The Heike Story (平家物語)

Pa! Come on!

Out of the way!

Move it!

Hey, Pa. A bunch of kids in red hitatare just ran by.

The Kaburo boys.

Uh. Who are they?

Shh!

This is the one.

The kaburo are a squad who arrest those

who speak ill of the Heike.

We should go.

We're taking you to Rokuhara

to answer for your crimes!

No, please. I beg of you!

Your husband must learn to hold his tongue!

He is to blame! He called our warriors dogs!

The safety and security of our people

is only possible because of their sacrifice!

Yes, that's right!

On your knees!

You must not involve yourself!

But Pa, what they're doing--it's horrible!

Stop this! Or you'll be joining him!

What did you say?

I beg your forgiveness. Have mercy.

Those are but the words of a child.

And this is your child?

If that's the case, then the punishment is yours as well.

You must pay the price for disparaging the Taira name.

Pa!

Pa!

[TAIRA CLANSMEN chattering, laughing]

Oh? Smile, love.

Please forgive my tardiness.

Dear brother, the new year begins as your health improves.

Both truly call for celebration.

Tokitada, why are you so late?

Tokiko. The important thing is that we're all here

to make merry.

Whoopsie.

My...

Who? Me?

Ha, ha! I must say, Brother.

You look quite well, that monastic style suits you.

This radiant dome? Like the moon.

I would compare you to the rising sun.

You've heralded the dawn of the Taira Clan's preeminence.

Lord Shigemori is Palace Minister and Left Commander.

Lord Tomomori is third rank and a captain.

Lord Koremori is fourth rank and a lieutenant.

Our clan boasts many senior nobles,

over 30 trusted courtiers and 60 officials,

including provincial governors and guard officers.

As a matter of fact, at this time,

the Heike governs more than 30 of the empire's 66 provinces.

Our prosperity and influence is so widespread,

it's as if government has no place

for those outside the Heike.

No. Humanity has no place for those outside.

They're not people!

You always maintain such a serious air.

Hm?

It's no fault.

However, it is rather boring.

What is this?

The shrine at Itsukushima. Interesting, yes?

Am I mistaken, or are the Torii gate

and building erected in the sea itself?

I will build this.

The sea's washed prosperity

onto our family's shores.

As rulers of Aki Province, we've amassed prodigious wealth

as well as military might. In the last rebellion,

your leadership and prowess in battle

proved instrumental to Emperor Go-Shirakawa's ultimate victory.

I shall reside in Fukuhara.

But why?

Fukuhara is a good day's journey from the capital.

Not to mention there's absolutely nothing in the area.

There's the sea. It's the perfect location

for me to construct a harbor for large ships.

Uh!

All trade with Suo will now move through Fukuhara,

away from the mountains of Dazaifu.

The sea brings wealth.

With both wealth and military might in our hands,

we shall wield them with confidence and certainty.

And bring about a grand new age for the Heike.

Thus, we offer our gratitude to the sea...

...for the gifts it has given us.

I shall leave you to the capital, Shigemori,

where you will sit at the head of the Taira clan.

A place you rightfully belong.

Although warriors were barred from the palace,

my father, the great samurai Tadamori,

was granted entrance and became a trusted advisor.

How dare a lowly warrior

set foot inside these walls!

Has he forgotten his place?

You may not carry that weapon inside the imperial palace!

He brandished a bamboo sword, lined with silver,

and their tongues quickly fell silent.

Amusing, eh?

I suppose he believes me to be quite boring.

Who are you?

How did you get inside?

I've come here with a message. The end is near for your people.

I speak the truth.

I see it clearly.

Stay back!

Lord Shigemori!

What's the matter?

-- --

You say you can see it?

I thought that I was the only one. What do you see?

First, tell me what you see.

Only ghosts. My eye brings me visions of the dead.

Wandering souls. Ones who cannot find rest.

This man... Is he your father?

He was murdered. Struck down by our soldiers.

It's horrifying.

Pa. He... He didn't do anything wrong.

He didn't deserve to die!

I'm so sorry. Truly.

Go on then. Kill me.

Do... Do what they did to him.

Kill me like they killed Pa!

My goodness! What do we have here?

Dear me.

Those fleas!

And lice, too!