Zatoichi the Fugitive

Ichi travels on foot and enters a local sumo match to earn prize money. He fights and defeats five sighted opponents, showcasing his strength and skill. This victory marks his initial display of his fighting prowess.

While alone after his sumo victory, Ichi is suddenly attacked by Kisuke, a young yakuza who had never met him before. Ichi easily dispatches Kisuke and confronts him about the attack.

Kisuke admits that he was hired to kill Ichi for a reward of ten Ryō. Before dying, Kisuke also reveals that his mother is part of the yakuza and hints that someone placed the bounty, but does not disclose who.

Ichi travels to the Shimonida yakuza family house, seeking answers about the bounty. He encounters Maki, Kisuke’s mother, and a gathering of yakuza bosses during a festival, as he seeks to find out more.

Ichi meets Maki and confesses to killing Kisuke in a fair fight, according to the yakuza code. He seeks her forgiveness, and she recognizes his honor, accepting the ten Ryō he offers.

While staying at an inn, Ichi reconnects with Otane (Tane), the woman he cared for. Tane is now married to a ronin named Tanakura, and she reveals they have done many bad things.

Boss Yagiri, a visiting yakuza, plots with innkeeper Shimazo to kill Sakichi and Ichi, aiming to take over territory. Shimazo is motivated by revenge related to his father's loss of a gambling house.

During a celebration, Tanakura cuts Ichi's teacup in half to challenge him, prompting Ichi to respond by cutting a sake bottle. Tanakura then admits defeat and becomes Ichi's rival.

Sakichi informs Ichi that Tane has been taken hostage by the yakuza. Ichi rushes to an abandoned inn where he finds Tane alive and well, but soon after, the yakuza launch an attack.

Tane pleads with Tanakura not to attack her husband, revealing her love for him. Tanakura, determined to claim the bounty on Ichi, kills Tane accidentally when she partly draws her sword.

Horrified by Tane's death, Ichi erupts into a rage, slaughtering many yakuza members outside the inn. He then faces Tanakura in a legendary duel, which is celebrated as one of the series' best fights.

During their duel, Ichi's sword is broken, but he kills Tanakura with a dagger hidden in his handle. Tanakura, dying, reveals that Tane’s death was part of her plan for the bounty, and that Ichi never truly knew her.

The film ends with Maki wishing Ichi was her son and calling him her boy. Ichi places Nobu’s hand into Sakichi’s, symbolizing reconciliation, and then wanders away alone, embodying his solitary nature.