Pathway to Japanese Literature

I

In the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, the Sanuki Takamatsu Domain was swiftly branded with the disgraceful label of Enemies of the Court. Their ancestor was Yorishige, elder brother of Mito Kōmon Mitsukuni; in his later years, Mitsukuni read the biographies of Bo Yi and Shu Qi, came to regret having surpassed his elder brother to inherit the family headship, adopted Yorishige’s son Tsunasue as his own child, and sent his own son Tsurumatsu to Takamatsu to establish him as heir. Therefore, for the Tokugawa Main Family, the Takamatsu Domain stood second only to the Three Major Houses in closeness of relation. Thus at the time of the Meiji Restoration, the entire domain united as a pro-shogunate faction that prioritized the Main Family above all else.

After being defeated at Toba-Fushimi, Senior Retainers Kogawa and Kofu led their defeated troops and fled back from Osaka to Takamatsu. The entire domain lived in terror of being branded Enemies of the Court. In Shikoku, the Tosa Domain—vanguard of imperial loyalism—had already raised an army to pursue the Enemies of the Court, entering Iyo, incorporating Uwajima’s similarly loyalist domain soldiers, compelling the Hisamatsu-Matsudaira family of Matsuyama to surrender, crossing the Iyo-Sanuki border, and advancing into Sanuki. It was a great army numbering over three thousand. This marked the second time Sanuki had been invaded by Tosa forces since the days of Chōsokabe Motochika.

The entire Takamatsu Domain, from its leadership to its populace, was thrown into chaos by the foreign invasion; with public anxiety running high, daily councils were convened within the castle grounds. Whether to surrender or resist—the domain’s stance could not be easily decided. Today as well, in the grand hall of the castle keep, the senior vassals had gathered and a council was being held. The balance of power stood at seventy percent pro-shogunate faction to thirty percent imperial loyalists. The leader of the pro-shogunate faction was Senior Retainer Narita Tanomo, a fifty-five-year-old man of unyielding stubbornness. “What are Satchōdo but schemers? They all manipulate the young Emperor to seize control of the realm—nay, they aim to replace the Tokugawa itself if fortune allows! These foxes borrow the tiger’s authority to indulge their selfish whims!” “Could there possibly be any precedent for abandoning the Tokugawa Main Family out of fear of the righteous cause brandished by such rabble?” “Was it not the shogunate’s decree that our ancestor Lord Yorishige be enfeoffed in Takamatsu precisely for such times as these—to solidify control over Shikoku?” “Was it not precisely for times like these that we have received generous stipends since our ancestors’ days, living in comfort while supporting our wives and children—so that we might lay down our lives in service to the shogunate?” “If we do not lay down our lives at such a time as this, would we not be nothing but stipend-thieves who have lived off our ancestors’ generosity since time immemorial?”

Having said that, he glared with wide eyes and scanned the entire assembly. “Exactly so, exactly so!” “Quite right.” “We share your conviction!” Voices rose from various parts of the assembly.

“That may indeed be the case, however...” Though of lower rank, Fujisawa Kōtarō—permitted to attend specifically due to his familiarity with Kyoto affairs from his time in Osaka—spoke up from his seat slightly below the others. “We have received confirmed reports that His Highness Prince Arisugawa has been proceeding down the Tōkaidō bearing the Brocade Banner.” “The Restoration of Imperial Rule is the inevitable tide of our age.” “There are even rumors that the Tokugawa shogunate itself intends to submit to the imperial court.” “At this critical moment, how could we possibly engage the imperial Tosa forces without first confirming the shogunate’s intentions?”

“Do not speak such absurdities as suggesting the Tokugawa shogunate deigns to submit! Though we were defeated at Toba-Fushimi, that was essentially a battle they launched upon us by surprise. Were the Tokugawa shogunate to return to Edo and newly muster troops from across the realm, the Satchōdo and their ilk would not last a moment. If we fail to retaliate against the Tosa troops now and surrender, should the Tokugawa family’s prosperous era return again, our Takamatsu Domain would face nothing but abolition—would it not? Rather than that, if we stake our lives to repel the Tosa troops and establish a lasting foundation for the Tokugawa family, it will contribute to our domain’s prosperity and serve to repay the immense benevolence we have received from our ancestors since time immemorial—would it not? Let the cowardly Tosa soldiers cower in their castle and tremble. This Tanomo shall lead the charge and engage them in battle. Surrender? Submission? Such notions would never even cross my mind!” Narita Tanomo glared at Fujisawa Kōtarō as if he were a sworn enemy and roared.

“Righteous indeed!” “Precisely as you have argued!”

“Absolutely justified!” and other clamorous words of agreement escaped from the domain retainers’ lips.

Kōtarō, undaunted by Narita’s angry shouts, continued in his usual warm voice, “Though these are Lord Narita’s words, not once has the Tokugawa Main Family ever raised arms against the Brocade Banner.” “Moreover, our ancestral house of Mito—since Lord Mitsukuni’s era—has long cherished profound reverence for the Emperor, and even Lord Nariaki devoted himself wholeheartedly to imperial service—facts known throughout the land.” “Yet for our domain—which shares blood ties with Mito—to err in distinguishing loyalty from rebellion at this critical hour and become Enemies of the Court would be truly deplorable, I must say.”

Kōtarō’s rebuttal had been logical and coherent, but for Tanomo—now thoroughly worked up—it proved impossible to accept. “What drivel is this ‘loyalty and rebellion’?! “Such arguments are precisely the words those Satchōdo curs use while scheming for personal gain! “Our domain—bestowed both the Shikoku Tandai commission and generous stipends by the Tokugawa shogunate itself—what manner of men would we be if we failed to act when that very shogunate stands imperiled?! “This debate serves no further purpose! “All who stand in agreement with this Tanomo’s proposal—raise both hands! “Make yourselves clear now—raise both hands!”

