The Death Row Convict and the Executioner A shinobi named Gabimaru foils attempted executions by beheading and burning, and curses his inability to die. He explains to his interrogator that he underwent Iwagakure village shinobi training such that he developed a superhuman body and became an efficient killer. He says he was married to the clan chief’s daughter, but after he asked the chief for permission to leave, he was betrayed to the authorities. After more fruitless attempts to execute him, Gabimaru faces his interrogator who is revealed to be Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, a Yamada clan sword-tester and executioner. Sensing her skill as a calm and efficient executioner, Gabimaru experiences fear and fights back, especially after Sagiri asserts that he is still deeply in love with his wife. Sagiri abruptly offers a full pardon and government protection for himself and his wife in exchange for fulfilling a death-defying mission. He must go to Shinsenkyo, a legendary land rumored to hold the Elixir of Immortality and retrieve the elixir in competition with other death row criminals. The promise of a peaceful life with his beloved wife prompts Gabimaru to agree without hesitation.