A group of assassins stop a blind men pilgrimage making their way down the road.
A pair of kago bearers convince Ichi to transport him so they don't have to return with an empty fare.
There is also a promissory note indicating Unosuke had run out of money while travelling, and left his wife behind as collateral in Nirazakizai.
Because Ichi feels responsible for the woman's death, he volunteers to take the baby to Unosuke, and express his regrets.
One attacks and is killed, but the rest of them retreat vowing that the Monju clan does not give up once it has accepted payment.
Ichi raises some money gambling, hoping to buy some softer diapers than the ones he's been scavenging from scarecrows and flags along the way.
The boss tries to rig the game, but Ichi catches him, evening the odds back up and winning a substantial amount.
The boss's men follow and Ichi dispatches them while shushing them so the baby can continue sleeping.
The woman, Oko, after seeing how much money Ichi is carrying, offers to come with him and watch the baby.
While he is letting them pummel him a bit, one of the watching assassins throws Ichi's sword away from where it had dropped, and states to the wrestlers that he has a prior claim.
Some sand in the face and hand-to-hand scuffling gives Ichi time to reach his sword and he dispatches three more of the assassins.
At Unosuke's, Waheiji talks to him about Ichi, saying he knows his weakness, and asking for help in exchange for Unosake making a name for himself.
Ichi leaves the child at the temple to face his pursuers in the woods, even though the Monk offers to hide him.
Men with tiki torches encircle Ichi, the sound of fire whooshing through the air.
During the fight, Ichi is set on fire a few places, but manages to roll and put out most of the flames just as Waheiji attacks.