13 Assassins (十三人の刺客)

Doi...

See, my hands won't stop trembling.

As Japan enjoys peace, the samurai era is waning. But this calm is threatened

by the growing power of Lord Naritsugu, the Shogun's sadistic younger brother.

Sir Doi realizes he will ruin the Shogunate if he gains higher political standing.

As Naritsugu's evil deeds are quickly hushed up, Sir Doi must act.

Offered above (to my lord).

On March 5 of the first year of the Koka era (1844), Akashi Clan House Elder Mamiya Zusho commits harakiri.

To the Shogun, Mamiya's harakiri was against Lord Naritsugu.

Lord Naritsugu was born with a vicious nature.

His lust for flesh and dishonorable conduct cannot be pardoned.

What should we do?

Shogun Council Elders, Sir Doi has returned.

The Shogun orders us to settle the matter of his half-brother quietly.

We blame those that named Naritsugu an adopted Akashi son.

This dilemma drove Mamiya to harakiri.

- His appeal to us for action... - I'm aware of that!

But we must respect the Shogun's rule.

His justice is sanctified by heaven's will.

Arguing is pointless!

Shimada Shinzaemon, I presume?

In the flesh.

You're a hard man to find.

13 ASSASSINS

Sir Doi.

Sorry for the late hour.

I've been a widower for years, with few family obligations.

Perhaps you've heard about the outrage.

So...

What do you make of Lord Naritsugu?

Forgive my frankness...

He is no worthy heir to the noble Akashi Clan.

With the Shogun's consent, I suggest Naritsugu steps down.

A more suitable heir is needed.

The Shogun will not grant it.

Why not?

He has appointed Naritsugu as his senior advisor,

effective on Naritsugu's next visit to Edo.

The Shogun will allow that boy to meddle in political affairs?

Incidentally, I invited someone here.

Speak with him.

I'm Makino Yukie, a subject of Lord of Owari. I serve the Agematsu in Kiso.

I'm Shimada Shinzaemon.

Kiso?

I heard about an incident last year between the Akashi and Owari clans.

Rumors of a scandal...

I'll tell you all. I'll keep no secrets.

In April of last year...

Lord Naritsugu of the Akashi Clan...

stayed overnight at Kiso.

He is the son of the former Shogun.

Nobility must be properly served.

Our wives and daughters were brought in for his full hospitality.

Uneme.

Father.

- Is his feast in order? - Yes.

And the picture scrolls for his entertainment.

I'll fetch them.

Have your wife get them instead.

Chise.

My son had married Chise only two months prior.

I ordered her to do this petty task.

And I'll regret it to my grave.

Who might you be?

I belong to the Makino Uneme family.

My Lord, please release me.

Chise.

Chise.

Chise!

Kiso women are such mountain monkeys.

They defy me by scratching.

Are you a monkey too, servant?

Monkey necks can be so tough.

That same night...

Chise slit her throat in disgrace.

My son and his new bride slain... before my very eyes.

This is torture.

Rather than living in disgrace I ponder harakiri.

But I can't... I remember the shame my Lord Owari has endured.

Mock me for grumbling.

I continue my worthless life solely to remain a living witness to this tragedy.

As the Council Elder enacting the Shogun's justice...

some things can do, others I cannot.

If I turn my back on the Shogun and find fault with his lineage,

then his rule will spiral into chaos and destroy years of peace.

As the Shogun's senior advisor, I cannot do it.

Are you asking if I can do something?

Since Mamiya's harakiri protest three days ago...

I've searched my soul for a solution.

I have decided it's you.

Who's the woman?

Akashi lands were once most fertile.

But Naritsugu's relentless land taxes

made starving peasants hunger for revolt.

This woman...

is the daughter of the peasant leader.

He did this...

He cut off her limbs.

And brought her to Edo as his plaything.

But he grew bored with her and cast her out.

Is there no mercy?

Shinzaemon, I need not mention my honor and position.

If this continues, chaos will ruin our nation and the people will suffer.

Poor woman... what of your family's fate?

He cut out her tongue as well.

TOTAL MASSACRE

How fate smiles on me.

As a samurai in this era of peace...

I've been wishing for a noble death.

Now fate has called me here.

See, my hands...

won't stop trembling.

It's a warrior's battle shakes.

I will accomplish your wish...

with magnificence.

Shimada Shinzaemon...

with your gesture, you resolve my official position.

Sir Hanbei, thank you for coming.

- Asakawa, where's Lord Naritsugu? - In the banquet hall.

The Mamiya?

I told you not to trouble the Mamiya family!

I can't disobey Lord Naritsugu's orders.

My Lord!

Yes, Hanbei?

Sir Doi has humbly requested that you leave the Mamiya family alone...

Governmental orders!

Doi again! That grumbling Shogun advisor.

Lord Naritsugu!

What makes a samurai warrior?

You men mindlessly chant 'loyalty, duty' like a Buddhist prayer.

But if servants are spoiled,

then one day, they forget their duty to serve.

Servants like Mamiya make light of their master and revolt.

Punishing one's servants, who are the Shogun's certified property...

Punishment is a master's duty.

Dying for one's master is the way of the samurai.

Dying for one's husband is the way of women.

We must protect these ways, right, Hanbei?

Yes.

After debating for three days...

the conclusion was 'no punishment due to diminished responsibility'.

I wish they would behead me. I would like to experience that.

The Tokugawa rule won't be long for this world, will it, Hanbei?

My Lord. Don't say such things.

You know, I will be the Shogun's chief of staff.

They won't let him get away with it.

Things worked out too easily for our Lord, don't you think?

He was given special treatment.

Though born of a different mother, he is still the Shogun's brother.

So how will Sir Doi save face?

As the man in charge of the nation's justice...

he must deliver a verdict to save his honor in a scandal like this.

So, Sir Doi is plotting something?

Who goes there?

Attendant Deguchi at your service.

Gather men to spy on Sir Doi.

Bribe the gatekeepers and servants.

Get his list of visitors since Mamiya's harakiri.

We protect our Lord at all costs.

Such is our duty.

This is not the one.

Hyoudou Genba, The Office of Carpentry.

Makino Yukie of the Owari clan?

Owari?

Makino?

Makino was present during our Kiso visit.

So Makino met with Shinzaemon.

Do you know this Shinzaemon?

We attended the same school, even trained in the sword at the same dojo.

We were competitive classmates.

Is he that skilled?

He's not as shrewd, not as strong.

But he never gives up.

Backed into a corner, he won't budge. Won't overplay his hand.

He's a man who beats you in the end.

If Doi has picked him...

then we've drawn the worst luck.

Impressive as always, Hirayama.

I'm sorry for always borrowing your dojo without permission.

You honor me by using it. Your spirit keeps the dojo alive.

A match for old time's sake?

Better to save our energy for bigger tasks, right?

There are no big or small tasks. All are equally important.

You follow me?

Guess you still lack training.

Since your teaching, I have been on the path of the sword for ten years.

As the months and seasons changed...

I lived on the money you gave me as a sword for hire...

knowing that, one day, I'dsurrender my life to you.

I thought a time would come when I could repay you.

Yet I have no choice but to regret...

I have not been able to repay you, master.

Your appreciation...

My small contribution means so much?

I thank you.

What a rare samurai in these times!

Oh, Kuranaga!

Kuranaga Saheita, Team Leader, from the Public Security Office.

I am closely connected with Shinza in a fateful bond.

I have become a great fan of him. Just like you.