Pathway to Japanese Literature

Second Lieutenant Hoshino

Sergeant Usuda

Private First Class Konishi

Private A

Private B

Private C

Private D

Hardware Store Owner

His Wife

Their Daughter

Around autumn of Taishō 2 or 3

A night exercise by an infantry regiment was conducted, centered around rural villages in the vicinity of Tokyo.

The sound of rifles--two or three shots--could be heard in the distance.

Soon followed seven or eight pairs of boots crunching small gravel.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: "You understand this officer scout mission?"
"Hoshiyama! Recite it."

Private A: "Yes sir."
"--Second Lieutenant Hoshiyama's officer scouts advance approximately fifteen hundred meters ahead..."
"I've forgotten which river."

Second Lieutenant Hoshiyama muttered "--Hirukawa..."

Private A continued "--will search along Hirukawa River banks and attempt..."

Second Lieutenant Hoshiyama cut him off sharply--
"You're useless."
"Shibata! You try."

Private B: “Yes, sir.”
“From the beginning, sir?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “It doesn’t have to be from the beginning—as long as you understand…”

Private B: “…Should it be achieved, they must report the positions of the enemy’s main force and forward lines.”
“Hold your positions!”

Two gunshots; footsteps ceased.

Sergeant Usuda (lowering his voice): “Lieutenant, the enemy’s sentry line is right there.”

A long silence.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: "Idiot! You think any fool would be exposing themselves in a spot like that?"

Sergeant Usuda: "There was gunfire at that bridge."

Second Lieutenant Hoshino's scouts had clashed; there was still considerable distance to the sentry line. "Hey. Private First Class Konishi—take Tarumi and get to that bridge. Fire your rifle if you find nothing unusual."

The sound of two pairs of footsteps broke into a run.

“Lieutenant, the moon has come out, sir.”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Yeah, the moon’s out.”

A long silence.—In the distance, the clamorous barking of a dog.

Sergeant Usuda: “Even in real war, would it be like this?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Well... It might be like this.”

Sergeant Usuda: “Will there be a war soon?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “There will be.”

Sergeant Usuda: “Where will it be?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “You won’t know until it starts. The enemy can be found in unexpected places.—Tomioka, don’t you dare fall asleep.”

The sound of two or three men stifling their laughter.

Sergeant Usuda: “This time’s Regiment Commander Colonel is quite intense, sir.”

This was the first time the night exercise had continued for three nights.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “I’d say it was like a festival that went on for three nights.”
“In your part of the country, Tomioka, there must be some festival or another going on around now.—Hey! What’s wrong—are you asleep again?”

Private A: “The Hirukawa River, sir.”

Sergeant Usuda: “What the hell are you playing dumb for?”

Again came the laughter of two or three men.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Right—the signal was being given.”
“Let’s go.”
“Double time—silently!”

The sound of feet treading on yielding soil.
The swaying thicket of old.
Four or five gunshots.
A prolonged desolation.

Eventually, the chirping of insects here and there.

Sergeant Usuda: “Konishi, are you all right?”

Private First Class Konishi: “Just now, we clashed with enemy scouts.”
“I think they were probably ambush scouts.”
“We repelled them.”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Good.”
“They retreated along this path, right?”

Private First Class Konishi: “Yes, sir.”

“Sergeant Usuda, shine that flashlight here.”
“Need to check the map...”
(Rustling of unfolded paper) “Hmm—this crossroads ahead looks dicey.”
“We’ll bypass the main route.”
“Stay on my tail.”
“Keep those rifle barrels clear of tree trunks.”
“And quit clustering up...”

The loud footsteps of three or four people approached.

“This must be the area.”

“That is correct, sir.”

“Was it just the two of them?”

“There were indeed just two of them.”

“Our probationary officer’s been slacking off—isn’t he useless? If he can’t even set up sentry posts properly, what the hell did they teach him at the military academy?”

“He was told to just make up the sentry post regulations as he saw fit.”

