Pathway to Japanese Literature

Ishimatsu of the Forest Nikkatsu Kyoto

Original Work/Screenplay/Direction

Yamanaka Sadao

Cinematography: Asajirō Araki

Sound Recording: Toshio Nakamura

Music: Gorō Nishi

Cast

Ishimatsu of the Forest: Yatarō Kurokawa

Ishimatsu's Wife Ohan: Ranko Hanai

Father Genbei: Unpei Yokoyama

Sister Oshizu: Fujiko Fukami

Shichigoro of Komatsu Village: Shoji Kiyokawa

Old Woman: Komatsu Midori

Jirocho Shimizu: Toranosuke Toba

Yasugoro Takei: Ryōsuke Kagawa

Kihē Yoshida of Tsudamura Village: Heikurō Imashiro

Hangorō Ōse: Katsuhiko Isokawa

Traveler Kōzō: Takeo Matsushita

Traveler Torazō: Fumio Wakamatsu

Kogorō Kanzawa: Ryūnosuke Nanjō

Daigorō Hōin: Kiyoshi Konno

Masukawa Sen'emon: Eizaburō Kusunoki

Shinta Arakawa: Satoshi Komori

Hisaroku of Hoshita: Ichirō Samonji

Barmaid O-Roku: Rieko Imura

S = Front of the Roadside Tea Shop

Near Enshū Morimachi.

One clear autumn day.

A lone traveler who looked like a wandering gambler was resting.

Oshizu, the tea shop girl, brought tea.

“Miss, do you have any straw sandals?”

“Oh, we do.”

“Is that so? Then give me one.”

“Yes.”

At that moment, three more travelers—also wandering gamblers—came passing by.

One of them strode up to the side,

“Excuse me, but might you be Kogorō Kanzawa, a relative of Yasugoro Takei?”

“Well, I am Kogorō, but might I ask who you are?”

“I’m Nagagorō from Shimizu Port in Udo District, Suruga Province.”

The two men behind Jirocho stated their names.

“I’m Masukawaya Sen’emon of the Shimizu-gumi.”

“I’m Daigorō Hōin.”

“I’m Daigorō Hōin.”

Jirocho said,

“Kogorō! You killed my man Satarō and ran off, didn’t ya?”

“Boss of Shimizu, you’ve got the wrong man! I ain’t killed a soul!”

“What’re you yappin’ about? I ain’t hearin’ excuses! We got a witness! Kogorō! Get ready!”

Kogorō suddenly attacked.
Jirocho drew his blade.

The tea shop owner Genbei and his daughter Oshizu were shocked.
The camp stool overturned.
Teapots and teacups went flying.
“Look out, Oshizu!”
“Dad!”
Oshizu dashed into the back room.

S = Tea Shop's

In the back room lay Ishimatsu - their son - asleep.

“Brother! Brother! It’s terrible! Terrible!”

With that, Oshizu rushed in from the front.

“Oh, you’re still sleeping? Brother, wake up!”

Ishimatsu mumbled incoherently and didn’t wake up.

Oshizu,

“Brother! Get over here now! It’s bad!”

“Shaddup.”

“It’s really bad! Come look!”

“What’s happenin’?”

“There’s a fight out front—total chaos!”

“Tch, fights ain’t nothin’. I scrap every damn night. Just last night I kicked that bastard Gonroku’s shins clean off.”

“No! It’s not that kind of fight! They’ve drawn swords!”

“Drawn swords? A samurai duel?”

“Nuh-uh.”

“So it’s wandering gamblers? Now that’s interesting!”

Ishimatsu got up and headed to the front.

S = Road near the tea shop

Kogorō and Jirocho crossed swords.

S = Front of the tea shop

Ishimatsu came out.

“Old man! Where’s the fight? Ah! They’re goin’ at it!”
“They’re really goin’ at it!”

With that, he joined the gawking crowd and dashed forward.

Old Man Genbei and Oshizu shouted.

“Ishimatsu! Where you headin’? Ishimatsu, it’s dangerous!”
“Don’t go near ’em!”
“You hopeless fool!”

“Brother!”

A cloth bundle and a straw hat lay fallen on the ground.

S = Front of the tea shop

At dusk.

Oshizu was tidying up the shop when Shichigoro arrived.

(Shichigoro, like Ishimatsu, was the son of a farmer but was a delinquent who engaged in gambling.)

“Good evening.”
“Oh, good evening.”

Oshizu didn't look pleased.

S = Shop
Oshizu called out to the back.
“Brother, Shichigoro is here.”
Shichigoro peered in from the entrance,

“Is Pops out?”

“Well, come on in.”

“They say it was awful, Oshizu. Must’ve scared you half to death.”

“Yes, I was so scared.”

Ishimatsu came out from the back.

“He got killed, didn’t he? One of Takei’s boss’s men, they’re saying.”

“That’s right. They say three of them ganged up to kill him.”

“Well, there were three of them all right, but only one was actually fighting. That guy had terrifyingly strong arms. I’m tellin’ ya—that’s gotta be some big-name wandering gambler.”

“Who could it be?”

“Just now, Takei’s underlings came asking too… I still don’t know who it was.”

“Didn’t he announce himself before cutting him down?”

“By the time I saw it, the fight had already started. He must’ve announced himself, but nobody was listening.”

At that moment, Oshizu—

“Brother, I actually did hear something, but I was too scared to tell anyone.”

“What’s that? You heard that?”

Shichigoro,

“What did that man say?”

“Um… He said something about Shimizu Port in Suruga Province.”

“Shimizu Port…?”
“Then it’s Jirocho.”

“That’s right—Jirocho.”

“Shizu, you did say Jirocho, didn’t you?”

“Was that it?”

“That’s definitely it—it’s gotta be Jirocho.”

Ishimatsu was impressed,

“So that’s the up-and-coming Jirocho Shimizu, huh? No wonder both his skill and courage were so damn impressive.”

Having said this to Oshizu,

“Don’t go blabbing about this to anyone. Got it? If this blows up, they’ll swarm you like hornets.”

Ishimatsu stood up and turned to Shichigoro,

“Shall we head out?”

Oshizu,

“Brother, are you going out again?”
“Why don’t you eat before you go?”
“I’ll prepare it right away.”

“Nah, don’t need it. If you keep dawdling around here and the old man comes back, I’ll have to listen to another one of his damn lectures.”

“Brother, you’ve been coming home so late every night lately.”
“I’ll be late again tonight, so don’t bother locking up.”

SCENE: Front of the tea shop

Ishimatsu came out,

“Oh, he’s back! Shichigoro, let’s go!”

And the two left.

Just as they left, Old Man Genbei returned.

SCENE: Shop

Oshizu went to greet him,

“Welcome back.
“You must be tired.
“I’ll make dinner right away.”

“Isn’t Ishimatsu here?
“That bastard went and run off again.”

“Oh, just now.”

“Every night, every night—that damn bastard.
“He doesn’t know a parent’s suffering!”

SCENE: The detached room of the Izumiya inn

The gambling den opened,

“Even!”
“Odd!”

The place was in an uproar.

Ishimatsu, who had lost in the next room, was drinking cold sake when Shichigoro—appearing equally defeated—approached.

“Ishimatsu, how’d you do? Sorry, but could you spot me some?”

“I’m cleaned out too—this’s all I got left,”

he said, pulling two or three coins from his sleeve.

Shichigoro tched.

Ishimatsu jingled the loose change.

Shichigoro peered outside the room,

“Hey, look at that, Ishimatsu!”

“What’s that?”

“You know who that is?”

“Huh? Which one?”
“...That’s Boss Kihē Yoshida of Tsudamura Village, ain’t it?”
“That ain’t it—the guy playin’ shogi with Boss Kihē.”
“Ain’t seen that face around here… Who the hell is that?”

SCENE: A room on the second floor

A second-floor room separated from the detached guest room and the garden.

A man played shogi.

SCENE: Detached Room

Shichigoro turned to the young man nearby,

"Oh, Brother—gotta ask you—that's surely Takei's loan boss over there, ain't it?"

"That's right."

Ishimatsu muttered,

"So that's Boss Yasugoro of Takei."

Shichigoro turned to the young man,

“I hear one of Takei’s men got himself cut down on the outskirts of town today. Have you found out who the guy was that did it and where he’s from?”

SCENE: Second-floor tatami room

With the shogi board between them sat Boss Domoyasu of Takei and Kihē Yoshida of Tsudamura Village.
Kihē snapped a piece down.

