Pathway to Japanese Literature

Major Uji

Madam Suzuko Uji

Tomokichi (Groom)

Tane (Wife)

Ota (Orderly)

Yoshi (Maid)

Summer of Meiji 37 (1904)

Tokyo

Act One

Major Uji's parlor.

Evening.

Orderly Ota was organizing the military kit bag.

Major Uji appeared in Japanese clothing.

"Major."

"Is everything mostly ready?"

“Ota.”
“Yes, sir.”

“Major.”
“You don’t need to see your family?”

Ota.
“……….”

“Major.”
“If required, sir, they may meet me here.”
“Why don’t you tell your mother to come?”

“Ota.”
“It’s no use.”
“If they start crying, they’ll just become a nuisance…”

“Major.”
“Then return to your unit for today.”
“You needn’t come tomorrow.”
“Summon the groom.”

Ota.
"Yes, sir…" (tidying the area) "I'll take my leave now."
"Please affix your seal…" (After stamping the certificate, he bowed and exited.)

Major.
"Ah—and tell the adjutant I have no further business for him tonight."

Ota.
"Yes, sir."
"I will inform the adjutant there are no further matters requiring his attention tonight."

Major.

(Crossing his arms, he sank into thought)

Madam Suzuko Uji appeared.

MADAM SUZUKO.
"As for what comes after… please do not trouble yourself…"

MAJOR.
"I’m not concerned."

MADAM.
"Well then—what are you thinking?"

MAJOR.
"I’m thinking nothing."

Madam Suzuko Uji.
"Liar..." (She gazed at her husband's face but suddenly collapsed against his knees, weeping.)

Major.
(At a loss) “Hey, what’s wrong?”
“If someone comes in and sees you like this, it’ll be unseemly. Come on, straighten up…”

(As Madam Suzuko Uji rose to her feet, the groom Tomokichi timidly appeared.)

“Major.”
“Well… you’ve done well.”
“Come closer.”
“You’ve replaced the straw bedding with fresh stuff, right?”

“Tomokichi.”
“Yes, sir.”

“Major.”
“So, getting straight to the point—I want to hear your decision.”
“Well? Will you come with me?”

“Tomokichi.”
“……”

“Major.”
“If you go to war, you must resolve that your life will be forfeit.”
“The reserve horses will naturally be handled by the grooms, but the primary steed remains your responsibility.”
“Where I go, you’ll follow me anywhere.”
“Can you brave bullets?”
“No—it’s not a question of courage.”
“You’re not a soldier—you’ve no obligation to die in war at all.”
“Even if you refuse to go, no one will object.”
“If you stay behind, I’ll manage.”
“That horse only obeys you—a high-strung beast like that would baffle any newcomer.”
“A careless hand might ruin him permanently—but that’s my problem to handle. You need only consider your own situation.”
“Anyone entrusted with a soldier’s horse should’ve prepared for this eventuality—but I’ll ask regardless to be thorough.”
“Give me your answer plainly.”

Tomokichi.
"………."

Major.
“Of course, I’ll take care of whatever you leave behind here.
If you like, I can even take out life insurance for you as a precaution.”

Tomokichi.
"………."

“Major.”
“With that physique and at his age, under normal circumstances he should have been conscripted into the military.”
“Given that, going to war is only natural.”
“Right? Isn’t that so?”

“Tomokichi.”
“………”

“Major.”
“Well? Will you come with me?”
“After all, every person dies once.”
“Even if you die on tatami mats, a lifetime’s still a lifetime…”
“Even if you get run over by a train and die, a lifetime’s still a lifetime.”
“If one nobly throws away their life for the nation’s great cause—that’s how you make death itself blossom all the more.”
“Isn’t that a man’s true aspiration?”

Madam.
"That's truly how it is."
"If you would accompany my husband, I cannot tell you how reassured I would feel—I will keep the god safe for you."

