1 00:00:14,416 --> 00:00:16,250 Ignore her. Do it quick. 2 00:00:17,500 --> 00:00:18,708 It's only an infant. 3 00:00:19,375 --> 00:00:22,333 No, it doesn't even cry. What child makes no sound? 4 00:00:23,416 --> 00:00:24,416 Just look at it. 5 00:00:25,083 --> 00:00:27,208 You see? A half-breed. 6 00:00:28,083 --> 00:00:29,083 It's hardly human. 7 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:33,125 Killing it is a mercy. Do it already. 8 00:00:37,583 --> 00:00:38,583 I can't. 9 00:00:38,666 --> 00:00:40,583 Oh, coward. I'll do it. 10 00:00:43,666 --> 00:00:44,666 No! 11 00:00:50,458 --> 00:00:51,458 Take it. 12 00:00:52,208 --> 00:00:54,041 Take the devil child and go! 13 00:01:40,875 --> 00:01:43,500 Get off of my master! What did you do to him? 14 00:01:43,583 --> 00:01:46,291 Not me. Not me! The Fangs. 15 00:01:49,916 --> 00:01:50,916 Master, no. 16 00:01:59,708 --> 00:02:01,500 Don't touch him. 17 00:02:07,291 --> 00:02:09,500 There's a shrine up the mountain. 18 00:02:11,208 --> 00:02:12,416 He'll be safe there. 19 00:02:39,708 --> 00:02:42,583 No, Mizu! No one can see your face. 20 00:02:42,666 --> 00:02:47,375 The bad men will find you. If that door opens, we die. 21 00:03:06,750 --> 00:03:07,750 Dead? 22 00:03:08,458 --> 00:03:10,625 Which one of the Four Fangs is dead? 23 00:03:11,208 --> 00:03:12,208 All of them. 24 00:03:12,916 --> 00:03:14,125 All Four Fangs. 25 00:03:29,083 --> 00:03:31,208 You solve the problem. 26 00:03:32,208 --> 00:03:34,750 Is that an order? 27 00:03:35,791 --> 00:03:39,000 Ten years I've waited for this moment. 28 00:03:39,500 --> 00:03:41,208 Ten years of planning 29 00:03:41,291 --> 00:03:45,083 to make our control of the shogunate absolute. 30 00:03:45,166 --> 00:03:46,833 It's right there. 31 00:03:47,333 --> 00:03:51,666 On the bed, cheeks parted, waiting. 32 00:03:54,625 --> 00:03:58,458 And you want me to gift my attention 33 00:03:58,541 --> 00:04:01,583 to some malformed half-breed 34 00:04:01,666 --> 00:04:03,708 who's handy with a sword. 35 00:04:03,791 --> 00:04:07,291 So, if you might, my dear, dear friend, 36 00:04:07,375 --> 00:04:11,041 my trusted partner and clear equal, 37 00:04:11,125 --> 00:04:16,041 my right hand and both feet on land, fondest heart, 38 00:04:16,125 --> 00:04:19,166 spare a cup of concern towards our purpose. 39 00:04:20,875 --> 00:04:22,916 And do it your fucking self. 40 00:04:31,833 --> 00:04:33,708 Prepare a tea ceremony. 41 00:04:35,500 --> 00:04:36,916 Hmm. 42 00:04:55,041 --> 00:04:57,791 Hmm. Making soup now? 43 00:04:58,625 --> 00:04:59,708 Medicine. 44 00:05:00,416 --> 00:05:01,416 It will heal him. 45 00:05:02,125 --> 00:05:03,125 It better. 46 00:05:03,625 --> 00:05:06,041 If he dies, you die. 47 00:05:09,625 --> 00:05:11,208 That one's poison. 48 00:05:11,791 --> 00:05:14,250 Snowcap. One bite... Dehh. 49 00:05:14,750 --> 00:05:16,875 Two bites... Ekkk. 50 00:05:21,083 --> 00:05:22,083 Drink this. 51 00:05:23,916 --> 00:05:24,916 See? 52 00:05:25,750 --> 00:05:26,750 Useful. 53 00:05:39,458 --> 00:05:43,291 You can barely stand, let alone hold that sword for long. 54 00:05:45,291 --> 00:05:48,000 I didn't kill you when I easily could have. 55 00:05:48,541 --> 00:05:52,291 Now put that down and sit. I'm nearly finished. 56 00:05:58,666 --> 00:06:00,333 It's a contract for a duel. 57 00:06:00,875 --> 00:06:05,375 The rematch you owe me to be registered, legal, and witnessed. 58 00:06:06,500 --> 00:06:08,166 Only thing left is the date. 59 00:06:08,666 --> 00:06:11,708 How many days do you need before you're well enough to die? 60 00:06:11,791 --> 00:06:14,000 You barely survived our last match. 61 00:06:14,083 --> 00:06:17,625 That was no match. You're nowhere near my level. 62 00:06:17,708 --> 00:06:20,250 Hmm. I like your hair. 63 00:06:20,333 --> 00:06:24,375 I was blind drunk when we fought. I was celebrating my engagement. 64 00:06:24,458 --> 00:06:27,000 - Congratulations. - Which is now broken. 65 00:06:27,083 --> 00:06:30,125 You cost me my station and my honor. 66 00:06:30,208 --> 00:06:33,041 I'll have it all back when I return with your corpse. 67 00:06:33,125 --> 00:06:33,958 How long? 68 00:06:34,041 --> 00:06:35,291 Two days. 69 00:06:35,375 --> 00:06:36,416 Make it three. 70 00:06:36,500 --> 00:06:39,416 If you wanted me dead, you should've struck when you had the chance. 71 00:06:39,500 --> 00:06:41,666 The time to kill your enemy is when you can. 72 00:06:42,166 --> 00:06:43,791 There would be no honor in that. 73 00:06:46,500 --> 00:06:49,708 You don't want revenge. You want a party. 