"The Tokugawa shogunate killed my father.
"I destroyed the golden Shachihoko of Nagoya Castle in retribution. (Shachihoko = mythical fish/tiger creature)
"Then I escaped along with my daughter."
"But..."
Daughter! Don't let go!
Hang on tight, understand?
Help him up!
Don't bother me!
Just a moment!
You are Ichibei, 'Fangs of Darkness' I presume?
So what?!
Take him.
FANGS OF DARKNESS 2: IEYASU'S HEAD (Gokinzo Yaburi Ieyasu no Kubi)
WAKAYAMA Tomisaburo as Ichibei
SAGAWA Tetsuro as YASHAGAMI Isshin
KINO Hiroko as Oine
OKI Minoru as Jindayu
HAYASHI Yoichi as Kotaro
Screenplay by ASUKA Hiroshi
Music by TSUSHIMA Toshiaki
Directed by KURODA Yoshiyuki
Please, make yourself at home.
I'm called Jindayo of the Gomune.
Gomune?
We organize the country's street performers.
Sir Ichibei...
Did you destroy the golden Shachihoko?
Why did you do it?
If we don't like your answer you won't leave here alive.
It was revenge for my late father.
Please tell me about it.
He was killed by shogunate spies.
I understand wanting vengeance.
But, Sir Ichibei...
The Tokugawa shogunate in Edo killed your father.
Why take your revenge on the Owari clan?
Isn't this wrong?
No, it's not!
Both Edo and Owari share the Hollyhock crest of Tokugawa!
That's not true.
What?
Come along, I want to show you something.
Give Ichibei my spyglass.
Take a look.
It's back!
Are you surprised?
Our Lord Yonechika of Owari is famous indeed.
He looks after all who serve him with great kindness.
He's loved by Owari's townspeople,
who'd lay down their lives for him.
That golden Shachihoko is his symbol
and they'll defend it with their lives.
For ages Gomune family were the daimyo and the workers.
Defeated by the shogun in Edo,
we'd die to support our own lord here.
My daughter, Oine...
and Onizo and young Onene would die in this cause.
What happens in Edo means nothing.
Edo and Owari have nothing in common.
It's been 200 years since Shogun Ieyasu died, Nose.
We've made our plans in the shadows.
But we're ready for light, understand?
Yes!
300 daimyo from across Japan have been summoned.
They'll attend a ceremony for this anniversary.
Perfect!
We'll carry the statue of Lord Ieyasu from Sunpu Castle to Edo.
The daimyo will revere the statue,
and we'll show our hand!
Yes, my lord.
But, Your Excellency...
We still haven't captured Fangs of Darkness.
He strikes out blindly at the Tokugawa seal.
It'll be hard moving the statue with him on the loose.
Nose, I'll put another retainer in charge.
But you will move the statue in secret.
Yes, my lord.
It's Inspector Nose Shonosuke.
NOSE It's Inspector Nose Shonosuke.
NOSE
He's called on the Iga ninja.
I chief of the Iga squad, Yashagami Isshin.
Here as requested.
Come in.
What are my orders?
"On April 17th we honor Lord Ieyasu's death.
"The lord's statue will be carried from Sunpu.
"You must guard this procession.
"It will begin in February."
When in February?
You must memorize the face of this fanatic.
He's sworn vengeance against Tokugawa's crest.
If you see him, kill him at once!
Isshin, make a mistake you won't survive!
Sir!
Go!
Please, easy now.
Thank you, thank you.
Like so! Sit down nicely.
Yes, yes.
Go now!
Sir Sawai!
What is it, girl?
It's a message from Edo.
You called me?
Excuse me.
Sir Ichibei, there was a cabinet meeting at Edo Castle.
They plan a ceremony in Edo for Ieyasu's 200th anniversary.
They'll bring the statue of Shogun Ieyasu from Sunpu Castle.
The solid gold one?
Say, who's bringing you news here in Owari?
The Gomune tribe messenger. Have you heard of him?
The Gomune messenger? - That's right.
We Gomune have our own tribal message service.
We can gather news in half a day.
But, why tell me about this?
Sir Ichibei...
Isn't this statue a perfect target for your revenge?
