Pathway to Japanese Literature

Author: Mori Ōgai The upper residence of Tadazane Sakai, Uta-no-kami and lord of Himeji in Shikito District, Harima Province, was located at the left corner of Edo Castle’s main gate. At that gold storage room, it was customary for two samurai to lodge at all times. Now, this occurred on the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth month in the fourth year of Tenpō (1833), Mizunoto-Mi (Year of the Snake), just past the Hour of the Rabbit.

A fifty-five-year-old man named Yamamoto Sanzaemon, the senior gold official, sat alone. The junior gold official who was supposed to stay with him last night had fallen ill, leaving him to endure the desolate night chill by himself. Beside him stood a thick-limbed, sturdy andon lamp. Its wick had flowered into a charred bud that dimmed the light; the pale orange flame now shared dominion over the room equally with dawn’s glow seeping through the window. The bedding had already been stored away in its wicker box. Outside the shoji screen came signs of movement. “Pardon me,” a voice announced. “An urgent letter has arrived from your household.”

“Who’re you?” “I’m a messenger from the front gate.”

Sanzaemon slid open the shoji from within. The one who had brought the letter was a young messenger—a face he recognized, though the name escaped him—not yet twenty. Holding the received letter, Sanzaemon sat before the andon lamp and first trimmed the charred bud of the wick. Then from his breast pocket he took out a handkerchief pouch, retrieved the glasses inside, and put them on. He examined the envelope’s address—it was neither his son Uhei’s hand nor his wife’s. He tilted his head slightly, but finding no error in the recipient’s name, cut open the envelope regardless. Pulling out the letter and unfolding it, Sanzaemon stiffened. The page lay blank.

The moment he realized—his head was struck hard. Before he could even process this new shock, blood began to drip steadily onto the blank paper. He had been struck from behind with a single sword stroke. As he groped to seize the short sword placed before the bedding box, another strike came slashing down. Instinctively, he raised his right hand to block it. His wrist was cleanly severed. He stood up and grabbed the attacker’s collar with his left hand. The opponent proved surprisingly cowardly. Shaking free of Sanzaemon’s grip, he hurled the bare blade at him and bolted down the corridor.

Sanzaemon gave chase without a moment’s thought. He reached Nakaguchi, but his opponent’s whereabouts were already unknown. The wounded old man’s legs could not match those of the vigorous middle-aged assailant. Sanzaemon felt a searing pain in his head and hand as dizziness began to cloud his vision. Even so, he steeled himself, returned to the gold storage room, and first inspected the lock on the gold box. There was nothing amiss. When he thought, “At least that’s settled,” a powerful wave of dizziness struck him. With his left hand, he pulled the bedding box closer and leaned against it. He drew deep, labored breaths.

Hearing the noise, the first to rush in was the night watchman’s assistant. Next came the supervisor. The senior supervisor arrived. The chief inspector arrived. They sent for a doctor. A messenger ran off to the middle residence in Kakigarachō where Sanzaemon’s wife and children were. Sanzaemon’s mind remained clear; when questioned by the officials, he gave precise answers. "I have no recollection of incurring any personal grudges. The man who brought the blank letter and attacked was a front gate messenger whose face I knew but whose name I did not. He must have been after the gold and silver. I entrust you with overseeing the family succession. Please tell my son to take revenge on the enemy." During this time, Sanzaemon repeatedly murmured, “How regrettable... how regrettable.”

The sword found at the scene was one that had been stolen from the duty station where a certain Gose—who had worked in construction until two or three days before—had left it hanging. When investigators questioned the gatekeepers, they learned that a front gate messenger named Kamezō had exited through the service gate after the Hour of the Rabbit, claiming urgent business. Kamezō was a man placed by Fujiya Jisaburō’s Nakama-kuchi Lodging House in Kamiya Kiuemon-chō Daichi and was twenty years old. The subcontracted inn was Wakasaya Kamekichi. When Kamezō searched his room, they found letters addressed to each of the four gold room officials besides Yamamoto—all containing blank sheets inside.

It could be inferred that Kamezō had long since planned to kill one of the night watchmen and steal the gold when the time came. Due to poor harvests in Ōu and other regions, it was concluded that this year—when prices in Edo had soared—must have driven some to stray from proper conduct. In Tenpō 4, retail rice reached 5 gō and 5 shaku per 100 mon.

It was a year of famine following the Tenmei era.

The doctor arrived and treated Sanzaemon.

The relatives rushed to the scene. From the middle estate in Kakigarachō came Sanzaemon’s wife and his son Uhei. Uhei was nineteen years old. Uhei’s elder sister Riyo, who was employed in the inner chambers of Hosokawa Nagatonokami Okitatsu, came from the Hosokawa residence in Toshima-chō. She was twenty-two years old that year. Sanzaemon’s wife was his second wife, and for Riyo and Uhei, she was their stepmother. There was also another sister of Sanzaemon’s, who had become the wife of a certain Harada, a retainer of Lord Ogasawara Bingo no Kami Sadaaki, the castellan of Kogura Shinden, residing at the Ogasawara estate in Azabu Higa-gubo; however, she could not arrive in time and did not come to the Sakai residence.

Sanzaemon ignored the doctor’s advice that he should refrain from speaking too much and repeated to his wife and children the same account he had given the officials. As the residence in Kakigarachō was cramped and deemed unsuitable for proper care, arrangements were made for Sanzaemon to be received at the Hamachō annex of a certain Kobe family—a distant relative of the Yamamotos. His wife and children accompanied him there. Eventually, Harada’s wife arrived as well. At the Kobe residence, Yamamoto Sanzaemon passed away on the twenty-seventh day during the Hour of the Tiger (3–5 AM).

On that day, during the latter part of the Hour of the Rooster (around 6–7 PM), officials came from the upper residence to conduct an inspection. Junior inspectors, attendants, and others were accompanied by assistants. The inspecting officials took statements from Sanzaemon’s wife, his son Uhei, and his daughter Riyo.

Based on the officials’ report came a decision from the Sakai family. That Sanzaemon had pursued his assailant all the way to Nakaguchi despite sustaining grave injuries was explained by the Sakai family’s pronouncement: “In recognition of his lifelong adherence to proper conduct, a funeral befitting his status shall be conducted.” The assailant’s sword found at the scene where Sanzaemon had been wounded was shown by officials to its original owner, a certain Gose. On the twenty-eighth day, Yamamoto Sanzaemon’s remains were interred at Henritsu-ji Temple in Asakusa Dōzen, the Yamamoto family’s ancestral temple. Before conducting the funeral rites, when disposing of belongings Sanzaemon had carried during the attack at the Kobe family’s residence, Uhei was naturally expected to inherit both long and short swords—yet his daughter Riyo earnestly entreated and received the short sword. When Uhei consented to this concession, Riyo’s eyes—swollen from weeping—flashed momentarily with joy.

When a samurai’s parent is killed, they must take revenge. All the more so for Sanzaemon’s bereaved family, this act of revenge had become the deceased’s final testament. Thereupon, the relatives gathered and, after holding repeated deliberations, submitted a formal petition for vengeance in mid-January of Tenpō 5 (1834). At these councils, Uhei proved most insistent on pursuing retribution—urging haste while fretting over delays. Though pale-complexioned and gaunt with delicate bones, he showed no signs of frailty. His elder sister Riyo remained silent through discussions but adamantly demanded her inclusion in the petition. She was a compact woman of unremarkable features yet taut musculature. The widow rarely attended due to chronic headaches; when present, she endlessly agonized over potential counterattacks while lamenting their misfortune. The Harada couple from Higagubo and her brother Sakurai Sumaemon labored ceaselessly to soothe her.

