I start thinking about things, I hesitate to do or say anything.
Second Lieutenant!
Second Lieutenant, Yamaoka! What?
Oh, it's you, Sugimoto!
Why is a soldier like you in jail?
I am...
Something happened while I was away?
Yes.
What? What happened? Tell me.
No, I can't tell you.
What? You can't tell me?
Do you know this man? He is a friend of mine from school.
Yes, I know him well.
He was our instructor.
He is a very nice man and treated me like a brother.
Yes, he was a good man.
Who was on duty to serve the apprentice officer? Is he still around?
Yes, he is at Desperado Outpost. That's Lance Corporal, Hosokawa.
Hosokawa? Yes.
Which direction is the outpost?
Yes, it is at that saddle-like area on that ridge.
Is there any mark to look for at night? Yes.
There will be stars forming a shape like a cross right above it.
Thank you. I want you to have this.
Thank you. This is my favourite food.
Don't get killed.
Huh...? Yes!
You are young. How old are you?
I am 19 years old.
So you are a volunteer? Yes.
Some fool joins the military... that nobody likes voluntarily...
That's the tough spirit...
You have to get the money for the last time, too, all right?
Hey Hanako, hurry up.
Just a minute.
If he does not pay, call me.
I will be there in no time. Okay? Okay?
Yes, come in.
Let me take your puttees off, Sergeant Okubo.
You are nurse, Kudo.
Yes, now I am a military prostitute, Kudo. They call me Tomi.
What happened to you?
What about you, Okubo-san?
You just disappeared from the hospital.
Desertion? Is that right?
Yes, something like that.
Why did you escape?
You were a decorated non-commissioned officer.
Shut up!
If you talk loud again, I will shoot.
I am sorry. But you should be...
I should be back at home a long time ago?
A nurse attached to the army cannot go back as an expectant mother.
Army nurses are considered the ideal Japanese women.
Then...
Yes, and the father of the baby suddenly disappeared.
What happened to the baby?
No, the baby didn't make it.
I was struggling at the roadside. That's when Hanako helped me.
That's all right. I got to see you again. Are you going to run away again?
I don't know.
You don't know? Idiot!
I will not let you get away. I will follow you everywhere.
I am scared.
It is no use running away. I will follow you to the finish.
If one is chased, only thing one can do is to run away.
Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!
Hanako! Hanako!
Did he run away without paying?
Idiot, don't waste it.
How did you get that much money?
Why do you cry?
It is foolish to be crying after getting lots of money. You are really being foolish, Tomi.
We can open a coffee shop with this money!
This is about the same amount as working for 500 soldiers.
Attention!
Salute the commander!
Eyes right!
Return!
Eyes right!
Return!
Eyes right!
The commander seems to be all right today.
I heard that he becomes normal three times a day after meals.
Return
Ah!
Ah, that's the newspaper reporter who did not pay.
He is a strange fellow.
The battalion commander is leaving the battle line because of an illness.
I pray for your good fortune in battle!
Eyes right!
Step!
Forward!
March in step!
Old soldiers never die they just fade away...
Stop marching, run!
Thank you for everything. I am leaving, too.
Where to?
I think I am going to visit the outpost.
You should not go. It's dangerous. You will surely wind up dead.
Yes. But after this grand send-off, I will not complain even if I get killed.
Well, I will pray for your good fortune in battle.
Where is he going? He is heading toward the enemy.
It is dangerous.
I don't care if he dies!
Huh?
Now I got you.
This is unexpected. What's going on?
I wonder what's going on, too.
I was riding without a stop all day, you'd never be able to get here by walking.
I rode a flying cloud. Just like the mythical character from an old story.
Sergeant Okubo, also known as Sergeant Devil, you are more timid than I expected.
Shhhh.
If you are so anxious, go take a look.
Who is it?
Come out now!
Who are you?!
Don't scare me like that.
It's you. ¥5 and 50 sent.
Ah, newspaper reporter.
What are you doing here?
I haven't had a bath in a while.
What about you? Why did you make Tomi cry?
She is around. I will call her for you.
No, no. I just saw her.
Where the heck is this?
Where? We are near the base.
What?
Look, a sentry is standing there. Shall I yell the password?
Mountain!
River! See!
Mountain!
River!
I got it.
Damn, I was going around in circles.
Well, I am leaving now.
Be nice to her. Don't run away without paying.
Run away?
Mountain!
River!
Mountain!
River!
Okubo-san!
NORTHERN TERRITORY SECURITY FORCE BASE
Hey, old lady!
Old lady! I want water for my horse.
Where is water?
Nobody here? I want water.
Old lady! Are you deaf?.
It's all right. It's all right.
This is a security force base.
My name is Yan Ahton.
Thank you. Thank you.
Are you a newspaper reporter?
I heard you are good at shooting guns.
Why do you know that?
We can speak in Japanese.
I used to work for the intelligence service a long time ago.
I heard a rumour. Or I should say a cute little bird told me.
That's romantic.
