Pathway to Japanese Literature

Tahara Yasaburo Yasaburo's wife Oiyo Yasaburo's younger sister Otae

Hunter Gengoro Portuguese missionary Mouro Mouro's disciple Shokichi

Village man Zensuke Young monk Shōzen Village girls Oasa and Otsugi

Act 1

Scene 1

The late Momoyama period, around the beginning of the Keichō era. An afternoon in mid-September, as autumn was fading.

Kyushu, Hizen Province. A mountain village near the Shimabara Peninsula. Tahara Yasaburo's house. The two-story thatched-roof structure contained a Buddhist altar on the upper front side and a wooden-door closet beneath it. Next came an aged shōji screen leading to the rear. The lower area featured winding aged walls and low bamboo-framed windows. In front was a bamboo veranda with steps made from tree stumps. In a convenient spot in the lower area, a hearth had been cut and a kettle hung, with a kindling basket and such beside it. In the garden, autumn grasses and such bloomed, while in the upper area stood a large bamboo thicket. In the lower area, low round log pillars had been erected, and a rudimentary gate stood. Outside the gate stood a stone well, and a large persimmon tree with slightly reddening hues. Behind them, separated by fields, stood tall mountains that loomed so near they seemed to press down upon the village.

(Yasaburo’s younger sister Otae, seventeen or eighteen years old. She was practicing needlework along with the village girls Oasa and Otsugi. Villager Zensuke, over fifty years old, sat on the veranda holding a hoe. (The sound of a fulling block was heard.) Zensuke: “You’re all working so diligently.” “After all, needlework is essential for women.” “If you keep working hard like this, you’ll make splendid brides wherever you go.” “Hahahaha!”)

(Tahara Yasaburo's wife Oiyo - a fair-skinned woman of refined bearing, twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old - slides open the rear shōji screen and enters.)

Oiyo: “Mr. Zensuke.” “It’s gotten quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.” Zensuke: “Even though they say Kyushu is warm, once September arrives, the autumn wind cuts right to the bone.” “When I hear the sound of fulling blocks being beaten somewhere or see these girls sewing winter garments, I feel as though winter is already pressing right up against us.”

“Indeed, winter was already upon us...” Oiyo glanced back at the girls. “Still, since everyone works so diligently, the parents must be fortunate.”

Zensuke: “That’s also because you’ve been attentive and trained them well—everyone in the neighborhood is pleased. By the way, has your husband not yet returned from the mountains?” Oiyo: “He left as usual this morning, but with game being so scarce lately, he keeps ranging from place to place in search of prey—I worry he might venture too deep.”

Zensuke: “The lack of game must also be because that cursed wolf is ravaging around here.”

“Truly, these days a vicious wolf has been appearing around here,” said Oasa. “Once night falls, people rarely venture outside.” “No fewer than seven villagers have been bitten these past three months,” added Otsugi. “It’s truly terrifying.” “My brother says he wants to hunt down that wolf quickly,” Otae interjected, “but since it hardly ever shows itself, there’s apparently nothing he can do.” Zensuke stroked his chin. “Never heard of such a fearsome wolf around these parts before. Must’ve come creeping along the mountain trails from somewhere.” His voice grew grave. “First it desecrated fresh graves—dug up corpses to devour them. Grew bolder by the day till it started attacking travelers on the roads.” The kindling basket creaked as he leaned forward. “Whole village turned upside down—we tried two proper hunts since this began, but couldn’t sniff hide nor hair of it.” A dry chuckle escaped him. “Just when you think it’s gone and lower your guard—there it shows again.” He nodded toward the persimmon tree outside. “Night before last? Young monk from Chōfuku-ji got jumped returning from parishioners.”

“Even so, I hear he luckily managed to escape unharmed.”

Zensuke: “Hmm. Since that kid’s always been a troublemaker, they say he slammed his torch down and ran for dear life—barely escaped with his skin intact.” Otsugi: “According to the young monk’s account, isn’t it said that the wolf appeared in a human-like form?”

Zensuke laughed. “Ha ha, how could a child’s words be reliable? Between the wolf leaping out suddenly from the dark and him panicking—that must be why it looked that way. If the wolf were taking human form, that’d be calamitous.”

“They say it wasn’t just its form—that even its face looked like a pale woman…”

Zensuke: "The wolf's face looked like a woman..." (Laughs again.) "That would be truly serious." "Of course, wolves have both males and females, but even a female wouldn't have a face like a woman's." "At times like these, all sorts of rumors tend to spread." "Ha ha ha ha ha!"

(Oiyo remained silent throughout.) Otae: “Remember how there was that big uproar when people said a tengu had appeared in those mountains some time ago?”

Otsugi: “Then there was also a time when a mountain man came out and kidnapped children.”

Zensuke: "Hmm. There were times when tengu appeared and mountain men emerged. After all, these mountain regions never cease to be plagued by strange occurrences. Ah, I've troubled you with my endless prattling." (Stood up.)

Oiyo: “Are you leaving already?” Zensuke: “Let’s return home quickly before the wolf appears.” Oasa (exchanging glances with Otsugi): “Is the wolf already out?” Zensuke: “Nah, they say the wolf mostly comes out late at night. As long as the sun hasn’t set, you’ll be fine—perfectly fine.” Zensuke (to Oiyo): “Please excuse me.”

(Zensuke bowed politely and departed toward the lower part of the village.) Oasa: "Shouldn’t we be heading back soon?"

“Let’s tidy up and go home.”

“Since those at home will worry if you return late these days—unlike usual—you should hurry back before night falls.” “Yes, yes.” (Oasa and Otsugi briskly tidied the sewing materials.) “Then we’ll return for lessons again tomorrow.”

(They bowed politely to Oiyo and Otae and stepped down from the veranda.)

“Be careful on your way.” “While rumors of the wolf persist, you must never walk at night.”

“Yes, yes.”

(Oasa and Otsugi briskly departed toward the lower part of the village.) Otae watched their departing figures.)

Otae: “These days, it’s nothing but wolf rumors wherever you turn. How utterly dreadful. Brother may have ventured deep into the mountains searching for the wolf’s lair.” Oiyo: “That might be the case.” Though I may now live as a hunter—I who once drew a samurai’s stipend—this wolf must fall to my own hand without fail,” he had declared day after day. And so today too he pressed deep into mountain recesses... She looked into the distance. If only he didn’t end up tripping over a tree root or jagged rock while recklessly dashing through peaks and valleys without purpose—or worse, tumbling into a mountain stream and suffering some grievous injury... Though he had grown accustomed to daily mountain work over these eight years since coming here, I still found myself anxious until he returned.

(Otae tidied up the sewing materials.)

The sunset bell tolled. (Leaves scattered desolately.)

Oiyo looked at the sky. Autumn days are short. Is it already getting dark again today? (The bell continued to toll.)

Otae looked up at the sky similarly. "When night falls, it somehow feels terrifying." Oiyo asked, "Do you find dusk's arrival so frightening?"

Otae: "Because they say the wicked wolf appears..." Oiyo: "Because they say the wicked wolf appears..." (Sighing.) "When night falls, I too am utterly terrified." "No—it's not just at night." "Even hearing wolf rumors by daylight makes my hair stand on end..." (Shuddering.) "I might be... possessed by the wolf." Otae (startling): "Eh?"

