Pathway to Japanese Literature

Author: Hirabayashi Hatsunosuke

Characters

Kensaku Aoki (Tycoon)

Hisako (Wife of Kensaku Aoki)

Yoshisuke Ashida (Metropolitan Police Department Detective)

Maki: Ashida's trusted Police Sergeant

Higashima: Social Affairs Department Chief at Asia Newspaper

Young male servant

Mrs. Masaki

Mrs. Shimamura

Mrs. Shioda

Unnamed Tycoon

Fumie: Daughter of a certain tycoon; Higashima's fiancée

Maidservant

Garden party guests—men and women in great numbers; police officers in great numbers.

Act 1 Scene 1

The master’s living room in nouveau-riche businessman Kensaku Aoki’s residence was a Western-style room where the furniture and decorations were garish to the point of vulgarity. Kensaku Aoki, the master of the house, was sunk into an armchair, smoking a cigar. A man around forty years old, he embodied the nouveau-riche type. As soon as the curtain rose, Mrs. Hisako opened the left-hand door and entered. She was a flashy-looking woman around twenty-six or twenty-seven. They were both dressed in everyday kimonos.

Hisako—"Hey you, I've thought of a good idea."
(Sits on a chair)

Kensaku—"What's this? Why the rush?"

Hisako—"You were the one who said earlier we needed some way to make tomorrow's garden party the talk of the town, weren't you?"

Kensaku—"That's right. After going to all the trouble and expense of hosting a garden party, it'd be a waste if it doesn't become the talk of town."
"In this day and age, I can't be bothered with work that ain't worth the abacus beads—it's just plain foolish."

Hisako—“About that—I’ve thought of something brilliant.”
“Every newspaper in Tokyo will be scrambling for the story!”

Kensaku—“Don’t be daft.”
“Tokyo reporters are glutted on scandals.”
“At best—after all our string-pulling and backroom deals—we’d get three lines of size-six type about some garden party.”

Hisako—“If it were merely another Aoki estate soirée, even third-rate hacks wouldn’t spare a glance—I know that perfectly well.”

“Then what’re you sayin’ we should do?”

Hisako—"That's where the trick comes in. But let me make one thing clear—you'll have to play the lead role in this."

Kensaku—"Well, if it's for the family's sake, I ain't opposed to rollin' up my sleeves. So what exactly d'you want me to do?"

Hisako—"You've been reading the newspapers lately, haven't you?"

Kensaku—"Of course I'm readin' the papers."

Hisako—"What do you think is the incident causin' the biggest uproar in all o' Tokyo's newspapers right now?"

“Hmm, lemme think… Could it be the China problem, or maybe the city councilor issue?”

“There’s still another one, you know—in the social section.”

“Speakin’ of the social section, ain’t there been a huge ruckus lately ’bout that Masked Thief business? But does that have anything to do with what you’re talking about?”

“I’m proposing we use that Masked Thief as our ploy. That thief always wears a comical mask when committing crimes, doesn’t he? And he shows up anywhere he pleases even in broad daylight, giving the Metropolitan Police Department officers a hard time, right? And they say he only steals jewels and precious metals—targeting people who wouldn’t be troubled even if robbed—isn’t that right?”

Kensaku—"That's right, the moneybags are all trembling in their boots over it. But what're you plannin' to do with that thief? You're not plannin' to actually hire him, are ya?"

Hisako—"I need you to become that Masked Thief tomorrow. You'll put on the okame mask, carry a pistol, dress exactly like the Masked Thief, and wait for the perfect moment to make your entrance. That'll cause a huge commotion!"

Kensaku—"Hmm, that's an interesting idea. If I put on an okame mask and thrust out a pistol, some of those society ladies might even faint. That's a clever notion. But if we do that—won't the police make a fuss?"

“There’s no need for such concern,” Hisako said. “We’ll use a toy pistol, you see. You’ll temporarily steal the necklaces and rings—then, when everyone’s trembling in terror, you’ll suddenly remove your mask, reveal your face, and return all the stolen items. And I’ll play the role of being robbed too.”

Kensaku frowned. “But if someone had a real pistol and resisted, that’d be dangerous.”

“Do you think there’s anyone who’d come to a garden party carrying a pistol?”

“That’s true too. No—indeed, that’s a brilliant idea. Tomorrow’s event starts at eleven, right? Then around 1:30 would be good. Right—exactly at 1:30, you bring three or four society ladies to the gazebo. Then I’ll come out from behind something back there, thrust out the pistol, and tell ’em to raise their hands. But you gotta pick the chatty ones among those society ladies. If we do that, they’ll go around telling everyone they meet about it—for a week, two weeks, maybe even a year or two. Without spending a penny, the Aoki family gets its advertisement—that’s how it works.”

“Well then, who should we choose?”

“Let’s call the student servant and check the attendee list.”
(He pressed the desk bell.)

The student servant entered.
A young man around twenty years old.

Student Servant—"Do you require something?"