Whether swept up by the momentum of the times or overwhelmed by Tanomo’s fierce authority, eight or nine out of every ten men in the assembly raised both hands.

II

On the same night, at the home of Koizumi Shūzen in Nibancho—a samurai residential district—twelve or thirteen young warriors from the domain had gathered. Koizumi Shūzen had secretly been gathering comrades and nurturing imperial loyalist aspirations ever since meeting Takasugi Shinsaku of Chōshū two or three times when the latter was staying at Hiyanagi Enseki’s residence in Enoemura Village near Kotohiragū Shrine. However, being originally a Tokugawa-related domain and having many conservative, temporizing samurai, they would not even lend an ear to imperial loyalism or anti-foreign sentiment—making it impossible to recruit comrades, venture to the capital Kyoto, and launch any grand political movement.

But they held a patriotic resolve—at least in such critical times—to not let the domain’s course of action go astray. That very resolve resulted in the domain’s stance being decisively set on war during today’s castle council. In this way, they were unmistakably Enemies of the Court. Moreover, the domain’s troops were preparing to depart tomorrow morning at the hour of the Dragon, with one contingent heading toward Ichimiya via the Kotohira Highway and another toward Kokubun via the Marugame Highway. Men of shared concern gathered at Koizumi’s house without prior arrangement. Yamada Jinnosuke, Kubo Sannojō, Yoshikawa Hayato, Kōda Hachigorō, and the rest—all were young men in their twenties to thirties. Most were lower-ranking samurai, but Amano Shin’ichirō alone was the heir of Amano Saemon, a senior retainer with an 800-koku stipend, and within the group, he held the highest status.

Amano Shin'ichirō was a twenty-five-year-old young samurai who had been fond of academics since his boyhood; influenced by imperial loyalist ideology through his avid reading of Rai San'yō's poetry and prose, he keenly felt that the imperial court must be revered and the shogunate overthrown. Having been promoted to page group leader, he had also been present in the lowest seat at that day's senior council meeting.

“So Narita Tanomo’s vulgar arguments have finally prevailed?” Koizumi stiffened his elbows in agitation and said to Shin’ichirō. “Indeed, Lord Fujisawa Kōtarō argued the distinction between loyalty and rebellion, but it proved futile.” Shin’ichirō bowed his head as if he himself were being blamed. “Do you mean to resist the Tosa troops—the Tosa troops bearing the Brocade Banner? We’re bound to lose—isn’t that obvious? Tosa has two hundred Snider rifles—isn’t that what they say?” Yamada Jinnosuke said mockingly.

“First we’ll be branded rebels, then get thoroughly crushed.” “On top of that, with the Restoration of Imperial Rule, the Takamatsu Domain faces dissolution.” “To first mistake our righteous duty, then destroy our own domain—could we possibly stand by and witness such recklessness?” Koizumi gnashed his teeth in frustration. “Let’s storm Narita’s residence at once and make that stubborn old man see reason.” Yoshikawa Hayato spoke up, breaking his silence. “No, useless.” Yamada Jinnosuke waved his hand dismissively. “That old man would never heed arguments from low-ranking men like us.” “No matter how much we protest what’s already been decided by the domain council, would he ever change course?”

“Then will you stand idly by and let this entire domain become Enemies of the Court?” Yoshikawa Hayato’s face flushed with anger. “No—that is not so. I too have a plan in mind. But it would be an extreme measure requiring us to stake our very lives.” Jinnosuke surveyed the gathering as he spoke.

“An extreme measure—splendid! Proceed with your explanation,” Master Koizumi said. Jinnosuke was about to speak but, suddenly noticing Amano Shin'ichirō’s presence, said: “Mr. Amano, I deeply apologize to you, but might I ask you to kindly withdraw for a moment?”

Shin'ichirō’s complexion changed.

“Why?” His comely lips tightened. “Nay, this implies no distrust of you, but you maintain close ties with the Narita family.” “With Lord Narita as our target, your presence would discomfort both us and yourself.” “For today alone, I earnestly entreat your temporary withdrawal...” Jinnosuke’s tone carried warmth. Yet Shin’ichirō’s countenance flushed crimson, “This Shin’ichirō—though youthful—stands ready to slay even kin for righteous cause.” “Having sought comradeship in ordinary days, to be cast aside in crisis wounds me beyond measure.” “Withdrawal holds no place in my thoughts!” he proclaimed.

“I see. I have observed your resolve has been commendable of late.” “In that case, I shall speak.” “Everyone, gather close.” The people of the gathering surrounded Jinnosuke. Jinnosuke lowered his voice.

“Now that the domain’s decision stands firm, there remains no course but extreme measures to reverse this raging tide. To halt tomorrow’s troop deployment, we must eliminate Narita Tanomo by tonight—I see no other path. What say you all?” he declared, his face deathly pale as he scanned the assembly.

“Precisely! Full agreement!” Yoshikawa Hayato spoke first. Master Koizumi—as though having already conferred with Yamada—quietly opened his mouth to speak.

“We bear no personal grudge against Lord Narita.” “Though stubborn, he is a man of singular loyalty to his lord.” “However, to rectify our domain’s honor and prevent misjudging allegiance from treason, I believe this unavoidable sacrifice must be made.” “If we eliminate Lord Narita alone, there will be few left with the stomach for resistance afterward.” “If Lord Narita, the supreme commander, were to die, it was clear that tomorrow’s troop deployment would end in hesitant indecision and be called off.” “In the meantime, I believe it may prove unexpectedly easy to propagate the imperial loyalist cause and completely shift the domain’s stance.” “Since Keiō 2 (1866), we comrades have gathered and discussed our imperial loyalist ideals—all for the purpose of serving in times such as these, I believe.” “Eliminating Lord Narita will serve both the Imperial Court and save our lord’s house.” “I believe none of you have any objections.”