74 00:06:50,708 --> 00:06:52,583 When I find the men I've set out to kill, 75 00:06:52,666 --> 00:06:55,583 I promise you I won't waste a second on ceremony. 76 00:06:56,625 --> 00:06:59,333 Then you are not a samurai at all. 77 00:06:59,875 --> 00:07:03,291 Still a stray dog eating out of my trash. 78 00:07:05,458 --> 00:07:06,458 Three days. 79 00:07:13,083 --> 00:07:14,208 More medicine. 80 00:07:15,250 --> 00:07:17,333 The first brought your fever down. 81 00:07:18,333 --> 00:07:22,500 This one will speed your healing and rebuild your strength. 82 00:07:23,041 --> 00:07:25,416 It has vegetables, cod liver, herbs... 83 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:27,000 Oh... 84 00:07:28,416 --> 00:07:29,416 Mm-hmm. 85 00:07:47,166 --> 00:07:50,166 Master Eiji's broken blade is a good fit for him. 86 00:07:50,958 --> 00:07:51,958 Hmm. 87 00:08:34,291 --> 00:08:38,833 "As I trust you are a man of honor, I hope you can credit the same of me." 88 00:08:38,916 --> 00:08:43,125 "If you would follow my man, Okiyama, he will lead you to a medial place 89 00:08:43,208 --> 00:08:46,458 where we can, in common safety, meet for tea." 90 00:08:46,541 --> 00:08:49,083 "Please accept this gift as a token of sincerity 91 00:08:49,166 --> 00:08:51,291 from one eager for your acquaintance." 92 00:08:51,375 --> 00:08:53,666 "From Heiji Shindo." 93 00:09:00,125 --> 00:09:01,791 Whoa. Wait. Where are you going? 94 00:09:02,708 --> 00:09:04,500 - For tea. - There's no tea. 95 00:09:04,583 --> 00:09:08,625 You know that, right? He's leading you to an ambush. 96 00:09:11,541 --> 00:09:14,041 Hey, I need you alive! 97 00:09:14,125 --> 00:09:16,458 We have a contract, remember? 98 00:09:16,541 --> 00:09:18,625 No one gets to kill you but me. 99 00:09:32,583 --> 00:09:36,750 Whoo-hoo-hoo! Right! Left! 100 00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:38,791 I'm on a horse! 101 00:09:41,500 --> 00:09:44,958 There is no possibility this will be anything other than a trap. 102 00:09:45,041 --> 00:09:46,666 Heiji Shindo will be there. 103 00:09:46,750 --> 00:09:49,625 He is a direct line to one of the men I am sworn to kill. 104 00:09:50,125 --> 00:09:52,000 Revenge does not hesitate. 105 00:10:07,625 --> 00:10:10,541 Chilly. 106 00:10:11,416 --> 00:10:12,500 Is it? 107 00:10:12,583 --> 00:10:15,333 You're not used to travel or the cold. 108 00:10:15,875 --> 00:10:18,375 You need extra provisions to keep warm. 109 00:10:18,875 --> 00:10:22,208 I have hot tea and money. Provisions enough for anyone. 110 00:10:22,708 --> 00:10:26,000 The roads are full of danger, child. 111 00:10:26,083 --> 00:10:30,708 If we turn back now, your father will never know you left. 112 00:10:30,791 --> 00:10:33,291 You can be on your way to Edo. 113 00:10:33,375 --> 00:10:37,250 The real danger is in Edo. I have a precise plan to avoid it. 114 00:10:37,333 --> 00:10:40,125 I have four days till Father calls on me to leave for the wedding. 115 00:10:40,208 --> 00:10:42,083 That gives me two days to find Taigen, 116 00:10:42,166 --> 00:10:44,791 one day to make sure he fights his demon samurai, 117 00:10:44,875 --> 00:10:47,541 and one day to bring him back with his honor restored. 118 00:10:48,750 --> 00:10:49,750 Hmm. 119 00:10:50,458 --> 00:10:53,708 I remember a case when I was a young counsel. 120 00:10:53,791 --> 00:10:57,916 An insane monk went around freeing pigs from the farms 121 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:01,875 believing he was saving them from a cruel prandial fate. 122 00:11:01,958 --> 00:11:06,375 The pigs ran into the woods squealing with the shock of freedom. 123 00:11:07,083 --> 00:11:11,625 Most ended up being ripped to shreds by wolves. 124 00:11:11,708 --> 00:11:13,375 The rest starved. 125 00:11:14,083 --> 00:11:16,708 And the villagers went hungry that winter. 126 00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:20,708 Why do men keep comparing me to pigs? 127 00:11:20,791 --> 00:11:23,750 I mean to say, there are only so many paths 128 00:11:23,833 --> 00:11:27,166 available to each man and each girl. 129 00:11:27,750 --> 00:11:31,750 Fight within your confines, not against them. 130 00:11:31,833 --> 00:11:34,125 I am not out here to learn a lesson. 131 00:11:43,750 --> 00:11:44,916 Brigands. 132 00:11:45,666 --> 00:11:47,500 You're about to learn a lesson. 133 00:11:47,583 --> 00:11:51,000 Count to ten, then climb out that window. Run. 134 00:11:54,166 --> 00:11:57,791 Gentlemen, you have made a poor choice in stopping us. 135 00:11:58,291 --> 00:12:02,875 Your expectations, I assure you, are not worth your efforts. 