Kensaku—"Have most responses to tomorrow's invitations arrived?"

Student Servant—"Yes sir. Of five hundred sent out: three hundred thirty-six acceptances and fifty-two declines remain unresponsive."

Kensaku—"I see. Bring me the acceptance replies."

Student Servant—"At once."

The student servant withdrew.

Hisako—"At this rate we'll have four hundred attendees."
She calculated non-responses at fifty percent attendance likelihood.

“Hmm, and since they’re bringing their families, the number of people will likely exceed a thousand. This is quite the turnout!”

The student servant entered holding a bundle of postcards.

“Here they are, sir.”

“Good, good.”

The student servant exited.

Aoki and his wife Hisako were at the table going through reply postcards one by one and checking senders' names.

Hisako—"Oh! Mr.Tokuda has kindly agreed to come!"
"And Mrs.Yoshitomi... Mrs.Masaki too..."

Kensaku—“What about Masaki’s wife? That woman would probably go around telling this story to everyone for a good two weeks.”

Hisako—“And Mrs. Shimamura would also be good. I do feel a bit sorry about frightening them right in the midst of their newlywed bliss.”

Kensaku—“Right—since that woman’s a famous modern type, and since she’s acquired some grand new pearl necklace, she’ll turn pale when I point a pistol at her. Then Mrs. Shiota, you, and that makes about four people—that should do.”

“Well then, I’ll go buy the mask and pistol right away.”
“Let’s keep this matter between ourselves, shall we?”
“We should keep it hidden from the household staff too.”
“I bet everyone will be shocked.”
(Hisako stood up to leave.)

Act 2

The next day，in a room at the Metropolitan Police Department.
Famed detective Yoshisuke Ashida is busily investigating something at the central writing desk.
Business suit，age around forty.

At that moment, Sergeant Maki enters.

Maki—"Are you working?"

Ashida—(looking up) "No—it’s nothing. Have a seat."

Maki—(taking out a few postcards and a letter from his pocket and handing them over) "Take a look at these—there are some rather scathing ones here."

Ashida—"Another complaint letter, eh? ‘The Masked Thief prowls the imperial capital in broad daylight. What the hell is the Metropolitan Police Department doing? Shibuya Indignant Citizen,’ or ‘We hereby withdraw our trust in the Metropolitan Police Department. The Commissioner and all his subordinates must resign immediately.’ ‘A Citizen of Kōjimachi’—‘Hey there, Mr. Police Department—the Masked Thief is a fine gentleman, you know. I just adore him! That gentleman will never be caught by the likes of you all! You all are in a different league! A modern hero! Hero-Worshipping Maiden.’"

Tch! They're making fools of us.
(Looking at the envelope’s address) This has my name on it.
(He opened it and read silently.)
His face swiftly contorted with rage.

“Is something wrong?”

Ashida—(silently handed over the letter’s contents)

Maki—“I will meet you at Kensaku Aoki’s garden party today at 1:30 PM.”
“Hohō, there’s an okame mask drawn beneath the message.”
“Pranks these days have gotten quite serious, haven’t they?”

“No, this isn’t some prank,” Ashida snapped. “He’s the one who sent it. I know that bastard’s handwriting like my own.”

Maki—"Come now，no matter how bold he is，he can’t possibly waltz into a crowded garden party in broad daylight."

Ashida—"No—it’s not like that."
"Moreover，he’ll undoubtedly wear that conspicuous comical mask as usual when carrying out the job."
"His methods are lightning-fast—in fact，a crowded place like that might actually make it easier for him to carry out the job."

“Then will you be going there yourself?”
“Naturally. When faced with such brazen provocation, I can’t very well stay away.”

At that moment, a knocking sound came from outside the door.
And the attendant entered with a business card.

Attendant—(handing a business card to Ashida) “This person requests an audience with you at present.”

Ashida—(looking at the business card) “Send them in.”

“Yes, sir,” said the attendant.
(Exits.)

“It seems there’s a visitor,” said Maki. “I’ll take my leave.”

Ashida—"Ah, it’s fine. It’s Mr. Higashima from the Asia Shimbun. He’s their social affairs department chief. You must know him."

Maki—"Ah, Mr. Higashima? Then I’ll impose on you a while longer. His perspectives prove most instructive. This morning’s Asia Shimbun left me quite astounded—they’ve emblazoned photos of the Masked Thief across their pages! Could those be genuine?"

Guided by the attendant, Kazuo Higashima—chief of the Asia Shimbun’s social affairs department—entered. A stately gentleman of thirty-six or thirty-seven years old wore an immaculate morning coat with sharply pressed creases, his hair neatly parted. He gripped a stout cane. The attendant set down a chair and withdrew.

Higashima—"It seems I've interrupted your conversation."

Ashida—"No—it’s quite all right."
"We were just talking about you."
"Please."

Higashima—(taking a seat) "Then I’ll trouble you briefly."

“It’s been a while,” said Maki, addressing Higashima.

“Ah, good day,” replied Higashima.