Oiyo (changing her demeanor, forcing a laugh.) “Hah, you’re still so timid.” “While we’re talking like this, he should be returning soon.” “Let me start the hearth fire now while I can.” “You prepare dinner.”

“Yes, yes.”

(A faint wind whispered.) Oiyo added rough-cut branches to the hearth fire. Otae tidied the sewing materials into the closet and retreated into the back.

From the lower part of the village came Shōzen, Chofukuji Temple's young acolyte of fourteen or fifteen years. Moving with stolen footsteps, he crept out and peered inside from beyond the gate. Oiyo soon noticed and turned to look.

“You there…”

(When Shōzen hesitated to respond, Oiyo stood and stepped out to the edge of the veranda.) Oiyo: “Aren’t you the young acolyte from Chofukuji Temple? Why are you standing there?”

Shōzen (after a moment’s hesitation): “Well, actually…” (Pointing at the persimmon tree.) “I came to pick persimmons.” “Please forgive me.” Oiyo: “If it’s persimmons you’re after, doesn’t your own temple have plenty growing?” (Staring at him suspiciously.) “Did you truly come here to steal persimmons?” Shōzen: “I’ve done something truly inexcusable.” “Please forgive me.”

(With those words, Shōzen fled as if escaping toward the lower part of the village. Oiyo continued to silently watch his retreating figure. The sound of wind.)

(From beyond appeared Tahara Yasaburo, thirty-four or thirty-five years old—once a samurai, now a ronin turned hunter—with his paired swords slung at his side, shouldering a matchlock gun and carrying two or three small birds.)

“Oh, you’ve returned,” said Oiyo. “How did it fare today?” Yasaburo gave a bitter laugh. “Another wasted day. We combed mountain after mountain from dawn till dusk—not even a wolf’s pawprint to show for it.” He gestured at the meager catch of birds slung over his shoulder. “Couldn’t face coming back empty-handed. Snagged these on the way...” His voice dropped. “I’d die of shame if anyone saw me hauling such pitiful game.”

“Even so, having some game is better than nothing.” “Fortunately, the weather was fine, but the mountain winds must have been quite cold.” “Please do come quickly to the hearth.”

(The sound of a fulling block. Oiyo took a bucket and went out to draw water from the well. Yasaburo sat on the veranda edge, untied his straw leggings, and removed his straw sandals. Otae emerged from the rear.) Otae: “Welcome back.” (Otae first tidied the straw sandals, then took the bucket Oiyo had fetched and had Yasaburo’s feet washed.)

Yasaburo: “Have the practice girls gone home?”

Otae: “They went home a while ago.”

“Those girls also seem frightened by the wolf rumors.” “That’s only natural.”

During this exchange, Yasaburo finished washing his feet and took a seat before the hearth. The hearth fire gradually grew stronger. Otae went to the well to discard water, and Oiyo filled a bowl with hot water and offered it to Yasaburo. Oiyo: “Will you have your meal right away?”

“No—wait,” Yasaburo said. “I’ve got to head out again soon.” “Where are you going...?” Oiyo asked.

“When I encountered Hachizō from the village back there,” Yasaburo said, “he told me there’s a meeting at the village head’s residence and I should come right away.” “Then is it another consultation about the wolf hunt?” Oiyo asked.

Yasaburo nodded. “Hmm, that consultation.” “We’ve organized two wolf hunts since this began, yet still haven’t caught sight of the beast.” “But leaving things as they are would mean hardship for the whole village. We’ll discuss it again and resolve to exterminate that damned wolf this time.” “In this village, there are three other hunters besides me. But since I’m a ronin—a former samurai—they thrust me into a commander’s role when trouble comes. Must wield some authority.”

It was truly regrettable that everyone suffered because of a single beast. He wanted to devise some way to exterminate it, but...

“I can imagine everyone must have their various worries,” said Oiyo. Yasaburo nodded gravely. “There’s another proposal being discussed. ‘A wolf that appears and vanishes at will can’t be defeated through human strength alone.’ ‘We ought seek divine intervention instead.’” *To invoke holy power...* *What path could they possibly take?*

Yasaburo: “As you know, the Portuguese missionary crossed from Nagasaki to Amakusa, then came here from Amakusa—he’d been spreading the Christian faith around these parts for some time now.” “Whether his teachings are good or evil—I still can’t rightly grasp—but seems there’s no shortage of believers even hereabouts.” “Those followers proposed we ask their Christian missionary to perform wolf-exorcising prayers.” Oiyo: “I had long heard tell of Christianity’s sacred ways...of that missionary’s holy worth...” (After a moment’s thought.) “But do you mean to consent?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I agree,” said Yasaburo, “but I don’t intend to outright oppose it. Let those who would rely on divine power do so. Let those who would rely on human power do so. In any case, as long as that wolf can be subdued and everyone’s suffering relieved, that would be for the best.” He gripped his knees, the hearthlight carving shadows across his stubbled jaw. “However, since I am a fallen samurai who now makes his living as a hunter, I have no choice but to work with bow and gun. At any rate—” He stood abruptly, straw matting creaking beneath him “—I’ll go see right now what sort of discussion they’re having.”

“Otae. Bring me the footwear.”

“Yes.” (Otae went into the rear.) Oiyo opened the closet, took out a sleeveless haori, and put it on Yasaburo. When Otae brought the straw sandals and arranged them on the step, Yasaburo slipped them on and departed. (The wind howled.)

The mountain valleys grew dark early. It was already growing dim. “Don’t wait for me—let everyone go ahead and eat.”

(Tahara Yasaburo departed downward.) Oiyo escorted him to the entrance and watched him depart. The sound of wind. The scene gradually grew dimmer. Oiyo soon turned back and went inside.

“It’s truly grown dark already,” Oiyo said. “Let’s light the lamp and hurry to lock the back door.” “Locking doors has become so crucial these days,” Otae replied.

(Otae accompanied Oiyo and went into the back.) The sound of wind. From the lower direction, Shōzen—who had been there earlier—emerged guiding Gengoro. Gengoro was a twenty-two or twenty-three-year-old hunter who carried a matchlock gun. When Shōzen pointed to the house interior and whispered something, Gengoro stood there with a half-convinced, half-dubious air, deep in thought.

Gengoro: (In a low voice.) “Are you certain you saw it?” (Shōzen nodded.)

Gengoro: (Again doubtfully.) “But we need to think this through carefully.” “What did the priest say?”

Shōzen (in a low voice): “The priest says it’s a lie.” Gengoro: “Hmm.” “Anyone would say it’s a lie.” “Even I can’t believe it’s true.”

While Gengoro was peering inside and pondering once more, Otae emerged from the rear holding a dimly lit lantern.

Otae: “It seems someone’s there.” (Peering through the front.) Gengoro: “Oh, Miss Otae...” (In a whisper.) “It’s me, me.” “Come here for a moment.” (Otae spotted Gengoro and stepped down from the veranda while glancing back toward the interior.)

“Do you need something?”

Gengoro: “Hmm.” “We can’t talk here.” “Just come over there.”

(Gengoro and Shōzen led the way.) Otae glanced back toward the interior once more before slipping out quietly.