136 00:12:03,625 --> 00:12:07,208 Just take my purse and go. I have nothing else of value. 137 00:12:07,291 --> 00:12:09,958 Just some rice balls and tea for my journey. 138 00:12:10,041 --> 00:12:11,166 I could eat. 139 00:12:16,875 --> 00:12:19,500 Been some time since I killed a man. 140 00:12:20,041 --> 00:12:22,458 I wonder if I still remember how. 141 00:12:32,833 --> 00:12:34,750 Those pretty feet sure run fast. 142 00:12:35,708 --> 00:12:37,000 But not fast enough. 143 00:12:41,291 --> 00:12:42,916 You're lucky I'm not a man. 144 00:12:47,791 --> 00:12:49,458 The other shoe, princess. 145 00:12:56,958 --> 00:12:58,166 - Are you... - I'm fine. 146 00:13:07,250 --> 00:13:08,666 What did you use to say? 147 00:13:08,750 --> 00:13:11,708 If one god forsakes you, another one will help you. 148 00:13:15,333 --> 00:13:16,333 My friend. 149 00:13:17,083 --> 00:13:19,291 Might you spare a ride to Kyoto? 150 00:13:19,375 --> 00:13:20,375 Not Kyoto! 151 00:13:20,416 --> 00:13:24,166 Mihonoseki, on the coast. It's important I be there by morning. 152 00:13:24,250 --> 00:13:25,250 I can pay. 153 00:13:26,666 --> 00:13:27,666 Hmm. 154 00:14:05,833 --> 00:14:08,583 They scattered white flowers on the Buddha, 155 00:14:10,208 --> 00:14:14,750 and the flowers they scattered were piled as high as Mount Sumeru. 156 00:14:28,750 --> 00:14:31,750 I didn't see a mountain until I was 12 and ran away from home. 157 00:14:32,333 --> 00:14:34,791 Nothing there but cliffs and boats. 158 00:14:34,875 --> 00:14:36,833 Fish guts and fish minds. 159 00:14:37,541 --> 00:14:38,916 Do you remember Kohama? 160 00:14:40,250 --> 00:14:42,750 Why would you? I try to forget it. 161 00:14:44,791 --> 00:14:46,750 My father lived and died 162 00:14:46,833 --> 00:14:49,708 by how many fish he caught in his net before sunrise. 163 00:14:50,208 --> 00:14:52,541 Enough fish, and he could drink his fill. 164 00:14:53,041 --> 00:14:55,708 Not enough, he beat me instead. 165 00:14:58,166 --> 00:15:00,958 And I could smell the cod on his fists. 166 00:15:01,875 --> 00:15:03,833 I smelled it on him on his deathbed. 167 00:15:04,916 --> 00:15:07,375 Eighty-four thousand Dharma doors. 168 00:15:08,208 --> 00:15:09,958 For me, there were only two. 169 00:15:10,666 --> 00:15:12,250 The net or the sword. 170 00:15:13,083 --> 00:15:17,666 I could become my father, or I could cut my way free of the net. 171 00:15:19,291 --> 00:15:21,416 And I could forget all about Kohama. 172 00:15:23,125 --> 00:15:24,541 I remember Kohama. 173 00:16:02,458 --> 00:16:06,250 He needs a weapon to kill you like you need two hands to piss. 174 00:16:06,333 --> 00:16:08,833 He could bite you in half while you sleep. 175 00:16:10,416 --> 00:16:11,416 All of it. 176 00:16:11,833 --> 00:16:12,833 Master. 177 00:16:17,291 --> 00:16:20,541 Well, I guess I'll just relax and wait to be ambushed. 178 00:16:20,625 --> 00:16:24,583 Or maybe we'll get lucky, and tomorrow we meet Heiji Shindo for tea, 179 00:16:24,666 --> 00:16:26,375 only there won't be any tea. 180 00:16:26,458 --> 00:16:30,041 There'll be an army of soldiers to cut you into tiny slices, 181 00:16:30,125 --> 00:16:31,875 none of which can duel me. 182 00:16:31,958 --> 00:16:33,875 If you prefer, I can kill you now. 183 00:16:36,541 --> 00:16:40,375 Why'd you let me follow you, hmm? Revenge doesn't hesitate. 184 00:16:40,958 --> 00:16:44,083 You need me because you're weak. 185 00:16:44,166 --> 00:16:46,750 Still a malnourished urchin on the street. 186 00:16:48,958 --> 00:16:51,583 I can beat you with any weapon you choose. 187 00:16:52,666 --> 00:16:53,666 A spear. 188 00:16:55,166 --> 00:16:56,166 A rock. 189 00:17:07,583 --> 00:17:09,541 Master, your stitches. 190 00:17:30,625 --> 00:17:32,583 The bad men will find you. 191 00:18:02,541 --> 00:18:04,666 If that door opens, we die. 192 00:18:05,875 --> 00:18:10,208 The village kids used to scare each other with stories about you. 193 00:18:10,291 --> 00:18:12,541 The hut at the end of the woods, 194 00:18:12,625 --> 00:18:16,083 where the monster boy lived with his whore mother. 195 00:18:31,208 --> 00:18:33,541 We dared each other to touch the door. 196 00:18:33,625 --> 00:18:37,291 Until one day it was gone. 197 00:18:37,375 --> 00:18:41,208 You let them see you? Men will come. Men will always come. 198 00:18:43,291 --> 00:18:45,791 Then you were a dog on our streets, 199 00:18:45,875 --> 00:18:48,041 living on gutter scraps. 200 00:18:52,250 --> 00:18:55,125 Mizu! Mizu! 201 00:19:05,083 --> 00:19:06,083 Huh. 202 00:19:07,833 --> 00:19:08,916 Your round. 