Pathway to Japanese Literature

一の一 When Kotō Ihee entered, the lecture had already begun there. The sliding doors between a twenty-tatami room and a ten-tatami room had been removed, allowing roughly forty attendees to pack into the space…… Having taken a seat in the lower corner, Ihee pushed aside a nearby brazier and quietly surveyed his surroundings. There were faces from the old guard—beginning with this residence’s master, Domain Elder Tsuda Tanomo, followed by Tōdō Sazen, Kasaori Kichizaemon, and Kawamura Shōgen—as well as elderly men who seemed out of place, and young roughnecks utterly removed from scholarly pursuits like Kamiya Jūrōbee, Saitō Magojirō, and Kobayashi Daisuke. What made the scene even more unusual was that four or five women sat in the lower corner, listening intently.

This was the Domain Elder’s residence. In the twenty-tatami room, a raised platform had been prepared; the lecturer sat rigidly just below this platform, books spread open on the desk as he delivered his address.

――So this was Yamagata Daini. Ihee rubbed his hands and stared intently. In his mid-thirties perhaps, he leaned toward being slight of frame with an unremarkable build, yet his high, broad forehead; lips slightly fuller than average; and above all, those calm, clear eyes brimming with profound light—they unmistakably conveyed resolute willpower while retaining somewhere within them a soft magnetism that drew people in……

Ihee faltered slightly. The man’s character differed considerably from what he had imagined. He had envisioned someone far more unyielding and brimming with combative spirit—a fiery orator whose words spat flames from the tongue’s tip—but in reality, the man’s build resembled that of a village schoolmaster, his tone disarmingly gentle, giving the impression of a casual conversation…… Just as Kotō Ihee settled into his seat, the lecturer seemed to suddenly recall something, “My apologies for not mentioning this sooner—please make yourselves comfortable.”

he said, raising one hand. “It’s not as if I’m delivering some complex lecture here. If you remain formal, it will make everyone feel constrained, so please move closer to the brazier and make yourselves comfortable. It seems tonight will be bitterly cold again—is your region always this chilly?” “As you can see, this is mountainous country.”

“As you can see, this is mountainous country,” Tanomo responded in a gentle tone, as if prompted.

“When the eleventh lunar month arrives, the cold grows severe.” “The winds blowing straight down from Haruna and Akagi—what is locally called the Jōshū wind—are fiercely biting in their severity.” “We are accustomed to it, but it must be troubling for you, Master.” “It’s bitterly cold again tonight.” “It may well turn to snow.” The old officials too exchanged nods in a relieved tone, as if the stiffness in their shoulders had suddenly eased. Waiting for the atmosphere of the gathering to relax, the lecturer quietly resumed his talk…… It was then that Ihee first noticed there were listeners in the corridor outside the hall. The candlelight did not reach that far well enough for him to distinguish their faces one by one, but they appeared to be youths among the lower-ranking retainers. There were women, lower-ranking retainers of differing statuses... Whether this was due to the lecturer’s preference or the Domain Elder’s initiative, in any case, such an assembly was unprecedented and unconventional for a gathering of this nature.

“...Now, as for what is called Itoku—” The lecturer’s eyes quietly swept over the assembly.

“It means that all governed by the Way are unified as one.” “There are not two suns in heaven; there exists no earth beyond this earth; he who should be sovereign over all people is also one.” “A loyal retainer does not serve two lords, a chaste woman does not touch two husbands… This is what we call Itoku.” “The principle of the realm achieves peace only when unified in this manner, but when the world declines into disorder, this principle crumbles.” “Women abandon chastity, samurai serve two lords without shame, and stipends and ranks split their very origins in two.” “Thus, those who seek fame follow him, while those who seek profit obey this.” “When fame and profit split apart from passions and desires, it ultimately becomes an age of chaos.” “I spoke of splitting the very origins of stipends and ranks.” “To draw a contemporary analogy: while the present shogunate unifies the realm as Shogun and grants stipends to daimyō great and small across the provinces, it cannot confer peerage titles upon lords and officials… With all due reverence, though the Imperial Court may bestow such honors, it cannot provide material stipends.” “Even the Shogun comes into existence only after receiving a proclamation from the Imperial Court.” “Even with the might of a Minamoto clan leader commanding millions of koku, the rank of Shogun does not exist without an imperial proclamation.” “This is precisely what I meant by splitting the very origins of stipends and ranks.” “When the very foundation of unity that completes the realm’s principle is already in such a state, fame and profit become divorced from passion and desire, making the corruption of social customs and human ethics an unavoidable consequence.”

