Pathway to Japanese Literature

Preface to Juvenile Literature In an age where sensational prison tales only wound the hearts of their readers, I publish this volume of Children’s Tales. This too shall embody a distinctive spirit that does not imitate others. Many of Europe’s Children’s Tales have been transmitted from Persia’s Parrot Booklets, and since their origin lies in India’s ancient texts, the Orient is truly the birthplace of this lovely poetic form. Ah, may the one who now displays this new shop curtain—who has achieved the grand ambition of restoring our ancestral house—pray that even unto generations to come, these volumes may multiply and prosper.

Hongō Sendagi-chō, Ōgai Gyoshi.

Notes on the Text

I. This work being titled *Shōnen Bungaku* (少年文学) carries the meaning of "literature for youth," derived from the German term *Jugendschrift* (juvenile literature). However, as there existed no suitable established term in our nation, this was provisionally assigned its name. I believe that Brother Ōgai’s so-called children’s tales also share this same spirit. I. Therefore, I refrained from embellishing the prose, sought no novelty in plot devices, and deliberately abandoned even the customary unification of spoken and written language—solely out of a desire to make the text accessible to youth. At times employing the 5-7 syllable meter and such—though both the concepts and prose are splendidly period-style—this might instead make them easier for youth to recite and comprehend.

I. When compiling this *Koganemaru*, the author recalled various works for conceptual assistance: Goethe’s *Reineke Fuchs* ("The Fox’s Trial"), Grimm’s and Andersen’s *Märchen* ("strange tales"), as well as domestic examples ranging from *Momotaro* and *Kachikachiyama* to ancient texts like *Konjaku Monogatari* and *Uji Shūi Monogatari*, down to Tenmei-era yellow-covered kibyōshi. Thus, they were not significant enough to be enumerated as cited works.

I. Though this may sound somewhat self-praising, such tales are exceedingly rare in modern literary circles—indeed, to put it boldly, they constitute a novel phenomenon. Therefore, fellow literati—even should my work prove insufficient—if our esteemed seniors shall hereafter deign to bring forth their own creations in succession, I humbly entreat you all to debate exhaustively regarding this matter of juvenile literature. This too I beseech in advance.

I. My fellow literati call me the "youth of the literary world"—this must be because most novels I have written featured youths as protagonists. Now that I find myself serving as precursor to juvenile literature once more—when I reflect upon it—this cannot be gainsaid.

The year Kanoe-Tora (庚寅), twelfth month. Only eight more nights until the day called New Year’s.

At Mukashi Ōtei　　　　　Recorded by Renzan-jin

Volume 1

Chapter 1

Long ago, in the depths of a remote mountain, there lived a tiger. How many years had passed? His frame had grown larger than an ordinary calf, his eyes outshone even a hundred-times-polished mirror, his whiskers resembled a bundle of needles, and when he roared once, his voice thundered through the valleys with such force that birds nearly fell from the treetops. As there were none among the mountain's jackals, wolves, deer or other beasts who did not fear and obey him, the tiger grew ever more fearsome in his might, proclaiming himself King Golden Eyes to reign supreme over all creatures of the mountain. It was then the beginning of January—spring in name alone—as yesterday's heavy snow had swathed fields and mountains, rocks and trees in frigid cotton, the bitter wind making stillness unbearable. King Golden Eyes had secluded himself in his cave since dawn and was crouching alone when Chosui—an old fox long in his favor—picked his way along a rocky path through the snowdrifts until he reached the cave's mouth. Brushing off the snow, he crept inside and deferentially bent his forelegs. "With this heavy snow since yesterday," he said, "your lordship must have been confined to the cave and sorely bored."

King Golden Eyes raised himself up and said, “Ah, Chosui! Well have you come.” “Indeed, as you say—with this heavy snow making it impossible to venture out, I have been sleeping alone in the cave, and now that the provisions have nearly run out, I find myself somewhat hungry.” “Is there no choice prey? …Given this heavy snow, it’s only natural there isn’t any,” he sighed. Chosui refuted, “Nay, Your Majesty! “If Your Majesty is truly hungry and seeks sustenance, I shall present choice prey.” “What mean you by ‘choice prey’?” “…Where did you obtain that?” “No.” “Though I do not have it here, if Your Majesty would graciously brave the bone-chilling cold to tread this snowy path, I shall humbly act as your guide.” When he said, “How so?” King Golden Eyes roared with laughter, “Now hearken, Chosui! “Even were I aged, why should I fear such paltry snow?” “Though I remain confined to this cave, it is not from loathing the cold—but from judging there to be no prey.” “If your words hold no falsehood, then guide me swiftly! When I go to seize that prey—where exactly lies it?” Chosui said with a smug look, “Now that Your Majesty has graciously consented, my joy knows no bounds indeed. “I beseech you to calm your noble heart awhile and hear my tale.” “Now, regarding this prey I speak of—it is the watchdog at the village official’s house in the hamlet below this mountain’s foothills. Against him do I nurse no small grudge.” “Now should Your Majesty go and strike him down, this would serve as my vengeance—my delight would be immeasurable indeed.” At this, King Golden Eyes grew suspicious and said, “This rings not unreasonable.” “What manner of grudge is this? If it burden you not, pray recount it.” “As you command.”

“It was the day before yesterday. As I was passing near the village official’s house, I came upon what seemed to be a shed and heard a chicken’s cry.” “Thinking this was fine prey, I stealthily entered through the rear fence and was approaching the henhouse when he spotted me with keen eyes and suddenly lunged. Caught off guard, I panicked—hurrying to escape through the hole in the fence I had entered from—but he bit my tail and tried to drag me back. I struggled desperately to break free.” “At that moment, he saw his chance and bit off the tip of my tail. The pain was excruciating, leaving me with a deformity I’d never had from birth.” “Thus, if this precious tail of mine cannot even become an old man’s scarf, I find it most vexing indeed.” “He is a dog and I am a fox—since we are ill-matched, I abandoned thoughts of revenge and resigned myself to swallowing my resentment.” “Your Majesty, if you deem this humble one pitiable, pray avenge me in return.” “When I earlier spoke of presenting prey, it was truly for the sake of making this request,” he pleaded in a pitiful tone.

Kinme Daioh nodded. “What detestable behavior from that dog! There, there—soon I’ll snatch him up and make sure to show you something worth seeing. Rest assured.” With these words—both consoling and wrathful—he positioned Chosui at the forefront. Plunging through snow that rose past their shins, they crossed mountains and forded streams until reaching the foothills. There, Chosui—who had been leading—halted and said, “Your Majesty, that place where smoke now rises beyond the forest’s edge marks the village official’s residence. However, should Your Majesty personally charge in, you would merely startle the humans needlessly, and our canine foe might escape.” “As for this matter,” he pressed his mouth to Kinme Daioh’s ear and whispered, “I have an excellent strategy.”

With that, he pressed his mouth to Kinme's ear and whispered something; then Kinme stepped forward and advanced with a haughty countenance.

