Golden Kamuy Season 4 Episode 10: Perfect Mother

An aerial shot reveals the star-shaped Goryokaku fort, a monument to military strategy. Hijikata explains its design, a bastion built for combat, where every angle is a defensive advantage. Sugimoto, a seasoned soldier, recognizes its brutal efficiency. The fort itself is a declaration of impending war, a truth silently understood by all present.

Inside a building, Shiraishi digs frantically, but only finds rocks, his exhaustion visible. Sugimoto confronts Hijikata, suspecting the old man of withholding crucial information about the gold's true location. The air is thick with frustration and the grinding weariness of a fruitless search.

Hijikata dramatically unbuttons his shirt, revealing a tattoo of the character for "god" on his chest. This intricate marking, he explains, is a map, guiding them to a specific armory within Goryokaku. The sudden revelation brings a new, desperate focus to their hunt, igniting a flicker of hope.

The group resumes digging, but it is Asirpa who, with her small shovel, strikes something hard. Her surprised gasp and subsequent scream confirm that this is no mere rock. The group quickly gathers, their hands tearing at the earth to uncover a buried wooden box, their hopes rekindled.

The box is opened, revealing what appears to be only sand, leading to initial disappointment. Asirpa, however, calmly identifies it as diatomaceous earth, used by the Ainu for preservation. Sugimoto then pulls out a thin, dried animal stomach, explaining how the gold was waterproofed and meticulously hidden.

Nestled within the preserved contents is a small booklet, which Hijikata immediately recognizes as a land deed. Asirpa's eyes widen, her questions about its location and size underscoring the enormity of this discovery. This is not just a treasure map, but a document of profound historical and cultural significance.

Hijikata recounts the history, explaining how the Ezo Republic, facing its demise, traded gold for exclusive Ainu land rights through Enomoto Takeaki. This treaty was then strategically witnessed by envoys from six countries, making it an international agreement. Enomoto's actions ensured the Meiji government could not easily annul the Ainu's claim, a clever act of foresight and defiance.

Asirpa finally grasps her father Wilk's true intention: to protect Ainu culture by acquiring vast forested lands, thus avoiding violent conflict. She realizes the

The group, exhausted by the revelations, is left momentarily stunned. Sugimoto voice a growing suspicion that Kiroranke may have been targeting the land deed itself. Kiroranke then silences Asirpa before she can speak and quietly walks away, a deeply unsettling exit. Tsukishima quickly intervenes, warning Koito of Tsurumi's imminent arrival, creating a palpable sense of betrayal and immediate danger.

Asirpa firmly takes possession of the land deed, asserting her connection to its purpose. Hijikata then reveals that only half of the gold, 9900 kan, was used for the deed. This means over 10,000 kan of gold remains hidden somewhere. Shiraishi's immediate, unrestrained joy contrasts sharply with Asirpa's solemn resolve.

Before they can fully comprehend the news of the remaining gold, the Goryokaku is violently rocked by naval bombardment. Explosions erupt across the fort, throwing Chokichi into the moat. Sugimoto immediately understands the grim reality: Lieutenant Tsurumi has arrived ahead of schedule, escalating the situation into a full-blown siege.

Shinpachi attempts to surrender to Tsurumi, desperate to protect his men. Tsurumi, with a chilling smile, manipulates Shinpachi, feigning agreement while revealing his cruel intentions and knowledge of Hijikata's plans. This brutal deception culminates in Tsurumi shooting a guard, forcing Shinpachi to grab a katana and fight, a tragic display of loyalty pushed to its breaking point.

With Tsurumi's forces closing in, Tsukishima suggests they escape with Asirpa. However, Sugimoto and Ushiyama refuse to abandon the remaining gold, their determination overriding the immediate danger. Even Asirpa declares she will stay, resolved to see this through. Sugimoto looks at her, reassuring her with a quiet promise of protection.

Driven by renewed purpose, the group resumes their frantic digging, their faces etched with sweat and determination. They uncover a hidden well, a "lucky well" that Hijikata claims only he knew about. Their expressions, a mix of exhaustion and rekindled hope, are fixed on the dark opening, eager for what lies beneath.

Sugimoto and Asirpa are lowered into the well, only to find it overflowing with bags of gold. Shiraishi tumbles in behind them with a comical crash, adding to the chaotic joy. More gold then begins to rain down from above, an overwhelming, glittering deluge that fills the well and blinds them with its sheer abundance. Their faces are a mixture of shock, pure joy, and utter amazement.