Ashida—"Well, I was just talking with Maki here—but you’ve published quite the photo there, haven’t you?"

Maki—"I was just asking Mr. Ashida here whether that might be the genuine article."

Higashima—"The other day during that occurrence at Tokyo Station’s waiting room, our reporter’s snap was fortuitously captured by the camera."
"It was truly miraculous."
"It is categorically not counterfeit."

Ashida—"But more pressingly, this morning’s edition of your newspaper asserted that the Masked Thief remains in Tokyo. Does that claim have any substantive basis?"

Higashima—"Our newspaper doesn't publish unfounded claims. As you're aware, that man conducts his robberies with a kind of moral philosophy. He never steals from those who'd face hardship, and openly states he donates most stolen funds to charities and labor groups. That's exactly what we focused on. We verified an anonymous donor gave three thousand yen to a certain charity yesterday. And since the registered mail's postmark came from Tokyo Central Post Office, doesn't that give us solid grounds to conclude he remains in Tokyo?"

Ashida—"However, those who make anonymous donations aren't necessarily limited to the Masked Thief alone."

Higashima—"Precisely so.
When I wrote that article last night, I myself was half-convinced at best.
But just moments ago, I obtained irrefutable evidence on the matter.
I confirmed that the address on that letter was written in that man's own hand."

Ashida—"And how did you manage that?"

Higashima—"That man sent a letter to our office."
(Ashida and Maki exchanged astonished looks.)
"It's an audacious challenge letter.
Examine this."

Ashida took the letter and, together with Maki, leaned their heads together to read it.

Ashida—"This morning’s paper makes splendid reading. As your esteemed publication deduced, I remain alive and well in Tokyo.
"I intend to grace Mr. Aoki’s garden party this afternoon.
"Having already notified Detective Ashida of this engagement, I trust you’ll confer thoroughly to unveil this one’s true identity.
"I pray for your newspaper’s continued success." —Hmph. Still wearing that ridiculous mask.
"It’s undoubtedly his handiwork. Actually, Mr. Higashima—we’ve just received an identical letter ourselves."
(Simultaneously hands over the letter resting on the table.)

Higashima—(glancing at the letter) “I see. So you will be going there, right?”

Ashida—Of course I have to go.
“And you?”

Higashima—"Of course I’ll be going as well. Digging up stories is our trade, after all. Though I shouldn’t say this to your face—truth be told, I find it hard to wholly condemn that man’s motives. He’s staking his very life on enacting a form of social policy, you see. Taking from those who wallow in excess to give to those crushed by want—that’s his way."

Ashida—"Be that as it may, we cannot overlook criminal methods. We have our sworn duties to uphold."

Maki—Exactly. “We need not concern ourselves with whether the results of his actions are good or bad.”
“The only concern is whether his actions conflict with the law.”
“Since he resorts to robbery as his means, we must fight him thoroughly.”

Higashima—"By the way, what sort of man is this Aoki? What could he possibly want with holding a garden party these days?"

Maki—"As you know, the man has plenty of money but suffers the curse of the nouveau riche—he possesses no real social standing. He's desperate for honor. This garden party is just another publicity scheme."

Higashima—"I see. He certainly meets all the qualifications to be targeted by the Masked Thief. How amusing. I pray for your success—for the authority of national law and the honor of the Metropolitan Police Department. Though my abilities are limited, I intend to assist however possible. Well then, I'll take my leave first—there are matters requiring my attention elsewhere."

Higashima gave a slight nod to the two men and departed.

Maki—(looking at his watch) “It’s already past ten.”
“I should start getting ready…”

Ashida—“Right. Since that house definitely has three gates, secure all three strictly and ensure no one leaves after 1:30 PM.”
“For entering the mansion, you and I—the two of us—will be more than enough.”
“You will arrange for your subordinates immediately.”
“And don’t forget the pistol.”

—Curtain—

Act II, Scene 1

The garden of the Aoki Residence—at its center stood a gazebo, with two benches positioned before it.
The surroundings were lined with trees.
From the right entered Master Kensaku and his wife Hisako while conversing.
Kensaku wore a morning coat; his wife was dressed in resplendent Western attire.

Kensaku—"Good setup—the weather’s perfect." (He stopped.)

Hisako—"Yes, it seems quite a number have already gathered."
"Both the entertainment and the stalls are a great success, you know."

Kensaku—"I had my doubts about Matsuki Suisei’s comic monologue, but it seems to have gone over well."

Hisako—"Young people these days prefer that sort of thing over rakugo-style monologues, you know."

Kensaku—"We can’t understand young people’s tastes anymore."
"By the way, lunch is at two o’clock, right?"
"Before I give my speech at lunch—we’re doing that thing then, yeah?"

Hisako—"That’s right. You’ll put on the okame mask here (pointing at the trees) and come out with the pistol."

Kensaku—"And you all will be sitting on this bench, right?"
"But if other male guests come out then, that’d be trouble."

