Here we go!
Snake eyes, even!
-Ahh! -Aww, not again!
You gotta be kidding me!
Them's the breaks.
C'mon, next round!
Relax, will ya?
Then quit wasting time and get on with it!
Who the hell are you?!
Ninja, huh!?
You might fool the Shogun's eyes, but you won't slip past us!
It's time to pay!
You don't need so be dramatic every time.
Get rid of 'em!
Got it.
Why are ninja like you doing something like this?
You've made a lot of enemies, haven't you?
We're here to collect all their grudges at once.
What the…
What the hell are you two?!
Born as stray Fuma ninja,
by some twist of fate, we've become an unrivaled freelance duo.
We'd eat the Buddha himself for money!
We are Odd Jobs KyoKa! And now--
Too long.
And that's that! Let's go.
Hey, I said you gotta let me finish!
Buddy!
Don't call me buddy. It's embarrassing.
During the Edo period
At the beginning of Supreme Commander Ieyasu Tokugawa's Edo Shogunate, there was chaos.
The streets were overrun with bandits, and disorder continued to prevail.
Among these bandits, a clan which made their stronghold in the Ashigara Mountains, stood out.
The Fuma Clan. [Kotaro Fuma, Head of the Fuma Clan]
Kotaro Fuma led a group of stray ninja.
However, in order to uphold the Shogun's reputation, "Bandit Hunts" were carried out,
which completely eradicated the Fuma clan
By the reign of the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu,
the people had begun to enjoy an era of relative peace.
[The third Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Iemitsu Tokugawa]
[Third son of the Yagyu clan, Matajuro Yagyu]
Iemitsu's governance was unshakable. [The Shogun's swordsmanship instructor, Munenori Yagyu]
That is, except for one single concern… [Shogun Iemitsu's caretaker, Lady Ofuku]
We must gather concubines who can bear the Shogun's heir.
The Shogun has shown inclinations towards male companionship.
His relationship with his wife, Lady Takako, is far from favorable.
At this rate, there will be no heir…
If it becomes known that Yagyu Matajuro, the third son of the
Yagyu Clan sword school of the Shogunate, is dallying with him…
[Akane Yagyu, eldest daughter of the Yagyu Clan] [Samon Yagyu, second son of the Yagyu Clan]
How will your hard-earned position fare in the future?
The survival of the Yagyu Clan lies with your resolve.
The noble Tokugawa bloodline must not be severed.
Use whatever means necessary.
Understood.
How've things been?
Oh, I can't complain.
Oh you.
[Odd Jobs KyoKa]
Ahh, so refreshing! Nothing beats the taste of sake after a good brawl!
We were only supposed to sneak in and take out the leader,
but you made a big scene, which just made the job harder.
But if we get famous, the jobs will start rolling in!
If we get famous, huh?
Exactly!
Born as stray Fuma ninja,
by some twist of fate, we have become an unrivaled freelance duo.
We'd eat the Buddha himself for money!
We are Odd Jobs KyoKa!
You're too long-winded.
Besides, do ninja even need grand introductions?
Of course they do, buddy!
I'm not your buddy…
You are my buddy.
Nope.
B-U-D-D-Y
I'm getting sleepy…
My! Look at this mess again!
Oh, Oran.
You again?
That's my line!
If I didn't come by, this place would be buried under trash!
Nag, nag, nag. You're like a mother-in-law.
It's cozy this way. Leave it alone.
Not happening!
As the landlord's daughter, I have a duty to keep this place clean.
Oran would be a real beauty if she just kept quiet.
Rumor says she's the town's number one beauty.
They don't see her bad side though…
I don't have any hidden sides.
Don't you know that's why I'm number one?
Now, both of you, get cleaning!
-Up! Up! Up! -Ugh
Oh, but the shrine is spotless.
Leave that alone!
What's with you all of a sudden?
Oh, right. My father asked if you'd like to join us for dinner.
-For real?! What a generous, magnanimous landlord! -Yes!!
A perfect sucker… I mean…
A friend for life!
You're always eating all kinds of odd things.