Chapter 2

In this village official’s household there resided a male and female dog named Tsukimaru and Hanase. Having been raised with devoted care over many years—and deeply feeling this kindness through their loyal service—they ensured no thieves intruded for ages untold, allowing the household to prosper ever more greatly. Amid the ceaseless heavy snow—perhaps feeling some kinship like meeting a long-lost aunt—Tsukimaru was frolicking with Hanase in the inner garden’s depths. Suddenly from behind came a rumbling growl as something leaped out sideways. When he looked to see what manner of creature this was—behold! A tiger twice his size stood before him: eyes blazing like molten gold, fangs bared like daggers unsheathed, claws curved like scythes—a sight so terrifying words failed its description. Had he been any ordinary dog, his legs would have collapsed then and there. But Tsukimaru—a hound of naturally fierce spirit—lunged straight at the tiger without hesitation; howling fiercely he battled with all his strength for what seemed an eternity. Yet from the start their power disparity proved insurmountable—mercilessly his flesh was torn and hide rent until at last he breathed his final breath amidst a piercing death-cry. Clamping the lifeless body between his jaws while kicking up plumes of snow behind him, the tiger retreated back to its mountain cave. All that remained was fresh blood flowing freely—crimson peonies blooming across winter’s white canvas.

Hanase, the female dog, had been hiding in the shadows all along, observing every detail of the scene. She was a frail female dog. Moreover, with her breasts now swollen and her body in an unusual state, even as she witnessed her mate’s cruel demise before her very eyes, she could not even attempt to save him; tormented by her helplessness, she let out a most pitiful cry and barked incessantly—until at last, the people heard and came rushing out, sensing something amiss. Before the gate lay snow scattered in all directions, with blood copiously spilled across it. When they looked, there in the distant mountain shadows was a great tiger clamping Tsukimaru’s corpse in its jaws and carrying it away. “So he was devoured by that cursed tiger! Had I been but a moment sooner, I might have saved him!” The master stamped the ground in anguish and regret, but with no course of action left, they soothed the grief-maddened Hanase and finally brought the situation to a close. What remained unresolved was the turmoil within Hanase’s heart—from that day onward, it grew ever more frenzied. From dawn till dusk, she would only enter the hut and scarcely ate the food given to her. Uttering strange cries in madness and no longer even guarding the gate, she had become of no practical use. Yet knowing the circumstances of her plight, the master’s pity only grew deeper, and he devotedly tended to her—though to no avail. Hanase continued to waste away until now her flesh had fallen and her bones protruded, her nose had completely dried out, so that she no longer resembled a dog of this world—she had become a being with little hope left. At this very moment when the moon had waxed full, the pangs of labor suddenly arose, and amidst her agony, she gave birth to a single male pup of most beautiful brown fur— On his back were mingled golden hairs that emitted a wondrous light, and thus they named him Koganemaru as was fitting.

Already weakened by illness and now having given birth to an infant, the resolve that had sustained her until now slackened all at once. She could no longer lift her head from the heavy pillow, becoming a life that might not see tomorrow. At her final moments, she requested that Botan—a cow from the rear pasture with whom she had long been close—be brought to her bedside. Gasping painful breaths and parting her lips, she said, “Now, Botan-sama. “As you can plainly see of my condition—since I am no longer in a state to remain alive—there is but one matter I must entrust to you before my end.” “That my mate Tsukimaru-sama met his cruel end at the claws of the ferocious tiger Kinme Daioh on that day—this too you know full well, Botan-sama.” “At that time, though I witnessed my mate’s violent death before my very eyes and did not even attempt to save him—there may have been beasts who thought me a despicably unfaithful dog.” “As a female dog by nature, even if it means my own demise, to save my mate in his hour of peril goes without saying—it is the fundamental duty of any beast who knows justice. Though I was not unaware of this, I clung to life then because of my unusual condition.” “If I too had gone out there and fought the tiger—” “I would have been killed alongside my mate.” “If that were the case, who would avenge us?” “In the end, were all three of us—parent and child—to throw away our lives, this would resemble loyalty yet be no true loyalty—a veritable dog’s death indeed.” “Having resolved thus in my heart, I endured what was unbearable and bore what was insufferable—only for him to slay my mate.” “All this I endured solely for the child in my womb—and even after giving birth—” “It was all so that he might exact vengeance.” “Yet in my misfortune—stricken by an illness beyond words, clinging desperately to a life-thread already near its end—I have at last brought forth this child.” “If I cannot raise him myself—if all my desperate hopes for vengeance should come to naught—then I pray you understand my plight and take this child as your own. Raise him with your milk, sister.” “Should he grow into a full-fledged male dog, then—then—pray convey these words of mine to him: Become the strength that strikes down Kinme Daioh—my mate’s killer, his father’s foe.” “The entreaty I speak of concerns this matter alone.” “I beg of you... I beg of you...” Her voice grew fainter, as fragile as dew on winter-withered grass—a dog’s life proves equally transient.

Chapter Three

Alas, Hanase—chasing after her husband's fate and hastening after him to Death's Mountain—perished at dusk that very day. The master, overcome with deepening pity, encoffined her remains, buried them beneath a stone in the shadow of a small hill behind the house—carving Tsukimaru's name alongside hers to fashion a semblance of paired tombs—and thereafter tended their memory with devoted care.

Thus, the orphaned Koganemaru—still unaware of east or west—was taken from his straw bedding to Botan at the pasture, where he drank cow’s milk and grew up in the cattle shed. As he gradually grew, his bone structure surpassed that of ordinary dogs; with a bold disposition, he became a splendid and reliable dog. Now, Botan’s mate Bunkaku was a bull of inherently chivalrous nature; firmly upholding Hanase’s dying wish, he devoted himself day and night to rearing Koganemaru, even placing him among the multitude of calves. At times he would have him engage in horn-wrestling matches or make him compete in races, all to devote himself solely to building physical strength. The effort bore fruit, and Koganemaru had grown so strong in might that even when wrestling with most dogs, he felt he could prevail. Bunkaku too rejoiced without reservation, deeming the time now ripe. One day, having summoned Koganemaru close to his knees, he recounted every detail—how the pup was not his true child, and all that had transpired. Koganemaru, scarcely able to process what he heard, first startled at learning his true origins for the first time, then grieved, and again gnashed his teeth in rage at Kinme’s cruelty. “Now that I know this,” he cried with fervent vigor, lunging forward, “I must race to that mountain at once and tear my archenemy Kinme to pieces!” But Bunkaku restrained him instantly: “Your fury is justified—yet first calm your heart and hear my words. It turns out that your parents’ enemies are not limited to that Kinme Daioh alone. Under his command was a most ferocious fox named Chosui. This wretch once snuck in to steal a chicken, only to be chanced upon by Lord Tsukimaru, who bit off his tail—a humiliation he deeply resented. Since his own strength proved insufficient, he borrowed the tiger’s authority and thus came to carry out such deeds. Therefore, the true archenemy was the fox rather than the tiger. Now, if you were to recklessly charge into Kinme’s cave in a frenzy, engage him in mortal combat, and by some mischance were defeated—not only would you fail to slay our true archenemy the fox, but your very body would become fodder for the tiger. This would be an act more foolish than a moth courting death in flames—seeking destruction by one’s own doing. ‘Especially since your opponent is an aged great tiger, and you being a dog—even if you possess formidable strength—to engage him in ordinary combat would make victory exceedingly difficult.’ ‘Therefore—for now—sharpen your fangs and temper your claws; first slay yon Chosui wretch—then bide your time until you mayst strike down Kinme.’ ‘Far better to endure your frustration, nurture your vigor, and await the opportune moment than to rely on the reckless valor of a lone warrior and invite worldly calamity.’ So reasoned Koganemaru as he grasped the wisdom in Bunkaku’s logically parsed words. After a brief pause, Koganemaru spoke: ‘Though I never once suspected this bond of true parentage until today—having thought you my father and mother all this time, living willfully as I pleased—I beseech you to forgive my impertinence ten thousandfold.’ He then repeatedly bowed in gratitude for their nurturing. Koganemaru continued solemnly: ‘Though there was no choice in the distant past I knew nothing of, now that I have learned of this archenemy against my parent, to remain silent is against my very nature. Therefore, I have one request—will you grant it?’ ‘This matter does not concern me—I beseech you to grant me leave.’