The sound of wind.

(Oiyo emerges from the rear.)

Oiyo: It seems Gengoro came to summon someone, and Miss Otae has gone out. Fortunately, now’s the perfect time… (Resolutely.) Yes, now’s the time…

(Oiyo composed herself.

The sound of wind. (The flame of the andon lamp went out.)

Oiyo: (In the darkness.) Oh—the light’s gone out.

——Blackout——

II

The riverside of the same village. At a certain spot stood two or three large willow trees, while on the bank, reed flowers bloomed wildly in white against the twilight. Across the river to the front, mountains rose into view.

(The sound of water. (From the lower direction emerge Gengoro and Otae; from behind, Shōzen also appears.) Gengoro: “As I’ve been saying all along—the one who attacked Shōzen-san the night before last was definitely your sister.” Otae: “That my sister would become wolf-like and leap at people on the road… “There’s no way such a thing could be true…” (Thinks.) I just can’t bring myself to believe it’s true.)

Gengoro: It’s such an outrageous claim that even I can’t believe it’s true… “Even so, this kid insists it’s definitely true.”

Shōzen: (Stepping forward.) “It’s true! It’s true! I saw it clearly by the torchlight. When I heard wolves fear fire, I slammed my torch down and ran for my life!” Otae: “Did that wolf have my sister’s face?” Shōzen: “Why would I lie? Its face and form were unmistakably your sister’s.”

Otae: “Oh!” (Otae still wore a puzzled expression as she thought.) Gengoro: “Even so,” he said with equal bewilderment, “I can’t move recklessly without seeing solid proof myself.” “If this turns out wrong, there’ll be no undoing it.” “We must consult Lord Yasaburo first, but damn—how do you tell a man his wife might be a wolf?” “Why don’t you try whispering it to your brother?”

Shōzen: “Are you still doubting? I saw it with these own two eyes…!” Gengoro: “One witness isn’t solid proof.” He turned to Otae. “Can’t you recall anything?” “Well…” She hesitated, then her eyes widened slightly. “The other morning… at the front well… Sister’s kimono sleeve… stained like blood…”

Gengoro: “A kimono sleeve that looked bloodstained… Was she washing it at the well?” Shōzen: “That! That’s proof! Your sister sneaks out at night to devour people on the streets! See there! Wolf! It’s the wolf!” Gengoro: “Now, now—calm down. They say foxes and raccoon dogs transform into humans since ancient times, but a wolf disguising itself as someone’s wife—that’s unheard of. If you ask your brother, he might recall something. You must be the one to tell him. Once we confirm it’s the wolf, even if it’s his own wife, your brother won’t hesitate to shoot. I’ll back him up…” (Shows his matchlock gun.) “This’ll end it with one shot.”

Otae trembled. “Ah…how terrifying.” What could this mean? I felt trapped in some waking nightmare.

“It’s completely like a dream,” said Gengoro, “but hearing your account now, my suspicions only deepen.”

Shōzen: “If you keep dawdling like this, even dear Otae-san will be eaten by the wolf!” Otae (exchanging glances with Gengoro): “What… such a thing…” Gengoro: “You brat.” “If you keep flapping your tongue needlessly, I won’t have it.” (He brandished his matchlock gun.) Otae (cutting in): “Now, don’t fuss over the child…”

Gengoro: “It’s because this bastard goes around spreading rumors everywhere that I get made fun of by everyone! You’re the one who should be devoured by the wolf!”

Shōzen clutched his head—oh no—terrifying. Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu.

Gengoro (suddenly looked upward). “Oh! The one coming from over there seems to be your brother.”

Otae: “Oh... Brother...”

“Let’s hide for now,” said Gengoro. (To Shōzen.) “You too—come on, hurry!”

(Gengoro urged Shōzen and hid among the reeds below.) The sound of water. The pale moonlight.

From the upper path, Yasaburo emerged. Otae was still hesitating about what to do when Yasaburo spotted his sister.

“Oh, Otae?” “Where are you going at this hour?” “Did you come to meet me?”

“No, um…” “I’m going shopping to the edge of the village.”

“It’s still dusk, so the wolf likely won’t be out—but be careful on your way.”

“Yes.”

(She started to leave but turned back.) “Um… Brother…”

“What?”

“Um...” (Starts to speak but hesitates.)

Yasaburo: “Do you need something?”

Otae hesitated to speak. “Um... You should take care when you go out too.” Yasaburo laughed. “Hah, I’ll be fine.” He tapped his sword hilt. “Whatever shows itself, this’ll cleave it clean through... I’ve been waiting for that wolf to appear.” “The village finally settled on asking the Christian missionary for prayers,” he continued, “but like I said before—let them handle their incantations. I’ll deal with things my way.” “I’ll show them how to properly kill that wolf—with this matchlock or my blade.”

Otae (probing): “Have you discovered where the wolf is?”

“If I knew where it was, I’d go take it down right away…” “That’s what’s troubling me—not knowing where it lurks.” “Haven’t seen Gengoro once today—but he must be combing the mountains for its den too.” “Tonight I’ll take my matchlock and patrol every alley till dawn.” Hearing them grovel before those Christians made my blood boil. “We’ll kill that wolf ourselves—show whether their priest’s prayers or our steel holds sway!”

“Given your temperament, Brother, it’s not unreasonable—but haste will lead to failure. Once you’ve properly ascertained its true nature…”

Yasaburo: “What? ‘Ascertain its true nature,’ you say…” Otae: “Because if you were to make a mistake and kill someone… it would be disastrous…”

Yasaburo laughed. "Don't spout nonsense. However rushed I might be, I'd never mistake man for beast." He tapped his sword hilt. "Now go—get back before night falls."

(Yasaburo began to walk away.) Otae started to call him back but hesitated—and in that moment of indecision, Yasaburo left.

From among the reeds, Gengoro emerged.)

“Brother intends to exterminate the wolf as soon as he finds it, huh?”

Otae: “That’s why we can’t speak carelessly…” Ah, what am I to do? Gengoro: “If you’d listened properly earlier, you’d know the village has asked the Christian missionary to perform prayers—but what can some foreign priest possibly do?” “I’ve hated Christians from the start.” “As Brother says—now that things have come to this, we must stubbornly exterminate it ourselves through sheer will.” “And you’d better tell Brother properly about that earlier incident.”

Otae: I suppose I truly must tell him after all. Gengoro (growing impatient): “Won’t you agree to what I’ve been saying all this time?” Otae (flustered): “No, that’s not what I mean, but…”

“Then hurry up and tell him. Got it?”

Otae (resignedly.) "Aye."

(Shōzen frantically rushes out from among the reeds.)

Shōzen: “Look! Something’s coming…” “Something’s coming…” (He hid behind Gengoro.)

Gengoro: “Huh?” “Something’s coming…” (Gengoro shielded Otae while peering intently through the reeds below.) Gengoro: “There’s nothing here at all.” “You little… You scared us.”

“No—I heard reed leaves rustling somewhere.”

“The rustling of reed leaves isn’t unusual,” said Gengoro. “It’s probably just the wind. Hah, you coward.” He snorted dismissively. “Anyway, there’s no sense lingering here forever. Come on—I’ll walk Otae-san partway home.”