Yet there was one man whom all the relatives deeply relied upon. Since this man resided in his home province of Himeji, he could not attend such meetings; however, upon receiving news of the death, he immediately sent a condolence letter and swore to lend his blade to their vengeance. In Himeji, this man served as chief retainer to Honda Ikiage. His name was Yamamoto Kurōemon, forty-five years old that year. To the deceased Sanzaemon, he was a true younger brother born nine years later.

When Kurōemon received news of his brother’s death, he immediately submitted a petition to his lord Ikiage. Since his nephew and niece were to carry out the revenge, he would entrust household affairs to his son Kenzo and set out to lend his aid—so he declared. Lord Honda Ikiage—a descendant of that Ikiage whom Tokugawa Ieyasu had appointed to the Sakai family—was a man deeply committed to *bushidō*, and thus swiftly granted Kurōemon’s request. In Edo, the revenge petition had only just been submitted, and before any official response came from above, Kurōemon received a newly forged sword and twenty ryō in travel funds from Ikiage, then departed Himeji. This occurred on the twenty-third day of the first month.

On February 5th, Kurōemon arrived at Yamamoto Uhei’s residence in the middle estate of Edo’s Kakigarachō district. Both Uhei and his elder sister Riyo—who had taken leave from the Hosokawa household to return home—were overcome with joy. Having laid eyes on their composed, reticent uncle with his robust physique, sister and brother alike felt their anxieties ease. “Still no permit issued here?” Kurōemon asked Uhei.

“Yes. There has been no official decision yet. We inquired with the officials, but they said it’s likely because we’re in the period of mourning that there’s been no word.” Kurōemon furrowed his brow. After a moment, he said, “Big wheels turn slowly, huh.”

Then Kurōemon asked whether the travel preparations were ready. “Once the permit is issued,” Uhei said. Wrinkles formed once more on his uncle’s brow. However, this time he remained silent for a long while. After discussing various unrelated matters, the uncle said as if remembering something: “About those preparations—you can go ahead and get them ready now.” On the sixth day, Kurōemon visited his brother’s grave. On the seventh day, he went to the Kobe family residence in Hamachō to express gratitude for their care during his brother’s final moments. It was a day of fierce northwest winds when Kurōemon was at the Kobe residence—just as a fire broke out in Kanda. This became known as the historic Great Fire of the Horse Year. During the Hour of the Sheep, flames erupted from a koto and shamisen craftsman’s house in Sakumachō Ni-chōme, spreading toward Nihonbashi and burning until dawn’s Hour of the Rabbit. A satirical verse circulated: “At eight bells from shamisen shops / Scattered sparks birthed disaster.” Seeing Hamachō and Kakigarachō downwind with flames splitting three ways, Kurōemon—declaring “The Kobe house has enough hands”—rushed back to Kakigarachō.

At the Yamamoto residence, Kurōemon directed them to carry out all their belongings, but by the latter part of the Hour of the Monkey, the entire middle estate was ablaze, and the Yamamoto residence burned down.

Riyo ran off toward the residence of her former master, the Hosokawa family, as soon as the fire broke out—but Toyoshima-chō was already engulfed in flames. “Look out! Look out!” Voices shouted things like, “Sis! You can’t run into the fire!” She was finally caught between evacuees and gawkers, becoming unable to move a muscle. Overhead, embers scattered down in a shower. Riyo, her eyes brimming with tears, turned back just before reaching Kamei-chō. By the time she returned home, her uncle had already come back from Hamachō and was tidying up the belongings.

The portion of Hamachō near Yanokura had mostly burned down, but fortunately, the Sakai family’s annex remained unburned. Because they felt it would be too burdensome to impose heavily on the Kobe family’s hospitality, Uhei’s family instead evacuated to the annex of Yamamoto Heisaku—a distant relative—after the Hour of the Dragon on the eighth day. Sanzaemon’s bereaved family rented a room at Yamamoto Heisaku’s annex and found themselves in a dreamlike state, dazedly lingering as if dreaming within a dream. The widow had developed a headache and taken to her bed.

Uhei sat with his arms crossed, deep in thought. Only Riyo, while being considerate toward Heisaku’s family, worked diligently; but when noon approached and they learned where the Hosokawa lady had evacuated to, she immediately went to pay her respects. When Riyo returned in the evening, Kurōemon said: “Hey. We won’t need a house for a while now, but we still have to prepare things so the young lord doesn’t catch cold when he sets out on his journey.” Their uncle kept calling Uhei “young lord this, young lord that,” mocking him.

“Yes,” said Riyo, and from that evening onward she began working on Uhei’s clothes. On the ninth day, Riyo went out to purchase items required for their travel preparations. Kurōemon had written a note and handed it over. The wind had shifted to the south that day, and just as they were thinking how unseasonably warm it felt, another fire broke out in Hiwamachi during the first half of the Hour of the Rooster. The row houses that had survived the fire two days prior were burned again in this one.

On the tenth day, when a cold northwest wind blew fiercely once more, a fire broke out at noon from the upper residence of Matsudaira Hōki-no-kami Muneaki on Daimyō Avenue, burning from the Kyōbashi area all the way to Shibaguchi.

Fires broke out again on the eleventh and twelfth days. With prices soaring and calamities striking in succession, anxiety gripped the hearts of Edo's people. Even the modest items ordered by the Yamamoto household from merchants suffered unexpected mishaps, and despite Riyo's relentless fretting, their preparations advanced sluggishly. One day, as Kurōemon smoked his pipe while watching Riyo sew, he made a suspicious face and set down his kiseru. "What's this?" "What good's making such a puny thing?" "The young lord's a lanky one when he steps out, you know."

Riyo’s face turned red. “Um, this is mine.” What she was sewing were women’s gaiters and shin covers.

“What?” The uncle opened his eyes wide. “You’re going off for warrior training too?” “Yes,” she said, but Riyo did not stop her sewing.

“Hmph,” said the uncle, staring at his niece’s face for a long time. Then he spoke. “That won’t do. How could I drag a pitiful girl like you along on some endless journey with no known destination? There’s no telling where we might encounter the enemy, or how many years might pass before we do. Uhei and I are simply going to search for him. Once we find him, we’ll send word to you—wouldn’t that suffice?” “As you say, we can’t know where you’ll meet him—but can you truly guarantee you’ll be able to send word to me in Edo? And could you truly wait for me to come from there?” With eyes that seemed both guileless and cunning—round, glistening eyes—she gazed at her uncle’s face, her lips curved in a faint smile.

The uncle was considerably flustered. “Ah, I see.” “That depends on the time and circumstances—I can’t say for certain.” “If I could, I’d do whatever it takes to get you there.” “If by any chance we don’t make it in time, you’ll have to resign yourself to it as your misfortune for being born a woman—there’s no other way.” “Consider this.” “I wish to ensure that such a contingency does not occur by any means.” “If you say that a woman cannot be taken along, then I will become a nun.”

“Now, don’t say that.” “A nun’s still a woman, y’know.” Riyo let her tears fall onto her sewing and remained silent. The uncle comforted her with every possible word on one hand but firmly declared on the other that he would not take the woman along.

Riyo wiped her tears and quietly put away the half-sewn gaiters into the cloth bundle that lay beside her.

Sakai Tadazane, after notifying Ōkubo Kaga-no-kami Tadazane—the Elder on monthly duty—and the three magistrates, handed over a senior inspector’s jointly signed certificate dated February 26 and addressed to Uhei, Riyo, and Kurōemon, thereby permitting their revenge. “Once you swiftly accomplish your purpose, you must return promptly; should you kill the enemy, submit a report with conclusive evidence”—such were the orders. The three were granted an allowance. A stipend was provided to those remaining behind. Though Riyo had received permission, since she would not embark on the journey to search for the enemy, once they had secured a residence in Edo for the widow and Riyo, Kurōemon and Uhei would be able to depart.