It's called a hyorogan,
nutritious and valuable rations for any Ninja.
They might not taste great, but just one --
Enough I say. Let's go.
Didn't I say to let me finish?
What about the cleaning?!
I'm starving!
I wonder what kind of feast it'll be!
I wanna have tempura.
That's dumb! A feast means sushi y'know? Sushi!
-Nah, it doesn't fill you up. -Huh?
-Honestly… -But sushi though!
-Tempura for sure! -Huh??
Huh?
Don't make me repeat myself!
-Please, please, I beg for mercy. -Please have mercy--
Bring out your daughter.
Please! Please, I beg you.
Please, please!
Please look past this! please!
[Oran, Kanda Tamachi secondhand clothing shop]
That's the daughter there.
Just as rumored…
No, maybe even more beautiful.
Run! Oran!
What?
-Please, have mercy! Oran is my only daughter! -Please, we beseech you!
Out of the way!
Father!
Wait! Oran!
Father! Father!
Mother! Mother!
Death is the penalty for defying our authority.
Take her.
Yes!
Hold it!
How dare you harm our friends! What do you want with Oran?!
This doesn't concern you lot. Begone.
Oh?
Ha!!
That stance…
You're Fuma Clan?
So what if I am?!
So there were survivors…
Listen. For you orphans to survive, grow strong.
Never bend in your convictions.
It doesn't matter if you're branded as bandits.
No matter what happens.
I will protect the Fuma Clan.
So watch closely.
Leader…
To defy our Yagyu Clan…
What a fool…
Yagyu…
Ninja techniques…
are no match for the Yagyu Shinkage style.
So you're Yagyu scum…
The leader's enemies…
Let's begin.
You're good…
but the real fight starts now.
Have a taste of the Fuma Combat System.
What was that?
Yagyu Shinkage-ryu Style: "Disarm."
Okyo!
You challenge me with such meager skill? Hilarious.
Don't screw with me!
I'm just warming up.
From the Shogunate's sword school.
I am Akane, eldest daughter of Munenori Yagyu, the Governor of Tajima.
If you seek a duel, come find me. I will accept your challenge.
You killed my father! My mother! Let me go!
Let's go Akane.
Damn it…
Damn it!!
[Edo Yagyu mansion]
Let go!
Let me go!
Get inside.
You may be the one to save the Yagyu Clan.
Me?
Save the Yagyu Clan?
Are you OK, lady?
Did they hurt you?
A bit.
You are…?
Umm…
I'm Oshizu.
Heh.
Hee hee.
Spinny, spinny, spinny, the pinwheel spins,
Last night's breeze is the wind of today,
coming and going forever…
Spinny, spinny, spinny…
What's wrong with her?
What is…that smell??
Oshizu is…
feeling a widdle sweepy
Rejoice.
You have been chosen to bear the Shogun's children.
Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!
Don't take it out on our stuff.
Doesn't this piss you off?!
It sure pisses me off!
They're….them…
The same Yagyu Clan who killed our Leader!
Do not bother.
I hate the Yagyu Clan!
I swear I'll kill them all.
After they beat you that badly?
What?
Are you saying to just turn tail?
You'll die for nothing if you go in without a plan. Our Leader wouldn't want that!
You coward.
You're the reason we're still stuck doing these pointless jobs-for-hire!
Our Leader would hate that even more!
What would an air-headed clown like you know?
Bring it on!
Don't you want to save Oran?
Of course I do!
But I'm saying we can't do it your way and just charge in!
You always do this!
You never think about the consequences and others have to deal with them!
Well then I'm sorry!
But it's still better than being a hardhead who can't make up her mind!
I can't deal with you anymore.
What a coincidence, same here.
As of today, Odd Jobs Kyoka is disbanded.
and we're through being buddies.
We were never buddies.
Lord Iemitsu, your sweat…
The only one who calls me by name is you, Matajuro.
No one else sees the real me.
The only thing they are interested in.
is the rank of Shogun.
Lord Iemitsu…
Hard at work I see…
Ofuku.