“No objections.” “No objections.” “Agreed.” They each cried out. Amano Shin'ichirō alone said nothing. Koizumi quietly resumed speaking. “If there are no objections, we must now discuss methods and means.” “As you all know, Narita Tanomo is a master of Takeuchi-ryū kogusoku.” “When wielding a short sword in indoor combat, his skill must be considered peerless within the domain.” “Therefore, those among us who will go as the assault force must be entrusted to individuals confident in their skills.”

“Exactly!” Yoshikawa Hayato answered. “However, we must avoid sending a large group to cause commotion in the castle town while external enemies are at our doorstep.” “I believe three members should suffice for the assault force for now.”

The gathering tensed. But immediately, Amano Shin'ichirō’s name rose in everyone’s minds. This was because he was the domain’s martial arts instructor and a leading disciple of Ono-ha Ittō-ryū’s Kumano Sansai. “Though my skills are unpolished, I humbly beg to be included.” Yoshikawa Hayato said. His claim of being unskilled was his own modesty; he was a capable swordsman among the group. However, he could not hope to match Shin’ichirō.

“I must insist as well!” Kōda Hachigorō said. He was a competent swordsman as well. However, compared to Amano Shin'ichirō, he was no match.

With those of lesser skill than himself volunteering under everyone’s gaze, Shin’ichirō could not remain silent. “I too must humbly beg to be included,” he could not help but say. Both Koizumi and Yamada seemed to have no intention of making Shin’ichirō part of the assault force, and Koizumi—

“No—Mr. Amano, you should refrain. “To place you in such a difficult position is not our intention,” he said calmly. “No—” Shin'ichirō leaned forward slightly. “I fully understand your kind consideration. “It must be precisely because of that consideration that you told me to withdraw. “However, as I stated earlier—private matters are private, public matters are public. “In this situation, such considerations are entirely unnecessary,” he declared clearly.

“However, Mr. Amano, you and Lord Narita’s daughter have already exchanged betrothal gifts—” Koizumi began, but Shin’ichirō interrupted indignantly, “In times of great national upheaval, how can we afford to be constrained by such personal sentiments? Such needless worries!” he proclaimed. Everyone fell silent. And then, struck by Shin’ichirō’s resolve, they rose resolutely.

III

However, Amano Shin'ichirō's true feelings were not as resolute as his words suggested. His loyalist convictions burned more fiercely than most, yet he was distantly related to the Narita family by blood and had cultivated considerable intimacy with them. Even the obstinate Narita Tanomo became, in ordinary times, an eccentric and amusing old man whose greatest pleasure lay in offshore fishing—Shin'ichirō had been invited two or three times to accompany him. The eldest son Mananosuke, now seventeen years old, excelled equally in literary and martial studies while revering Shin'ichirō as an elder brother,

"Big brother! Big brother!" he looked up to him with admiration. His elder sister Yae, eighteen and just a year older than him, was on the verge of exchanging betrothal gifts with Shin’ichirō, but due to the turbulent times, the matter had been left unresolved indefinitely. Therefore, he knew the layout of the Narita residence as well as his own home. The assault on the Narita residence was set for the hour of the Rat (midnight) that night. The vanguard consisted of Yoshikawa, Kōda, and Shin'ichirō—three people; the second team comprised Koizumi, Yamada, and Kubo Sannojō—another three.

Shin’ichirō had been feigning composure before his comrades, but even so, his heart darkened and his feet grew heavy. Koizumi said, “You must absolutely refrain from unnecessary killings. If the retainers interfere, you may cut them down if necessary, but once Lord Tanomo is slain, withdraw quickly.” “Above all, you must not harm Lord Mananosuke, the heir,” Koizumi cautioned everyone—a warning that brought Shin’ichirō profound relief.

Indeed, with their dawn deployment impending, the castle town felt restless in its own way. Though typically dark, tonight saw many houses leaking light through shutters, and even as the hour of the Rat drew near, numerous homes still let slip noises and voices beyond their walls. All six men masked themselves with black cloth. The Narita residence stood in Gobanchō district, fronting a desolate horse training ground. Shin'ichirō first returned to his home in Nibanchō, feigned sleep before his household, then scaled his own wall just before the hour of the Rat and hastened toward the training ground.

By the hour of the Rat, all six gathered.

“Mr. Amano, though this weighs heavily on us of late, we must ask you to guide us to the Narita residence,” Yamada said. “Understood.” The fact that Shin’ichirō’s face had turned ashen went unnoticed by everyone in the moonless darkness.

A rope ladder was hung over the rear wall of the Narita residence.

Shin’ichirō was the first to enter the premises. Beyond the garden pond lay Lord Tanomo’s twelve-tatami living room, separated by an eight-tatami chamber from Lady Yae’s quarters further beyond. He prayed she would not awaken and emerge. Even masked, he could not bear the thought of Lady Yae or Mananosuke glimpsing his form. Though they had readied a crowbar to smash through the shutters as planned, doing so would rouse the entire household—forcing them to seek alternative entry.

“Mr. Amano, do you know of any spot that might be easier to breach?” Yamada whispered to Shin'ichirō.

"There's one." "A small window facing toward(s) [the] inner courtyard." The instant he answered, Shin'ichirō regretted it. Even if it was for [the sake of] [a] righteous cause", he thought he hadn't needed to go that far.