Romantic? Yes, I guess so.
By the way, where are you going?
I'll try guessing where you're going... Desperado Outpost...
See, I guessed it right.
You should not go. If you go there, you will not return alive.
Why?
Why? Your physiognomy tells me.
If you go toward the direction of Northwest, you will not live long.
It's ridiculous.
What's ridiculous is war.
Why don't you stay here and join us? It is interesting.
Security force? It is only in name.
However, our dream is big.
Do you insist on going?
Yes, thank you for the water.
Wait. I will provide you with a guide. My younger brother.
Hey, young boy!
Take him to near the platoon.
I accept your offer. Thank you for everything.
What's he doing?
He's gone now.
Then let's go out. - Yes, let's go.
You are the woman who was at the shooting range yesterday.
You go ahead of me. I am scared of women.
I don't have eyes in the back of my head.
You are a sly fox. A little fox.
You're good at disguise!
What are they? They don't seem to be a security force.
Hey, why don't you say something?
Do as you please!
There you are!
Hey hey, little fox, what's going on?
I don't know.
Don't know?
It's less than 10 minutes from here. Thank you.
I see. They must be a bunch of good-for-nothings.
That one is sleeping on duty.
Hey! Idiot.
Hey! Wake up!
Damn...
Sergeant-Major! Tomi is gone! She has been missing since last night.
She is not here! Where did you send her?
Be quiet! How should I know?!
She probably followed the newspaper reporter and went to Desperado Outpost.
That's quite a passion for a love at first sight.
No, no. It is not love at first sight.
I am telling this only to you.
They were engaged at a hospital in Beijing. He is her fiancé.
What?
He disappeared the night before they were going back to Japan.
Then the awful man appeared suddenly here.
Keep this a secret, sergeant-major.
Game!
Odd number!
Sorry.
Damn, you're lucky today.
All right, let's play another one. Stay as you are!
I am with the military police. A crime is being committed in the presence of a policeman!
Ah, newspaper reporter... You are Araki, aren't you?
That's right.
There was a phone call from headquarters last night.
I thought for sure you'd been killed since you hadn't shown up.
Hey, hey. Where did you find that?
Where did you find it?
Ah! It's Ganta.
Damn it...
Namuamidabutsu. Namuamidabutsu. Namuamidabutsu.
Hey you bastards, you have never crawled to a girl's bedroom?
You will never get any girl that way.
Lance corporal, Nakamura! What?
Ganta was killed. This reporter picked up the body.
Ganta's dead?
Yes. Thanks.
Attention! Old men! Here is a sample.
Look at what's on the horse.
If you don't want to end up like this, follow the instructions.
Go around one more time.
Keep going till I say stop.
Crawl forward!
Hey you, the last soldier at the end.
Eh? Yes, you.
Stand up and come here.
Please carry this body on your back.
For a burial.
Carry it on your back quickly!
Thank you, take a break at the position.
Hey reporter, that should be good enough.
Well, Namyohorengekyo. Namyohorengekyo...
Please take that end. Yes.
Oof! Oof!
Ganta, go straight to Yasukuni Shrine.
So simple...
Yes, we won't live much longer either.
And when we die, no one will bury us like this.
Look at that mountain.
I think there are about 3,000 of them. 2,000 in that mountain.
The Eighth Route Army scouting soldiers probably killed Ganta.
They know our name, age, and everything.
We 40 soldiers against 5,000. We will not even have time to smoke a cigarette, once it starts.
We are done.
I have to deliver a message. Do you know Private Hosokawa?
Hosokawa? Yes, he is here.
Really?
He is right by your feet.
What?
We just buried him. He was on duty. He worked under his new neighbour.
How about an article on the former platoon leader and the young Chinese girl
who was working as his maid. It was a double suicide.
Double suicide?
Yes, right in the middle of a battle.
It was on July 30th.
It will be just one year tomorrow.
That was the night, 500 to 600 Eighth Route army soldiers attacked us
We fought for about 2 to 3 hours.
I was right by the apprentice officer.
Then Private Hosokawa came running.
I'll leave you in charge. Sir.
What happened?
This is just between us, but he had a lady visitor.
Then after a while, I heard gun shots from the office.
ADMISSION PROHIBITED
Hey, stop it!
I am going to sleep here tonight.
It's haunted.
That will be more interesting.
Hey, why don't you help me?
You are a strange fellow.
Do you really think it was a double suicide?
I think it was something like that. Why?
Because they were a handsome man and a beauty.
That's how the stories end since ancient days.
Besides, the apprentice officer did not let other soldiers near her.
Sergeant Ishii, who made a pass at her took a severe beating.
Ishii?
Yes. He is the sergeant who when we arrived, was standing right here.
He was going to treat the matter internally.
Calling it an honourable death in battle.
But it was bad timing.
Inspecting deputy commander and the chief supervisor happened to be there.
How shameful!
The platoon leader commits double suicide with his lover in the middle of a battle?
We will never let this platoon transfer!
