House of Five Leaves (さらい屋 五葉)

Seinoshin-sama.

This is from mother.

I'll put some tea on.

Don't lie to me, Yaichi.

Mother would never do such a thing for me.

It's not like the Saegusa family wished for me to come here.

Stupid son! Stay outside and calm down!

Heiza.

Seinoshin-sama continues to grow in intelligence.

He's sure to be an excellent heir.

The Saegusa family is set, huh?

The quicker his mother approves of him, the better.

Now that you mention it...

I happened to see Seinoshin today, but he looked depressed.

Seinoshin was told that the scars from his burns are repulsive.

His mother said that?

She said it in front of him.

So, he fell into a deep depression.

He is alienated from the family because of the scars on his back.

What a disgusting bitch.

Heiza!

And what did his father say?

"Cast him away."

Seinoshin-sama.

Mother has not been feeling well...

...which makes her slightly irritable.

Her behavior has nothing to do with your scar.

Mother appreciates beauty.

Seinoshin-sama.

Come this way.

Look over here.

Its elegant beauty is captivating.

Please have self-confidence.

Self-confidence?

Don't you think your scar is the same shape as this maple leaf?

Seinoshin.

Are you still feeling down?

I'll keep you company.

Okay.

Yaichi!

Yes?

We must prepare a party.

The madam is pregnant.

If, as you say, they hired a ronin...

...then we can hire one as well.

Even they should be unable to act recklessly.

We can hire a bodyguard.

Just for show.

Please wait.

"It's fine if you don't come anymore."

What is the meaning of that?

Like I said, from today, I no longer require a bodyguard.

It's only been two days since we met at the employment agency.

A bodyguard is already unnecessary?

No, I've already found someone else.

Please tell me why.

You're completely unreliable.

What should I do with the tofu for the ronin-san?

It looks like he was let go from a job again.

Should we bring something for him?

But, doesn't he hate it when people get close to him?

Forget about that. You know the idiot son of the merchant who has the general store?

I haven't seen him around lately.

Oh? Really?

I have nothing to eat.

I have to find a job.

There's nothing for a bodyguard.

Not even one job?

If you mean a temp job, there are lots of those, but...

I am a samurai.

I've told you that I could never take that sort of job.

Akitsu-sama. If you continue to be fussy like this, you'll never make enough to pay for your rice.

Unreliable, huh..

What a stunning woman.

I can't believe I got scared of yakuza and ran...

Those dumplings looked scrumptious.

Even rocks would seem delicious to someone starving half to death.

Is it really okay for you treat me to this?

Help yourself.

Why did you become a ronin? Did you lose your fiefdom?

No, my feudal lord told me to take leave...

Sad faces don't suit Edo.

You shouldn't brood over it.

I am Yaichi. And you are?

Akitsu Masanosuke.

I reached out to you because I have a favor to ask of you.

Favor?

I am currently looking for a bodyguard.

For what purpose?

My protection.

I am currently in a bit of trouble.

So I believe that it's necessary to hire a bodyguard.

Watch where you're going!

M-My bad.

What the hell is "my bad"?

Arrogant bastard, aren't you?

I am not...

This guy is such a pussy.

All talk and no action huh?

Are those two swords just for decoration?

Well, it's true that he did bump into you.

This guy aims high, so he is always looking up.

He can't see ronins that are clearly below him.

What?

You, get over here.

I don't have any business with you.

But we have some with you.

What is he on about?

"Clearly below" - that is an insult to a samurai.

I'd be happy to get a drink with you folks,

but I'll have to pass on the bullshit fight.

I want to take it easy today.

Yaichi-dono!

Err..

If it is not a bother, could you tell me...

...what is this dispute about?

Are you frightened?

That is not it, but is it that you have woman trouble?

No, but you know,

it's not like I'm forcing you to be here.

What will you do?

Once I take up a job, I will complete it.

Ume.

See you later.

Yup.

You have been treating me all day.

Don't worry.

Now then, just stick around for a bit longer.

What are we doing in a place like this?

We're meeting the people involved in the trouble I spoke of.

Just take a stance behind me

and look menacing.

It will end quickly.

So you're Five Leaves, huh?

His bodyguards aren't there. Watch your back.

It is dangerous to be in front.

He's so strong!