203 00:19:18,541 --> 00:19:21,458 Ahh. I'll get my needle and thread. 204 00:19:27,875 --> 00:19:30,541 Whoa! Whoa! 205 00:19:33,583 --> 00:19:36,541 You know, you picked a ridiculous master, 206 00:19:37,250 --> 00:19:39,125 but you take good care of him. 207 00:19:40,333 --> 00:19:44,750 Hmm. I tell you what. After I kill him, you come work for me. 208 00:19:45,250 --> 00:19:47,041 You can't be my apprentice. 209 00:19:47,125 --> 00:19:50,458 I mean, look at you, half-limb to a half-wit. 210 00:19:51,291 --> 00:19:54,541 But I'll certainly make a place for you in my kitchens. 211 00:19:54,625 --> 00:19:57,166 Oh, I could never work for you. 212 00:19:57,750 --> 00:19:59,958 I always dreamt of greatness. 213 00:20:00,041 --> 00:20:03,833 Gave every coin I ever collected to the saisen box with a prayer on it. 214 00:20:05,041 --> 00:20:06,750 You think you can be great? 215 00:20:07,416 --> 00:20:10,375 As it says, there are four paths through the world. 216 00:20:10,458 --> 00:20:14,750 The way of the farmer, the artisan, the merchant, and the warrior. 217 00:20:15,250 --> 00:20:17,708 Each of these can lead to greatness. 218 00:20:18,208 --> 00:20:21,000 I never even cared which path, so long as I found mine. 219 00:20:21,083 --> 00:20:24,166 I mean, I thought I'd at least reach noodle greatness. 220 00:20:25,125 --> 00:20:28,875 But now I've actually seen what greatness looks like. 221 00:20:30,458 --> 00:20:34,333 And I know I can't touch greatness any more than I could swallow the sun, 222 00:20:34,416 --> 00:20:36,541 but I can help. 223 00:20:38,208 --> 00:20:39,958 I can help greatness. 224 00:20:41,333 --> 00:20:43,750 What? I'm great! 225 00:21:08,333 --> 00:21:11,166 Oh no. No, thank you. We're not going in that death trap. 226 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:14,500 Heiji Shindo is this way? 227 00:21:17,708 --> 00:21:18,875 Then I go this way. 228 00:21:19,916 --> 00:21:22,041 Hey! What do you think you're doing? 229 00:21:23,708 --> 00:21:26,083 I'm the only one who gets to kill him. 230 00:21:26,166 --> 00:21:28,458 So if he's walking in to meet certain death, 231 00:21:28,541 --> 00:21:32,750 I'll be there to keep him and death from getting too friendly. Got it? 232 00:21:35,333 --> 00:21:36,333 Hold. 233 00:21:37,916 --> 00:21:38,916 You talk? 234 00:21:46,541 --> 00:21:49,583 "Meet me for tea. It'll be fun." 235 00:22:14,166 --> 00:22:16,458 It opens up here. Get ready. 236 00:22:31,250 --> 00:22:32,291 Hello! 237 00:22:35,875 --> 00:22:36,875 Huh. 238 00:22:37,625 --> 00:22:39,458 I was just in the mood for tea. 239 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:42,375 It's still a trap. 240 00:22:43,875 --> 00:22:47,541 Akemi! Akemi! Time to get out. 241 00:22:55,208 --> 00:22:56,875 This isn't Mihonoseki. 242 00:22:56,958 --> 00:23:00,250 We're nowhere near. You took us further than when we started! 243 00:23:00,333 --> 00:23:03,958 Hyah! Then you better start walking! 244 00:23:05,916 --> 00:23:07,291 After we paid him! 245 00:23:07,375 --> 00:23:10,958 It's called taking someone for a ride. 246 00:23:11,041 --> 00:23:13,500 We're a day's walk the opposite way. 247 00:23:13,583 --> 00:23:14,416 Two. 248 00:23:14,500 --> 00:23:16,541 What do we do? 249 00:23:16,625 --> 00:23:19,375 We have no money. No way of getting anywhere. 250 00:23:19,458 --> 00:23:22,250 I'm going to freeze to death out here. Covered in shit! 251 00:23:27,708 --> 00:23:29,375 I wish we were back home. 252 00:23:34,416 --> 00:23:35,833 Enough to get us there. 253 00:23:37,708 --> 00:23:39,500 You had that all along? 254 00:23:40,125 --> 00:23:43,458 You knew we'd end up like this? And I'd give up? 255 00:23:43,541 --> 00:23:46,333 Child, who taught you to paint, 256 00:23:46,416 --> 00:23:49,833 to read, to wash, to dance? 257 00:23:49,916 --> 00:23:51,125 I know you. 258 00:23:52,166 --> 00:23:53,750 You're like an orchid. 259 00:23:53,833 --> 00:23:58,208 Lovely and singular but suited for neither frost nor fry. 260 00:23:58,291 --> 00:24:02,041 And stubborn as to when to bloom to reason. 261 00:24:02,541 --> 00:24:05,000 {\an8}Now, thankfully you have. 262 00:24:05,583 --> 00:24:08,041 {\an8}Let's hire a horse and go home. 263 00:24:09,041 --> 00:24:10,541 I can still find Taigen. 264 00:24:10,625 --> 00:24:13,583 You took a gamble on Taigen and lost. 265 00:24:13,666 --> 00:24:17,583 Now we have to secure the next best available outcome, 266 00:24:17,666 --> 00:24:21,750 and that is in Edo, married to the shogun's son. 267 00:24:21,833 --> 00:24:24,041 I wouldn't have brought your father the match 268 00:24:24,125 --> 00:24:27,416 if I didn't think it was the best thing for you. 269 00:24:28,416 --> 00:24:32,000 You. You brought in the shogun's man. 270 00:24:32,083 --> 00:24:36,250 This is the world. It grants women a fixed number of paths. 