Band of Assassins (Shinsengumi) (1969) Movie Script

Toho Co., Ltd.
Mifune Productions, Ltd.
Attack the foreign enemy;
we must expel them!
We mustn't let foreigners desecrate
Japan, the land of the Gods.
"Black Ships:" The ships of U.S. Commodore
Matthew Perry's 1853 and 1854 expeditions
to Japan.
The Shogunate, pressured by the arrival of the
Black Ships, signed a treaty opening the ports.
This act incurred the wrath
of the Emperor.
Anti-Shogunate factions
exploited this division.
Radical ronin from the fiefs
of Tosa and Choshu...
...justifying their actions as
"divine punishment..."
...began to assassinate public officials and
prominent members of the Shogunate.
Signs: "Divine Punishment"
...began to assassinate public officials and
prominent members of the Shogunate.
"The capital:" Kyoto, home of the Emperor. The
Shogunate rules Japan from Edo, however.
There's an anti-Shogunate group
gathering at the capital.
They oppose any alliance between
the Emperor and the Shogun.
I get it! You're recruiting ronin to fight
against the anti-Shogunate forces.
Finally figured
it out, eh?
The Shogun's visiting Kyoto for talks with the
Emperor about expelling the foreigners.
We ronin have an important mission.
It's been 250 years since a
Shogun last visited Kyoto.
This is getting exciting! It's our chance to
go down in history! I'm going to do it!
Yamanami, come with us.
I'm leaving it up
to Kondo.
I'll discuss it with him after he returns from his
training in Tama. How about you, Okita?
I'd like to attend as a representative
of our Shieikan dojo.
I want to live a life of valor and gallantry,
dedicated to the way of the sword.
Here, have a sugar candy.
What will you
do, Isami?
I plan to go.
I too wish to protect
our Shogun.
The farmers of Tama have prospered under
the divine guidance of the Tokugawa clan.
And all this domestic squabbling makes us
ill-prepared to deal with foreign enemies.
The Shogun and the Emperor will discuss how
to protect our nation from foreign enemies.
I believe it's our duty to see that their
meeting proceeds in safety.
We'll show the world
the true value...
...of Shieikan's Ten-nen Rishin-
style swordsmanship.
I'm sure that the Shogunate will
acknowledge our mettle!
Toshi, I intend to selflessly
serve our nation.
Isami!
There you go,
good girl.
Good, good girl.
There we go.
How's my girl? How is she? Eh?
Here you are.
Happy to see your
dad, Tamako?
Good, good girl.
Tsune.
Tsune.
Yes.
Yes.
Do you think you could raise her by yourself?
Yes.
So you've made
up your mind.
Yeah. I'm joining the ronin
and going to Kyoto.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I'll make both of you
proud of me.
Shinsengumi
Assassins of Honor
Produced by
Mifune Toshiro
Nishikawa Yoshio
Inagaki Hiroshi
Screenplay by
Matsu-ura Kenro
Cinematography: Yamada Kazuo
Art Director: Ueda Hiroshi
Recording by Ichikawa Masamichi
Lighting by Sato Yukio
Sound Arrangement by Shimonaga Hisashi
Music by
Sato Masaru
Assistant Director: Maru Teruo
Edited by Araki Yoshihiro
Effects by Kanayama Makoto
Makeup: Kobayashi Shigeo
Swordplay Choreographer: Kuze Ryu
Kendo Instructor: Takano Hiromasa
(single-sword style Chuzai-shu School)
Developed by Tokyo Developing Studio
Production Supervisor: Yamazaki Hidekazu
Cast:
Mifune Toshiro
Kobayashi Keiju
Mikuni Rentaro
Kinya Kitaoji
Tamura Takahiro
Tsukasa Yooko
Hoshi Yuriko
Ikeuchi Junko
Nakamura Kanemon
Nakamura Katsuo
Nogawa Yumiko
Kitagawa Mika
Nakatani Ichiro
Uchida Ryohei
Mikimoto Shinsuke
Shin Kinzo
Nakamura Umenosuke
Tanaka Haruo
Togami Jotaro
Oguri Kazuya
Kagawa Ryosuke
Soma Eijiro
Tsuda Shin
Murata Kichijiro
Ogata Shinosuke
Yamamoto Kiyosh
Sekiguchi Ginzo
Yamazaki Naoki
Kuno Shoshiro
Ushimo Uwahiko
Tanaka Hiroshi
Kimura Hiroto
Oki Masashi
Suzuki Haruo
Taniguchi Kan
Nakamura Tokinosuke
Kamiki Shinichiro
Achiba Shinsuke
Asayori Hotaro
Hashimoto Senzo
Aoyama Hiro
Furuya Kazuyuki
Araki Yasuo
Yano Yoko
Tanabe Wakako
Sato Koichi
Masamoto Keiichiro
Ito Makoto
Shinohara Masaki
Gondo Yukihiko
Okabe Tadashi
Speech Instructor: Yasufuji Koko
Mifune Productions Shichiyo-kai
Cooperation by
Gekidan Zenshinza Theatre Troupe
Nakamura Kinnosuke
Directed by
Sawajima Tadashi
Burn!
Burn!
Burn it
all up!
Get it in there!
"The lumberjacks of Kiso..."
"The lumberjacks of Kiso..."
Burn!
"The lumberjacks of Kiso..."
"The lumberjacks of Kiso..."
Get in there!
"The lumberjacks of Kiso..."
"The lumberjacks of Kiso..."
See it all go!
"Mt. Ontake in Kiso..." What
the hell...? Ouch!
What's going
on here?
Yes, Commander Serizawa is...
...on another drunken rampage?
No. He's quite upset that there's
no room at the inn.
What the hell's the
matter with you?
This is inexcusable!
How dare you neglect lodging for Commander
Serizawa, leader of our troop of ronin?!
My apologies.
We've managed to find a place for him.
Please let me guide you there.
No, forget it.
Fan: "Samurai with spirit of Loyalty
and Patriotism, Serizawa Kamo"
No, forget it.
Fan: "Samurai with spirit of Loyalty
and Patriotism, Serizawa Kamo"
Fan: "Samurai with spirit of Loyalty
and Patriotism, Serizawa Kamo"
Roughing it suits
me just fine.
Roughing it suits
me just fine.
But that wouldn't
be right...
Do you dare to make our
Commander rough it?
Aren't you in charge of finding
a room for him?
Cut your belly!
Do seppuku!
Please stop.
And you are...?
I'm Kondo Isami, Mr.
Ikeda's assistant.
I understand your distress. Please
forgive us about tonight.
If you're his assistant, then you're
equally guilty! Do seppuku!
What's with your
attitude?
My pupils and I have abandoned my dojo to
travel to Kyoto and defend the Shogun.
I couldn't slit my stomach
over such a trifle.
And you call yourself
a samurai?
I may have been a farmer, but I'm also the
master of the Ten-nen Rishin dojo.
The Ten-nen Rishin school?
Ah, wait, Niimi...
"Tengu group:" a radical anti-foreigner
group from the Mito fief.
We're a unit of the
Tengu Group.
It was all my fault.
Please...
Please forgive us.
Wait...
I was neglectful. Please
forgive us.
I will not move from here
until you forgive us.
Watch and learn. We shall
see Isami's true spirit.
Ouch! Ouch! I'm
burning up!