At that moment, Ihee clearly saw the lecturer’s eyes emit a phosphorescent light.

Part 1-2

“Ah, it’s finally come.” “……And powder snow at that.”

“This’ll pile up.”

The lecture concluded at ten o'clock at night; outside, a swirling snowstorm had begun unnoticed. Exiting the Tsuda residence before anyone else, Ihee had taken shelter from the snow beneath the eaves of a warrior window at the edge of the nagayamon gate, watching the departing guests.……At the gatefront, people diverged left and right—some donning raincoats, others holding loaned umbrellas from the Tsuda family—scattering in varied guises. And then, when the stream of people had finally ceased, Kurusu Michinoshin arrived, brushing aside the driving snow with his umbrella.

“Hey. I’ve been waiting.” Ihee called out as he stepped from beneath the eaves... Michinoshin, turning back, had a pale face that looked blue in the snowlight beginning to accumulate on the road. “Oh, you were here?” “I came. We had a promise.”

“I was waiting, but since I couldn’t see you, I thought you weren’t coming after all. Were you listening from the beginning?” “From when he told everyone to move closer to the brazier.” Ihee laughed with a hint of sarcasm. “Well now, what a bewildering scene. One moment there’s a Domain Elder, next a foot soldier—and on top of that, female guests sitting alongside them! The lecturer was all consideration—‘Make yourselves comfortable,’ ‘Mind the brazier.’ I don’t know how learned this Lord Yamagata truly is, but when it comes to currying favor, he’s got remarkable tact.”

“A bad habit of yours.” “You sometimes take a terribly warped perspective.” “That’s excessive—calling it a ‘warped perspective’ is defamation.” “I’m straightforward and speak plainly.” “That’s all there is to it.” “My mind’s always cleanly resolved.” “Even regarding that lecture…… Lord Yamagata must’ve been articulating sound governance.” “There was no need for him to fuss over keeping everyone warm by the brazier.” “That’s exactly what I mean by your bad habit.”

“There it is again—if you insist on calling it a habit, then so be it. But Michinoshin,”

Ihee said his next words as if he were entirely unaware of what grave meaning they carried.

“That Lord Yamagata will be killed!”

Michinoshin turned around with a startled expression.

Ihee returned the gaze with a faint smile lingering at the corner of his lips... Though only twenty-five, Michinoshin garnered the entire retainer household’s esteem as an attendant regularly serving in attendance on the lord. Despite being a domain-bound retainer, he was summoned so frequently to Edo that it spoke to the favor he enjoyed from daimyō Mino-no-kami Nobukuni.

In contrast, while Kotō Ihee’s lineage was indeed of Domain Elder rank within the clan, and he held the foremost reputation in the Ippan-ryū school of swordsmanship, his standing among the household was far from favorable. He bore the nickname “Kyokusen”… for his tendency to concoct elaborate arguments, propose heterodox views, and remain ignorant of how to harmonize with others. In other words, it essentially meant he was twisted at the core. From his perspective, he wanted to get along well with others and had no intention of deliberately proposing heterodox views. Unnecessary arguments were the last thing he wanted. And yet, whenever he said anything at all, it was dismissed as twisted logic; if he ventured even slightly to express his own opinion, he was accused of proposing heterodox views.

――Do whatever the hell you want. He told himself this, yet it still unsettled him. The friendship binding Michinoshin—who basked in admiration as he rose spectacularly through the ranks—and Ihee—this unlikable, prickly man—formed a strange union…… Ihee detested Michinoshin. Michinoshin too appeared to regard the likes of Ihee as beneath his notice. Yet the two felt an odd gravitational pull between them.

To give a most interesting example, Kotō Ihee had one younger sister called Sawa. Though she couldn’t be called a stunning beauty, she was highly regarded as a talented woman within the household. By the time she was around sixteen or seventeen, various marriage proposals had been brought to her…… Among them were some that their mother had taken a strong liking to, but Ihee refused to consent. Because I bear the responsibility in place of my late father.

