Pathway to Japanese Literature

Umon’s Detective Chronicles: Thirty Exploits – The Obi-Untying Buddhist Rites, Hanjūrō Production (Silent)

Original Work: Sasaki Misuzu

Screenplay: Yamanaka Sadao

Cinematography: Yoshida Kiyotarō

Director: Yamanaka Sadao

Cast

Stoic Umon — Arashi Kanjūrō

Chatty Denroku — Katsunosuke Tōyama

Pockmarked Keishirō — Onoe Monya

Ofumi — Yamaji Fumiko

Brother Iyoshi — Ichikawa Jūzaburō

Tarōzaemon of Ikushimaya — Tamashima Aizō

Keishirō’s Wife Okane — Beppu Hanako

Daughter of Ikushimaya: Orui — Izumi Kiyoko

Keishirō’s Subordinate Matsukō — Arashi Jūnosuke

Magistrate — Arashi Tokusaburō

Yūki Sakuma — Kasuga Kiyoshi

Murai Shōbei — Kikumoto Hisao

1. (F.I) Exterior of Tarōzaemon’s Kimono Store, Ikushimaya

The shop curtain at the front.
The daughter Miss Orui departed with her wet nurse.
While the wet nurse arranged the footwear, she glanced toward the counter.
Clerk Iyoshi worked busily at the abacus.

2. Exterior

Orui departed just as she was.
As they passed each other, Keishirō's pockmarked wife Okane entered the store.

“Welcome,” said clerk Iyoshi.

3. Vicinity of Ikushimaya

At the riverside, a white-walled storehouse came into view with a single willow tree standing beside it.
Orui came this far and stopped.
Her face showed expectation.

4. Ikushimaya Storefront

Iyoshi arranged various fabrics in front of Ms. Okane.

Middle-aged Ms. Okane looked at Iyoshi with brazen, lewd intensity.
Being stared at so intently, Iyoshi blushed slightly.

5. Vicinity

Orui was waiting.
She said to the wet nurse, “You keep watch.”

6. Ikushimaya Exterior

Okane finished her shopping and exited.

When the wet nurse returned, Iyoshi came out in the manner of making his rounds to clients.

The wet nurse urged “Hurry” with her eyes…… Iyoshi approached quickly.
The wet nurse said, “She’s waiting,” and went back into the store to retrieve the parasol.
There was graffiti on the wooden fence behind them.
Beneath a shared umbrella,

Ikichi, Orui

From a close-up of that graffiti, it O.L.s to—

7. The original place where Orui was waiting

A love scene between Orui and Iyoshi.

“If I tell Brother about us...”

said Orui.
Iyoshi,

“Did he give his permission?”

Orui,

“Brother says he wants your sister as his bride.”

Iyoshi hesitated.

“Master wants Ofumi?”

Iyoshi was at a loss for a reply.

“Then he’ll give me to you as your bride.”

Iyoshi was troubled.

The wet nurse returned with the parasol.
Iyoshi, seeing this, stopped the conversation.
Orui,
“Discuss it with your sister, okay?”

She left together with the wet nurse.
A girl passed by in front of them.

She stopped with a look that said, “You look familiar, but...”

“Isn’t that Brother?”

Iyoshi gasped.

“Ofumi?”

“What are you thinking about?”

Iyoshi,

“No, it’s nothing.”

A samurai passed by them—Sakuma (a high-ranking samurai).
Sakuma turned to his two young samurai retainers and said, “That woman.”
It was Ofumi he was referring to.
With a look that murmured “A beauty...” he gazed in admiration.

(F.O.)

8. (F.I.) A teahouse on certain temple grounds

It was morning.

Seated on the edge of a camp stool, Ofumi was deep in thought.

“What’re you brooding about?”

The chatty Denroku stopped and inquired.
Ofumi,

“Well then, why don’t you have a seat and rest?”

Denroku sat down.

Sakuma arrived with five or six young samurai retainers but stopped upon seeing Denroku and Ofumi at the teahouse.
Sakuma turned to his retainers,
“That woman’s got a pest attached, I see.”

The samurai sharply acknowledged their lord’s command.
Sakuma—
“Don’t fret—stomp out that pest.”

The young samurai acknowledged and departed.
Ofumi spoke to Denroku.

“I clearly refused.”

“What a waste,” said Denroku.

“But Tarōzaemon’s a rich man, I tell ya.”

“I can’t stand this person.”

“I absolutely despise rich people.”

she said,

“And then, Brother was so despondent.”

Denroku nodded in agreement.
Ofumi,

“What if Brother gets some strange idea...”

“He’ll either throw himself into the river or hang himself.”

Denroku nodded in understanding.

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

As Ofumi was saying this, two girls passed by in front.

“How awful, that drowned corpse, huh?”

