[1] Ichi travels to his old village four years after he stopped training, seemingly without his swordstick, which is disguised to look like a parasol he carries on his back.

The next day he calls out the thieves in front of the local clan leader with whom they are associated, saying he did not want to risk anyone getting hurt last night.

Banno has arranged a marriage of convenience between his 18-year-old sister, Yayoi, and a samurai but she falls in love with Ichi.

Kanbei's brother arrives and Ichi throws down his swordstick, keeping his promise to Yayoi not to fight, and asks for forgiveness and his life.

Banno arrives and upon hearing Yayoi's request to marry Ichi throws him out of his house and tells him their teacher-student relationship is over.

Ichi goes to his surrogate grandmother's house and, hearing Yayoi approach, sneaks out the back door, seeking Kanbei's brother to thank him.