Hisako—"Don’t worry. The dance starts at 1:30 PM, so all the men are sure to head that way."
(The two started walking.)

Kensaku—"That’s true."
"Well then, since it’s already past one o’clock, I should go get ready right away."
"You’d better be here exactly at 1:30 with the group, or I’ll be in a bind."
(The two exited to the right.)

From the left, Higashima appeared holding a thick cane.
He remained silent for a while, watching the two figures depart from behind, then followed them before returning ten or fifteen minutes later.

Higashima—(to himself) Things seem to be getting complicated.

Ashida and Maki, both in morning coats, entered from the right.

“He was mocking us after all,” said Maki. “No matter what, would he really come to a place like this in broad daylight?”

“That may be the case,” said Ashida. “But there’s still fifteen minutes until 1:30 PM. And that bastard’s never once given me advance notice only to lie about it. He’ll undoubtedly show up any moment now.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Though I do wonder where in this sprawling mansion he’ll appear.”

Finding Higashima sitting on the bench, the two came to a halt.

“Oh—thank you for earlier,” they said.
“Why are you alone in a place like this?”

Higashima: “As it’s nearly half past one, I thought I’d take in some fresh air before attending to my duties.”
“By the way—have you uncovered any leads?”

Ashida: “Regrettably, we’ve found nothing yet.”
“You see, I was just discussing with Maki here—this estate is so vast.”
“With no way of knowing where the enemy might appear, we can’t act decisively. Yet had we marched in with a troop of subordinates in tow, we’d have squandered this golden opportunity.”

“I’m certain he’ll show up around this secluded area,” said Maki.

Higashima shook his head. “No, I don’t believe that’s the case. He will undoubtedly head toward the entertainment venue that’s about to begin. He intends to use the crowd to carry out his job—it’s easier to work unnoticed amidst commotion.”

“Exactly,” Ashida agreed. “I side with Mr. Higashima on this point. That rogue’s true aim is to shock as many spectators as possible with his audacity. The entertainment area provides the perfect stage for such theatrics.” He turned to his subordinate. “Come, Maki—let’s survey the grounds.”

Ashida and Maki exited to the right, while Higashima nodded to himself and exited in the opposite direction.

The stage remained empty for one minute.
A voice shouting “Hands up!” was heard from the right side of the stage.
Next, Ashida and Maki returned with both hands raised, retreating backward.
Several meters away, a man in a morning coat wearing a mask approached them at a leisurely pace, pointing the barrel of his pistol at the two men.

“Ah hah, you’re police operatives.”
“My apologies, but this one cannot yet cease his contributions.”
“Do you think someone who’d be caught by your feeble arms would carelessly show their face in such a dangerous place in broad daylight?”

Maki—What?!

“Making noise won’t do you any good,” the Masked Man said sternly. “To tell the truth, three or four ladies adorned with unnecessary necklaces and rings will be arriving here shortly. This one had intended to take possession of those superfluous items and bestow them upon the needy.”
“It’s because you lot interfered that this one was compelled to brush aside the dust that came flying.”
“This one does not favor violence.”
“You should discern that from this one’s methods thus far.”
“This one has yet to spill a single drop of blood.”
“But that holds true only if you lot remain quiet on your end.”
“Now—both of you—surrender your pistols!”
“Hand them over at once!”

Ashida—(still with his hands raised) “It can’t be helped. For now, I’ll comply with you. But today’s victory belongs to us! The entrance is heavily guarded by my armed subordinates. You won’t take a single step out of this house.”

Masked Man—(laughing) “Ha ha ha! What exactly do your subordinates intend to capture me for? Once I remove this mask, I’ll be a respectable gentleman whether viewed from front or side. There are four hundred such gentlemen gathered here today. If I were to be arrested, every minister, Diet member, company president and bank chairman present would have to be detained too. Do you think your underlings could manage that? Stop dawdling and hand over your pistols cleanly!”

The Masked Man took two or three steps forward.
At that moment, a pebble came flying from somewhere and landed on the Masked Man’s chest.
The moment he gasped in surprise and looked down, the two officers swiftly drew their pistols, reversing the situation.
The Masked Man fled in panic.
The two men gave chase.

The stage is empty.

After a short while, from the opposite direction, the group of ladies came panting in as four.
All were in Western dress.

Hisako—(pointing to the bench) “Please, everyone—do take your seats here.”

All four of them sat down heavily.

Mrs. Shioda—“And what exactly is this consultation about?”

Hisako—“I’m truly sorry for making you all come all the way to such a place.”
“But I thought it wouldn’t do for the plan to leak.”

“What sort of plan is this?”

Mrs. Shimamura—I’d like to hear it soon.

Hisako—Right after that entertainment over there ended, I thought we four should try doing something unconventional—something that would make everyone gasp.

Mrs. Shioda—"That sounds splendid! What do you suggest?"

Hisako—"That’s precisely what I wanted to discuss."