He had rejected them all with that reasoning. When Michinoshin made a proposal through Domain Elder Tsuda Tanomo about half a year prior, he accepted it as though he had been waiting for precisely such an opportunity—meaning Michinoshin and Sawa were now betrothed, and the two would soon become brothers-in-law.

“What do you mean by that?” Michinoshin said while staring into the other man’s eyes. “I told you Lord Yamagata will be killed.” “Why… why would Lord Yamagata be killed? Who says they’ll kill him?” “If you ask who will kill him—it’s Lord Yamagata himself.”

“…” “Yamagata Daini will kill himself.”

1-3

“Ihee—that is your opinion.” “This may indeed be my bad habit.” “I may view things through a twisted lens.” “However, Lord Yamagata’s theories constitute the crime of rebellion.” “Don’t be absurd.”

The snow grew denser.

The two had reached the point on the road where they would part ways to their respective residences... The utterly silent samurai quarters, already blanketed by over an inch of soundlessly fallen snow, made even the familiar street corners give the impression of having arrived in some unknown foreign land. … Michinoshin came to a halt, “I acknowledge that Master Yamagata’s theories are novel. He addresses many crucial issues that conventional scholars have never broached, and his methods of exposition are full of unconventional approaches. But Master’s logic should contain not a shred of absurdity that could warrant criticism.”

“Do you truly believe that? What I speak isn’t mere words.” “Words are things humans have crafted.” “One can always cover things up or deceive… but the true intent behind words cannot be concealed.” “I’ve seen through what Lord Yamagata’s theories imply.”

“That’s something I’d truly like to hear.” “I hadn’t realized you possessed such scholarly depth to grasp the core of Yamagata’s theories.” It was unmistakably a sneer. When it came to debates like this—regardless of how they unfolded—Michinoshin held the upper hand, physical prowess aside. Any theory cobbled together by someone of Ihee’s intellectual caliber, whether sound or not, he felt certain he could demolish on the spot. “No—enough.” Ihee bit out the words through clenched teeth.

“...My opinions are probably worth less than three coins to you, and I have no desire to convince you either.” “Just go home tonight and think it over carefully. The doctrine presented in Yamagata’s treatise is dangerous.” “At the very least, it’s terrifyingly dangerous for those of us who prioritize martial arts.”

“If you tell me to think about it, I’ll give it some thought.” “I don’t find the theory to be all that difficult.” Ihee watched Michinoshin’s eyes as he spoke with suspicion, but soon, while etching a faint smile once more at the corner of his lips—

“Hey, Michinoshin.”

he said suddenly in a bright voice. "You know, despite being quite the scholar, you have an almost unbelievably dull streak." "There are all kinds of ways to see a person, you know." "If you can remain so at ease, count yourself fortunate." "Sweet dreams."

Breaking free from Michinoshin’s umbrella, Ihee charged through the snow in great bounding strides.

The snow that had piled up two shaku overnight was still falling heavily by morning…… Upon waking, Ihee—naked—dashed out to the wellside and splashed his robust twenty-six-year-old body with bucketfuls of water. It must still have been early—the shutters of the retainers’ longhouse in the backyard remained closed, and Mojya, the dog that usually came bounding out at once, was nowhere to be seen.

“……Maybe I’ll head out.” Vigorously scrubbing his skin with a towel, Ihee gazed out at the Onibō Massif shrouded in snow. Paths of bamboo grass pressed flat by snow, holes beneath cliffs bound by icicles, and the stirring back of a bear in a snowdrift floated before his eyes, tantalizing his instincts... Ihee knew as clearly as if reading his own palm which hole the bear would emerge from onto which path, from which direction the deer would be driven into which grove.

“Calling everyone over for venison might not be half bad.” “What are you going on about to yourself?”

Suddenly called out to from behind, Ihee struck his head against the well bucket as he turned around.

Sawa laughed on the veranda. “What’s the big idea? You have to go shouting like that—you scared me half to death!”

“There you go with that vulgar mouth again.” Sawa cast her eyes toward the interior as if to warn him. “Since Mother is already awake.” “It’s your fault for startling me.” “You think you can just bring up Mother and I’ll cave in? I’m not that young anymore!” “...Ihee.” From the distance came their mother’s voice. “What are you acting so high-and-mighty for out there?” “Quickly put on your kimono and come inside.” “If you catch a cold, I won’t allow you to go out.”

“Yes, I’m coming in right now.” With an amused shrug of her shoulders, Sawa watched her brother’s figure dart off toward the water outlet.