“So who in blazes killed Mr. Kogoro? Can’t make heads or tails of it.”

“We gotta hunt ’em down quick and settle Kogoro’s score, or this Yasugoro here’ll lose face.”

“Now see here… Boss, my boys are turnin’ over every rock. We’ll have answers in two-three days tops.”

“First sonuvabitch that tells me who did it and where they’re hidin’—I’ll hand ’em ten, twenty ryo easy.”

SCENE: Detached Room

Shichigoro leaned close to Ishimatsu and whispered,

“Ishimatsu… that matter we discussed…”

“What?”
“It’s about Jirocho.”
“Shh!”
“You quietly inform the Boss of Takei about that.”
“You’ll get at least one ryo out of it.”

“Tch! You’re spoutin’ such petty crap.”

“But you—it’s too early to head back, an’ with both of us flat broke, you can’t go callin’ things petty.”

“Well… guess you’re right.”

SCENE: Second-floor tatami room

Yasugoro and Kihē,

“Kihē, what’s your move?”

“Gold and Silver with two Knights.”

“Gold and Silver with two Knights and… Hmm.”

“Boss.”

One of the subordinates spoke near the sliding door.

“What?”

“A man named Shichigoro says he’s got something urgent to discuss with you and has come here.”

“Shichigoro?”

From behind the subordinate appeared Shichigoro and Ishimatsu.

Shichigoro said,

“Ah, Boss of Takei’s loan group—actually, there’s something urgent…”

Kihē, seeing that,
“What’s this—Shichigoro, is it? What business you got?”
“Would you be the Boss of Tsudamura Village?”
Yasugoro said to Kihē,
“Kihē—you know this guy?”
“Ah, he’s a young man from one of the nearby villages.”

“Okay, Shichigoro-san or whoever—I don’t know what this is about, but we’re at a real interestin’ point in the shogi game here. It’ll be over soon, so I’ll hear you out after we finish.”
“Have some tea or whatever in that room and wait there.”

Shichigoro said,
“Right away—I’ll wait as you command.”

The two of them—Shichigoro and Ishimatsu—retreated to the adjacent room.

Yasugoro said,
“Now then… my turn, was it?”

“Heh, your turn now, Boss.”
“I’ve just moved my Knight here.”

“Ah, I see… That’s a good move.
“This is troublesome... So Kihē, what's your move?”

“The move is Gold and Silver with two Knights.”
“Gold and Silver with two Knights and… Hmm.”
“Ah, Boss.”
Another subordinate came to the sliding door.

“What?”

“A man named Nagagoro from Shimizu Port’s come sayin’ he wants t’meet ya，Boss—he’s waitin’ downstairs…”

“Nagagoro of Shimizu?”

“Ah.”

Ishimatsu and Shichigoro in the adjacent room were taken aback.

Yasugoro Takei said,

“Kihē, if you’re talking about Nagagoro of Shimizu Port, that’d be Jirocho who’s been making a name for himself lately.”

“That’s right.”

“What’d he come here for?”

“Hmm…?”

“Right—send him up.”

“Yes, sir!”

With that, the subordinate left.

Shichigoro and Ishimatsu whispered in low voices,

“What on earth has Jirocho Shimizu come here for?”

“If he himself comes out, we won’t get a single mon out of this.”

Yasugoro resumed the shogi game.

“This bishop is a real pain, no matter how I look at it... What’s your move?”

“Huh?”

“Kihē—what’s your move?”

“The move holds Gold and Silver generals with two Knights.”

“Right—that’s how it was.”
“Gold and Silver with two Knights or Gold and Silver with two Knights and…”

“Ah, Boss…”

The subordinate guided Jirocho to the sliding door.

“What?”

“I have brought him here.
“This gentleman here is Nagagoro of Shimizu Port… Ahem, Nagagoro-san—to your right is Boss Takei of the Takei group, and to your left is Boss Kihē Yoshida of Tsudamura.”

Jirocho turned to Yasugoro,

“This is my first time making your acquaintance.
“I sincerely apologize for intruding upon your leisure.
“I am Jirocho Shimizu of Shimizu—may our mutual goodwill endure through your kind recognition.”

“Ah, so you’re this ‘Jirocho’ they speak of?
“I am Yasugoro Takei.
“Don’t know your business here, but this shogi match just turned interesting.
“It’ll wrap up soon enough—I’ll hear you out after.
“Sit tight and have some tea till then.
“Hey Shinta—tea for our guest.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Now then… Kihē, it was my turn.”

“Yes, sir!”

Jirocho addressed his subordinate,

“Don’t need tea.”
“I didn’t come here to drink tea.”

With that, he stood up.

Ishimatsu and Shichigoro held their breath.

Yasugoro, engrossed in shogi, did not notice Jirocho approaching his side.

“Hmm, Kihē—what’s your move?”

“The move holds Gold and Silver generals with two Knights.”

“Right—Gold and Silver with two Knights and…”

Jirocho kicked the shogi board.

Everyone was stunned.

Yasugoro,

“W-w-what do you think you’re doing?”

“Hey now, Yasugoro—a man’s here on his knees paying proper respects.”
“And then you have the gall to say ‘the shogi’s just gettin’ interestin’, I’ll see you when it’s done—go drink some tea and wait’? What kinda nonsense are you spoutin’?!”

“You... wh...”

“I didn’t come here today to drink tea, damn it! Four years ago, Kogoro Kanzawa killed my man Sataro and ran off with the money—today I cut him down on the outskirts’ highway! I came to give proper notice.”

Kihē—

“So you… Mr. Kogoro…?…”

“Certainly I cut him down,” said Jirocho Shimizu of Shimizu—I humbly request your gracious consideration for lasting goodwill.”

“Y-Y-You b-bastard!”

“What’s with the st-stammering?”
“Hey there，Yasugoro—you lot keep yapping about killing people，but why don’t you st-stammer through it and try cutting someone down right here?”
“Hey—cut ’em down!”

One of the henchmen circled behind Jirocho.

Ishimatsu shouted.

“Ah! Look out!”

The paper lamp toppled over, plunging the room into darkness as screams and angry shouts erupted.

S=Corridor

The shoji screens were torn, the fusuma doors fell, and five or six black shadows tumbled down the staircase in a tangled heap.

S=Annex

Chaos.

“It’s a raid!”

S=Staircase Area

Subordinates tumbled down in a tangled heap.

Jirocho, Kihē, and so on.

S=Garden

“Boss of Shimizu, the back entrance is over here.”

“I see. Much obliged.”

Ishimatsu guided Jirocho to the back entrance beyond the garden.

S=Inside the Tea Shop

Late at night――

Shichigoro's mother, Granny Kan, opened the front door and peered out.

Genbei and Oshizu sat around the hearth.

“Good evening.”

“Oh, Granny!”

Oshizu stood and went to the entrance.

Granny Kan,

“I thought maybe our Shichigoro hadn’t come by your place, you see.”

“Oh, Shichigoro-san isn’t back yet either?
“My brother hasn’t come back yet either.”

“They’re together, I’m sure.”

“It’s been every night lately, hasn’t it?”

Genbei was at the hearth,

“Granny Kan, do come in.”

“Oh, Genbei-san?
“Good evening… Were you still up?”

“I thought Ishimatsu might come back any moment now...”

“Oh... I too—though he’s such an unfilial son—when he stays out so late like tonight, I can’t help but worry.”

“Granny, do come in now.”

“Thank you. No, well... He might have come home just as I was leaving.”

“I’ll be taking my leave now, Genbei-san. Thank you for having me.”

“Ah, you’re heading back now?”

“Farewell.”

S=Front of the Tea Shop

Granny Kan heads home.

S=Vicinity

Jirocho Shimizu—somewhat injured—and,

Ishimatsu came fleeing.

They passed Granny Kan.

Shichigoro arrived a step too late.

He was immediately spotted by the old woman.

"Oh, it's Shichigoro."

“Uh... M-Ma!”

“Shichigoro, where’ve you been loiterin’ till this hour? Get yourself home now!”

“Ma, I’m just—”

“What’re you dawdlin’ for? When I say go home, you move!”

“This’s bad...”

S=At the Front of the Tea Shop

Jirocho and Ishimatsu.

“It’s all right now. Yasugoro’s gang won’t come chasing us all the way out here.”

“However, Boss, the night road is dangerous. How about resting at my place until dawn breaks?”

“Hmm... You’re right.”
“Well then, I’ll rest at your place for a bit before moving on.”