The six men circled around the garden and entered the inner courtyard. Indeed, a low window about two shaku in diameter was set into the wall. The bamboo arranged in a lattice pattern was also thin. Koizumi drew his dagger and began cutting each bamboo slat carefully to avoid making noise. Yamada also helped. “Lord Kōda, you have the smallest build. From here, slip through and open the shutters, please.” “Alright, I’m in.” Kōda handed his long and short swords to Koizumi, unbelted himself, and slipped through.

And then, receiving the long and short swords from within, “Mr. Amano, where’s the latch? Is it this end or the other end?” he asked. “It’s definitely on the far end.”

Kōda crept stealthily along the corridor. The five outside also crept stealthily to the far end of the shutters.

The latch lifted with a faint clink. The shutters groaned open. All drew blades.

“Mr. Amano, please go ahead. Everyone, keep absolutely quiet,” Koizumi said. The vanguard group advanced.

The room adjoining that corridor was Lady Yae’s quarters. The lamp burned faintly, but she must have been sound asleep. There was no sign she had noticed anything. “This room!” When they had walked about ten ken down the corridor, Shin’ichirō turned and whispered softly. The shoji screen slid open. At that instant— “Who dares?!” A fully prepared voice resounded as if piercing through the chests of the three vanguard members. Tanomo—having already noticed suspicious sounds—had swiftly fastened his sash over sleeping robes and drawn his sword close.

“For the Imperial Court, we have come to claim your life!” Yoshikawa shouted in a low but powerful voice.

“Intruders!” “Who dares intrude? State your name!”

Tanomo stood up, drew his sword, threw the scabbard behind him, and kicked the lantern with his foot. But as the lantern went out, the light from Yamada's handheld lantern illuminated the room. Koizumi slid open the shutters facing the wide garden with a loud rattle. This was to prepare an escape route. Illuminated by the handheld lantern, Tanomo leaped back from beside his bed, pressed his back against the bed pillar, and assumed a middle stance with his sword, its blade just under two shaku long. Despite being an old man, he carried himself with brisk dignity.

“Hah!” Yoshikawa charged in with a slash, but the old man quickly bent his body and retreated toward the staggered shelves beneath a low lintel. Yoshikawa’s long sword, swung with full force, struck the lintel. As he frantically tried to pull it free, the old man seized the opportunity, leaping forward to deliver a shallow slash to Yoshikawa’s left shoulder. Indeed, he was a master of the Takenami-ryu school, which specialized in close combat with short swords. Seeing Yoshikawa had been cut, Kōda swiftly charged in with a slash, but the old man retreated into the shadow of the bed pillar, using it as a small shield while assuming a one-handed middle stance with his short sword.

The mansion erupted in commotion. Any delay would spell disaster. Koizumi, the mastermind, grew impatient. “Mr. Amano! Mr. Amano!” He involuntarily called out Shin’ichirō’s name. Shin’ichirō was startled at hearing his own name called out, but the old man was even more so. “Shin’ichirō? Shin’ichirō!” The old man fixed his maddened eyes and glared at the masked Shin'ichirō. Shin'ichirō felt as though he had swallowed boiling water. From the very beginning, he had been holding his sword at the ready, unable to bear the sight of Tanomo’s desperate expression while bracing for the critical moment—but now that his identity had been discovered, his thoughts grew increasingly disordered, and even the tip of his skilled sword began to tremble faintly.

“Mr. Amano, I will take over!” Irritated Yamada tried to push Shin'ichirō aside. Now that things had come to this, Shin'ichirō found himself in an absolutely critical moment. “No assistance needed! I will handle this!” Shin'ichirō pushed Yamada aside with those words, then let out a desperate shout of “Uncle, forgive me!” He swiftly turned the bed pillar that his opponent was using as a shield into his own small defense, drawing close while evading the descending sword. With a left-handed thrust, he drove his blade through Tanomo’s left flank with such force that it pinned him to the wall behind.

Kōda delivered the final strike from the right. Koizumi had been engaging with the retainers who had rushed over, but when he saw Tanomo fall, “Everyone, withdraw! “Withdraw! Withdraw!” he shouted, shielding the wounded Yoshikawa as he dashed toward the back exit they had prepared earlier for their retreat. Shin’ichirō raised one hand in a bow toward Tanomo’s fallen corpse, then leaped down into the garden from the very rear. “Halt, you traitors!” Mananosuke's voice could be heard.

(Lord Mananosuke, Lady Yae, forgive me!) He shouted in his heart as he leaped over the garden pond and chased after his comrades. “Halt, you cowards! Halt!” Mananosuke’s voice was four or five ken behind. But Shin'ichirō ran without looking back.

IV

The news of Narita Tanomo’s violent death sent shockwaves through all ranks of Takamatsu Domain. The troop dispatch scheduled for the following morning was postponed. This was a major blow for the pro-shogunate war faction. The domain’s opinion immediately leaned toward loyal submission to the imperial court. The submission argument of Yorikazu, younger brother of domain lord Yorisato, immediately gained influence. The domain’s decision was to place responsibility for the Battle of Toba-Fushimi on Kobū Hyōgo and Kogawa Mataemon—the two field commanders—and have them commit seppuku.

The two heads were delivered by domain elders Ashizawa Iori and Hikosaka Shoshirō to the camp of the Shikoku Pacification Envoy—who had at that time advanced as far as Himeji—Chamberlain Shijō and Assistant Counselor Shijō. The Tosa troops and Marugame Domain troops remained in Takamatsu Castle Town for merely two or three days before withdrawing.

And thus arrived the glorious august era of the Meiji Restoration.

The people who assassinated Narita Tanomo fled Takamatsu over the next day and the day after that. When Shin'ichirō tried to flee together with them, both Koizumi and Yamada stopped him. “You are the legitimate heir of the Amano family—a man of high standing.” “If we bear the guilt as perpetrators and flee the domain, none will suspect you.” “You must remain in the domain and devote yourself to both nation and fief.” “Once branded Enemies of the Court, our domain’s path forward will be fraught.” “There is much work awaiting your hand” came their counsel.

