Episode 09: Ghost
You look horrible.
I think it's about time.
What?
Your wife passed away almost five years ago.
You've been working hard and taking good care of the shop.
I think it's time you looked for a partner. Am I right?
What do you say?
I don't know if I'm fit to be the lady boss of your shop?
I don't know if I'm fit to be your other half?
Say it again!
That's redundant. Why aren't you suitable?
- You creep. - Am I right?
Once customers who are always pestered by dirty things
see Yu's face, they will feel that you can expel the spirits.
I think you two are a match made in heaven.
Is it true?
- What? - I didn't say anything.
Let me arrange the marriage for both of you.
Ridiculous! I would rather become a monk
than marry that kind of woman.
I'm so angry. Get some water to wash my feet.
- What's the matter with you? - What?
I can't take this. I'm so angry.
What's there to be angry about?
People always say that opportunities abound
and there are many choices.
Do you agree? There are plenty of women in the world.
What rubbish is that?
- Welcome back. - I'm back.
- You're back. - I'm back.
Welcome back.
It's been hard on you.
Frankly speaking, I'm really tired.
I'll prepare some snacks and tea for you right now.
It's so warm.
Hatsumi, you're here, aren't you?
You seem to be in a good mood.
Did you do something to my clogs?
You're blaming me again?
Look at yourself. Jumping around like a child.
Rubbish! I want to clarify things with you today.
I'm alive but you're already in the nether world.
What a long-winded person!
What? I'm serious.
To think that a person of your age will lose himself when you see a woman.
Any man will act like this when he sees a virtuous woman.
To think that you fall into people's traps so easily.
You'll be cheated as long as she's young and pretty.
This is a normal reaction.
Unlike facing you for 15 years. I had no reaction at all!
- What did you say? - No...
The snacks are here.
Let go.
The weather is so warm.
- Please help yourself. - Thank you.
Boss, your toe is bleeding. Wait a minute.
Don't worry. It's just a small cut. No problem at all.
There's something wrong with the woman you met today.
Don't talk nonsense.
- Are you trying to mess things up again? - I'm not.
I've been to five matchmaking sessions till now and
you always ruin everything!
Don't you find that you've gone too far to ruin my marriage plans?
It's obvious that you're not popular.
You still won't admit it?
Take for example, the missy from the umbrella shop.
She went to seek help from a priest after she claimed that she saw
an old demon every night when she slept.
Old demon? She actually said that of me!
I'm right. It's indeed you who made fun of her.
So what if it was me?
I'm telling you now that woman is very lazy.
If you marry her, your shop will be doomed.
And previously, the woman from the tatami shop.
Although she's adorable, she has migraines and a bad temper.
I pitied you after seeing you being ordered by her like a maid.
That's why I stay by your side to protect you
and prevent people from bullying you. You should thank me.
I should thank you for your help, you jealous old demon!
Old demon?
How dare you treat me like this! Say it again if you've guts.
Do you think I dare not? Old demon, old demon...
You bastard!
Boss, you...
What's the matter?
This is the medicine for your toe. I'm leaving now.
Masago, thanks for your snacks.
Welcome.
Welcome to our shop.
Can you pick a hair clip for me?
No problem.
Go and do your things. Let me handle this.
Yes.
What kind of hair clip are you looking for?
Any hair clip will suit you.
It's beautiful.
I think this hair clip will look great on me.
- Don't you agree? - Yes.
Why don't we get something to drink?
Miss Shoman... Miss Shoman...
You're useless! You're a lecher!
Every man is a lecher!
Are you trying to kill me?
Do you remember this?
Of course I do.
I gave this to you when we first opened the shop.
Yes. This is from the leftover goods in the shop.
How could you say this? This was the best item in the shop.
We didn't have much money then.
I could only give you something that was not too expensive.
You didn't say this before.
Hatsumi, I'm only 37.
I don't wish to spend the rest of my life in loneliness.
No!
Hatsumi?
- Give it to the customer. - Yes.
Sorry to make you wait so long.
Why haven't you come to keep me company?
I'll be right back.
Come back quick.
Don't you find anything wrong with her?
You gave me a fright.
That woman has a lover who is a gangster.
You'll come to no good end if you step in his path.
Rubbish, isn't she adorable?