S=Interior

Ishimatsu opened the door.

“Oshizu, I’m back.”

“Welcome back.”

“What’s this—you’re still up, Old man?”

Genbei wore an unpleasant expression.

Ishimatsu turned toward Jirocho outside.

“Boss, it’s a dirty place, but please do come in...”

“Oh, Brother, do we have a guest?”

Jirocho entered.

“Well then, pardon the intrusion.”

“Welcome.”

Oshizu said.
Ishimatsu,
“Oshizu, is the water boiling?”
“I think there was some…”
“Fetch me a bucketful,”
he said with great vigor.
Jirocho,
“Ishimatsu, just leave it be.”

Old man Genbei turned to Ishimatsu and demanded, “Ishimatsu, who’s that?”

“Old man, you can’t talk to someone like that! Boss, please don’t take offense—he’s just an old man…”

“Can’t blame him for being angry,” Jirocho interjected. “Old man, I’m truly sorry for intruding so late. I’m Jirocho of Shimizu Port—a stingy bastard, if you will.”

As Oshizu drew water from the well, the clatter of buckets against stone paused mid-motion—she recognized him through the woodsmoke haze. That’s him—the boss who came by daylight.

Ishimatsu,

“Old man, the Boss of Shimizu said he wants to rest somewhere till dawn breaks, so I brought him home.”
“Boss, please—do come on in.”

“Well then, pardon my intrusion—please allow me.”

Ishimatsu suddenly noticed Jirocho’s wound,

“Right, gotta treat that wound... Where’d Father keep the medicine?”
“Huh? Oshizu, you don’t know?”
“Well then, shall I go borrow some from the neighbor?”

“Nah, I’ll go get it, Boss. Be right back.”

Ishimatsu headed out front.

S=Front

Ishimatsu went to the neighbor’s.

S=Shop

Jirocho finished wiping his feet and sat down upstairs.
Oshizu served tea to Jirocho.

“Here you go.”

“Well, thank you.”

“Oh my, that’s quite torn, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

“Shall I mend it?”

“No, I couldn’t possibly impose.”

Oshizu got up to fetch thread and a needle.

Genbei,

“You called yourself Mr. Jirocho Shimizu or such, but you’re one of those yakuza wanderers, ain’t ya?”

“That’s right, old man.”

Oshizu returned.
“Yes, I’ll mend it.”
“Ah, I’m much obliged.”

Genbei spoke bluntly:
"You'll pardon my bluntness, but this is the residence of an honest old man."
"This is no place for the likes of you—a wanted criminal."

Jirocho stiffened:
"Old man, what did you say?"

"Look here—you've got yourself injured, but that wound ain't bad enough to keep you from walking."
"Now, Mr. Jirocho—won't you just leave quiet-like as you are? Without another word?"

"The hell you say?"

"That fool Ishimatsu brought you here tonight 'cause he wants to become your kin."
"He means to swear himself as your subordinate."
"I see clear as day how it is."
"Mr. Jirocho—walk out that door without another sound."
"I won't have my only son turn yakuza gutter trash..."

Jirocho listened intently,

“Old man, could I trouble you for a pair of straw sandals?”

S=Front

Ishimatsu returned from the neighbor's with medicine.

S=Shop

Ishimatsu entered,

“I’m late. Had to wake ’em up from their sleep,” said Ishimatsu as he entered. “Where’s the Boss gone?”

Genbei kept his voice flat. “He left. Told me to give you his regards.”

“Left? That’s impossible!”

With that, Ishimatsu burst out to the front.

“Boss! Boss!”

He went out into the darkness and called, but there was no answer.

Ishimatsu turned back and returned.

Genbei was feigning innocence, but from Oshizu's expression,

Ishimatsu sensed something was off.

“I thought something was off… really off… So that’s it—Dad, you said something to the Boss, didn’t you?”

“What could I possibly have said?”

“No—it’s gotta be that. He must have said something—Oshizu, that’s right, isn’t it? Dad, you sent the Boss away, didn’t you? That’s right, isn’t it?”

Oshizu’s troubled face.

Ishimatsu worked himself into a rage.

“Father, why’d you send the Boss away?”
“Why’d you send him off?”
“After all the trouble I went through… all that effort to bring him here!”
“Dad—why? Why’d you make the Boss leave—”

“Shut your mouth!”

A parent and child locked in a glaring match—

“Ishimatsu, it’s late tonight—go to bed.”

“Father, I’ll say this once and for all… No matter what you say, I’m gonna become part of Boss Shimizu’s crew.”
“I’ll make damn sure of it!”
“Who’d stay in this shithole?!”
“I’ll live as yakuza—large and short, that’s how I’ll go out.”
“No matter how much… no matter how… no matter what you say…”

“Enough, Ishimatsu—I get it, I get it, I’ve got it.”
“Got it already—just go to bed tonight.”

“You get it?”
“Like hell you do!”
“Like hell Father understands my feelings!”

S=Back room

Ishimatsu was in the back room, shouting through tears.

S=Shop

Genbei descended to the earthen floor with a lonely air and closed the door.

(F.O.)

S=Outside Shichigoro's House (Daytime)

In the stable, Shichigoro was feeding the horse while talking to Ishimatsu, who leaned against the nearby fence.

(If Mount Fuji could indeed be seen from Enshū Morimachi, then having its distant form visible in this scene would be fitting.)

Shichigoro spoke.

"That night when Ma started cryin' on me, I was done for."
"No matter what anyone says, it's just me and Ma at my place."
"I thought about it over 'n over... but I can't just up 'n leave Ma all alone."
"Leavin' her behind'd be too damn cruel."
"Ishimatsu... I'm quittin' on becomin' yakuza."

“Even if you don’t go, I intend to head to Shimizu alone.”
“Did they let you at home?”

“As if the old man at home could ever understand my feelings.”
“Even if the old man doesn’t permit it, I’m going.”
“I’m going to go and become kin under Shimizu’s Boss.”

“Ishimatsu, that old man of yours—back in the day, he made quite a name for himself among yakuza circles, didn’t he?”

“What did you say? The old man was a yakuza?… You’re lying!”

“But… last night when I told Mom about you, she said—”
“In your household, Ishimatsu, since your old man was originally yakuza, it’s only natural you’d want to become one too…”

“The old man… was a yakuza back then?”

S=Tea shop

Genbei was seated in the shop—
Oshizu,

“Hey Father—Brother asked me yesterday, ‘Oshizu, can you live alone with Father?’”

“What did you say…?”

“It must be a joke.”

“Do you think that Ishimatsu really intends to become a yakuza?”

“I don’t think he will. Brother was just saying such things to test the waters—he doesn’t mean it seriously.”

“I don’t think he’s serious either...”

Growing anxious, Genbei left for Ishimatsu’s room in the back.

S=Back room

Genbei came and searched the closets and storage areas.

Ishimatsu's travel preparations were ready.

A single letter.

"To Father, From Ishimatsu" it read.

It seemed Ishimatsu had intended to run away from home that night.

S=Shop

Oshizu was there when a traveler entered.

“Welcome.”

“Pardon me… Is this the residence of Ishimatsu?”

“Um... Brother is out at the moment.”

“Well now, I am Hango Osē, kin of Jirocho of Shimizu Port in Suruga.”

“Father! Father!”

And Oshizu called out to the back.

S=Back room

Genbei finished reading Ishimatsu’s letter and stood as though dazed.

The letter fell from his hand.

“Father! A guest is here!”

At Oshizu's call, Genbei snapped back to his senses and headed toward the shop.

S=Shop

Genbei came out.

Hango Osē,

“Are you Ishimatsu’s old man?”
“I am Hango Osē of the Shimizu-gumi.”
“The other day, I hear our boss caused Mr. Ishimatsu considerable trouble. On his behalf, I offer my deepest gratitude.”

and offered a confectionery package or something,

“This is quite rude of me, but please do accept this…”

Genbei was deep in thought.

Oshizu,

“Father, should I go get Brother?”

Hango Osē stopped her,

“No need for that. In truth, I’ve urgent business to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now. When Ishimatsu returns home, kindly give him my regards. Well now, pardon me...”

As Hango Osē was about to leave, he seemed to recall something and turned back to scrutinize Genbei’s face.
And,
“If I’m mistaken, I beg your pardon.
Might you be Mr. Genbei Mori of the Mori family?”

Genbei, appearing to have known since earlier, smiled lonesomely and,
“Han-san… It’s been a while.”