All right, you win,
you win!
Sorry to have kept
you waiting.
I was told about a mishap,
our apologies.
Finally come out of the
woodwork, huh?
The errors of my men
are my errors as well.
Please accept my apologies, and return
to your camp.
Please accept my apologies, and return
to your camp.
This is proof of your
incompetence!
To you Shogunate retainers, we're
just a gang of starving ronin.
Our world is crumbling about us
because of your foolishness!
It's crumbling!
I am the loyal patriot
named...
...Serizawa Kamo! And
don't you forget it!
Third year of the Bunkyu period (1863), Spring.
The troop of ronin arrive at the capital, Kyoto.
Flowers for sale!
Flowers for sale!
Hey gimme one of them!
Is this meeting ever
going to end?
They could at least let us
take off our sandals.
How can they just make
us wait like this?
What could they be squabbling
about in the main hall?
Who knows...?
All I know is that a Dewa ronin
named Kiyokawa Hachiro's...
...been spouting off
for over an hour.
Who is this Kiyokawa
Hachiro?
He's the guy who organized
the ronin troops.
Indeed, our goal
must be...
...to dedicate ourselves to the
expulsion of all foreigners...
...for the sake of our divine Emperor
and our noble nation.
Therefore, I, Kiyokawa Hachiro,
shall take command.
What?
What?
We weren't told about that!
We weren't told about that!
Everyone!
We weren't told about that!
Though we have come to Kyoto to guard the
Shogun and maintain law and order...
...if the Shogun were to defy
the Emperor's command...
...and continue to deal
with the foreigners...
...it will be our duty to rectify
the Shogun's decision!
I don't get it. What's this
guy rambling about?
We must thank the lmperial court
for the dispensation...
...which permits us ronin to band together for
the purpose of removing the foreigners.
We have been ordered to return to Edo
at once and undertake this task.
Everyone!
Let us immediately
return to Edo...
...and endeavor to oust
the foreigners!
Serizawa...
Do you understand now?
While you and your men were on your way
from Edo... the situation has changed.
What a load
of crap!
So you still don't get it.
The ronin troops must
return to Edo!
Just a minute!
What is it,
Kondo?
What about guarding the
Shogun here in Kyoto?
We're bowing out.
We have come here to guard
the Shogun during his visit.
Now that we have
arrived in Kyoto...
...we cannot follow you back without any
confirmation from the Shogunate.
Comrade Kondo!
The chain of command
is no longer an issue.
Are we not all warriors who serve the nation
by ridding it of foreign influences?
Indeed, we are all united
in that cause.
Nonetheless, we must
not act irrationally.
If we were to leave now, I believe it would be
tantamount to betraying the will of our ronin.
And so, I, Kondo, and my eight men,
are withdrawing from this group.
And I, Serizawa, and
my five men...
...will also withdraw.
What?
Hey, Kiyokawa...
I may be a hungry wandering ronin...
but I'm not a flip-flopper like you...
...for the Shogunate one minute, and
running off foreigners the next.
Dropping out, eh?
Well, that's a pity.
But know that if
you leave us...
...we shall no longer be responsible
for your livelihood.
All who wish to withdraw should
feel free to do so now.
We ronin will be immediately
departing for Edo.
Everyone should make immediate
preparations!
So that leaves just
thirteen of us.
Bastard. That wiseass
Kiyokawa tricked us.
Someone will eventually
chop him up.
Right, Kon?
"Bakufu:" the government, or Shogunate.
The Tokugawa Bakufu is nothing
but a bunch of wimps.
They employ 80,000
retainers...
...yet they use starving ronin like us to guard
the Shogun and keep the peace.
They live in luxury, they
don't do a damn thing...
...and hire us ronin to risk
our lives for them.
What a laugh.
What a laugh.
You got that right!
I guess we've all gotten the short end
of the stick. Don't you agree?
So you're all staying
here... what next?
Serizawa, what are
you going to do?
What'll I do...?
I'm a hardline Tengu
group guy.
Don't worry about me, I
can take care of myself.
We are determined to carry on with
our initial task of guarding Kyoto.
How upstanding.
Upstanding indeed...
What are you going to do, sucker an
Osaka tycoon into funding you...
...and take on Choshu and Tosa
with a legion of eight?
I've got to hand it
to you guys...
Hey, kid!
I know you're sincere,
but you're nalve.
I don't think that he
is being nalve.
We want nothing to do
with Osaka tycoons.
What do you plan
to do then?
We shall appeal to General Matsudaira,
the military commissioner of Kyoto.
We shall complete our mission
no matter what happens.
Whether it's lmperialist or Shogunate forces,
the people behind the unrest in Kyoto...
...are doing it because they
hope to profit from it.
The Commissioner must
have his hands full.
Thus we will approach him, expressing our
desire to help keep things peaceful...
...during the Shogun's
visit to Kyoto.
Hey, don't kid
yourself.
"Daimyo:" feudal lord.
The guy's a Daimyo with
Hey... wait.
Are you serious?
Very serious.
As a former farmer who is now a swordsman,
I have given up my life in Edo to be here.
I am defeated, Kon...
...you're more than just a master
of a country dojo...
...you're a great man.
I've had it.
How much longer are they
going to make us wait?
It's not like we're enjoying
the suspense.
If the answer's "no" then I wish they'd
just tell us, for crying out loud.
Their letter of request is proper, but they
are ronin riffraff nobody's ever heard of.
If we agree to this, they could potentially
bring shame upon our Aizu fief.
Let them in. This Kondo Isami
is straightforwardly earnest.
Could we not
use them?
Oh?
Oh?
The lmperialists of the Choshu fief...
...have gone overboard with their
assassinations and violence.
Even the Emperor
is upset at them.
And now we are offered a weapon
with which to suppress them.
I see, sir.
I see, sir.
If they get out of hand, disband them at once.
Think of them as pet dogs,
and attend to their appeal.
We did it! This
is great!
"Shinsengumi:" lit. "newly chosen group"
We've just been chosen...
we're the Shinsengumi.
And I'm the
captain!
Be silent when at
this noble gate!
My apologies.
Sign: "Shinsengumi Quarters, Officially
Authorized by Lord Matsudaira"
Move!
Out of the way!
What? You can't
use a sword?
Then you can't
join us.
But... I'm second to none when it comes
to reading, writing, and the abacus.
Well, how good are you at killing
men with your abacus?
"Gion:" nearby town known for its
shrines, festivals and teahouses.
This is the Shinsengumi. Go apply at
a clothing store or move to Gion.
Okay, next!
Please! Please!
Move!
You're just a
townsman!
Next!
Good!
Next!
I implore you! I am no good with
a sword, but please let me join.
This is the sword that my
dad bought for me.
I want to be a samurai more
than anything else.
I will train in swordsmanship!
I will endure all hardship!
My name is Kawai Kisaburo, the son
of a sake merchant of Okayama.
I am unsurpassed in reading, writing,
and the abacus! Truly I am!
How can I return and face my father,
who exhorted me to join you?
I implore you!
Come on,
stand up.
I won't. Not until
you let me join.
Yamanami, let's
let him join.
There you go...!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
The emblem of the
Shinsengumi...
...will be the single
word "Makoto."
Flag: "Makoto" (Verity)
...will be the single
word "Makoto."