Maybe you got it wrong?
Never judge a book by its cover. Even an exorcist can't see it.
How do you know my line of work?
Forget it. I even know you're a womanizer.
How do you know the things that even my daughter doesn't know?
You're such a busybody. Who exactly are you?
And I even know you're always trying hard.
Sometimes you've the heart but not the strength to do things.
How do you know?
Who are you? Who are you?
What do you want?
Men! There's a demon! Men!
- What's the matter? - Demon...
What's wrong?
There's nothing there.
It hurts.
I didn't lie to you. There's a demon.
Welcome.
May I know what's the matter?
Are you Konomu?
Yes, I am.
Are you in love with Miss Shoman?
Come in!
You knew obviously that Miss Shoman is my woman.
But you took her to a motel behind my back.
You've misunderstood. I didn't force her. What are you doing?
The owner of this shop seduced a married woman!
Doesn't he deserve to be tied up and paraded in public?
Come... Be a judge...
Let's settle everything in the shop. Please...
You want to settle it in private? I'll give you a price.
50 Ryo.
I'm sorry. I can't give you the money.
Say it again?
It's like this. This is just a small and simple shop.
This is the result of the hard work and thrift
put in by my wife and me.
So the money in the shop belongs to the two of us.
The reason why I was with Miss Shoman that time...
was because I was muddleheaded.
Yes, I'm very muddleheaded. So these 50 Ryo...
I'm sorry, I can't give you the money
because I owe it to my wife.
What logic is that?
A load of crap! I'm in no mood for your nonsense!
Hand the money over if you don't want to die.
Let's have a good talk.
What do you want?
Is it an earthquake?
Earthquake... Help me.
Do you still want the 50 Ryo?
- I don't want it anymore! - Me neither.
I don't want to see you again!
I won't let you off next time!
That's great!
It's great as long as Boss is safe and sound.
Masago?
Is anything the matter?
Nothing.
How long have you been here?
5 years. I came here not long after Lady Boss passed away.
Really?
Actually, I've something to discuss with you.
I would like to resign. It's like this.
My aunt opened a small eatery in Fukagawa.
She hopes that I can go over and help tend the shop.
Really?
But Masago...
Fine then. I understand.
Thank you for taking care of me.
I want to thank you for helping me to change the offerings as well.
You're welcome.
I know Lady Boss likes to eat red bean buns.
How did you know? Did she tell you?
I used to see you eating that at the temple snack shop.
Because I lived in the town near the temple when I was a child.
Really?
My father is ill-tempered and likes to gamble.
He quarrelled with my mother non-stop every day.
That's why I envy loving couples.
Here.
- I want the bigger portion! - I knew it!
Eat slowly. What's the rush? Have some tea.
So when I knew that I would be coming here to work,
no words could describe my happiness.
Because both of you are so loving and good-natured.
- I got to work. Sorry. - All right.
Aren't you coming out tonight?
Are you still angry with me?
I know I shouldn't be tricked by beauty every time.
I didn't listen to you and almost fell into a trap again.
Maybe that girl will fall in love with me.
Hatsumi,
what do you think of Masago?
It must be hard on you to wash so many clothes.
It's nothing.
- Masago. - Yes?
Nothing. Forget it. It's nothing special.
How do I offer this dirty red bean bun to Madam?
Sorry, I won't stand on ceremony.
Thanks for the treat, Madam.
You're so retarded.
I'll give you another one since you are so greedy.
Lady Boss.
That day when the gangster came to make trouble,
Boss would have died if not for you. All thanks to you.
Thank you for helping.
Which part of that plain Jane attracts you?
I want to drink with you as well.
Delicious.
Hatsumi.
Hatsumi!
Sorry to disturb you.
Thank you for your care and concern.
Masago. Please wait for a while.
Before you leave, I would like to hear your opinion.
Yes.
I would like to ask you who the Lady Boss of this shop will be.
I went for quite a number of matchmaking sessions.
You're aware too that none has been successful.
- Yes. - I feel that women....
who are too flamboyant are not suitable to be the Lady Boss.
Although our customers are here to buy cosmetics,
the Lady Boss must be simple.
Yes.
- And she must like to work. - Yes.
So...
Do you think you can do it?