Let us help you, Sir Ichibei...
To strike out at the Tokugawa.
What are you saying?
The Gomune can move anywhere we please.
And we have ninjitsu skills to protect ourselves.
You've seen our skills at work.
I think you'll find us useful.
No, thank you.
You refuse?
I appreciate your kindness.
But I won't bring any harm to the Gomune tribe.
But Sir Ichibei,
even with your skills,
can you reach the Ieyasu statue alone?
Sir Ichibei, we Gomune swear to help you reach that statue.
If you wish.
Ieyasu's statue.
A powerful lure.
How do you feel?
Have your injuries healed?
Fine, Oine.
I'm feeling much better.
Sir Ichibei, our agents are searching for the statue.
We'll have news soon.
If you're leaving for Sunpu, listen.
Father says visit Enshuya Inn and ask for word there.
Enshuya?
Good to know.
Father asked me to help you.
Is that so?
Then please do.
FANGS OF DARKNESS 2: IEYASU'S HEAD
SUNPU CASTLE
I'm Tachibana Uname, acting caretaker of Sunpu Castle.
Congratulations on this important assignment.
Yes, it's important there be no surprises.
Moving the statue must remain secret to all but we five men.
Take very special care during this transfer.
Chamberlain I have a question.
What's that?
Where's the statue now?
I can't reveal that.
If I can't find it, how do I guard it?
Only the shogun and his deputy may know.
That is the rule.
Your task is to guard the feudal procession.
Until then, we'll protect the statue.
Why, do you want to search us?
ENSHUYA INN
Quickly, please! - Okay!
Move it! You're in the way!
Sir, I'm sorry, we're just finishing.
Please move this!
Hurry up! - If you don't, I'll kick your tail!
Please, wait!
That's Sir Mizuno of Owari's luggage!
What?
A daimyo's luggage?
Is that so?
What are you doing to Sir Mizuno's things?!
Please wait!
Please, they belong to our daimyo!
That's why we're doing this!
What do you want?
Bitch, don't make me angry!
Please, wait!
Sir, please stop this.
You're no ordinary porter.
Me?
Just a working man.
And you?
A daimyo's vassal, I'm Kotaro.
Remember the name.
Thank you. - No need.
Yes, Sir Ichibei.
I'm going to the castle now.
Can you walk with me?
Of course.
Pardon me.
I've come from Enshuya.
May I visit the accounting office, as usual?
Yes.
Wait!
Does he have papers?
It's fine. He's with me.
I don't care who he's with. He can't come in without papers.
He's always come along. - Not anymore.
It's my responsibility. New orders.
You have to wait here.
Yes, sir.
Here, madam.
It's you again.
No luck sneaking into the castle behind madam?
Rats can't creep in, eh?
Looking for a gold statue?
I struck a nerve?
Two rats after the same cheese?
That could be.
That's why you caused a scene at Enshuya?
How about teaming up?
Maybe.
Those men work for me.
So what?
They're skilled thieves.
With them, we'd make a good team.
You talk big.
The statue weighs over 200 pounds.
So I need help to carry it?
Our people at Sunpu have searched all over.
They're sure the statue's not in the castle.
Oine, Torizo...
Go to Sunpu at once.
Yes!
Are you the guards? - Yes, sir.
We don't need you.
The statue is not here.
I see. But where, then?
Chamberlain, let me tell you something.
Never forget, you're the one who hired the men of Iga.
It's their leader.
I read lips well enough to guess their plans.
Chief!
I understand.
We're going right now!
Yes, sir!
Nene. - Yes?
Nene says the Edo ninja are bound for Toshogu Temple on Mt. Konou!
Mt. Kuno? - Yes.
I see.
Takeda Shingen built a castle there.
There's a bottomless well,
that Takeda general Yamamoto Kansuke knows about.
It's in a crag with an old cemetery from Tokugawa Ieyasu's time.
It's an ideal place to hide the statue.
Someone's there.
Open it!
Is the statue here?
It should be.
You, take a look!
Well? See anything?
Poor man.
What happened?
He was caught in the trap inside the well.
As we expected, Yashagami Isshin...
found the gold statue.
Sir Ichibei, they have uncovered the statue.