“So it really is you, Genbei-san.
I’ve been thinkin’ since earlier—your face looked real familiar.”

“Well now, don’t just stand there—Oshizu, brew us some tea.
Are you in a hurry, Han-san?”

“Nah—even if you say hurry, it ain’t like it’s any big deal anyway.”

Hango Osē sat down beside Genbei,

"But I heard you'd gone back to your hometown and gone straight—never dreamed I'd find you here of all places."
"It's been twenty years exactly since then."

"Twenty years... That long?"
"Two lifetimes past."
"Genbei-san... You've changed."

"You've changed plenty yourself, Han-san."

"Genbei-san... Your wife—"

"She's dead."

"When?"

Oshizu brought tea.

Genbei said,
“It was right after she gave birth to this daughter.”

Hango Osē looked at Oshizu,

“Come to think of it, she’s the spitting image of your late wife.”

Oshizu blushed.

Hango Osē suddenly recalled,

“So Genbei-san—this Ishimatsu who says he wants into our boss’s family—”

“Aye. My boy.”

“Oh, so that child who was always being held by your wife back then—is that him?”
“Genbei-san—like father, like son after all.”

“Like father, like son, huh? That’s a fine way to put it.”

Genbei smiled lonesomely.
(F.O)

S=Outside the tea shop

The evening sun sets aglow...

After Hango Osē had left, Genbei went out alone to the front and sat dejectedly on a camp stool.

Ishimatsu returned.

S=Shop

Oshizu sat alone, opening the box of sweets she’d received from Hango and nibbling on a manju or something.

Ishimatsu entered.

“Welcome back. Where have you been all this time? A guest from Shimizu came by earlier.”
“Shimizu… You mean from the boss’s place?”
“He came by the other day to show his gratitude and gave us this.”
“They’re really delicious!”
“So… he’s already left?”

“The guest? Oh, he left.”
“The thing is… it’s strange.”
“That person was Father’s old friend, you know.”

“Father’s old friend?”

“He said it had been twenty years since they’d met… When he saw my face, he said I looked just like Mother.”
“Brother, you remember our late Mother’s face, don’t you?”
“Do I really look that much like her?”

S=Front

Genbei was thinking.

S=Shop

Ishimatsu turned to Oshizu.

“Was Father angry?”

“Nope.”

Genbei called out.

“Ishimatsu!”

Ishimatsu came out.

“What is it, Father?”

“Ishimatsu, if you want to be a yakuza, be one. If you want to go to Shimizu, then go. I’ll give up and live with Oshizu just the two of us.”

“Is that so. Will you allow it, Father? Thanks. Truth is, since it didn’t seem like you’d give your blessing, I’d resolved to slip out of the house tonight without a word.”

“If you’re that dead set on it… I won’t stop you anymore. Ishimatsu—I’ve kept this from you till now, but I was yakuza once too. Even someone like me—Genbei Mori—was a man known among wandering gamblers in my day.”

“So it was true after all. Shichigoro’s mother had been saying. I’d never have thought such a thing could be true. Oh come on, Father! How ridiculous—you’d get all red-faced scolding me whenever I said I wanted to join the yakuza, when you were one yourself all along!”
Ishimatsu spoke with excited energy, buoyed by his happiness.

Genbei said solemnly,
“Ishimatsu… Because I was yakuza back then… Because I was yakuza, I didn’t want you becoming one.” (F.O.)

Three years’ time passed—

S=Tea Shop Front

On a certain clear autumn day.
Genbei hadn’t changed much from three years prior, but Oshizu was now in the full bloom of her youth.
Two merchant-like men sitting on camp stools were talking.
“Who would you say is the greatest boss on the Tokaido nowadays?”

“Well now, there’s no shortage of gamblers along the Tokaido—but none who truly stand above the rest.”

Another traveler entered the shop.

“Welcome.”

“Hey, mind if I join in?”

and joined their conversation,

“However, in five years’ time, the greatest boss on the Tokaido will emerge.”

“Huh, who would that be?”

“Kamatarō Mikageyama of Oiwake in Kusatsu… In five years’ time, this man will likely become the greatest boss on the Tokaido.”

At the neighboring camp stool, a traveler who had taken up a sake bottle and was sipping at it slowly,

“Hey there, brother! A word with you.”

“Huh? Me?”

“That’s right, you. You just said something there, didn’t you? You said that in five years’ time, the greatest boss on the Tokaido would emerge. Don’t make me laugh. Don’t they say even the devil laughs when you talk of next year? You’re going on about five years ahead—the devil’s laughing so hard he doesn’t know what to do with himself!”

“But…”

“That’s why I’m telling you to talk about the present. The greatest boss on the Tokaido exists right now, don’t he?”

“Who is it?”

“Chogoro Yamamoto, who lives in Shimizu Port, Udo District, Suruga Province. Folks call him Jirocho Shimizu—that’s the current greatest boss on the Tokaido.”

Old Man Genbei, who had been listening,

“Sir, is this Jirocho Shimizu truly so remarkable?”

“Remarkable? Old man! Among all the gambling bosses across eight Kanto provinces and six Kansai ones—fourteen provinces total—you think we could stand having two as mighty as Jirocho? That’d be downright unbearable!”

“Is that so? Must be quite something.”

“But y’know, old man—it ain’t just Jirocho who’s great.”

“Hah—”

“For a boss to rise to prominence, he needs good underlings, you know.”
“The Shimizu family’s got plenty of good underlings.”

“I see.”
“Hey Oshizu, bring another sake bottle over here.”

“Oh, old man, I’ve had enough already.”

“Nonsense—this one’s on me.”
“I’m right partial to this sort of talk myself.”

“Old man, you’re quite the talker.”
“I owe you one, old man.”
“So what is it then? Does Jirocho have such good underlings?”

Genbei poured him a drink.

The traveler sat flushed-faced and bolt upright.

“Of course there are—twenty-eight people serve as deputy bosses, known as Shimizu’s Twenty-Eight.”
“Out of these twenty-eight, there are five or six who are as great as Jirocho himself.”

“You’re quite knowledgeable.”
“Then do you know who’s the strongest among Jirocho’s underlings?”

“I know.”
“The strongest in the Shimizu-gumi is Ōmasa.”

“I see… Then who’s the second strongest?”

“The second is Komasa.”
“Shimizu Port’s scarier than demons—ain’t there even a song that says you can hear Ōmasa and Komasa’s voices there?”

“Then third.”
“Who’s third?”

“Third is Hango Osē.”

“Fourth?”

“Masukawa Sen’emon”

"Fifth?"

“Daigorō Hōin”

“Strange. It’s not showing up.”

“What ain’t showin’ up, old man?”

“Then sixth.”
“It must be sixth.”
“Who is the sixth?”

“Oiwake Sangoro”

“Seventh?”

"Tsurukichi of Ohno in Owari"

“Eighth?”

“Kichigorō of the Barrel Maker in Owari”

“Ninth?”

“Matsugoro of Miho”

“Tenth?”

“Ōkuma of Tonya District”

“Eleventh?”

“Cut it out, old man. That’s all I know. Even if Jirocho’s underlings are strong, the only ones worth bragging about are those kinds of men. The rest ain’t worth shit anyway.”

“That so?”

Genbei stood up displeasedly.

Oshizu had been stifling giggles since earlier.

Genbei stepped out from the shop,

"You seem well-versed, sir—yet not thorough enough."
"Have you forgotten one vital member among Jirocho's men?"

“The crucial one?”

“Well, drink that sake and think it through proper-like.”

“Ain’t happenin’, old man.”
“Think till dawn—still useless.”
“Any fool knows Boss Jirocho’s top men—Ōmasa, Komasa, Hango Osē, an’ Mori’s…”

Genbei's face said, "There it comes."

The traveler suddenly realized,

“Ah! That’s it!”
“Old man.”
“My apologies—truly inexcusable.”
“Forgot the key point I should’ve led with.”
“A son of this very soil!”
“Right you are—old man! Boss Jirocho’s strongest man? None but Ishimatsu Mori!”

S= Under the moonlit sky of Tenryū Riverbed,

The sound of the war cry erupted in a sudden roar.

A chaotic brawl erupted between the Shimizu family's eighty-plus members and the one hundred fifty members of Katsuzō's family from Kōshū Kurokoma.

Ishimatsu fought fiercely.

S= Night at the Magistrate's Residence—

Jirocho Shimizu and eight stalwarts of the Shimizu family stormed into Takegaki Saburobei’s residence.
Surprised, the magistrate's men counterattacked.
Chaos and brawling.
Jirocho battled the magistrate while roaring.