“What kind of sentry leader do we have here? I mean, even someone like me served as acting platoon leader during last year’s maneuver exercise. The debriefing was flawless.”

“By year’s end, I should make Sergeant Major.”

“Yeah, my turn should’ve come long ago.”

Such voices gradually faded away along with the footsteps.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Who’s that over there?”

Sergeant Usuda: “Sergeant Horikoshi of the 11th Company.”

Shall I take him prisoner—that man…

Private C: “Lieutenant, my leggings have come loose. May I re-tighten them?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Good.”

Sergeant Usuda: “Didn’t I tell you to fix that during the break earlier?”
“Why didn’t you fix that?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino muttered two gruff approvals under his breath.
“Hurry up and do it.”—Private First Class Konishi’s house must be around here.

Private First Class Konishi: "Yes, sir—it's in the village up ahead."

Second Lieutenant Hoshino wondered if he didn't want to drop by home for a moment.

Private First Class Konishi: “I just returned home last Sunday, so...”
Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “If you go loitering around your house tonight, you’ll end up an enemy prisoner.”
“—Are we set?”
“Advance!”

Private D: “Sergeant, I can see something over there.”

Sergeant Usuda: “What…?”
“There’s something wrong with your eyes.”

Private D: “No, it’s moving.”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Where?”
Private D: “It is over there.”
Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “That spot there—you… I see, it’s moving. Then go check it up close.”

“Am I to go alone, sir?”

“I’ll follow behind you.”

“If it’s the enemy, how should I proceed, sir?”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “You don’t understand even that?”
Private D: “Understood, sir.”
Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Go.”

Pause.

Private D: “Ugh!”

“What is it?”
“A beggar, sir.”

A long silence, the sound of wind.

“Halt!”
“Stay low!”

A few gunshots.

Sergeant Usuda: “Confirmed as sentries.”
“Double sentry post.”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino ordered Private First Class Konishi—you there—to take Tomioka and report to the company.
“Listen.—Second Lieutenant Hoshino’s scout report: enemy double sentry at… Ah, I’ll draw a sketch—take this with you.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Yes, sir.”

Then came another few gunshots.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Report that the officer scouts intend to infiltrate the sentry line and confirm the forward company’s position.”

Private First Class Konishi: “I will return to the company and present this report to the company commander. Then the officer scouts will proceed to confirm the forward company’s position…”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Hmm. Go quickly.”
“Do you know the way?”

“Tomioka, come here.”
“What’s this—you’re limping?”

The sound of two people breaking into a run.
These footsteps continued for a considerable length of time.

Gunfire rang out—two or three shots—extremely close by.

Private First Class Konishi: “Damn—enemy scouts.”
“Let’s circle around this way.”
“There’s a ditch here—watch your step.”
(The sound of someone falling) “You idiot—that’s why I told you to watch your step!”
On such a fine evening, to be walking with a guy like you—I must be cursed or something.
“Look at that forest—hey, look, the very top of that forest…”
“I’ll take you to a good spot soon, so come on.”
This was the road I walked every day when I went to school.
These wheat ears were the ones I used to turn into flutes and play every day, one by one.
No good—coming so close to me like that…
You’re being awfully quiet, aren’t you?
What does he want?
Does he hate night roads?

Five or six gunshots rang out in the distance.

“They’re at it again,” said Private First Class Konishi. “Tomioka—got a proposition. You listening?”
“See those five-six houses over there? That one’s my mark.”
“The place with glinting tiles—that one.”
“Quit gawking like that.”
“Ain’t nobody calling you thief.”

Two or three more gunshots echoed farther off, followed by shouts from several men.

Konishi grimaced at their raspy cries. Had he gotten through?
“Not thieves—it’s a house I know. Hardware store with a cute girl.”
“Hey! Quit rushing ahead.”
“Figured we’d grab hot tea there, catch an hour’s solid shut-eye. What say?”
“What? Leave that part to me.”
“You—right here—double over like you got gut pains.”
“What’s this? Bellyache?”
“That’s trouble.”
“Well? Can you tough it out?”

