Moon River
Episode 7
Throw the Shuriken!
1... 2... 3... 4
1...
Lower body exercises help protect against heart disease, prevent arthritis, enhance stamina, combat ageing,
and have excellent physiological effects.
But...
that doesn't seem to be Wang Hweng Bo's aim...
So, what is?
He's actually just working on one of his legs.
You see, without the fetter*... (*foot shackle)
1... 2... 3...
he'd most likely be doing it this way.
... 3... 4
1... 2... 3... 4
I got caught because of my peculiar sideways-walking habit.
which comes from doing a lot of Kung Fu as a kid.
I definitely won't be caught again once I've fixed it!
1, 2... 3, 4...
That's enough exercise for today.
We have to catch the damn Haedongcheong and Bongseoni gangs.
This stinks! Chief Gu Ja Myeong isn't to blame.
That's right. Damn!
We must catch them.
Hey, what are they're saying?
Is Gu Ja Myeong in some sort of trouble?
Huh?...
23 strokes!
24 strokes!
25 strokes!
26 strokes!
27 strokes!
The man whose dagger stabbed Cha Dol in the back...
The Ministry's Seo Yun,
roughly the equivalent to Chief Administrative Officer in today's Seoul,
was indicted by Gu Ja Myeong and sentenced to receive 50 lashes...
but he hired a stand-in to take the punishment.
In response, he uses the disturbance Iljimae created a year ago
and the unsolved murder case, to charge Gu Ja Myeong with incompetence...
and succeeds in sending him into exile for dereliction of duty.
That he had The Ministry's most powerful people backing him...
goes without saying.
Sir...
Su Ryeon, please...
You can't go through with this.
The kind of man Gu Ja Myeong is...
you must surely know that, too.
He should be getting a commendation. How can you let him be driven out like this?
The decision was not mine to make. There's nothing I can do!
But Sir...
Su Ryeon!
You're being sent into solitary exile to Mount Gap in Hamkyeong Province.
You will be escorted tomorrow morning at daybreak.
So, try to get some sleep.
Very well.
You're in a fine mess, thanks to Iljimae.
We've ended up as buddies. Jail buddies!
Anything you want, just ask. I'll be delighted to fill you in.
If you get bored like me,
give this a try.
It's a lot more fun than it looks.
1,2,3,4... Straight out good! good!
1,2,3,4... Sideways bad! bad!
1,2,3,4... Straight out good! good!
1,2,3,4... Sideways bad! bad!
1,2,3,4....
Follow my lead and give it a try. It's fun! 1,2....
Get everything ready.
Yes, Sir.
The order concerning Gu Ja Myeong's exile
was being carried out by his successor, Senior Chief Kim Kyeong Cheol.
A generous and warmhearted man...
who had the people's respect.
Is everything ready now?
Yes, Sir.
A man going into exile for doing his duty
is a sight that grieves my heart.
I was not good enough.
That's the sole reason I lost my post.
That's not so.
You were promoted to high office at such a young age
and your rigor built up resentments against you.
That's the reason.
You've a long, hard road ahead.
Accept this to ease your journey.
Here. Take charge of this.
Yes, Sir
But I'm a criminal...
how can I accept such a gift?
Chief Gu!
- Chief Gu!... Chief! - Chief Gu!... Chief!
You'll be coming back!
We'll be waiting.
Come what may, we'll be waiting.
Let's go.
With Gu Ja Myeong sent so painfully into exile
Su Ryeon starts her own investigation into the unsolved murder case,
for the sake of completing Gu Ja Myeong's investigation, of course!
I believe you wanted to see me?
Ah yes... please be seated.
Well...
you see, about the other day...
there was this man I just can't forget.
You mean, you saw someone?
The truth is, that day... there...
on his right cheek...
ah, no...
... here...
that's it... I saw a man with a huge mole on his left cheek.
So although the actual killer was caught,
he never divulged the motive for the crime or who hired him.
Oh! Don't tell me he's dead!
Looks like it.
Hey, I hear a woman's to be attacked tonight.
The one who lives alone out by the ginseng* plot. (*root used in herbal medicine)
She used to be a gisaeng* in Hanyang. (*female entertainer)
Now, what was her name again?
Bae.... Baek...
Baek Mae was it?
Baek Mae?... Baek Mae!
Seems they already approached her...
but she wouldn't have anything to do with them.
So, they're been itching to take her.
You mean, the odd one who never says a word.
Eh...
She'll have something to say tonight, though.
How do you mean?
When those men tonight
are having their way with her...
that woman may scream,
or she may gasp, but she's sure to make some noise no matter what!
You're right about that! For sure!
Ahh.. this is good stuff!
Come along, please!