Your pederasty is fine as long as you agree to sire an heir.
I do not wish to hear about this now.
Unfortunately, that isn't possible.
Who are these women?
The concubine candidates Sir Munenori collected.
A townsgirl who goes by Oran and,
the founder of the Itto-ryu style, who once contested my Shinkage style for the swordsmanship instructor position,
Tadaaki Ono's daughter, Oshizu.
If you would, please select whichever of these women you find more appealing.
This is barbaric!
Both beauty and skills in martial arts are befitting.
Either would be fit to bear an heir.
Or perhaps our Lord Shogun…
would find the more masculine of the two, the townsgirl…
to be more akin to his tastes?
Ofuku.
You may have been my caretaker, but you are out of line!
It is your line My Lord Shogun needs consider!
W-What??
You carry the noble bloodline of the Tokugawa family!
Not leaving an heir and letting the bloodline end would be the greatest disgrace to Ieyasu.
We cannot have you forever chasing after men's backsides.
Now, prepare for the night's duties! Escort the Shogun to his quarters!
Excuse us.
-Your preparations are ready. -This way, please.
Wait, please!
F-Father…
Take those feelings with you to the grave.
Even if you're my son, I will show you no mercy.
How…
How has it come to this?
Where…?
Have you come to your senses?
Who?
My apologies. I have no wish to harm you.
This is…
Are you…
Rejoice.
You have been chosen to bear the Shogun's children.
My Lord… the Shogun?
Cease. I don't intend to lay a hand on you.
In fact…
I am ashamed of what has been done to you.
Huh?
There is only one in my heart.
I have no desire to hold anyone else in my arms.
Even if this disqualifies me from my role
as the head of this great Shogunate.
If only I hadn't been born into the Shogunate…
I, too…
Intruder!
Lord Iemitsu!
Matajuro!
I cannot endure this any longer! Let us escape together!
Well said.
Come with me.
Huh? What? Huh??
Father!
It's Matajuro!
Matajuro?
Surely not!
He has fled, taking the Shogun with him!
Has brother lost his mind?
This action threatens the very survival of the Yagyu Clan.
Capture Matajuro at once!
He…
is no longer of Yagyu blood!
Spinny, spinny, spinny, the pinwheel spins,
Last night's breeze is the wind of today.
coming and going forever…
Oshizu!
Miss Oran!
Where did you go?
Put these on, quickly.
We're getting out of here!
Wow!
T-Turn around!
W-We don't care about your bodies!
Scary old men!
Lord Shogun! Return to your senses!
I've made up my mind! Forgive me!
Let me handle this!
Woah! A samurai-man's sword!
Oshizu! Don't!
O…shizu?
Forgive us, Sir Matajuro!
Behold the might of the Onoha Itto-ryu style!
Come if you dare!
These are the skills of the Itto-ryu, rival to Shinkage-ryu…?
Who is Oshizu, really?
Oshizu's father was Tadaaki Ono, founder of the Onoha Itto school.
But Tadaaki,
in a formal duel for the position of the Shogunate's swordsmanship instructor,
was cut down by Munenori right before Oshizu's eyes.
Since then, I heard she sealed off her heart.
How horrible…
The feel of a katana in her hands must have triggered her muscle memory as a warrior.
Let us make haste!
This way!
You disgrace our clan.
Are you prepared to pay, Matajuro?
I have only followed my heart.
Step aside, brother!
Brother Samon, allow me.
Akane…
You're a disappointment.
Okyo?!
I've come to accept your dual, Akane!
You lowborn pest!
As I thought, that's all you've got.
Die!
Stop this!
This has gone far enough, my Lord Shogun.
Munenori…
Please return to us.
If you refuse to comply..
I will eliminate the cause of this chaos.
Samon. Akane.
If he refuses, kill them all.
Yes.
Wait!
My Lord Iemitsu! Do not heed his words!
Silence, Matajuro!
Lord Shogun. Make the correct decision!
So be it.
Lord Iemitsu!
Say no more, Matajuro.
I just…
cannot bear the thought of losing you.