Flag: "Makoto" (Verity)
Flag: "Makoto" (Verity)
Commanders: Serizawa Kamo, Kondo
Isami, and Niimi Nishiki.
Commanders: Serizawa Kamo, Kondo
Isami, and Niimi Nishiki.
Executive Officers: Yamanami
Keisuke and Hijikata Toshizo.
Staff Officers: Okita Soshi,
Nagakura Shinpachi...
...Harada Sanosuke, Todo Heisuke,
Hirayama Goro...
...lnoue Genzaburo, Hirama Yusuke,
and Noguchi Kenji.
Inspector: Yamazaki Susumu.
Accountant: Kawai Kisaburo.
We now announce
our regulations.
Deviations from the path of
bushido are prohibited!
Leaving this force
is prohibited!
Unauthorized use of group
funds is prohibited!
Private settlement of disputes between
members are prohibited!
Acting from personal motives
is prohibited!
Those who would violate any
of these prohibitions...
...will be subject
to seppuku!
Seppuku for any of those?
That's pretty stiff.
Whoever it was that spoke,
step forward.
Seppuku is the highest honor that
can be granted to a samurai.
YOU, COME
FORWARD!
I apologize.
If I ever violate the prohibitions,
I shall gladly commit seppuku.
You would not be capable
of seppuku.
As we are merciful, we will let you
live, and return home. Go!
Yes sir.
Listen up!
The mission of the
Shinsengumi...
...is to stand against all anti-
Shogunate forces...
...without regard for
their home fief...
...and kill them all as soon
as they're found.
Miura! Miura!
"Mibu:" town located in Shimotsuga District
Damn those Mibu
beasts!
Kanji... who
were they?
Who were the men who
killed my dear Miura?
Please tell me...
Please tell me!
Oko, that was Kondo Isami
of the Shinsengumi.
Kondo... Isami.
Please don't
take that!
Please, wait! That's
our family treasure!
I implore
you!
That's what you get for giving 10,000-ryo
to the lmperialists...
...and not a penny to
the Shinsengumi.
Dear!
It's the Mibu ronin!
The Mibu wolves!
Run!
Move!
Come on, slowpoke!
Where're do you think
you're going?
Huh? Where?
Where I wonder?
Where do you think
you're going?!
Catch up with
me later.
"Shimabara:" the Kyoto red-light district.
Off to Shimabara today?
And then Yama-no-o
in Gion.
Let's go.
Don't just stand there looking like
morons! Continue your training!
Go!
Yes sir. One, two... One, two... One, two...
Yes sir. One, two... One, two... One, two...
Sheesh... Off to the teahouses this early?
Let's do it!
Hey, hey hey! Not today, not
today! Go do it outside.
Move it!
You're always
like this...
If you get too
fresh...
...l'll have to tell
my husband.
What do you
mean?
Is that a threat, or an excuse
to escape me?
I'm the virtuous wife of a clothing merchant,
I merely came to collect on your bill.
But who was it that took advantage
of me, the first time we met?
I'm not your toy,
you know.
Don't be
so cold.
You women are
all the same.
You know that I'm not
going to pay up.
And yet you come here
every three days.
If I get caught
doing this...
...l'll never be able to
go back to the store.
If you can't go back, then you'll
just have stay to here.
I'm a delicate flower...
Be more gentle.
Whatever...
We have completed
today's patrol.
Well done.
Damn, it's hot!
Oh... leaving already?
I'm sorry things
took so long.
Have you completed your business
with our Commander?
As it happens,
not quite yet.
Mr. Kawai, help
me out here.
Mr. Serizawa and the others need to settle the
bill for the summer robes we made for them.
I can't just keep leaving
here empty handed.
Ei!
Please leave.
Well, please expedite the payment if you
can. And thank you for your business.
Bye...
You shouldn't be
talking with her!
Can a commander do anything he wants?
Can a commander do anything he wants?
Mugging merchants, murdering on a whim...
They're no better than burglars!
They're no better than burglars!
At this rate, they'll soon ruin the Shinsengumi.
His unrestrained boozing
is inexcusable.
I'm going to kill them!
I'm going to kill them!
Wait!
Leave this
to me.
I will have a talk
with Serizawa.
Hijikata...
I want you to talk to
Niimi about this.
Can you stop the
drinking?
Please, you must stop drinking!
Please, you must stop drinking!
If I were able to stop, I wouldn't be so wretched.
If I were able to stop, I wouldn't be so wretched.
But...
If I were able to stop, I wouldn't be so wretched.
But...
But...
I hate booze.
And yet, I can't
live without it.
A guy like you probably
wouldn't understand.
I'm better
off dead.
Such weakness is unbecoming
in a man of your stature.
Renounce drinking! A
man like you can do it!
I'm not worthy to be
a commander.
You don't have the luxury
of indulging in self-pity.
Lately, the Aizu clan has taken
notice of your carousing.
They are saying that the Shinsengumi
are a gang of ronin riff-raff.
They're trying to have us disbanded before we
bring any more shame on the Shogunate.
Are you aware of this?
Sorry.
We worked hard to build the Shinsegumi
from the original thirteen.
It would be a shame for it to come
to naught, wouldn't it?
Please be an example of our emblem,
of our code of makoto.
I will join you in a pledge
to renounce alcohol!
Serizawa! Please come
to your senses.
Kon...
Why do you care so
much about me?
You're a fine samurai when
you're not drinking!
Kon...
Commander...!
We have news from Yama-no-o in
Gion that Commander Niimi...
...in obedience to the regulations
governing our forces...
...admitted committing numerous
lawless acts...
...and then manfully atoned
by committing seppuku!
What?!
Niimi...
...cut his belly?
Damn!
Stop!
Stop!
Commander!
Commander!
Commander! The troops have been called out!
Commander!
Commander! The troops have been called out!
Commander! The troops have been called out!
We've been ordered to guard the Shogun!
Summer: The Incident at the Royal Gate
Halt!
What are you people?!
We are the Shinsengumi
of Mibu.
Oh. The Mibu scum!
We have the important task of expelling the
Choshu clan from the lmperial court.
We need no help from a motley gang
of ronin. So get lost. Begone!
What?! Shut up!
What?! Shut up!
Please wait.
If you are of the Aizu clan,
then you should know...
...that your own clan council granted
us permission to operate.
Councilor Tashiragi ordered
us to come and help.
How dare you call
us Mibu scum?!
Because of you do-nothing idiots...
...the Choshu bastards have misled
the Emperor into supporting them.
And they're using
the Emperor...
...to overthrow the
Shogunate!
Apologize!
Apologize!
Serizawa!
Serizawa!
Shut up!
Serizawa!
If you're determined
to not let us pass...
...then we'll use our swords
to cut a path through you.
Move!
Out of our way!
Stop! Stop!
Stop! Stop!
Huh?! The Councilor!
At the palace by day, and the
south entrance by night...
...the hard work you do
is much appreciated.
Thanks to you, the Choshu samurai
have fled from Kyoto.
You've restored the peace.
You've restored the peace.
Enough, already...
Where are the courtesans?
Where are the courtesans?
My apologies. I'll get them. Please drink.
The seven officials that tried to kidnap
the Emperor from the palace...
...have been driven
out of Kyoto.
Thanks to the Shinsengumi, the Shogunate
has won a great victory.
Aren't you glad that you didn't have
to fight? That there was no battle?
Hey...