Tomokichi.
(Scratching his head)

“Major,” said Uji. “Come on, do it. Trying to find a replacement now would be difficult.”
“I’ll double your salary,” he continued, “and you’ll get an allowance from the authorities.”
“What’s more,” he added, leaning forward, “if you come back safe, you’ll receive a military service medal.”
“There’s no greater honor than this!”

He turned to his wife. “And Madam—even if there’s danger, it won’t be anything like what regular soldiers face.”

The major straightened his uniform collar. “Well... it’s somewhat safer.”
“Your life won’t be at risk,” he assured them both. “Grooms hardly ever go off to war.”
A dry chuckle escaped him. “What I said earlier—that was just me trying to scare you a bit.”

“Madam.”
“That must indeed be so.”
“So then—since my husband has gone to such lengths to ask—perhaps you could accompany him…?”

“Tomokichi.”
(Resolutely) “Alright then—I’ll discuss it with your wife.”

“Major.”
(Glancing briefly at Madam) “That would be best.”
“But your ‘goddess’—she’s just a woman.”

“Tomokichi.”
“Huh.”

Major.
"If you ask whether it's better to go or not to go—of course she'll say not going is better."
"If you resolve like this and declare 'I'm going,' then she won't tell me not to go."
"Your precious wife is a Japanese woman too, right?"

Tomokichi.
"Huh."
"But…"

The major.
But... what could he say?

Tomokichi.
"But I need to discuss it with her first…"

The major.
(Laughing) "Alright."
"Your wife’s devotion didn’t just start now."
"Go consult her—(pause) Ah, no—I’ll call your goddess here and ask her myself."
"That way’s better."

Tomokichi.
"Huh."

The major.
"Is that acceptable?"

Tomokichi.
(Resignedly) "Huh."

The Major signaled to Madam with his eyes.
Madam stood up and went to the back.

Major.
Look at me... me...
I ain't consulting nobody.

Tomokichi.
(Distressed) Heh heh heh...

Major.
"Do you obey every single thing your wife says?"

Tomokichi.
(Scratching his head) “My old lady always says, ‘My body is yours, but in exchange, your body is mine,’ so...”

Major.
“Don’t be absurd!”
“Then what about your master? Your master...”
“Isn’t your body your master’s?”

“Tomokichi.”
“Huh, well… I’ve been prepared for that.”

“Major.”
“Then there shouldn’t be any complaints, should there?”

“Tomokichi.”
“So during work hours, my time belongs to you, sir…”

“The major.”
“So you’re saying the time that isn’t [work hours] belongs to your wife?”

Tomokichi.
"Well, that’s how it is…"

Major.
"So then—indeed—without getting his wife’s permission, taking him to war becomes impossible."

Tomokichi.
When dismissed for the night by the household, even stepping out of that room became strictly prohibited, so...

The major.
"You’re a lucky man…"
(mockingly) "Get a grip—get a grip…"
Ah—I can’t stand looking at that face anymore.

At this moment, Madam entered, accompanied by Tomokichi’s wife, Tane.
Tane bowed politely.

Tane bowed politely.

The major.
"Well then, you’ve likely heard the gist already—it’s been decided Japan and Russia will go to war."
"Regarding this matter, there’s something I must discuss with you. Will you hear me out?"

"Tane."
"If it concerns that matter, I already understand without needing to hear it."
"His duties at the inn make accompanying you impossible."

Major.
But why…

Tane.
“I don’t wish to part with you.”

“Major.”
“Just this once...”

Tane.
“No, I’ve been thinking it over carefully since earlier.”
“There’s absolutely no way I can accept being parted.”

Tomokichi.
“Tane…”

“Tane.”
“You stay quiet.”
“No matter what he may say, I cannot consent.”
“This person is not one who must go to war.”
“I humbly beg you to refrain from taking him with you.”
“If he were taken by the military, I would have no objection.”
“Those who are not [taken] must have their own roles to fulfill.”
“No—even if he were drafted into the army, if he detests war, there’s nothing to be done.”
“This person is not someone capable of waging war.”
“That is due to cowardice.”
“Even when I glare at him, he shrinks back in fear.”
“If he hears gunfire, he’ll surely collapse in fear.”

