Pathway to Japanese Literature

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Daily PeaceAuthor: Yamamoto Shūgorō

Original Title	日日平安
Author	山本周五郎
Genre	Historical Fiction
Author Type	Male Author
Summary	In a realm plagued by corruption, Isaka Jurōta, a young samurai seething with fury over his domain’s decay, crosses paths with Sugata Hira—a destitute ronin whose desperation drives him to feign ritual suicide. What begins as a chance encounter spirals into a perilous alliance. Jurōta’s uncle, Rikuda Seibē, a pacifist statesman preaching “daily peace,” is abducted by scheming officials aiming to frame him for their crimes. With time slipping away, Sugata’s cunning emerges: exploiting his ragged appearance, he infiltrates enemy ranks, weaving lies to divert their forces while orchestrating a daring rescue. As tensions mount, loyalists rally in secret, balancing honor with pragmatism to avoid bloodshed. Yet trust frays—Sugata’s motives blur between altruism and ambition, while Jurōta’s rage threatens to eclipse reason. Amid downpours and shadowed conspiracies, their gamble hinges on smoke signals, stolen moments in hay-scented darkness, and a single burning storehouse. Will their fragile strategy unravel corruption—or ignite a blaze consuming all?