271 00:24:36,333 --> 00:24:39,541 Proper wife or improper whore. 272 00:24:40,208 --> 00:24:43,000 Don't be shocked. You're not a child anymore. 273 00:24:43,083 --> 00:24:45,166 You have to see things as they are. 274 00:24:45,708 --> 00:24:48,208 Yes, I picked a path for you. 275 00:24:48,291 --> 00:24:50,875 You sold me to a rich man's son. 276 00:24:50,958 --> 00:24:52,916 How's that any different than being a whore? 277 00:24:53,000 --> 00:24:55,125 In a tavern like that right now 278 00:24:55,208 --> 00:24:57,500 are purveyors and flesh-traders 279 00:24:57,583 --> 00:25:00,708 traveling village to village for girls to buy. 280 00:25:00,791 --> 00:25:05,291 And girls are bought, sold by their own families. 281 00:25:05,375 --> 00:25:07,750 Ask them if it's different. 282 00:25:08,333 --> 00:25:12,583 There is happiness to be stolen as a wife to the right man. 283 00:25:12,666 --> 00:25:14,166 Even to the wrong one. 284 00:25:15,750 --> 00:25:18,791 Bits and pieces, over time. 285 00:25:20,500 --> 00:25:21,958 To find out only now 286 00:25:23,291 --> 00:25:24,791 you never believed in me. 287 00:25:26,583 --> 00:25:28,916 Akemi! 288 00:25:45,875 --> 00:25:48,333 These feet were never meant for the open road. 289 00:25:48,833 --> 00:25:52,708 So soft, like... fresh tofu. 290 00:25:52,791 --> 00:25:53,791 Akemi. 291 00:25:54,500 --> 00:25:55,625 What is this? 292 00:25:55,708 --> 00:25:59,916 You old goat, stop following me. You can't afford me. 293 00:26:00,458 --> 00:26:02,041 My fans follow me everywhere. 294 00:26:02,125 --> 00:26:04,916 I just left Shimabara's most exclusive brothel 295 00:26:05,000 --> 00:26:08,000 to find employment somewhere worthy of my talents as a courtesan. 296 00:26:08,083 --> 00:26:10,416 You'd fetch an astronomical price! 297 00:26:10,500 --> 00:26:14,583 I've been a purveyor all my life. Plenty of girls pretend to be a princess. 298 00:26:14,666 --> 00:26:16,291 You really could be one. 299 00:26:16,375 --> 00:26:19,708 I never sold a girl half as elegant as you. 300 00:26:19,791 --> 00:26:21,666 No one has. 301 00:26:21,750 --> 00:26:26,000 My koto playing once brought an entire room of samurai to orgasm. 302 00:26:26,083 --> 00:26:27,083 Hmph. 303 00:26:27,500 --> 00:26:29,250 Didn't have to lift my hem. 304 00:26:29,750 --> 00:26:32,708 That's enough. Akemi, come with me. 305 00:26:32,791 --> 00:26:35,958 Take your shriveled old dick and go cry for some other girl. 306 00:26:36,041 --> 00:26:38,416 This one's in Goro's care now. 307 00:26:40,208 --> 00:26:44,458 You were saying you don't have a contract now? 308 00:26:45,208 --> 00:26:47,625 My last employer tried to have me entertain a man 309 00:26:47,708 --> 00:26:49,666 I knew would raise a hand to me. 310 00:26:50,208 --> 00:26:53,791 He told me a woman has no choice but to accept her fate. 311 00:26:54,541 --> 00:26:58,083 {\an8}But I know there's another path. One I choose for myself. 312 00:26:59,416 --> 00:27:03,166 {\an8}I hear there's a fine parlor in Mihonoseki. 313 00:27:03,250 --> 00:27:05,083 Oh, miss. You are in luck! 314 00:27:05,166 --> 00:27:07,458 You need someone to negotiate for you. 315 00:27:07,541 --> 00:27:09,250 Get you the best price! 316 00:27:09,333 --> 00:27:11,166 Goro knows everyone. 317 00:27:11,250 --> 00:27:14,291 All the best brothels from Kyoto to Edo, 318 00:27:14,833 --> 00:27:17,458 uh, or Mihonoseki if you like. 319 00:27:17,541 --> 00:27:19,250 We can be there in a day! 320 00:27:19,333 --> 00:27:23,291 You take my horse. Please. Have to keep those feet supple. 321 00:27:27,125 --> 00:27:32,750 Akemi, you don't know what you're doing. 322 00:27:55,208 --> 00:27:58,416 In my youth, I saw enough flawless swordsmen 323 00:27:58,500 --> 00:28:00,500 to know I'd never be one. 324 00:28:01,166 --> 00:28:03,125 I put my effort into other arts. 325 00:28:03,625 --> 00:28:05,208 Commerce. Tea. 326 00:28:05,958 --> 00:28:09,458 That kettle has been in the Shindo clan for 300 years. 327 00:28:09,541 --> 00:28:11,000 Beautiful ironwork. 328 00:28:12,625 --> 00:28:14,125 We have no secrets here. 329 00:28:21,833 --> 00:28:26,166 You were meant to be alone. Fair. You expected an attack. 330 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:30,208 I am unarmed, but for a small knife to cut bean cake. 331 00:28:30,958 --> 00:28:32,666 We have our swords. 