“Tomokichi.”
“That’s not true.”

“Tane.”
“(scoldingly) You.”
“(Pause) Though you’ve depended on my hospitality until now—to make such selfish demands at a time like this must make me seem an ungrateful wretch in your eyes—but in this matter alone I cannot act for my lord’s sake.”
“I could certainly devise some way to refuse—but should I offer falsehoods and end up constrained in my actions, I must speak plainly.”
“I beg you—please forgive this one act of selfishness.”
“I beg of you.”

“Major.”
“Understood.”
“In that case I won’t insist further.”
“Instead—as of today—I sever our master-servant bond.”
“Regrettable though it may be—find employment elsewhere.”

“Tomokichi.”
…………

“Tane.”
“There is nothing to be done.”
“At least that resolve I have prepared myself for.”
“If only we are granted your permission, he would find work somewhere as a groom, and I had intended to assist Madam here at the residence during your absence—but if even that would cause you inconvenience, then both of us shall take our leave.”
“(Pause) Then, sir, I bid you farewell. May you take good care of your health...”
“Madam, may you too stay strong…”
“Should you require any further service, please do summon me at any time.”
“Now, you must also bid your farewells.”

Tomokichi.
(He bows.)

“Tane.”
“Tell the master to achieve distinguished service.”
“Be sure to say that.”

Tomokichi.
(He bowed again.)

Major.

“You’ve served long and well.”
“As an individual, I am fully grateful.”
(Taking banknotes from his wallet) “This isn’t much, but for your living expenses for the time being…”

“Tane.”
“No, I must decline that.”
“With all your various expenses, that would be too much of an imposition.”
“We have some modest savings put aside, so there is no need for you to concern yourself with that.”
“Well then, sir, madam, I must take my leave.”

“Tomokichi.”
(in a low voice to his wife) “Tomorrow morning, who will do the saddling?”
“Tomorrow’s an early start, you know.”

“Tane.”

“If you could come just tomorrow, that would suffice.”

“Major.”
“No—that won’t be necessary.”
“I’ll saddle it myself.”
“I won’t have a coward’s hands saddling my horse for deployment.”
(Rises indignantly and exits upstage.)

Tane.
(Stiffly watches Major Uji exit)

Madam.

“Tane—your feelings—I understand them well.”
“Don’t say another word—just go home today.”

Ms. Tane.
(Silently bows her head)

A long silence.

Madam.
“I can’t believe I said all that right before him.”

“Tane.”
“I’m sorry.”

“Madam.”
“No—I don’t think anything of it at all.”

“Tane.”
“You did your utmost.”
“But now…”

Madam.

“I get it.”

A long silence.

Tane.

“Madam will no longer look upon you.”

Madam.

"For now, let’s leave it at that. From the master’s position, it’s only natural. When it comes to horses, he’s always been the type to leave them be no matter what—so of course he’d feel disappointed, having relied on Tomokichi all this time only to see him leave like that. Moreover, since everyone assumes people like us should throw away our lives for the nation whenever war comes, if there’s even one man who says he doesn’t want to go to war, they suddenly brand him as inconvenient without considering his circumstances—that’s how it ends up being. Please don’t take it badly—just think of it as his stubborn military disposition."

“Tane.”
“That’s absurd….”

“Madam.”
“You still managed to save your husband’s life just by displeasing one master. But someone like me—no matter how much I rage and scream—can’t stop what’s determined to go.”

“Tane.”
“In return, there exists the matter of honor.”
“Should anything unfortunate befall you, there would at least be that recompense.”
“In our case, even if we claim it’s for the nation’s sake, that very nation does not extend its care to us.”

“Madam.”
“That’s not true at all.”