“I shall henceforth journey through the provinces,” declared Koganemaru, “sparring with every formidable dog I encounter to temper my fangs.” “While keeping watch on my archenemy’s movements,” he continued, “should opportunity arise, I shall confront him and avenge my father.” “Though I have yet to repay the kindness received these many years,” his voice wavered, “and though seeking leave now may seem ungrateful—I beg you grant this for my parents’ sake.” “If fortune allows me to slay my father’s foe yet keep breath in this body,” he vowed, “then shall I repay your benevolence with all my heart.” “Until that day comes, Bunkaku-sama—” Tears streaked his muzzle as he entreated, “grant me but this brief respite...” Bunkaku’s weathered face creased in approval. “Well spoken! Had you not asked, I would have compelled you.” “Gallantly fulfill your warrior’s pilgrimage,” the bull rumbled, “and strike down your father’s enemy!” Koganemaru’s hackles rose with renewed purpose. He prepared swiftly—for good deeds brook no delay—swearing an oath: “I shall not return until Kinme Daioh’s head hangs from my jaws!” After bidding farewell to Bunkaku and Botan, he vanished into the wild dog packs, a wanderer beneath transient skies.

Chapter Four

Yesterday he had guarded the gate of a wealthy household, his neck adorned with a brass collar; today he had become a stray dog of a bereaved household—no den for sleeping, no meat for eating—taking shelter from rain and dew beneath a wayside shrine’s floorboards, startled by unruly aardvarks. During the day, he sought fish bones at the fishmonger’s shopfront, only to be driven away by the sticks of strangers. At times he would be dragged by village children into struggles with other dogs on the main road; at other times, attacked by dog catchers and narrowly escaping death in the shadows of thickets.

Thus it was that Koganemaru, having left his master's household some days prior, spent his nights in the mountains and his days in the villages. One day he came upon a vast plain; walk on as he might, no village came into sight. As the sun already neared dusk with not even a tree's shade for shelter, feeling anxious in his solitude, he hurried along the road—yet... Since morning he had not drunk a drop of water nor eaten a morsel of food—his hunger defied description. Unable to endure the agony, he crouched by the roadside—evening wind piercing his skin, earth's chill seeping into his bones—until he felt death might claim him. Koganemaru's anxiety mounted. Since leaving my master's household, he thought, I've fought dogs everywhere—yet never once been bested. Against hunger's enemy I cannot prevail—thus shall I vanish like dew on this plain and become crow's carrion, unknown to all. If only I could reach the village where food might be found... but even that hope fades as my legs fail—now no course remains. "Ah, this futile talk!" he despaired—when suddenly... From nowhere came phosphorescent flames—rising high, illuminating low, fluttering through air as if beckoning. Koganemaru half-understood: Could my parents' spirits manifest here to save me from peril? "Ana, I give thanks," he prayed prostrate, following the will-o'-the-wisp's lead until—after four or five blocks' distance—a gunshot rang nearby, flames vanishing without trace. "What place is this?" he wondered—looking round to find himself before a great temple gate. Though perplexed, he entered through the gate. This was a grand ancient temple—perhaps abandoned—floors collapsed, pillars askew, torn walls stitched with vines, decayed eaves draped in spiderwebs—all fallen into fearsome ruin. Late autumn maples on the roof blazed through gaps revealing tilted onigawara tiles—evoking Mount Togakushi's ancient legends. Amidst towering pampas grass stood a tilted stone Buddha—Shakyamuni enduring trials on Snowy Mountain. --There upon mossy flagstones: A pheasant lay writhing—bullet-pierced body denying flight. Thinking this fine prey, he rushed to pin it with his paw—was about to devour it when—

Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind—“Hateful stray dog! Don’t move!”—as someone bellowed and lunged forward. Startled, Koganemaru whirled around to see a pure white hunting dog poised to bite him. Growing somewhat agitated, he snapped, “How rude! Who are you to call me a stray dog?” “The rudeness lies with you.” “To think you would dare steal the pheasant my master deigned to shoot—such audacity in a godless cur transcends words!” “No, this is something I found here.” “No—you stole it!” “Look—no collar around your neck! It’s precisely because of scum like you that dogcatchers multiply in this world, bringing trouble even upon proper dogs like us!” “If I let this insolent drivel pass unpunished—should you dare repeat such words—my fangs shall know no restraint.” “That’s what I should be saying—there’s no point arguing with scum like you.” “Hand over that bird while you’re still unharmed—why don’t you scurry off quick?” “You do go on! How could I possibly let you take this bird I went through such trouble to find?” “What a damn hassle—just hand it over already!” With that, as Washiro lunged, Koganemaru shook him off with a fierce motion, kicked back the snapping bite, and when he tried to sink his fangs into the throat, the other ducked low and bit into Koganemaru’s thigh. Though weakened by hunger and thirst, his usual courage diminished, Koganemaru remained no ordinary dog—yet his opponent proved no less formidable. Their clashing forms, locked in mutual challenge, called to mind the Flower Monk’s legendary struggle against the Nine-Tattooed Dragon amidst crimson pines—such was the spectacle they now presented.

There had been a black cat that had concealed itself in the shadows of a distant tree earlier and listened to the two animals' exchange. Now that they had begun biting at each other and were locked in fierce combat, waiting for a lull in their struggle, it stealthily approached—snatching up the discarded pheasant and fleeing like a startled hare. Only after some moments did the pair realize what had occurred. "Damn it—we've been tricked!" they thought, though pursuit would now prove futile. Staring blankly at the black cat's retreating form—the pheasant clamped in its jaws as it scaled the brick wall—they stood frozen, their snarling jaws still agape mid-bite.

Chapter Five

When the snipe and clam grapple, the fisherman reaps the reward. Though our circumstances differ from that fable’s lesson—had we two not quarreled—never would we have been mocked by such a lowly cat and lost our pheasant so easily! Thus did Koganemaru and that hunting dog part ways left and right, sighing deeply all the while. Yet knowing regret now availed nothing—they at last resolved themselves.

After a moment, the hunting dog turned to Koganemaru and said, “Nevertheless—what manner of dog are you, that you wander in such a place as this? When our fangs clashed earlier, I saw—the sharpness of your teeth surpasses anything one like me could match. Had that thieving cat not intervened—had our struggle continued—I would surely have been bitten dead, and the pheasant would have become yours alone. ...When I consider this—even that cat did me the favor of saving my life. Ah! Perilous indeed—perilous indeed!” he repeated several times in awed tones.