Shōzen: You’re abandoning me and only escorting Otae-san? “You’re being awfully considerate, aren’t you?”

Gengoro: “Yeah, shut it. You just go home on your own—get lost!” Shōzen: “I was letting you take credit, and this is how you repay me? You’re the one who deserves to be eaten by the wolf!”

Gengoro: “What?” Shōzen: “No—this is your mocking impression.” (Shōzen, laughing derisively, hurried away toward the lower path.) Otae: Because that brat kept spreading all sorts of rumors, it seemed our circumstances had mostly become public knowledge. Gengoro: “Once we resolve this wolf matter, why don’t we confess everything to Brother and have him recognize us as an official couple?”

“I would be happy if that came to pass, but…” “It’s tedious to keep worrying about what people think forever.”

(The two conversed affectionately as they departed into the distance.)

The sound of water.

(Parting the reeds below, Oiyo sneaked out and watched the two depart.)

Oiyo: “My, it’s a relief they didn’t find me.” In that case, there was no more time to delay. (Oiyo picked up some nearby pebbles and put them into her sleeve.) During this time, from the lower area emerged Mouro, the Portuguese missionary—over forty years old, wearing a Catholic cassock with a crucifix around his neck—who leaned against a willow tree and watched; meanwhile, Oiyo clasped her hands together and attempted to leap into the river. Mouro rushed over and caught hold of her.

“Wait!” “What will you do?”

Oiyo (thrashing): “Let me go! Please let me go!” Mouro: “Would you cast yourself into the waters?” “You must not! You must not!” Oiyo: “No... Release me...” “Kill me...” As Oiyo wrenched herself free and tried to leap again, Mouro pulled her back once more—the violent motion sent her sprawling to the ground. Mouro: “You must not kill.” “This is God’s command.” Mouro spread his arms wide, barring Oiyo’s path. Even as she lay fallen, Oiyo stared up at his face—realizing now he was a foreigner.

The shadow of pale moonlight. The sound of water.)

――Curtain――

Second Act

1

The same night as Act One.

A single house stood on the village outskirts. Having long been vacant, its interior showed complete disrepair—most of the space consisted of an earthen floor with a weathered wooden door at the front serving as the entrance. The side walls had collapsed, the lower bamboo-framed window had crumbled, and crimson-tinged ivy with autumn leaves twined and dangled from the window frame. The earthen area contained a sunken hearth, while the upper section held a single room with torn shoji screens drawn shut. On the front wall hung a framed image of the Virgin Mary, before which stood a small shelf bearing a metal statue of Mary. In one suitable spot stood two roughly hewn wooden stools that appeared handmade, along with a square table-like object. The lower wall held a small shelf lined with assorted dishes, beneath which sat a water-filled bucket and a bundle of dead branches. Outside grew trees amidst tall autumn grasses that flourished thickly, with mountains visible beyond. Pale moonlight illuminated the night.

(Shokichi, a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old boy, dims the candle on the table and reads the Bible.) Outside, the sounds of insects could be heard. Parting the autumn grass from below, Missionary Mouro emerges, leading Oiyo by the hand. Mouro (to Oiyo): “This is my house.” “Please come in.”

(Mouro knocked on the entrance door.) When Shokichi promptly rose from the stool and opened the door, Mouro stepped inside. (Oiyo also followed hesitantly inside.) Mouro (to Shokichi): “We have a guest.” “Please light the fire.”

Shokichi: “Yes.”

(Shokichi wordlessly nodded politely to Oiyo and fed dead branches into the hearth.) (Oiyo stood.)

Mouro (pointing to the stool): “Please have a seat.” “In this house, there are only that boy and myself—no one else.” “You needn’t hold back.”

(Oiyo bowed politely and sat down before the table. Mouro also sat down opposite her.)

Mouro (with a smile): “I recognize you.” “The other day at the village headman’s residence, I delivered a sermon.” “At that time, you stood in the shadow of a great tree in the garden, listening from a distance.” “Is this not so?”

“Yes,” Oiyo replied. “It is exactly as you say.” Mouro leaned forward slightly. “Did you understand my sermon?”

(Oiyo remains silent, bowing her head.)

Mouro (growing increasingly earnest): “Then why did you try to take your own life tonight?”

(Oiyo remained silent.) Mouro: “Please tell me the reason.” (Pointing at Shokichi.) “That boy is the son of a peasant from Nagasaki—no father, no mother... an orphan. That’s why I’ve been taking him with me and raising him.” “In other words, since my child here shares the same circumstances, you need not hold anything back.” “Please tell me everything honestly.”

(Oiyo continued bowing her head. Shokichi stoked the fire and began preparing to boil water.) Mouro (persistently): “Are you an unlucky person? Or are you a sinful person?” (Staring intently at Oiyo’s face.) “Did you commit some sin? As I mentioned the other day, those who have sinned...” (Pointing at the Virgin Mary.) “You must confess before God.” Oiyo: “Yes.” Mouro: “Go on. Please tell me.” (Standing up, he held the crucifix hanging around his neck up to his forehead.) “God is listening. I too am listening.”

Oiyo: Y-yes.

(Oiyo left the stool and knelt on the dirt floor, her body trembling as if struck by terror.) Mouro: “No matter what you speak of henceforth, I shall never disclose it to others.” “I swear this before God.” “However secret or dreadful it may be, tell me everything without concealment.” “Do you recall committing any sin?”

Oiyo: Yes. (She trembled once more.) "I... have committed a grave sin so terrible I can hardly speak of it." Mouro (calmly): What kind of thing? Oiyo: I have killed people.

“Did you kill people?”

Oiyo (her voice trembling even more): “Yes.” “I have killed people.” “I have drunk human blood...” “I have eaten human flesh...” “I am not human.” “I am a beast.” “I am a wolf.” (She cried.) Mouro: “You killed people...” “Did you drink their blood like a wolf?” “Did you eat that meat?” Oiyo: “Yes.” “Not just one—I have killed and eaten seven people.” “A beast’s soul has possessed me.” “Though I keep this woman’s form, my heart has become a terrifying wolf.” (She collapsed in uncontrollable sobs.)

(Mouro approached and lifted Oiyo up.) When Shokichi also drew near, Mouro signaled with his eyes for him not to approach. Mouro: "This is an important confession." "Compose yourself and speak thoroughly." "How did you come to possess a wolf's heart?"

“For that matter, I must first speak of my circumstances,” said Oiyo. “My husband is Tahara Yasaburo. He was once a samurai serving the Akizuki family, but eight years ago, due to certain circumstances, he became a ronin. Together with his sister Otae and myself, his wife...” She paused, then added with formal precision: “I have not yet mentioned this—my name is Iyo.”

(Mouro nodded while lifting Oiyo up and having her sit back on the original stool, then returned to his own seat.) Mouro: “Understood.” “Your name is Ms. Oiyo.” “That would be you, your husband, and that sister…” “That makes three in the family, then.”

Oiyo: “Yes. After my husband became a ronin, the three of us—husband, wife, and sister—secluded ourselves here. He worked as a hunter, I taught reading and needlework to the local women and children, and we spent our days peacefully until…” “Oh, what a cruel twist of fate this was.” “A terrifying demon suddenly took hold of me…” (She started to speak, then broke into tears again.)