Riyo was to be temporarily taken in by the Harada couple at the Ogasawara residence. The ailing widow, after her request was granted, was to recuperate at the home of her relative Sakurai Sumaemon.

And so at last, Kurōemon and Uhei prepared to depart, but neither knew the enemy’s face. Relying solely on the wanted poster left them uneasy, so they went to Fujiya—the laborer’s inn—and Wakasaya—the contractor’s inn—to press their inquiries, yet no concrete facts emerged. Not only did they lack knowledge of his appearance; even his supposed birthplace of Kii Province remained unconfirmed. All they knew for certain was that before entering service with the Sakai family, he had been in Takasaki of Kōzuke Province.

At that time, a man suddenly came to visit Yamamoto Heisaku’s residence. This man was born in Asai District, Ōmi Province, and had come to Edo as a child. While serving in various households as a fellow retainer, he had once worked alongside Kamezō as a front attendant for the Sakai family and had even received help from Sanzaemon. Thus, he stated that if he could be of service, he would gladly accompany them as someone who could identify the enemy—since he had now left the Sakai family’s employ. His name was Bun’kichi, and he was forty-two years old. His physique was sturdy, and it was apparent at a glance that he was an honest man—a rare trait among itinerant workers.

After meeting and speaking with him, Kurōemon decided to immediately take him into service as Uhei’s retainer. Kurōemon, Uhei, and Bun’kichi settled on departing from Henritsu-ji Temple, their family temple, on the 29th. The day before, they vacated Yamamoto Heisaku’s residence in Hamachō and proceeded to the temple. There, aside from the widow whose illness had not yet improved, Riyo and all the relatives gathered. First, they visited the grave, then exchanged farewell cups. The priest brought out soba to the gathering and declared with a farcical air, “This is the soba of vendetta cutting.” The relatives laughed and made merry, urging along the sole dejected figure of Riyo as they departed.

After spending one night at the temple, on the morning of the 29th, the three set out on their journey. Bun’kichi shouldered the luggage and followed a step behind. Relying on the information that Kamezō had been there before his service, they first set out for Takasaki in Kōzuke Province. Kurōemon, Uhei, and Bun’kichi set out for Takasaki, yet none of them truly felt that Kamezō was likely to be there. Since they had no idea where to head, they merely thought to first go to Takasaki and see. To search all over Japan for the whereabouts of a man of no fixed address—one who could be called a ruffian, this Kamezō—was akin to searching for a single grain of rice in a granary. They had no idea which bale to start with. Yet such an uncertain endeavor was, from one perspective, something they absolutely had to accomplish. Thus, the group resolved to begin by untying the bale called Takasaki.

In Takasaki, they found no trace, so they proceeded to Maebashi. Here in Enokichō’s Seijun Temple lay the Yamamoto family’s ancestral grave. Kurōemon and the others visited it and prayed for success. From there, they proceeded to Fujioka and stayed for five or six days. From there, they crossed into Musashi Province and stayed in Kodama Village for three days. They climbed Mount Mitsumine and offered prayers to Mitsumine Gongen. Passing through Hachiōji, they entered Kai Province, toured Gunnai and Kōfu in two days, and visited Mount Minobu. In Shinano Province, they traveled from Kami-Suwa, crossed Wada Pass, and paid their respects at Zenkōji Temple in Ueda. In Echigo Province, they spent three days in Takada, two in Imamachi, one day each in Kashiwazaki and Nagaoka, and four days touring Sanjō and Niigata. From there, they changed course to the Kaga Highway, entered Etchū Province, and spent three days in Toyama. This area was suffering severely from the effects of a bad harvest, and the party ate meals of wheat mixed with chopped daikon radish while spreading straw mats on farmhouse dirt floors to sleep. In Hida Province, they stayed in Takayama for two days; in Mino Province, they spent one day in Kanayama before emerging onto Ōta via the Kiso Road. In Owari Province, they stayed in Inuyama for one day and Nagoya for four days, then proceeded via the Tōkaidō to Miya, passed through Saya to enter Ise Province, toured Kuwana, Yokkaichi, and Tsu, and spent three days in Matsusaka.

When the group stayed somewhere for more than two days—a rare occurrence, sometimes done for a single day’s rest from exhaustion—it was usually because they believed some clue might be found there, prompting a special search.

In Matsusaka’s Tonmachi district, there was a deputy named Iwabashi who kindly listened to Kurōemon and the others’ account and conducted a thorough investigation for them. When they were told the facts uncovered by the investigation, the group felt as though they had glimpsed a lantern in the darkness. In Matsusaka, there was a wealthy merchant by the name of Fukano-ya Sahee. To there, a fisherman named Sadauemon from Nagashima Soto-machi in Kumano Bay, Kii Province, sent fish every day. Through this connection, Sahee had grown close with Sadauemon’s family. However, Sadauemon’s eldest son Kamezō had left for Edo in his youth and lost contact, so he now relied solely on his second son Sadasuke. That Kamezō came to Fukano-ya on the twenty-first day of the first month this year, wrapped in rags. “I cannot keep an unfilial son like you here without informing your honorable father,” said Sahee. Kamezō slunk away from Fukano-ya’s shop, but those who saw it remarked, “That’s a man from Kii called Kamezō—must’ve done something bad in Edo and fled here.”

According to what was later heard at Fukano-ya, on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, Kamezō went to the home of his uncle Rinsuke—his mother’s relative in Kumano Ningō Village—and pleaded to be taken in. But Rinsuke, impoverished, declared he could shelter no one and urged him to go to his father Sadauemon’s household. Having attempted to rely on acquaintances only to find this unsatisfactory, he then turned to relatives; when they refused him, Kamezō at last seemed resolved to return to his parents’ home. He arrived at Sadauemon’s house on the twenty-eighth day.

In mid-February, a rumor reached Sadauemon from Matsusaka that Kamezō had likely done something bad in Edo and returned. When Sadauemon asked what he had done, Kamezō said he had inflicted a wound on a superior. So Sadauemon and Rinsuke decided to shave Kamezō’s head, make him take monastic vows, and send him up to Mount Kōya. The two sent the shaven-headed Kamezō as far as Miurasaka and parted ways on February 19th. At that time, Kamezō wore a tea-colored Benkei-striped cotton-padded jacket fastened with a cotton belt, indigo work pants, and cloth leggings. He carried one ryō in his pocket.

Kamezō stayed at the house of a man named Matahē in Shimizu Village, Kōya-ryō, on the 22nd. As rain fell the following day, the 23rd, he remained there. And on the 24th, he ascended Mount Kōya. There were also those he met in the mountains. On the evening of the 26th, people saw that he had descended the mountain and was in Hashimoto. From then on, he had gone missing. It was thought that he had probably crossed over to Shikoku or some such place. When they heard this account from the deputy in Matsusaka, not one of the three—master and retainers alike—harbored any doubt that this Kamezō, Sadauemon’s son who had become a monk, was their enemy. Uhei said they should immediately go search in Shikoku. However, Kurōemon stopped him, saying that the speculation that Kamezō might have crossed over to Shikoku was baseless, and that while they would go to Shikoku eventually, it would be better to first search nearby areas.