You men take responsibility and remain at this outpost.
Sergeant Ishii! Sir!
Sergeant Ishii will take over as the platoon leader!
Because of this, we are exiled here until death, however we will live just for a few more days.
Yes, the Desperado Outpost dies the death of a warrior...
How is that for a headline?
No one will buy it?
Oh, let's cut out the formality. By the way, you have a defiant look.
That look is too good for a newspaper reporter.
If you were in the military, you would have climbed up to be a sergeant at least.
Military police sergeant would be perfect for you.
Hey, recruits are still crawling.
You'd better let them stop or their balls will wear down.
That's right. I forgot about them.
Ah, and there's one more thing I forgot.
Private Hosokawa was killed in action.
This reporter acknowledged the circumstance of the death. Here is the identification tag.
Some men must be relieved that he died.
Where?
In this platoon.
Why do you think so?
That bastard and Private Hosokawa were the only ones
who knew the truth about the double suicide incident.
I see. The double suicide incident must have struck your fancy.
You can say so.
That will make a sellable novel also.
Really?
Well, we both should take care of our lives.
It will be better for you to go back soon.
Besides, supplies are scarce here.
Nothing has arrived in a while.
Don't worry about me. I brought my own.
Oh, excuse me.
Well, I don't mean to be persistent. But you had better not dig into this matter too deep.
Going too deep may cause a bullet to fly.
I say this out of kindness for your own good. Good-bye.
Stop crawling!
- "Cheerful and happy feelings in our hearts...
"Our blood is roaring in our chests...
"Let's celebrate the springtime of our life.
"Let's go over the mountain of hope. "
Hey driver. Don't be so afraid.
Why don't you take a rest here.
Where are we, sir?
Desperado.
Ah...
Hey, what is this truck?
Yes, what happened was...
What happened was that we met this truck on our way back from commandeering.
The driver offered to take us back. So we accepted his good will.
- Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
Oh! That's a woman!
- Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
Let's gamble!
What's going on?
She was laying on the road, so we picked her up. We were lucky.
Game!
Damn.
Excuse me, I am going to go grope a little.
And what about the important food?
Food? No, nothing. Every village was empty.
I see. All right. Thank you.
Thank you, go take a rest.
Hey! Let me join.
No, we have enough men.
Don't be mean. We should share.
Aren't you misunderstanding?
What am I misunderstanding? That's a woman, right?
Idiot! That is a woman, but she is ill.
Are you going to take advantage of a sick woman? Monster! Beast!
What? She is sick... I quit.
- Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
This way, this way! Come this way!
- Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
Put her down gently.
Thank you everyone. I will care for her alone.
Hey! Don't touch her!
Any objections?!
Things like this must be done by order of seniority, not by order of rank.
I've been in the service for 8 years. Anyone here in the service longer?
All right! No one started at the same time as I did?
All right! Turn around and go forward!
Close the door after you leave! How rude...
- Rock, scissors, paper!
No! No!
How many years have you been, lance corporal?
Me? 4 years.
Then you have no chance. It is only half of 8 years.
Huh...
Who... who are you?
Newspaper reporter.
What are you doing here?
As you can see...
Damn!
What?
I am talking to myself.
I wonder if there are any more.
You can't stay here. Get out.
You take care of your business and I take care of mine.
Let's not interfere.
Really?
But it is hard to do.
What is?
I see.
It's a lady.
Ah, poor thing.
She is totally exhausted.
This is how to care for an illness.
She requires rest in bed.
Ah! You must not touch!
What, what are you doing?
It must be there.
Don't fool around.
Ah! There it is!
Hey, you want to go back on a stretcher?
I will knock you out. Bastard!
Huh?
Damn it, bastard!
Are you all right? Yes.
You're all right, aren't you? Yes.
Then...
Damn it, bastard!
It is a loud treatment.
He must be suffering from heat stroke. Please care for him.
What's going on?
I have no idea.
Is Sergeant Ishii the platoon leader around?
Yes. Where?
Sergeant Ishii, may I come in?
Ishii-san.
Should I be raising my arms in a situation like this, sergeant?
That's the only pistol in this platoon.
The apprentice officer had that one.
Go ahead. Help yourself.
That's the first step in any detective novel.
Matching the bullet with the gun...
That's right.
No match.
It is strange.
That means the apprentice officer did not commit double suicide.
Is that right?
Besides there are this many bullets fired.
It would take only two for a double suicide.
He was being very careful not to fail.
But there is no use digging into an old affair.
I disagree. It is my business to find the truth.
I see. The truth...
At a battlefield like this.
For instance, there was this guy who really hated the apprentice officer.
All right.
The guy was in love with Rika.
Yes there was a such man. I was the same in a way.
She rejected the guy sternly.
Yes, exactly.
The greatest hate springs from the greatest love.
The guy kills them and makes it seem like a double suicide in the middle of a battle.
What do you think about all of this, sergeant?
That is vulgar.
It is a vulgar novel for a peaceful time.
Hey, be careful it is loaded.