“Tane.”
“No—that is not what I meant to say.”
“If your husband were to die, what use would such recompense be?”
“When I bound myself to this man, it wasn’t because he served as an army groom.”
“Unlike our master here—a person of such distinguished standing—who naturally maintains the noble principles befitting his status.”
“Such noble principles mean nothing to us.”
“They hold no sway.”
“For people like us, honor might as well be scrap paper.”
“Like offering gold coins to a cat—exactly as the saying goes.”
“Madam, if an army groom were to die and be enshrined as a god, even the horses would snort in contempt.”
“Not the horses—it’s me who’d laugh till I cried.”

“Madam.”
“I don’t think it’s any blessing that our master gets enshrined as a god.”

“Tane.”
“I suppose that may be so, but were our master to become a god, people wouldn’t find it strange.”
“That much means he’s always been someone close to godhood.”
“Thousands still bow before him daily—you see how it is.”

“Madam.”
“Well, that may be so, but…”

“Tane.”
“If we speak of war, it is rather like a theatrical production.”
“If the actor isn’t stage-worthy, the play would not be entertaining.”
“Unless one is like our master here—adorned with numerous medals, carrying a long sword, and growing a splendid mustache—if instead one were like this person, wearing an ill-fitting workman’s coat with a face as blue as a bitter gourd while holding a horse’s bridle, the spectators would shout: ‘Get offstage, you daikon!’”

“Tomokichi.”
“Ain’t no such thing…”

“Tane.”
“No, it’s truly so…”
“There’s no need for him to go so far as to appear on stage, is there?”

Madam.
“I wonder if our master truly loves war.”

“Tane.”
“It is precisely because he loved it that he became a soldier.”

“Madam.”
“Is that so…”

“Tane.”
“Madam, it is precisely because you too are fond of soldiers that you came to marry the master.”

“Madam.”
“That wasn’t the only reason, though…”

“Tane.”
“That too must have existed.”

“Madam.”
“Because you were utterly consumed by it back then.”

“Tane.”
“You honor me.”
“But my goodness—should we really be indulging in such chatter?”

“Madam.”
“Truly...”
“Well then—for today—let’s leave it at that...”
“When his lordship appears again, we’ll formally discuss what comes next.”

“Tane.”
“I place this matter in your hands.”

“Madam.”
“Since you’ve been so gracious—I suppose I’ll store this over here.”
(Takes up the banknote)

Tane.
"What are we to do with you?"

Tomokichi.
(Scratching his head)

Tane.
“Shall I take it?”

Tomokichi.
“In that case, I’ll take it then.”

Major Uji’s voice.
(From within) “Suzuko!”
“Suzuko!”

“Madam.”
“Yes, coming right away…”
(Exits to the inner room)

Tomokichi.
(Wiping tears) Maybe I really should've gone with the master after all...

Tane.
“Why’s that?”

Tomokichi.

“I feel like I could hold my head high in front of those people out there.”

Tane.
“So?”

Tomokichi.
“Go on then—let them call you Major Uji’s former groom who was too scared to go to war!”

Tane.
“If I’m gone, that should settle it.”

Tomokichi.
“I ain’t scared of war.”

Tane.
“So isn’t that good enough? (Pause) If you need proof I’m not scared of dying, I can show you anytime.”

Tomokichi.
(He looks at Tane’s face)

Tane.
“We don’t have to stay in Tokyo, do we?”

“Tomokichi.”
“I feel like I’m failing the master.”

“Tane.”
“Who does your body belong to?”

Tomokichi.
“Yours.”

Tane.
“Look at that.”
(Takes Tomokichi’s hand) “Come on, let’s hurry and go somewhere.”
“To somewhere far away...”
“Let’s go to Osaka.”
“If it’s Osaka, my uncle is there.”

―CURTAIN―

ACT II

Tomokichi’s room—the day after the previous act.

Tane was packing luggage.
The maid Yoshi stood at the entranceway, watching her.

Yoshi:
“Tane.”
“Every single one of these is Madam’s hand-me-downs.”