“Wait, wait—you can’t go stopping there.”
“Walk all the way there.”
“Just grab my shoulder and walk.”
“Once we get there, since there are houses around, the plan is—though it’s a shame—to rouse someone from one of them and have them let us lie down for a while.”
“When we get back to the company, I’ll make that report, so you—don’t butt in with any unnecessary comments from the sidelines.”
“Put on a face like your stomachache’s eased up a bit.”
“You got that?”
“Like this—relax your eyelids a bit, flare your nostrils wide, keep your mouth open like usual, twist your waist from side to time, and act like you’re trying to remember where exactly it hurt.”

A dog's shrill bark.

“Hey, Kuro! It’s me—it’s me, Sadusuke!”
“If it’s too dark to see, then sniff it out with your nose—what kinda dog are you?”

The sound of knocking on a door.

“Have you already gone to bed tonight?”

“Who…?”
“Who is it?”

“It’s Sadusuke.”
“Don’t you recognize me?”
“It’s me—Sadusuke from Shimozawa…”
“Don’t you recognize Private First Class Konishi?”

Oh, Sad-san…

The sound of the door opening.

“What’s with your voice, coming here at this hour…”

Private First Class Konishi: “With all the gunfire since earlier—you not remembering me’s downright cold-hearted.”

“Well then, tonight’s exercise was your regiment’s.”

“Course it was,” said Private First Class Konishi. “Everyone asleep?”

“They just went to bed—and here I am like this…”

“Don’t matter either way.”

Another voice called out: “Sad-san?”
“This ain’t no joking matter.”

Private First Class Konishi said: “Evenin’, Pops…”

“You got ’em off clean,” remarked the owner.

Oshin observed: “You’ve still got your bayonet fixed.”

“Don’t go fiddlin’ with that,” the owner warned. “Now you’re up here, quit loitering in the doorway… You got time to spare?”

“Time enough… or maybe not,” Konishi replied. “Figured I’d ask for some hot water if you’ve got any boiling…”
“But maybe it’s too late now?”

“It was boiling until just now, so it’ll be ready soon.”

“Well then, I’ll have you let me rest here awhile.”
“No need for a futon or anything…”

“You’ve got others with you, don’t you?”

“What? Just my subordinate.”
“Hey, Tomioka—get over here.”

“Please, stay as long as…”
“Well now, what happened to those shoes…”
“Earlier he went and fell into a ditch—what a klutz he is…”

“So, which side won the war?”
“Of course, our side.”

Somewhat intense gunfire echoed in the distance.

"They're still at it, huh," said the Store Owner.

"That's the other unit," replied Private First Class Konishi. "Ah, I'm worn out. Five straight nights without sleep'll do that."

"Five nights..."

"Exactly—how's anyone supposed to keep up?"

The store owner remarked that Sad-san hadn't slept for five nights.

“I’m sorry for appearing like this…”
“Five nights…”
“It’s a wonder your bodies are holding up.”
“Hurry up and bring the tea…”
“And there might be something on the shelf.”

The daughter said it might be a bit lukewarm.

Private First Class Konishi: (sipping tea) “Never thought I’d meet you folks looking like this.”

Oshin: “That must be heavy—the thing you’re carrying on your back…”

Store Owner: “That’s what they call a backpack.”
“Right, right—why don’t you take that thing off?”
“Your shoulders can’t get even a moment’s rest.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Nah, once I get used to it, it’s nothing…”

Gunfire sounded somewhat nearby.

“Looks like they’re heading this way.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Tomioka—you keep watch out front.”
Store Owner: “Is that all right?”
Private First Class Konishi: “We’ve already finished our mission.”
The gunfire gradually grew distant.

“You all, please rest without worrying about me.”