Well, why don't you keep it as a double suicide?
Double suicide is good. At least it is a humane way to die.
It gives the theme and it is also somewhat romantic.
Look at my men. They are troubled not knowing how to reason their deaths.
She came to.
Pull yourself together!
It really doesn't matter now if the death of an apprentice officer was suicide or homicide.
That's why you covered it up?
Yes. This is a battlefield, and we are in the enemy zone.
Only thing that matters is if we win or lose... live or die.
See?
That's the signal from the sentry to the west. Let's go.
- Yes!
Hey, sorry!
I thought it was about time they came.
Newspaperman, excuse me, I am getting busy now.
Ah, I need the gun back.
Thank you.
No bullets.
Every squad is prepared for the emergency deployment.
Good.
The sun is setting soon. Tonight's passwords are "Yamato Sakura. "
Have the new recruits take the bullets out of their rifles.
They may be flustered and shoot at our side.
"Yamato Sakura. " No bullets for the new recruits.
Any contact from the sentry in the west?
Only the gun shot signal. We will go check.
And how was today's commandeering?
Only one woman who would not be good even as soup stock.
That won't help our food situation.
We must decide now.
Will the emergency food supply last for three days?
Yes, probably.
Then distribute it to everyone. That's all for now. That's the orders.
Yes, sir.
No bullets for the new recruits and no food for us.
Ahh... I am hungry.
Oh, thank you.
Why is the food supply so bad?
I don't know.
The apprentice officer, the one who committed double suicide,
used to say "it'll get better", "it'll get better", "it'll get better".
It'll get better?
There was plenty at the command centre. Someone is taking a cut.
That's right. You should be pursuing a problem like that.
Compared to that, the double suicide affair is a small thing.
Not really.
I can't understand why a newspaper reporter would risk his life chasing such a small story.
Is it that dangerous?
Yes.
There was the sound of much gunfire from the mountain in the west the day before yesterday.
Our infantry regiment that departed six months ago is the only one there in the west.
After defeating that regiment, they will move this way.
I am unwilling to die.
If I was alone, I would have run away.
I don't want to die that easily either.
It won't be worth all this trouble for coming this far.
I can't figure you out.
That's what I was going to say about you.
Kudo Tomi, Military prostitute serving at Shogunbyo, is that right?
How did you know?
There was a telephone call from the command centre.
"The military prostitute has been missing since last night",
"It seems as she ran away to follow Araki, the Maicho Newspaper reporter"
Is that right?
If you were a soldier, you would have faced a firing squad.
"Be cautious as those two are highly suspicious in their conduct. "
They warned me.
What's going on with you two?
I don't know.
Well, that's fine.
But don't stimulate the soldiers too much.
Platoon leader!
This is a message from Lance Corporal, Nakamura.
"Please come to the west sentry as soon as possible".
Yes. I got it! Yes!
I will treat you as one of the Desperado soldiers from now on.
I order you to work in the platoon communication office.
You answer phones.
If someone calls, tell them that the platoon leader is out on an emergency situation.
Okay?
They will be so shocked to talk to an operator.
Would you come with me? I would be too scared alone.
Hey driver, let's fight together side by side tonight.
Yes.
But we don't have any extra rifles.
Ah this is good.
Do you know how to use this?
No, not really.
It's easy.
Do this and do this, then one, two, three.
It is powerful and easy to use, isn't it?
If you like this, I would sell you one for 10 sen.
What was that?!
I was checking if the grenade was good.
Idiots! Don't fool around and keep watching!
- Idiot! Keep watch.
Ah...! Ahh...
Watch it! Wait, wait! Stop it. It's dangerous.
But I saw an enemy.
Ah! Scary!
Hey what did you bring today?
Here.
Oh, this is great.
Here is the payment. One, two, and three.
That should be enough.
Thank you. I want to ask you.
What? Is the newspaper reporter here?
Yes, he just went that way.
I have a message to that man from my leader.
"Come back and join us. We will give you good rank and favourable treatment. "
Do you want a special message delivery?
Special message delivery?
It is just like a telegram. Okay, I will do that for you.
This is the command centre group leader. Is this Independent 90 outpost?
What? Who are you?
Ah, it's you, Tomi.
You caused a great commotion here. What are you doing there?
What? Desperado operator?
Stop fooling around. Is Sergeant Ishii there?
What? Gun shots?
Then they went out?
Okay. Tell him to call us back as soon as he returns.
Is the newspaper reporter there?
Your lover. I can't remember his name.
Okubo-san? Yes, he is here.
What? Okubo?
Tomi, What is the true identity of that man, Okubo?
Hello. Hello. I am talking about when you were at the hospital in Beijing.
Hello. Hello. Hello..!
Damn. She hung up.
That's not good, sergeant-major.
Huh?
If you stayed calm when you found out his real name, we would have gotten more information.
Yes.
But I did not expect that his name was Okubo.
I just thought he was an uncanny fellow.
Just to be sure, examine apprentice officer, Okubo's family history.