332 00:28:33,250 --> 00:28:37,750 Maybe I have 500 archers hidden in the cliffs around us. 333 00:28:44,666 --> 00:28:46,416 You are Heiji Shindo. 334 00:28:47,291 --> 00:28:50,541 {\an8}You trade in flesh, opium, chiefly guns. 335 00:28:50,625 --> 00:28:53,375 {\an8}Middleman to illegal traders from the West. 336 00:28:53,458 --> 00:28:55,250 You have been looking for me. 337 00:28:55,833 --> 00:28:57,583 For a man you are connected with. 338 00:28:57,666 --> 00:28:59,708 I am connected with many men. 339 00:29:00,375 --> 00:29:01,916 The white man. 340 00:29:03,416 --> 00:29:05,500 There are no white men in Japan. 341 00:29:05,583 --> 00:29:08,708 That's the law. No one would break the law. 342 00:29:13,416 --> 00:29:14,625 Abijah Fowler. 343 00:29:16,375 --> 00:29:18,375 {\an8}Abijah Fowler. 344 00:29:21,041 --> 00:29:22,125 {\an8}That is his name. 345 00:29:23,125 --> 00:29:25,333 And what business do you have with Fowler? 346 00:29:26,166 --> 00:29:29,541 He was one of the three white men who were in Japan when I was born. 347 00:29:30,541 --> 00:29:32,125 I will kill all three of them. 348 00:29:33,000 --> 00:29:35,625 There were four white men when you were born. 349 00:29:36,208 --> 00:29:37,625 There are three now. 350 00:29:39,791 --> 00:29:40,791 Hmm. 351 00:29:41,958 --> 00:29:43,750 Fowler and I have dealings. 352 00:29:44,583 --> 00:29:46,625 Long-standing arrangements. 353 00:29:46,708 --> 00:29:48,958 Your business is unimportant. 354 00:29:49,041 --> 00:29:52,750 You can't muster the appearance of concern for your host? 355 00:29:52,833 --> 00:29:56,416 I look your way and don't even see you. 356 00:30:00,458 --> 00:30:01,458 Mm. 357 00:30:02,333 --> 00:30:05,666 You mean to kill my partner. I am bidden to prevent that. 358 00:30:06,583 --> 00:30:08,083 I sent the Four Fangs. 359 00:30:08,666 --> 00:30:10,125 I killed the Four Fangs. 360 00:30:10,833 --> 00:30:14,375 That proves you formidable, uncommonly. 361 00:30:14,458 --> 00:30:18,208 Now I can keep hiring more and more expensive cutthroats, 362 00:30:18,291 --> 00:30:22,541 and you can keep killing them, which will cost us money, and you, time. 363 00:30:22,625 --> 00:30:24,541 This benefits no one. 364 00:30:24,625 --> 00:30:26,000 But you're lucky. 365 00:30:26,791 --> 00:30:29,541 I am wise. Experienced. 366 00:30:29,625 --> 00:30:32,166 I know some problems you simply can't kill. 367 00:30:33,041 --> 00:30:34,125 An offer. 368 00:30:34,750 --> 00:30:36,708 A very pretty one. 369 00:30:37,583 --> 00:30:39,000 Fifty thousand ryo. 370 00:30:40,583 --> 00:30:44,083 And we appoint you the new lord of the Sendai-han. 371 00:30:44,166 --> 00:30:46,625 Rich in lumber, sake, and silk. 372 00:30:47,125 --> 00:30:49,125 The current lord is a debauch. 373 00:30:49,208 --> 00:30:52,375 The shogun will appoint a successor at our request. 374 00:30:52,458 --> 00:30:54,708 He does most things at our request. 375 00:30:55,333 --> 00:30:57,000 I have the letters prepared. 376 00:30:57,083 --> 00:31:00,000 Lord Mizu of Sendai. Why not? 377 00:31:00,083 --> 00:31:01,333 In return, 378 00:31:01,416 --> 00:31:04,208 you would have to offer an assurance 379 00:31:04,291 --> 00:31:07,083 you will let go of all ill intention toward me... 380 00:31:08,250 --> 00:31:09,250 and Fowler. 381 00:31:10,416 --> 00:31:11,500 An assurance. 382 00:31:12,208 --> 00:31:14,625 Well, it's a small thing. Nothing at all, really. 383 00:31:16,208 --> 00:31:17,500 Your right thumb. 384 00:31:18,291 --> 00:31:19,833 I take it with me as a promise 385 00:31:19,916 --> 00:31:22,875 that you will never grasp a sword against us again. 386 00:31:23,750 --> 00:31:25,750 Your knife cuts more than bean cake. 387 00:31:31,750 --> 00:31:33,416 There's no shame in it. 388 00:31:33,500 --> 00:31:37,041 Many of the most powerful lords have reason to wear long sleeves. 389 00:31:37,125 --> 00:31:41,583 Oh, hold on, hold on. You owe me a fight first. Me. 390 00:31:50,708 --> 00:31:52,333 What do you think they're doing? 391 00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:57,000 You cook? 392 00:31:58,625 --> 00:31:59,791 Then cook. 393 00:32:21,375 --> 00:32:22,416 I refuse. 394 00:32:23,541 --> 00:32:25,750 I have no interest in money or power. 395 00:32:25,833 --> 00:32:28,083 I have no interest in being happy. 396 00:32:28,166 --> 00:32:29,500 Only satisfied. 397 00:32:34,750 --> 00:32:35,875 This you expected. 398 00:32:35,958 --> 00:32:37,000 Did I? 399 00:32:37,083 --> 00:32:39,333 A man for whom commerce is art. 400 00:32:39,416 --> 00:32:40,666 This you planned for 401 00:32:41,208 --> 00:32:44,250 with an attack or a second offer. 