After years on the road establishing his reputation as Japan's greatest fencer, Takezo returns to Kyoto. Otsu waits for him, yet he has come not for her but to challenge the leader of the region's finest school of fencing. To prove his valor and skill, he walks deliberately into ambushes set up by the school's followers. While Otsu waits, Akemi also seeks him, expressing her desires directly. Meanwhile, Takezo is observed by Sasaki Kojiro, a brilliant young fighter, confident he can dethrone Takezo. After leaving Kyoto in triumph, Takezo declares his love for Otsu, but in a way that dishonors her and shames him. Once again, he leaves alone.
三船敏郎
as Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo
鶴田浩二
as Kojiro Sasaki
八千草薫
as Otsu
岡田茉莉子
as Akemi
Michiyo Kogure
as Lady Yoshino
平田昭彦
as Seijuro Yoshioka
Mitsuko Mito
as Oko
二代目 尾上九朗右衛門
as Takuan
堺左千夫
as Matahachi Honiden
藤木悠
as Denshichiro Yoshioka
北川町子
as Kogure
三好栄子
as Osugi