Are you implying that the Shinsengumi
won because we didn't have to fight?
Why, nothing of the sort...
Why, nothing of the sort...
Shut up!
You're making fun of
the Shinsengumi.
Courtesan Miyuki...
You're late, courtesan.
Here. Pour
me one.
None for me thanks. I have
decided to abstain.
Have you made a vow
of some kind?
Well... you could
say that.
Hey, Kondo...
You got somethin' to say?
You should not speak
in such a vulgar tone.
If you make a scene here,
people will laugh at you.
If you're a samurai, you
should know that.
HEY!
Don't you know that I'm Serizawa Kamo,
the leader of the Shinsengumi? Well?!
I see no leaders...
no Daimyo here.
Merely men...
and women.
You've got a mouth
on you.
What?
You got something
to say to me?
I don't like the way you're
looking at me!
That goes for
you too!
And you!
I'm the one that arranged
for this banquet.
Because of our latest victory, we Shinsengumi
have been recognized by the Aizu fief.
And for the first time, we've received
a monetary reward.
My farmer comrade Kondo here
didn't want us to celebrate!
But I made sure we could,
to boost our morale!
Well?!
What's bothering you?!
Answer me, Hijikata!
"my robe reaches
my Knees..."
"my sleeves reach
my wrists..."
"At my hip..."
"...is my sword...
Ei! Ya! Toh!"
"It cuts through iron!"
That's stupid!
You're plastered...
What happened?
What happened?
Gimme water!
Oume!
Hold me...
Hold me!
Who's there?!
I knew you'd come
to kill me.
I, Kondo Isami, humbly assume
leadership of the entire force.
All of you, resolutely applying
the spirit of makoto...
...must strictly adhere to our regulations, in
the service of keeping the peace in Kyoto.
I want you all to exercise the
most austere discipline.
Commemorating this new direction
for the Shinsengumi...
...Arakida Samanosuke,
Echigo Saburo...
...and Matsui Ryuzaburo,
are hereby declared...
...to have been exposed as
spies for the Choshu fief.
They are to be expelled.
Stop them! Don't let
them get away!
Come with us!
Display their heads
at Senjo-gahara!
Yamanami...
Okita...
You are witness to the decorum
of our Commander.
Let us become a Shinsengumi that
none can accuse of wrongdoing.
Oh... you poor thing,
it's so cold!
I'll give you this. Go roast
it somewhere and eat it.
Better hurry, you'll
freeze to death.
Thanks, thanks...
Don't worry... it was
just a beggar.
On October 15th, the Shogun left Edo, on a
mission to unite the nobles and samurai.
This is his second trip to
Kyoto since last year.
The Emperor and the Shogun are cooperating,
but the Court and the Shogunate are feuding.
Miyabe, we have to act
as soon as possible.
Other than the Satsuma men, the Shogun's
retainers in Kyoto are all cowards.
I know.
I know.
No, perhaps we should wait a bit...
Ever since we were chased out of
Kyoto, we of the Choshu clan...
...have found it
hard to return.
It must be very hard on poor Yamazaki,
out there in the cold.
The lmperialists are getting
more zealous.
There's word that the Choshu
group is swelling its ranks.
How'd it go?
I took him his favorite sugar candy, but he just
gave me attitude. Wouldn't even talk to me.
Yamanami, don't you think something's
been bothering our Commander lately?
Okita, the weight of responsibility for our
troop rests solely on his shoulders.
He doesn't have time for
personal pleasures.
He's a little too austere
if you ask me.
We've been in Kyoto for a year, and now even
the Aizu clan relies on the Shinsengumi.
And the Shogun is coming
to Kyoto once again.
When you're trying to lead a force
of over a hundred men...
...there's no room for even
the slightest error.
I feel sorry for our
Commander.
He's shouldering
quite a burden.
All I do is sit in front of
my abacus all day.
It must be so scary out there for
everyone, fighting every day.
You dummy... If you're a samurai,
you can't be scared to die.
But one shouldn't die
for nothing, right?
Welcome back.
Welcome back.
Damn, it's cold!
Go take a bath and warm up.
Go take a bath and warm up.
Thanks... Thanks!
Once again, I failed
tonight.
There's this one suspicious
character...
...but he's always a few
steps ahead of me.
Shit! I'll get him one
of these days.
Summer
I can't bear this. Let's
get out of here!
Talk. Talk!
Kill me! Just
kill me!
Asshole!
Still don't want
to talk, eh?
You're too tough to be a
real antiques merchant.
Confess!
What? The antiques merchant
is Kodaka Shutaro of Oomi?
Yes, sir!
Yes, sir!
Commander! He confessed!
The palace! They're planning
to burn the palace!
Burn the palace?
Burn the palace?
They plan to wait for a windy night...
...then set fire to the palace and the
mansions of Shogunate Daimyo.
Then they'll kidnap the Emperor during the
pandemonium, and take him to Choshu!
This is bad.
This is bad.
Kyoto will be tumbled into chaos!
They're gathering tonight to
finalize their plan of attack.
Shit... Tonight's the Gion festival.
They'll just blend into the crowd!
Where will they meet?
Where will they meet?
At lkeda Mercantile, at Senjo.
Executive Officer... how many
troops can we deploy?
Excluding those in Osaka
and the sick, about thirty!
All right. We've no time to lose. Request
additional troops from the Aizu clan.
"Hour of the Dog:" Around 8 p.m.
We will assault lkeda Mercantile
at the hour of the dog.
Woops, I'm so sorry. I wasn't
paying attention.
Not a problem,
not a problem.
That felt nice
and cool.
You must be more careful
in the future.
Welcome back. You're
early today.
Yeah... in this heat, door-to-door
sales are murder.
And on top of that, tonight's
the Gion festival!
Hurry it up... all right?
Hurry it up... all right?
Mr. Okita.
Mr. Okita.
Mr. Okita.
Move it!
Mr. Okita.
Mr. Okita!
What is it, for crying out loud?
I'm busy! See me later.
Do you have enough men?
Do you have enough men?
We're short. It's making me nervous.
What about me?
What about me?
Idiot! This isn't a game!
On the other hand, "a withered tree
is the mountain's prosperity."
You can come.
You can come.
Really?
I'm on it!
Lanterns: "Festival Lamp"
You doing okay?
Yeah...
But it sure is hot tonight.
Hello, Miyabe.
Hello, Miyabe.
Hey there.
Miyabe, this is a letter
from Katsura.
Commander!
Commander.
We have word that between fourty and fifty
men are meeting at Shikoku Mercantile.
Shikoku Mercantile?
Fifty men at Shikoku
Mercantile. Thirty at lkeda Mercantile.
There's still no reply from the
Aizu about reinforcements.
What's taking them
so long?
It's past the hour of the dog. We implore
you, please deploy your soldiers!
That's easier said
than done.
In this fief, there are all sorts of procedures
that must be followed.
Besides, we're short on guards
because of the festival.
The city will be in chaos! They're
going to set fire to the palace!
The councilor... please let me
speak with the councilor!
It's past the hour of the dog.
We can't wait any longer.
Commander, it'll be a disaster
if we're late and miss them.
We can't rely on
the Aizu fief.
He's back!
It's no good, I couldn't persuade them.
The councilor's still at Nijo Castle.
You did your best.
Toshi... Take twenty men and
attack Shikoku Mercantile.