Shin’ichirō was tormented by the thought of remaining alone when he knew he was the chief perpetrator, but he also detested the idea of fleeing the domain with Koizumi and Yamada—which would reveal to Mannosuke and Yae that he was the killer.

While Shin'ichirō was agonizing, Koizumi and the others fled to Bizen from Itogahama in the west of the castle town, hiring fishing boats one after another. The perpetrators of Narita Tanomo’s assassination had been conclusively determined as the five: Koizumi, Yamada, Yoshikawa, Kōda, and Kubo. Moreover, when the world entered the era of the Meiji Restoration, the death of pro-shogunate Tanomo came to be seen as a futile demise. The perpetrators were praised rather than condemned. Moreover, there was not a single person who suspected Amano Shin'ichirō.

Not only did Mananosuke and Yae—Tanomo’s surviving children—not suspect Shin’ichirō, but after their father’s death, they even began relying on him as their sole confidant. The fact that Shin'ichirō was an imperial loyalist worked to his advantage, and in 1870, he was summoned to the Grand Council of State and appointed to serve in the Ministry of Justice.

Of the six comrades who had cut down Narita Tanomo, Koizumi Shūzen had joined the Chōshū domain troops and fought battles across Hokuriku, but fell during the siege of Nagaoka Castle. Kōda Hachigorō had been serving in the Satsuma army after gaining the patronage of Ōyama Takanosuke of Satsuma, but he was killed in action during the Aizu War.

Kubo Sannojō died of illness in Kyoto late in the first year of Meiji.

Of the three who remained, Yamada Jinnosuke had become a Konoe captain, and Yoshikawa Hayato had become a police inspector in Tokyo Prefecture. Amano Shin’ichirō, owing to his academic talents, rose swiftly through the ranks and by the fifth year of Meiji had become a judge in Tokyo Prefecture. However, since leaving Takamatsu, he had not forgotten Narita Tanomo's bereaved family. He would sometimes recall Yae’s beautiful figure in her elegant bridal updo, just as she had appeared as his betrothed. When he would visit the Narita household during New Year's celebrations or the Boys' Festival, he would be made to keep company with Tanomo—who loved his sake—but on such occasions, Yae would always appear beautifully dressed to serve drinks.

Even after Tanomo’s violent death, Yae and Mananosuke did not suspect Shin’ichirō in the slightest. However, tormented by his conscience, Shin’ichirō kept his distance from the Narita household of his own accord. In addition to the death of Yae’s father, the ongoing transformations of the Meiji Restoration continued to unfold, leaving Shin’ichirō and Yae’s betrothal unresolved. (By now, Lady Yae must surely have been married off somewhere. Or perhaps she remains at home?)

Even after moving to Tokyo, Shin'ichirō would sometimes think such thoughts. Though he was not preserving his chastity for Yae’s sake, Shin'ichirō still had not married. Though his seniors and colleagues recommended marriage proposals to him, he just didn’t feel motivated.

In the spring of Meiji 4 (1871), Ashizawa Iori, the former domain elder from Takamatsu, came up to the capital. He was distantly related to Shin'ichirō and also to the Narita household. When Shin'ichirō went to pay a courtesy visit to the former domain lord’s residence in Suidōbashi for the first time in a while, he coincidentally met Iori there.

“Well, long time no see.”

“Oh, Uncle Ashizawa?” Shin’ichirō felt nostalgic.

“Among Takamatsu Domain samurai, those serving the new government are exceedingly few.” “You are one of those few.” “Work hard—I want you to become a Councillor someday,” said Ashizawa Iori. “No, that’s not how it works.” “After all, it’s the reign of Satsuma and Chōshū.” “If you’re not Satsuma or Chōshū, you’re not even human,” Shin’ichirō lamented, despairing at the immovable power wielded by those clans. “Is that so?” “Now that you mention it, Takamatsu was lagging behind.” “However, it’s fortunate we didn’t fully become Enemies of the Court like Aizu.” “It was most fortunate that we swiftly returned to the court’s allegiance thanks to your efforts.” “The people of your home province also acknowledge your achievements now.”

“Is that so?” “Thank you very much for that.”

At that moment, Iori suddenly seemed to think of something and changed the topic.

“You know Narita’s daughter, don’t you?”

“I know.” Shin’ichirō replied casually but noticed his own cheeks flushing. “They say you were her betrothed—is that true?” “Ha ha ha ha! Such talk is old news—let’s drop it,” he deflected with forced laughter, but Iori turned earnest. “No—that won’t do. Rumor claims that girl’s waiting for you to return from Tokyo and claim her.” “Is that true?” “Uncle?”

Shin’ichirō was startled. “Apparently it’s true—rumor has it she’s been rejecting all marriage proposals.” “You’re committing a sin, making a young woman of marriageable age wait this long.” “Or have you already gotten married in Tokyo?” “No, I haven’t gotten married or anything.” Shin'ichirō clearly denied it. “You should make Lady Yae happy soon, Ha ha ha ha ha.”

“Ha ha ha ha ha.” Shin’ichirō laughed along with the jest—yet his heart churned violently. It wasn’t that he didn’t love Yae. But he himself stood unmistakably as her father’s killer. This truth—that wedding her while concealing it would violate all moral law—burned through him. Yet still his longing for Yae coiled serpent-like about his heart, rendering marriage to any other woman unthinkable.