Yes.
And check with headquarters and the military police squad.
Yes.
Is it our sentry again?
No, he is from an infantry regiment.
It was the real thing that we heard from the west on the day before yesterday.
The infantry regiment is totally wiped out, it seems.
Totally wiped out?
He tried to escape while protecting the regimental colours, but he got lost.
The regimental colours, too?
He lost consciousness, right after telling us that much.
He died.
Ah, he is gone.
Hey, bury him. Don't spend too much time. We are busy.
- Yes.
Nakamura. Yes.
Keep the emergency status.
Increase the number of sentries here. 2 more pairs.
We may get our regimental colours back.
Yes. I will increase.
The showdown is near.
Are you continuing with your detective story?
If the deadline is so close, I will stay up all night to finish it up.
I see.
All right. I will tell you the way to finish your writing.
What? You are going to confess?
In any battalion, one who knows the most about the battalion is the deputy commander.
You should go back to the main battalion and ask about it.
Damn.
Sergeant-Major Sakai is entering the room.
Yes.
Just as we guessed, there is no such man registered as a reporter at headquarters.
And the military police squad informs us that a Sergeant Okubo is listed as a deserter.
I see.
An examination of family history reveals that Apprentice Officer Okubo had one older brother.
There is no other family. Only the two of them.
Is that right?
Older brother was like a parent to the younger brother, raising him and sending him to college.
The war begins. Both of them came to the continent.
But in Beijing,
he learned of the strange death of his younger brother whom he raised with such tender care.
He thought that his brother would never die in a double suicide,
so there must be other reasons. He deserted the army to pursue the matter.
That is probably the story.
I think so, too. We should contact Sergeant Ishii immediately and...
No, no. Don't tell Ishii.
There are many other alternatives. He is like a rat in a trap.
Besides, I can never figure Ishii out. He never reveals his true character.
He must know what happened that night, but he pretends that he does not know anything.
Uncanny fellow, that man.
Ah, hello? Hello?
Is this the command centre?
This is Independent 90. Please let me talk to the group leader.
Ah, Ishii. What happened?
What? What?!
The main infantry regiment is wiped out?!
And the regimental colours?
What? It is missing? The regimental colours is missing!
What about him?
Yes.
All right. Thank you. Stay cautious.
How silly to say "thank you" to me, isn't it?
What's wrong? You are low-spirited.
Where is he?
Darn, it's about him. He is by the machine gunners.
Where was Sergeant Ishii that night?
He was with us for a while. Then where did he go?
I think he went to the office for a telephone call.
Sentries must always observe the direction of the enemy
as well as all 4 directions and observe every sign attentively!
The double suicide incident happened around that time?
Yes, right at that time.
That was when we almost got to the office.
We heard the sound, "Bang bang". That's right.
Oh, are you leaving already?
Thank you for everything. I have enough for my article thanks to you.
You are welcome.
But listen to us.
Quit your reporter job and join where you'll be promised good rank and favourable treatment.
It will be carefree and you can drink this as much as you want.
Yes, I will think about it. Thanks.
Preparations for the emergency search are completed.
He will be back without suspecting anything.
He will be caught at the sentry line. If he resists, he will be shot to death.
That is right. Everything will go smoothly.
It was convenient for us that the battalion commander's condition deteriorated.
Hey, I have nothing to do with the battalion commander.
You were the one who was responsible. You were merciless...
But the battalion commander started to notice us.
Ah, it's just you!
Something happened? Soldiers are restless.
Yes. You'd better start packing, too.
I will decide what to do after seeing the end of Desperado Outpost.
What's wrong?
I did something bad. Please don't get mad at me.
Well...
Please promise you won't get mad.
Yes, what is it?
When I answered the phone, I accidentally said your real name.
What? To whom?
Sergeant-Major Sakai. Please forgive me.
I see.
It's all right now.
Really?
Yes.
I don't have much time. I am going to take care of it.
After that is done, let's go somewhere together.
I am glad. But do you have any place in mind?
Yes. Wherever we go, we'll make a living.
Wait for me in the room.
I wanted ask you.
What is the circulation of the Maicho Newspaper?
Huh?
What is the approximate number?
You finally revealed your true character, military police sergeant. I guessed it right?
Military police?
That is close enough. Why did you shoot the apprentice officer?
Me?
I have no reason to kill.
Just look at my eyes to see if I am lying.
Are they a killer's eyes?
I guess not. I trust you for now.
Thank you.
But sergeant, you were surely here when the incident happened.
You had the perfect view of that room from here.
Who killed them?
I don't know.
This time, you can't look me in the eye.
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. That is my policy.
You look away from justice, too?
Yes. I want to live.
The military is that kind of place.
If you brandish absurd things like justice and conscience, you will not live long.
But I will tell you this one thing.
The killer is not here in Desperado Outpost.
What? Then who is it?
Tell me. Please.
If I tell you, it may cause trouble not only to me, but also to my men.
So far, this many men died.