The group departed Matsusaka and visited the Grand Shrine to pray for martial fortune. Then, passing through Seki, they took the Tōkaidō highway to Osaka in Settsu Province and spent twenty-three days there. During that time, a message arrived from Matsusaka informing them that Sadauemon of Kii Province—wracked by worry over his son’s fate—had succumbed to a nervous ailment. From there, they passed through Nishinomiya and Hyōgo, entered Harima Province, proceeded from Akashi to their home domain of Himeji, and lodged three days at an inn in Uomachi. Even if his son’s household awaited him there, Kurōemon would not visit until he had achieved his purpose. They then entered Bizen Province, passed through Okayama, boarded a night boat from Shimoyama on June 16th, and at last crossed over to Shikoku. Uhei—who since Matsusaka had betrayed flickers of discontent with Kurōemon’s search strategies yet remained cowed by his uncle’s ironclad will and imperturbable demeanor—suddenly revived his spirits and talked late into the night aboard the vessel.

On the morning of the sixteenth day, their boat arrived at Marugame in Sanuki Province. After having Bun’kichi search Matsuo, the two climbed Mount Zōzu to offer prayers. There, pilgrims spoke of having seen a peculiar young monk—an outsider with an eccentric manner—in Marugame. Uhei grew convinced they had found their enemy and descended the mountain at the Hour of the Boar. They returned to Marugame and summoned Bun’kichi from Matsuo to identify the monk, but it proved to be another man. Having heard that Iyo Province’s copper mines attracted villains from across the land, they searched there for two days. From Saijō they moved to Koharu and Imabari—two days each—then proceeded from Matsuyama to Dōgo Hot Springs. During this journey, Uhei—who had pushed through summer heat—was stricken with indigestion and colic, while Bun’kichi suffered such severe diarrhea he could barely eat; thus they convalesced in Yumachi for fifty days. Though somewhat recovered, after two days searching Nakatsu and reaching Yawatahama, Uhei—still weakened from illness—found his strength failing entirely. They lingered five days before finally securing passage on a ship bound for Kyushu. Their travels through Shikoku had yielded nothing.

The boat arrived at Bungo Province’s Saga-no-Seki. Passing through Tsurusaki, they entered Higo Province, visited Aso Shrine at Mount Aso and Lord Kiyomasa in Kumamoto to offer prayers, searched Kumamoto and Takahashi for three days each, then crossed by boat to Shimabara in Hizen Province. They stayed there for two days and departed for Nagasaki. On the third day in Nagasaki, upon hearing that a monk resembling the enemy had been sighted in Shimabara, they turned back and spent five days searching there again. Then they spent three more days in Kumamoto, two days in Uto, one day in Yatsushiro, and two days in Nankō-juku before crossing by boat once more to the port below Onsen-dake in Hizen Province. Then from a man who had come from Nagasaki, they heard that a monk resembling the enemy was in Nagasaki. In Kami-Chikugo-machi, Nagasaki, there was a Jōdo Shinshū temple called Kanzen-ji. There, a young monk around twenty years of age had come and was said to be teaching staff techniques. The group boarded a ship bound for Nagasaki once more.

They arrived in Nagasaki on the morning of November 8th. They stayed at a house called the paper shop in Funabikichimachi and requested assistance in their search from the town elder, a certain Fukuda. Upon inquiring here, the guest priest at Kanzen-ji appeared increasingly likely to be their enemy. He was from Kii Province, and it was said there was something he needed to hide from public view—so much so that he never left the temple grounds. The kind town elder, declaring they must not let him escape, arranged for two thief-takers to accompany them. A certain Ogawa, who served as a kenjutsu instructor in town, also heard the town elder’s account and requested to be present at the scene, offering to lend his blade depending on the situation.

Kurōemon and Uhei, claiming to be retainers of the Ōmura family who earnestly wished to train in staff techniques, arranged to enter as disciples at Kanzen-ji. The guest priest consented and said they would meet the following day at the Hour of the Snake. The two set off for the temple with Bun’kichi, hearts buoyed with hope. Ogawa and the two thief-takers followed behind. Having instructed Bun’kichi on their signal, they met with the guest priest—only to find he bore no resemblance whatsoever. Though they managed to maintain appearances until leaving the temple, amid everyone’s bitter frustration, Uhei stood particularly crestfallen.

The group thanked Fukuda, Ogawa, and the others, departed Nagasaki, spent five days in Ōmura, and proceeded to Saga. At this time, Kurōemon developed foot pain and began walking with a cane. In Chikugo Province, they searched Kurume for five days. In Chikuzen Province, they first visited Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine to offer prayers, spent two days in Hakata and Fukuoka, then boarded a ship from Kokura in Buzen Province and departed Kyushu.

Their crossing by boat to Shimonoseki in Nagato Province took place on December 6th. Snow began to fall. Kurōemon’s foot pain only worsened by the day. Finally, Uhei and Bun’kichi persuaded Kurōemon and decided to send him back to Himeji for the time being. Kurōemon reluctantly boarded a ship from Shimonoseki and arrived at Murotsu in Harima Province on the morning of December 12th. And within that same day, he entered Inadaya in the Tai district of Himeji’s castle town. Until he achieved his purpose, he would maintain a traveler’s resolve to the end and not return to his son’s house.

Uhei saw Kurōemon off and, on December 10th, departed Shimonoseki with Bun’kichi. From there, they spent two days in Miyai, Suō Province, passed through Murotsu, and arrived at the Kintaikyō Bridge in Iwakuni. There they searched for three days, then crossed by boat to Miyajima in Aki Province. They spent eight days in Hiroshima, entered Bingo Province, stayed seventeen days in Onomichi and Tomo, and two days in Fukuyama. From there, they passed through Okayama in Bizen Province and stopped in Himeji to visit Kurōemon.

Uhei and Bun’kichi reunited with Kurōemon at Inadaya in Himeji on the 20th day of the first month of Tenpō 6, the year of the Wood Sheep (1835). Just then, a Shinto priest named Taniguchi from Hirokishi (Hiro Mine) Mountain informed them of a suspicious outcast, prompting Kurōemon to dispatch Bun’kichi to investigate. The outcast was said to be from Iwami. What drew suspicion was his possession of a short sword. Yet he was not their enemy. As Kurōemon’s foot still showed no sign of healing, Uhei left Himeji with Bun’kichi on February 2nd and arrived in Osaka on the 5th. Their lodgings were at Settsu no Kuniya in Awaza Okuhi-chō.

However, not long after Kurōemon had sent the two away, his foot improved; on the 14th, he left Himeji, boarded a ship from Akashi, and set off in pursuit to Osaka.

The three stayed at Settsu no Kuniya, and as they searched various places, their travel funds nearly ran out. Through the innkeeper’s arrangements, Kurōemon became a masseur, and Bun’kichi became an Awashima shrine keeper. The reasoning was that since he had knowledge of jujutsu, there was no reason he couldn’t work as a masseur. The term “Awashima shrine keeper” did not refer to someone who served the gods at a shrine. Wearing a small shrine amulet on their chests, dangling crimson-stitched monkey-shaped charms from it, and walking while shaking bells in hand—such were the beggars.

At that time, Kurōemon and Uhei attempted to dismiss Bun’kichi and said the following: “Up until now, we’ve merely had you eat and sleep with us as a nominal retainer without paying any salary, yet you’ve endured well and served diligently.” “However, we’ve already traveled all over Japan, but the enemy still hasn’t been found.” “With things as they are, there’s no telling when we’ll achieve our purpose.” “Depending on how things go, we may end up swallowing our resentment and collapsing dead on the roadside.” “You’ve shown us kindness beyond what words can express, so I can hardly bring myself to ask you to stay with us any longer.” “Of course, we who do not know the enemy’s face would certainly be troubled to part with you—but now it cannot be helped.” “We can only leave our fate to heaven and wait for the day we confront each other.” “You are the most loyal person imaginable—so if you were to take charge from now on, you could rise to any height.” They were asking him to please part ways with them there.

