:16:00
Is something wrong?
:16:02
What about my audience
with Master Bennosuke?
:16:08
I was told
I'd be granted an audience.
:16:11
I don't believe so.
:16:13
You must have misunderstood.
- No, I'm quite certain.
:16:17
That was the word I received from
Umenosuke Kawabe of the mounted guard.
:16:23
Kawabe?
:16:26
Now that you mention it...
:16:30
Yes, that must be it.
:16:34
So I'm not mistaken?
:16:38
I believe I understand.
:16:43
When Senior Counselor Saito
personally conveyed your desire
:16:47
to Master Bennosuke,
:16:50
he noted how rare it is these days to find
men with such a great sense of honor.
:16:54
"I would like to add this man
to the ranks of our retainers," he said.
:17:00
"But when a man declares
that he wishes to tear his belly open,
:17:05
it can only come
from a most profound resolve.
:17:11
I am sure it would be no use
trying to dissuade him.
:17:14
Grant him his final wish.
:17:19
Although I would like to meet
this man of such uncommon valor
:17:22
and tell him how much
I admire his purpose,
:17:25
I am unfortunately scheduled to go
to Lord Doi's residence at this hour.
:17:30
Extend to him
every courtesy of this house,
:17:34
and have all our retainers
witness his final act,
:17:39
that they may remember it
as a proud example."
:17:42
Such were Master Bennosuke's words,
I was told.