Ihee loved hunting. Moreover, the land known as Kōzuke-Obata was perfect for hunting—when the season came, bears, deer, wild boars, monkeys, and others appeared in abundance, with rabbits so plentiful even children could hunt them…… Ihee’s late father Izaemon had loved hunting, owned an excellent firearm, and from Ihee’s early childhood had taken him along to build his physique. So when it came to hunting grounds within over ten *ri* of this area, he knew them far more thoroughly than professional hunters.

――Maybe I’ll head out. When he said this, he meant going out for rifle hunting, of course. However, his mother Kiiwa detested hunting. Ever since her husband had once accidentally shot and killed a dog during a hunt, she detested it so intensely that merely hearing the word would make her turn pale.

“……What should I say to get her permission?”

While putting on his kimono, Ihee grew serious and pondered like a boy preparing to go out and play.

Part 1-4

At that very moment, on the path ascending Onibō Mountain, two men who appeared to be master and servant were struggling through snow deep enough to submerge their knees.

One was Yamagata Daini, who had been lecturing at the Domain Elder’s residence the previous evening. The attendant was a small-built young man of about twenty-two or twenty-three, his thin, slightly hunched shoulders and conversely uptilted head giving off a somewhat peculiar impression. “Tōju... Can you walk?”

Daini stopped in his tracks and turned around, raising his hat as he called out.

“We picked a bad day for this.” “I thought it wouldn’t be this bad—that’s why I overruled Lord Tsuda’s objections to come—but this seems too much for you.” “Your gracious concern is unnecessary—this humble one’s body still brims with vitality.” “I apologize for my slow pace, but it poses no hardship.” As he spoke these words and tilted his head upward, the young man’s face revealed two sightless eyes. The unnatural angle of his head stemmed from his blindness. “I would tell you to abandon your stubbornness and turn back, but having come this far, retreat is impossible.” “Shall we endure?”

"That concern of yours is too much for this humble one." The blind youth called Tōju turned his sightless eyes sorrowfully toward Daini as he spoke... Both his tone and the expression he turned toward him would surely have made an unfamiliar observer feel as though a cold hand were stroking their heart. His entire body possessed an inexplicable, mollusk-like viscosity. The two proceeded along the path. They had likely climbed twenty *chō* up the slope by now. On the slope facing true north, the blowing powder snow blocked their field of vision without lessening its force. For now, having it at their backs was manageable, but one couldn’t help but dread the hardship of descending.

Midway up the slope commonly known as Gongendaira, when they came upon a slightly flatter detour... Tōju abruptly halted. “...Tōju... What’s wrong?” Daini called out. “People are following us.” “...People are coming.” “I had been concerned about this for a while.”

Tōju tilted his head and held his breath, as if straining to catch distant sounds. The wind moaned through withered treetops. Throughout the forest came the thud of snow clumps dropping from branches…… yet to Daini’s ears, no other noises carried.

“They are following us.” Tōju said in a murmuring voice. “Master, is there any place nearby where you can conceal yourself?” “A little further ahead, Gongen Hall comes into view.” “That won’t do.” “Please conceal yourself either deep in the forest or within the bushes—somewhere they cannot track your footprints.” “Could they not be woodcutters or hunters?” “That’s incorrect.” “It is the walking style etched into this humble one’s ears.” “They followed us all the way to Fukaya Station, and it’s that same walking pattern that vanished after that.”

“Then they wouldn’t be alone.”

“They’ve increased.” “There were three at that time.” “Now five... possibly more.” “Please hurry.” “But against that many with just Tōju alone…”

“Master.” Tōju’s voice checked Daini with an indescribably sorrowful resonance.

How he would handle this danger—Daini knew that better than anyone... And so, suppressing lingering unease, Daini moved into the depths of the leafless oak forest, taking care to leave as few footprints as possible. Tōju’s perception had hit true. Before long, figures cloaked in snow-covered raincoats and hats could be seen on the road—one, then two, pressing forward with great urgency until seven had come into view... Upon reaching Gongendaira, they immediately spotted Tōju standing there facing them.

“...It’s Mōmunen.”

The one at the front said. The tone of that voice sent identical shudders through his companions. The resolve they had brought with them was evident in everyone’s eyes. The moment they heard “Mōmunen,” the seven men shuddered as one—but in the next instant, the man who had been leading tore off his raincoat and hat. “He’s nearby—don’t let him escape!”