Kurōemon had consulted with Uhei in advance and summoned Bun’kichi to deliver this notice. Uhei listened with his arms crossed, tears streaming down his cheeks. Bun’kichi, who had been listening in silent prostration, waited for the words to cease before lifting his head. His wide-open eyes blazed with unnatural intensity. “Master, that’s not right!” he shouted. Though his heart raged and his words tumbled incoherently, Bun’kichi spoke roughly thus: “This service of mine is no ordinary duty.” “Since I have pledged myself to this revenge, my life is forfeit.” “Should you two succeed in your purpose—well and good. But if villains rally to the enemy and you meet a counterattack, there are only two paths: we perish together, or I escape to exact twofold vengeance.” “As long as these legs can carry me—even dismissed—I shall cling to your side like shadow to form.”

Even Kurōemon had no words to respond. Uhei felt as though he had been revived. From then on, the three left Settsu no Kuniya and took to living in a cheap lodging house.

With nowhere left to head toward, they wandered day after day through the city, clinging to little more than resigned determination and praying for divine protection.

Before long, an epidemic of whooping cough broke out in Osaka, and the cheap lodging house became filled with people coughing. In early March, Uhei and Bun’kichi contracted the illness, developed fevers, and took to bed. With the money he received, Kurōemon made sure that the three of them could each take at least a sip of porridge. When the two recovered in early April, this time Kurōemon took to bed. Though his body was as sturdy as a rock, his advanced age meant his condition was worse than the other two. When they asked a kind doctor to examine him, he said it was typhoid fever. This was because his fever was so high that in his delirium he shouted things like “Stop right there!” and “You won’t get away!”

While Bun’kichi placated and coaxed the cheap lodging house’s owner, who was growing annoyed, and tended to the patient, Kurōemon’s robust physique—despite the illness’s sudden onset—overcame the sickness in a matter of days.

Bun’kichi rejoiced at Kurōemon’s recovery, but now another worry had arisen. It was that Uhei, who had always been prone to mood swings, now exhibited marked mental disturbances following his illness. Uhei was by nature quiet. Moreover, due to a certain unworldly vagueness about him, Kurōemon had bestowed upon him the nickname "Young Lord." Yet this youth was deeply moved by everything, like tender grass blades yielding to the breeze. At such times, his perpetually pale face would flush crimson, and he would become as eloquent as a different person. When that passed, a backlash would come—he would grow sullen, lower his head, fold his hands, and remain silent.

Both his uncle and Bun’kichi had grown accustomed to this aspect of Uhei’s temperament, but now his demeanor was beginning to change in a way that diverged even from that. Peaceful mornings and evenings were gone; he remained in a constant state of agitation. He moved about with an air of irritation. Moreover, he no longer entered his usual bouts of eloquence—indeed, such talkativeness had vanished entirely. It could be said he now leaned more toward silence. Yet because he was perpetually agitated, he would fly into a rage over the slightest things. When nothing was amiss, he deliberately provoked others, seizing on their words to manufacture reasons for anger. And when that anger arose, he did not openly act on it but instead muttered complaints and sulked.

When this state had continued for two or three days, Bun’kichi said to Kurōemon. “Young Master’s condition seems rather strange, don’t you think?” Bun’kichi had at some point come to refer to Uhei as “Young Master.”

Kurōemon laughed as though it were of no concern and said. “Young Lord? “That foul mood of his will clear up if you feed him something tasty.” It was no wonder that Kurōemon had said this. The three saw each other’s faces daily yet remained unaware—having fully tasted the three hardships of poverty, illness, and wandering, none of them retained any semblance of their appearance from the day they had departed Edo.

It was the morning after Bun’kichi had this conversation. After the lodgers had each gone out to work, Uhei edged his knees forward before Kurōemon, seeming about to say something but then falling silent.

“What’s wrong?” his uncle said. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been thinking about.” “Whatever it is, just say it.”

“Uncle. When do you think we’ll meet the enemy?” “You wouldn’t grasp it—and truth told, I don’t fathom it myself nohow.”

“I suppose so.” “The spider spins its web and waits for insects to be caught.” “Since it matters not which insect comes, it waits undisturbed.” “But if one means to catch a particular insect, a spider’s web would prove useless.” “I can no longer bear waiting like this, pinning my hopes on mere happenstance.”

“Haven’t we both walked all over the place already?”

“Yes. We did walk around a lot, but—” Uhei began to say but fell silent.

“Hmm.” “We walked as much as we could walk. What’s wrong with it?” “Never mind that—just say it.” Uhei remained silent, staring fixedly at his uncle’s face, but after a while, he spoke. “Uncle. “We have walked a great deal.” “But even if we walk, it might be natural that we don’t find him.” “Even if we stay still and set up a net, he won’t come to us—but even if we walk around, we might never cross paths.” “When I think about that further and further ahead, it seems quite strange.” “I can’t shake this strange feeling.” Uhei edged forward on his knees again. “Uncle. “How can you stay so calm like this?”

His uncle listened to these words of Uhei’s with intense concentration. “I see.” “You think so?” “Listen well.” “If martial fortune runs out and both gods and Buddha forsake us, then it would be as you say.” “Humans aren’t made that way.” “When we can move, we walk and search.” “When we’re sick, we lie down and wait.” “With the gods’ and Buddha’s protection, we’ll meet the enemy someday.” “We might cross paths while walking—or they might come to where we’re lying.”

A faint, mocking smile flickered at the corners of Uhei’s mouth. “Uncle, do you really believe the gods and Buddha will help us?” Though Kurōemon was a man not easily perturbed, upon hearing this he felt a peculiar sense of unease. “Yeah. That’s unknowable. What’s unknowable is the gods and Buddha.”

Uhei’s attitude was strangely serene, different from his usual state of agitation. “I suppose so.” “Gods and Buddha are unknowable.” “To tell the truth, I’ve resolved to abandon what we’ve done until now and act as I please.”

Kurōemon Yamamoto’s eyes flew wide open, his eyebrows shot up high, but in an instant, blood surged into his pale face, and his fists were clenched tight.

“Hmph. “So you’re abandoning the revenge?” Uhei smiled faintly. He seemed satisfied to have angered his uncle, who had never been angered before. “That’s not it. “Because Kamezō is a hateful man, if I encounter him, I’ll make sure he suffers a terrible fate. “But since both searching and waiting are futile, until we meet, I won’t give that man another thought. “I don’t intend to carry out some grand revenge spectacle, so I don’t need any assistance. “Since the enemy will be revealed when the time comes naturally, we don’t need any experts. “Please take Bun’kichi into your service from now on. “I intend to take my leave in the near future.”

No sooner had Kurōemon’s anger erupted than it dissolved, and while listening to Uhei’s words, he had already reverted to his usual gentle uncle self. It was simply that the uncle, who had a habit of forcibly turning everything into a jest, had uncharacteristically become earnest.

When Uhei rose from his seat and stepped down from the cheap inn’s veranda, his uncle called out, “Hey, wait!”—but Uhei’s figure was already gone. However, his uncle had not thought that Uhei would disappear for good like this.

In the evening, when Bun’kichi returned, Kurōemon told him to go search the neighborhood for Uhei and come back. Uhei had occasionally gone to places where the town’s young people played Japanese chess. At first, he had listened in on casual conversations in hopes of gleaning clues about their enemy, but later he found himself merely talking there without purpose. Bun’kichi visited such houses. But he wasn’t anywhere. That night, Kurōemon stayed up late waiting for Uhei to return, but he never did.