“It’s still too early for that…”
“Really now, you ought to get comfortable… Why not take that thing off your back while you’re at it…”

Private First Class Konishi: “Well then, I’ll have you help me with that.”
“Hrngh…”

“What’s this?”
“Lunch box…”

Private First Class Konishi: "That's called a mess tin—for cooking rice."

Wife: "You cook it yourself?"

Private First Class Konishi: "Impressive, right? Might even be better than Oshin here."

Oshin: "Well then, show me the inside."

Private First Class Konishi: "The inside? It's empty now." (Tapping the mess tin's exterior) "Soon as I came indoors, this drowsiness hit me. Mind if I catch my breath here? Just like this'll do..."

“Come now,” said the wife. “But you’d be uncomfortable like that… Why don’t you go upstairs and lie down for a bit…?”

“That’s a good idea,” said the store owner. “Oshin—go lay out the bedding upstairs.”

Footsteps hurriedly ran up the stairs.

“Well now, this is really too much,” said Private First Class Konishi.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” replied the wife. “The upstairs is empty anyway.”

“Is the timing alright?” asked the store owner.

“An hour or two would be fine,” said Konishi. “But I don’t want to make everyone worry. If I decide to sleep just an hour, I’ll wake up right when the hour’s passed…”

Store Owner: “That’s some training discipline.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Plus that guy’s keeping watch—he’ll make sure to wake me when the time comes.”
“Hey Tomioka—when this watch hits half past twelve, rattle your rifle bolt. Take care neither the enemy nor our side discovers you—got it?”
“Better keep this door closed.”

The sound of a door closing.

Private First Class Konishi: These socks are a disgrace.

Wife: “Mind them? It’s cold—you should just keep wearing them….”

Private First Class Konishi: “Well then, if you’ll excuse me.”
“This has turned into one hell of an exercise.”

Wife: “Since Oshin’s upstairs, have her lay out the sleepwear.”

Store Owner: “You—go up for a moment…”

Wife: “That girl knows what to do, so it’s fine.”

Store Owner: “Well then, take your time… It’s 12:30, right? I’ll be careful too.”

“Because they might leave without telling me…”

The sound of footsteps on the stairs.

Oshin: “I wonder if you won’t be cold like this…”

Private First Class Konishi: “Cold? Not a chance.”
“Enough already.”
“Where are you going to sleep?”

“I’ll be downstairs….”
“Downstairs?”
“Please put this sleepwear on…
…It was my dead brother’s….”
“Hmm… Saikou’s…
‘Are you okay?’ …Nah, that’s a lie.
Ah, it’s fine—you don’t need to fold that thing….”
“This is sweat.”
“Might be tears.”

Oshin: “Whose tears…”

Private First Class Konishi: “My…”

Oshin: “Why are you crying?”

Private First Class Konishi: “Because I can’t see you…”

Oshin: “Hmph.”

Private First Class Konishi: “What’s that ‘hmph’ supposed to mean?”

Oshin: “A hmph means a hmph.”

“If you’re going to play word games, here’s how it works.”

“If you don’t like it… it’ll hurt.”

“Trying to punish me... Fine, fine—this is heaven.”

“Should I put something over your shoulders?”

“Place your hand here like this.”

“You mustn’t.”
“Because it’s funny.”

“Goodnight, then…”

“Good night.”

A long time passed.

“Are you already sleepy?”

A pause.

“You should pretend to sleep.”

A pause.

“When can you come next time?”

A pause.
Intense gunfire in the distance.

Oshin: “I...”
“I ended up wanting to go into service.”

A whistle called out to a dog outside.
Oshin: “Is it all right to leave that person alone by themselves?”

Another whistle—continued.

“Private A! Come here! Here! Kuro! Over here!”
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“The gunfire got you spooked?”
“Pathetic coward.”
“Stick with me now.”

Oshin: “They’re saying something over there.”

Private A: “Yeah, there there. Did you get lonely?”
“Don’t you have anywhere to go play?”
“It’s no use—even if you do that….”
“There’s nothing for me to give you.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Tell them to be quiet, Miss Oshin.”

Oshin: “I can’t say something like that.”