Welcome back.
Let this be the end of it. Now, let these people--
Kill them.
What?
Munenori! Liar!
You…planned this…
This too is done in service,
To preserve the noble Tokugawa bloodline.
I beg your forgiveness.
Damn… This could be it.
What happened?!
After all your big talk, look at this mess!
Kagaribi?!
Time to run!
The Fuma stray ninja…
This will not go unpunished.
I see now…
So the Yagyu kidnapped Oran to knock her up with the Shogun's kid?
Don't be crude. Choose your words better.
Doesn't the Shogun already have a wife?
What is that about?
The marriage to Miss Takako was political.
Lord Iemitsu is too pure of heart to embrace someone without love…
I am of the Yagyu Clan, but
my sword skills are far inferior to those of my older brother and younger sister.
Since I was young, I served Lord Iemitsu as a page…
Maintaining the peace as the Shogun of a great military…
It was an incredible burden.
I wanted to help Lord Iemitsu any way I could.
I found myself becoming increasingly drawn to him
and, though it was improper, I came to love him.
Aww! You like Mister Shogun, huh?
So you're saying..
The one that Lord Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun, fell in love with…
is you?
Okyo, Kagaribi.
Can't we help Matajuro and Lord Iemitsu be together somehow?
Huh?
Oran, do you know what you're asking?
It means making an enemy of the entire Shogunate government.
Fine with me!
The Yagyu Clan massacred the Fuma Clan, after all.
You're asking Odd Jobs KyoKa to take this job…
It'll cost you.
Born as stray Fuma ninja, by some twist of fate, we've become an unrivaled freelance duo.
We'd eat Buddha himself for money! We are Odd Jobs KyoKa!
…And this intro is definitely too long.
Buddy!
We are not buddies
Oh yeah?
I'll pay. I'll work my whole life to repay you!
Why would you go so far?
You must never bend your convictions.
That's what I was taught.
You have to choose, too.
Are you prepared to kill even your father and siblings for the one you love?
Ok! Let's go steal a Shogun!
Let's save your hidden love.
Oshizu's gonna help, too!
I am so grateful…
Truly, thank you!
So what changed your mind?
Accepting such an impossible job…this isn't like you.
And what about you?
Wasn't Odd Jobs KyoKa disbanded, and we stopped being buddies?
W-Well…
Here.
Is this…?
[Three years ago]
I haven't tasted rice in forever!
Mmm, so good!
What's the matter? No luck again? Here.
I'm not hungry. Leave me alone.
Don't act tough!
I said leave me alone! I don't steal.
Didn't our Leader tell us to never bend our convictions?
I seem to recall he also said the only way to survive is to grow stronger.
A hardhead like you won't survive, Kagaribi!
Huh?
I don't want to hear that from a clown like you, Okyo!
What did you call me?
-Huh? -Huh?!
A pickpocket! Someone catch him!
Move! Outta my way!
Wait up you…!
You! Give it back!
Nice. Extra income.
Absolutely not. We should return it to the owner.
What? I had my rice ball wasted!
You stole that, too!
-Huh?! -Huh?
Um?
What?!
Thank you both. This is just a small token of my appreciation.
Take it! Thank you so much!
Oh man… Thank goodness…
What?!
That's it!? You're kidding!
[Odd Jobs KyoKa]
Let's earn tons of money and restore our clan. Buddy!
Buddy, huh?
I guess it's not the worst idea you've had.
You rush headlong into things, while I do things carefully.
Odd Jobs KyoKa doesn't work unless the two of us are together.
Sorry for hitting you.
I… shouldn't have said all that, either.
Kagaribi!
Hm?
Don't die, Buddy.
Back at you.
She didn’t say… “We’re not buddies.”
Seal off the town. Let no one escape.
Yes!
Have the concubine candidates slain.
Are you sure?
We can always find others.
Demonstrate the consequences of defying the Shogunate.
You heard her. Kill all traitors!
Sir!
What of Matajuro?
Matajuro is equally guilty.
Kill him on sight!
Understood.