Here's a letter from Jindayu.
Thanks.
At Toshogu Temple, Mt. Kuno.
FANGS OF DARKNESS 2: IEYASU'S HEAD
Ichibei, let me show you something interesting.
Kotaro?
It's here!
Ichibei!
Someone's reached the statue!
Ichibei!
Are you all right?
Ichibei!
Pull!
They can't be far!
Miss Oine, who saved Sir Ichibei?
Is it true we almost lost the statue?
It's true.
Did you catch them? - Don't worry.
They all nearly died with Ichibei, caught in that trap.
Where's his body?
They took it with them.
Is Ichibei the man called Fangs of Darkness?
Maybe.
But Ichibei would come alone or just with his daughter.
There were a dozen or more.
Maybe it was the Gomune,
they certainly hate us.
This is getting more dangerous.
Out of the way!
Sir Aoki, what's the problem.
Enemies of our lord are in town.
We have to conduct a search.
That's very frightening.
But you won't find them here.
I know!
But it's the inspector general's orders.
We have to look around.
Now! - Yes, sir!
How is father?
He'll be all right.
He's a tough man, and he's out of danger.
I'm so glad.
Have you been tending him all this time?
Not such a long time.
Thank you so much.
He's still alive, because of your care.
Not me alone.
Your father Ichibei's a true immortal.
Well, I'd better rest now.
Please look after him for me while I'm gone, Torizo.
I understand.
Young Chief!
Father, you're awake!
How do you feel?
I've caused you a lot of bother.
Not at all.
But if you want to thank someone, Miss Oine saved you.
The Harinoaga Kuguri (eye of needle) you used?
Are you Fangs of Darkness?
You said you weren't a thief...
why try to steal the statue?
You're not just after the shogun's gold, eh?
Are you?
You're after the shogun's crest, Fangs of Darkness.
Sorry, Kotaro.
His medicine's ready.
Give him some, then let him rest.
I will.
Young Chief, we've missed you.
You're mistaken.
But, Young Chief?
Torizo...
You've got the wrong man.
Don't ever call me Young Chief.
I understand.
You must be ready to leave today.
Yes, sir!
Also, send a message to Oine.
Yes, sir!
Miss Oine, thank you for all you've done.
With your help, I'm recovering from my wounds.
Now we must fend for ourselves.
No, you mustn't.
I can't ask you to help anymore.
Sir Ichibei...
In Owari, remember what you promised me?
I promised?
I am Gomune Jindayu's daughter.
Promises are sacred to the Gomune tribe.
Excuse me.
Oine, please.
I don't like this.
Don't like it one bit.
Like what?
The Gomune.
Why are they so anxious to help you?
Kotaro, don't you trust the Gomune?
They annoy me.
By the way, Ichibei...
How will you get the Ieyasu statue?
Sunpu to Edo, it's about 100 miles.
I'll have to strike along the way.
Father?
How can I help?
Little one, you'd better stay with madam in Enshuya.
But...
It's all right, don't worry.
I'll come back for you as soon as the job's done, okay?
Okay.
FANGS OF DARKNESS 2: IEYASU'S HEAD
Something odd at the back, come on!
They look like luggage bearers...
But something is off.
I agree.
These men are all Iga ninja.
I see.
You're right.
Yashagami Isshin, nice try.
Strange.
What's that?
Nobody knew we were leaving.
But somebody's following us.
There's been a leak somewhere.
So, where's the statue?
In a wagon, or on their backs?
This was planned by Yashagami Isshin.
It won't be easy to find out.
FUCHU
EJIRI
OKUTSU
YUl
KAMABARA
YOSHIWARA KAMABARA
YOSHIWARA
HARAJUKU
NUMAZU
Halt!
Chief!
Right! Keep going!
Hurry!
After them! Kill him!
Now!
Take Miss Oine! Hurry!
I will get you for sure!
You'll be fine.
Sir Ichibei, thank you for saving me.
We'd be dead if you hadn't come for us.
Thank you.
You were reckless.
They were expecting you.
We knew it was a trap.
We would have let them pass.
Hiding from them and attacking the procession instead.
Please forgive us for ruining everything.
