Zatoichi returns to his home village for the first time in over ten years to find much has changed and that corruption abounds.

Zatoichi, the famed blind swordsman, returns to his home village for the first time in many years. He is befriended by Omiyo, who had the same wet-nurse as Zatoichi. He also encounters a boyhood friend, Shinbei, who now is wealthy and appears not to remember Zatoichi. Shinbei seems to be interested in repaying the villagers' debts, but is in reality manipulating the ownership of a now-valuable rock quarry. Zatoichi learns of the subterfuge and confronts his old friend, who has a score of yakuza swordsmen backing his play.—Jim Beaver <[email protected]>

A ruthless yakuza slips into Zatoichi's hometown during the 20 years that he was on the road. The dire plight of the peasants is made worse by the yakuza who finds a way to profit off of their suffering. The conspiracy involves high to low gang members, corrupt officials and the annual tribute to Edo.—ArtDocHound