We were supposed to get there before dark.
We're running behind schedule.
Listen...
Could you please trust me enough to untie me for a while?
There's something I must do.
What do you mean?
It's something private that I can't reveal.
But I was once an officer of the law myself.
I wouldn't get you into trouble by running away.
Please....
Please, I'm begging you.
Well, in that case...
I'll come along too.
That's the only way I can agree to your request.
But you see...
it may be dangerous.
Dangerous, you say?
Hey! If I let you go into danger on your own and something happens,
what am I going to say?
If I lose an offender en route to exile
or he gets killed,
- how could I claim I'd done my job? - Very well then.
In that case, come along.
Heck, what am I letting myself in for here?
Do we have to go right away?
Yes we do!
Oh man, oh man....
Please don't make a sound!
We're acting just like robbers.
Little Butterfly!
Here, Butterfly!
Supper time!
Quietly now!
- They've arrived! - Huh?
The men are here.
Quick! We have to take them by surprise!
- Stop! - What the...?
It's the Police! Let's get out of here!
You villains! You bastards!...
You're safe now.
Baek Mae...
Do you remember me?
I'm...
... Gu Ja Myeong.
Are you really alright?
I'll be fine. Don't come any closer. Just go away!
Hey, come on!
If it wasn't for this man here, who knows what might've happened!
Couldn't you at least thank him?
Is biting his head off all you can do?
I never asked him to come and help!
That's one coldhearted woman!
That's because she...
has been deeply wounded by men before.
We're done here. Let's go.
Huh! Beats me!
If I survive...
someday, somewhere, we'll meet again.
What are you muttering about?
It doesn't matter.
Is he coming round?
Don't try to sit up yet.
Is there really no hope?
It would seem there isn't.
Our poor little girl!
Don't cry!
It must be her destiny to die so young.
My poor child!
I feel so sorry for my Rie.
I said be quiet!
Kotaro!
Rie... What illness does she have?
I don't know.
All I do know is she hasn't long to live.
Is that... why you're here every day?
It's just a pointless ritual!
But it's all I can do...
so I have to do it.
Yes!
That could work!
In return for saving my life...
I would like you to have this.
Please do me the honor of accepting it.
It's wild ginseng.
You mean...
This... this is... really wild ginseng from Joseon?
I gathered it myself in Joseon on Mount Odae.
There's a chance it might help your daughter.
You may well be saving our daughter's life.
Iljimae, why are you standing there? Fetch some more water, quick!
Eh?! Oh!... Alright...
- Hey! - Ah!
You got a bite!
Wow! It's a hata!* (*Japanese for grouper fish)
Hata?
Is that what you call it here?
What is it called in Joseon?
In Joseon, it's called 'neung seo'
Joseon isn't very far from here.
It's close enough to hear a cock crow.
When the weather's fine, you can even see Joseon from here.
Let's go.
Iljimae...
why haven't you asked my father to teach you the Arts?
But, I'm being taught the blacksmith's skills by your father.
I don't mean that, I mean...
...the Ninja Arts.
Ninja Arts?
Give me a hand with this.
Okay.
A shuko.* (*Fighting/Climbing Claw)
Shuko?
My father was always adamant he'd never teach an outsider...
but if you were to ask him...
he wouldn't be able to turn you down.
Because... you saved my life.
Hook at the bottom!
That not the right way to hold it!
Stretch your arm out horizontally!
Go!
We call this a seiki and it is used in water.
With it, we can cross rivers unseen.
It's vital for enemy reconnaissance or surprise attacks.
Give it a squeeze.
See the tiny seeds coming out?
If you sprinkle them on a wound, it stops the bleeding immediately.
These just look like bits of bamboo...
but pull the cord tight like this...
it becomes like a staff
and you can use it as a weapon.
Take a careful look at this.
The scabbard is longer than the blade.
There's a space at the end below the inner scabbard.
You can keep smut powder there
for use in an emergency.
You have nine of these in all.
Use them to hunt animals for food.
If you lose the shuriken*, or you can't catch an animal, (*Ninja throwing stars)
you'll die of hunger.
But father!...
I saved you...
and you saved Rie's life.
There is no further indebtedness
between us.
Also...
this task...
can only be accomplished by yourself and no one else.
Whether or not you become a Ninja...
depends on you alone.
Rei! Come along now!
It seems you're too weak even to stand.
Kotaro!
Watch the eyes.
The eyes always move first, before the body does.
If you watch the eyes, you'll know what direction your quarry will take.
Father!
Mother!
You made it!
What did I tell you? I told you Iljimae could do it!
A few days from now at the village festival,
once you pass the Master's shuriken test,
you can officially become a Ninja.
You did well!
You did really well!