“Ishimatsu! Don’t let Hisaroku get away!”

Hisaroku of Hodenoda fled from room to room.

Ishimatsu desperately chased.

He landed a blow on the shoulder, but it was only a shallow wound.

Hisaroku threw whatever objects he could get his hands on.

Ishimatsu took the full brunt of Hisaroku’s thrown brazier and crumpled.

Hisaroku fled.

S=Garden

Hisaroku fled from the back gate.

S=Tatami Room

Ishimatsu got hit in the eye.

Jirocho rushed over,

"Ishimatsu! What's wrong?"
"Get a hold of yourself!"

In bitter frustration, Ishimatsu shouted.

"Damn it! Hisaroku of Hodenoda, you cowardly bastard."
"You'll pay for this!"

S= Kamezaki Inn “Ono-ya” (Night)

The earthen-floored entrance had been converted into a tavern.

Ishimatsu, with a bandage over one eye, drank alone in a corner.

Two of Hisaroku’s underlings came running in from outside, whispered something to the proprietor, then split up—one keeping watch outside while the other ran upstairs.

Ishimatsu toyed with a one-mon coin as he watched.

[Note—I had omitted this until now, but this was Ishimatsu’s habit: whenever he had a moment to spare, he would spin a one-mon coin.]

The barmaid came to Ishimatsu and,
“Shall we bet on heads or tails?”

“Alright, I’ll take heads.”
“Then I’ll take tails.”
Ishimatsu spun the coin.
It landed heads.

“Oh!”

“See? It’s heads.”
“I win!”

“Once more.”

“Alright, I’ll take heads again.”

“I’ll take tails.”

Ishimatsu spun the coin.

Hisaroku of Hodenoda, protected by his underlings, came down from the second floor (one hand hanging from his neck).

Ishimatsu suddenly attacked, delivering a single strike.

A scream.

Hisaroku collapsed.

People stood in stunned silence.
They couldn't even speak.
The spinning one-mon coin stopped.

Ishimatsu asked the woman.

“Well, Miss? Tails?”
“Heads?”
“Heads, right?”

The woman, too shocked to speak, nodded.

Ishimatsu smiled and,

“How ’bout that, sis? My win again.” (F.O.)

S= TOKAIDO HIGHWAY

Ishimatsu Mori in traveling attire proceeded onward.

Appearing to be near Shimizu Port, the camera pans to reveal Mount Fuji.

Music――

S= SHIMIZU PORT DESCRIPTION

S= THE FRONT OF JIROCHO'S RESIDENCE

The music stops.

Tsurukichi returned humming a tune.
He suddenly came face to face with Ishimatsu—who had returned from the opposite direction—at the entrance.

“Oh, if it isn’t Ishimatsu!”

“Tsurukichi? Just got back.”

“I see—that’s good! Hey everyone—Ishimatsu’s back!”

S= INNER TATAMI ROOM

The local magistrate's agent, Boss Konkyu, had arrived.

An underling called from beyond the sliding door:

“Boss, Brother Ishimatsu has returned.”

“I see. He’s back?”

Jirocho then turned to Konkyu:

“He’s returned.”

“In that case, Boss Jirocho—I’ll take my leave. Tonight, or tomorrow night at the latest... Be prepared.”

“I thank you for your kindness.”
“I will not forget your kindness.”
“Hey, the guest is leaving.”
“Get the footwear ready at the entrance.”

“Oh, we’ll take the back way after all.”
“’Cause there’s lookouts out front—they’d be a pain in the ass.”

S= THE FRONT ROOM

Tsurukichi approached Ishimatsu,

“Yesterday, Ohan-san came asking when you’d be back.”

“How’s Ohan doing? Is she well?”

“Tch, quit being soft, Ishimatsu.”

“But you know, we haven’t met in three months. Can’t help but worry.”

S= FRONT ENTRANCE

Suspicious-looking ragpickers were peering into the interior.

S= NEARBY TOWN

Two ragpickers walked while talking.

“That’s definitely Ishimatsu—no mistake about it.”

“I see… He’s finally come back. Alright—tonight it is.”

Five or six disguised underlings gathered together.

“I’ll handle the arrangements, so you lot keep watch a while longer.”

S= JIROCHO'S LIVING ROOM

Jirocho, Ishimatsu, Hango Osē, and others were present.

Jirocho adopted a formal tone,

“Now then, Ishimatsu—I know you’ve only just returned, and I hate to ask this—but I need you to go on an errand for me right away.”

“Very well. Where am I to go?”

“I want you to go in my place to Konpira Shrine for a thanksgiving visit.”

“Huh? Understood…? Boss, when you say ‘Konpira Shrine,’ exactly which Konpira Shrine are you talking about…?”

“What do you mean ‘which one’? When you say Konpira Shrine, it’s obviously the Konpira Shrine in Sanuki!”

“As expected, that Sanuki one... I’m surprised, really.”

“Take this family-heirloom Goji Chūkichi sword and offering of 150 ryō—deliver these to Konpira-sama in my stead.”

“Huh...? So Boss, when you plannin’ to depart?”

“Today’s Mankichi—an auspicious day—so I want you to depart before sunset.”
“Here’s thirty ryō for travel expenses—I’m handing this over to you, so…”

“Boss, hold on just a moment!”

“What is it?”

“This is awkward, Boss—it’s hard to say, but….”
“Could I ask to be excused from this task?”
“Please choose someone else for this task.”

Hango Osē approached Jirocho,

“Boss.”

“What is it, Hangoro?”

“When you told Ishimatsu to go run an errand, I figured he was just borrowing a nail puller from next door or something. But sending him all the way to Konpira Shrine... That’s rough on the poor bastard. Didn’t he just get back from a trip?”

Tsurukichi also chimed in from the side,

“That’s right,” Tsurukichi chimed in from the side. “The Old Man’s right. Ishimatsu’s just come back to Shimizu after so long—he must be wanting to see Ohan too… Hey Boss, why not send someone else for this... If need be, I’ll go in Ishimatsu’s place.”

“Now, everyone—” Jirocho cut through the objections, “—there’s a definite reason why we must have Ishimatsu make this trip.”

Ishimatsu leaned forward, his rough voice tightening. “Boss—why’s it gotta be me?”

“Truth is,” Jirocho revealed, lowering his voice, “Master Konku came to inform us privately earlier—the Suruga town magistrate had issued an order to the local informant network. They mean to apprehend you, Ishimatsu Mori.”

“Arrest me…? What on earth… what’s the reason for this…?”

“Kyūroku’s crew have gone and pulled some strings.”

“Kyūroku! You’ve pulled a coward’s trick!”

Hango Osē fumed.

Jirocho,

“So they’ll be moving tonight or tomorrow night—get yourself gone before then.”
“They made a point of telling us to let you disappear.”
“Must be rough—just back from travels, heading out again before you’ve even seen Ohan... But hell, six months pass and the heat’ll die down.”

At that moment, one of the underlings came in from outside,

“Boss, five or six suspicious guys have been loitering around out front since earlier—do you think something’s up?”

Tsurukichi panicked,

“That’s no good, Ishimatsu! Hurry up and get ready!”
“Come on, hurry! Hurry up!”

Tsurukichi urged impatiently.

Jirocho,

“Ishimatsu, slip out through the back.”
“You—keep watch on the rear exit.”

“Right.”

Tsurukichi urged Ishimatsu,

“Ishimatsu! What’re ya doin’?”
“Get ready already!”

“But I went through hell comin’ back—let me swing by Ohan’s place just once.”

“Ya bastard—spoutin’ that carefree crap now!”
“I’ll make sure Ohan gets the whole story from me—quit yer worryin’.”
“Get yer shit together already!”
“Move it…”

Hango,

“Ishimatsu! Hurry up and get ready already!”

“Hey!”

S= Second floor of the hardware store

Ohan would rent a room there and work at a restaurant or something of the sort.

Downstairs, the hardware store owner was calling out.

“Missus Ohan! Missus Ohan!”
“What is it, Mister?”
“Ishimatsu’s come back!”
“Oh!”
Ohan stood up briskly with joy.

At the mirror stand, she peered into the mirror for a moment.

S= Downstairs of the hardware store

Ishimatsu sat on the entryway step, taking off his straw sandals while addressing the old man.

“Old man, you keep today’s visit quiet.”
“Don’t you go blabbing to anyone.”
“Got that?”