And you?
And you?
I'll go to lkeda's with Okita and Yamanami.
We're here on patrol.
We're here on patrol.
The Shinsengumi's here!
It's the Shinsengumi!
Don't panic!
We've got them
outnumbered.
Kill them!
Shit! We're trapped!
I killed one...
I killed one...
Okita! You're...
It's nothing!
Okita...
Commander!
Shikoku Mercantile was a red
herring. No one was there!
Hang on!
Todo! Todo!
I'm fine.
I'm fine.
You'll be all right.
Commander! The Aizu have finally
deployed their soldiers!
Please give this to "big brother" Okita
for us. It'll make him strong again.
Please let him eat it.
Yeah, he's gotta!
Thanks a lot. Now all of you,
go home quietly. Okay?
Why must we go?
Why must we go?
Come on, time for you to go
Come on, time for you to go
We want to see "big brother" Okita.
Come on, time for you to go
We want to see "big brother" Okita.
We want to see "big brother" Okita.
Okay, whatever...
Thanks.
Thanks.
But I want to see him.
Hey. I'm not sick,
you know.
You have to stay in bed, you've
got a terrible fever.
What if you throw
up blood again?
You dummy, that was the
other guy's blood!
Why don't you just go and
fiddle with your abacus?
Hey, how're you feeling?
How are you?
Hey hey, shouldn't you
be lying down?
It's okay, I'll be fine in a couple days.
It's okay, I'll be fine in a couple days.
Don't overtax yourself.
The Shogunate has commended and rewarded
us for foiling the lkeda Mercantile conspiracy.
That's great.
That's great.
They've finally recognized us!
This is your share.
There's a share for
you too, Kawai.
Really? For
me too?
But I only killed
one man.
Your abacus-style swordplay
impressed everyone!
When Okita's feeling better, why don't
we go to Shimabara and have a party?
Good idea!
Good idea!
The reward was a fortune. We've got to party!
Let's do it!
Don't get cocky!
Don't let your victory at lkeda
Mercantile go to your heads.
Now that everyone is watching us, we
must be that much more prudent.
Don't forget that each man of the Shinsengumi
shoulders a heavy responsibility.
Okita...
I hear there's a doctor called Honmeido
in Muromachi. Go see him.
I don't like doctors.
They're all quacks.
Commander's orders.
Vengeance for
our comrades!
Why? Why can't we hold a wake
for them at headquarters?
They were killed without even drawing their
swords, right in front of our door.
They don't deserve to be honored
as members of our warrior force!
But, sir...!
But, sir...!
Yamanami...
Our Commander's
wrath is justified.
Commander...
Our dead Shinsengumi comrades must
be blaming themselves for their error.
We should act in such a way that
their deaths will not be in vain!
What good will it do to
punish the dead?
Please... Grant them
a comrade's funeral.
Such "comrades" do not
deserve our respect.
They shall have an
honorable funeral.
A pyre for the dead.
Toshi...
Tell me, did I make
a mistake?
You were not wrong.
I fear that if we let down our guard, even just
a little, the Shinsengumi, and all of Kyoto...
...will be instantly devoured by
some giant, unseen monster.
Weakness cannot be tolerated, if we were
to survive these fast changing times.
We kill and kill again, and there
seems to be no end to it.
Do we just keep
on killing?
We do.
We're not the sort
that dies in bed.
Take a deep breath.
Doctor...
How many more
years will I live?
Well, I can't say for
certain, but...
Two years.
Two years?
I've got two more
years?
I wish I could
help you.
But today's medicine
cannot cure you.
No, two years is
ample for me.
Dad. Hurry, hurry!
The funeral fire's
about to go out.
Wow, that's beautiful.
Here...
They say that you'll have a long life if you drink
sake as the funeral fire reflects upon it.
Really?
People who live in times of chaos often
indulge in such wishful thinking.
Pathetic, isn't it?
Maybe I'll have three
more years now.
When I go, I want to go like
that fire, with no regrets.
I don't like fires.
I get sad when
they burn out.
I've never felt my life to be
as precious as it is now.
The Hamaguri Gate Incident
It's been burning for three days straight.
The palace is surrounded with ashes.
The men of Choshu
are stubborn!
They lost and retreated last year,
but now they're back again.
Why would they want to
kidnap the Emperor?
It's payback for the Shinsengumi's
attack at lkeda Mercantile.
They lost again
and retreated.
I'm glad they did, but why did they
have to set fire to our homes?
After all, we're innocent!
That's right!
It's all because the
Shogun is a flake!
We're always the ones who
get hurt in the crossfire!
That's right!
Why did they have
to do this?
Unbelievable!
We were backed by the Shogunate,
we chased out the Choshu...
...and we won the day, and still over
a hundred men have deserted!
It's pitiful.
It's pitiful.
They're cowards, all of them!
We've been relying on the unreliable
Shogunate army.
No fief rises to the occasion, despite
the order to suppress the Choshu!
The Shogunate no longer has the
power to raise a great army.
But why would they desert the Shinsengumi?!
But why would they desert the Shinsengumi?!
Yeah, why?!
Yeah, why?!
Harada... Everyone's sitting on the fence.
Yeah, why?!
lmperialist or Shogunate...
which is more profitable?
At least the Choshu are honest
about where they stand.
Lords and vassals, they're
all pains in the ass.
I'm thoroughly
tired of it all.
I'm more enthusiastic
than ever!
I resolved when I left Edo to live
by the sword alone, vigorously.
It's all just the beginning
for me.
You have defeated the army of Maki lzumi
at Mt. Tennozan in Yamazaki...
...the last refuge of the Choshu forces;
you are to be congratulated.
Here is a reward from Lord Matsudaira
to the Shinsengumi.
We are indeed grateful.
Moreover...
...it is his desire to make you
a Shogunate vassal.
Please accept
this honor.
I, Kondo Isami, am
indeed honored...
...but I believe that I am better suited to
be simply the leader of the Shinsegumi.
What?
I have a favor to
ask instead.
Anything
for you.
During our last deployment,
I was struck by the fact...
...that there was no one in command capable of
uniting the Shogunate and the various fiefs.
The Elders, the Council,
and officials in Edo...
...are oblivious to the critical
situation in Kyoto.
I agree...
Our Lord is also concerned
about this.
Please send me as a
messenger to Edo.
We mustn't miss this opportunity to unify
the lmperial Court and the Shogunate.
If things remain as they are, the
Choshu cannot be defeated.
Therefore, I humbly request a letter
of approval from the Lord of Aizu.
I want to go to Edo as
soon as possible.
Edo Castle
Edo Castle
We implore the Shogun to go to
Kyoto as soon as possible.
We implore the Shogun to go to
Kyoto as soon as possible.
If his Lordship takes personal command
of the army of suppression...
...all the fiefs will rally behind his banner,
and do battle against the Choshu.
I understand how
you feel.
But to be honest, we can't afford to send
our Lord on another trip to Kyoto.
But if you do not
take action...
...the Choshu will
rise again.
Already, Satsuma has abandoned the
Shogunate, and joined the Choshu.
It is obvious that they will
try to overthrow you.
Councilor, you
have no idea...
...of the gravity of the
situation in Kyoto.
Note: The Shogun would normally travel by palanquin.
The Shogun must go there, even
if it means going on horseback!
Ah, Kondo, at
last we meet.