Mouro: “Now, now—please wait. “Shokichi-san. “Please fetch some water.” (When Shokichi took a metal cup from the shelf, filled it with water from the bucket, and brought it over, Mouro took out a paper-wrapped powder medicine from his pocket.) Mouro: “You must not lose strength. “I have some good medicine here. “Here, drink this, rest a little, and then tell your story slowly.” (Mouro soothed Oiyo and made her drink the medicine.)

“I thank you.” “No—I shall not weaken anymore. I shall not cry anymore.” “I too am striving with all my being.” (Wiping her tears.) “Please, hear what follows.” “It was an evening I shall never forget—the second day of July.” “When I awoke suddenly in the dead of night, I heard what seemed like a voice calling my name outside.” “Thinking it strange, I opened the window to look—but there was no sign of any human figure lurking in the darkness beyond.” (Her eyes gleaming as if reliving the moment, she glanced about.) “When I listened carefully, it was not a human voice—it was a wolf... a wolf’s cry.”

“Wolf...” “You heard that voice, but did not see its form?” “The form wasn’t visible—in the darkness, all I could hear was its voice...” “While listening to it...” “Was it a demon that took hold of me then, or a beast’s soul that possessed me? In a dreamlike state, I myself opened the shutters and staggered outside.” (She stood up.) “Somewhere, the wolf’s voice continued to be heard.” “Because it sounded like it was calling me...”

(As Oiyo staggered toward the front exit, Mouro and Shokichi intercepted her, pushing her back and making her sit down.) Mouro: “Now, now—you must calm down. Then what did you do?”

“By that time already… “My heart had become like that of a wolf’s. “Aimlessly wandering out into the streets, I found myself at the nearby cemetery… “The newly buried corpse from yesterday… “I dug up that freshly interred grave… “I can no longer speak of what happened after that.”

(Oiyo collapsed in tears onto the table.)

Mouro and Shokichi offered a silent prayer. (For a brief moment.)

“Everything seems half like a dream—I myself cannot recall it clearly... But after that, I returned home and managed to avoid being noticed by anyone.”

“Have you continued to hear the wolf’s voice after that?”

“I hear it every night,” Oiyo said. “When night deepens, it always calls to me as if summoning me. ‘You mustn’t answer its call,’ I told myself—plugging my ears, shutting my eyes tight, reciting prayers to Kannon and Amida Buddha under my breath—I resisted with all my strength. Yet every third day, every fifth day... my defenses would crumble. Drawn like a puppet on strings, I’d stagger outside and return to desecrating graves—until—” Her voice sharpened as she leaned forward. “On a moonlit Obon night... I met three young women laughing as they walked.” She clutched her sleeves. “When I saw them... I—” Her breath hitched. “I lunged—”

(Oiyo, growing increasingly agitated, stood up again and tried to grab Shokichi’s arm as he stood nearby, but Mouro stepped in to separate them.) Mouro: “Did you kill all three of those people?”

Oiyo: “No—when I pounced on one, the other two were startled and fled.” “Later I heard that among those three returning from the Bon dance—the one I killed was a sixteen-year-old girl named Ogin…” “And she was a girl who came to my place daily for needlework lessons.” “Should I call it pitiful? Or perhaps despicable?” “That was the beginning of the karmic cycle…” (She cried again.) Mouro: (Sighing.) “I too had heard rumors of that wolf…” “Then—the one who attacked the temple acolyte a few nights ago—was that also you?”

“As I have just said, I cannot clearly remember whether I do these things myself or someone makes me do them—it all feels half like a dream—but it seems I threw a torch at that temple acolyte.” (Wiping her tears.) “Missionary sir... Am I still human now, or have I become a beast? Through this very body, I cannot discern my own self. Be that as it may—by day I remain human like any other, understanding reason and human emotions... yet when night falls, my heart transforms into that of a wolf’s, devouring human flesh and sucking their blood... Such a wretched, karmic human cannot possibly continue living in this world. No matter how I consider it, there remains no path but death.”

Mouro: (Mournfully.) “Your suffering can be understood.” “It is only natural that you would seek death.” “By day they are human, by night they become wolves—such mysterious humans exist even in Europe.” “It is said that, much like fox possession in Japan, wolves attach themselves to humans—but ultimately, it must be a demon taking over a person’s body to cause all manner of calamities.” “That demon has possessed you as well.” (Changing his demeanor.) “However, you must never fear, nor must you grieve.” “There are countless examples of people possessed by demons being saved.” “You must pray to God as well.” “You must devote yourself wholeheartedly to God.” “Our God will surely drive away the demon and save you.”

“Even someone like me…” (Oiyo knelt before Mouro.) “Can I truly be saved?”

Mouro: “You will be saved.” Oiyo: (Clutching Mouro’s hem.) “Will I truly be saved?” Mouro: (Resolutely.) “You will be saved. Believe in our God. You will certainly be saved.”

“Thank you,” Oiyo said. (She instinctively clasped her hands together in prayer.) Mouro leaned forward. “Now then—your husband. You called him Tahara-san, yes? Does neither he nor your sister-in-law know anything of this secret?” “They do not,” she replied. “No one seems aware.” Her fingers twisted in her lap. “I even considered confessing to my husband—seeking some solution together—but…” A shudder passed through her. “Even between husband and wife, this one thing I cannot bring myself to reveal. The burden... I bear it alone.”

Mouro: “You are quite right.” “I too will never breathe a word of this to others, so please rest assured.” (Considering.) “Can you stay here long?”

Oiyo (considering this as well). “Well, since I came out tonight without notice…”

Mouro: (Nods.) “Yes, yes. If your return is delayed, your family will worry. Please go home early tonight. There are many things I wish to teach you... Will you come again?” Oiyo: “If you would save me, I will certainly come.” Mouro: “Then come tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon...”

Oiyo: Understood.

(Mouro brought the Virgin Mary statue and placed it on the table.)

Mouro: “This is the venerable figure of Saint Mary.” “Tonight I will lend this to you, so if you hear the wolf’s voice, pray wholeheartedly.” “Did you understand?” “Call upon ‘Santa, Maria’ and pray.”

Oiyo (in a low voice.) Santa, Maria... Mouro: Yes, yes. (Raising the crucifix.) Santa, Maria.

Shokichi: Santa, Maria.

Oiyo: (Kneeling.) Santa, Maria.

(The three joined their hands in prayer.

The sound of insects. Outside, the moonlight grew brighter.)

II

The same outskirts of the village—a grassland. Across the expanse, pampas grass and other autumn grasses stretched tall. Ahead lay mountains. Pale moonlight cast its faint glow. The sound of insects filled the air.

(Shokichi and Oiyo entered from above.)

“I know the way well, so please return here now.”

Shokichi: "Though you may know the way, Father Mouro instructed me to escort you to your neighborhood in case anything might happen along the path."

“How truly kind Father Mouro is…” Oiyo murmured. “To remain at such a person’s side—what fortune you possess.” “Fortune indeed,” Shokichi answered. “All flows from God’s merciful salvation—for this I give humble thanks.”

“If only I too could receive that salvation...”