Well, it's in the past now...
But...
They've an Iga ninja with them, Yashagami Isshin.
So be careful.
Miss Oine...
I saw you using the ninjutsu technique, didn't 1?
It's a secret Gomune clan technique, passed down through generations.
Is that so?
It's me.
Ichibei, they're starting the procession again, heading for Mishima.
I see.
That was a close call.
Thanks to Miss Oine,
our plan went down the drain.
She may be Gomune but she's still a woman...
and she's hindering us.
Get lost!
Kotaro, stop!
Miss Oine...
You've lost enough men already.
Jindayu will honor your service, I'm sure.
It's time to stop.
Sir Ichibei!
You almost lost your life once...
Stay safe.
NUMAZU
MISHIMA
With all your ninja, you couldn't catch them all.
Isshin...
You're not earning your pay.
You're wrong to doubt me.
Am I wrong?
The man who pushed those logs,
he's our true enemy.
We can't predict how he will strike again.
Tomorrow's the day!
Isshin, don't fail me again!
I won't.
Sir Nose, the Odawara Okubo family
offered their sharpshooters to guard the procession.
Good!
It looks like we'll get through Hakone safely.
Pardon us.
Come in, please.
Where's your friend?
Taking a bath.
I'll leave this here, then.
HAKONE
ODAWARA
How's Odawara Castle look?
Too many damned gunners.
Odawara's musket team will likely stay until Oiso, then go home.
After Rokugo, Ozaki musket squad
will take over the job, so I've heard.
Leaves us between Oiso and Rokugo.
Maybe 20 or 30 miles.
Ichibei...
Why are you after the statue?
Don't you think it's time to tell me?
Call it revenge.
The Tokugawa shogunate killed my father.
I'd like him to rest quietly.
Your father?
My parents abandoned me...
Or maybe I left them.
Families are complicated, it's better without them.
But Ichibei...
I'm fine now, feeling we can accomplish anything if we try hard.
I've been like a leaf in the wind for years.
Stealing here and there, living aimlessly.
But Ichibei...
Since we've been working together...
I feel alive again.
Who's there?
It's Torizo!
Young Chief, the old man's in danger!
Jindayu? What's wrong with him?
After we lost men on the road,
he was chasing the enemy.
His old heart trouble flared up again.
How bad is he?
Doctor says he'll reach a crisis soon.
Where is he?
In west Odawara village, hiding at a friend's hut.
Torizo, come!
Father...
Stay with us!
You've finally come.
Father.
You?
Oine, he's your brother...
Your brother Jintaro!
But, they said you were dead.
Oine, forgive me for lying to you.
My son Jintaro didn't die, he's alive.
I threw him out and gave up on him.
However...
I never stopped asking my men to keep track of him.
Because I was a fool and made a terrible mistake.
I was only 4 years old...
When my brother disappeared.
He was alive and well.
Your father cast him out,
but he never stopped loving him.
I never knew...
Sir Ichibei, this is fate.
Father and son befriended you at the same time.
Boss, will you ask the young chief, Sir Jintaro...
Ask him to rejoin Gomune tribe?
Father, please forgive him.
I'm begging you!
Please, boss!
But why not?
Boss, please, why not?
He's a thief!
The Gomune tribe never admits thieves, you know that.
Sir Jindayu, it's not true.
Kotaro, no Jintaro is no ordinary thief.
He's a noble man who's targeted wicked daimyo.
He would never soil the Gomune name if you take him back.
I, too, beg you to accept him.
Father!
Boss!
Father...!
Father!
Father...
Jindayu...
Father!
JINTARO, FIFTH GENERATION SUCCESSOR
Brother.
He scolded you with his last breath.
Never saying he had already forgiven you.
You're now Chief of Gomune, Jintaro.
Brother!
Young Chief!
Our young chief.
There's no dividing a father and son.
You know he threw you out for your own good.
He loved you.
Ichibei.
Brother, please take over Gomune tribe.
Young Chief, please!
Please!
FANGS OF DARKNESS 2: IEYASU'S HEAD
ODAWARA
OISO
Time for us to go.
We thank you. - Be careful.
Isshin, from here to Rokugo river it will be dangerous.