In the course of searching for Uhei, Bun’kichi happened to hear talk of the miraculous powers of Tamatsukuri Toyosora Inari. Young people were exchanging stories about how someone’s parent had recovered from an illness in such-and-such place, and how someone else had been informed of a lost child’s whereabouts in another place. Bun’kichi informed Kurōemon Yamamoto, performed ablutions to purify himself the next day, and set out toward Tamatsukuri. He had thought to inquire about the enemy’s whereabouts and Uhei’s fate. When he arrived at the front of the Inari Shrine, a great number of people were coming and going. Countless red torii gates stood erected, overlapping one another, and the crowd swarmed within that crimson passage. Around the perimeter, teahouses had been set up. There were sweet bean soup stalls. There were sweet sake stalls. On both sides of the crimson passage, show tents and toy shops had been set up. Passing through the tunnel-like torii gates and entering the shrine, the priest received money for what he called the first-fruits offering and handed over a numbered tag. They would call in those who had submitted inquiries in numerical order.

Bun’kichi offered all the money he had as the first-fruits offering. But his turn did not come easily, so he ended up waiting until the sun set. He had eaten nothing and did not even realize his stomach was empty. When the sixth hour of dusk tolled, the priest came out and said, “Those with remaining numbers, please come tomorrow morning.”

The next day, before dawn, Bun’kichi went to the shrine. Though there were people with numbers earlier than his who had not yet arrived, Bun’kichi was summoned sooner than he had expected. As Bun’kichi pressed his forehead into the sand and prayed while waiting, this too happened sooner than expected: the priest emerged and relayed the oracle. “The subject of the first inquiry has been in a prosperous area of the eastern provinces since around spring.” “As for the latter inquiry, there is no oracle,” he said.

Bun’kichi hurried back from Tamatsukuri and relayed the oracle to Kurōemon Yamamoto.

Kurōemon Yamamoto heard this and said, “I see.” “When one speaks of prosperous areas in the eastern provinces，it’s Edo—but no matter how brazen Kamezō might be，he wouldn’t be fool enough to return there.” “It’s true rumors may have spread about us pursuing revenge elsewhere，but even so，our other relatives keep watch—he likely hasn’t returned to Edo.” “Didn’t that priest swindle you?” “Them claiming ignorance about the latter search probably means they want another first-fruits offering from us.”

Bun’kichi, acting with exaggerated reverence and cutting off Kurōemon Yamamoto’s words, pleaded for him to please refrain from speaking so dismissively and instead resolve to believe in the oracle.

Kurōemon Yamamoto said. “No.” “I do not doubt Lord Inari.” “It’s just that I don’t think he’s in Edo.”

While he was saying this, the innkeeper of the cheap inn arrived. When summoned to the landlord’s place and handed a letter from Edo, he announced it was addressed to Lord Yamamoto and produced a sealed missive. As Kurōemon took the letter and read aloud, “To Lord Yamamoto Uhei, Lord Kurōemon Yamamoto, and Sakurai Sumaemon—Peace,” even Bun’kichi—who rigidly upheld master-servant decorum even in this shabby lodging—grew frantic to learn what business this letter from the widow’s family home might concern, and could not help but crane over the document as Kurōemon unfolded it.

After the revenge party had departed, the widow of the late Sanzaemon waited at her family home—the residence of Sakurai Sumaemon—for her chronic illness to heal. After some time had passed, her headache had lessened considerably, partly due to the passage of time since her hardships and partly because her surroundings had grown quiet. Though her biological brother Sumaemon acted kindly toward her, the widow felt it awkward to rely solely on his care, so she searched for what she called a “not-too-busy service position” and eventually came to be employed in the inner quarters of Ōsawa Ukyōnosuke Motoaki of the Kōke class near Manaita Bridge in Ogawamachi.

After Uhei’s elder sister Riyo was taken into her aunt’s husband Harada’s household, she would listen to the gossip of an old woman selling shikimi branches during grave visits, hoping to glean clues about the enemy’s whereabouts—but before long, the mourning period had ended. So she resolved that if she worked as a servant here and there for one or two months at a time, she might naturally find a means to obtain clues—and thus first took up residence in a certain household in Honjo. Since this was a distant relative, she received an ambiguous treatment, neither quite servant nor guest, and assisted in all matters. Next, since the housekeeper was working in the inner quarters of the Hori family in Akasaka, she went there to assist. Next, she served at a certain house in Azabu. Next, since there was a distant relative among the retainers of Honda Tatewaki, a member of the council in Hongō Yumichō, she went there to assist. In this manner, changing employers each time, from the spring of Tenpō 6 she was employed in the inner quarters of Sakai Kamenoshin, a member of the council in Ochanomizu. This Sakai’s wife was the daughter of Sakai Iwami-no-kami Tadakata of Asakusa.

The widow and Riyo were also trying to uncover the enemy's whereabouts, with Riyo especially devoting herself day and night to the task—yet no matter what they did, they could find no leads. Though no word came from Kurōemon or Uhei, in Edo too, the enemy had made not a single move. The women's desolation was beyond words.

Time passed, and it became the beginning of May in Tenpō 6. One day, Sakurai Sumaemon of the widow’s family home made a pilgrimage to Asakusa Kannon and was sitting at a teahouse when the rain, which had let up until then, began pouring down again. At that moment, there were two men dressed as pleasure-seekers who rushed beneath the teahouse’s eaves to escape the rain. While waiting for it to let up, they stood beneath the eaves and had this conversation.

One of them said. “I meant to tell you but forgot—it happened last night.” “Just like now when we got caught in rain at Kanda—squattin’ outside some closed sake dealer’s door—this fella comes rushin’ up.” “When I looked—ain’t that Kame from Lord Sakai’s place?” “Gave me a right start.” “Thinkin’ how bold he was comin’ back here—I holler ‘Hey Kame!’” “Then he turns round goin’ ‘Huh?’ then snaps ‘Quit mistakin’ me—name’s Tora!’ And off he bolts through pourin’ rain.”

Now the other one spoke. “So he’s had the nerve to come back again.” “What a bold bastard.”

Sumaemon Sakurai called out to the two men and asked who the man called Kame was. The two men looked terribly flustered at being questioned by a samurai but said it concerned their accomplice Kamezō, who had done something wrong at Lord Sakai’s residence at the end of the year before last and fled. “Well, since we only caught a glimpse,” they hedged ambiguously at last, “it might’ve been a case of mistaken identity—he could’ve really been someone named Torazō.” Even if he were to detain these two men who claimed to have only glimpsed him, it seemed unlikely to help—and fearing that causing a commotion might let Kamezō escape Edo, Sumaemon Sakurai let them leave quietly.

In Osaka, what Kurōemon received was a letter from Sakurai informing him that Kamezō was in Edo. Bun’kichi immediately went to Tamatsukuri for a thanksgiving visit. Kurōemon waited for Bun’kichi to return, then split their efforts to check each of Osaka’s exits. They inquired about Uhei’s whereabouts at palanquin stations along the highways and shipping agents at the port. However, all of it was in vain.

Kurōemon Yamamoto had no choice but to abandon thoughts of his nephew and prepared to depart for Edo. Even if they exhausted their travel funds, they would not lay a hand on the emergency money or the clothing and items at their waists. Kurōemon fastened a tea-brown striped obi over a pale-patterned cotton kimono, put on a navy hemp kasuri haori, and tucked both swords into his belt. His belongings consisted of a taupe-colored cloth pouch, a gray cotton handkerchief pouch, and a jitte with restraining rope. Bun’kichi, too, fastened a navy striped *ogura* obi over the pale-patterned kimono he had set aside and tucked a *jitte* with restraining rope into his belt.

After paying a gratuity to the cheap inn’s owner and stopping by Settsu-kuniya to give their regards, Kurōemon Yamamoto and his retainer crossed from Fushimi to Tsu on the night boat of June 28th. Except for being detained at Sakanoshita for half a day due to a great storm on the 30th, they encountered no hindrances on their journey and arrived in Shinagawa on the night of July 11th.