No... please don't misunderstand that I want you to change.
You just have to stay here and continue doing your things.
I won't need you to do other things. Don't worry.
As for your aunt, I will settle it.
I'll tell her the reason personally and apologize to her.
I will ask her to forgive you.
But the most important thing is your opinion on this matter.
Do you think I'm competent?
Of course. Masago, you're definitely competent.
That's great. I'm so happy to hear you say that.
What are you doing here at this hour?
None of your business.
I'm making a wish for a good wife.
Someone is thinking of women. Well, you have grown up anyway.
Now you realize.
Uncle, what's meant by thinking of women?
Summer has just arrived.
People will start thinking of women in the summer?
Any request?
You can tell me. I'll take notice of that.
How's that?
You really make me feel embarrass.
This is the third helping, enjoy.
Thank you.
Hatsumi, stop it. Stop... stop it!
It was just a dream.
Hatsumi.
Don't I know your temper yet?
You won't disappear just like that.
Don't you agree with me?
Why aren't you out yet?
Hatsumi!
- You want to see her? - Yes.
Why do you bother to look for her since she's no longer around?
- Am I right? - I don't see the need either.
But I just find it strange for her to disappear without a word.
Didn't you use to find her irritating?
No... I still think that it's better to talk to her.
Otherwise, I won't feel good.
Because I hope that she will bless my marriage.
In any case, please help us meet, won't you?
I would like to know her opinion regarding this marriage.
All right. I understand.
Do you have anything on you belonging to your wife?
Yes. Here. This is it.
This is her favorite hair clip.
She will use this and prick me whenever we quarrel.
No way.
Father!
What do you know? Go back.
Why? Please help me. You're my only saviour.
I've had enough of a fierce lady like her!
What will happen if she injures me with this?
I'm not doing it.
Don't worry. She won't do that. No matter what, please help me.
I'll try my best then.
But I can't promise whether this thing will be a success.
Because everything still depends on you.
Sorry to make you wait. Enjoy.
Do you still remember that we used to sit here and eat our snacks?
It's not completely the fault of the dead if he can't rest in peace
and wanders around in the mortal world.
Many times, it's due to the people who are alive
who can't bear to let them go.
Now, please rest in peace.
Boss, I'll leave everything to you from now onwards.
Don't call me Boss.
You should be calling me Master now.
I will need your help too.
Hatsumi.
Do you know that I want to die but I can't rest in peace?
I'm so miserable but here you are, having a good life!
You hate to see me marry again?
You're right.
You didn't want me to marry again right from the start?
I understand, Hatsumi.
Come, kill me.
But your hatred for me has nothing to do with Masago.
Your hatred will disappear once I die, right?
Do you really love her that much?
Even I can't compare to her?
Not at all.
We have known each other since we were seventeen.
We have been living together for fifteen years.
We suffered and worked hard together.
It wasn't easy to own this shop and
spend sad and happy days together, right?
Who do you think can replace the status you have in my heart?
After you left, you've seen for yourself
what a walking zombie I became.
But didn't you spur yourself and continue to work in the end?
That's right. Because I need to think of the future.
It's just that I've been working from morning till night
and have no one share my burden.
I'm always alone be it during lonely, sad or happy times.
No. Frankly speaking,
although it seems like I've been enthusiastic about matchmaking,
I always wished that I'd be rejected by them.
That way, I felt a sense of relief as I care about what you think.
Cause I know you are the one I love most.
It's just that every time I see Masago,
I always think of the old you.
I will think of the old times we shared.
But it's all right. I am contented
that I can leave with you.
I'm just afraid that I'll have to spend the rest of my days in loneliness.
All right, do it now.
I won't blame you. Come.
Master...
Hatsumi.
Congratulations!
Thank you.
Episode 10: Kaidan Genji Monogatari
It's so hot and there are so many mosquitoes.
I'm bored to tears!
Sayo, is it really that interesting?
They're narrating The Tale of Genji.
Hikaru Genji is so handsome.
Hikaru Genji?
Don't be silly. Fancy getting excited over a folklore.
Father, have you read this book?
I've only read the first line and it's enough!
Here.
What's this?
The picture book. Read it and you'll understand the story.
You want me to read this?
What did you say?
Nothing, keep quiet.
