Love and Honor

Shinnojo, a low-ranking samurai and food-taster to a feudal lord, grows bored with his routine. He dreams of opening a kendo school for boys of all castes and proving himself through skill rather than rank. He shares these thoughts with his pretty and loyal wife, Kayo, hoping for a life beyond mere survival.

Shinnojo tastes whelk sashimi and falls gravely ill. Investigators determine the poisoning was accidental, not a conspiracy, caused by an out-of-season toxin. After three days, he awakens to find that the toxin has blinded him.

Shinnojo's family searches for a lifeline and how they will cope with his blindness. They recall Shimada, a chief duty officer who offered help if he could gain influence. Kayo recounts how Shimada surfaced as an ally, but only at a price.

Kayo reveals the dark truth: Shimada forced himself on her and threatened to reveal the first affair unless she complied with his demands. The revelation shows that his 'help' came with coercion, and that his aid carried a heavy moral cost.

Shimada's supposed generosity is exposed when Shinnojo learns the stipend was granted by the clan lord's gratitude, not Shimada's intercession. Enraged by the betrayal and the coercion against Kayo, Shinnojo divorces her and orders her to leave his house.

Though he is blind, Shinnojo resolves to regain his sword skills to avenge Kayo's dishonor. He seeks to reassert his honor and protect his future, not merely survive.

With the help of his faithful servant Tokuhei, Shinnojo sends a challenge to Shimada to arrange a duel. He warns Shimada not to underestimate him, despite his blindness.

The two samurai meet at the stables near the river and begin their duel. Shinnojo, wielding skill and resolve, disarms Shimada and severs his arm, leaving him horribly disfigured. He orders Shimada to live with his loss, while Tokuhei quietly witnesses the remaking of the vow for Kayo.

On the following day, Shimada refuses to disclose what happened. That night, he commits seppuku, choosing death over living with dishonor, and dies without anyone knowing of his sins against the Mimura family or Kayo.

Tokuhei reports finding a kitchen girl to staff the house. After tasting the girl's food, Shinnojo recognizes the flavors as Kayo's cooking, revealing that she still cooks for him in secret.

Shinnojo calls Kayo back into the house and the couple reconcile. They discuss their future together and vow to begin anew, free from the shadow of the past.

Together they plan a quiet, honest life, free from deception and danger. They commit to supporting one another and rebuilding their future as a single family.