A Duel Tale (果し合い)

Production: JIDAI-GEKI SENMON CHANNEL SKY PERFECT! SHOCHIKU COMPANY, LTD.

A DUEL TALE

WHAT IS HEYA-ZUMI

IN THE EDO PERIOD UNLESS YOU ARE THE ELDEST SON,

ALL MEN BORN IN THE FAMILY OF LOW RANKING SAMURAI HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO MARRY INTO ANOTHER FAMILY.

IF HE FAILS TO DO SO, THE ONLY WAY LEFT IS FOR HIM TO BECOME A HEYA-ZUMI

AND LIVE THE REST OF HIS LIFE AS A FREELOADER.

Your young brothers are as spirited as ever, Miya.

But they never come near this house.

I figure they are told not to by their mother.

- Now boys, it's time for your calligraphy lesson. Get ready quickly.

= Yes.

The chrysanthemum, I see...

- Great Uncle. Great Uncle!

Huh?

- When I'm done cleaning, there is something I want to talk about, okay?

What is it?

Just you wait.

Just you wait...

I'm done with the cleaning.

Oh.

The chrysanthemum bloomed beautifully.

Ah...

You wanted to talk to me about your marriage arrangement, yes?

How did you figure that out?

It was easy.

It is not like I am in a jail, you see?

I step outside.

When one steps outside, one hears rumors.

Of course, Yahei has been in my face lately,

so I am making a point of not going out much.

You got in trouble with my father again?

Well... Yes.

Say, I saw Inspector-General Kurokawa was paying your parents a visit.

He brought up a marriage arrangement with Nawate's son, I suppose?

You already knew that much?

Yes.

How do you feel about this, Miya?

Are you not satisfied?

I do not want this!

- Well, if you do not want this, it cannot be helped.

We can't force a matter like this against one's wish.

Do you really think so?

Yes...

But, you're the only one who would tell me that.

My father and others, they're all for it.

I am always on your side, Miya.

Thanks.

- Ah, I'm exhausted! All that tension made me dizzy.

Say, why don't you come to my place.

Huh?

My sister-in-law gave me tons of hand-me-downs.

They're all with great prints. I want to give you some.

- Fantastic! But are you sure?

- Of course. We're cousins!

This one is amazing!

This one will look great on you too.

Do you think so?

I heard you have a marriage offer.

You knew it too?

A marriage offer from Nawate Tatsunosuke-sama.

I heard he's bragging to everyone that he'll have Shoji's daughter for his wife.

My brother said it was arranged by Kurokawa-sama.

What are you going to do?

What do you mean?

I hear he's quite a playboy.

I see...

- Regardless, It's an offer from a family with a stipend of 420 koku.

If I were you, I'd give them my answer in a heartbeat!

Actually, I have a confession...

"Though I would hide it,

"In my face it still appears my fond, secret love."

Matsuzaki Shinjiro-sama, right?

You... knew that too.

My brother says Matsuzaki-sama is a clever fellow,

but he has been lovesick ever since my brother introduced you to each other.

I thought so...

Either way, the sooner you make your decision, the better.

Miya, I'd like to have a word with you later.

About the offer from Kurokawa-sama.

We shouldn't keep him waiting for the answer.

This offer is a rare opportunity for you.

Nawate family's stipend is 420 koku.

Just imagine yourself in the future..!

There's no need to think about such a distant future.

These days, we cannot even predict what happens tomorrow.

Uncle, will you stay out of this?

Huh?

It's a matter concerning the Shoji family.

An old heya-zumi's opinion is uncalled for!

Tatsu.

- Why are you scolding me? I'm only speaking the truth.

Nonetheless, Miya, the decision is up to you.

I don't think it's a bad arrangement at all, for you

and for the Shoji family.

I noticed we go through the rice so quickly nowadays.

I wonder if we have a huge mouse around somewhere.

Shinjiro-sama.

Miya.

I missed you.

I missed you the same.

- I couldn't do anything but think about you for the past few days.

Why must we always meet in secret?

- A second born son like myself cannot carry the family name.

And I can't marry into your family because your young brothers will carry your family name.

So we can only meet in secret.

I heard a strange rumor.

A rumor?

That you have a marriage offer.

- It's an arrangement by Kurokawa-sama, the inspector general.

Both of my parents are encouraging me to take it.

I heard it is with Nawate Tatsunosuke-dono.

Is Tatsunosuke-sama someone you know?

From my childhood.

When I was a child, I used to go to a swordsmanship dojo.

He is my 'Senpai' (senior) from the dojo.

Is that so.

- He is a skilled swordsman, and he is from an honorable family.

Shinjiro-sama, what am I to do?

Please decline the offer.

Of course... but...

Are you hesitating?

But after I decline,

what can we do?

Let's run away.

Let's run and go to Edo together.

I'm only a teacher now, but I have a dream.

I'll give up my family rights, become a Ronin, and make a living with my writing.

Run... to Edo...

That thought has never even crossed my mind.

Miya.

Good morning.

Morning...

Do I have something on my face?

Nope...

Then, why are you staring at my face like that?

Why, strangely, I couldn't sleep well last night.

There were two mice hiding somewhere

smacking about all night.

Great Uncle!

Today is the day Michi passed away.

Won't you join me to visit her grave?

Let's see now... Huh?

Ah, here it is.

Poor thing. It's full of weeds every time I come.

Unbelievable.

- Every time I visit her grave, it upsets me that they didn't bury her under a proper tombstone.

Say, I never asked you.

What was Michi-San like?

Huh?

- You never say anything about her, so I have avoided the topic.

If it's something you don't wish to talk about, I won't force you.

I became a heya-zumi after a certain incident,

and my long gone brother Sobei had pity on me.

Sanosuke, what do you think?

She looks like a smart girl.

We gladly accept.

It's our honor, sir.

Thank you, sir.

- He's not in perfect condition. Do treat him kindly.

I must have been about 30.

Her name was Michi.

She was the daughter of a farmer.

So although we were husband and wife, we didn't get married legally.

In another words, she was my mistress.

The house I live in now... my brother built it

for me... and Michi.

I know. Michi, you should try.

No. I can't.

- Give me your hand. - I'm unworthy.

That's silly talk.

See, like this, in the middle.

We are husband and wife, right?

There, there, what are you doing?

Stop that and come rest now.

I'm sorry.

In about a year since Michi came to live with me,

Michi was pregnant with our first child.

- Hang in there! Your baby is coming soon.

Almost out!

Hurry, hurry! We need some hot water.

Yes.

Get it ready.

Push now. Push.

- But a heya-zumi does not have the right to raise a child.

Is this your final decision?

Michi got pregnant for the second time.

But her children were buried into the darkness one after another.

I am sorry.

I am sorry.

I am sorry.

Dear...

Yes, Michi?

Though it was... for a short time,

I had the pleasure of being by your side.

You made me a happy woman.

But...

I wish... I could have raised your children...

with these hands...

Michi became my wife when she was 20,