Hmm... Ofumi felt a foreboding.
Denroku called out, “Hey there!” to stop them.
To the girls who turned around,

“Did you see the drowned corpse?”

The girls went, “Um...”
“Just now, under that bridge there...”
Denroku, regarding that drowned corpse,
“Is it a man?”
The girls hesitated—Ofumi was anxious.
Denroku hurriedly sprang into action.

“I’ll make a quick run to check!”

Denroku ran—

９＝At the torii gate

Denroku collided head-on and tumbled over.

"You insolent cur!"

The ones who shouted were Sakuma’s retainers.
One of the samurai grabbed Denroku by the neck.

Keishirō the Pockmarked and his subordinate Matsukō saw this as they passed by.

10＝Teahouse

Two or three caterers ran off shouting “A fight!” in unison.

At that moment, Keishirō arrived and sat down.
“What is it?”
Keishirō said,
“A fight.”

“That poor Denroku.”

“Huh?!”

Ofumi was shocked.
In the distance, a crowd was noisily clamoring (shown in about five or six cuts). The camera moved closer, and from within that human wall, a scream could be heard.

“Help—”

“Murderer—”

Ofumi, worried, came running.
Keishirō also came trudging back.

Ofumi turned to Keishirō,

“Help me!”

Keishirō grinned slyly,

“Will you listen to what I say?”

Hmm... Ofumi,

“What do you mean?”

“What’s that ‘what do you mean’, you?”

said Keishirō.

At that moment—

The crowd broke apart as a samurai came fleeing, staggering unsteadily.
Then two, then three, then four more followed.
From behind came Denroku, wearing a headband tied at the front and swaggering triumphantly.

Ofumi was delighted.

“Denroku-san, you—!”

Ofumi,

“Are you all right?”

Denroku,

“No need to worry! Behind this Denroku here...”

“Boss Umon’s standin’ by!”

Umon appeared, dragging Sakuma along.
Sakuma fled after suffering a terrible ordeal.

Overjoyed, Ofumi suddenly remembered and turned to Denroku.

"What about the drowned corpse?"

Denroku gasped—

"I forgot about that!"

He then ran off in a panic.

(Keishirō devises a gag)

11. On the bridge

A few extras were looking down from the railing.
A drowned corpse lay on the riverbank.
The inquest officers and a few extras stood surrounding the corpse.

There, Denroku came running.

12. Teahouse

Ofumi and Umon were waiting.

Denroku returned to Ofumi,

“The drowned corpse was a boatman.”

Denroku said.

Umon smiled and
“A kappa swept away by the river?”

“Heh.”

said Denroku.

Umon said,
“A boatman who makes his living on the water—”

“Ain’t no way,”
said Denroku.

“A boatman ain’t got no business drownin’ in water.”

Umon silently stood up.

Keishirō, who had been listening nearby, ran off again with his henchman Matsukō.

(F.O.)

13＝（F・I）The previous bridge location

Umon and his subordinate, along with Keishirō, examined the drowned corpse.

Umon,

“He was strangled.”

“Huh?!” Keishirō exclaimed in shock.

Behind the crowd of people was a boatman who had been peering at the corpse.
Upon catching sight of it,

“Ah!”
the boatman shouted.
“Divine punishment has struck!”

At the voice, Umon looked at the boatman.
The boatman hurried away.

Umon said to Denroku, “Don’t let him escape!”

Keishirō also hurriedly stood up.
The boatman was trying to board his own boat.
“Denroku, wait!” shouted Keishirō as he came running and pushed Denroku aside.
Matsukō leapt aboard the boat.
Keishirō tried to leap aboard next but fell into the river.
Matsukō hurriedly extended a hand.
Keishirō grabbed that hand.

Matsukō also went splash.
The boatman launched the boat.
Denroku panicked and shouted, “Wait!” The boatman’s boat fled.

Umon ordered Denroku to pursue in another boat.
Umon’s boat chased the fleeing vessel, joined by several pursuers,

14= Vicinity of Another Bridge

Denroku shouted excitedly.

“When I say wait, you wait!”

The fleeing boatman shouted,
"If you talk to people, you'll end up like that man!"
"It's divine punishment! Divine punishment!"

When the boat came under the bridge,

On the bridge's railing leaned a samurai wearing a deep woven hat.
The large rock at the samurai’s feet.
The boatman's boat passed directly beneath it.
The samurai kicked the rock down.
Umon, on the pursuing boat, shouted "Ah!"
The boatman collapsed, his face covered in blood.

On the bridge—the samurai in the deep woven hat fled.

Umon ordered Denroku to pursue, then leapt aboard the boatman’s vessel himself.
The samurai in the deep woven hat fled along the riverside.

Denroku brought the boat ashore and chased along the riverside—

Umon lifted up the boatman.
The boatman was in his death throes.