Shokichi: “There is no need for doubt.” “God will steadfastly grant you salvation.” “Will you come tomorrow?”

“Not only tomorrow, but henceforth I shall find time daily to receive your blessed teachings,” Oiyo said with a bow. “I humbly entreat your continued guidance.” “By all means come,” Shokichi replied. “We shall await you.” He paused mid-departure to glance skyward. “Ah, the moon dims again.” Oiyo followed his gaze. “This recent habit of nightly clouding...” “Have you not heard the wolf’s voice tonight?”

Oiyo (listening intently.) “No, I don’t hear it.” “It is still early in the evening, so...”

(A faint rustle of wind.) The moon grew increasingly dark. From below, parting the pampas grasses, Tahara Yasaburo emerged holding a matchlock gun and encountered Oiyo and her group, peering at them. Oiyo hid her face as she slipped past and headed toward the flower path. From above, hunter Gengoro also emerged carrying a matchlock gun, watching Oiyo and the others depart while coming out. Yasaburo too, while glancing back at the flower path, began moving upward and inadvertently collided with Gengoro; the two stared at each other in surprise.

“Oh—Gengoro?”

Upon hearing that voice, Oiyo fled as though fleeing, running off into the distance. Shokichi, without understanding why, hurried after her. (The sound of wind.) (The sound of insects.)

—Curtain—

Act III

I

The same night as Act II.

The house of Tahara Yasaburo from Act I.

A paper lamp was dimly lit in a suitable corner. Spreading a mat in the upper part of the garden, Otae faced the fulling block and was beating white cloth. Pale moonlight. The rhythm of cloth-beating. From below emerged hunters Gohachi and Torazo, both carrying matchlock guns.

Gohachi: “Is Mr. Yasaburo home?” Otae (turning around): “Oh, everyone.” “My brother left a while ago.”

Gohachi: "After dinner I got caught up talking and ended up late—but which direction did your brother head tonight?" Otae: "He said he'd patrol through the village all night long..." Torazo: "You didn't happen to see Gengoro?"

Otae (hesitating slightly): “No.” Gohachi: “I had thought to consult with Mr. Yasaburo tonight and split up to go out, but since things have come to this, we’ll each go our own way.” Torazo: “Hmm. If we’re to claim glory, once we find that wolf, we’ll take it down with a single shot.”

Gohachi: "If only it would go that smoothly. But the problem is that damn thing won't even show itself." (Produced a whistle from his pocket.) "Anyone who finds the wolf blows this signal whistle. When you hear it, come running." Torazo: "Then let's move out with that plan."

(The two men began to leave.)

“Oh, excuse me—did you folks happen to see my sister-in-law around there?”

Gohachi: "Your sister-in-law isn’t home?" Otae: "She left at dusk and still hasn’t returned. I’ve been worrying what might’ve happened."

Torazo: “That’s strange. Surely she hasn’t run into the wolf…” Otae: “Even so, I can’t help worrying.” Gohachi: “It’s not like the mistress of this house to wander around at night.” Torazo: “Well, if we do come across her out there, we’ll tell her to hurry back.”

Otae: I beg of you. Both: Right, right. (Gohachi and Torazo depart downward.) Otae (to herself): What on earth has happened to Sister?

(Otae continues beating the fulling block.) Before long, Oiyo and Shokichi emerge briskly from the opposite direction.)

Oiyo (pointing at her house): “That is my home.” Shokichi: “Then I shall take my leave.” Oiyo: “You’ve worked hard. Please give my regards to Father Mouro.”

Shokichi: “Understood.” “Then, tomorrow…” Oiyo: “Yes.” “I will certainly come.” (Shokichi bows politely, turns around, and departs.)

Oiyo came to the entrance, peered inside, then opened the gate and entered. "Sister..." Otae stopped beating the cloth and approached. "I was worried when you returned so late." "I thought you might be and hurried as much as I could," Oiyo replied. "Still, I apologize for my lateness." She paused. "And Brother...?"

Otae: “He left a while ago after preparing.” Oiyo: “He prepared…” Otae: “Mr. Gohachi and Mr. Torazo were just here to invite him.”

“Another all-out wolf hunt tonight? Then he won’t return until dawn.” Otae observed Oiyo’s demeanor with faint unease. “Sister... dinner...”

“Oiyo: ‘You still haven’t eaten either?’” “Otae: ‘Since you returned so late, I went ahead and ate.’”

Oiyo (nods.) “I no longer have any appetite, but…”

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“No.” “Not really…”

(Thinking.) Well, I suppose I'll have a bite to eat, come what may.

(Oiyo entered the interior. Otae watched her leave with evident unease and a demeanor caught between belief and doubt. She quietly tiptoed to peer inside before descending to the garden to resume beating the fulling block—only to stop abruptly again. Still clutching the mallet, she crept back onto the veranda once more to spy through the shadows—just as Oiyo slid open the shoji screen from within, their movements colliding in perfect synchrony. Otae stepped back with a start. "Have you already finished?" "I lost all appetite," Oiyo replied.)

Otae: “Then... there really must be something wrong after all...” (Looking at Oiyo’s face.) “Your complexion doesn’t look right either…” “Could it be you caught a chill from the night wind?” Oiyo: “Lately, every person I meet tells me my complexion looks bad...” “I don’t feel particularly unwell myself.” “If we’re talking about catching a chill, it’s you who’ve been out in the garden all this time. It’s not good to catch a chill.” The night grew steadily deeper. “Why don’t you come inside now?”

Otae: “Yes.” Oiyo: “As I said earlier, Brother likely won’t return until dawn. Don’t mind anything and go ahead to sleep first.” Otae: “Yes.” (She hesitates.) Oiyo (laughs): “Or perhaps there’s someone you’re waiting for?” Otae (flustered): “No, that’s not the case at all…” “Well then, let’s start tidying up now.”

(Otae descended into the garden and began tidying the fulling block.)

“No, please leave it as it is,” said Oiyo. “Unlike a young person like you, I still find it too early to sleep. Let me take over and beat it for a while.” She descended into the garden and gazed up at the sky. (The chirping of insects.) “Ah,” she murmured as moonlight intensified its glow. Otae followed her gaze upward. “It was cloudy at times in the evening,” she observed, “but now we have clear moonlight.” “The sound of others’ fulling blocks seems to have ceased,” Oiyo noted with strained casualness. “Lately,” Otae replied, “with all these wolf rumors, everyone retires early.”

Oiyo listened intently. The sound of the fulling block had ceased; the only sound that remained was the chorus of insects... There was nothing else to hear. She listened intently again. “Do you hear anything?”

Otae (tilting her head.) “No… nothing but insect sounds…” Oiyo: “You truly hear nothing?”

“Yes.”

(The two fell silent for a moment. An owl hooted.) Otae: "Oh—the owl..." Oiyo: "Huh?" (Tilting her ear again.) "Truly, an owl is hooting..." "It’s a desolate evening." (Changing her tone.) "Come now, you should get to bed." "I need you to wake up early." "Tomorrow morning too, please light the fire before Brother returns and have the water boiled and ready." Otae: "Yes, yes." "Then I will retire first."