402 00:32:44,750 --> 00:32:46,083 Perhaps not so pretty. 403 00:32:49,041 --> 00:32:53,416 If I may, how do you intend to reach Fowler in his island castle? 404 00:32:53,500 --> 00:32:54,958 Through the front door. 405 00:32:55,041 --> 00:32:57,125 Really. He would. 406 00:32:57,208 --> 00:32:58,125 He won't. 407 00:32:58,208 --> 00:33:02,666 As a white man, Fowler is tolerated only so long as he remains unseen. 408 00:33:02,750 --> 00:33:05,083 Fowler's castle is impenetrable. 409 00:33:06,000 --> 00:33:08,875 To reach him, you'd have to cross violent waters. 410 00:33:09,791 --> 00:33:12,416 Eight levels to reach his chamber at the top, 411 00:33:13,041 --> 00:33:14,958 each with a signature defense. 412 00:33:17,125 --> 00:33:18,458 And there is no door. 413 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:20,833 The defenses are absolute. 414 00:33:20,916 --> 00:33:24,166 If you attempt an assault, you'll die before you see his face. 415 00:33:25,291 --> 00:33:27,791 Unless someone were to help you. 416 00:33:28,333 --> 00:33:29,583 Commerce. 417 00:33:29,666 --> 00:33:33,916 Personal. You want to kill Fowler. I want my partnership with him ended. 418 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:35,625 I can get you inside the castle. 419 00:33:35,708 --> 00:33:36,708 How? 420 00:33:41,916 --> 00:33:43,416 A sake barrel. 421 00:33:43,500 --> 00:33:45,250 You want him to get in that? 422 00:33:45,750 --> 00:33:47,958 The ride will be long and horrible. 423 00:33:48,041 --> 00:33:52,125 But upon my return to the castle, having failed to negotiate with you, 424 00:33:52,208 --> 00:33:54,916 the ten casks of sake I purchased along the way 425 00:33:55,000 --> 00:33:56,875 will be set in the kitchen stores. 426 00:33:57,458 --> 00:33:59,833 You're not actually considering getting in that. 427 00:34:01,166 --> 00:34:03,875 Any path that leads me to Fowler is a good one. 428 00:34:03,958 --> 00:34:06,166 That fever must've cooked your brain. 429 00:34:06,250 --> 00:34:08,458 That's not a cask. It's a coffin! 430 00:34:08,541 --> 00:34:10,458 He probably has a room full of barrels 431 00:34:10,541 --> 00:34:13,625 stuffed with dead, shriveled, stupid enemies. 432 00:34:15,625 --> 00:34:16,833 I have questions. 433 00:34:17,375 --> 00:34:18,500 You must. 434 00:34:18,583 --> 00:34:21,000 How do I trust you don't leave me in there to die? 435 00:34:21,666 --> 00:34:23,916 You weigh the inane complexity of that plan 436 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:26,375 against the simpler ambush you expected. 437 00:34:26,958 --> 00:34:29,375 Why do you want Fowler dead when he makes you so rich, 438 00:34:29,458 --> 00:34:31,458 you can bribe me with 50,000 ryo? 439 00:34:31,541 --> 00:34:33,125 My reasons are my own. 440 00:34:35,208 --> 00:34:37,708 No. No, they're not. 441 00:34:39,125 --> 00:34:42,083 Twenty years of that face. 442 00:34:43,208 --> 00:34:44,583 That stink. 443 00:34:45,875 --> 00:34:46,875 I hate him. 444 00:34:48,625 --> 00:34:50,125 I hate him so much. 445 00:34:52,375 --> 00:34:55,083 {\an8}Hmm. Why does the sake smell 446 00:34:55,916 --> 00:34:56,791 bad? 447 00:34:56,875 --> 00:34:59,083 He wants to die in a fancy barrel. 448 00:34:59,166 --> 00:35:02,708 Ah. That's the cheap sake we serve to the prostitutes. 449 00:35:02,791 --> 00:35:06,916 If you'd like, I have a cask of my preferred sake. It's very dry. 450 00:35:07,458 --> 00:35:08,583 I have a question. 451 00:35:08,666 --> 00:35:12,125 Let's say he gets through all that and guts your white man. 452 00:35:12,208 --> 00:35:14,083 How does he get out of the castle? 453 00:35:17,041 --> 00:35:18,333 I can guarantee your life 454 00:35:18,416 --> 00:35:21,291 within a blade's length of Abijah Fowler's neck. 455 00:35:21,875 --> 00:35:23,333 Our business ends there. 456 00:35:24,708 --> 00:35:26,541 I wish you luck in your escape. 457 00:35:29,750 --> 00:35:30,750 A final question. 458 00:35:33,666 --> 00:35:34,666 That flower. 459 00:35:37,541 --> 00:35:38,791 Who cut that flower? 460 00:35:39,750 --> 00:35:41,333 {\an8}The line is exquisite. 461 00:35:43,875 --> 00:35:46,083 Only a master could make that cut. 462 00:35:46,666 --> 00:35:48,125 It couldn't have been you. 463 00:35:48,708 --> 00:35:49,791 Enough questions. 464 00:35:50,708 --> 00:35:52,333 Get in the barrel. 465 00:35:53,166 --> 00:35:55,000 What happens if I refuse? 466 00:35:55,833 --> 00:35:56,833 You can't. 467 00:35:57,500 --> 00:36:01,041 I told you the truth about our situation except on one point. 