Before Hisako could finish her lines, from the shadow of the trees emerged a masked man identical to the one who had appeared earlier—suddenly yet quietly—standing motionless as he aimed his pistol at the four women.
When Hisako finished her lines, a deep voice declared.

Masked Man—"Now isn't this unconventional enough?"

They all turned around startled, trying to let out a cry of surprise—

Masked Man—"Shh! Quiet! Making noise won't do you any good.
My face—" (pointing to his mask) "—is one you should all recognize."
(They turned deathly pale and trembled) "Now, hands up!"
(They raised their hands) "Starting with the nearest lady—remove your necklaces and rings one by one and hand them over."
(Pointing at Mrs. Masaki) "There's no need for yours.
Necklaces are safest when they're fakes like these.
Luxurious things are unnecessary."

“My, how rude of you…”

“Ah-ah, you mustn’t make a fuss. You appear to be the lady of the house. It seems you’ve been laboring under some misunderstanding since earlier. Don’t you recognize my voice? I am not your husband. Your husband was wearing the same mask as I am and heading this way when Detective Ashida unfortunately spotted him, causing him to flee.” (Clamorous shouts echoed in the distance.) “Listen—there’s quite an uproar in the hall right now. Detective Ashida, believing me to be the genuine Masked Thief, must be wrestling with your husband as we speak. How unfortunate... I do hope he hasn’t injured himself…”

“Hisako—(trembling violently) Then you’re…”

“I am the real Masked Thief,” declared the man in the comical mask, his baritone voice resonating through the garden. “Since your husband met with an unfortunate complication—his carefully rehearsed performance with you so rudely interrupted—I’ve graciously assumed his role.”

He gestured with the unloaded pistol, its barrel glinting in the dappled sunlight. “The sole distinction being that I shall retain these superfluous trinkets permanently.”

The masked figure leaned forward, his okame mask’s fixed smile contrasting with his stern tone. “No dawdling now. Relinquish them promptly.”

“Extravagant rings and necklaces serve no essential purpose,” he continued, then suddenly pointed at Mrs. Shimamura. “A single strand of your pearls could sustain a hundred paupers for a year.”

His voice softened marginally as he observed her trembling hand. “That band on your ring finger appears sentimental—an engagement token? I’ll permit its retention.”

“Rest assured,” he added with mock gallantry, “I’m not so heartless as to strip you of happiness’s mementos.” The theatrical cadence returned as he concluded: “One bauble per finger suffices. Multiple rings? Vulgar excess.”

The four women removed their rings one after another, took off their necklaces, and handed them over.
The Masked Man, keeping the pistol in his right hand, received them with his left and tucked them into his pocket.

"There, that'll do."
"Let me make one thing clear—these are by no means for me to keep."
"I merely take your unneeded items, convert them into money, and pass it on to those in need."
"I will now hide in the tree shade behind us, but you must not move yet."
"I appreciate your trouble, but keep your hands up like that and stay perfectly still for another ten minutes."
"I'll be watching closely from the shadows."
"If you move or make a sound, this pistol won't take kindly to it."
"Exactly ten minutes."

The Masked Man, keeping his pistol trained on the four women, backed away and disappeared into the tree shade ahead.
The ladies kept their hands raised while trembling.

Act II

The corridor at the entrance to the hall.
The door was closed.

Seven or eight men and women guests were strolling about and chatting in front of it.

At that moment, the Masked Man came running up, breathlessly.
Right behind him came two detectives chasing after him.
Everyone was startled, scattering in all directions while staring wide-eyed at the intruder.
The Masked Man collapsed with a thud in front of the door.

Ashida—finally caught up.

Maki—(while firmly holding down the Masked Man with Ashida) “Well, this finally spells the end of your luck.”
“Now, hold out your hands properly.”
(He applied the handcuffs)

Masked Man—(panting) “I-It’s a mistake.”
“I-I’m the wrong person!”
“I…”

Ashida— “Don’t start spouting nonsense now.”
“How about showing some dignity in your final moments?”

Masked Man— “N-No, that’s not right!”
“I’m Aoki.”
“I’m Kensaku.”
“I’m the master of this house!”

Maki—"What?"
"Aoki Kensaku?"
"The master of this house?"

Hearing a noise and opening the door, a crowd of guests peered in from all directions.

Ashida—"Maki, remove this man's mask."

Maki removed the mask.
It was Kensaku Aoki's face.
Everyone gasped in surprise; Higashima too had slipped into the crowd unnoticed.

Maki—"Wh-what on earth—"

Ashida—"No matter who the Masked Thief truly is, there's no cause for astonishment."
"Even if he happens to be this household's master, that changes nothing about him being the Masked Thief."
"In any case, we must take him into custody and conduct an interrogation at once."

First Guest—(stepping forward) “This is some kind of mistake!”
“Mr. Aoki would never—!”

Second Guest—"What’s going on with you? There must be some reason behind this."
"Explain yourself."