On the Hour of the Tiger on the 12th, the two departed from their lodgings in Shinagawa, went to Henritsu Temple in Asakusa, and paid their respects at Sanzaemon’s grave while still wearing their straw sandals. Then they met with the head priest and rested from their journey’s fatigue for the night.

The following day, the 13th, was the Obon Festival, a day when relatives would come to visit the graves. Kurōemon requested the head priest not to inform anyone of their arrival, and he and Bun’kichi hid in the temple kitchen. The head priest asked why, but Kurōemon merely said, “As they say, ‘Plans thrive in secrecy,’” and steered the conversation to other matters.

Those who came to visit the grave were Harada and the wives of the Sakurai household; the widow and Riyo, who were engaged in rigorous samurai service, had not come.

When the latter half of the Hour of the Dog arrived, Kurōemon said to Bun’kichi. “Alright—we’re heading out to search now.” “We’ll walk our legs to splinters until we find him.”

The two, still in their travel attire, departed Henritsu Temple and first made their way toward Asakusa Kannon. As they neared Raijinmon, Kurōemon said to Bun’kichi. “It seems he hasn’t become a monk after all, but don’t let him slip away no matter how he’s dressed.” “But he’s not exactly dressed to impress anyway.”

They circled the temple grounds, paid their respects at Kannon, and expressed their thanks to Sakurai for arranging a meeting with a knowledgeable person. Then they left Kuramae for Ryōgoku. Despite the sweltering heat, crowds of people who had come out to cool off and watch the fireworks were jostling one another. Around the time lanterns were being lit, the two rested at a teahouse for a while, and when their sweat had somewhat dried, they set out walking again.

No rivers were visible, no boats to be seen. When shouts of "Fireballs! Rockets!" rang out, the crowd tilted their heads back to watch the fireworks blooming overhead. It was around the latter half of the Hour of the Rooster.

Bun’kichi tugged on Kurōemon Yamamoto’s sleeve from behind. Kurōemon Yamamoto followed Bun’kichi’s gaze and spotted a tall man walking one step ahead to his left. He wore a faded medium-patterned cotton kimono and had fastened around it a worn-out striped Hakata obi in floral hues.

The two silently followed his trail. It was a moonlit night. They turned at Yokoyama-chō. They exited from Shiomachi into Ōdenma-chō. They crossed Honchō, then headed from Ishimachi-gashi to Ryūkan Bridge and Kamakura-gashi. As the crowd gradually thinned, Kurōemon took out a hand towel, covered his head with it, and deliberately staggered as he walked. Bun’kichi pretended to support him and followed along. When they arrived at Niban-hara outside Genkoji Temple near Kandabashi Bridge, it was exactly around the Hour of the Rat. The streets were now utterly deserted. Kurōemon Yamamoto signaled Bun’kichi with his eyes. As if two bodies moved by a single will, the two flew at their target from behind and silently seized both his arms.

“What the hell are you doing?!” shouted the man as he writhed to break free. The silent duo, gripping his arms like a nail clamped in pincers, dragged the writhing man into the shade of a roadside tree. Kurōemon spoke in a voice like a fierce flame stifled by an iron shutter. “I am Kurōemon Yamamoto, younger brother of Yamamoto Sanzaemon, whom you killed at the end of last year.” “State your domain and name, and prepare yourself.” “That’s a case of mistaken identity.” “I’m from Senshū—name’s Torazō.” “I don’t recall doing anything like that.”

Bun’kichi peered into his face. “Hey.” “Kame.” “There’s someone who knows even the mole under your eye.” “Don’t play dumb.”

The man looked at Bun’kichi’s face and, like grass blades withering under frost, let his head droop heavily. “Ah… Bun’kō?”

Kurōemon Yamamoto, having heard this much, swiftly drew an arrest rope from his pocket and bound the man. And he said to Bun’kichi: “We’re done here. Go to Lord Sakai Kamenosuke’s residence in Ochanomizu.”

The message is as follows: "I have come from the lodging of Riyo, who serves in the inner quarters of your esteemed household. She states that her mother will not last until dawn due to cholera. She humbly asks that you grant her leave with your special consideration so she may see her mother one last time—that is what she says." "Hurry."

“Right,” said Bun’kichi, dashing off toward Nishikichō. At Sakai Kamenosuke’s residence, where the inner quarters had closed late that night, Riyo had finally returned to her room and was about to change into her nightclothes. There came a messenger from the old woman to summon her. Thinking it fortunate she hadn’t yet changed clothes, Riyo immediately rose, slipped on her outdoor sandals, and went along the corridor to the old woman’s room.

The old woman said. “A messenger has come from your lodgings—they say your mother has fallen gravely ill.” “It is Obon, and you are very busy, but a parent’s illness is exceptional—go home.” “When you meet your mother, return to the estate immediately—even if it’s nighttime.” “Since I will formally request leave again once tomorrow comes.”

“Thank you very much,” Riyo acknowledged and slipped out of the old woman’s room.

Riyo, thinking she could leave as she was, went to check at the rear entrance to see who had come as the messenger. She wore a medium-patterned cotton kimono with a black satin obi—her attire for official duties. At the rear entrance, Riyo locked eyes with Bun’kichi, dressed for travel. She realized her parent’s illness had been a pretext. Two or three colleagues who had withdrawn to the inner quarters with Riyo now gathered curiously in the corridor, attempting to observe her meeting the messenger from her lodgings.

“Oh, I left something behind,” Riyo murmured as if to herself, quickening her steps as she hurried back to her room. Riyo closed the door from the inside and opened the wicker trunk’s lid. First she took out a single unlined summer kimono for changing. Next she thrust her arm deep into the trunk’s bottom and pulled out a short sword. It was the blade Father Sanzaemon had carried during his night watch. Riyo swiftly wrapped both items in a silk cloth and carried them out.

Bun’kichi came to Gojiin Plain while recounting to Riyo along the way the details of how he had captured the enemy.

Riyo Yamamoto greeted Kurōemon Yamamoto and, having no time to change clothes, took out only the short sword from the bundle.

Kurōemon Yamamoto said to the enemy, “The one who came here is Sanzaemon’s daughter Riyo. Admit that you killed Sanzaemon and declare your domain and name here.” The enemy raised his face and looked at Riyo. Then he said: “This is the end for me. I’ll speak the truth. It’s true I wounded Mr. Yamamoto, but I didn’t kill him. Having lost at gambling and desperate for money, I thought up some scheme to get gold and ended up committing that blunder. I am the son of one Kichibē from Uenohara Village, Ikuta District, Izumi Province—my name is Torazō. When I entered service at Lord Sakai’s residence, I carelessly blurted out the name of that Kamezō fellow from Kishū whom I’d met through gambling. I have nothing more to say. Do with me as you will.”

“Well said,” Kurōemon Yamamoto replied. Exchanging glances with Riyo and Bun’kichi, he untied Torazō’s bonds. The three edged closer from three directions. Torazō, who had been standing dejectedly after being untied, no sooner crouched like a beast stalking its prey than he lunged at Riyo, attempting to knock her down and flee.

At that moment, Riyo stepped back and, with the short sword she gripped by the hilt, cut Torazō in a sudden draw-slash. She slashed downward from the tip of his right shoulder to his chest. Torazō staggered. Riyo struck two, then three more slashes. Torazō fell.

“Splendid! “I’ll finish him.” Kurōemon lunged forward and stabbed him in the throat.

Kurōemon wiped the blood from his sword on Torazō’s sleeve. And he had Riyo wipe her short sword as well. Both of them were teary-eyed. “If only Uhei were here,” Riyo said, uttering just those words.