Koganemaru also adjusted his tone. “This is excessive praise indeed.” “It is your own prowess that merits such words.” “Though it lies quite beyond my reach,” he added with private admiration. “There is nothing left to conceal now—my name is Koganemaru. I once served a human master as gatekeeper but begged leave to pursue my sworn purpose—now roaming masterless yet no common cur.” “Now pray tell your honorable name.” When pressed with “If you’d oblige me,” the hunting dog nodded gravely: “As expected—I’d long surmised as much.” “Then by your leave I’ll state mine.” “As you see—a hunting dog serving these hills’ huntsman.” “Since pinning an eagle once earned me this name—Washiro.” “‘Eagle-white’ they meant—this white eagle-catcher.” “Though no base-born hound—skilled enough at hunting—every local cur droops tail before me! Boasted few dogs under heaven could best me...” “But seeing your true skill shames my arrogance sorely.” “Enough digression—what of this vow’s particulars?” When asked this,Koganemaru scanned their surroundings:“Then hear full account...” He recounted without omission—his father’s violent death; bovine upbringing; targeting tiger and fox; wandering lands after leaving service. Washiro gasped repeatedly before declaring:“Then though my strength pales,I’ll lend what limb I can!” “No personal grudge against Golden Eyes—but his wanton tyranny oppressing beasts...” “Worse—when hungry they raid towns harassing men! Long resolved to curb them given chance.” “That tiger lives up to name—aged colossus.Beyond my lone hunting skill—so overlooked his insect-slaughtering rampage...” “Now hearing you—our hearts beat aligned!” “Henceforth two dogs united shall surely fell him someday!”

At these words, Koganemaru rose spiritedly and declared, “How reassuring! How reassuring! If you already hold such resolve, what have I to fear? From this moment forth, we two dogs shall swear brotherhood—though born of different parents, henceforth as elder and younger brother we shall join our strength.” In recent years, he had roamed various places and fought with many dogs, but not a single one could stand against his fangs—a most unsatisfactory state of affairs. That today he should unexpectedly meet Washiro and gain such a reliable companion must truly be his late father’s doing. “The will-o’-the-wisp that earlier illuminated my path—now I understand its meaning,” he murmured, choked with solitary tears. After a moment, Washiro spoke. “Though I have now sworn a pact with you to strike down Golden Eyes, having an owner constrains my will. From this moment, I too shall cast off my collar and become a masterless dog alongside you!” As he said this, Koganemaru stopped him. “This is reckless, Washiro-sama! Though I am grateful for your resolve to abandon your master for my sake, this resembles righteousness yet is not righteousness—rather, it would make you a disloyal dog. I beseech you to abandon this course of action.” “Nay, that concern is needless. I served in a hunter’s household and became quite skilled in the hunting trade, roaming morning and evening through mountain and field to capture numerous birds and beasts—though when I reflect deeply upon it, this is truly a great injustice. Even if it be by my master’s command, to harm innocent birds and beasts without cause is no pleasant thing. Compared to Golden Eyes, this wickedness of mine is but fifty steps to a hundred. Therefore, I had long been resolved to abandon this occupation. That I have obtained this opportunity today is indeed fortunate—I shall resolutely take my leave.”

With that—

Before he could finish speaking, he severed his collar, demonstrating his resolve. Koganemaru, now having no means to stop him, said, “Now that your resolve stands thus settled, what more have I to say?”

"How fortunate! This temple lies in ruins with no inhabitants, making it an ideal dwelling for us." “From this day forth, we two dogs shall dwell here!” With that, they entered the temple together, chose a place that seemed to be the abbot’s quarters where a few tatami mats remained slightly intact, and designated it as their dwelling.

Chapter Six

And so Koganemaru and Washiro formed a bond of brotherhood, swearing an oath as siblings, and made this ancient temple their dwelling. Since there was no one to provide for them from the start, their meals could not meet their wishes, and so Washiro—though reluctantly—resorted to his accustomed trade of hunting in the wilderness. Catching small birds and such to barely sustain them for the day, they thus passed several days here.

One day, Koganemaru was returning from village business along a solitary path through the fields when he spotted a yellow beast sleeping beneath wild chrysanthemums blooming profusely on a distant slope. Though its size resembled a dog's, nothing suggested it belonged to his own kind. Drawing nearer for a better look, he observed erect ears and a pointed muzzle—unmistakably a fox—with unsightly baldness at its tail's tip. At this moment, Koganemaru recalled Bunkaku-sama's tale of how the fox called Chosui had lost that very tail tip to his father Tsukimaru-sama's fangs. The severed tail before him confirmed this was likely Chosui. Ah! Fortune smiles! To encounter his nemesis here could only be divine providence. He nearly lunged for the kill— Yet attacking a sleeping foe versed in loyalty's code felt dishonorable. Moreover, slaying an innocent lookalike would be wanton slaughter. Stealthily closing the distance, he barked "Chosui!" The fox jolted awake and scrambled backward six feet without opening its eyes. Panicked, the fox trampled through crops toward the village until spotting a house's thick hedge. With one fluid leap, it vanished inside. As Koganemaru cleared the hedge in pursuit— His paws sent a six-year-old child tumbling mid-play. Piercing wails summoned a hulking thirty-year-old man through the back door. Before Koganemaru could react, the man—mistaking him for the attacker—snatched up a club and swung at his skull with bone-crushing force. Even mighty Koganemaru crumpled under the shoulder blow, managing only a choked "Agh!" before collapsing beneath relentless strikes. Soon thick hemp ropes bound him tight. Meanwhile, Chosui slipped away to unknown refuge. Koganemaru writhed against his bonds, gnashing teeth in furious barks.

“You! Though I harmed a human child—still you’re not sated and rage on?” “You hateful mad dog! I’ll make you see something soon!” With that declaration, he dragged him again and again and tied him to a pagoda tree’s trunk at the rear.

He had chanced upon his parents' sworn enemy—one he could not share the sky with—only to let the foe slip away; worse still, he now found himself bound for a minor transgression and subjected to an unjust beating—such was his misery. Even the fierce Koganemaru, unable to bare his fangs against humans, stifled his frustration in silence—yet his bitter tears dug into the earth, and the trees quivered from his anguished thrashing.

Now, to resume the tale: Washiro grew increasingly uneasy as Koganemaru—who had gone to the village on business that morning—still had not returned even after nightfall. He went out to the gate several times and scanned all directions, yet not even a shadow resembling his companion came into view. He worried whether by any chance harm had befallen him. “Since he was no ordinary dog from the start,” he reasoned inwardly, “he would not be indiscriminately struck down by dogcatchers.” “Even so, this uneasiness...” he fretted incessantly.