Yoshi:
“Very well.”
“You’ve gathered quite a lot here.”

Tane:
“This one’s too flashy—should I leave it with you?”

“Alright.”
“It’s fine—go on and take it.”
“It’d be bad if anyone found out.”

“Tane.”
“You’re not going to become some soldier’s wife, are you?”
“Alright.”
“That’s fine under normal circumstances, but…”

"Tana."
"Madam... didn't you have anything to say about me?"
"Well..."
"No... nothing special."

Tane.

If only a replacement could be found soon…
There should be plenty of single people available.

Yoshi.
“It’s said that Major Uji will be staying entirely at his unit starting tonight…”

Tane.
“Until he departs?”

Yoshi.
Yes.
“This morning, he performed the farewell water-sharing ritual with Madam.”

Tane.
That’s where they differ, isn’t it.

Yoshi.
But Madam’s eyes were completely swollen from crying.

“Tane.”
“Did the Young Master go to school today?”

Yoshi.
"He left quite some time ago."

Tane.
"Please stay by Madam’s side."
"I just feel... awkward about it."

Yoshi.
"Instead of saying such things, please show your face for a moment."

At this moment, Madam Suzuko Uji appeared.

Madam.
Well, leave the packing for later and come talk.

Tane.
Just now, one moment…

“Madam.”
“Since Major Uji has—as you saw today—recovered his spirits and departed, you needn’t stand on ceremony with me.”
“Tomokichi must remain by Major Uji’s side until they find a replacement anyway, so there’s no need for you to hurry your preparations to leave either…”

“Tane.”
“Yes… That’s already…”

“Madam.”
“Since mobilization completion seems to take four or five days, it should be fine if they find someone by then.”
“Well, take your time.”
“After all, no one will use this room.”
“You can stay here as long as needed until future plans are made.”

Tane.
“Thank you very much.”

“Madam.
Since I married a soldier, I had steeled myself for this day to come eventually... but I never dreamed it would arrive so soon and so abruptly.”

“Tane.”
“But Major Uji will surely return unharmed.”

“Madam.”
“Don’t give me such empty comforts.”
“Nothing is more terrifying than relying on what can’t be counted on.”
“I resolved not to voice complaints... but seeing your face...”

“Tane.”
“I understand.”
“Someone like me must seem a vulgar woman in the eyes of ladies such as yourself, but I believe I understand your current feelings all too well.”
“Someone like me cannot do what you do, Madam. That is precisely the admirable quality of ladies such as yourself that we cannot imitate, even if we wished to.”
“No, truly—this morning at the entryway, while seeing off the Major, I felt somehow... struck by this terrifying force.”
“It was not solely due to having witnessed the Major’s gallant departure for the front.”
“At that moment, Madam placed your hand on the Young Master’s head and stayed silent, lowering your eyes.”
“When the Young Master said ‘I’m off’ as usual, Madam suddenly drew him close and smiled sadly.”

“Madam.”
“My, you observed everything in such detail.”

“Tane.”
“I certainly was watching…”
“Madam, at that moment, I truly understood what a dowdy woman I was.”
“But that cannot be helped.”
“For us, there is no such thing as having to do this.”

“Madam.”
“You’re better off staying carefree that way…”

“Tane.”
“Instead, my vision remains perpetually shrouded in darkness.”
“At times, horrors cling to me—things so dreadful they make the hairs rise on one’s neck.”
“Alone... I couldn’t possibly endure this.”

“Madam.”
“What horrors...?”

“Tane.”
“Something akin to what I met with before calling at your residence.”

“Madam.”
“I’ve no wish to know.”
“You’ve likely not heard it yourself yet.”

Tane...

“Madam.
“Is there something you can’t tell me?”

“Tane.
“No, I don’t mind telling you, but if that person were to hear of it… there’s no telling what might happen.”

“Madam.”

“Well then—I’ll hear about that later—why don’t you come over there for a little talk...”