Shin’ichirō lived in a hatamoto residence in Kōjimachi Rokubanchō, employing an old maidservant, maids, and live-in students. The house was large, with a garden spanning over five hundred tsubo (approximately 1,653 square meters). His parents, whom he had left in their home province, refused to come to Tokyo no matter how much he urged them—they disliked leaving their home province. While wanting to visit his parents back home, Shin’ichirō also wished to return to Takamatsu once to learn how Yae and her brother were faring. Yet the memory of having killed Tanomo remained so vivid that when it came down to it, he simply couldn’t bring himself to go.

The year became Meiji 5. It was April 5 of that year.

When Shin’ichirō returned from the government office around four o’clock, the maid who came to greet him,

“An honored guest from your home province has arrived.” “A guest from my home province! Hoh! What’s their name?”

"He goes by the name of Lord Narita." “Narita!” Shin’ichirō felt nostalgia and terror surge up in equal measure within his chest.

After settling into the parlor, he said to the maid, "Show them in here," he said. (It must be Mananosuke. If he's twenty-two this year, then Lady Yae would be twenty-three.) As he thought this and waited, the sliding door opened, and Mananosuke—his hair cut short—appeared with a beaming smile. “Hey.” Shin’ichirō’s voice also inadvertently grew louder from nostalgia. “It’s been so long!” Mana nosuke politely placed both hands on the floor. And then,

"My sister has accompanied me," he added. “Lady Yae too?!” Shin’ichirō received an intense shock; he felt ashamed that Mananosuke might see his reddened face.

“Come. Please, over here!” Shin’ichirō pulled the cushion closer to himself. Lady Yae leaned out from behind the sliding door and bowed. Shin’ichirō was impatient for Lady Yae to raise her face. Her slender nose bridge, Jizō-statue-like eyebrows, gentle eyes retaining their soft glow—she kept the same fragile beauty of old, yet there now showed a painful gauntness that grieved Shin’ichirō’s heart.

The siblings showed no sign of approaching. “Come now—please, over here. We can’t talk properly there. Come on, come on,” Shin’ichirō urged. The fear that he was their enemy had faded, leaving only nostalgia and familiarity overflowing in his heart. “I’ve heard about you both from those visiting from our province from time to time and worried in secret, but nothing brings me greater joy than seeing you both safe and well.” “Brother,” came Yae’s voice, “congratulations on your continued good health and splendid success in your career.”

Being called "Brother" as of old, Shin’ichirō was overcome with heartrending emotion. “When did you come up to the capital?” “We arrived yesterday.” “By steamship?” “Yes. We boarded from Kobe.” “That must have been tiring. Lady Yae must have endured even greater hardships.”

Addressed by Shin’ichirō for the first time, Lady Yae blushed and lowered her gaze. “Where are you currently staying?”

“We are being looked after by Lord Ashizawa.”

“I see. As you can see, my residence stands unmanned and spacious—why not come stay here whenever you wish? You could even begin tomorrow, if you’d like.”

“Thank you very much. We may have to trouble you with such a request.” Manaosuke, too, was tearing up at Shin’ichirō’s unchanged kindness from the past.

“Is the purpose of your coming to the capital this time for some training, or perhaps to seek an official position…?” Shin’ichirō asked.

Manaosuke remained silent for a time, but

“As for that matter, I would like to consult with you again at another time, Brother,” he said. Shin’ichirō felt a chill as Mananosuke’s eyes suddenly seemed to turn fierce.

That day, after being treated to dinner, the siblings said they would return within three or four days and left for the Ashizawa residence within the Matsudaira estate at Suidōbashi.

But on the evening of the third day, instead of the siblings, Iori suddenly came visiting.

Since it was an unexpected visitor, he courteously welcomed [him] into the parlor, whereupon Ashizawa Iori abruptly—

“Lady Yae has finally lost her patience and come to Tokyo, hasn’t she?”

“......” Shin’ichirō could not come up with any response. “I hear you told the siblings they could come to your house anytime, but just inviting them over is leaving things half-done. Why don’t you properly make her your wife?” “Uh...” “‘Uh’ won’t do.” “I want a clear answer from you.” “Lady Yae is already twenty-three, isn’t she?” “Women age quickly.” “Just because you’re dealing with laws doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten human compassion, does it?” “Just yesterday, when I humbly mentioned it to his lordship, his will was that we should by all means settle the matter.” “In the past, this would have been a wedding ordered by command—one you couldn’t refuse.” “How about it, Mr. Amano!”

Shin’ichirō was at a loss for a reply. Thoughts of dear Yae filled his chest. However, if after the wedding it were discovered that he was her father’s enemy, their marriage would become a living hell. Here, as a man, was where he had to stand his ground—and so he thought,

“Thank you for your consideration. I too regard those siblings as my own flesh and blood and feel deeply for their plight. Therefore, I intend to take them into my home and care for them in every way possible. However, regarding the matter of marriage with Lady Yae, I humbly request a postponement for the time being.” “You’re stubborn. Do you have a concubine?” “No, there is nothing of that sort.” “In that case, there shouldn’t be any problem whatsoever, should there?”

“I have certain circumstances to consider…” “So you’ll provide for her but not marry her?” “Uh…” Iori, slightly exasperated, was staring intently at Shin’ichirō’s face, but—

“You’re quite the eccentric one. So you’ll care for them like family then?”

“Uh... I’d be glad to do at least that much...” “I see. Well then, let’s have those siblings come to this house for now. Once you’ve kept her by your side and taken a liking to Lady Yae, I’m sure you’ll make her your wife properly then.”

Shin’ichirō thought for a moment, “That may come to pass,” he said dazedly.

V

It was four or five days later that Yae and Mananosuke came to Shin’ichirō’s house. Yae was not Shin’ichirō’s wife, but she naturally became like the lady of the household. She took care of Shin'ichirō’s daily needs and prepared his bedding. Shin’ichirō both respected and loved Yae as he would a wife. At Mitsui Gofukuten in Surugachō, he had a full set of clothing prepared for her, and at Kinryōdō in Nihonbashi Kodenmachō, he bought expensive items such as combs, hairpins, and obi stops.