“It’s divine punishment! Divine punishment!”

he said.

The riverside――

Denroku pursued the fleeing samurai in the deep woven hat.

Keishirō and Matsukō sat naked, drying clothes.

15= The Riverside Temple Area

The samurai in the deep woven hat vaulted over the earthen wall there and disappeared from view.
Denroku glimpsed the figure and promptly slipped into the temple grounds.

16= Graveyard

Denroku searched around.
A woven hat had fallen there.
A few meters away lay the haori that the samurai had been wearing.

17= Main Hall

Denroku sneaked into the main hall.
The priest sat silently at the center of the main hall.
Denroku called out "Hey!" but the priest continued his silent prayers without responding.
Growing slightly angry, Denroku shouted "Official business!"

The priest shot a sharp glare at Denroku.

Denroku showed his jitte,

“There’s something I’d like to ask you about.”

The priest,

“Have you gone through the proper procedures with the Magistrate of Temples and Shrines?”

Denroku was at a loss for a response.

The priest didn’t so much as crack a smile and continued chanting sutras as before.
Denroku found himself utterly stranded.

In his hand were the woven hat and haori.

(F.O.)

18= (F.I.) Umon's Residence

Umon examined the woven hat and haori.
When he turned the haori sleeve inside out, three white threads were sewn into the corner.
Umon showed it to Denroku,

“This haori was tailored by Ikushimaya.”

he said, and

“The garments sewn there are exactly like this.”

“In the lining of the sleeve, three strands of white thread are sewn.”

Denroku nodded in understanding, impressed.

(F.O.)

19= (F.I.) Ikushimaya's Storefront

Outside, Keishirō and Matsukō were observing the situation.

At the storefront, Umon and Denroku showed the haori in question and questioned Master Tarōzaemon and clerk Iyoshi.

The master, Tarōzaemon,

“It was indeed tailored by us.”

Umon,

“Who was the client?”

Iyoshi flipped through the ledger,

“Mr. Murakami of Hatchōbori.”

Umon,

“Murakami?”

Outside, Keishirō and Matsukō, who had been listening.

Now that they had heard that, they began to walk away slowly.

“Murakami… That’s a name I’ve heard before.”

Keishirō nodded.

“Murakami Keishirō.”

“Murakami Keishirō?”

“Idiot!”

It was then that Keishirō realized.

“That’s me! That’s my name!”

And they turned back.

20= Shop

Denroku also remembered and burst out laughing.

“So even you, Aba-Kei, have the proper surname Murakami, huh?”

Just then, Keishirō appeared.

"I don’t recall commissioning this!"

Iyoshi objected,

"It was Madam Murakami."

"What? My wife?!"

Keishirō panicked.

Umon,

“Let us promptly meet with your esteemed wife.”

Keishirō was startled,

“No way.”

“I’ll investigate my wife myself.”

Umon said,

“Very well.”

“I shall also attend.”

When told this, even Keishirō had no choice but to—

“Do whatever you want!” was all he could say.

(F.O.)

21= (F.I.) Interior of Keishirō’s Residence

Keishirō was investigating his wife Okane.
Keishirō thrust that haori at Okane and,

“Who gave you permission to buy this?”

Being pressed relentlessly, Okane burst into flustered tears.
There was no need for tears.

“Who’d you give it to? Who?!”

Okane kept crying and didn’t answer.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

Okane said,

“If I speak, divine punishment will strike!”
“Divine punishment?”
Keishirō couldn’t comprehend it at all.
“Stubborn wench, get out!”
“I’ll divorce you!”

Okane, who had been crying until now, suddenly grew angry.

This man was unbearably persistent—

"Why is it wrong that I bought this with my own savings?"

The tables had turned.
Umon and Denroku wore faint wry smiles.

Okane,

"Who I give it to is my own business!"

Keishirō faltered.

"D-don't get so angry!"

"No, I will get angry."

said Okane.

"If you tell me to leave, I'll leave."

Okane left right that very moment.
She stood up and headed to the next room.
Keishirō, worried,

“Hey now, don’t get angry!”

He chased after her.

22= Adjacent Room

Okane, ignoring Keishirō’s attempts to stop her, took out clothes from the chest.

Umon and Denroku quietly peeked in to see,

Keishirō, bowing his head repeatedly before Okane,

“I went too far!”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

It was the height of spinelessness.

Umon urged Denroku and stood up.

23= Entrance

His eyes caught on a lantern hanging in the dirt-floored entrance.
On the lantern was written "Fukagawa Boat Inn Okada."
Umon turned to Matsukō.

"What about that lantern?"

he asked.

"The mistress borrowed and brought it here."

A close-up of the lantern.

(F.O.)

24=(F.I.) Front of Okada Boat Inn (Night)

From the entrance lantern O.L. to

25= Inner Tatami Room

Tarōzaemon of Ikushimaya and Naminosuke Inui - the rōnin who had fled into that temple - were secretly conferring.

