A message from the castle brings the good news that Shinnojo's stipend of rice will remain the same, and for life; but his interfering aunt tells him that Kayo was seen with another man.

When it is revealed to him that Shimada had nothing to do with maintaining his stipend, but that it came out of gratitude from the lord of the clan himself, Shinnojo seeks to renew his skill with the sword as a blind man to avenge the dishonor of Kayo.

He leaves Shimada to live a horribly disfigured life, telling Tokuhei that he has now avenged Kayo's dishonor.

He dies without anyone knowing of his sin against the Mimura family, his violation of Kayo, or his own dishonorable injury by a blinded man.

After one taste of the girl's food, Shinnojo recognizes his wife's cooking, and calls Kayo to come into the house.

The website's critical consensus reads, "The third in director in Yoji Yamada's samurai trilogy is enjoyable, intricately made and well acted.