Yet even when they were alone in Shin’ichirō’s parlor, he did not lay a finger on her. About two months had passed since Yae arrived.

That day, there was a banquet, and Shin’ichirō returned home slightly tipsy around eleven o’clock. Yae diligently attended to Shin’ichirō, changed him into his nightclothes, and put him to bed.

Yet even after Shin'ichirō had gone to bed, Yae uncharacteristically made no move to leave the room.

She remained sitting at the edge of the futon for a long time. Shin’ichirō was concerned about that，so， “Lady Yae，wouldn’t you care to retire for the night?” he spoke. At that，Yae began to sob quietly，as if his words had been the trigger. The reason why Yae was crying was all too clear to Shin’ichirō，and so his heart was suddenly thrown into disarray，assailed by unbearable anguish. He thought that perhaps both she and he would find happiness if he simply forgot everything and drew her frail body close，but Shin’ichirō’s sharp conscience would not permit it. I did not kill him out of self-interest，but I am undoubtedly their father’s enemy. Moreover，the belief that concealing that fact and forming a bond with her was not something a man ought to do forcefully suppressed his carnal desires.

He let Yae cry for a time, but eventually spoke quietly. “Lady Yae, I understand your feelings well. “Your enduring devotion in waiting for me all this time is profoundly gratifying. “Even now, I still think of you as my wife. “However, as for formalizing our marital union—due to a certain vow—I cannot do so just yet. “You must be suffering... I too am suffering. “But I want you to abandon such hopes. “In time, a day will surely come when we are called husband and wife.”

Shin'ichirō’s words were filled with truth and affection. Yae collapsed in a flood of tears. But when she had stopped crying after a while,

“I beg your pardon.” After saying “Please forgive me,” she gracefully slid open the fusuma.

(Lady Yae!) Shin'ichirō barely suppressed the urge to call her back.

VI

Mananosuke had said he would speak again about his purpose for going to Tokyo, but it remained unresolved. And even after coming to Shin'ichirō’s residence, he went out nearly every day. At first, Shin'ichirō thought he was going out for academic studies, but according to the maids and others, he was attending swordsmanship practice instead. Feeling uneasy about this, Shin'ichirō called Mananosuke to his side one evening and “It is said you attend swordsmanship practice every day—is this true?” he asked.

“Yes.” Mananosuke nodded obediently. “Is that so? That seems a slight misapprehension." “Now that the feudal system lies abolished, with the Sword Abolishment Edict for samurai soon to be promulgated in this era of progress—what do you intend by practicing swordsmanship?” “Rather than that, why do you not pursue studies of civilization and enlightenment to establish yourself in this esteemed new era?” "Why not attend Mr. Fukuzawa’s school?"

Mananosuke looked down and remained silent for a while, but eventually, “Brother, I have not yet informed you of this, but due to certain circumstances, I have been practicing swordsmanship.” “What do you mean by ‘circumstances’?” “Mananosuke wishes to take revenge.” “What?!” Shin'ichirō started and unintentionally raised his voice. “The bitterness of having Father Tanomo killed—I simply cannot abandon it.” “...”

Shin'ichirō felt a gut-wrenching pain and found himself unable to speak.

“When I saw my father stabbed in the flank, his neck half-severed as he lay fallen, I resolved that even if it cost me my life, I would strike back at the enemy with a single sword blow.” “But when His Majesty’s Restoration came and I had resigned myself to revenge being impossible, Article 42 of the New Criminal Code promulgated in Meiji 3 states that if one’s parent is killed, one may slay the enemy without criminal penalty provided prior notification is made to the authorities. This brought me relief and further strengthened my resolve for vengeance.” “Moreover, in that same year, rumors of the Sumiya brothers’ revenge at Kanda Sujikaibashi reached even Takamatsu. Unable to hold back any longer, I have come to the capital.”

Feeling a chill creeping up his collar, Shin'ichirō asked nonchalantly. “Do you know who the enemies are?” “I am aware. There is no doubt it is the five who absconded the day after Father was killed—Koizumi, Yamada, Yoshikawa, and others.” “However, three of them have already died, but…” “The fact that Yamada and Yoshikawa still survive is, I believe, because heaven takes pity on my resolve.”

Shin'ichirō felt his face turning pale and disliked being looked at directly by Mananosuke. "Do you know who the culprit is?" "I am not aware. Brother, it is said that you had associations with those individuals—do you not know any details?"

Shin'ichirō's chest thudded heavily as he steeled himself, "No—I don't know either..." "Who directly carried out the deed is not at issue." "However, there is no doubt that both Yamada and Yoshikawa are enemies."

Shin’ichirō remained silent for a time, but— “Even the Daijōkan came to have doubts about having publicly permitted revenge through the New Criminal Code, and issued an inquiry to seek the opinions of university professors—but since the professors also responded that revenge should be prohibited, it was submitted to the Left Chamber’s deliberation, and a Revenge Prohibition Edict is expected to be issued soon.” “Moreover, since during the Restoration these were not murders born of personal grudges or desires, but killings that arose unavoidably for the sake of the nation—is it not misguided for you to single-mindedly resent Yamada, Yoshikawa, and the others in this way?” “I believe Lord Tanomo’s noble spirit would rejoice far more to see you devote yourself to civilized studies and achieve success than waste your precious life on revenge, but...”