“Tane.”
Since he might return by noon—they made some slight preparations.
They hastened their arrangements.

“Madam.”
“Then don’t mind me—you should go ahead and prepare.”
“I’ll stay here and chat a bit longer…”

“Yoshi, don’t just stand there—go make preparations over there.”
“Today, someone may come.”

Alright.
Yes.
“What would Madam like for lunch?”

Madam.
“There was some leftover boiled lotus root, wasn’t there?”
“Shall I have you grill some salmon?”

“Yoshi.”
“Yes.”
(Exits.)

“Madam.”
“Time flies，doesn’t it?”
“It’s been about a year now，hasn’t it?”

“Tane.”
“Back then, I truly caused you such worry…”

“Madam.”
“Once it’s over, it’s nothing though.”

“Tane.”
“My husband was furious then too.”
“Just like last night, I received his scolding.”

“Madam.”
“That’s right.”
“However, back then, you weren’t as resolute as you were last night.”
“You kept your head down and stayed silent no matter what you were told back then.”

“Tane.”
(Laughing) “I felt rather awkward.”

“Madam.”

It didn’t seem that awkward, though…

“Tane.”
“Oh, Madam.”

“Madam.”
“In any case, I was such a meek girl back then.”

“Tane.”
“Considering how bold you were back then…”

“Madam.”
“If we’re speaking of boldness… I wonder if Tomokichi wasn’t more efficient back then…”
“This might sound like badmouthing my husband, but lately he hasn’t been acting cheeky at all.”
“It’s probably because you’re being too meddlesome.”

Tane.
Why must he remain such a child forever?
Twenty-seven years old and still…

“Madam.”
“He looks like a child to you now, doesn’t he...”
“Back then before sir—‘Could you not grant me Ms.Tane?’”
“That spirit with which he declared it so firmly... Where has it gone now?”

Tane.

“That’s because I gave you guidance.”

“Madam.”
“I suppose so. (Pause) Now then—what exactly was this encounter you mentioned having before coming here?”

Tane.
“Madam, you’re startled.”

“Madam.”
…………

“Tane.”
“I have been to prison.”

“Madam.”
“What?”

Tane.
Observe this.

Madam.

“But what exactly did you do?”

Tane.

“To tell the whole story would take time, but I was once deceived by a man. And so, I took revenge on that man.”

Madam.
………….

“Tane.”
“You mustn’t be shocked.”
“I intended to kill that man.”

“Madam.”
“Oh.”

“Tane.”
“Ah, he has returned.”

Indeed, at this moment, Tomokichi appeared dejectedly.

“Madam.”
“A replacement has been found.”

Tomokichi.

"Yes... no."

“Madam.”
“He managed to get leave approved?”

“Tane.”
“There must be something wrong.”

Tomokichi.
No.

“Madam.”
“Was there any message from sir?”

Tomokichi.
To tell the truth—it had finally been settled that I would accompany him...

TANE.
“What do you mean... that...”

Tomokichi.

“The master’s still tellin’ me to go.”

“Tane.”
“But you… Last night you were so adamant…”

Tomokichi.
"That's exactly why we're discussing this again!"
"Moreover, among regimental officers, there isn't a single one who hasn't taken along the groom that's been with them until now."
"It'd be downright awkward if I'm the only one staying behind."

Tane.
"People are people, and you are you."

Tomokichi.
"That's not how it works!"
"I've decided."
"Get things ready with that understanding."

“Tane.”
“Then what becomes of me?”
“What will you do about me?”

Tomokichi.
“You can’t take me with you, and you’re not going!”
“Stay by Madam’s side and live there.”

“Madam.”
“In that case… if I do that… then I…”
“But you’ve made your resolve so neatly, haven’t you?”

Tane.
“Have you forgotten the promise you made last night?”

“Tomokichi.”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
“I haven’t forgotten, but when I met the guys at the unit today, I suddenly got fired up.”

“Tane.”
“What good is that spirit?”