Ghost, there's a ghost.
There's a ghost.
Ghost?
Sayo!
Where are you?
You're too much to abandon me when I fell asleep.
Sayo!
You mean that was a ghost?
Ghost?
Mamasa has seen it a few times.
- There's a ghost in this city. - Don't tell me...
That's the reason I'm here.
I hope to meet Abe Kiyoaki and invite him to perform some rites.
It's a pity we haven't seen him.
Abe Kiyoaki?
I'm sorry, but I'm lost and would like to seek directions.
Where is this?
This is the famous “One Road Bridge”.
One Road Bridge?
Does that mean I'm in Kyo.
How can that be?
It is indeed Kyo. Anything wrong?
Nothing.
I was just watching a mask performance in Edo.
Edo? Is there such a place? I've never heard of it.
What is a mask performance?
What's wrong with you two?
Are you in the right frame of mind?
We shan't banter with you. Master Hikaru, let's go.
You're Hikaru Genji?
You're really Hikaru Genji.
The resemblance is uncanny.
Hikaru Genji, stop there!
What insolence!
What was that for?
How dare you call my master by his name. What impertinence!
How am I to rest if you keep fidgeting in my stomach.
I'm going to eat you.
What happened?
- Lady Aoi, are you all right? - Lady Aoi, what happened?
I saw it again!
Calm down, it was only a nightmare.
It was not a dream. It really came tonight!
Pregnant women are emotionally unstable.
Don't let your imagination run wild.
I'm afraid.
That was definitely not a dream.
Hey!
What exactly went wrong? It's bad!
How did I get to this place?
Stop there!
Brats, go home. Scram!
- Beat him up. - You!
Watch where you are going!
Are you hurt?
You're asking the wrong person!
I hope my sedan chair did not hurt you.
No. I'm tough.
My sincere apologies.
If you feel unwell or need help, you can seek my help.
I reside in the mansion on Roku St.
You're welcome anytime.
Roku Street?
This is really the world of Hikaru Genji!
Everyone will wake up at the end of a dream,
the world of dream you can't bear with.
Lady Rokujo, is the singing to your satisfaction?
You sing very well. You voice is clear and the sweet.
I'm really flattered to receive your praise.
Don't let it get to you.
How can you compare with Her Ladyship's singing.
It is fundamental to have a clear and sweet voice.
With the passing of time, mine has become dull and raspy.
I did not mean it that way.
Where is Lady Aoi?
I heard that she is unwell.
Pregnancy isn't easy at all. It's really hard on her.
Yes.
But it is after all Hikaru Genji's flesh and blood.
Many people are green with envy.
Don't you agree, Lady Rokujo?
Yes, it is a happy occasion.
Abracadabra.
I've got to get back to Edo and back to reality.
That hurts! Did I obstruct you? I'm conducting a rite!
You know how to conduct rites? Are you an exorcist?
Yes.
I'm the renowned Ashiya Dosan.
Whose residence is this?
This is Lady Aoi's residence.
- Lady Aoi? - You're just in time.
Please come into the house with us and perform some rites.
Hey, what are you doing?
- Go find Lord Hikaru! - Yes.
Please give way.
You should be the ones giving way!
Please give way.
- You give way! - Do you know what seniority is?
You're not showing respect to Lady Rokujo at all!
Lady Aoi is carrying the sovereign's child.
It is of utmost importance that Lady Aoi has all the care needed.
We apologize if it causes any offence to Lady Rokujo.
You don't have to be so arrogant!
Lady Aoi.
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
Lady Rokujo, you...
Please take good care of yourself.
I will. Thank you for your concern.
Master Dosan, please perform the rites now.
How many times do I have to repeat myself?
I'm not performing any rites. I only want to return to Edo!
Please help.
Lady Aoi has recurring nightmares.
This is detrimental to the baby.
You leave me no choice.
Listen to me and do not be afraid.
Everything here is fictional!
What?
Yes, this is not the real world, it is a fantasy world.
Please do not waste any more time by spouting nonsense.
You're wasting my time. I'm going back.
- Sit down. - It hurts.
Master Dosan, I'm a Shaman.
I'm only versed in the art of expelling grieved spirits.
Hence we need your help here.
We have to protect the fetus at all costs!