Shin’ichirō’s words seemed to come straight from the depths of his heart. “Brother, your words bring me joy.” “However, I desire neither social advancement nor success.” “I simply wish to avenge my father’s bitterness.” “No—Father might no longer hold a grudge against them, as you say.” “In that case, I wish to avenge my own bitterness.” “The bitterness of having witnessed my father’s gruesome murder—I cannot possibly forget it.”

Shin’ichirō was overwhelmed by Mananosuke’s fervent resolve and found himself unable to speak. If he were to declare himself the killer, all previous affection would vanish in an instant, and Mananosuke would undoubtedly charge at him without delay.

“You’re absolutely right. In that case, you had best accomplish your resolve before the esteemed Revenge Prohibition Edict is promulgated. But do you know Yamada’s and Yoshikawa’s faces?” asked Shin’ichirō.

“That is precisely where the difficulty lies.” “I am not acquainted with either of them.” “Moreover, one is an Imperial Guard captain, the other a police inspector—both are in positions where they’re rather difficult to approach.” “Moreover, my resolve to slay both men at once makes carrying out the matter far from straightforward.” “I see…” Having answered thus, Shin’ichirō fell into gloom. Shin’ichirō considered announcing himself and letting them kill him. However, precisely because Shin’ichirō had believed Tanomo’s killing to be a murder necessitated by the state—an unavoidable act—he felt no self-reproach sufficient to drive him to announce himself and be slain. Moreover, he had recently gained the favor of Eto Shinpei, Vice-Chairman of the Left Chamber, and received an informal promise of promotion to Judicial Vice-Minister; and if that came to pass, he harbored ambitions to make a significant contribution to reforms in the new Japan’s civil and criminal codes.

For the time being, while keeping an eye on Mananosuke’s state, he had thought that making Mananosuke abandon his resolve for revenge might benefit everyone—including Mananosuke himself.

Before long, Meiji 6 arrived.

During the New Year's visit, Mana nosuke went to the former domain lord Matsudaira's residence at Suidōbashi. He met Yamada Jinnosuke there, but Yamada gripped the hilt of his military sword and showed not the slightest carelessness toward Mana nosuke. Mana nosuke repeatedly reached for the hilt of the dagger concealed in his breast pocket, but overwhelmed by both his desire to kill Yoshikawa simultaneously and the imposing authority of his opponent’s resplendent Imperial Guard officer uniform, he ultimately could not act.

That night, Mananosuke wept bitterly in front of Shin'ichirō, choked with bitter frustration.

Then, in February of Meiji 6 (1873), not long after, the Revenge Prohibition Edict was promulgated as Daijōkan Proclamation Number 37. The edict was as follows.

The act of killing constitutes a grave prohibition by the State, and the punishment of killers resides within the public authority of the Government; however, since antiquity there has existed an ancient custom wherein children and younger siblings consider it their duty to exact vengeance for their parents and elder brothers. Though this custom arises from unavoidable human sentiment, ultimately it violates grave prohibitions through personal resentment—those who infringe upon public authority through private justice assuredly cannot escape the crime of unauthorized killing. Furthermore, in extreme cases, practitioners neither question errors in circumstances nor consider the rightness of their cause; under revenge's pretext, abuses have often arisen where harm is recklessly inflicted—a most unacceptable state of affairs. Therefore, revenge is hereby strictly prohibited by order. Henceforth, any whose close relatives suffer harm must detail the facts and promptly file complaints with the relevant authorities. Should anyone act contrary to this procedure—clinging to old customs and committing unauthorized killings—they shall face appropriate punishment; let none misunderstand this.

Shin’ichirō brought back a copy of the proclamation from the government office and showed it to Mananosuke. When Mananosuke saw that, he wept with a man's tears.

After waiting for Mana nosuke to stop crying, Shin’ichirō spoke quietly.

“Now that such an esteemed edict has been issued, even were you to slay your parent’s enemy, it would still constitute murder.” “At minimum, life imprisonment; at maximum, execution by decapitation.”

But Mananosuke declared resolutely— “Ever since I resolved to take revenge, I have considered my life forfeit.” “Soga no Gorō and Jūrō also sacrificed their lives in the act of revenge.” “As brothers, it must have been their true desire.” “Even if an esteemed prohibition comes from the imperial court, I will carry it out.” “I will definitely carry it out.” “I only value my life until I have slain my enemy. Once that’s done, I won’t cherish it in the least.”

It was not long after that Shin'ichirō suddenly coughed up blood. He, with his delicate constitution, had unknowingly had his lungs ravaged. Yae’s shock and sorrow, followed by her devoted nursing, did nothing to brighten Shin’ichirō’s heart. Shin'ichirō's illness gradually worsened. By around July of that year, it was declared incurable.

It was on August 1 that Shin'ichirō committed seppuku on his sickbed.

There were several suicide notes. The one addressed to Mananosuke was as follows.

Lord Mananosuke, Your father’s killer is I. At first, it was I who stabbed your father. The final blow was dealt by Kōda. Yoshikawa and Yamada did not lay hands upon him at all at that time. Do not err by targeting them as enemies throughout your life. This I earnestly entreat. Though my allotted span has ended, that I do not silently await Heaven’s decree but instead take my own life—this is my humble intent toward you. Through my death, your enemy is extinguished; never again entertain thoughts of revenge.

Shin'ichirō

The one addressed to Yae was as follows.

Lady Yae, Only in death do I dare call you my wife. To form a bond with you while concealing that I am your father's killer would stain my honor. I implore your understanding. Through my death, this vendetta shall end - grant me this final right to name you my wife. In my official will addressed to superiors, I have declared you as such; therefore, all my personal funds and government stipends shall become yours. Live happily with Lord Mananosuke. Should a suitable match arise, you have my blessing to wed.

Shin'ichirō

Mananosuke and Yae embraced each other at Shin’ichirō’s deathbed and continued weeping endlessly.