My name is Katsu Awa.
Thank you for your efforts. I have read the
petition from Aizu and your written report.
I suppose you're here in Edo because you
couldn't stand it anymore in Kyoto.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
I've heard much about your endeavors, Kondo.
But Kondo, I must
tell you this.
The Shogunate is like a house
with rotten timbers.
Once the house starts collapsing,
you can't repair it.
Lord Awa!
You are in the castle. Choose
your words with care!
It's always good to have at least
one rascal who speaks frankly.
Well, Kondo, don't
you agree?
Lord Awa...
...you are on the Shogunate council,
yet you speak of it like an outsider.
What will become of the Shogunate?
No, what will become of Japan?
Please tell me,
frankly.
Well...
...what will happen,
will happen.
The Shogunate has grown
old and fragile.
The time has come to pass power
to someone new and fresh.
I'll tell you what
I wish for.
I wish for an end to this
pointless infighting.
Kondo...
Why don't you just disband
the Shinsengumi?
You're the only man
who can do that.
Who is responsible for
all this bloodshed?
No one rejoices in
killing people.
You... you are irresponsible!
Commander!
Commander...
Commander...
We have brought Master
lto Kashitaro.
Well, it's been quite
some time.
It's been a while, yes. I am grateful
that you could come all this way.
No problem. Yamanami told
me about your situation.
I came as fast as I could, because I wanted
to hear more about the Kyoto situation.
Kondo... I appreciate your effort,
marching from place to place.
Thank you very much.
Ito... I will be straightforward
with you.
I need the assistance of both your
scholarship and your sword.
My assistance...?
In these chaotic times, things
are clear as mud.
As a former farmer from Tama, all
I know is the way of the sword.
I have no academic education.
Nevertheless, I want to fortify the Shinsengumi,
and bring peace to our nation.
I concur.
At the rate we're going, foreigners
will soon control Japan.
We must bring peace to Kyoto, the home
of our Emperor, no matter what.
Ito, please come to Kyoto and
join the Shinsengumi.
You have become a man
of high stature.
Hey, what's this?
I made this for you to wear
when you came home.
Tamako.
Tamako!
Strange... She's been waiting for you,
calling out "Daddy, Daddy" every day.
I guess she's forgotten her father. After
all, I've been gone two years.
You've done a great
job raising her.
I only lived for Tamako,
and for news of you.
I didn't think I'd live to see
either of you again.
I am so... so glad that
you've returned!
Tsune...
When will you
be leaving?
In two or three days... but circumstances
might require me to leave tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I'll be back again.
Darling... please
don't die!
I have been honored with the rank of
Military Advisor to the Shinsengumi.
I have been honored with the rank of
Military Advisor to the Shinsengumi.
I am aware of the importance and
gravity of my responsibilities.
My role is to bring a breath of
fresh air to the Shinsengumi.
A breath of fresh air? What
do you mean by that?
By fresh air, I mean introducing the
Shinsengumi to philosophy.
I don't get it at all!
I don't get it at all!
Me neither!
Please explain yourself!
All I am saying is, think
before you kill.
You can't kill when
you're thinking!
You're right... I don't
think when I kill!
Are you saying we shouldn't kill anyone?
Are you saying we shouldn't kill anyone?
What, no killing?!
Are you saying we shouldn't kill anyone?
What, no killing?!
Everyone...!
Why does the Shinsengumi
kill lmperialists?
How do these killings affect the future
of our nation? Give it some thought.
If you don't, then there will be no
future for the Shinsengumi.
That's right!
That's right!
I don't get it!
I don't get it!
What don't you understand?
I don't get it!
What don't you understand?
What don't you understand?
Master lto's hit the nail on the head!
Master lto's hit the nail on the head!
To kill warriors...
Master lto's hit the nail on the head!
To kill warriors...
To kill warriors...
...that's the mission...
...that's the mission...
...of Shinsengumi!
...that's the mission...
What's not to understand?
Are you a spy from Choshu?
Mr. Yamanami...
Mr. Yamanami...
What?
What?
Could I have a minute?
Could I have a minute?
See me later.
Could I have a minute?
Letter: "Father, please send
me 50-ryo immediately."
Excuse me... I just need to see
the ledger for a second.
So we have
Yes.
Good. Give me
the 500-ryo.
That's only
Yes. Um...
Where's the other 50-ryo?
It's gone. It vanished.
It was stolen!
Commander... It's too much to
make Kawai commit seppuku!
He may just be an accountant, but anyone
who violates our code must do seppuku.
Seppuku, seppuku!
These days, just about anything is reason
enough for seppuku. I can't stomach it!
Kawai was unaware that the
money had been stolen.
That's irrelevant; the fact
is, the money is gone.
Kawai is not the kind of man who'd
misappropriate the money.
Please trust me on this!
Please trust me on this!
Trust you? Then, Okita...
...are you saying that one of our
Shinsengumi warriors is a thief?
Wherever the truth lies, the missing 50-ryo
is the responsibility of Accountant Kawai.
I understand.
I understand.
That's why he's taking responsibility by asking
his father for the 50-ryo to pay it back!
A samurai takes responsibility
by dying.
Sure, Kawai is an
enlisted soldier.
But he's just an accountant,
formerly a townsman!
If he can pay it back, then no harm
has been done to our force!
And in any case, there is no regulation
against soldiers borrowing money!
So our accountant can take advantage of his
position, as long as we don't find out?
So rich kids can get away
with anything?
He's a bad example to our soldiers.
He must commit seppuku.
People have only
one life to give!
To give that life for ideals and principles is
fine. But you're killing him over 50-ryo!
Commander, a courier is speeding to Kawai's
province. Please wait for the answer.
Commander, please!
Hijikata... Let's wait
for ten days.
Has... has the courier returned
from my province yet?
Has the courier returned?
Why can't they wait?
Why can't they wait until the Commander
returns from spying on the Choshu?
Has the courier returned?
Has he...?
Not yet.
Today is the eleventh
day...
My dad...
...what happened to my
dad? To my dad?
Kawai... your
time is up.
Will I be beheaded?
Or will it be seppuku?
Do you know how to
perform seppuku?
Kawai Kisaburo is a soldier
of the Shinsengumi.
So it's seppuku...
It's seppuku, then?
Comrade Yamanami, please
be his second.
Comrade Kawai!
Help me!
Yamanami!
Help me!
DAD!
Hello! I am a courier from Kawai
Mercantile of Okayama!
Why couldn't you have waited
two or three more days...
...before making Kawai
perform seppuku?
Commander, you decided that
we should wait ten days.
I was acting in exact obedience
to your decision.
But...
Are you saying that we should
break our code?
Are you, the Commander, going to break
the code of the Shinsengumi?
Hijikata... Must everything
be bound by the code?
Your compassion
upsets the men!
Everything I do is for
the Shinsengumi!
Welcome...
Well... welcome back!
I heard you went all the way to
Choshu. You must be tired.
Please come in.
Please...
I've been counting the
days until your return.
I look forward to serving
you... starting today.
I appreciate that.
While you were gone, Mr. Hijikata bought my
contract on your behalf. I was so happy.
He sure is a nice
man, isn't he?
He said that you're very important
to the troops.
And that I should see to it that you
get plenty of rest and relaxation.
He thinks of you as
a brother, after all.
Oh... One moment please.