This many for such a small platoon.
I was just organizing their personal belongings.
Would you deliver them to the main battalion?
You'd better forget about that incident. It is better that way for everyone.
What is it? Shhh. I heard a noise.
It must be wind.
Is that right?
You are losing your nerve.
What?!
Do you think the regimental colours will be returned?
All right. I bet 50 sen on not returning.
Idiot. It is the regimental colours. Isn't it too impolite to bet only 50 sen?
Isn't that right? Yes, it is too impolite.
Is that right? Let's see.
All right then. ¥1 and 50 sen!
Stingy! Bet ¥5.
¥5?
It is the regimental colours...
Damn it! Let's go!
Either our friend with the regimental flag or a great number of the enemy will be coming.
It will be today or tomorrow.
Hey, if you are leaving, you'd better hurry.
I don't know what to do... Is there any way to send Tomi to someplace safe?
Yes, I will send the truck back today, so she can go with it.
That's great.
Shogunbyo may not be safe for long.
I am going to keep working on my detective story.
You are so persistent. Have it your own way!
March in step!
Hey, corporal. Yes.
Are you the replacement sentries?
Yes, we are.
Do you know the special mission?
Yes, I do. Tell me.
To arrest the non-commissioned officer Sergeant Okubo for desertion.
Hey, I have no clue.
I am back to where I started. You should have died with more clues.
It's you, little fox. Is that you who offered this flower?
It is the one year anniversary of my sister's death.
Oh, then... Are you Rika's younger sister?
And you are this man's older brother, right?
I thought so from the beginning.
Yes.
Did Rika leave any clue?
Well...
This is the only thing.
I see...
She gave me this at Shogunbyo the day before she died.
Shogunbyo? Let me see.
OBSERVATION REPORT TO BATTALION COMMANDER, CAPTAIN KODAMA FROM 90th PLATOON LEADER, APPRENTICE OFFICER OKUBO
"Reporting the following observations:
"1. About the corruption by an officer and a noncommissioned officer.
"The deputy commander, Lieutenant Fujioka,
"the command group leader, Sergeant-Major Sakai,
"and a civilian, Tachibana embezzled public funds by using their military status.
"Because of that, supplies for each outpost became scarce. "
"2. About discontinuance of this outpost.
"This outpost has no significance in a tactical point of view.
"However, the number of casualties is immensely high.
"It seems that this outpost continues to exist
"only because of the deputy commander's personal grudge.
"Therefore I suggest this outpost to be withdrawn to the sentry line of other outposts. "
You have never read this?
No, it is my lucky charm.
If your brother saw this, he wouldn't be sitting still.
Why?
Rika did not die by double suicide. She was killed by bad men in the Japanese military.
Where are you going?
I am taking revenge!
Platoon leader! The regimental colours is back.
What?
A flag-bearer, second lieutenant, and a lance corporal.
All right. Let's go.
Independent Number 90 platoon leader, Sergeant Ishii.
I am concerned. Maybe we should tell Sergeant Ishii to arrest him.
Wait. Let's wait and see for now. Sir.
Yes. This is the command centre.
What? The regimental colours is back?
The regimental colours.
What? How many soldiers?
One officer and one soldier? That's all?!
Sergeant Ishii, this is the deputy commander. Thanks for your hard work. I have an order.
Return the regimental colours to Shogunbyo protected by a small part of your platoon.
And the rest of the platoon should stay and guard against the enemy.
Yes. I understand.
May I make a suggestion?
I think there is no longer a reason for this independent 90 platoon's outpost here.
Should we withdraw to the rear line... Shut up..!
Sir. I am sorry.
Huh? Yes, he is here. I'll give him the phone.
Lieutenant...
Yes, Second Lieutenant Tsuji speaking.
Huh? Yes.
Nakamura. Yes.
I am going to let the new recruits go back with the regimental colours.
Fortunately, all of us are single men. But those men have wives and kids.
Let's do that. Those old men will be a great encumbrance to us.
Platoon leader! Sir.
Where's the newspaper reporter?
Sir! He was around a little while ago. Is something wrong?
That man is not a newspaper reporter.
Oh, just as I thought.
Did you know that he was the deserter non-commissioned officer, Sergeant Okubo?
Okubo?
I see. I did not notice that.
Go find him.
Yes, sir.
Lance corporal, look for him thoroughly.
Yes, I will look for him thoroughly.
Because of the circumstances, we have decided to shorten the battle line
to better prepare for the Eighth Route Army attack.
Every unit of the battalion should begin the preparation for retreating.
As soon as the regimental colours comes back, we will retreat.
Report as soon as the unit completes the preparation.
This is the order of the deputy commander. No need to repeat.
Any questions?
What about other platoons?
Of course, they will retreat at the same time.
Except Independent 90. They'll stay on guard duty until the regimental colours is retreated.
Anything else?
Then, dismissed.
Salute!
We haven't gotten the order to retreat from headquarters.
We won't be in trouble for that?
Huh? Leave it to me. I will report.
