:25:03
I swear I will not run or hide.
I'll return to this spot without fail!
:25:06
Please! I implore you!
:25:10
This is most unexpected.
:25:14
I've heard lately
of incidents all across Edo
:25:17
in which ronin who don't deserve
to call themselves samurai
:25:21
demand the use of a clan's forecourt
to commit harakiri
:25:27
but are happy to walk away
in exchange for a few coins.
:25:32
Surely you're not -
:25:35
Absolutely not, sir.
:25:38
No, no.
:25:40
Of course not.
:25:42
I'd never believe that a man
of your noble character and mien
:25:48
could be such a despicable extortionist.
:25:52
Now then.
:25:54
You may proceed.
:26:12
Unworthy as I am,
I shall be your second.
:26:17
I am an exponent
of the Shindo-Munen-Ichi school.
:26:25
I imagine you are aware,
but let me note just to be sure.
:26:30
The rite of harakiri
has changed over time.
:26:35
In recent years,
it is often harakiri in name only.
:26:38
The subject reaches for the blade
on the wooden stand,
:26:42
and his second immediately
strikes off his head.
:26:47
In other words,
there is no disembowelment at all,
:26:50
and in fact sometimes
the stand holds not a short sword
:26:55
but only a folding fan.
:26:58
However,