Ashida—"No—ladies and gentlemen, whether this is a mistake or not will become clear once we investigate."
(Pulling out the Masked Thief’s letter from his pocket and thrusting it before Kensaku) "You recognize this, don’t you?"
(Noticing Higashima’s presence) "This isn’t the only instance."
"The same kind of challenge letters have been sent to Mr. Higashima here as well."
"There is no doubt that this is the Masked Thief’s handwriting."
"Having sent something like this, you should stop with these cowardly acts now."

Higashima—"However... something seems off here."
"There must be some reason behind this situation, don't you agree?"

Aoki—(startled upon seeing the handcuffs) "Take these off immediately!"
"This is an outrageous misunderstanding!"
"The truth is—I planned something special for today's garden party to amaze everyone. After consulting my wife, I decided to dress up as the Masked Thief—that figure who makes every wealthy Tokyoite tremble at the mere mention of his name—to give the ladies a good scare."
"I'd just put on the mask and grabbed this toy pistol to head toward the gazebo when I ran into you people. That's how this whole mess happened."
"Look at this pistol!"
"It's nothing but a toy!"
"I know absolutely nothing about any challenge letters sent to you!"
"My wife can confirm everything I've said!"

Higashima—"Now that you mention it，where might your wife be?"

Aoki—"Right."
"That one must have gone to the gazebo by now—no doubt waiting for me to emerge in disguise."

At this moment, Hisako, Mrs. Masaki, Mrs. Shimamura, and Mrs. Shiota—all four of them pale with terror—came rushing in with hurried footsteps.

Hisako—“It’s terrible! The real Masked Thief has appeared at the gazebo just now!”

“And he pointed a pistol at us and threatened us,” said Mrs. Masaki.

“He made off with our rings and necklaces,” cried Mrs. Shimamura.

“Then he fled behind the gazebo,” added Mrs. Shiota.

Ashida—"What?! The real Masked Thief? Wh-Which way did he go?"

Mrs. Shimamura—"He’d already fled somewhere more than ten minutes ago."

Maki—"Why didn’t you inform us immediately?"

Mrs. Shiota—"The thief pressed a pistol against us and threatened, ‘Keep your hands up and stay still for ten minutes! Make a sound or move, and you’ll lose your lives!’"

Mrs. Masaki—"And during that time, the thief escaped."

Hisako—"At first, I was certain it was Aoki—" (seeing the handcuffs on Aoki’s wrist) "Oh my—what on earth happened to you?"

Kensaku—It’s a mistake!
“A monstrous mistake has occurred—now that you know, take these off immediately!”
“My fingertips are going numb.”

Ashida—Maki, remove those for him now.
(Maki removes Aoki’s handcuffs.) “Now then, Mrs. Aoki—what happened next?”

Hisako—When I saw how utterly shocked and trembling the other three ladies were, I was inwardly delighted that our plan had gone perfectly. But then, when the man over there drew my attention and I realized it, his voice was nothing like my husband’s.
“Moreover, he seemed an inch or two taller.”
“When I realized that, I was so terrified, so terrified…”

“Tch, we’ve been outsmarted again,” Maki grumbled.

Ashida maintained his composure. “But with no alert from my men watching the gates, the thief must still be hiding somewhere on the estate.”

“Will our stolen belongings be returned?” Mrs. Shimamura pressed, her pearls still missing.

“Naturally—once we apprehend the culprit.” Ashida’s voice turned bureaucratic. “This development means all persons presently within these grounds must be treated as suspects.” He bowed stiffly. “You’ll forgive the indignity—we’ll conduct body inspections at the main entrance immediately.”

“That’s outrageous!”
“This is a human rights violation!”
Voices of clamorous complaints arose from the crowd—“Defamation!” and others.

Act III

At the main entrance of the Aoki residence, Ashida, Maki, and seven or eight other police officers were conducting body inspections on the departing male and female guests.
The Aoki couple and Higashima were also present at the scene.

“Shinzaburo Takayama, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This is my wife.”
(The couple underwent a body inspection by the police officers and left huffing indignantly.)

Guest B—Junpei Shinohara, Managing Director of Nissen Fisheries Company, and his wife.
(They underwent the same inspection and left.)

Guest C—Tsutomu Koreeda, City Councilor, and his wife. This is their third son and second daughter.
(pointing at the two children)

The police officers attempted to inspect even the children.

Koreeda—“You can leave the children alone.”

Police Officer A—“But just to be safe.”
(searched the children’s pockets)

“That nasty man.”

The family of four left.

“Is everyone finished here now?” Ashida asked.

“The number of people inspected is 928,” reported Police Officer D.

The receptionist—wearing a badge on his chest—added, “With the remaining three victims, Mr. Higashima, and you two, that makes exactly 934 registered attendees.”

“Well then, Mr. Higashima,” Ashida said formally, “this is just procedure, but we’ll need to inspect you.”

Higashima gave a wry smile. “By all means.”

After conducting a routine pat-down, Ashida stepped back. “That’s sufficient.”

Higashima exited holding a stout cane.