Kotaro...
This shuriken test...
what does it involve?
From five paces you have to extinguish a flame by throwing a shuriken.
Child's play, really.
With your ability, you could do it with your eyes closed.
More importantly, though...
do you know why Rie encouraged you to become a Ninja?
Only then will she be able to marry you.
Marry?
If a Ninja loves someone who isn't a Ninja...
they can not marry.
In a few days, the festival will begin,
and on the last day, in front of the entire village,
Rie will have her coming-of-age ceremony.
On that occasion...
she must name the man she wishes to be her husband.
Before you came along, I was the only choice.
Even if...
even if Rie chooses me,
I cannot marry her.
- Kotaro. - If you reject her...
Rie will have to live alone for the rest of her life.
Look at Sora over there.
She's been living alone ever since
the person she chose rejected her.
Since then,
her face has been dead and expressionless.
Every night she sings like a madwoman.
So if Rie chooses me and I refuse...
Her life will be the same as Sora's.
In the forest when you helped me...
why did you do it?
I don't even know why.
I will be here until Bon Festival*, (*Feast of Lanterns)
After Bon Festival, I will not be here.
If Bon Festival comes earlier,...
Quick! Quick!
Hurry up!
My Rie...
is really so pretty.
Rie...
You'll succeed, won't you?
You could hit the target even with your back turned.
The contest is really just a pretext for the village Headman to show off,
so don't let it worry you.
Iljimae!
It's your turn!
Go ahead!
Does this really mean
you've decided to leave?
Yes, I have.
I...
I've always thought of you like my very own son.
Please get it.
- I can't possible accept this. - As a Ninja...
your first duty is to defend yourself.
This shinobi katana*... (*assassin sword)
is for defending rather than attacking.
To a Ninja, this weapon is like his life itself.
Treasure it.
Rie...
I know I can't hold on to you.
Rie...
You are better off...
you are better off with Kotaro than with me.
I know.
I understand.
Goodbye.
Sayonara.* (*Japanese for Goodbye)
Iljimae!
It's me! Kotaro!
Kotaro!
You broke the Ninja Code of Honor!
I know you missed the target on purpose!
Take care!
Iljimae!
You're my friend!
That's so, isn't it?
That's right!
You are my friend, Kotaro.
Kotaro!
I have a favour to ask.
Rie...
Please make her happy!
Come on! Move it!
So, while Iljimae was making his way home after 3 years away...
In Hanyang,
the Police were rounding up a gang of thieves caught in a daylight raid.
But, this person...
Look familiar?
That's right!
He's the one who hired an assassin to commit murder
and then tried to pin the blame on Iljimae.
That's him!
- Is everybody here? - Yes, Sir.
We've been preparing for a while...
and now our base is established.
So, tonight we set to work.
As I ordered,
we'll split into 4 groups, north, south, east and west.
The goods are stored in several places.
- Understood? - Yes, Sir
Let's do this right! OK?
Sure... Sure... Sure thing.
This is how the Bongseoni gang from Pyongyang began their move into Hanyang.
But others had already staked their claim on this goldmine known as Hanyang.
Hey! You there!
Come here.
What do you want?
Come on, show it!
What do you want to see?
The tag that proves you're a member of the Haedongcheong gang.
We don't have such a thing!
'Haedongcheong'...
though it sounds like some kind of government agency,
was the name of a gang of thieves already established in Hanyang.
You Haedongcheong bastards! I'll kill the lot of you!
What sort of damn training are these boys getting?
There's nothing I can say.
What a bunch of complete idiots!
Fighting like this every night is getting us nowhere!
We need to finish off the Bongseoni once and for all!
I know a guy with a tough skull who gets called 'Steel Hammer'.
Tough-skulled guys are usually from Pyongan, aren't they?
That's right. He just came from a head-butting contest there
where he won 72 bouts out of 72.
Sounds good! Send for him!
So to meet this crisis, 'Steel Hammer' was brought on the scene...
What's this?
Who are you?
Our gang has taken heavy losses.
At this rate we'll all be finished!
Don't worry. I've something up my sleeve.
What the Bongseoni chief had up his sleeve was...
Right again!
It was that terror which caused the people in Hanyang to live in fear... Bulgasari!* (*the Invincible)
It... It's Bulgasari! Bulgasari! Bulgasari!
And so it came about....
The ace Haedongcheong fighter 'Steel Hammer'
and the Bongseoni giant Bulgasari
came head to head
in an encounter to decide the two gangs' fate.
What are you playing at?
Come on, get started!
What the...?
Who's this?! Who's this?!
Master!
You're here! You came back!
Where have you been all this time?
In my armpit? Or down my trousers?
I've been very far away from your robes.
