The Samurai (1962)

Secret of the Chest (4x4)

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Hakuunsai, head of the Owari ninja, arrives at the Sakai residence, disguised as an itinerant priest. He brings a message from the Lord of Owari encouraging all the domain lords to sign an agreement to unite against the shogunate. This conversation is overheard by the spy samurai Kazama who uses a listening device which Hakuunsai spots and uses to bolster his case, that it is a fine reward for loyalty to be spied on by the shogunate. He says he will take care of the matter and kills Kazama and also his associate, Nakata Nobuhiko. Meantime Tonbei furthers Shūsaku’s ninja education by telling him about (and how to make) ninja ‘miracle pills’ designed to sustain them while on a mission. Shūsaku wants to help find Kazama and cites how he helped Tonbei get to Kōfu (continuity blunder here – Tonbei didn’t join Shintarō until the following story). Tonbei tricks him and runs out to follow a mysterious chest being taken from the Sakai residence to the Dark Temple (where Gondayū was killed). Tombei is captured in the temple. Shintarō enters, opens the chest and is attacked by the ninja inside. Shūsaku rescues Tonbei who comes to Shintarō’s aid. He captures a ninja who bites his tongue and dies rather than reveal any information. Shintarō tells Shūsaku not to look and doesn’t look himself.