Come now...
Are you just going to
stand there all day?
Please, have some.
Ah, sugar candy!
Mr. Hijikata said you
were fond of them.
What's the matter?
Nothing. It's just that I haven't had time
to even think about sugar candy.
Do you remember?
Hmm?
Three years ago... the
night we first met.
I remember.
Ever since that
night, I...
...have been in
love with you.
As the leader of the
Shinsengumi...
...I was expecting you
to be fearsome.
Instead, you were gentle
and manly.
You have been so good
to me since then...
...that now I can't bear
to be apart from you.
I'm the one who can't
bear to be away.
When I'm with you, I can forget everything.
I feel like I can become myself again.
I'm so happy you
said that!
You take care of
me so well...
...it's like
a dream.
Do you have
any family?
Yes.
A younger sister... She works as
a maid for people we know.
She's in Shimabara, too far away
for me to look after her.
We can take
her in.
Really?! Do you mean it?!
Commander! Mr. Yamanami
has deserted!
Okita said he'd go get him, and
went after him on horseback.
Okita!
Okita!
Yamanami!
Yamanami, please escape!
Use this horse and flee!
Now that you've seen
me, I cannot escape.
You're the one who said that life
mustn't be taken so lightly.
You'll be held responsible
for letting me go.
Yamanami...
I have only two more
years to live.
Two years?
I have consumption, which
no doctor can cure.
If I die with Mr. Kondo and Mr. Hijikata,
as a Shinsengumi, I'll have no regrets.
So please... please...
you must flee!
Okita... Let's go
back together.
Yamanami!
Comrade Yamanami... tell
me why you deserted.
I hate being in the Shinsengumi.
I just couldn't take it any more.
Why?
During these turbulent
and historic times...
...to kill without reflection
is the act of a mad dog.
I didn't want to
be a mad dog.
We don't live in an
age of reason.
I used to like you, Commander
Kondo.
Once upon a time, warm blood
flowed in your veins.
But now, it's
frozen.
You're just like
Hijikata.
Criticism... hatred... curses...
whatever...
You don't lead our men with warm blood
and tears... you must be cold-blooded.
I see, you say this
even though...
...you were responsible
for Kawai's death?
What do you mean
by that?
The missing 50-ryo was used to buy out
your Shimabara woman's contract.
Quite so. But our Commander
had no knowledge of this.
He is therefore completely
without fault.
Hijikata!
Commander... Even you will commit
seppuku if you violate the code.
The code, the code, always
you bring up the code!
Our soldiers are human, not
merely your puppets.
Comrade Yamanami!
And you too...
...are a puppet.
Okita, if you would
be so kind...
Kondo... Don't get swallowed
up by the times.
Farewell.
What happened? Is something
troubling you again?
Just forget it...
Forget everything, and
get some rest.
Who are you?
I'll kill you...
I'll kill you!
Oko! What are you doing?!
Stop it, stop it!
Stand... Stand aside!
He's... he's a
murderer!
Have you lost your mind?!
Drop that knife right now!
My sister, he murdered
my true love.
He's murdered so
many people!
Sister, move aside!
Move!
I'm not moving!
Oko... you'll have
to kill me first!
I'll kill you!
Oko!
Oko!
Bitch! Bitch! Sister, you're
such a stupid bitch!
I hate them, the lmperialists, the Shogunate,
the murderers... I hate them all!
I hate this world!
Oko!
Isami...
This is no time to grieve over the
deaths of Kawai and Yamanami.
With both Emperor and Shogun now dead,
their dream of reconciliation is dead too.
Satsuma and Choshu are plotting to
use the new Emperor's ascension...
...to destroy the Shogunate.
The Shogun's army is impotent.
They don't stand a chance.
Commander, such words
are unbecoming of you!
I'm stating
a fact.
Had the Shogunate been strong, they would
have had no need for the Shinsengumi.
But you already knew that. So why
did you leave Tama to come here?
The Shogunate is in chaos, a chaos
that will infect the Shinsengumi!
Are you talking
about lto?
Exactly!
I didn't have the ability to properly
ascertain his character.
Commander...
Toshi. I want to believe
in people.
Ito, are you a spy for
the lmperialists?
What?
You took advantage of Kondo's candor to
sow dissension within the Shinsengumi.
Do not make wild accusations, Hijikata.
I am merely teaching the soldiers
the truth as I see it.
You're the same as Kiyokawa Hachiro,
infecting us with lmperialist ideas!
Why you...! You are being insolent towards
the Shinsengumi's Military Advisor.
We've investigated your jaunts
to the Satsuma fief.
We know all about
your activities!
As Military Advisor, you must be held
responsible for your actions.
I will let Kondo adjudicate
this matter.
Letter: "Request for Secession"
Are you deserting?
Not at all. We merely wish to support
the Shinsengumi in a different way.
A different way?
We will throw in our lot with the
Satsuma and Choshu fiefs.
We will uncover their secrets, and
report them to the Shinsengumi.
As you wish...
Having received the Commander's approval,
we, the fifteen of us, bid you farewell.
Kondo, until we
meet again...
Todo! You too?!
I'm sorry...
I'm sorry...
Bastards!
Bastards!
Wait!
Bastards!
Wait!
Wait!
Commander!
Who are you?
Who are you?
Kondo Isami.
Master!
Master!
Master!
Master!
Master!
Master!
Master!
Master!
Master!
We will... we will
avenge you!
We will defeat
Kondo Isami!
Cowards!
New Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu
reinstates Imperial rule.
There's going
to be a war!
Choshu and Satsuma
are going to attack!
We have
to run!
Hurry up and get
out of here!
Kaori! Kaori!
Are you all right?
Uh, wait!
Okita!
Miss Kaori! I'm so
glad to see you.
How've you been?
Are you okay?
Yes.
Okita, I hear you're leaving Kyoto
and going to Fushimi.
We're going to go as far as we
can, to relatives in Ohmi.
The time has come for us to part. I thank
you for everything you've done for me.
No...
Miss Kaori. Thanks to that funeral sake,
I'm going to live for a long time.
Thank you.
Don't be silly!
Don't cry!
That's right. When the war is over, we'll
meet again, and drink more sake.
I promise I'll come
to see you.
I will not die.
Until then...
They're coming!
Okita!
Oyuki.
Oyuki, there
you are.
Oh, hello.
The city's in a panic. What
are you doing here?
Did you hear
from Oko?
Yes. She's working
in Edo.
I see.
Oyuki.
Thank you for being kind
to this unworthy man.
Take this money, leave this place,
and make something of your life.
I don't want it. I'm
not leaving.
I won't be returning. The Aizu clan left for
Osaka Castle with the Shogunate forces.
The Shinsengumi have been ordered to
pacify Fushimi. We're leaving Kyoto.
My life... belongs
to you.
I'll stay with you
until death.
I don't regret my burning
passion for you.
I'll wait for you here,
even if it kills me.
Oyuki...
You won't die.
You won't!
You will surely, surely
return to me.
I have... faith
in you.
This is to avenge
Master lto!
Sign: "Shinsengumi Headquarters"
Please take it easy and rest
up at Osaka Castle.
I'm counting on
you, Hijikata!
Don't worry, leave
everything to me!
Commander! We pray for
your swift recovery.
The Battle of Toba and Fushimi
Goddamn bullets!