Wow, you two look so cool!
I have no right to ask this of you but,
please, aid us.
Gladly.
I pledge to avenge my father by aiding the Lord Shogun and Lord Matajuro.
Listen up.
The goal is the Yagyu mansion. The Shogun is held there.
The town is probably surrounded by Yagyu forces.
Okyo, do you have a good plan?
There's no plan! We'll just keep slashing until we get inside!
Such a clown… is what I'd normally say
…But there’s no other way.
I'll stake my life to draw out Lord Iemitsu.
After that, whatever happens, happens!
Hold on, is Okyo rubbing off on you?
Mistress Oran,
I swear to you that I'll protect you.
I'm counting on you.
Alright, let's go!
Death is the penalty for defying our authority.
You will all die here.
Leave this to us and go on ahead!
Matajuro, Oshizu. Take care of Oran.
Understood!
Kagaribi, Okyo. Don't you dare die.
And please, avenge my mother and father!
Obviously! There's enough revenge to go around!
Let's go!
Stop them!
No, you don't!
Let this be a gift from your big brother.
I'll make it painless at least.
Miss Oshizu, look after Miss Oran.
Leave it to me.
What are you going to do?
What I must.
Let's begin.
The stray Fuma ninja are nothing but a lowborn pack of bandits.
You cannot win.
A pack of bandits…?
Am I wrong?
Your Leader, Kotaro Fuma, lowered himself to thievery after the Hojo Clan fell.
He was nothing but a criminal causing chaos.
No! Our Leader was just desperate to survive!
Without his lord,
he had to keep our 200 member clan fed!
He was framed by those filthy lies!
Your words mean nothing.
Shut your mouth!
Okyo, I'm going ahead!
I'll be right behind you!
Matajuro!
Have you ever bested me in a fight?
Never… But!
You have to choose, too.
Are you prepared to kill even your father and siblings for the one you love?
Despite everything,
I won't bend my convictions!
Oshizu is incredible…
Maybe--
No!
Father?
Where are you?
Oshizu!
It hurts…
It hurts, father…!
The Itto style
is based on an endless cycle.
Turning and turning infinitely, like this pinwheel.
Father?
I will…avenge.
the Itto name…
With Yagyu death!
Oshizu's memories returned…?
Oshizu…
My only regret…
…is not fulfilling…
My promise to…
Oshizu!
You've done well to reach this far.
…You're the one who killed our Leader, aren't you?
To defy the Yagyu Clan… The fool.
I've never forgotten your face.
That I am.
It's true the Fuma were homeless after losing our Lord.
But we weren't bandits!
So, why…?
Iga, Koga, Togakushi…
Even among the many ninja clans, the Fuma were legendary.
While weakened, their influence could not be underestimated.
You can't mean…?
To fortify an unshakable position of power, the Yagyu Clan eliminated all obstacles.
That is why we spread the rumor that the Fuma had become a band of thieves.
The Shogunate granted us the noble cause of Bandit Hunting to eradicate them.
You killed our clan for that?
There is no way I'll lose to you.
The survivor will see their will done.
Let us duel.
He's strong…
Of course I am.
My father, Sekishusai, rose to the position of Shogunate swordsmanship instructor through sheer skill.
I am the great and powerful Munenori Yagyu
of the invincible Shinkage-ryu School of Swordsmanship.
Don't even dream that a weed like you can even touch me.
Death is the penalty for defying our authority.
This ends here.
Authority, authority. Death penalty, death penalty.
Is that all an idiot like you knows how to say?
You're even more of a hardhead than Kagarabi.
Fuma Combat System, Ultimate Technique:
"Gushing Wind"
Amusing.
Yagyu Shinkage Style:
"Disarm"
We duel, Yagyu.
Let's begin.
The Fuma Combat System fails you!
Really? That so?
How…? Your power passed through me…?
You coward…
We use whatever means necessary to survive.
That is the Ninja way.
Die!
Matajuro!
Let death take you…
You disgrace to the Yagyu Clan!
Impossible.
Why won't you fall?