Stealthily groaning, he too made his way toward the village and passed by a certain house. When he suddenly heard a strange moaning sound coming from within the hedge. When he listened intently, the voice resembled Koganemaru’s from somewhere. Now he hesitated not in the slightest. Attempting to enter through a hole in the densely woven hedge, he was unfortunately pricked by the thorns of a trifoliate orange bush, yet managed to squeeze through with great effort. When he stealthily drew near to recognize the voice. Bound to a large pagoda tree and squirming restlessly—it was indeed he. Washiro rushed over, lifted Koganemaru up, and putting his mouth to his ear: “There, there, Koganemaru—steady now.” “It is I—Washiro!” As the calling voice reached his ears, Koganemaru painfully lifted his head. “Is this… Washiro?” “How glad... I am,” he gasped, each word labored as if breathing his last. Washiro urgently gnawed through the ropes and began licking his companion’s wounds. “How fare you? Does it pain you?” “How in blazes did you end up like this?” he demanded, simultaneously tending to the wounds and pressing for answers. Koganemaru trembled and briefly recounted the circumstances of how he had come to be bound. “We must leave this place at once—if we’re discovered, our lives are forfeit!” No sooner had these words been spoken than Washiro understood. Hoisting the deeply wounded Koganemaru onto his back, he exited through the hole they had entered and hurried toward their dwelling.

Chapter Seven

Helped by Washiro, Koganemaru finally returned to their dwelling, but from that point onward, his body ached unbearably. Moreover, his right foreleg bone had been crushed, rendering it useless for standing—an unbearable frustration. “If I remain a crippled dog like this, when will my long-cherished wish ever be fulfilled? If this lifelong wish remains unfulfilled, I would have no face to meet my foster parent Bunkaku-sama again!” He ground his teeth and lamented. Washiro, intuiting his anguish, joined him in shedding bitter tears of frustration. “Do not grieve so. Is not the world about falling seven times and rising eight? If you rest calmly and recover, your wounds will surely heal in time. As long as I am by your side, you must keep your heart strong,” Washiro declared—now scolding, now encouraging, nursing with all his might—yet seeing no sign of dauntless recovery, Koganemaru could only chafe with growing impatience. One day, Washiro went out hunting from morning to procure food, leaving only Koganemaru behind at the temple. As the late autumn sky stretched serene, sunlight filtering through slanted eaves cast a gently warm glow. In this, Koganemaru slid from his bedding, settled at the veranda’s edge, and sank into solitary gloom. Suddenly, there came a noise from the ceiling, and the clamorous voice of a mouse calling for help could be heard. Before long, a female mouse came running to Koganemaru’s side, slipped beneath his legs, and seemed to beg for rescue. Koganemaru, feeling great pity, tucked the female mouse under his arm and peered sharply into the distance to see what might be pursuing her—there, behind a broken plank door, crouched a black cat spying on them. When he looked closely, it was the same cat that had stolen the pheasant during that previous altercation with Washiro, seizing an opening in the struggle. Koganemaru, enraged, leapt to attack in a single bound; biting the tail of the panicked black cat scrambling up a pillar, he dragged it down. Trampling, biting, and tearing into him, he finished off the cat while it still stood.

At this moment, the female mouse timidly crawled closer to Koganemaru, courteously clasping her forepaws and bowing her head repeatedly in gratitude for her deliverance. Koganemaru smiled faintly and asked, “Where do you dwell, little mouse? And what reason had that cat to harm you?” The mouse edged forward on her knees. “Pray hear me, my lord. I am called Agoma, a humble dweller in these ceiling beams. That villainous cat Uen haunts these parts—for many days he pursued me with improper advances.” “Though I already had a mate,” she continued, “I gave no encouragement, rebuffing him with stern words that only stoked his spite. When he would not desist—creeping into our nest this very hour to murder my beloved and drag me away—I fled hither in terror, disturbing your rest. Forgive this impertinence!” As she tearfully concluded her tale, Koganemaru murmured “Poor soul” while eyeing Uen’s corpse askance. “A hateful beast indeed! This wretch stole my pheasant but days past—I too bear him no love.” “Truly,” Agoma added, “he reaped divine retribution for years of wickedness.” Just then Washiro returned through the temple gate, two sparrows dangling from his jaws. Seeing this tableau, he demanded an account. After Koganemaru explained all, Washiro praised his valor: “With such mettle, your wounds shall soon mend!” Together they exulted before devouring Uen’s flesh alongside their fresh-caught prey.

From this time onward, Agoma—moved by gratitude for her salvation—began attending upon Koganemaru morning and evening, working diligently in every way. Koganemaru, appreciating her kindness, treated her with affection while employing her services. Now, this mouse called Agoma had originally been kept by an itinerant showman who trained her in various tricks to perform at temple fairs, but due to certain circumstances she had fled his booth and now dwelled in this ancient temple. From time to time at Koganemaru’s bedside, she would perform memorized dance gestures or feats like tightrope walking and basket escapes. Though her former skills had grown rusty from disuse, when she haltingly demonstrated them, Koganemaru became so engrossed that he temporarily forgot his pain and suffering.

Chapter Eight

A little over a month had passed since Koganemaru had taken to his sickbed. Though the pain in his body had subsided, his foreleg remained unhealed, making walking exceedingly difficult. Chafing with impatience, he fretted: "If this continues, I'll become nothing but a useless lame dog—unable to avenge my parents." "I must find good medicine now and heal this leg," he resolved, obsessively seeking remedies. One day Washiro returned breathlessly and declared: "Rejoice, Koganemaru!" "I've found us a skilled physician." Koganemaru leaned forward eagerly. "This is welcome news! Where does this healer dwell? What's their name?" Washiro explained: "While roaming the village today, I met an old companion—" "The dog told me: 'One ri south lies Horsetail Plain, home to a venerable rabbit called Elder Shume.'" "In his youth, this sage once drowned a wicked tanuki in the sea to aid a woodcutter." "For this deed, the Moon Palace granted him sacred mortar and pestle to compound miraculous medicines." "They say no beast's ailment withstands his craft." "That very dog had its hind leg shattered by village brats' stones—yet Shume's salve mended it completely." "I meant to fetch the cure myself—" "But thought better you show him your wound directly." "Though painful, you can still walk. Venture there tomorrow if you're able." Koganemaru's tail thumped excitedly. "Marvelous news!" "How dense I was not knowing of this sooner!" "Tomorrow I'll seek this cure," he vowed with strange confidence. At dawn's first light, he followed Washiro's directions to Horsetail Plain. Through autumn-tinted groves stood a thatched hut ringed by brushwood fences. Horsetail thatch crowned log pillars. Bamboo gutters channeled crystalline streams—clearly a beast of stature dwelled here. Koganemaru approached the woven gate and knocked resoundingly.

From within came a voice—“Who goes there?”—and Shume himself emerged. When Koganemaru looked upon him, he saw long ears and fur pure white, with eyes glowing crimson—no ordinary rabbit by any measure. Koganemaru first performed a respectful bow, then explained his ailment and entreated to receive medicine. The elder nodded understandingly, closely examined the wound, gave it a brief lick, then applied some manner of medicinal paste. “This medicine of mine,” he declared, “is a sacred art personally transmitted by Chang’e of the Moon Palace herself. However grave the malady, it heals with divine swiftness.” “Though your wound has worsened from delayed treatment,” he continued, “I shall have it healed by nightfall.” “Pray return tomorrow regardless—there are matters I wish to discuss with you...” At these words Koganemaru rejoiced, then took his leave and departed. As he passed through an ordinary forest’s shade along his path, an arrow came whistling suddenly from dense thickets. Instantly alert, Koganemaru twisted his body and caught the shaft between his teeth with a metallic clang. He glared toward its origin. There in the fork of a massive red pine—its trunk requiring two arm spans to encircle—perched a black monkey clutching a darkwood bow in its left paw and a blue-bamboo arrow in its right, attempting to nock another shot. Koganemaru’s blazing stare froze the creature mid-motion. Unable to loose its arrow, the monkey scrambled up branches in panic, vanishing among treetops. Come dawn next day, wondrously true to Shume’s word, the withered leg had healed completely. Koganemaru leapt for joy. Eager to show gratitude, he carried bean dregs to Shume’s abode and exuberantly reported his recovery. “Though a masterless stray can offer little,” he said presenting the dregs, “accept this token of my gratitude.” Shume received it gladly.