Have no fear.
We have a fine troop here, our guard won't fail you.
Miss Oine!
Ichibei, there's trouble!
Enshuya was attacked today.
Madam Osen and many of her servants died.
They killed Madam Osen?
What about Oasa, my daughter?
Sir, she's missing.
OISO
HIRATSUKA
FUJINUMA
TOTSUKA
HODOGAYA
KANAGAWA
KAWASAKI
Young Chief, we've seen Miss Oasa!
Where is she? - Yashagami Isshin has her.
She's in Kawasaki at their inn.
You've see Oasa alive?
Yes.
They're holding her hostage to trap you.
Miserable rats!
Sir Ichibei, what will you do?
Halt!
Who are you?
'Fangs of Darkness' Ichibei.
What?
I'm here to see Sir Nose. I need to talk to him.
What's going on?
Please release my daughter.
What are you scheming?
No scheming.
I just want my Oasa back.
Certainly, on one condition.
Name it.
If you'll take her place as a hostage,
she's free to leave.
Do you swear it?
My word.
Don't rush!
What are you scheming?
Bring Oasa out here first.
Hey!
Search him!
Oasa!
Father!
Fear not, my child, father is here.
You're very brave.
Now go!
Listen to your father.
Don't worry, right?
It's Ichibei all right.
Ichibei, are you working with the Gomune tribe?
What are you after?
Where are the Gomune holed up?
What're you up to?
Stubborn bastard!
First stone! - Yes!
Speak quickly!
More stones!
Pardon!
No use torturing that one.
Better off pulling the Gomune into a trap instead.
How do we find them?
We can use him as bait.
Against their numbers, we can't win.
Try it, and we'll wind up like him.
He must be in agony.
If we don't try, he'll be killed for sure.
Brother?
Let's try climbing the roof.
If we make some noise, maybe?
Torizo, you try to get closer.
Let's go!
Miss Oine, are you falling for Ichibei?
Torizo...
Torizo?
Torizo?!
Torizo!
Don't let them escape!
Miss Oine...
Miss Oine!
Torizo.
Miss Oine.
Try not to forget me.
Be happy Miss Oine.
Torizo!
He gave his life to save me.
We've lost a lot in this battle.
Kotaro, please return to Owari.
What are you saying?
My father respected you because of your cause.
Joining your cause has made my life meaningful.
I can't turn back now.
They're still not back?
They probably won't come back.
What?
Ichibei, Fangs of Darkness is a clever bastard.
He used the Harinoana Kuguri ninja technique,
hanging upside-down.
With his help, 10 or 156 ninja could fall in minutes.
Crossing the Rokugo River is our last hurdle.
We need a new strategy.
Any ideas?
I can stop all river traffic by order.
I see.
If no one can cross, no one can attack us.
Aoki. - Yes?
To be safe, inspect our day laborers carefully.
See any familiar faces,
you cut them down!
Approach!
Are you sighing up for work tomorrow?
Anyone trying to sneak into our crew with no papers?
We're checking all workers very carefully.
Form a line, step up one by one!
Sir!
Next!
Right, move on.
Okay.
Keep it moving!
All right.
Next!
Miss, I need a saké!
Young Master!
Thank him for his good work.
Good job!
Aren't you proud, Jiromatsu?
Pardon.
Getting close to deadline.
FANGS OF DARKNESS 2: IEYASU'S HEAD
"The official procession will now cross the Rokugo River!
"All river crossing is forbidden by law to the public today!"
Nothing to report. - Okay.
Load our baggage!
Move on to the second boat.
Come on.
Move out!
Damn them!
They've done it!
Isshin!
Shoot into the water!
Move the boat!
Yes!
Here they come.
We're waiting!
Attack!
Kotaro, what next?
I'll take up my father's post.
I see.
The street performers will say "banzai" in your honor.
Sir Ichibei, how about you?
Your father can rest in peace.
As for me, back to selling medicine and caring for Oasa.
Thanks to you I made my father's wish come true.
I promise to visit you.
Oine, I thank you.
See you!
Oasa, let's go.
Directed by KURODA Yoshiyuki
A production by Fuji TV and Toei Company - 1983