Ashida: “Sergeant Maki, you should also undergo a brief inspection.”

Maki— “Yes, sir.”

“Finally, inspect me too.”

Maki took over and conducted Ashida's body inspection.
The three victims and the Aoki couple had been watching the progress of the inspections with apparent anxiety, but when the inspections concluded, their faces revealed expressions of despair.

“Kensaku—haven’t you figured it out yet?”

“Unfortunately we failed to apprehend him,” Ashida replied.

Mrs. Shimamura pressed forward, “Will my necklace ever be recovered? I’d only just imported this piece from New York—they made me pay ¥23,000 in tariffs alone!” Her voice quavered with unshed tears.

Ashida surveyed the room with grim finality. “My deepest regrets, madam, but the matter is beyond remedy.”

――Curtain.

Act III, Scene 1

When the curtain rose, the stage was pitch dark.
After a moment, it gradually brightened in a mysterious manner.

The tycoon’s living room.

An event from ten years ago.

An ornate brazier sat between a tycoon and a shabby young man of twenty-five or twenty-six seated facing each other.
The young man was Higashima from ten years ago.

A tycoon (around fifty)—“In any case, a man like you’s been out of school two years now with no job, lazing about—I can’t give you my daughter.”

Higashima: “It’s not as though I’m idling around by choice. Due to the post-war reaction, I believe you are well aware of the recession that has persisted from last year into this one. Of the over three hundred classmates who graduated together, fewer than forty have managed to land jobs—”

Tycoon: “So you’re saying it’s acceptable to idle around?”

Higashima: “That’s not the case, but if there’s no one willing to hire me, there’s nothing I can do. But in time, I will surely…”

“You idiot! Who’d grovel before a pauper scholar like you? You should be using your connections and hustling diligently—these days job-seekers are thicker than dirt! I won’t hand my daughter to some lazy good-for-nothing! Get out!”

Higashima—"I fully comprehend your position."
"But Ms. Fumie and I share mutual affection."
"That I remain unemployed and impoverished—I offer my deepest apologies."
"At present, I cannot sustain a conventional household."
"But within this year—even should I have to gnaw stones—I will somehow establish a livelihood."
"Only two months remain until then."
"I beg you to grant me these two months."

A tycoon—“I’ve had enough of your sniveling! You idle away two full years and think another two months will solve anything? Spare me your grandstanding and get out!”

Higashima—“Yet even after all my entreaties…”

The tycoon—“Exactly so! No protestations will make me reconsider.”

Higashima—“Then even our fathers’ betrothal pact becomes void paper—all because I lack wealth?”

“So what if it is?”

Higashima—"Does Ms. Fumie know about this?"

A tycoon—"Of course she does. Who in their right mind would willingly go to a pauper like you?"

Higashima—"I see. I understand."
"Then please let me see Ms. Fumie just once."
"If I hear those words directly from her lips with my own ears, I'll resign myself completely."
"This is my final request."

A tycoon—Very well. If that’s how you feel, I’ll arrange it.
(Claps his hands)

A maid entered.

The tycoon—“Hey, call Fumie here.”

Maid—Very well.
(Exits.)

Thirty seconds of silence passed before Fumie entered.
Nineteen years old.

Fumie—(to Higashima) "You’ve come."

Higashima silently bowed.

A tycoon—"I hear Mr. Higashima has some business with you."

Fumie—...(lowered her eyes and bowed her head)

Higashima—"Ms. Fumie!"

Fumie—...(pause)

Higashima—"Ms. Fumie! Are you fully aware?"

Fumie—(in a faint voice) "I'm so sorry... Please forgive me."

Higashima—"What? So it’s true? I thought it unthinkable—will you too be blinded by money? Will you throw away both the promise our parents made and all the love we’ve shared until now? Were all those loving words from your gentle lips until now nothing but lies? Or are you selling your conscience to go to someone you feel nothing for?"

Fumie—"I'm sorry... I'm sorry."
(wept in a low voice)

Higashima—"Does 'I'm sorry' mean you approve of your actions, or renounce them?"
"If you recognize your wrongdoing, it's not too late yet."
"I can find a way to support you starting this very moment."
"Cast off money's temptation and return to the shelter of my love."

Fumie—…

Higashima—"Please give me your answer here and now."

Fumie—...

Higashima—"Does your silence mean you dislike me?"

Fumie—...

A tycoon—"You must have grasped the situation by now."

(to Fumie) “You may leave now.”

Fumie stood up and tried to leave.

Higashima—(furiously rising to his feet) "Wait!
Has your soul truly rotted through to its very core?
You contemptible wretch!"
Fumie paused for a moment but left without hesitation.
(To the tycoon) "The daughter is as she is, and the parent no better!"

A tycoon—(while pressing a call bell) "Stop this sentimental drivel. But let me give one final warning: from now on, having learned your lesson, you should abandon these ordinary notions of romance and love before you've even secured your own livelihood."