After a brief pause, Shume spoke: “When I said yesterday there was something I wished to ask you, it was no trivial matter.” His demeanor shifted solemnly as he continued: “Having traversed countless kalpas and gained some measure of divine insight, I have learned to perceive the true nature of beasts—not once in ten instances have I erred.” “Now, observing your physiognomy—you are a rare and renowned dog whose strength surpasses all beasts. Ere long, you shall achieve unparalleled feats.” “I have encountered many beasts over these years, but never have I known one like you.” "I believe you must be of noble lineage; I wish to hear your origins," he said. Koganemaru did not hesitate in the slightest and recounted his origins and history. Shume listened and slapped his knee. “With that, I too have come to understand. "Though beasts are by nature viviparous, most conceive multiple offspring at once—single-parent-single-child births remain exceedingly rare." "Since you were born as a single pup, your strength combines that of five or six." "Moreover, having been raised by cows and nurtured on their milk, you have also acquired the strength of cattle, so your ferocity is by no means that of an ordinary dog." “Given all this, how then did you come to sustain such a clumsy injury to your leg?” asked Shume. Koganemaru responded: “There are profound circumstances behind this.” “Originally, I had always remained vigilant, targeting Kinme and Chosui as mortal enemies with whom I cannot share the same sky.” “The other day, when I spotted that Chosui on the road and challenged him to battle,” Koganemaru recounted the incident in detail through gritted teeth, “he instead outwitted me with some scheme, leading to this humiliating defeat.” As he continued—“When I reflect on it—that vile Chosui—were I to encounter him again, I’d tear out his throat with a single bite! Though I’ve kept constant watch morning and night, he remains cautious and never ventures near the village, leaving me no opening to repay this grudge. The frustration is unbearable!”—Shume nodded deeply. “Your heart’s anguish is plain to see. Truly, such resentment must weigh heavy upon you.” "However, Koganemaru-sama." "If you truly intend to defeat him..." “I have a stratagem I favor—would you not attempt it even if it proves insufficient? For foxes and their ilk are creatures of utmost cunning and deep suspicion; though one might devise [a plan] with care, capturing them remains no easy feat.” “For I have heard that even a noble person may stray when tempted by their desires. To lure him out using what he covets and ensnare him in a trap would not be so difficult a task,” he said. Koganemaru rejoiced greatly. “As for this lure-and-drop trap you speak of—though I have long heard of such devices, I myself have never seen one." "How is it constructed, pray tell?" “You construct it thusly and set the bait upon it.” “As for what he covets...”

“It is what we call mouse tempura—you take a plump female mouse, deep-fry it in oil, and set it as bait.” “Then its aroma will pierce his nostrils—his very soul shall empty in an instant, and forgetting himself, he will assuredly fall into that trap.” “This is precisely what hunters do—is it not also featured in those kyogen plays?” “When you return from here, first set the trap as instructed and await his coming.” “Tonight, that fox may well become intoxicated by the aroma and fall into your trap,” he instructed earnestly. “This is precisely what I wished to hear!” he exclaimed repeatedly with delight. As they continued exchanging tales until time slipped away, the sun dipped below the mountain ridge, and the clamorous cries of crows flocking to roost echoed about. “I have lingered far longer than intended—pray forgive me,” he said with a bow before turning toward his dwelling. As he reached the familiar forest shade along the path—just as yesterday—an arrow came whistling from the treetops. This time the arrow grazed Koganemaru’s shoulder, forcing him low unexpectedly as he roared, “You dare repeat this outrage today? I’ll seize you now!” He rushed to the tree and looked up—indeed it was yesterday’s monkey—but upon seeing Koganemaru, it vanished again into the foliage. Lacking any skill to climb trees, he could neither pursue nor capture it. He could only curse it as a wretched beast before abandoning the chase. “Yet why does that monkey target me thus—not once but twice?” “Though dogs and monkeys have been proverbial foes since ancient times, snapping fangs at one another—I’ve no memory of being so singularly hounded by any ape.” “Should that brute show itself again tomorrow, I’ll capture and interrogate it!” With this resolve, he swallowed his fury and returned home.—But who was this monkey? And how would the fox trap conclude?

That, you may peruse the next volume to discover.

End of Upper Volume

Lower Volume

Chapter Nine

And so Koganemaru hurried straight homeward—though the journey was by no means short—spending time chasing after a monkey that had caused trouble along the way. The delay proved unexpectedly long; by the time the sun had fully sunk westward and the evening moon cast its reflection upon the rice fields, he finally arrived home. Washiro had already been leaning against the gate, waiting anxiously for Koganemaru’s return. Before even properly seeing his figure, he hurried forward to meet him: “Hey, Koganemaru! Why so late today? Consider how much more anxious I—the one waiting—felt than you who were waited for. Recalling that earlier incident, I couldn’t rest easy at all,” he grumbled. Koganemaru burst into booming laughter: “Don’t hold it against me! Today Shume-sama detained me—time slipped away in unexpected conversation, hence my delayed return. I never meant to keep you waiting...” As Koganemaru apologized, Washiro offered no deep reproach, soon veiling his concern with laughter as he ushered him inside where they finished their evening meal together.

After a moment, Koganemaru turned to Washiro and recounted in detail what he had heard today from Shume-sama: “With such an excellent stratagem at hand, we must swiftly lure out that Chosui and capture him.” Washiro nodded in agreement. “As for using mouse tempura to trap a fox—having served hunters before, I’ve long known this method and understand how to set the snare. Yet I hesitate over the lack of mice to serve as bait,” he said, gazing at the ceiling and lowering his voice slightly. “Though that Agoma you once saved would be most suitable…” “In recent days, she has grown close to us and served with utmost loyalty. To cruelly kill her now—unless one were a godless cur devoid of compassion—how could those of us who know even a shred of righteousness bear to commit such an act?” “Truly as you say—I too, while on my way here, first thought of Agoma. However…” “While I saved her desperate life, if I now take hers in turn, it would seem akin to repaying kindness with cruelty—a thing even I cannot feel at ease with.” “There’s no better way than to search for and capture another mouse—” But before he could finish speaking, a sudden “Gah!” cried out, and something came tumbling down from the lintel with a thud. The two instinctively split to either side, and when they looked closely at what had fallen, it was none other than Agoma—the very mouse they had just been discussing. What had she done? Copious amounts of blood streamed from her mouth. Washiro hurriedly picked her up. “Agoma! What have you done?” “Seeing her face smeared with blood… perhaps she was chased by a cat?” “Or attacked by a weasel?” “Quickly, tell us! So we may defeat the archenemy—” And so they pressed their questions in unison. Agoma, beneath labored breaths: “Nay… Not chased by cat… nor attacked by weasel… ’Tis I myself who wrought this…” “Why did you harm yourself?” “We must hear every detail!” they pressed urgently. Agoma shed tears profusely. “How deeply compassionate you are, my lords! “If it be for such lords as you, I would not begrudge even a life cast away.” “My act of self-destruction… exists solely for the sake of being of service to Lord Koganemaru.” “So you heard our conversation just now?” “You heard… everything…” “I was listening from above the lintel. “On that day when I fled from Uen—harassed by his vile advances and already clutched in his claws, my thread of life near snapping—Lord Koganemaru’s compassion miraculously preserved it.”