Tomokichi.
"Hey, Tane."
"Endure this."
"I'm begging you."
"Let me keep my dignity too."

Tane.
“Who’d be impressed even if you put on such a face?”
“Even in front of Madam—even if you say you’re going, I won’t let you!”

Tomokichi.
“Even if you say such unreasonable things…”

“Tane.”
“What’s unreasonable about it?”

“Madam.”
“Now, now—let’s not speak harshly to each other. Why don’t you both try discussing it properly?”
“If Tomokichi has made such a resolution, then Tane should try reconsidering once.”
“Well then, I’ll be over there.”
“Tomokichi too—just abandon your stubborn pride toward society and try putting yourself in Tane’s position.”
“Then, calmly settle things between yourselves.”
(Exits)

Tomokichi and Tane faced each other in silence for a while.

“Tane.”
“Are you truly resolved to go?”

Tomokichi.
“Yeah.”

Tane.
“What did sir say to you?”

Tomokichi.
“It’s not because sir told you to.”
“It’s that I wanted to go.”

Tane.
“But earlier, you said it was because sir told you to go by all means!”

“Tomokichi.”
“That’s part of it, but more than that—I realized I’d been mistaken.”

“Tane.”
“Mistaken how?”

“Tomokichi.”
“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Tane.”
“Why?”

“Tomokichi.”
“Don’t say another damn word to me.”
“I’m going.”
“So let me go in silence.”

“Tane.”
(Suddenly changing his tone) “Don’t you find me lovable anymore?”
“Have I really changed this much?”

“Tomokichi.”
“That ain’t it.”
“That’s not what we agreed!”

“Tane.
The truth is—I’m a woman who can’t go on living without you here.
Don’t you dare think I’m pitiable.
Every single day—not knowing if you’re alive or dead—I waste away thinking of you! Just look what it’s doing to me!”

Tomokichi.

“Well then, look at our mistress.”
“Isn’t it the same thing?”

“Tane.”
“No, no—she isn’t a woman!”
“How can you call someone a woman when she calmly watches the person she loves go off to get themselves killed?”
“If not that, then she’s seeing another man’s face reflected in sir’s retreating figure!”
“No! No! If you refuse and go—!” (clinging to Tomokichi’s shoulder)

Tomokichi.
This was troubling…

“Tane.”
“I’ve endured hardships since I was little.”
“Even now, there are hardships you don’t understand.”
“Just being with you makes those hardships not feel like hardships at all.”
“For mercy’s sake, please reconsider.”
“If going to war is honorable, then not going to war should be honorable too.”
“That’s how it is, isn’t it? Living is painful.”
“It’s more painful than dying.”
“Let’s suffer together!”
“Together, just the two of us, without relying on anyone’s help…”

Tomokichi.
…

“Tane.”
“You can’t let yourself be flattered.”
“You have plenty of other jobs available.”

“Tomokichi.”
(Vacantly) That horse had somehow sensed I wasn’t going.
This morning, thinking this would be the last time, I bought some carrots and took them to him, but he absolutely refused to eat them.

“Tane.”
“Your belly was getting big.”

“Tomokichi.”
“No, that ain’t it.”
“So I figured this guy knew—jokin’ around, ‘I’m goin’, I’m goin’.’”
“When I said that, he went an’ opened his big mouth.”

“Tane.”
“Quit talkin’ nonsense.”

“Tomokichi.”
“I won’t pull any idiotic stunts like dying—so just let me go this once!”

“Tane.”
“It’s not about dying or living—I just can’t bear being apart from you! There’s no other way!”

“Tomokichi.”
“You’ll just get sick and come right back.”

“Tane.”
“I don’t want you coming back sick or anything!”
“What’s wrong with staying like this, just as we are?”
(embraced Tomokichi with both arms) “Well, why can’t we stay like this?”

Tomokichi.
“I don’t know why… but you still can’t go.”

Tane.

“You’ve grown tired of me, haven’t you?”