With that, he picked up the straw sandals he’d removed and made to head upstairs.

The old man called out to stop him.

“Ishimatsu, wait a second.”

“What now?”

“It’s happy news!”

“Out of nowhere? What’s this about?”

“Well, actually, Ishimatsu.”
“It seems Ohan… you…”

He whispered in Ishimatsu’s ear in a hushed voice.

Ishimatsu,

“Huh? Is that true, old man?”
“Old man.”

He rejoiced.

S= Second floor

Ishimatsu came up.

“Ohan, we must part for a short while.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Farewell...”
“Take care of yourself.”

“What’re you saying?”

“If I wait till later, I won’t be able to say it—so I said it upfront.”

“You’re joking, right? Teasing me. You can’t be serious.”

Ishimatsu remained silent.
Ohan,
"You finally come back after being away three months, and without even letting me say welcome home, it's goodbye again?"

Ishimatsu was by the long hibachi, spinning mon coins.

Ohan said,
"You hurt your eye, didn't you?"

"Just some grit got in it."

"Be careful now..."

"Yeah..."

"When you leavin'?"

"I'm headin' out now.
Ain't got time for dilly-dallyin'."

“Will it take long?”

“I won’t be back for six months.”

“Come back as soon as you can, okay?”

“I asked the old man downstairs, but you…?”

“So… come back quickly, okay?”

S= Downstairs

Tsurukichi came to visit.

“Old man, is Ohan here?”

“Oh! Tsurukichi?”
“Ohan! Tsurukichi is here!”

S= Second floor

At that voice, Ishimatsu panicked.

“Oh no! That bastard Tsurukichi—what the hell’s he doing here? Ohan, you ain’t allowed to say I’m here!”

“Why?”
“Why can’t I say that?”

S= Downstairs

The hardware store owner addressed Tsurukichi,

“Tsurukichi, Ishimatsu came back earlier and—”

“What? Old man—you already knew?”

“But earlier—”

“That’s right—he did come back earlier... But something urgent came up, and he left on another journey.”

“Huh?”

“He would’ve liked to see Ohan-san one last time before leaving, but…”

Ohan came down from the second floor.

“Good day.”

“Ohan-san, today I came to apologize to you about Ishimatsu.”

“What’s all this formality?”

“You’ve probably already heard, but the truth is—Ishimatsu came back from his journey earlier.”

“S-so that’s what they say...”

“He did come back, that much is true—but he left on another journey right away.”

“You’re lying.”

“Ain’t lying. It’s true. We just saw him off at the edge of town.”

“That’s strange.”

The old man tilted his head.

Tsurukichi,

“It’s only natural you’d find it strange.”
“You’d be right to get angry at him for leaving without saying a single word to his wife—but there’s a reason for this.”
“Truth is, if he stays in these parts, Ishimatsu’s life’s in danger.”
“He’ll end up with a noose round his neck.”

S= Second floor

Ishimatsu was alone.

"What's that bastard Tsurukichi spouting off about?"

He quietly watched from the staircase.

S = Downstairs

Ohan said to Tsurukichi,

“That person must have truly… wanted to see me.”

“That guy… he kept saying he wanted to see you one last time before going, but we had to make him leave ’cause staying put would’ve been too risky.”
“Now listen, Ohan-san—just tough it out for half a year or so.”
“And… our Boss feels right sorry for you too. Said if Ishimatsu comes back, even if it’s some tinderbox of a place, he’ll build you two a proper house.”
“You oughta quit renting this grimy second floor forever…”

The old man glared.

Tsurukichi said hurriedly,

“Well, Ohan-san, given all that, please don’t hold it against Ishimatsu.”
“That’s all I came to say.”

“Thank you for going to such trouble.”

“Well, I’m heading back.”

“Please give my regards to Boss-sama.”

S= Second floor

Ohan came up.

“He’s gone?”

“Yeah.”

Ohan said quietly,
“I’m… happy.”

“What’re you springin’ on me now? Oh... I get it.”
“That true?”

“What d’you mean?”

“The Boss’ll build us a house.”

“That’d be lovely.”

“You’ve always said it yourself—
‘Want a place where just us two can live without nobody buttin’ in…’”

“This time there’ll be three of us.”

“Right, that’s how it is.”

“I wonder if it’s a girl.”

“You don’t want a boy?”

“I don’t dislike them… But if they grow up to be a man like you, that’d be a problem…”

“A man like me?”

“You might get mad… but I—I don’t want our child to join the yakuza.”

“Tch, what’re you yappin’ about?
“Ain’t yakuza the truest men there are?
“When my boy’s grown, he’s damn well takin’ over as the second Ishimatsu Mori!”

Even as he said this, Ishimatsu suddenly remembered his father back home—

"That's right. On my way back, I'll stop by Father's place back home. I suddenly wanted to see Father's face."

S= Downstairs

From the front, Tsurukichi returned accompanied by four or five men who appeared to be henchmen.

“Old man, I’m back!”

“Oh, Mr. Tsuru. Did you forget something?”

“Nah, it’s nothing really. These guys here said to show ’em where Ishimatsu’s wife lives, so I brought ’em along.”

Tsurukichi said to the henchmen,

“It’s here. It’s the second floor here.”

The henchmen tried to go up to the second floor, so the old man stopped them.

“What the hell are you doing? Where do you think you’re going?”

Tsurukichi stopped the old man,

“Old man, it’s fine. It’s fine. They’re officials working for the authorities. They’re looking for Ishimatsu. I told ’em Ishimatsu ain’t here—that he’d gone off on a trip—but that’s a load of crap. So if you think that’s a lie, go up and see for yourself! There’s no way Ishimatsu’s here!”

he said with a calm expression.

S= Second floor

Ishimatsu prepared for his journey and climbed out onto the roof through the window.

Ohan saw him off.

"If anything happens, send a letter to Father back home. Got it?"
"Got it?"

At that moment came the sound of footsteps rushing up the stairs and Tsurukichi's voice.

"Go on and search the house or do whatever you like!"
"There's no way Ishimatsu's here!"

Ishimatsu fled.

S= Downstairs

The old man,

“Mr. Tsuru—stop this!
“Ishimatsu’s come up to the second floor!”

“Wha—What did you say? Ishimatsu’s here?”
“That ain’t good!”

Tsurukichi, panicking, rushed up to the second floor and—

(F.O.)

S= Tea shop

Boss Kihē Yoshida of Tsudamura came visiting with Kuroku’s subordinate Kanekichi of Nunobashi, Matsugorō of Kojima, and his own subordinate Kazuyoshi.

Kihē addressed Oshizu:

“Miss, Ishimatsu’s come back, hasn’t he?”

“Brother?”

“He’s back, isn’t he?”

“No,… Is Brother coming back?”

“What? You don’t know?”

“Is it true?”
“Father, Brother is coming back, they say.”
“What? Ishimatsu’s coming back?”

Genbei came out.

“So you’re the old man? I’m Kihē Yoshida of Tsudamura.”

“Yes…”

“Ishimatsu and I go way back.”

“I thought we two could share a drink after all this time… Hasn’t he come back yet?”

“Is Ishimatsu returning?”

“What? You mean even you don’t know yet?”

Kanekichi, who had been peeking inside from the back entrance, returned to Matsugorō and spoke in a low voice.

"He ain't back yet."

“You ain’t hidin’ him, are ya?”

“Nah, seems he really ain’t here.”

Kihē said to Genbei,

"When he comes back, make sure you tell him to come visit my house."

“Understood.”

“Well then, old man, ’scuse me.”

“Excuse me...”

Kihē and his entire group departed together.

Afterward, Genbei and his daughter remained.

“Brother is coming back, isn’t he?”

“If he means to return, fine—but he could’ve at least sent one letter first. That boy’s got no consideration.”

At that moment,

A traveler happened to pass by,

"Excuse me. Is this the residence of Ishimatsu Mori-tsuan? I've been entrusted with a letter from Shimizu."

"Father! There's a letter from Shimizu!"

“What? A letter from Shimizu?”

“It’s definitely from Brother.”

The traveler handed over the letter and said, “I will deliver it without fail. Well then, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Thank you for your trouble.”

The traveler departed.

Oshizu handed the letter to Genbei,
“It’s from Brother, isn’t it?”

Genbei read the address on the letter.

“Mr. Ishimatsu? What’s this? A letter came for Ishimatsu.”

“Who’s it from?”

“Ohan?”

“Ohan? A woman, huh?”

“Who on earth could this be?”