“At that time, my mate met an unnatural death at Uen’s claws.” “Only I remain—a solitary soul whose bond was not of long duration. The plummeting shafts of Iwami’s silver mines or the pits of hell—what are those to me?” “Though we vowed to perish together—be it in petroleum’s flames or a basin’s watery depths—now that my beloved has gone before me, what pleasure remains in this world?” “The reason this worthless life of mine has endured until today to serve you lies solely in Lord Koganemaru’s compassion—he who struck down Uen, my mate’s killer for my sake, not permitting his escape. Thus am I resolved to offer this life for your cause.” “And thus tonight, quite unexpectedly from above the lintel, I overheard you two lords conversing.” “Ah! How my heart secretly rejoices—tonight at last comes the time to repay your kindness!” “Knowing through your words that you’d never sink fangs into me yourselves… I resolved to bite through my own throat.” “A life cast aside for gratitude’s sake—” “Not even a dewdrop’s worth do I begrudge.” “How much more so for my mate—ascending Death’s Mountain before me—nibbling young grass roots upon its peak as he awaits my coming.” “To chase after him now fills this heart with joy.” “My sole wish is that you make tempura of me as I am and strike down that Chosui.” “The prayers I daily offered Daikokuten have borne fruit—that this body might serve my benefactor Lord Koganemaru… Such joy… Ah! The pain… My words end here… Farewell… farewell…” Her evening prayer dissolved into gasps, forepaws clawing weakly. Facing west with clasped paws, she closed her eyes and breathed her last—a noble end indeed.

The two dogs had listened attentively from the beginning to Agoma’s account. Koganemaru first sighed in admiration, “Ah, what a remarkable mouse. In human dwellings they are called thieving vermin—despised and scorned by mankind—yet even such mice can feel gratitude and act with valor. They say if you feed a cat for three years, it will forget its master in three days—but compared to the likes of Uen, the difference lies between snow and charcoal. Long ago in Tang China there was a man named Cai Jiafu who avoided floods by dwelling in Nanlong. One night a great mouse appeared and lay down by Jiafu’s bedside; he took pity and gave it rice. After the waters receded, that very mouse presented blue silk and jeweled beads to repay his kindness—or so the tale goes. Is this Agoma now of that same breed?” To serve vengeance through reciprocal gratitude—this mysterious covenant revealed itself an inescapable karmic bond when pondered. Truly, what living being does not cherish life? Even mayflies born at dawn to die by dusk would flee if pursued—would they not? How much more astonishing then that this mouse—though claiming it was for gratitude’s sake—would willingly embrace death and the bitter ordeal of becoming tempura! Agoma’s loyalty stood peerless—her devotion defied adequate praise. [...] Nevertheless yielding to her final wish—cruel though it seemed—they fried her in oil. “If we lure out that Chosui and successfully slay the wretch, it may plant seeds of enlightenment for her. Good deeds brook no delay!” declared Koganemaru resolutely. As he began preparing Agoma’s remains, Washiro descended to the garden where he gathered green bamboo and set about constructing traps.

Chapter 10

To proceed: Chosui had encountered Koganemaru on the road days prior and narrowly escaped with his life when death seemed certain. From that moment onward, he grew cautious; even in broad daylight—let alone at night—he ceased venturing into the village, maintaining constant vigilance. Later, upon hearing rumors from other beasts that Koganemaru had been severely beaten by humans that evening and left with a paralyzed front leg, he felt some relief. Stealthily investigating the village, he discovered the injury was unexpectedly grave and showed no signs of healing with time. Having somehow learned that Koganemaru planned to visit Shume of Tokusagahara for treatment starting the next day, Chosui thought: "This cannot be ignored. Should he fully recover through Shume's medicine, what fresh calamities might we face?" "I'll never rest easy until that wretch is dead!" he mused, turning the matter over in his mind. Suddenly slapping his knee, he exclaimed inwardly: "Here's the perfect scheme! There's Kurogo—new to Lord Kinme Daioh's service yet already distinguished through loyal service, enjoying our lord's considerable favor. That very Kurogo would serve splendidly! Skilled with the monkey bow, they say he performed admirably even in that battle against his uncle Sawagani years past." After his uncle was struck down by a mortar and he became a tree-fallen wanderer joining Kinme Daioh's ranks—had he but kept his former archery prowess with a quiver and bow, even Koganemaru would fall effortlessly." Resolving to visit Kurogo's dwelling at once and explain matters plainly, he rushed there with earnest entreaties. Naturally, Kurogo—being a wicked monkey of treacherous heart—consented without objection: "My arm's grown somewhat stiff from disuse." "A mere dog—what challenge is there in felling it with one arrow?" "Then I'll prepare my bow and arrows first. Tomorrow I'll ambush him returning from Shume's place and finish him cleanly," he declared with convincing confidence. Chosui clapped in delight. "As all matters now rest in your capable hands, I pray you handle them wisely." "The reward shall be as Master Kurogo desires." Together they worked—stringing a haze-wood bow with devil ivy vines, sharpening green bamboo into arrows—until their preparations stood complete.

Now, on the following evening, Chosui went to Kurogo’s dwelling and inquired how matters had proceeded. Kurogo sneered with a boastful look and said, “Well then, Master Chosui, hear this. Today I went to Tokusagahara, took position on a pine trunk by the roadside, and waited for Koganemaru’s return. Since I hadn’t seen him before, I worried that injuring the wrong dog might bring future trouble—something I wished to avoid.” After a time, a brown-furred dog with a lame leg came stumbling along. “From your account—brown fur, lame right front leg— This had to be him,” I thought. When I measured my shot and loosed the arrow, It struck true, piercing deep into his right eye. Even fierce Koganemaru couldn’t endure it—he collapsed thrashing and died. Assuming I’d finished the job, I scurried down the pine to claim the body—when a burly man appeared, likely a dog-catcher wielding a club. He blocked my path, ready to strike if I resisted. Since the corpse mattered little if truly dead, I abandoned it rather than risk injury—though losing credit galled me.” “But Master Chosui—he’s slain for certain. No need for proof—rest assured. That Koganemaru now hangs from a tanner’s hook.” “Brutal work,” he concluded flatly, “though I bore him no grudge.” Chosui’s delight overflowed: “Splendid! Now I’ll act boldly. Koganemaru plotted against not just me—he aimed to sink fangs into our august lord’s throat once healed. ……However wise this Tashishi—Hakatokino’s famed hound— Baring teeth at our king would match a Sichuan cur barking at the sun.” “When His Majesty heard this dread news, He ceased reckless outings. Now Kurogo’s arrow excised that tumor from before our lord’s eyes. Henceforth Your Majesty may sleep soundly—all thanks to Kurogo’s peerless deed. I’ll petition His Majesty to grant Kurogo rich rewards.”