What?
You mean you went to Yodong?
Is that where you went?
No, it wasn't.
I went to Wae.* (*Japan)
You went across the ocean?
Across the ocean?
I did.
So...
what made you decide to come home?
Are you here to stay?
I came back from Wae,
because of a thought that came to me.
A thought?
What thought was that?
I...
even though I was born in this land
though I am a native of this country,
my birth and lineage are not recorded here.
Even if I returned home,
there is not one person here who would welcome me.
I can never be a legitimate citizen of this country...
I realize that.
And yet...
I have this...
and it's what made me come back here.
What is that, may I ask?
It's a poem my mother wrote.
Amazing!
How did you...?
When I read those words,
'As without seeds, flowers cannot bloom'
In the end...
I came to understand that Joseon is my homeland.
Ah, Master...
While on my journey back to Joseon,
I met someone who said he knows you.
Knows me?! Me?
Have some!
Excuse me...
Isn't this Joseon pickled radish?
I felt sad to see the soldiers going from battle to battle
and having just plain rice to eat.
I made some of this for them...
and boy, did they enjoy it!
Are you...
from Joseon as well?
That gentleman told me his Bhuddist name was Taegam.
Eh?!
Taegam!
In my younger days, he and I were students together.
He had high merit, and excelled in the martial arts as well.
But now...
he's living in Wae, you say? In Wae?
That's right.
Yes. Among the people of Wae he's called Dakuang the Monk.
Dakuang? Dak Kkwang?
Da - Ku - Ang...
Before 'purification' of the Korean language,
pickled radish was normally written 'dak kkwang'.
So in fact the dish was named after this monk.
Could it be then, that jajangmyeon* (*noodle dish)
was invented by a monk called Ja Jang?
Anyhow, Dak Kkwang's understanding of Zen
decisively influenced the governing philosophy of Shogun Japan.
But tell me....
what brings you to this place?
Eh?
Ah...
I'm just here to meet someone.
Since age 13...
he's fought 60 opponents...
and never lost to one of them.
Despite having lived so long...
I've yet to meet a man capable of beating him.
Ah! He's coming now.
What do you think?
Fancy trying to take him on?
They say, 'Talent makes itself known'.
What's that sword doing in your bag?
Guess you use it to pick your teeth
when you've been eating meat. Eh?
Here you are, radiating power from your weaponry.
Are you keeping well?
It's been a long time.
Ah... you've caught that look in his eyes.
They're no ordinary eyes, are they?
Right, young lad. Let's see how good you are.
Are you deaf? I want a sparring bout with you.
Seems like he really is deaf.
You're not deaf after all.
It seems he has mastered the Ninja Arts.
Ah... he's from Joseon.
The fight's off.
I've been on the road for too long.
Oh!
You don't want to fight a Ninja, eh?
This is getting boring.
I saw his gaze so I thought I'd have a spot of fun.
What maxim do you follow as a warrior?
It's, 'That which can kill can also save'
A fine maxim.
When you go to Joseon...
give my greetings to the monk Yeol Gong.
I shall do that.
Carry this with you on your travels.
Incredible! You do woodcarving as well!
Awaken one talent, and all the others unfold.
Ah! That's so true!
Would you tell me what this is?
It is Acala. It will protect you.
Acala is the patron of those who discipline themselves.
May I know your name?
My name, you say?
His name is Shinmen Musashi no Kami Fujiwara no Kenshin.
Because he was born in Miyamoto, people call him Miyamoto Musashi.
Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's finest Samurai...
who devised the twin sword technique, using long and short blades simultaneously
becoming a legendary swordsman in Japan by the age of 29.
Miyamoto... Musashi...
So then...
How to you intend to spend your life from now on?
Living in constant hope of the day when I will meet my mother.
I intend to use the martial arts I have learned
to help those who live powerlessly in the shadows.
To give help to the powerless? Help?
In the 3 months since my return to Hanyang,
I have seen with my own eyes
how the ordinary people live.
Right now Hanyang...
is being worn down by the Bongseoni and Haedongcheong gangs.
I have insufficent strength to deal with all the thieves alone,
but fortunately, Chief Gu Ja Myeong is returning.
I want to help him eradicate their bases.
Where the Bongseoni and Haedongcheong bases are, nobody knows.
Not a soul.
- This is pretty. - Like to buy one?
I can give you a good price.
Why not choose one?
How about one of these? Two for the price of one.
Or these sweet persimmons... The apples are good, too.
The place that I'm dreaming of
is the place where my love is
when I look into his face full of affection
I will smile to my heart's content
My love, the one I love
Don't let me go
My love, the one I love
whisper into my ears
Loving me the most
and laying everything down
My love, the one I love.