Hijikata, this is the end. I've lived for the
sword alone. Let me charge them!
Okita.
The day of the sword
is done!
Please give my regards
to Commander Kondo.
CHARGE!
Okita!
The Satsuma and Choshu armies have raised
the lmperial flag! The lmperial flag!
That... That means we'll be
considered to be rebels!
We're not opposed
to the Emperor!
Damn! Satsuma and Choshu are
the traitors that started the war!
They've stripped the Shogun
of all his power!
Executive Officer! Executive Officer!
The Shogun's gone by ship to Edo!
So... Okita...!
We'll rejoin our Commander
in Edo. We shall rise again!
How's Tamako?
It was raining so hard, I
left her at my uncle's.
I'll go get her
right away.
She's really grown.
I'm glad you're
all doing well.
You too.
Please, come in.
I can't, I have
no time.
Depend on your brother for advice.
The rest is up to you.
I'll be back soon! Take
care of Tamako.
Husband! Wait!
Please wait!
Please see Tamako
before you leave!
I came to bid you farewell, before we leave for
Koshu with the Koyo suppression force.
I'm glad that you came,
really glad.
Lord Awa... You found a way to elegantly
remove the Shinsengumi from Edo.
Kondo...
You've given us military
funds and cannons...
...you made me a junior elder, and now
you're kindly giving me a place to die.
But before I go, there is something
I want to tell you.
I do not like war.
The Shogun has courageously relinquished
power after 300 years in authority.
But Choshu and Satsuma...
...have cast him in the role of traitor,
and have dragged him into this war.
To hell with the lmperialists!
The only reason they support the Emperor
is because they want power.
I cannot forgive
them for that.
Never have I despised
the lmperial court!
But if we retreat now, the proud history of
the Tokugawa clan will be besmirched!
This is why
I fight.
Some say I'm living in the past,
but this is what I call "makoto!"
Banners: "Koyo Suppression Force"
There it is... Tama, our home. This
is the last time we'll see it.
May we end
with valor!
Master Kondo! Master Hijikata!
Please let us
join you!
We're the young
men of Tama.
We want to go
with you!
Please let us join the Koyo
suppression force.
Please!
I appreciate your zeal, but
I will not permit it.
Why? Please let us help you!
Please let us
go with you!
I'm begging you!
Thank you. You boys have
a future ahead of you.
There are many things that you have yet
to accomplish. Ten years from now...
...Japan will have changed a great
deal, and Japan will need you.
I beg you, work
for that future.
Signpost: "Shimofusa, Nagareyama"
Signpost: "Shimofusa, Nagareyama"
Men at Nagareyama headquarters,
attend to my words!
I am staff officer Arima Tota
of the lmperial Army!
Your headquarters are surrounded
by the lmperial Army!
The Shinsengumi, and their leader, Kondo
Isami, must surrender immediately!
Damnit!
Damnit!
The Koyo suppression force was defeated...
...and now we find ourselves surrounded
here at Nagareyama!
This is the end.
We have to escape somehow! We'll
all die in vain if we fight here.
That's right!
That's right!
Let's escape!
Let's escape!
Isami, with the Aizu's help, we will rise again!
Let's escape!
I am going to go meet the
lmperial messenger.
Are you surrendering?
Are you surrendering?
You are the Commander of the Shinsengumi!
I'll drag you with us if I have to!
I'll drag you with us if I have to!
I'm not going with you.
I'm not going with you.
Please! Escape with us!
I'm not going with you.
Please! Escape with us!
Please! Escape with us!
Commander!
Commander!
Escape with us!
Commander!
All of you must flee. This
is my final command.
Escape while I'm meeting
with the messenger!
Isami!
Isami!
Commander!
Toshi, you've always
been good to me.
You did all the work that
I didn't want to do.
I was only able to lead because
you were there for me.
Thank you.
Isami... I've trampled all
over your warm heart.
Forgive me!
Forgive me!
You still have the warm hands of a Tama farmer.
From today on, each of you must
do what you think is right.
I... I don't want
you to die!
Toshi... Let me do what I want
for once, won't you?
Live a life full enough
for the both of us!
Halt!
I am Shogunate junior elder...
...and former leader of the Shinsengumi:
Kondo Isami Masanori.
I am Arima Tota. The former Shogun,
Tokugawa Yoshinobu...
...vacated Edo in the third
month, thirteenth day.
He has sworn allegiance
to the Emperor...
...so why do you still resist?
I was never under
anyone's orders.
Everything I did,
I did voluntarily.
Where is Hijikata Toshizo,
and the rest of your men?
They will not be handed over
to the lmperial forces.
How dare you!
Bring Hijikata!
Silence!
Are you saying that you, Kondo
Isami, are sacrificing yourself...
...so that the others
could escape?
Let my soldiers die in places
of their own choosing.
If a traitor must die,
let it be me alone.
As the Commander of the Shinsengumi,
it is my responsibility to do so.
Kill me!
What? Beheading?
Correct. Beheading
befits Kondo.
He's a traitor who defied
the lmperial army.
Please reconsider.
Granted, he is our enemy. But he was the
Commander of an army, and a samurai...
...so shouldn't he be granted
the dignity of seppuku?
Arima... it's out of the question to
allow a traitor to commit seppuku.
Tani... If the fortunes of war
had been reversed...
...it would be we who would be called
traitors, instead of Kondo.
His was a life of unwavering "makoto."
He is an extraordinary man.
Let the past be the past.
If possible...
...I want Kondo to be spared, so that he
can serve the new Meiji government.
Don't be absurd! Arima Tota, are you
a staff officer of the lmperial Army...
...or are you a traitorous spy?!
Choose your words
with care!
Oh yeah?
Granted, Kondo lead a group that killed
many of our finest comrades.
I realize that his actions are punishable
by death. And yet...
Japan, in order to compete
with foreign nations...
...must undergo a national
rebuilding!
We need all the exceptional
men that we can get.
Kondo is nothing
but a murderer!
He delayed the flowering
of the new Meiji era.
And what of the men he killed, who could have
contributed to the new Meiji government?!
He should be torn apart!
I'll kill him myself!
Control yourself!
Sakamoto Ryoma, Nakaoka Shintaro...!
Kondo murdered
them all!
No, he did not! Stop making
a scapegoat out of him!
This meeting is over. Kondo
will lose his head!
Behead him!
Behead him!
And so, "history is written
by the victors."
What?
You are a General of
the lmperial Army.
You ought to understand
the pain of others.
Kondo... do you have
any last words?
I bade my wife farewell before
leaving for Koshu.
Though I humbly admit, I do regret
that I did not see my daughter.
Your feelings are
very human.
Without true emotions, the greatest warrior,
or learned scholar, is nothing but a beast.
I was an irresponsible father
who neglected his family.
But I wish that my daughter may live
in an uneventful, peaceful world.
Arima...
These past six years have
felt like a hundred.
In these times, integrity
is a crippling burden.
Ironic, isn't it?
Kondo... I believe that
living with integrity...
...is the most important
thing that one can do.
You have hard times
ahead of you.
I've grown a beard. Since they're going
to display my head somewhere...
...l'd like to look my best. Could
you lend me your dagger?
There... that's better.
Farewell.
Please proceed.
I'll make it easier
for you.
Now!
In the 4th year of the Keio period, on April 25,
Kondo Isami was executed at Itabashi.