Tarōzaemon said,
“Handle that smoothly.”
“Understood!”
Naminosuke replied.
“In exchange, I’m entrusting Orui’s situation to you.”
Tarōzaemon gave his confirmation.

26= Same Exterior Vicinity

Umon and Denroku approached the vicinity.

27= Front

Tarōzaemon, who had been escorted by the boat inn’s mistress, said to Naminosuke,

“Tomorrow night then.”

“Leave it to me.”

With those words, Tarōzaemon departed.
After seeing him off, Naminosuke asked the mistress,

“The boatmen won’t cause trouble?”

The mistress chuckled ominously.

“They say loose lips invite divine punishment.”

With this warning, she spoke.
The monk boarded a boat from the riverbank.

Umon and Denroku, who had emerged from the shadows, watched the boat depart.

Denroku mentioned the guy from the other day,

“It’s that samurai, Boss.”

Umon called out to stop the mistress,

showed his jitte and

“Did something happen tomorrow night?”

“No.”
“There will be a splendid sermon at that temple.”

With that, the mistress retreated into the house—

Denroku, to Umon,

“That’s the temple, Boss.”

said Denroku.

(F.O.)

28=(F.I.) Vicinity of the Usual Ikushimaya

Iyoshi and Orui's love scene.

“To that temple.”

Orui said.
"If you sneak out late at night to visit secretly,"
"They say your wish will absolutely be granted!"
"That's absurd!"

Iyoshi didn’t believe it.

“No, it’s true!”

Orui was serious.
"Hey,
let's not skip visiting the temple tonight."

Though Iyoshi felt reluctant, he had no choice but to agree.

Orui said,
“If you tell anyone about what we just discussed, divine punishment will strike.”

(F.O.)

29=(F.I.) At the Usual Teahouse

Ofumi was talking to Denroku.

“To that temple.”

It was about that temple again.

“I’m visiting the temple tonight.”
“You?!”
“Ofumi,”
“Brother and Miss Orui insist I come along.”

Denroku—

“What are you gonna wish for when you visit?”

“Well...”

“Please let my wish come true!”

“Huh?!”

Denroku was taken aback.

"So it's Ofumi..."

"You've fallen for someone, eh?"

"I don't know!"

Denroku pressed,
“Hmm, who could it be?”
“Who d’you fall for?”
“I don’t know!”
Ofumi-chan flushed slightly and stood up.

Denroku,
“Who is it? C’mon, tell me.”
Ofumi fled with an insistent “I said I don’t know!”
“Take a guess.”
Denroku pondered,
“Ah! I’ve got it!”
“Huh?!”

said Ofumi.

“Got it.”

“Ofumi,”

“Who?
“Tell me.”

Denroku chuckled sheepishly—as if he could tell her!

Ofumi,

“Go on, tell me.”

Denroku,

“Take a guess!”

A failed punchline.

Before long, Denroku started to leave, saying, “I’m off.”

“Ah, wait!” said Ofumi.

“About that temple matter earlier.”

Denroku snorted.

Ofumi said,

"If you tell anyone about that, divine punishment will strike."

“Whaaat?!” said Denroku.

(F.O.)

30= (F·I) Umon Residence

In front of Umon, Denroku said,
"They say divine punishment strikes those who speak of it to others."
Denroku had completely spilled everything.

Umon was thinking, but—

“I’ve taken care of the procedures with the Magistrate of Temples and Shrines before nightfall.”

“Well then, Boss.”

Umon had firmly made up his mind.

(F·O)

31= (F·I) Night Street

Orui, Iyoshi, and Ofumi took the Okada lantern and went to worship.
Ofumi,
“Brother, why are we going to the boat inn for worship?”
Orui,
“They say we shouldn’t attract attention, so we’re going by boat.”

Ofumi found it strange.
A lantern in that hand.

(O·L)

32=Keishirō's House Front

Mrs. Okane too took a lantern and set out for worship.
Keishirō hid his face with a hood and stealthily followed.
And from behind them as well, a masked samurai followed.
(Umon)

(F·O)

33= (F·I) River

Those who boarded the boat at the Okada boat inn were Orui, Iyoshi, Ofumi, Okane, and about ten other men and women.

Ofumi looked around and said to Iyoshi,

“Something feels off...”

said Ofumi.
Okane was staring intently at Iyoshi.
Keishirō tied the boat to the riverbank and proceeded.
From behind them came the masked Umon, calm and composed.
The boat reached the shore.
Two or three monks came to greet them.

Keishirō headed around to the back of the temple.
Umon also followed behind.