“It might be Brother’s wife.”

“No way…”

“Father, why don’t you try reading it?”

“Yeah… Might as well read it.”

And Genbei broke the seal and began to read.

Oshizu peered in.

“Well? It’s Brother’s wife after all, isn’t it?”

“This way of writing… Hmm—this suggests they’ve been together for quite some time now.”

“Well I never! Brother didn’t say a word about such a thing!”

“He didn’t even give his own parent a single word of greeting, going and getting hitched to some woman of unknown origin…”

“When Brother comes back, you should really give him a good scolding.”

“Oh?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh—”

“What’s the matter now?”

“It says a child is going to be born.”

“Oh, a baby…”

The two of them burst into laughter.

Shichigoro, returning from the fields, entered.

“Old man, what are you laughing at?”

“Good day.”

“Shizubō, pour me a cup—cold’s fine.”

“Here you go.”

Oshizu served sake while,

“Shichigoro, Brother’s gone and gotten himself a wife without anyone knowing!”

“Ishimatsu…?”

“And now, apparently there’s going to be a baby.”

“Oh, that’s it. No wonder you’ve been grinning like that, Old man.”

Old Man Genbei, looking delighted,

“Hey Oshizu, I think I’ll go to Shimizu…”

“You’re going to Shimizu? Do you know where Brother is?”

“Don’t worry—if I go ask Boss Jirocho, I’ll find out.”

“But wouldn’t it be better to go together after Brother comes back?”

Shichigoro,

“Ishimatsu, is he coming back?”

“A letter came here from Brother’s wife.”
“So he’ll definitely come back, I tell you.”

“So he’s coming back.”
“Well I’ll be… Must’ve become one hell of a Boss by now.”

(O.L.)

SCENE: Front of Shichigoro's residence

That was the very place where, in days gone by, Ishimatsu spoke with Shichigoro when leaving his hometown.

Dusk.
Shichigoro was alone.

“If only my mother hadn’t been there back then, I would’ve gone to Shimizu with Ishimatsu.”
“If my mother had died just one year sooner, I could’ve become one of Boss Jirocho’s men, huh?”

At that moment, Shichigoro’s wife Omin called out.

“You… Dinner’s ready…”

“Ah, I’m coming now.”

Shichigoro entered the house sullenly.

SCENE: Interior (Night)

The meal.

Shichigoro put down the rice bowl.

Omin,

“What’s wrong?”

“Nah, just ain’t hungry.”

“You’re not feeling well, are you?”

“...”

“But you gotta eat at least a little.”

“I ain’t hungry.”

Omin put down the rice bowl.

"What's the matter with you?"

"......"

"Hey, are you sure you're not coming down with something?"

Shichigoro,

“—I wanna live clean—with nice hands and nails... Get myself standing where I can drink my nightly flask proper-like...”

Omin,

“Oh—it was liquor? Shoulda said straight out... Still got some left.”

“Omin.”

“Huh?!”

“Who said anything about wanting sake?”

“You’re acting strange tonight.
What’s wrong?
Something happened, didn’t it?”

“They say Ishimatsu’s coming back.”

“Ishimatsu…”

“I’ll ask Ishimatsu… try to become part of Boss Jirocho Shimizu’s inner circle.
Working covered in mud from morning till night, only eating lousy meals—I’ve come to hate this legitimate lifestyle of mine.” (F.O.)

SCENE: Tea Shop (Daytime)

Shichigoro arrived and approached Oshizu.

“Ishimatsu still hasn’t come back today either?”

“No… Still not here.”
“Brother... Do you think he might not come back at all?”

“This is so damn boring.”

A traveler arrived outside.
It was Ishimatsu.
He sat down on the camp stool.

Oshizu came out,

“Welcome.”

Oshizu poured tea without realizing it was Ishimatsu.

“Hey, Shichigoro, Brother might’ve met Father on the way and gone to Shimizu together.”

“Maybe I should go to Shimizu too.”

“Are you going to see Brother?”

“I gotta meet Ishimatsu no matter what—there’s somethin’ I need to ask him.”

Ishimatsu suddenly noticed Kihē and the others approaching.

Kihē arrived (along with Kenkichi and Matsugorō).

Oshizu,

“Good day.”

“Sis, hasn’t Ishimatsu come back yet?”

“No, he hasn’t come back yet.”

“Oh, Shichigoro?”

“Boss, good day. We were just talkin’ about how Oshizu and Ishimatsu probably ain’t comin’ back.”

“He hasn’t come back?!
“That can’t be! He’ll definitely come back.”

“That so?”

“He should’ve damn well come back by today.”

Oshizu,

“Please come in.”

“Nah, don’t trouble yourself, Sis. Shichigoro, you stay here in my place. The moment Ishimatsu comes back, you let me know right away.”

“Heh, well then, I’ll make sure to let you know without fail, Boss, so please do take your leave now.”

Kihē addressed Kenkichi and the others.

"Yeah."

"Understood!"

"We'll leave this to him and head back. Now Shichigoro—I'm counting on you."

"Very well, sir."

"Sis, my apologies for the intrusion."

"Farewell."

Kihē and the others left.

Oshizu turned to Shichigoro.
“Those people have been coming here every day lately.”
“Huh? Boss Kihē’s been comin’ every day?”

“There are days they come twice—what could those people want with Brother?”

“Ah, nothin’—they probably wanna become sworn brothers with Ishimatsu. I’m sure that’s it.”
“The target’s Ishimatsu Mori—Jirocho’s own renowned man.”
“If they become sworn brothers with him, those guys’ll walk around like they own the place.”
“What’s wrong?”

Oshizu saw Ishimatsu.

Ishimatsu, from behind.
He spun a coin.

Shichigoro noticed too.

“Hm?”

Oshizu,

“Brother…?”

“Oshizu, you’ve grown so much.”

“Brother.”

“What’s this—Ishimatsu! You been there all along? Keepin’ quiet like that’s downright mean o’ you!”

Ishimatsu entered the shop laughing.
Oshizu said,
“Brother, you’re being mean.”
“You’ve gotten so damn pretty I barely recognized you,” he replied.
“I don’t know what you mean,” she retorted.
Ishimatsu laughed.
Shichigoro interjected,
“Hey Ishimatsu—what’s up with your eye?”
“Ain’t nothin’,” he dismissed.
Ishimatsu glanced toward the back room.
“Father’s not here?”
“He went to Shimizu.”

“To Shimizu? How many days?”

“About four days ago.”

“What’d he go there for?”

“A letter came from Ohan-san.”

“This... Ohan-san... Who is she?”

Shichigoro,

“Ain’t she your wife?”

“Oh! Did Ohan send word about something?”

“I don’t know.
Because you were being mean, I’m not telling you.”

“There’s a letter, right? Show it.”

“I don’t know.”

“Show it.”

“Brother, when did you get married?”

“Hey, where’s the letter?”

“You went and got yourself a wife without telling us! Father was furious.”

“I ain’t asking about that. Hand over the letter quick.”
“Hand over the letter already.”

Shichigoro spoke up from the side.

“Ishimatsu—anyway—take off those straw sandals and come inside already! I’ll make a quick run to fetch Boss Kihē for ya!”

“Oi—Shichigoro—hold up.”
“Don’t call Kihē.”

“Why?”
“He’s been dying to meet you, y’know.”

“That bastard might be itching to see me, but I got my reasons for not wanting to meet him.”
“I’ll tell you why later—just you.”

“Okay then, I ain’t gonna call him.”
“Can’t stand that Boss either.”

“Shichigoro, let’s have a drink—been too long.”

“Yeah, let’s drink.”

“Oshizu, hurry up and hand it over! Where is it?”

“What?”

“It’s about the letter, ain’t it?”

“Whose letter?”

“You keep naggin’ like this, big brother’s gonna lose his temper!”

“Go ahead and get mad.”

“What?!”

“This is it, right? No way!”

Oshizu produced the letter she had hidden.

“Hey, show it already! Quick!”
“No way!”
“Hand it over.”
“No!”
“Hey, this.”

Amidst their idle bickering,

(WIPE)

S=INNER TATAMI ROOM

Engawa.

Ishimatsu was eating persimmons while reading a letter.

Oshizu brought sake to the tatami room.

“Here you are.”

Shichigoro,

“Ishimatsu, c’mon—how ’bout a drink?”

Ishimatsu entered.

Shichigoro,

“You’ll be staying awhile, right?”

“I plan on headin’ back tonight.”

