Samural Detective Onihei: Blood for Blood (鬼平犯科帳 血闘)

"Thieves' Watering Hole"

Another!

Are you sure?

One for the road.

Let's go!

Hikoju.

Don't die.

You too, Tetsu.

At the least, I've decided I won't die before those vile thugs.

You're Tetsu of Honjo!

Chief robbery investigator, Hasegawa Heizo!

Submit to arrest!

Samurai Detective Onihei

Blood for Blood

"Arson and Robbery Investigations"

Step up.

Good to see you again.

Omasa.

How many years?

Over 20 since we last met.

It's been that long...

Chusuke the Crane, your father, passed away?

He did.

I went to his hometown, Shimofusa,

and was raised by an acquaintance of his.

I went on to work

as a thieves' spy.

A thieves' spy?

In your father's footsteps?

Yes.

So, what brings you here?

Tetsu... I mean,

Sir Hasegawa, I hear you are now chief robbery investigator.

I knew my time was up.

I have completely turned over a new leaf.

Truly?

Yes.

So, if you would allow me,

I wish to be of service to you.

I will be your agent.

That is why I have returned to Edo.

Another!

Are you sure?

One for the road.

Omasa.

No need to be my agent.

You want to be a spy, and return to shadowy villainry?

You are reformed now.

Live as you choose.

This is how I have chosen to live.

I beseech you.

No. Leave.

You haven't changed a bit...

You know her from your time in Honjo?

Yes. Omasa.

A thief's daughter.

It must be fate.

Fate indeed.

Beware of fires!

Beware of fires!

Help!

Help!

Open it.

It's open!

What?

Boss.

Why's it open?

I know nothing!

Your money's still here.

Torazo.

This world is boundlessly merciless.

Ain't it?

I'm not the one you should curse.

If you become a ghost,

haunt this man.

- Hey, make way! - Get back!

Chief.

Take him outside.

Here! This way!

All their money has been taken.

Merchant Oshimaya Uhei.

17 were killed, including family and staff.

Even young children...

There are no signs of a struggle.

They gave them no chance, systematically.

Their intent was to kill.

Some appear to have died while still asleep, oblivious.

The thieves had someone working on the inside.

Ask around to find out if anyone is missing.

What?

This victim wrote something, using his own blood.

"O... ni

hei."

Onihei?

Could this refer to you, Chief?

Those damn exhibitionists...

"Onihei"

Residence of Kyogoku Takahisa, shogunate counselor & governor

The culprits Residence of Kyogoku Takahisa, shogunate counselor & governor

have a flair for the dramatic.

Since becoming chief robbery investigator,

I hear you are now feared as "Heizo the Demon", or "Onihei,"

but rather than discourage thieves,

they have grown more fiendish and atrocious.

Am I mistaken in thinking that?

If I may be so bold, the more they hear of the "demon,"

the more demonic they become. Such is the way of villains.

You know the mindset of a villain well.

Without knowing evil, one cannot regulate evil.

Well said.

Spies and informers must be vital to a robbery investigator.

Such is your way?

Exactly.

However, magistrates are compared to stage performers.

Some disparage robbery investigators as third-rate actors.

Others view Heizo the Demon like they would a villain.

As I am responsible for you, this is a serious matter.

Never lose sight of your duty, ever.

Bear that in mind.

Yes sir. I shall heed your words.

Heizo.

Next time, let us set aside formality.

We could enjoy a meal, and a drink or two.

Yes sir, nothing would make me happier.

"Arson and Robbery Investigations"

Counselor Kyogoku wants us to adhere to our duty.

Sajima.

Among the staff, a maid vanished without being killed.

She could be the spy.

A female spy...

Keep your eyes peeled, and hunt the thieves.

Rabbit, you stay.

Rabbit! Wait, Rabbit!

Chief!

"Rabbit!" "Wait, Rabbit!" As if chasing a wild hare.

Calling me that damages my dignity!

Kimura Chugo, you have dignity? How reassuring.

Sir Sajima!

Forgive him, Sir Kimura.

Oh, goodness me...

My lady.

It is merely a sign of how much my husband relies on you.

Oh no, I was not saying I do not want to be called "Rabbit"...

My husband was once an incorrigible pleasure seeker,

so Sir Kimura, he sees himself in you.

He cannot help treating you as a kindred spirit.

By the way, Chugo,

know of any fun new spots in town of late?

Fun's not all I seek.

It's alright. Amusement is part of patrolling.

Places that attract villains

are better known to you than top sergeant Sajima here.

Yes sir. Now you mention it...

What kind of lady of pleasure do you prefer?

Stop! The lady of the house is here.

Pay no mind.

Oh no, I don't know about that sort of thing...

How about food? Newly-rich villains tend to eat what's in fashion.

Oh, in Kanda Toshima, Kagaya's yam liquor is renowned.

Yam liquor?

The master says he grinds yams soaked in hot water,

and adds liquor to it.

Oh, a kind of nerizake?

Yes sir.

Its taste is peculiar, but it warms your body,

and immediately energizes you.

Enough to take on five or six partners in one night, easily.

Chugo!

You've made your strength very clear,

but in all things, you should practice discretion. Discretely.

Right? Oh boy...

Fermented rice drink!

There it is.

Coming in.

Welcome!

You're the master? Fine yam liquor?

That's the word, so I came to try it.

May I?

Sure. Much obliged. Have a seat.

Some yam liquor please.

What comes with it?

Well, yam pickle is popular.

Yam pickle?

Yes sir. Steamed yams with pickled carp, sea bass, and vegetables.

Yam liquor and yam pickle?

We have yam rice as well.

Yams on parade!

That hits the spot.

Like warmth bubbling up inside me.

One drink of this, and you can last till morning.

Hey master.

Are you still working hard at night?

Well, as best I can.

Welcome!

Yam liquor.

Wait! Wait for me, mister.

Why'd you run off so fast?

You made the first move.

Shut your mouth. I only said you're an eyesore.

Leave me alone.