Zatoichi’s Flashing Sword

A lone yakuza musketeer tracks Ichi along a canal and shoots him in retaliation for Ichi cutting the yakuza boss. The musketeer claims to have killed Ichi, but without a corpse, the others don't believe him. Ichi is rescued from the water by a stranger who pays a local woman to nurse him back to health.

After recovering, Ichi visits the stranger's hometown to thank him. During his stay, he helps around, demonstrating his skills by defeating ronin challenge him at a dojo. He learns that the stranger was actually Kuni, daughter of a town boss, Bunkichi.

The yakuza discover that Ichi survived and is heading to Kajikazawa. They leave behind the failed shooter, who plans to make amends alone. Meanwhile, Ichi continues his journey, oblivious to the new dangers ahead.

On his way to Kajikazawa, Ichi encounters a group of stray ronin roughing up a dojo. Mocked for being blind, Ichi easily defeats all four with ease, showcasing his combat skills and confidence.

In Kajikazawa, Ichi learns that Kuni's father, Bunkichi, plans a fireworks display. The town is embroiled in political strife as rival boss Yasugoro seeks control of the river crossing, threatening Bunkichi's influence.

Ichi stays with Kuni, helping around her household. He overhears conversations about Yasugoro's conspiracy with the local inspector, revealing plans to manipulate the river crossing and control travel for profit.

Yasugoro, the rival boss, hires four ronin to kidnap Seiroku, Bunkichi's son, accusing him of attempted murder. The ronin's plan is motivated by Yasugoro's desire to weaken Bunkichi's hold on the river crossing.

Ichi encounters the yakuza pursuing him at the river, killing them by submerging and ambushing them. He then infiltrates the inspector's house, kills the inspector and Yasugoro's sister, and frees Seiroku, who shows ungratefulness and lies about his escape.

Yasugoro fabricates a story to Bunkichi, claiming an official mediator will arrive but is delayed. Bunkichi, believing it, sends Ichi away, unaware of Yasugoro's treachery. Ichi prepares to leave, suspecting he is being manipulated.

As Ichi departs to avoid conflict, Yasugoro launches an attack on Bunkichi's house, killing most inhabitants. Kuni and her sister are safe in a locked storeroom. Ichi, sensing the chaos, learns of Yasugoro's plan to destroy the town during the fireworks.

Hearing the ronin brag about Yasugoro's plan to attack during the fireworks, Ichi returns to confront him. He kills the ronin in the dark and proceeds to Yasugoro's house, determined to exact retribution for the attack.

Ichi fights Yasugoro in the dark, killing him as the fireworks light up the sky. Standing amidst the celebration, Ichi reflects on his journey and the chaos he managed to quell, ending the story with a moment of peace and spectacle.