Oshizu,

“Oh—leavin’ tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re in some damn hurry! Hey—take your time goin’. Ain’t like you come around much.”

“Why not stay a couple days? Have some fun.”

“Nah—gotta be out by tonight.”

“Customer’s here.”

At that moment, Shichigoro looked toward the front entrance and said.

Oshizu stood up and left.

S=FRONT ENTRANCE

A samurai was resting on a camp stool, seated.
Oshizu came down from the room.
“Welcome.”

S=INNER TATAMI ROOM

Ishimatsu and Shichigoro.

“I didn’t say nothin’ ’cause Oshizu’d fret if she heard, but truth is—Kihē Yoshida from Tsudamura’s gunnin’ for my head.”

“The hell?! Kihē?!”
“Now it makes sense! I knew that bastard’s been actin’ cagey lately.”
“Heard he’s been comin’ round here daily lookin’ for you.”

“So if I set out tonight, I don’t think even that bastard Kihē will realize it.”

(WIPE)

S=INNER TATAMI ROOM (same as previous scene)

Ishimatsu looked thoroughly drunk.

By his side were Shichigoro and Oshizu.

“Ah,” he said drunkenly.
“Feels good.”
“I’m startin’ t’hate leavin’.”

“Brother,” Oshizu urged gently, “rest proper tonight an’ make your leave at dawn tomorrow… promise?”

“Nah, I’m still headin’ out tonight.”

Shichigoro,

“Ishimatsu—gotta talk to ya.”

“What’s with the formal act? Spit it out.”

“Ain’t bad news—somethin’ you’ll like.”

“What’d make me happy?”

“Truth is… get me into Boss Jirocho’s crew.”

“You… wanna join the Boss’s inner circle…?”

“With my ma gone, I ain’t gotta hold back for nobody no more… And I’m sick of rotting away in this backwater forever. Made up my mind—gonna live it up as yakuza till I die.”

“Shichigoro, that ain’t no good idea. You—quit tryin’ to become yakuza.”

“What the hell?!”

“The yakuza business ain’t as fun as it looks from the outside.”

“I at least know that much. But you’re the one who said yakuza are the manliest of men, ain’t ya?!”

“Nah, you’d be happier stayin’ here livin’ straight.”

“Ishimatsu, have you forgotten how three years back when you left home, you urged me to come to Shimizu with ya?”

“Shichigoro, no matter how you beg me, I ain’t gonna make you yakuza. Won’t have it.”

S=TEA FIELD

Shichigoro returned looking irritated.
Kihē, Kanekichi, and others appeared.

“Ah! Boss!”

“Hey, Ishimatsu’s come back, hasn’t he?”

“No.”

“Hey Shichigoro—tell me what I wanna know and I’ll hand over five ryo. How ’bout it, Shichigoro?”

Shichigoro stood frozen.

(F.O.)

S=TEA SHOP

Back veranda—Oshizu seeing Ishimatsu off.

“Give my regards to your sister-in-law.”

“Yeah—when things settle down you oughta come visit Shimizu too.”

“I will for sure.”
“Need a lantern?”

“Nah—moon’s bright enough.”

S=TEA FIELD

Kihē Yoshida’s gang hid.

S=SHICHIGORO'S HOUSE

Shichigoro returned home drunk.

“Hey—I’m back now.”

Omin,
“Welcome back.”
“Oh—what’s happened to you?”

Shichigoro collapsed drunk.

“Oh, where did you drink so much…”

“Omin, pour the sake… More sake…”

S=TEA FIELD

Ishimatsu arrived.

S=SHICHIGORO'S HOUSE

Shichigoro woke up.
He touched the gold coin in his pocket.
He took it out.
It fell.

Omin looked.

Shichigoro, unable to settle down, leaves the room.

He heads toward the entrance.

Omin’s voice calls out,

“You…”

Shichigoro looked back.

Omin picked up the gold coin.

“What’s this?”

S=TEA FIELD

Ishimatsu was suddenly ambushed by Kihē.

“Gah!”

Ishimatsu, weakened by deep wounds, struggled in a chaotic brawl against the gang.

S=SHICHIGORO'S HOUSE

Shichigoro and Omin.

“Where did you get this money?”

“Omin, go buy some sake.”

“No, you—first tell me where this money came from.”

“Go buy some sake.”

“Hey, where and how did you get this money…”

“I told ya to go buy sake!”
“Quit dawdlin’ and get it already!”

The sound of someone colliding with the door.

Shichigoro and Omin instinctively looked.

“Shichigoro, it’s me! Ishimatsu!”
“Shichigoro!”

Ishimatsu tumbled in.

“Ishimatsu!”

“Ishimatsu...”

“Wh-what happened, Ishimatsu?!”

“Close it! Close that door!”

Omin closed the door.

"What happened, Ishimatsu?"

"Shichigoro...hide me for a while...Kihē's bastard pulled a cowardly sneak attack...Where'd that fucker hear 'bout my comin' back?..."

Omin,

"You—the second floor—"

"Right, Ishimatsu—hide upstairs...Ishimatsu—does it hurt?"

"Nah—this ain't nothin' but scratches...Shichigoro—this here's why I told you not to go yakuza."

Ishimatsu climbs the ladder.
Shichigoro helps him up.

S=ATTIC

Straw was piled up.
Crawling up, Ishimatsu threw himself onto the straw.
He gasped.

Shichigoro could no longer bear it.

“Ishimatsu... I told Kihē you came...”

“Who the hell blabbed...? Damn it all!”

Shichigoro, unable to speak, descended the ladder.

S=DOWNSTAIRS

Shichigoro descended.

He removed the ladder.
He looked at the wooden floor.

“Hey, wipe that up.”

S=ATTIC

Ishimatsu lay consumed by pain.

"Ohan...Ohan."

(Ohan's voice)
"Come back as soon as you can."

(Ishimatsu's voice)
“Ohan, I asked the old man downstairs about you—”

(Ohan’s voice)
“So come back quickly, okay?”

Ishimatsu gasps.

(Genbei's voice)

"Ishimatsu... Because I was yakuza long ago, because I was yakuza, I didn't want you to become one."

The one-mon coin spun and fell.

S=FRONT

Kihē and his men came chasing after him.

“Shichigoro, open up.”

“Hey, open up.”

“Open up.”

S=DOWNSTAIRS

Shichigoro,
“Who is it?”
“It’s me—Kihē.”
Shichigoro opened the door.
Kihē and his men rushed in.
His subordinates began searching through the house.
“Wh-what are you doing? What are you doing?” he stammered.
“Boss—what’s this about?”

“Hey Shichigoro, Ishimatsu is here, isn’t he?”

“Ishimatsu hasn’t come here.”

“What?!”

“What?!”

S=ATTIC

Ishimatsu crawls toward the window at the noise from downstairs.

S=DOWNSTAIRS

Kihē looked at the tatami mat.

“Hm?”

Blood dripped down.

Shichigoro instinctively looked up at the ceiling.
“Hey—upstairs!”
“Boss! What’re you doing?!”

“What’re you pullin’, bastard?”

“Boss! Boss! Ain’t nobody upstairs, I swear!”

S=ATTIC

Ishimatsu crawled toward the window.

S=DOWNSTAIRS

Shichigoro blocked their path.

"There’s no one here! I’m telling you there’s no one!"

His men set up a ladder and rushed up.

"Ah, there he is!"

"What?!"

"Damn it!"

"Ah, you!"

S=OPPOSITE ROOF

Ishimatsu clung to the roof across the alley from the window.

S=ATTIC

Kihē Yoshida’s gang was coming up.

Shichigoro came leaping up.

"Boss, please wait!"

"You fool!"

Shichigoro took the deba knife from the shelf.

“Bastard!”

A brawl erupted.

Someone was cut down in the darkness.

“Agh!”

S=OPPOSITE ROOF

Ishimatsu, desperately clutching the roof tiles, tried to crawl up.

Kihē Yoshida, who had stuck his face out the window, suddenly slashed from behind.
Ishimatsu fell.

(F.O)

S=FRONT OF TEA SHOP

The tea shop's flag.

S=INTERIOR

Genbei in traveling clothes removed his straw sandals.

Beside him, Oshizu,

“Brother came back yesterday… If only you’d returned one day sooner, Father…”

“I see… What a pity I didn’t make it back sooner.”

“How was the baby?”

“It was a boy.”
“Well… I suppose I can rest easy now.”

At that moment, Omin entered from the front with footsteps like a possessed person and stood before Genbei.