If we continue to fight, we will be wiped out totally with the regimental colours.
I will report the strained situation with exaggeration.
I see.
I will report, then break the communication equipment.
Then we can tell them anything we want later.
And what about retreat for the Desperado Outpost?
I will let them come back here and keep them on guard duty.
They are our eyes and ears.
In the worst case, Desperados resistance will buy us some time.
There is always a way to make good-for-nothings useful.
Idiots!
Get lost quickly!
Your wife is waiting!
Odd number! I lost!
Game! Odd number! I lost
Game! Odd number! Lost again!
- Thank you!
- Thank you for everything!
- Thank you very much.
- Oh, lance corporal, thank you.
Machine gun unit, preparation for withdrawal has been completed!
Second platoon, withdrawal preparation is completed!
The cannon, preparation is completed!
First platoon, preparation is completed! Medical unit, preparation is completed!
Third platoon, withdrawal preparation is completed!
Is that the newspaper reporter who was at the outpost?
Yes. Stop the truck.
Second lieutenant, it is dangerous from here.
I was just attacked the day before yesterday.
Sergeant Okubo, you will be under guard to Shogunbyo.
Did Ishii tell you to?
No, it is the deputy commander's order.
Soldier, take his gun. Sir.
I see.
I appreciate getting a ride on the truck.
But if you keep going, you will be attacked.
Just get on.
Damn it! I will die with you.
Is there any other way?
No, there isn't.
I see. All right. Let's go. Full speed.
Trench mortar! Lie down!
Get off! Go down by the river and hide!
Hey! Yes.
My eyes! I can't see.
Come on, second lieutenant!
My eyes! I can't see. You'll be all right!
I can't see.
It is only from the bomb blast. Hey, you two, hold him down.
Tomi! Tomi!
Ah! Tomi!
Tomi! What happened?! Tomi!
Damn it! Tomi!
Ah... Please... run away with me.
Everyone, come with me.
If you don't move quickly, we'll be wiped out. Let's go!
The Kodama battalion will change course while guarding the regimental colours.
The regimental colours should be here soon.
As soon as it arrives, we will start.
The deputy commander will oversee the whole operation and after confirming the move,
will join the battalion.
Until that time, the first platoon leader will be in command.
Deputy commander!
The regimental colours is coming.
All right, then we will greet the regimental colours.
Fix bayonets!
Salute the regimental colours!
Eyes right!
Second lieutenant, we are going into Shogunbyo now.
March in step!
Soldiers! Turn right!
Reporter!
Aren't you the reporter who was with Second Lieutenant Yamaoka?
Yes. I am really Sergeant Okubo, the deserter.
Is that right?
I am Lance Corporal Sugimoto.
I couldn't tell you that time as I feared that it would cause trouble for the second lieutenant,
but the illness of the battalion commander was a conspiracy.
What?
I saw it.
Sergeant-Major Sakai pushed him off the rampart.
Is that right?!
I'll be killed. The sergeant-major would never allow a witness to stay alive.
Damn it!
Isn't there a way to get out of here?
Is this Sergeant Ishii?
Independent 90 will retreat.
That's right. Come to Shogunbyo and keep on guard duty here.
Is that understood?
Yes I understand.
Hey, it's a change of plans.
We will retreat back to where the battalion is. Tell everyone.
Oh, we are saved! Is that true? I will tell them.
We will be retreating! Hey everyone! Hurrah! Retreating!
First platoon, go forward!
Second platoon, go forward!
Third platoon, go forward!
Do you know Sergeant Okubo who was captured today?
Yes, I know him well.
Come closer. Yes.
Bring this to him in a hurry. Tell him that I am paying back.
Yes, sir.
Hey! Where are you going?
Yes. To the restroom. I have diarrhoea.
All right. Hurry up.
Yes, sir.
Hanako, give Tomi up for dead.
But...
You dropped this.
You saved a lot.
I hate to see these wasted.
Those things will be just like waste paper.
Those military and occupation scrips will be used only for lighting fires.
With this much opium, we are set for life.
That's right. We will live in luxury.
I was vaguely aware of it, but now I see your true colours clearly!
Hey, Second Lieutenant Yamaoka.
If you want to go back to Japan alive, leave now.
I will give you some souvenirs.
No!
I will take the private in the stockade with me.
And I will report about you!
We have a problem, sergeant-major.
You are too old to be so stubborn.
You must take care of your family.
Shut up!
I will bring you men to the military police.
Who is that?!
Hey, deputy commander.
What kind of intention did you come to the battlefield with?
To make money?
It may be odd for me to say this, but you are a disgrace to the Japanese military.
Look!
That is...
You thought you took it away from Rika and burnt it.
The apprentice officer was always cautious since he was a little kid.
This is how it was...
You guys grabbed Rika to make the apprentice officer come out.
Isn't that right?
You made a mistake after that.
How many bullets did you use to kill two people?
I found this many bullets.
You can have them back.
Deputy commander.