Higashima—What?! “I shall have my revenge—mark my words!” “Not upon you alone do I seek vengeance.” “Money bears the blame!” “’Twas money that rotted your heart and made Ms. Fumie a monster!” “I shall have vengeance upon money itself!” “Throughout the world—throughout all the world—I’ll wreak revenge on every moneyed wretch!”

——Stage blackout——

Act II

Higashima’s apartment.

The scene shifted back to ten years later.

Higashima lay on the bed.

Higashima—(sitting up on the bed) Ah... That dream again.
For these ten years, I have awakened nearly every day from being tormented by that dream.
Even now, ten years later, the scene from that time still burns vividly before my eyes.
From that day until today, over these three thousand six hundred days, I have lived solely for one single idea.

Revenge!
Revenge for money!
Yes—every last beautiful thing in this human world has been tainted by money.
All evil is brewed for money.
I do not resent Ms. Fumie.
I do not resent Ms. Fumie’s father either.
I only resent money.
Money rotted their hearts!
For these ten years since then, I have sought to take revenge on money and fought against every last wealthy person across the land as my enemies.
Now all across Japan, wealthy people shudder at the mere mention of my name.
At the mere mention of the name “Masked Thief,” wealthy people across the nation shudder in terror.

He slipped out of bed, put on slippers, went to the corner of the room, took the thick cane that had been propped there, and placed it on a chair.

Exhilarating!
(Pulling out the cane’s handle and extracting from within it the rings and necklaces stolen from the Aoki residence along with a cloth okame mask onto the table) Exhilarating!
Indeed, I am undoubtedly a thief.
But are my deeds truly morally wrong?
(Taking out the pistol from the desk drawer) I have a pistol right here.
But this pistol has never been loaded with live ammunition.
I have never taken a human life like common thieves do, nor have I ever harmed anyone.
I do steal, but I have never stolen from those who would be troubled by theft.
I steal unnecessary items from those who have more than enough.
Contrary to common thieves, I have never stolen cash.
The things I steal are limited to jewels and precious metals.
These are things the world can do without.
No—rather, it’s better if they don’t exist at all.

Taking the necklaces and rings in hand and examining them,

Take this to the usual place and convert it into money.
And distribute it to the poor.
Seeing their delighted faces is my greatest pleasure.
I have never taken a single rin of the stolen money for myself.
I merely take from those who have no need and redirect it to those who do.

He took the cane and gazed at it.

Even so，it was surprising how naive people were not to notice this cane’s simple mechanism.

While he placed the jewels into the hollow of the cane，

It seems there should be at least one or two people who notice that I only go after items small enough to fit inside this.

He picked up the comical mask from the table.

But strangely enough, when I put on this mask like this—

He puts on the mask.

He took hold of this pistol,

He took up the pistol.

Appearing from the shadows like wind,

he rose.

My personality as Kazuo Higashima - reporter for Asia Shimbun - vanished completely as an entirely separate being called Masked Thief came abruptly into existence: a faceless entity without true form.
They say names merely attend reality's substance - yet merely by donning this mask and grasping this pistol these days - even my innermost self transforms completely - making me feel I've become an entirely different person.
When wearing this mask as an ordinary newspaper reporter - I vanish like smoke - feeling myself transform into an incarnation that loathes money and wealthy people.

At that moment, a knocking sound came from outside the door.
He started, hastily removed the mask, and stowed it along with the pistol in the desk drawer.

“Who is it?”

A voice from outside the door—“I have brought the newspaper.”

Higashima opened the door and received a bundle of newspapers.

"Higashima—thank you."

He closed the door, returned to his original position, and placed the newspapers on the table.

Ah! What a shock!
They say Dr. Jekyll completely loses his original personality when becoming Mr. Hyde—but even when wearing this mask and acting as the Masked Thief—my consciousness as Kazuo Higashima still clings unmistakably.
What panic that was!
Just like some criminal skulking through life in hiding!

Then is my way truly mistaken?
Could it be that my method of revenge strays from the proper path?
Yes, it’s this doubt that torments me day and night!
Those tormented by money take revenge upon money!
What’s wrong with that?
But through this revenge, my heart has never known a single moment of peace.
Somewhere deep within the recesses of my mind, something whispers that this is wrong.
Conscience?
No—it isn’t conscience.
My conscience is satisfied.
Mr. Ashida said "the law".
The law?
It seems that what torments my heart is precisely such things as that.

But when I witness the unspeakable madness and shameless selfishness of the wealthy, the blood within me boils. Memories from ten years ago seethe up and overwhelm my consciousness.

It was the same yesterday. In this Tokyo, there are countless people weeping from hunger, yet what is the point of that meaningless garden party commotion! Indeed, the law may be protecting justice. However, the power of the law cannot do anything about such unfairness, such evil. So I, this...

He took out the mask again and put it on.

He put on the mask.
And then, I challenged Detective Ashida—the upholder of the law!
At the same time, I challenged myself—and Kazuo Higashima, the kind gentleman who removes his mask.

――CURTAIN