34= Temple Gate

The devout men and women entered through the temple gate under the monks' guidance――

35= Back Entrance

From the small gate, masked samurai of imposing stature and townspeople dressed like retirees streamed in one after another.
Keishirō mingled into their ranks and entered.
Umon too followed behind them.

36= Main Hall

The gathered men and women.
The head priest appeared composedly in his imposing vestments.
The sutra chanting began.

37= Rear

A monk was stationed on the veranda.
A notice was posted on the adjacent three-legged offering tray.

Admission fee

The samurai placed gold coins on it and entered the room.

Keishirō also turned his wallet upside down to pay the admission fee.
Umon did likewise.

38= Main Hall

The priest chanted sutras; the sound of the wooden fish echoed.

39= Secret Corridor

Keishirō climbed up the stairs from there and ascended to the second floor.

40=Second-Floor Secret Room

Meal trays for about ten people had been laid out.

The group, having been shown in, took their seats there.
There was both sake and fish.
Bewildered, Keishirō was glancing about restlessly.
Among the masked samurai was also the aforementioned Sakuma.

41= Main Hall

The head priest, having finished chanting the sutras, addressed the group,

“Now ladies, please retire to the chambers and wait.”

With that, he continued,

“The lord you hold in your hearts will soon—”

“He will appear before your very eyes.”

and ordered a young monk to guide them.
Then Orui, Okane, and three other women stood up and attempted to leave under the monk’s guidance.
However, Ofumi refused to go in that direction and abruptly stood up,

“I’m leaving.”

With that she made to leave.
The Head Priest,

“Why are you leaving?”

Ofumi,
“Because the person I hold in my heart isn’t here,”
she said.
The head priest
“Even if he isn’t present here, through the Buddha’s divine power, this humble monk will—”
“Without fail bring that honorable one before your very eyes.”

Ofumi,

“Ridiculous!”

“Not a chance, Head Priest. The one I’m thinking of—”

“Even if Buddha himself were to rear up with all his might, he’d never come to some shabby temple like this.”

Having declared this dismissively, she tried to head out into the corridor.
The head priest stopped her,
“Do you not believe in miracles?”

From beside her, Orui said, “You won’t know whether it’s a lie or the truth unless you go and see.”

Ofumi-chan, having no other choice, went to the chamber together with the other women.

42= Secret Chamber

When Umon quietly shifted the meal tray before him, a hole approximately four to five sun in size was revealed in the floor.

43: Below was Ofumi's chamber.

Ofumi was guided in by the monk.

Naturally, it had the feel of a traditional four-and-a-half-mat room.
Umon's face was reflected in the mirror beside him.

Surprised, Ofumi looked upward.

Umon drew his dagger and hurled it down.

Ofumi gripped that dagger tightly.

44= Orui's Chamber

This chamber too (please make the folding screens and other furnishings elaborate)

Of course, it had the feel of a four-and-a-half-mat room.
Orui waited.

45= Okane's Chamber

Okane-san took out a mirror from the corner of the chamber and was completely absorbed in applying her makeup.

46= Main Hall

The head priest now addressed the men,

“To the chamber this humble monk has just shown you,”

Having said that,

“The honorable woman you long for awaits your arrival.”

“The honorable Buddha has granted permission.”

“Proceed courageously, honorable ones.”

47= Gatefront

Denroku’s squad of police officers pressed forward in tight formation.

48= Orui's Chamber

Orui stiffened at sensing someone’s presence.
The sliding door opened to reveal the head priest.
Orui gasped.

49= Okane's Chamber

Iyoshi slid open the door and appeared—then froze in shock at the sight of Okane.
Okane was thoroughly satisfied.

50= Ofumi's Chamber

A masked samurai (Tarōzaemon) slid open the door and entered.
Ofumi quietly hid the dagger,

“You’re late, pretty boy.”

“Huh?”

Tarōzaemon gasped in shock.

Ofumi said,
"My dear appeared and vanished already."
Then added,
"Buddha's not entirely dishonest after all, hmm?"
Tarōzaemon found himself momentarily checkmated at the first move.

51= Second-Floor Secret Chamber

“Well then, it’s about time…” As they pushed the meal tray aside, there was a hole there.

They peered through it.

Keishirō began doing exactly that.
Umon stood up and left during that time.

Keishirō looked down and,

52= Orui's Chamber

The head priest was pressing his advances on Orui.

"The honorable Buddha has decreed this arrangement,"

he declared,

"Refuse and divine retribution shall befall you—mark my words!"

All manner of coercive stratagems were being deployed.

53= Secret Chamber

Upstairs, Mr. Keishirō,

“This one’s entertaining!”

He was overjoyed.

54= Entrance

Umon descended to the entrance and signaled to Denroku, who was waiting at the gatefront.

55= Secret Chamber

Keishirō now peered at where Umon had departed.