Kurōemon and the two others reported to the guard post under Honda Iyo-no-kami at the riverbank. The neighborhood watchman from the association—Tamaki Katsusaburō, a retainer of Udono Kichinosuke of the Nishinomaru Small Storeroom Office on monthly duty—took down the testimony. It was delivered from Honda to the Ōmetsuke. The guard post association under Endō Tango-no-kami Tanemune notified Sakai Tadanori’s caretaker. The Sakai family had indeed undergone a substitution this April. An official from the Sakai family came, took the three’s testimonies, and reported back to Tadanori.

The morning of the fourteenth saw Gojiin Plain filled with spectators. Gradually, relatives of the Yamamoto family came rushing to surround the three who had slain the enemy. The Udono family presented sushi and fresh confections to the three. At the lower hour of the Rooster [around 5–7 PM], under the direction of Mizuno Uneme, head of the fifteenth group of foot patrol inspectors for the Nishinomaru, Nishinomaru foot patrol inspectors Nagai Kamejirō and Kubota Eijirō; Nishinomaru junior inspector Hiraoka Tadahachirō; Inoue Matahachi; attendant Shimodani Kinzaemon; Itami Chōjirō; and four *kurokuwa* laborers were dispatched. In addition, officials from the Honda, Endō, Hiraoka, and Udono families were present, and they first investigated the three individuals’ bodies, clothing, belongings, and the presence of any wounds. No one had sustained any wounds. Next, they took affidavits from both foot patrol inspectors Nagai and Kubota. Next, they conducted the inspection of the corpse. The wounds recorded in the official report under the name Kamezō used when he served the Sakai family were as follows: “One stab wound on the left side of the back, approximately 3 cm in length; swelling obscures depth. One slash wound at the nape, approximately 9 cm long and 6 cm deep; another slash wound below it, approximately 4.5 cm long and 1.8 cm deep. One slash wound beside the left ear, approximately 3 cm long and 1.8 cm deep. One slash wound extending from the right shoulder to the chest, approximately 30 cm long and 12 cm deep; another slash wound at the shoulder joint, approximately 6 cm long and 3 cm deep. One stab wound at the throat, approximately 9 cm long. Total: seven wounds.” The clothing consisted of a cotton single-layer garment and a Hakata obi; the belongings included one light blue hand towel. The corpse was entrusted to Tamaki Katsusaburō. Next, Kamezō’s labor broker Fujiya Jisaburō of Kanda Kuemon-chō, the same five-person group, and Kamezō’s subcontractor inn Wakasaya Kamekichi—who had been summoned—had their testimonies taken. Next, the town guardsman who had heard Kurōemon and the others’ report had his affidavit taken.

The inspection officials withdrew at the upper hour of the Dog (7–8 PM). After the inspection was completed, [the report] was delivered from Udono Kichinosuke to Nishinomaru Inspector Matsumoto Sukenosuke; from Shōno Jifuemon, caretaker of the Sakai family, to the Sakai family’s inspector; and from the Sakai family to Duty Officer Ōkubo Kaga-no-kami Tadazane.

On the fifteenth day at the lower hour of the Rabbit (around 5–7 AM), under Mizuno Uneme’s direction, Kurōemon and the two others were handed over to Shōno. The two palanquins that the Sakai family had prepared since the previous evening’s hour of the Rooster to carry Kurōemon and Riyo had arrived at the guard post and stood waiting. Kurōemon and Bun’kichi were entrusted to a certain Honda, while Riyo was placed in Kobe’s custody.

On this day, at the lower hour of the Rooster, Town Magistrate Tsutsui Iga-no-kami Masanori summoned Kurōemon and the two others. From the Sakai family, inspectors, sub-inspectors, an ashigaru squad leader, and accompanying foot soldiers were dispatched to provide security for the two in the palanquins and Bun’kichi on foot. It was at the lower hour of the Dog that the three, having undergone direct interrogation by Tsutsui Masanori, withdrew.

On the sixteenth day, a second summons arrived from Tsutsui. At the lower hour of the Rooster (5–7 PM), they underwent interrogation by Assistant Magistrate Yorisugi Hachiemon and submitted their affidavits.

On this day, Riyo received notice from Sakai Kamenosuke that Sanzaemon’s widow had been dismissed from the Ōsawa family at her own request. From Riyo’s former master, the Hosokawa family, came congratulations regarding the accomplished revenge. On the nineteenth day came a third summons from Tsutsui. Kurōemon and the two others listened to a reading of the draft affidavits before withdrawing at the lower hour of the Rooster. On the twenty-third day arrived a fourth summons from Tsutsui. They were compelled to imprint their official seals and thumbprints upon the finalized affidavit. On the twenty-eighth day came a fifth summons from Tsutsui. By decree of Duty Senior Councilor Mizuno Etchū-no-kami Tadakuni, Kurōemon and Riyo were told, “No action shall be taken concerning this extraordinary matter.” Bun’kichi received the pronouncement: “No action shall be taken regarding procedural deficiencies.” They then withdrew at the lower hour of the Rooster after accepting Tsutsui’s commendations.

Next, from the Sakai family’s Ōmetsuke—since the town magistrate’s investigation had concluded—the directive “You are to conduct yourselves as usual” was conveyed to Kurōemon, Riyo, and Bun’kichi. Kurōemon and Riyo submitted to the Ōmetsuke the official permit they had received in February of Tenpō 5. On the first day of the intercalary seventh month, Riyo received an official summons from the Sakai family. At the lower hour of the Dragon (around 7–9 AM), their relative Yamamoto Heisaku and Sakurai Sumaemon—dressed in hemp formal attire—accompanied them to appear in the audience chamber. The Ōmetsuke joined Chief Retainer Kawai Kotarō and delivered the ruling.

“As you are a woman, you are especially commended; you are hereby ordered to inherit Yamamoto Sanzaemon’s family name and granted a stipend for fourteen retainers. Furthermore, a suitable man shall be adopted as your son-in-law at a later date. In addition, you shall shortly be granted an audience in the inner chambers.” Such were the words declared. On the eleventh day, Riyo appeared for her audience in the inner chambers and was granted a black crepe garment bearing the family crest with red-lined silk wadding, white habutae silk (single layer), and a box of confections. On the same day, she was granted “one bolt of striped crepe” from the widow of Hamachō and “two Takasago-dyed crepe silks, two fans, and items within a package” from Senshuin, wife of the late Sakai Tadazane.

Regarding Kurōemon’s matter, a directive was issued from Sakai Tadanori to Chief Retainer Honda Ikkiage: “There being no particular intention regarding Kurōemon, he is to be summoned as before. Furthermore, in recognition of his thorough service, a satisfactory reward shall be granted. By special consideration, bestow upon him a set of hemp formal attire bearing the family crest.” Honda granted Kurōemon 100 koku and promoted him to a senior retainer position. To Riyo as well, Honda presented “1,000 hiki for fabric,” and from Honda’s mother came “one bolt of striped crepe and one box of assorted delicacies.” Bun’kichi was summoned to the Sakai family’s inspector office and, in his capacity as a former front servant and retainer of Kurōemon Yamamoto, was notified: “In recognition of your exceptional efforts and extraordinary service, you are hereby appointed to a minor official position and granted a stipend of four ryō and a two-person stipend.” Then, taking the surname Fukaka, he served as the mountain guard at the Sakai family’s secondary residence in Sugamo.

At the time of this revenge, Yashiro Taro Hirokata was seventy-eight years old and presented a poem of praise to Kurōemon and Riyo.

“Never again shall there be those who, meeting at the hour of soul ceremonies, have avenged father and brother.” Fortunately, about twelve years had passed since Ōta Shichizaemon’s death, so there was no one left to create parodies and mock Yashiro.