It's the flesh and blood of our lord!
You mean Lord Hikaru?
Our lord is facing the fate of having his child being taken by spirits.
How do you feel?
Don't worry, the baby is all right.
Just rest well and bear the child to full term.
But...
I feel so afraid when night falls.
I've instructed Sanearito send more men to guard the residence.
Can you keep me company tonight?
My presence is needed at the feast held tonight.
Come after that?
I'll consider it.
He kicked me.
This shows he's all right.
- Can you stop following me? - Stand where you are!
You're making things difficult.
I'm the one in a spot!
I've told you I can't perform the rites.
Please get someone else.
I really unable to do it.
Even though I'm a priest.
Impressive.
So it's you!
How can you not bother about Lady Aoi who's harassed by spirits?
You can't talk like that.
I only want to go home now.
It's an arduous task to bear me a child.
She'll be in danger.
Others are jealous and conjure up spirits to claim the child.
Therefore, please help to dispel the spirits.
You will be duly rewarded after the ceremony.
I didn't enjoy myself at all during the song session.
You're probably just tired.
Have an early rest tonight.
I'm not tired.
The nights seem to be endless recently.
His Lordship has not been to your residence since that day.
That woman must have badmouthed you in order to gain power.
She's just lucky to be able to bear a child and stay here.
- How dare she be so arrogant! - Enough!
Do not speak ill of Lady Aoi in this manner.
We're part of Lord Hikaru's harem. You should show some respect.
- But... - Say no more.
I only wish to spend my days quietly and peacefully now.
Go and have a rest.
Does the river reflect the loneliness of my soul?
This is where I know my sorrow has no end.
Heard that a man will have a sweet dream
if he sleeps with a woman he loves.
Hope that someone will have a baby.
It is here.
Where is it?
Sayo.
I want to go home.
Brazen spirit.
Hear the strings of the bow and manifest yourself!
Appear in your true form!
The ghost is here.
I want to go home!
Ghost, there's a ghost.
You're the ghost!
Lady Aoi! How do you feel? Are you all right?
Did you see that? What exactly is it?
It's a soul. Scary!
- Soul? Whose soul is it? - I do not know.
I'm at my wits' end too. Let me go.
What kind of exorcist are you?
I've invited other monks to assist you.
You have to show me your true capabilities.
I've said this is all fantasy! It is a plot from a book!
This is The Tale of Genji.
If you continue your nonsense, I'll kill you!
Yes, yes.
Are you certain?
Speculation is rife that an evil aura surrounds
Lady Aoi's chambers every nightfall.
There's even an evil spirit that seeks to claim her child.
Even Heaven is on your side.
She's too pitiful to have to suffer such a plight.
You're too kind for your own good!
I shall give tonight's song meeting a miss.
Are you feeling unwell?
I didn't sleep well last night and don't think I can sing.
"Does the river reflect the loneliness of my soul..."
The lyrics alone are enough to render me sleepless.
I chanced upon you reciting the verse to yourself last night.
Tsutomo.
The solitary reflection caused one to lose hope and resent oneself.
You must be feeling the same about the love you shared.
The loving scenes have all become events of the past.
Since things have come to such a crossroad...
You should try to forget the past
and maintain a happy mind.
What do you know? Feelings cannot be forgotten easily!
He once told me that it was his greatest dream to have a child.
He will ultimately come back to my side.
He will! He loves me. He will come back to my side.
It's not over between us yet.
No,
all is not lost.
Souls are spirits of the living who break out of the body.
To achieve this, one has to feel extreme hatred and resent.
Have you offended anyone? Why would anyone hate you to the core?
No.
Think harder. Only by finding this person can we solve the problem.
I can't think of anyone who would do this.
I'm not worried about myself, but the child is innocent.
Sayo, what would happened next?
Of all things, the book had to drop into the water!
The soul is here again!
Tell me! Who exactly are you?
Please spare me! Leave at once.
Ghost, there's a ghost.
Lady Aoi!
Who are you?
Don't tell me it's...
Save me! I'm feeling terrible!
Lady Aoi, wake up!
- Lady Rokujo, are you all right? - Don't be afraid, we're with you!
What happened? Save me, save me!
The witch and monks are gone. You have to perform the rites.