56= Ofumi's Chamber

The masked Tarōzaemon lunged at Ofumi, only to have his forehead slashed by the dagger and recoil with a startled gasp.
Ofumi threw every object in the room at Tarōzaemon.

57= Secret Chamber

Keishirō was utterly ecstatic and delighted by this grand spectacle.
To the guy next door,

“This is where the real show’s at!”

“Then we’ll switch over.”

And this time, they peeked into the neighboring room.
There:

58=Okane’s Chamber

Okane was vigorously pressuring Iyoshi.

“If you refuse, divine punishment will strike you—I warn you!”

59= Second Floor

Keishirō watched with great delight, unaware that it was Okane.

However, Okane turned this way.
Keishirō,

“Huh?!”

He exclaimed in surprise.
“That’s my wife! My wife!”

He started to panic.

“You unfaithful wretch!”

60= Lower Chamber

Orui and Iyoshi looked around restlessly at the sound of that voice.

Keishirō continued shouting loudly,

“I’m divorcing you! As of today, it’s over!”

Down below, they were pacing around restlessly.
At that moment

61= Entrance

A squad of police officers came rushing in; the entire temple was transformed into a scene of utter chaos.

In the end,

Sakuma, monk Naminosuke, Orui, the masked Tarōzaemon, Ofumi, and the others finally managed to escape.
The ones who ended up looking like fools were Keishirō and his wife.
"Hmph!" Caught—"No, it's me! I'm telling you, it's me!"

he was shouting.

Iyoshi, seeing the fleeing figures of Naminosuke and Orui, chased after them.

(F・O)

62= (F・I) Okada Boat Inn’s exterior――

Orui, led by Naminosuke, escaped inside.
Iyoshi, who had chased after them, tried to follow them inside but was stopped by the proprietress.

“Orui is—”

“She should be here.”
“No such person has come here.”
“I just saw her!”

“You’d best hurry back before the master becomes concerned.”

He pushed past the proprietress and entered.

63= Interior

When the sliding door of a room clattered open, there inside was the rōnin Naminosuke.
Iyoshi, who had borrowed the inn’s kimono and was sitting there,

“And you?”

Naminosuke said,

“I’m the current temple’s head priest.”

Iyoshi suddenly noticed Orui’s kimono lying in the corner of the room.

“Where have you hidden Orui-san?!”

Naminosuke scoffed. “You’re joking.”

“I ain’t hidin’ her.”

“She’s in the bath—”

he said.

Iyoshi.

“Give Orui-san back!”

“Give her back?
“Don’t be stupid!”

Naminosuke retorted.

“That’s my wife.”

Iyoshi tried to enter the next room.
Naminosuke pulled him back, kicked him down, and gave him a thorough thrashing.
At that moment, Orui, fresh from her bath, came in,

“Oh, what’s all this?”

“O-Orui-san,” said Iyoshi.

“This greenhorn’s demanding I give you back.”

Orui snorted and sneered.
Iyoshi stood frozen.

“What a pathetic man.”

Orui clung to Naminosuke.
Iyoshi got angry and stood up.
He was kicked again.

64= Exterior

Iyoshi was kicked out.
He stood up with tears of frustration and trudged home dejectedly.
The lattice-windowed shoji slid open, and Orui called out to stop him.
With a sneer on her face,

“The bathwater’s nice and hot.”

“Why don’t you take a nice bath before heading home, ‘pretty boy’?”

Iyoshi’s tears of frustration.
Orui and Naminosuke laughed.

Orui and Naminosuke laughed.

(F.O.)

65＝（Ｆ・Ｉ）生島屋

The door was still closed.

It was morning.
A disheveled Iyoshi returned.
As he tried to open the entrance door, Master Tarōzaemon stuck out his head.

Iyoshi gasped.

(With a wound on his forehead)

Tarōzaemon:

"Isn't that you, Iyoshi?"

Iyoshi looked resentfully at Tarōzaemon.

Tarōzaemon,

“Orui hasn’t returned since last night…”
“You took her somewhere, didn’t you?”

Iyoshi,

"That's absurd!"

"Nonsense—" Tarōzaemon retorted,

“I won’t get angry.”

“Take your woman wherever you like.”

That’s not true—as Iyoshi tried to argue,

Tarōzaemon,

“But in exchange—there was our deal.”

“Huh?!”

Iyoshi’s shock was only natural.

Tarōzaemon,

“Your sister Miss Ofumi—I’ll take her.”

Iyoshi,

"No."

"Miss Orui ran off on her own. I know nothing about it."

Tarōzaemon,

"I know nothing of such matters."

"If you want Miss Ofumi returned, please bring Orui back."

Iyoshi,

"I'll bring her back."

"I’ll definitely bring her back."

With those words, he dashed off.
After seeing him off, Tarōzaemon laughed meaningfully.

(F.O.)

