Zatoichi's Flashing Sword (座頭市あばれ凧, Zatōichi abare tako) is a 1964 Japanese chambara film directed by Kazuo Ikehiro starring Shintaro Katsu as the blind masseur Zatoichi. It was originally released by the Daiei Motion Picture Company (later acquired by Kadokawa Pictures). Zatoichi's Flashing Sword is the seventh episode in the 26-part film series devoted to the character of Zatoichi. A young Yakuza, who is looking to make a name for himself, shoots Zatoichi in the back with a musket. Zatoichi is wounded, but is aided by a stranger: Miss Kuni. After recovering, Zatoichi travels to her home to thank her and repay her kindness by assisting in what household chores he can do. Kuni's father, Bunkichi, is a gang leader who controls a local river crossing. Yasugoro is a rival boss who wants to wrest control of the crossing so he can profit from raising the tolls....