There was the sound of someone springing up.
There was the sound of a window opening.

“Hey, Tomioka! Where do you think we are?”
“This is enemy territory!”
“Does anyone make noise here?”

The sound of a window closing.

Private Tomioka (lowering his voice): “We mustn’t talk—I tell you.”
“In that case, I’ll hold you.”
“Don’t you like it?”
“Why don’t you like it?”
“Oh, you’re hurt.”
“You must’ve gotten into a fight.”
“You’re confined to quarters.”

Again, gunfire could be heard.

Private First Class Konishi: “Why do you hate your home?”

“This countryside—it’s just boring and utterly unbearable.”

Private First Class Konishi: “That’s why I’ll get us a house in Tokyo.”

“You and your smooth talk…”
“I’ve listened properly and know all about it.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Know from hearing? What are you…? Who from…? There shouldn’t be anyone blabbing about me.”

“It’s strange how that’s getting out after all.”

Private First Class Konishi: “You shouldn’t be saying such pointless things.”
“For me, there’s only Miss Oshin here—just her alone.”
“Coming here tonight like this isn’t just ’cause I’m sleepy—I ain’t worn out or nothin’.”

Gunfire.

“Hey! Hey! If you make that much noise, the enemy will spot us.”
“Do you understand what a scout’s duties entail?”

Gunfire.
The sound of the wind.

Private A panicked again.

“If this were real combat, I’d have to cut you down.” (Pause) “At least time will pass while we’re sitting here like this.”
“(Pause) If you weren’t such a beast, I’d have a favor to ask.”

Gunfire.

Private First Class Konishi: “You understand now? So isn’t that good enough?”
“Right then—since we’ve settled things—I’ll get up now.”

Oshin: “Don’t go back yet.”

Private First Class Konishi: “Not going back.”
“Can’t talk proper when you’re over there and I’m here.”

Suddenly, intense gunfire rang out.
—Dogs barked from all directions.
Following that, a voice called out, “Retreat!”

“Sergeant Usuda, report to the company immediately—the enemy is preparing a night attack. That’s all—understood?”

“Understood.”

Sergeant Usuda galloped off hurriedly.

“Everyone—don’t panic! If this were real combat and you acted like this, I’d have to cut every last one of you down! Don’t run toward those houses! Can all of you see that two-story house with the glinting tiles? Is there anyone whose rifle isn’t loaded? Load your rounds now!”

Nearby, two or three gunshots rang out.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Get down!”

A long silence.

"Advance!" Second Lieutenant Hoshino ordered.

The sound of boots treading on small gravel continued for some time.
The barking of dogs.

“Who’s there?!” (Pause) “Who’s there?”
“Oh—Tomioka.”
“What are you doing here?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Speak up—I can’t make sense of you when you stay silent.”
“Did you report to the company?”
“What? Not yet.”
“What happened to Private First Class Konishi?”
“Where did he go?”

Private A: “The Private First Class was here until just now.”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “Where was he?”

Private Tomioka: “He was by this private’s side.”

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: Did you lose sight of him?

It was not Tomioka who lost sight.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: Are you claiming it was the Private First Class who lost sight of you?

Ah, that is correct.

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: So you’ve been loitering around here?

Private Tomioka: "I am waiting, sir."

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: "What's the use waiting for someone who's gone missing? In such situations, you return to the company alone. If you assume the Private First Class was struck by enemy fire and killed, isn't that sufficient? That sort of thing won't serve any purpose in war. Come with me."

Private Tomioka: "May I go, sir?"

Second Lieutenant Hoshino: “That should be acceptable.”
“Gallop!”

The sound of galloping grew distant.
A long time passed.

“Please forgive me.”
“Hey... what if...”
“Next time... I’ll make sure...”

The gunfire gradually intensified, its sound drawing nearer in continuous succession.
Then it abruptly ceased.

The “cease exercise” trumpet resounded brightly.

“At last, I’ve become lost.”

Twang—