66＝（Ｆ・Ｉ）Highway

Disguised as a traveling couple, Naminosuke and Orui proceeded down the road.
Naminosuke turned to Orui and said,
"The fool in this affair is Iyoshi."
As these words left his lips, Orui added,
"He'll surely come chasing after us."

Naminosuke laughed, and
“Just as planned.”
Orui also laughed.

Orui also laughs.

(F.O.)

67＝（F.I.）Highway

Iyoshi hurried along.
Whenever he spotted a traveler with a female companion on the highway, he circled ahead to inspect the faces as he went.
The eyes were already bloodshot.

(F.O.)

68＝（Ｆ・Ｉ）Teahouse

Tarōzaemon is pressuring Ofumi.

“Your brother has run off with Orui.”

“As per our agreement, I’ll have you come to my place starting today.”

“Such a thing,” Ofumi refused.

However, Tarōzaemon,

“Since your brother agreed,”

“Look here, palanquin bearers—I’d even had a palanquin prepared.”

Ofumi

“I refuse.”

She persisted defiantly.

Tarōzaemon,

“You went to that temple last night too, didn’t you?”

Ofumi startled.

Tarōzaemon,

“The authorities are conducting a severe investigation into those who fled last night.”

“If I were to lodge a complaint at the magistrate’s office—”

“Both Iyoshi and you will have hands reaching from behind.”

At that moment,

“And you too.”

At the sound of this voice, he turned around to find Umon and Denroku.

“What do you mean by that?”

Denroku cut in from the side,
“What’re you planning with this woman?”

Tarōzaemon dismissed them,
“Stay out of this.”
“I’ve got a proper arrangement with her brother.”

Umon’s suspicions hardened.
The merchant continued,
“I’ve had a sharp memory since birth,”
“Once I make a deal, it stays made.”

Umon began,
"But as for me—"
Tarōzaemon cut in: "I was born with a damn good memory, ya know."
"Once I’ve seen a face, I don’t often forget it," Umon countered.
"Hey, Chief!" Tarōzaemon sneered.

“What’s that scar on your forehead?”

Tarōzaemon let out a startled "Huh?!"

Twisting down the arm trying to escape, Umon—

Ofumi,

“Miss Ofumi! Take a good look at this face.”

Ofumi looks suspiciously at that face.

69＝昨夜の

Could it be that the masked samurai is Tarōzaemon?

Ah!

Ofumi gasps in shock.

Umon,

“You were all in collusion from the very beginning.”

Umon declared.

(F·O)

70＝（F・I）Guardhouse

Finally released, Okane and Keishirō returned with Matsukō, who had come to fetch them.
Okane was in a huff, her anger all twisted up.

“It’s because you’re spaced out like this that we end up suffering such humiliation!”

Keishirō was apologizing profusely.

Okane kept scolding him briskly.

"Stop dilly-dallying and go catch that monk already!"

"But I don't even know where he is!"

"You're such an idiot."

said Okane.

“He took a woman and fled along the Kōshū Highway.”

Keishirō was delighted.

“Umon probably hasn’t found out about that yet.”

“What’re you talkin’ about? He left ages ago!”

“This is bad!” Keishirō and Matsukō cried in a panic before scrambling away.

“Honestly, hopeless.”

Okane watched them go with a sigh.

(F·O)

71＝（Ｆ・Ｉ）Highway

Umon, Denroku, and Ofumi set out on their journey with carefree airs.

By the roadside, five or six children gathered and were up to some mischief.
As Denroku tried to go take a look, wondering what it was, Umon simply kept walking ahead.

“Wait a moment, Boss!”

Denroku peered in, let out a “Waa!”, and fled.

The children were playing with a snake.

(F·O)

72＝（F·I）Highway

Keishirō and Matsukō went.

(F·O)

73＝（F·I）Sakuma’s Residence

Sakuma called about ten young samurai and,

"If last night's affair becomes known to the authorities, our necks will be in danger."

With that,

"Kill Umon."
"I'm counting on you."

(F·O)

74＝（F·I）Highway

The Umon Assassination Ten hurried along the road.

(F·O)

75＝（Ｆ・Ｉ）宿の一室

Orui and Naminosuke had just arrived.

Orui

“We’ll stay here until the money comes from Brother.”

Naminosuke stood up to go take a bath,
"I need to eliminate that Iyoshi fellow in the meantime."
With these words, he stepped out into the hallway.

76＝廊下

The rōnin guest he bumped into was his old acquaintance Murai Shōbei.

After some back-and-forth, they went to his room where four old comrades were present.

“Long time no see—”

Naminosuke sat down.

“By the way,”
“Are you all heading to Edo?”
“Indeed.”

“I see. In that case...”

“There’s something I need to ask you.”

Naminosuke began speaking.

(F·O)

77＝（F·I）Inn Front
In the morning, Naminosuke and Orui saw them off from the second-floor railing.
Five rōnin departed.