I…
Will save…
Lord Iemitsu!
Get away!
Stay back!
Die already!
Mata…ju…ro
Matajuro!
Matajuro…
Okyo!
I see…
So Akane is dead.
Matajuro will be here soon. We have to take him down first!
This one… is tough.
The two of us together are Odd Jobs KyoKa!
It's no good.
We don't stand a chance against his sword.
How can we keep him from using it?
"Disarmed"… Was it?
I perfected this technique at Sekigahara and the Siege of Osaka.
Savor it well.
Seems like we're all out of ideas.
But we're still alive.
Huh?
If one of us falls, the other has to be ready to end him.
Okyo…
It's to rebuild the clan.
Let's go… Buddy
Got it… Buddy.
Finished planning?
Yes. A special technique.
This is our final attack.
Okyo!
Don't underestimate me, girl!
Do it, Okyo!
For our Leader!
Born as stray Fuma ninja!
By some twist of fate, we've become an unrivaled freelance duo!
We'll eat Buddha himself for money! We are Odd Jobs KyoKa! Remember the name!
This is…"The Life-saving Sword"
Saving another, through the death of a single evil…
How ironic…
That the two of you
would reveal the ideal form of warfare to me.
Well fought.
The survivor will see their will done. That's what he said.
Then let's do what we want.
The noble bloodline of the Tokugawa Shogunate must not perish!
You will not take the Lord Shogun!
If you'd just accept the Shogun and Matajuro's relationship, this could all be over!
Don't be ridiculous! Matajuro is a man and cannot sire an heir!
They love each other!
Don't spill any more blood over this!
Silence!
The Tokugawa must endure to preserve the peace for all time! Any amount of blood is worth the cost!
Stop it!
There has been far too much bloodshed.
No…
It… can't be…
Matajuro!
Matajuro…
How did this happen?
Matajuro!
Matajuro…
fought nobly until the very end.
Matajuro! Matajuro! Stay with me!
You can't die!
My Lord Iemitsu…
Please…
My Lord Iemitsu is pure of heart…
My Lord Iemitsu…
Please, save him.
I understand, I understand…
I will…
Make sure to fulfill your wish.
I leave it…
to you…
Matajuro was…
Even in his final moments…
Concerned with nothing but the well-being of the Shogun.
…Matajuro…
What a shame, my Lord Shogun.
Your beloved Matajuro… has passed.
Despite some interference, everything has gone according to my plan.
I'll gather more concubines immediately.
The glorious Tokugawa bloodline… must not be extinguished.
Ofuku!
Lord Iemitsu!
These hands are meant to rule an era of peace.
Matajuro did not wish for them to be stained with blood.
I cannot replace Matajuro.
But…
I made him a promise.
To save you, My lord.
So please allow me…
To support my Lord Shogun in this endeavor.
But know this Ofuku…
I will never fall for your schemes.
It was Matajuro's love for the Lord Shogun that moved me.
Still… I…
Take her hand, and just take it one step at a time.
If you make our Oran cry, you'll pay for it, Shogun!
I, the third head of the Tokugawa Shogunate,
decree that I shall take Oran as my concubine.
This is how the tragic, yet honorable story of
the third-generation leader of the Tokugawa Shogunate's love, came to an end.
Oran served Iemitsu as promised, bearing him an heir. She changed her name to
Lady Oraku. Their son would later become the fourth Shogun, Tokugawa Ietsuna.
Meanwhile…
[Odd Jobs KyoKa]
Back to these emergency rations again.
Moving around for no reason just makes you hungrier.
Excuse me!
I'd like your help in finding somebody.
Okyo, we have a request…
Fine…
How's this?
How? W-W-What is this? It's completely wrong!
What's wrong with it?
Well, I mean… Like I told you earlier
the eyes need to be rounder.
They are plenty round!
Iemitsu named Odd Jobs KyoKa as Official Spies of the Shogunate. Kagaribi and Okyo worked
as the Shogun's Ninja under his command, while still helping the people from day to day.
However…
…no historical records about them have ever been discovered to this day.