468 00:36:01,583 --> 00:36:02,708 I'm not here alone. 469 00:36:03,291 --> 00:36:07,041 On the cliffs surrounding this vale are 500 of my best archers. 470 00:36:07,625 --> 00:36:10,458 My small joke earlier was no joke. 471 00:36:11,041 --> 00:36:13,041 It is an ambush. See? 472 00:36:13,541 --> 00:36:16,833 If you refuse to step in the cask, I drop this ribbon, 473 00:36:16,916 --> 00:36:20,416 which is the signal for my archers to blot the sun with their arrows, 474 00:36:20,500 --> 00:36:22,916 and you die where you stand. 475 00:36:23,458 --> 00:36:27,000 And Fowler lives. Knowing him, probably forever. 476 00:36:27,083 --> 00:36:28,333 - Now get in. - No! 477 00:36:28,416 --> 00:36:30,916 You can't get in there. There aren't any archers... 478 00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:33,000 Shut up! You have no choice. 479 00:36:33,083 --> 00:36:36,708 Get in! Get in or die now! 480 00:36:53,416 --> 00:36:57,041 For a minute, I thought you believed him. There aren't any archers. 481 00:36:58,250 --> 00:36:59,708 You bed with the devil. 482 00:37:21,875 --> 00:37:24,083 Huh. He wasn't lying. 483 00:37:28,625 --> 00:37:30,541 They're reloading. Count! 484 00:37:31,125 --> 00:37:35,083 One, two, three, four... 485 00:37:36,291 --> 00:37:41,083 ...five, six, seven, eight. 486 00:37:52,000 --> 00:37:53,166 Bad sign. 487 00:38:09,625 --> 00:38:13,208 Reloading. Two, three, four, 488 00:38:14,000 --> 00:38:17,416 five, six, seven, eight. 489 00:38:29,208 --> 00:38:32,916 Two, three, four... 490 00:38:43,458 --> 00:38:44,458 Hyah! 491 00:38:47,083 --> 00:38:48,083 Snowcap. 492 00:38:55,500 --> 00:38:59,291 ...five, six, seven, eight! 493 00:39:10,958 --> 00:39:12,333 We'll never make it. 494 00:39:12,416 --> 00:39:13,416 We're trapped. 495 00:39:13,875 --> 00:39:17,041 - Two, three... - Stop counting seconds till we die. 496 00:39:18,166 --> 00:39:20,875 Hell with it. Hold me over your head and run. 497 00:39:21,458 --> 00:39:23,166 No reason for us both to die. 498 00:39:24,666 --> 00:39:26,541 Ringo. 499 00:39:41,958 --> 00:39:42,958 Useful. 500 00:40:03,166 --> 00:40:05,916 This guy! 501 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:09,666 Some greatness in you, after all. What did you do to the giant? 502 00:40:17,500 --> 00:40:19,875 Your shielding. That was... 503 00:40:19,958 --> 00:40:23,125 Your timing. You're deeply skilled. 504 00:40:23,208 --> 00:40:25,166 The broken blade fits well in your hand. 505 00:40:27,125 --> 00:40:28,500 Well, it's yours. 506 00:40:29,291 --> 00:40:30,291 You won it. 507 00:40:34,666 --> 00:40:36,833 You were never getting in that barrel. 508 00:40:36,916 --> 00:40:38,416 Men like him like to talk so much, 509 00:40:38,500 --> 00:40:40,541 they eventually tell you how to destroy them. 510 00:40:41,958 --> 00:40:44,458 He told you how to get into the castle! 511 00:40:45,041 --> 00:40:47,875 How? What was it? The flower? 512 00:40:47,958 --> 00:40:49,291 The cheap sake. 513 00:40:51,375 --> 00:40:53,500 The prostitutes! 514 00:40:55,541 --> 00:40:58,541 {\an8}You know, it's a shame our duel's set for tomorrow. 515 00:40:58,625 --> 00:41:01,083 {\an8}I have to kill you before you can get your reven... 516 00:41:14,625 --> 00:41:15,791 The man I met... 517 00:41:17,708 --> 00:41:18,708 is no man. 518 00:41:20,416 --> 00:41:21,416 A demon. 519 00:41:21,958 --> 00:41:23,708 Eyes empty. 520 00:41:25,750 --> 00:41:27,125 Eyes like yours. 521 00:41:28,291 --> 00:41:29,583 Nothing can stop him. 522 00:41:30,750 --> 00:41:31,958 He'll come. 523 00:41:32,875 --> 00:41:36,291 He'll stand right here, and he will open your throat. 524 00:41:37,791 --> 00:41:39,000 He'll watch you die. 525 00:41:49,958 --> 00:41:52,500 Your skill as a swordsman merits an opponent 526 00:41:52,583 --> 00:41:54,375 with full strength and focus. 527 00:41:55,083 --> 00:41:58,666 I will be able to supply you with both after I have fulfilled my task. 528 00:42:00,458 --> 00:42:03,250 On the second day of autumn, I will meet you at the appointed shrine, 529 00:42:03,333 --> 00:42:05,666 and you shall have the duel you deserve. 530 00:42:10,916 --> 00:42:11,916 Thank you. 531 00:42:21,208 --> 00:42:25,500 As a surety, please accept this blade which so well suits your hand. 532 00:42:39,458 --> 00:42:41,333 I want to know 533 00:42:41,416 --> 00:42:44,291 everything there is to know about your demon. 534 00:42:45,000 --> 00:42:46,541 I only know his name. 535 00:42:47,916 --> 00:42:48,916 Mizu. 536 00:42:50,208 --> 00:42:51,875 But someone knows more. 537 00:42:53,500 --> 00:42:55,166 He will tell us everything.