Naminosuke said to Orui, “With this, Iyoshi’s taken care of.”
(F·O)

78＝（F·I）Highway Teahouse

Ofumi, Umon, and Denroku were resting.

Denroku was talking while munching away on mochi.

Keishirō and Matsukō, who had arrived by palanquin, hid in a corner of the teahouse upon spotting Umon and stealthily eavesdropped.

Denroku said to Umon,

“I wonder who Ofumi-chan’s got her heart set on?”

Ofumi,

“Oh, don’t say such things!”

Denroku pressed on,

“Do you know, Boss?”

“I don’t,” said Umon, looking at Ofumi.

Ofumi was embarrassed.

Denroku said,
"I've got it all figured out."

"Hmm."
"Who is it?"

“Who is it?” said Umon.

“Heh-heh,” said Denroku.

“Heh-heh, I can’t just come out and say it.”

Umon,

“Who is it? Tell me.”

Denroku,

“Heh…”

“Try to guess, Boss.”

“Why don’t you try saying who it is?”

Umon,

“Try guessing yourself, Denroku.”

“Ah, I can’t stand this!”

said Denroku.
Ofumi-chan burst into laughter.

A snake wriggled into the plate of mochi.

Mistaking the snake for mochi, Denroku grabbed it, brought it to his mouth, then threw it away with a “Waaah!”

It then snagged on the back of Keishirō, who was in the corner, and he leapt up and fled.
He lost his footing, tumbled off the cliff, and ended up dangling from a tree.

Umon and the others rode in a palanquin and ran away along the cliff top.
Keishirō dangled from the tree.
“Help me――”
“Murderer――”
About two feet below that was the murmur of a stream.
Matsukō came running with a splash.

(F.O.)

79＝（F.I.） Highway

Before Umon, Denroku, and Ofumi, Keishirō was prostrating himself in the middle of the road, placing both hands on the ground and bowing repeatedly as he pleaded.

“If I were to bungle this arrest…”

“I’ll never hear the end of it from my wife!”

“Please show samurai compassion,”

“Please yield this credit to me.”

[Keishirō] was pleading.

(F.O.)

80＝（F.I.）Top of the Mountain Pass

A group of five sat waiting.

81＝Far Below

Iyoshi came up from below.

Murai Shōbei said, “That must be him.”

82＝Lower Path

Keishirō and Matsukō’s party arrived where Umon, Denroku, and Ofumi stood.
Ofumi looked ahead,

“It’s Brother!”

she said.

In the far distance was Iyoshi.
Denroku shouted, “Hey!”
He called out, but there was no response.

83=The path even further below that

The Ten Assassins arrived.

84=Summit

Shōbei, who had called out to stop Iyoshi as he passed by,
“You there—your name’s Iyoshi, isn’t it?”
“Heh!” said Iyoshi.
“I see.” Shōbei drew his greatsword.

“Ah!”

Iyoshi gasped in shock.

85=Lower Path

Denroku shouted, "Boss, it's terrible!"
Umon saw this and broke into a run.
At the summit, Iyoshi scrambled about in panic.
As Umon rushed over, Iyoshi's foot slipped and he plunged into the stream.

Reverse current――

Umon ran to help.
The Ten Assassins arrived.

Umon and Denroku were to handle the scuffle with Keishirō and Matsukō.

In the end, Umon plunged into the reverse current.

(We plan to add considerable entertainment value here.)

(F・O)

86＝（F・I）A Room in the Inn

Orui and Naminosuke.

“I wonder if brother forgot to send the money.”

“That can’t be,” said Naminosuke.

“Didn’t he go to the wrong inn?”

said Orui.

“I definitely told him it was here,” said Naminosuke.

“At any rate, he’s late!”

While he was saying this, a maid—
“A courier from Edo has just arrived.”

The two sprang to their feet.

Without hesitation, they clomped down the stairs.

87＝Front

The courier was Keishirō’s henchman Matsukō.
Matsukō leapt at the two who had descended, shouting “In the name of the law!”

Amidst the evening chaos of the post town, they finally apprehended the two. Looking up at the inn’s second floor, Keishirō bobbed his head repeatedly in bows,

“Now I can finally show the old lady who’s boss!”

When Naminosuke and Orui looked up, there on the second-floor railing of the inn were Umon, Denroku, Ofumi, and Iyoshi.
Umon,

“The bath is ready.”

“How about taking a bath before heading back, you two?”

(F・O)

88＝（F・I）Highway

Umon, Denroku, Ofumi, and Iyoshi returned to Edo.

Through use of a snake gag,

"There's a snake!"

"Why would anyone want to carry our group's luggage like that?"

"Why do you suppose that is?"

"Take a guess."

And thus we reach our happy ending.

(F・O)