If you go to a court-martial, you will face the firing squad.
One: Embezzlement of public funds.
Two: Disobeying orders.
Three: Insurrection, and assault.
Hey, where are you going?
Try again!
Hey deputy commander, you should know who I am by now.
Yes.
That's good.
All right. Let's have a match. I'll wait until you finish loading your gun.
I call this "killing time".
All right. Recite strategic order, code number nine!
- Yes! To defeat the enemy, taking them by surprise is often effective.
4 for 1!
One... two... and three.
See?
Hey, Let's get them all.
- Yes!
The pin is out. - One, two, and three!
All right! Fall back!
Yes. Both men resisted, so I shot and killed them.
What?
Tachibana?
Ah, Tachibana is er... umm...
Tachibana has been arrested. Yes, that's right.
Huh? Who am I?
Sergeant Okubo, no ex-Sergeant Okubo.
Yes, deserter. Please consider that he is dead.
Thanks.
Hello, I am the one who should be thankful.
I am sorry that I was not in time for the revenge.
That's all right.
What on earth are you guys?
You are an odd bunch.
I don't understand.
Is there anything we can do?
We've gotten so much.
Hey, you took it?
I know, please bring the second lieutenant, the thief,
and the soldier in the stockade to the Japanese base.
Okay. What are you going to do?
Me? I am going back to the Desperado Outpost again.
Again?
You will be dead this time for sure. I have never seen an idiot like you.
I have never seen an odd man like you.
There are no women here.
Not even one!
What? I was hoping for good service.
There is no one, not even a cat.
Just the newspaper reporter.
Damn it. They tricked us.
What happened?
I took care of my business somehow.
Hey everyone!
We should leave here, too.
We defeated the scouting troop but the main battalion will attack here soon.
They will come like a tsunami. Let's leave!
- Yes! Wait!
Listen to me, everyone. I am against it.
However awful the superior officer may be, I want to follow the orders.
Do you understand?
I think that's the way for us desperado soldiers to make our case.
How can I explain this...
It is about our pride, so to speak.
But I am not asking you to die.
I don't want to die. It is too absurd to die like that.
Will you leave it to me?
Your job is done. Why aren't you going back?
I like you guys for some reason or other.
It is hard to leave.
Hey, stop that. It is too creepy.
Are you going to fight here? You think you will win?
No we can't win.
How will you survive.
The order was to continue guarding Shogunbyo.
We are just going to dig holes and hide.
Our strategy is to observe the tidal wave of the enemy pass by.
It's about time they should show up.
Here they come.
Hide!
Let's play a game. I will bet ¥25 on the success of the plan.
I bet on failing.
Let's raise it to ¥30.
All right. ¥30!
I am going to confess now.
I almost shot you. I am sorry.
I have one, too.
I used to be a reporter for the Maicho Newspaper before being drafted in the army.
The circulation is about 800,000. I am sorry.
Bastard! You are a wicked fellow.
The match will be decided soon.
Japanese?! Japanese?!
Japanese?!
Japanese?! Japanese?!
Commander, there is no one here. All right.
Is there anything abnormal?
No.
I see, they must have run away.
All troops, hurry up and merge with the main battalion.
Hurry up!
There must be at least 500.
Yes, at least. We can't fight them head on.
50 enemies for each man... It is impossible.
Japanese soldiers! Disperse! Shoot at the top of the roof!
Shirai!
Platoon leader.
This is not how it was planned. Shall we beat them?
All right. Machine guns, take aim!
The rest, use the grenades!
Yes!
All right! Let's beat them!
All right! Advance!
Bastard!
Newspaperman! Let's go!
Yes!
Brother! He is here.
Are we too late?
Oh, he is still alive. Amazing fellow!
Oh...
What is going on?
I don't know...
You don't know?
You are all right.
My fortunetelling is something isn't it?
Shogunbyo was in a good direction for you.
Any others?
No, look.
What will you do?
Bury them carefully.
Those who did not want to die are dead.
And someone like me who does not have any reason to live is still alive.
Things do not work out well.
No they don't.
I can't go back to Japan now.
And I don't want to be captured by the enemy.
Hey, will you just leave me here?
How about joining the bandits.
Bandits?
You are suited for being a bandit.
To tell you the truth, we are bandits from Manchuria.
We appear like the wind and disappear like the wind.
Our stage is from that horizon to that horizon. It is huge.
Become a thief?
That's only a means.
Our purpose is to "side with the weak and crush the strong" as they say in Japan.
Like the famous "Jirocho of Shimizu".
That's right. Jirocho.
Whatever it may!
There you are!
By the way, which way do you want to go, brother?
First, back toward the direction of where the Desperado Outpost used to be.
Did you leave something there?
Yes, something very important.
All right.
I see, this is the very important thing you left behind. Was she your lover?
Yes, my fiancée.
I see.
It is the time for a funeral.
Don't be silly. It is a wedding. Let's have a lively one.
All right.
Set off firecrackers!
OKUBO Tomi
THE END