“Tomokichi.”
“If that’s not how it is, can’t you see?”

“Tane.”
“Then go ahead and try—since I’m staying right here.”

“Tomokichi.”
(He started to pretend to leave)

“Tane.”
“If you go, I’ll do this!” (mimicked choking Tomokichi’s throat)

“Tomokichi.”
“Hey, stop that!”

Tane.
“So… you’re dead set on making me go?”

“Tomokichi.”
“If you do that, won’t you suffocate?”

Tane.
“(Suddenly loosening her grip) Then go ahead and kill me before you leave!”

“Tomokichi.”
“If you do that, they’ll arrest me before I can even go.”

“Tane.”
“Then I’ll go die for you myself.”

“Tomoki.”
“I don’t want you doing something like that for me.”

“Tana.”
“Even if you don’t want it—I’ll do it for you.”
“Fine then! Go ahead and watch!”
(She hurriedly fetched a blade from the sink)

“Tomoki.”
“(Joking tone) If it’s dangerous...”
(He tried to take the blade)

Tane.
(Trying to keep it from her)

Tomokichi.
“Won’t you listen to me?”

Tane.
“That’s my line!”
“Hey…!”
(As she spoke, she suddenly pressed the blade against her own throat.)

Tomokichi.
(Panicked and tried to restrain her)

Tane.
"Let me go... Let me go..."

Tomokichi.
"Hey, idiot! Won’t you stop?!"
(Snatches the blade away)

Tane.
"There are plenty of other ways to die, you know."

Tomokichi.
(At a loss) Stop this cruel game.

Tane.
“You think I’m messing around?”

A long silence.

Tomokichi.
"I already told the master I’d go."

Tane.
"That doesn’t matter!"
"If you just say you won’t go, that’d be the end of it."
"You can’t say that?"
"Then shut up and let’s finish this."
"Come on, let’s go somewhere."
"Hurry up and pack the luggage."
"The luggage doesn’t matter!"
"Quit dawdling already!"

“Tomokichi.”
“Wait.”
“Let me at least try to talk to Madam.”

“Tane.”
“This isn’t the time for that.”
“Those people are only thinking about their own convenience.”
“They don’t care one bit about our business!”
“Come on—if we’re found out now, it’ll mean real trouble.”
“You just stay right where you are.”
(Tightening her obi)

Tomokichi.
“Wait—hold on. I don’t want to run away.”
“I don’t want to be called a deserter.”
“I’ll go tell the master one thing and come back.”

Tane.
“Then you’ll come back here and say you’ve decided to go after all.”
“If it’s come to this, let’s decide here and now once and for all.”
(In a threatening manner) “If you’re going, go; if not, don’t—just say which clearly!”
“I’ve made my resolve too…”

Tomokichi.
………….

“Tane.”
“You’re not trying to deceive me.”

Tomokichi.
“That’s not true.”

“Tane.”
“Then choose.”

“Tomokichi.”
“As for me—I don’t know what to do.”
“I’ll do as you say.”

“Tane.”
“I don’t know either.”
“Do as you please.”

Suddenly, Madam appeared.

“Madam.”
“I’ll decide that for you.”
“Tomokichi doesn’t have to go.”
“You two must leave somewhere right now.”
“I’ll take responsibility for the rest…”

Tomokichi.
(Apologetically) Oh, I’ve disgraced myself.
“It’s just that this one here won’t see reason…”

Tane.
“I’m deeply obliged, Madam.”
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Pardon me for a moment—” (saying this abruptly, she hurried outside)

Madam.
“You needn’t worry.”
“Anyway，someone like you wouldn’t be of use to Master.”

The maid Yoshi hurriedly entered.

Yoshi.
“Madam, it’s terrible!”
“Ms.Tane…!” (Her voice failed; she merely pointed outside.)

Madam.
“What’s happened to Tane?”

Yoshi.
She's at the well—the well...!

Madam Suzuko and Tomokichi, stunned, dashed outside.

―Curtain―