*Employement Agency
*Tavern
*Preview
*Make Love to Me
Seinoshin-sama.
Your mother told me to bring you some snacks.
Let me pour you some tea.
Don't lie to me, Yaichi.
Mother would never do something like that for me.
I wasn't adopted by the Saegusa Family because they truly wanted me.
Foolish son!
You can cool off in the rain.
Heiza.
Seinoshin-sama is getting smarter with every passing day.
He will make a good heir.
The future of the Saegusa Family is saved, eh?
I hope his mother will recognize it as well.
Oh, yeah.
He looked down when I saw him today.
She told him that the scar from his burn was disgusting.
She really said that?
Yes, to his face.
That bothered him quite a bit.
He thinks that he's not welcome, probably because of that scar.
Such a relentless hag.
Heiza...
And what did his father say?
"Leave him alone."
Seinoshin-sama.
Your mother is ill, so she's a bit unstable emotionally.
Your scar has nothing to do with that.
She likes beautiful things.
Seinoshin-sama.
Please come with me.
Please look at them.
They are so beautiful and captivating.
Have some confidence.
Confidence?
Your scar has the same shape as a maple leaf, doesn't it?
Seinoshin.
Still feeling down?
How about sparring with me?
Okay.
Yaichi.
Yes?
Help us with the party preparations.
Our Lady is pregnant.
So, since they hired ronin,
we should hire one as well.
They cannot act recklessly.
We will hire a bodyguard.
Someone for show, that is.
Please reconsider this!
What do you mean by "you don't have to come anymore"?
As I said, starting tomorrow, you no longer need to protect me.
It's only been two days since I came here upon the employment agency's recommendation.
Do you mean you no longer need a bodyguard?
Actually, they recommended a new person to us.
C-C-Could you tell me the real reason?
You are not reliable.
What should I do with the tofu for the ronin?
Seems like he has been turned down again.
Shouldn't we bring him something?
Doesn't he act strange when someone gets close to him?
Anyway, the silly son of the general merchant hasn't been around lately, has he?
Really?
I have no food for you.
I need to find a job.
I have no jobs for bodyguards.
Not even one?
Well, I have more than enough jobs for day laborers.
I am a swordsman.
I believe I told you that I don't accept such jobs.
Akitsu-sama,
if you decline every job, you'll never fill your stomach.
I'm unreliable, huh?
Such a beauty.
Why did I dash off like a coward when I saw a yakuza...
Those dumplings looked really tasty.
Anything tastes good when you're hungry.
Is it really okay to treat me?
Please don't hold back.
Hey...
How did you become a ronin?
Was your fiefdom abolished?
No, my fief lord released me.
Long faces don't suit Edo.
You shouldn't brood over that.
My name is Yaichi. What's yours?
Akitsu Masanosuke.
The reason I'm talking to you is because I have a favor to ask.
A favor?
I'm looking for a bodyguard.
What kind of bodyguard?
I want you to protect me.
I'm kind of in trouble, you know.
So, I figure that I'll need a bodyguard.
Watch where the hell you're going!
S-Sorry.
Sorry? You've got your nose up high, eh?
That's not true.
This one is such a big coward.
He just looks strong, eh?
Are those swords for decoration?
It's true that he bumped into you.
He always looks up since that's where his goals are.
Thus, he can't see lowly ronins.
What was that?
Hey, let's settle this, okay?
I don't really have any business with you.
But we've got business with you!
Why are you getting so excited?
"Lowly"? That's an insult to a swordsman!
I don't mind taking you up on a drink,
but I'm not interested in stupid fights.
Let's take it easy.
Yaichi-dono!
Um...
Could you tell me about your distress, if you don't mind?
You getting cold feet?
No...
Does your problem concern a woman?
No.
But I won't force you to help me.
What are you going to do?
I agreed to take this job.
I won't go back on my word.
Ume.
Good night.
'Night.
You just treated me the whole day.
Don't worry about it.
I'll have you accompany me a bit longer.
Why are we here?
We're going to meet the person I'm having trouble with.
Just stand behind me and look menacing.
It won't take long.
You're from the Five Leaves, right?
His bodyguards aren't around.
Be careful.
It's dangerous. Stay behind me.
He's strong!
We'll make you regret this!
I didn't cut them deeply.
I'm surprised.
You're pretty strong.
I have no idea why your lord released you.
Please stop it!
You're embarrassing me.
I-I don't like being the center of attention.
It feels awkward when people stare at me.
Great. So, your problem is your personality.
Isn't this a tad different from what we agreed?
You cunning bastard.
I am truly sorry!
It was just on a whim...
I-I have the money here.
I'm begging you to give me back my son. He's my precious heir!
You were reluctant about paying and even hired ronin.
And now you are talking about your precious heir?
Whatever. We each do things our own way.
We will return your foolish son soon.
Let's go.
What's in that package?
The ransom.
It's the ransom for the merchant's son we kidnapped.
I should give you a reward.
Does that mean you are the villain?
Yes, my job is kidnapping people.
I'm a thief.
I like you.
I'll have you join us.
You have accepted the job.
A swordsman doesn't go back on his word, right?
What should I do?
Excuse me.
You're the lady from the tea house.
Ichi-san has called for you.
You're one of them?
Besides, I don't remember joining you.
What are you saying?
You already accepted the money...
and used it up, no?
Oh, my.
Really?
Then, you didn't touch the money?
I've brought some rice and pickles.
That guy's one of us.
His name's Umezou.
Welcome.
Shall we go upstairs?
We're going upstairs.
Keep it quiet then.
His daughter's sleeping.
Be quiet.
Sit down.
You took the money,
yet you're not planning on joining us?
No.
Then, you're in our way.
I'm kidding.
Well, I hired a bodyguard just for show.
I wanted to recruit someone cowardly and kind.
Just when I figured that would be impossible, I found you.
Anyway, let's hang out.
I called you tonight to have a drink with me.
How long are you planning on sleeping?
Get up already.
Shoot, I fell asleep.
Sorry my dad is so annoying.
Looks like Ichi-san went home last night.
I didn't know he had such a fine daughter.
You can't drink much?
Yeah...
So, you aren't going to join Five Leaves?
Oh.
Y-You know about them?
Of course.
After all, I'm the reason they came together.
No job again...
The daughter told me...
She was treated badly by the owner's son at the place she worked.
And her father threatened the son.
So, you stopped him and suggested kidnapping the son.
That's how everything started, she said.
We made a lot of money and were able to get back at them easily.
She added that you kidnap people from dysfunctional families occasionally.
You think you're gallant?
I'm not doing anything good at all.
Do you really want to become a samurai?
How about forgetting that and becoming a merchant?
It's much more fun.
Well...
I've got this problem with my personality.
That's why I came to Edo: to get myself in shape and then serve as a samurai again.
That might sound boring to you, though.
I just want to live my own way.
I'm not going to preach.
But I really admire...
how lax you are.
I sent the money to my family in my hometown.
My brother got himself into debt.
Even though I was dragged into it,
I see a grim future for our family if he gets dismissed as well.
That's a boring story.
Huh?
Why did you talk to me about your family's issues?
Why don't you work for us if you need money?
Just think about it.
Take your time.
That's it...
Your composure...
I want to smile like you.
You can if you want.
Next time on House of Five Leaves:
Yaichi here.
Well, I'm acting all cool, but the real cool one is the winter of Edo.
Just between us, I really need a bellyband and long underwear.
Oh, and disregard what others say. Ume's place is really warm.
Well then, the next episode's title is:
Make Love to Me.