Oiyo: “Good night.” (Otae bowed and, while looking back at Oiyo with an uneasy expression, retreated into the inner room.) The time bell tolled. Oiyo went to the gate and firmly locked it. “Tonight has deepened unexpectedly early,” Oiyo murmured. (Oiyo strained her ears as if hearing some sound, then turned back and sat down on the mat.) An owl hooted.

Oiyo (looking back fearfully.) “No—no, that’s still just an owl’s cry…” “There’s nothing else to hear.” “I don’t hear it.”

(Oiyo faced the fulling block and began to beat it. The moon grew dim again. Oiyo suddenly tilted her ear sharply and looked toward the front.) “Ah… I hear it…” (She listened intently again.) “I hear it… I hear it…” (Setting down the mallet, she started to rise.) “Oh—it comes again tonight…” “That’s no owl—it’s surely the same… wolf… the wolf’s cry…” (Trembling violently now.) “Oh… oh… drawing nearer…” (She went to the gate and peered outside.) “It’s here… it’s here…” “Have you come to call me again?” (Covering her ears with both hands.) “Now… now is the decisive moment…” “Tonight… I’ll finally obey Missionary-sama’s teachings…” “Clinging to God’s power…”

(Oiyo hurriedly climbed onto the veranda, took out the Virgin Mary statue from her pocket, and examined it by the light of the lamp.) Oiyo pressed the Virgin Mary statue to her forehead. *Santa Maria...* *Santa Maria...* Soon, she looked toward the front again. *Ah... I can still hear it.* *I can still hear it.* This time, she prayed silently while pressing the statue to her forehead. *I can still hear it...* *I can still hear it...* *Is my faith insufficient?* *Is the Missionary’s teaching a lie?* *No—stop making me hear it. Stop making me hear it.* *Oh—what should I do now?* She set down the statue and pressed both hands over her ears as she prostrated. *Oh... I can still hear it...*

(Oiyo took up his Virgin Mary statue once more and descended from the veranda as if drawn by some force.) "Oh... Still tonight too..." "No—I mustn't go." "I mustn't go out." "Even after praying this fervently to Santa Maria..." "Won't God save me?" "Is my sin so deep?" (She threw down his statue and moved toward his fulling block to take up his mallet.) "Ah—you tenacious wolf!" "Fiend! Demon! Beast!" "Stop howling." "Don't howl—don't call me!"

(Oiyo swung her mallet as if to drive away unseen forces, hair disheveled and appearance disordered, collapsing onto the mat in a frenzy.)

(Otae emerged from the inner room.)

Otae (looking around in surprise.) “Huh? Sister...” (Descends from the veranda.) “Excuse me, what’s wrong?” “Sister...?”

(Oiyo lay collapsed without responding.) Otae looked around uneasily. Otae: "Listening all this time... It was like Sister had gone mad alone..." "I can't hear anything—what are you hearing?" "Sister?" "What's wrong?" (Otae approached with evident disgust and tried to lift Oiyo up, but Oiyo shook her off and sat up abruptly, their faces now confronting each other.) At that fearsome visage, Otae recoiled in shock.

Otae: “What the—?” Otae tried to flee, but her body froze, leaving her unable to move. Oiyo planted both hands on the ground and fixedly glared at Otae like a wolf stalking prey.

Otae (in a trembling voice): “Sister…?” “It’s me, Otae…” “Somehow… you’ve changed all of a sudden…” “What in the world has happened to you?” “Sister…?”

(Oiyo did not answer, emitting a low growl as she crawled toward Otae on all fours.) Otae: “Then… just as I heard tonight… has that terrible wolf possessed you?” “I thought it couldn’t be true… but it actually is?” “Even so… me, your own sister…” “Please…” “Please help me.”

Otae finally managed to stand and tried to flee toward the front gate, but the door was locked and wouldn’t open immediately. In that interval, Oiyo glared with wide eyes, closing in as if about to pounce at any moment. Otae, bewildered, turned back and began to retreat slowly upward; Oiyo circled around as if to cut her off, inching closer step by step from below toward the higher ground.

Otae screamed desperately: “Help! Someone, please come!” “Please help me.” “Sister is the wolf…!” “Someone, please come quickly!” “Please help me.” As Otae called for help, striking the nearby fulling block’s mallet and cloth while retreating up onto the veranda, Oiyo nimbly leaped up after her. Otae, in panic, jumped down into the garden once again; Oiyo followed suit and jumped down after her. Otae cried: “Sister! Sister! Please help me!” “Please show mercy!” “Like this—see?” “I’ll pray!”

(Otae clasped her hands in prayer, stumbling and scrambling to flee into the upper bamboo grove; Oiyo chased after her and plunged in. The moon was dim again, the bamboo grove rustling with a swaying sound. From within the thicket came Otae’s voice shouting, “Ah! Ah!” Just as the screams died down, Zensuke, the farmer from Act One, emerged from the lower area.)

Zensuke: “I thought I heard a voice calling for help at this house...” “What happened here?” (Calls inside.) “Hello? Is there no one here?” “Hello? Hello...”

(Zensuke shook the gate.) From the upper bamboo grove，Otae fled with hair disheveled and body bitten somewhere，staggering before collapsing with a thud in the garden． Zensuke (calling from outside): “Miss Otae!” “What’s happened?”

(Otae wordlessly pointed upward.) Before long, Oiyo emerged from the bamboo grove with blood smeared around her mouth. When she fixed her glare on Zensuke in the moonlight, he let out a startled cry and fled headlong down the slope. Otae tried to crawl up but collapsed again and breathed her last.

Oiyo nimbly leaped up onto the veranda and peered down at the collapsed Otae. Moonlight, the sound of the wind.

With this, the black curtain falls, and immediately rises again.

II

Act II - The same house. Outside, moonlight falls.

(Mouro and Shokichi sit facing each other at a table with candles set up, reading the Bible.) A signal whistle sounds.)

Shokichi looked up. “Ah, I hear a whistle.” Mouro listened intently. “The sound of a whistle... What is that?” “That’s a signal whistle,” Shokichi replied. He stood. “The hunters may have spotted the wolf and are blowing it as a signal.”

Mouro: “The wolf…” “Oh, Oiyo-san…” (Stands up anxiously.)

Shokichi: “Oiyo-san definitely returned to her own house, but...” (anxiously) “Could she have slipped out again?” (The whistle sounded once more.) Shokichi: “Huh? The whistle keeps blowing.” “Let me go check.” (As Shokichi moved toward the exit, a gunshot rang out.) The two exchanged glances. Shokichi: “I heard a gunshot.”

“Oh… The matchlock gun…” “The sound of the matchlock gun…”

(As if gripped by mounting unease, Shokichi peers outside through the window. Pushing through the autumn grass in the lower slope, Oiyo stumbles out and collapses outside the window.)

Shokichi: “Ah, a wolf….” (Peering through the window.) “No—it’s a person! A person!” “A person has collapsed.” (Shokichi hurriedly headed outside.) (Mouro also followed him out.)

Shokichi (shouting while peering through the moonlight): “It’s Oiyo-san! Oiyo-san!”

Mouro: Oh, Oiyo-san... “Let’s get her inside for now.”

(Mouro and Shokichi lifted Oiyo up, carried her into the house, and laid her down facing away from the hearth.)

“Was she shot with a matchlock gun?”