You knew who it was from the beginning. Why keep mum?
Mind your own business.
Go to Rokujo's and perform the rites.
If you fail, kill Lady Rokujo.
You're actually making me commit murder?
We and Lady Rokujo belong to opposing sides of the court.
If this is not handled well, the city will be thrown into turmoil.
I'm off.
You said that all these events are but the plot in a story.
Your appearance must have a purpose. It's all right if you refuse
to perform the rites. But don't think of leaving!
Stay till the story ends. If you try to escape, I'll kill you.
Don't be unduly worried. My target is the soul.
I am not so ruthless as to harm the innocent.
All right, I'll stay and see what kind of conclusion there is.
Sayo, how does this story end?
Sayo!
Hey, Hikaru!
If not for you, none of this would have happened!
Lady Rokujo's soul is scheming to kill your unborn child.
Aren't you worried about your wife and unborn child?
I have my own family and I'm proud to say I'm good to them!
There are so many women in my harem.
It is their honor to be able to bear me a child.
You're simply incorrigible!
- How dare you! - Stop! I'm all right.
In this city, a family without a child knows no peace.
To have no descendants is not the crux of the situation.
It is the political repercussions that arise from it.
That is the reason for all the spirits in this world.
All these are created by Man.
Where there are humans, there will be ghosts.
I've no choice as to which environment I live in.
So arrogant! Atrocious!
Lady Rokujo hasn't been well,
I was just about to seek help.
She has the same strange dream every night.
Please help her to explain it.
Yes.
I hear you have the same dream every night.
What kind of dream is that?
There's always a peach and it looks delicious and succulent.
I'll eat it to quench my thirst.
But every time I eat the peach,
I'll hear many cries of distress.
They seem to be in trouble.
Many cries of distress?
The peach is unable to quench my thirst,
so I continue eating more, ignoring the cries.
Suddenly,
I see the perfect peach hanging from a tree.
The urge to eat it is so great,
but I just cannot do it.
Master, what exactly is happening to me?
How do you feel towards Lord Hikaru?
You have to speak truthfully or I won't be able to help you.
He brings light to my world.
He fills me with love.
From the beginning,
I knew that we would not spend eternity together.
Parting was inevitable due to the age difference between us.
I accepted the fact and awaited the day when we would part.
But as time passed, I could not control myself.
I hated myself for being unable to accept reality.
The more I tried to curb my feelings, the deeper I fell.
The last straw came when
the news of Lady Aoi bearing his child hit home.
From then on, I have had the strange dream every night.
I could feel something inside me.
Inside you?
Yes, there's a ghost.
A ghost is possessing me and it is tormenting me.
The peach you mentioned. Why didn't you eat it?
Anyway, you've already eaten so many.
I'm baffled too. The peach looked too good to eat.
I could practically hear it pleading with me.
That may be the reason I couldn't bring myself to eat it.
- Great. - What do you mean?
There's still room for salvation. Just rest well tonight.
I'll perform a rite when you are asleep to expel your inner demons.
Master, thank you. I'm counting on you.
Sayo, bring me some oranges. Oranges.
Atrocious!
I actually fell asleep!
Oh no!
Please save me.
Help!
The exorcist failed!
Save me...
Kill me if you must, but let my child off!
- Master! Save me! - All right.
Go back to your body!
Gather all forces from all directions!
I know how you feel! Stop right now!
Lady Rokujo!
Quick, return to your body!
The child is innocent. Why must you claim his life?
There's still room for repentance. Go back to your body right now!
Hikaru will return.
He will return to my side.
I want him to return to my side.
No, you cannot eat that peach!
Stop right now!
You cannot harm the child!
I'll save you.
I can give my life to you.
Don't harm my mother, I'll save you.
Believe me, I will definitely save you.
Please, do not harm my mother.
Spare her life. I will save you.
You have to live on.
Promise me that you'll live your life healthily.
Do you hear me?
Please continue to live on.
Can I? Can I live on?
Of course you can.
Remember that.
Lady Aoi!
Wake up!
Father, are you all right?
Sayo!
Is this Edo?
What are talking about? Of course it is.
I'm back. Hooray! I'm finally back!
What's wrong with you?
Sayo, let's go home! Forget about the book!
Sayo, let's go home!