With evident delight, he departed.

Chapter 11

Having thus departed from Kurogo’s dwelling, Chosui—as oblivious to the falsity of his words as one might be to dewdrops on a moonlit roadside—could scarcely contain his joy. “From tomorrow, the world shall clear, and I may venture freely into villages and fields!” “Ah, how delightful! How joyous!” he exclaimed.

Like a human long confined in prison suddenly thrust back into society, he arrived light-footed at Kinme Daioh's cave. Kinme Daioh had summoned his beloved concubine Shosha, a deer, close at hand and was engrossed in a banquet. Upon taking in the scene, Chosui first courteously inquired after his lord’s well-being. Now, stating that such events had occurred today, he plainly narrated the circumstances of Kurogo having shot Koganemaru. Kinme also rejoiced greatly, saying, “That was a great achievement. “Why did you not bring him along? You should have let him receive his reward!” When thus addressed, Chosui replied, “I did consider that, Your Majesty, but as night has already deepened, I beg you to postpone this until tomorrow evening. Summon him then to hold a grand banquet. In preparation, I shall go to the village tomorrow and procure an abundance of provisions.” At these words, Kinme nodded and said, “So be it—arrange matters as you see fit.” “I humbly obey,” he said.

Chosui offered no bow and returned to his own dwelling.

Now, the following morning, Chosui set out toward the village without any preparations. He scavenged from field to kitchen until sunset, but finding no worthwhile prey and wearied from the search, he took shelter in the nearest thicket's shade. Suddenly came the creaking sound of a cart. A large ox pulled a massive load, with a driver alongside shouting curses as they approached. Chosui hid himself and peered up at the vehicle. From what port they must have come—besides rice bales lay numerous salted salmon and dried sardines piled high. Having found these treasures, he let the cart pass while hidden, then leapt swiftly aboard. Stealthily dropping provisions bit by bit onto the road, he worked unheard by the driver. Only the ox sensed the lightening load—pausing occasionally to glance back in suspicion. The driver, still oblivious, cursed what he thought was laziness and whipped the beast onward. After some hundred meters of this—most provisions now discarded—Chosui deemed his work done and jumped down. He gathered his plunder into one heap and tried hauling it mountainward— But the pile towered beyond his strength. Loathe to abandon it yet helpless alone, he paced fretfully— When from distant woods burst forth a beast. Peering closer— It was Kurogo. Bow clutched underarm, he raced past without sidelong glance. “Hear me, Master Kurogo! Wait!” Chosui urgently called. At last noticing, Kurogo halted and turned. He stood wide-eyed, voiceless. Choked laughter suppressed, Chosui asked: “What desperate haste grips you?”

“Your face looks positively ashen… Could some creature be pursuing you?” he inquired. Kurogo heaved a deep sigh for the first time. “How dreadful!” “Just now, in that forest… I saw a golden… a golden bird, and so—” “When I tried to shoot it down with a single arrow—how could I have known?—the thing turned out to be a massive eagle that, upon spotting me, came swooping down to snatch me up.” “Ahh! Terrifying! So terrifying!” he recounted, stroking his chest. Chosui chuckled derisively. “That was indeed perilous. Yet here you are, Master Kurogo—today being our guest of honor who could have feasted on delicacies without stirring. Why trouble yourself to hunt, only to meet such danger?” “Blowing on fur to find wounds—do keep your eccentricities within reasonable bounds, if you please.” “Be that as it may, today we received His Majesty’s command to invite Master Kurogo this evening. Since dawn I have come to the village seeking provisions and obtained this much, but their sheer quantity leaves me at a loss—I cannot carry them alone.” “Now that Master Kurogo has arrived—how fortunate! His Majesty must be eagerly awaiting us. Master Kurogo, do lend a hand in carrying these provisions.” “This isn’t for anyone else’s sake—it’s all to be presented to you, Master Kurogo.” At these words, Kurogo also chuckled and said, “That’s a simple enough matter.” “Fortunately, there’s a bow here. We’ll use this to carry it together.” “First, there’s something I need to do—wait a moment.”

Soon, he picked up a large old straw mat, wrapped the provisions in it, and tied a rope around the top. Threading the bow through the bundle, they carried it front and back like a human palanquin would be borne, hastening toward Kinme's cave.

Chapter 12 The two beasts, Chosui and Kurogo, bundled all those salted salmon and dried sardines into a single package and carried it off to Kinme's cave. Before long, they prepared these provisions, gathered numerous beasts, and commenced a banquet. All who heard of Kurogo's exploits from the previous day praised him to the heavens. Kurogo sat with a supremely self-satisfied air, his nose twitching smugly. Kinme—who had constantly kept that golden-marked dog in his thoughts and worried over future troubles now that he was lost—let his vigilance slacken in this joy. He drank more deeply than usual, appearing thoroughly delighted. Both Chosui and Kurogo seized this opportunity to maintain cheerful dispositions. When Chosui sang, Kurogo danced; when he leapt through Shinoda Forest, Kurogo strung together whatever vines lay at hand to perform tightrope feats—at which Kinme Daioh grew ever more amused, laughing and swaying incessantly. At length, when drunkenness had fully taken hold, he pillowed his head upon Shosha's lap and fell into thunderous slumber, oblivious to all around him—his snores reverberating through the cavern's echoes in an instant. As time advanced, Chosui—now preparing to depart—bade farewell to the other beasts and staggered step by faltering step from Kinme's cave toward his den. The sky had cleared of clouds, and the ten-day-old moon shone with flawless clarity, bathing fields and forests in daylight-like radiance to create an indescribable vista. Absently forgetting his return home, Chosui gradually descended toward the foothills and settled onto a tree stump to gaze momentarily at the moon. "Ah," he mused, "how splendidly clear tonight's moon appears." "This must be because eliminating that golden whelp I've long despised has scattered the lingering mists from my breast... Truly a luminous moon! Were I a tanuki, I might drum my belly in delight." Yet Chosui remained blissfully unaware that Kurogo's fabrications were what he had so readily believed—foolishly merry even as heaven's retribution for years of wickedness approached under this very moonlight that marked his doomed fortune.

Just then, carried on a gentle breeze from somewhere unknown, there came a most wondrous fragrance. Finding this suspicious, he sniffed again—and indeed, it was the aroma of his favorite food, tempura-fried rat. Chosui suddenly narrowed his eyes. “How sweetly fragrant, how delectable! Who in which place has prepared such a feast for me?” “I shall go and partake of this hospitality,” he declared, pushing through a pathless thicket as he followed the scent toward its source. The aroma grew ever nearer, assailing his nostrils with increasing intensity. His very soul now emptied, he frantically searched here and there amidst a thicket of dwarf bamboo—until he finally spotted the tempura-fried rat. Just as he lunged to bite into it with a triumphant “Got it!”, there came a sudden clang—and something bound itself around his neck. “Good grief! It was a trap!” How galling to have been so foolishly lured! “Come now—while the humans haven’t arrived yet... I’ll try to escape while I can.” He struggled with all his might, but not only was it utterly futile—the noose around his throat gradually tightened, leaving him in unspeakable agony.