(Mouro picks up Oiyo and tends to her.) Mouro: “What happened to you?”

Shokichi (calling out): "Oiyo-san…" “Oiyo-san…”

(Oiyo did not respond. Shokichi held up a candle and looked at Mouro’s face; Mouro shook his head sorrowfully and said it was too late. Eventually, Shokichi picked up the Virgin Mary statue that had fallen to the ground and showed it.)

Shokichi: There's blood on the Virgin Mary statue. “Did Oiyo-san bring it?”

(Mouro silently took the statue and gazed at it.)

From below, Tahara Yasaburo emerged carrying a matchlock gun. Yasaburo: “It should’ve come this way…” “What in the world…” (He scanned the area.)

(Shokichi, noticing something, called out from the window.)

Shokichi: “Hey, what are you searching for?” Yasaburo: “I shot the wolf and definitely felt the hit…” “Must have missed its vitals… Let it slip away after all.”

(Yasaburo was still scanning the area.) (Mouro also came to the window and called out.)

“The person you shot is here.” “Huh? I shot a person…” Yasaburo, shocked, rushed into the house and was shocked again upon seeing Oiyo lying there. “Ah! This is my wife! My wife!”

“Then you are…” “Mr. Tahara?” “Yes, yes.”

(Frantically calling out.) “Stay with me!” “Oiyo... Oiyo...” Ah—it struck true through the vitals after all. Mouro: “This tragedy cuts deep.” Yasaburo examined Oiyo’s corpse. “Strange beyond measure,” he muttered. “Yet clear as moonlight—that was no human form I saw...” Mouro: “To your eyes alone did it wear wolf’s shape?”

“The figure running across that meadow in the moonlight clearly appeared to be a wolf, so I immediately pulled the trigger, but...”

(Puzzled.) Even accounting for poor night vision and distance, with my years in this trade, I shouldn’t mistake a person for a beast. Moreover, with the moon so bright tonight—why did I make such a mistake? Even to myself, it felt like a dream—I couldn’t make sense of any of it. (Yasaburo, chained by doubt, heaved a futile sigh.)

From below, Gengoro led the way as Gohei and Torazo emerged.

“I heard the signal whistle, but...” “I heard the matchlock gun too!” “It was definitely in this direction.”

“Hey! Here! Here!” Yasaburo called from inside. Hearing his voice, the three clattered into the hut.

Gengoro: "Did you find the wolf?" Yasaburo: "The wolf...is here."

(The three men peered inside and froze in shock.) Gengoro: “Isn’t this your wife?” Gohei: “Ugh…” “It’s Oiyo-san.” “It’s Oiyo-san.”

Torazo: “Did you shoot Oiyo-san?”

“How on earth could you make such a mistake?”

Yasaburo: “I don’t understand it myself. It definitely appeared in the form of a wolf, so I shot, but...” “When I rushed over, this is what I found.” “No matter how flustered I was, how could there be such a thing as mistaking my own wife for a wolf and shooting her?” “It’s like I’ve been bewitched by a fox or something.” (Meanwhile, Gengoro was pondering as if something had dawned on him.) Gohei: “Indeed, as Mr. Yasaburo said, there’s no way anyone would mistake a human for a wolf.”

“But it’s strange that Oiyo-san looked like a wolf,” said Torazo. Gengoro dismissed this with a wave. “Strange if you call it strange, but you can’t say for sure such a mistake was impossible.” His voice took on a pragmatic edge. “After all, it was nighttime.”

“Even if it’s nighttime, it’s this bright under the moonlight.”

Gengoro: “Moonlit night or not, it’s different from daytime. Especially since this isn’t an ordinary situation—this is now. Because you were so frantically trying to find the wolf, even human figures ended up looking like wolves to you.”

“Do you think so?” Yasaburo asked doubtfully.

Gengoro (pressing on): “Exactly, exactly! That’s precisely it! Just think—your wife turning into a wolf? Impossible!” Mouro (stepping forward): “He speaks truth. You were so consumed by wolf-hunting frenzy that your eyes deceived you. Such delusions are well-documented.” Yasaburo: “Be that as it may—” (turning to Gengoro) “Why would my wife prowl here at this hour? That logic still escapes me.”

Gengoro: “Hmm.” (As Gengoro also faltered slightly in his response, Mouro showed the Virgin Mary statue.) Mouro: “Your wife brought this. She came to return this to my place.”

Yasaburo received and examined the statue. “This isn’t just a Buddhist statue… It looks foreign, but…” He turned to Mouro. “If she was carrying something like this, does that mean she’d been here before?”

“Yes. She had come here before,” Mouro said. “It was I who lent it to her.” Gengoro pressed on: “Then tonight, when she came to return it, you mistook her for the wolf from a distance. There—now it all makes sense.” Gohei nodded slowly. “Now that I hear this, it no longer seems so strange after all.”

Torazo: “Now that it’s come to this—Oiyo-san met with an unforeseen calamity. How tragic.” Gohei: “She was always so well-thought-of in the neighborhood... What a wretched loss.” Torazo: “A wretched loss indeed, but since no outsider’s hand was involved, there’s some small comfort in that.” Gohei: “There may be no such thing as ‘easy acceptance,’ but... well... better to force yourself to resign to it than not.” Gengoro: “Oiyo-san was virtue itself—a chaste woman through and through. Knowing it was an accident, why would she bear her husband any grudge?”

“No... Even if she resents me,” Yasaburo said to Gengoro and the hunting group, “there’s nothing to be done.” Facing the corpse, he whispered: “Forgive me.” For nearly ten years as husband and wife—through all those hardships of ronin life I made you endure—I never meant to kill you over something like this. No matter how long I repeat it—I was certain I’d shot the wolf... How had it come to this?

Gengoro: “You should stop doubting so much. Come now—let’s all help carry this corpse out.” Gohei: “That’s right, that’s right.”

(Gohei and Torazo also helped retrieve Oiyo’s corpse.) Mouro instructed Shokichi to bring a blanket from the inner room and wrapped the corpse.

Yasaburo (sighing): “If I were to show her this state, Otae would surely be shocked.”

Gengoro: “Hmm.” “Otae-san will be shocked too.” “They’d been as close as real sisters all along.” Yasaburo growled: “This too is the wolf’s doing.” “Damn beast! I’ll kill it proper and avenge my wife—mark my words!”

Gengoro: “Well, Buddha takes precedence over wolves. You should hurry back to perform the memorial rites.” (Gohei and Torazo lifted the blanket-wrapped corpse, Gengoro following them out.) Yasaburo (to Mouro): “I’m indebted to you for your help. I’ll return to properly express my thanks.” (Yasaburo bowed stiffly and shuffled out.) Mouro (lifting the Virgin Mary statue): “The devil has defiled her purity with blood.”

“Should I wash it immediately?”

“No.” “We must continue our prayers so that this blood may fade naturally.” “Tonight…without sleep…”

Shokichi: Yes. (Mouro reverently held the statue and enshrined it back on the shelf, then sat facing Shokichi across the table and once again opened the Bible. Moonlight. Owl's cry.)

-- CURTAIN --

（「Stage」 Published in the March 1931 issue / First performed in March 1931 at the Meiji-za)