“Right!” they all cried in unison, immediately discarding their raincoats and hats. Below, they had secured the crotch guards of their hakama and were fully prepared with sweat-stopping tasuki sashes. Tōju also quietly removed his rain gear. Neither side spoke... and for the third time, once again, one of the samurai who had been at the front— “Mōmunen—I will handle him. Search for Daini!” With that shout, he charged forward.

Two-One “Wait—hold there a moment.”

Ihee called out to stop his companions who were moving ahead. “What’s wrong?” “Prey?”

Saitō Magojirō and Kamiya Jūrōbee came running back together, shouting.

There, on the path beneath a cliff blanketed by bear bamboo, the combination of a sparse forest of young oak trees on one side and a folding screen-like cliff pressing close—though not particularly tall—caused the wind-driven snow to accumulate knee-deep.

Ihee, still holding the firearm under his left arm, crouched down and peered intently at something as if searching for animal tracks.

“What’s this, Kotō? A bear? A boar?”

As Magojirō, who had returned, whispered this and peered down, Ihee pointed at the snow and told him to look here. Bloodstains were staining the snow. Following the direction of Ihee’s pointing finger, they saw where a section of the cliff had crumbled. From the thicket of bear bamboo, across the path and into the sparse oak forest beyond, the bloodstains trailed in dotted lines… The reason the two who had gone ahead hadn’t noticed them was because the blowing snow had buried the traces. It was only after they had trampled through the snow that they caught Ihee’s eye.

“It’s wounded.” “And a big one.”

“It’s a bear!”

“That might be the case.” “But…” The two were already fired up, but Ihee seemed unsettled by something.

They had come to Onibō Mountain to hunt a little past nine o'clock. Ihee had first intended to target the bear path in this valley, so he turned left from the mountain entrance and came this way. At that moment, through the blizzard, Ihee caught a fleeting glimpse of four or five samurai swiftly ascending the slope ahead. They’re in a ridiculous hurry.

And then, at that moment, Ihee thought.

Of course he had assumed they were household members and put them out of his mind, but now, confronted with fresh bloodstains before his eyes, those samurai who had hurried up the slope suddenly resurfaced in his memory... Magojirō and Jūrōbee pressed him urgently from beside. “Hey—what’s on your mind?” “Let’s chase it down! Which way?” “Up or down?”

“This way. But stay alert.” Ihee entered the sparse forest and said in a low, threatening voice.

“A wounded beast is dangerous—it might leap at you without warning. Be quiet.”

The three of them advanced quietly.

The sparse forest formed a gentle slope descending toward the north. In the snow that kept piling up as it blew in relentlessly from behind, there remained a single depression—a hollow left by something that had passed through some time before. Ihee took the lead and followed the trail. However, they didn’t need to go even a hundred paces. Where the snow hollows ended stood a single old cedar. At its base lay a figure buried in snow... Ihee extinguished the match cord, handed the firearm to Magojirō, and rushed over.

When he turned it over, it was a young, unfamiliar samurai.

“What—a person?!”

“He’s been cut down.” Magojirō and Jūrōbee gasped. Ihee quickly examined the wound. The young samurai had been stabbed in the flank. And he had already stopped breathing... At that moment, Magojirō—who had been peering from behind—pushed Ihee aside upon finding something,

“Hey, let me see!” He leaned forward. And he stared intently at the corpse’s face—then suddenly cried out.

“Kazuma! It’s Kazuma!” “……You know him?” “I know him.” “He was a close attendant at the Edo residence—a man named Ōsawa Kazuma.” “He and I once studied swordsmanship together at Master Suzuki Jirōdayū’s dojo—and he was one of the top men at the Edo residence.”

“Are you certain? It’s strange for someone from the Edo residence to be in a place like this.” “No doubt about it. This is definitely Kazuma.” “But they say death alters faces—there could be lookalikes.” Jūrōbee pressed insistently. At that moment, those samurai figures flashed through Ihee’s mind again—their forms climbing frantically through the blizzard... “Hey Magojirō—let’s check over there.” “What’s the plan?”

“There’s something up there.” “Hurry!” Snow swirled up at Ihee’s feet. Magojirō and Jūrōbee also started running after it.

Two-Two

The three of them, having returned to their original spot, pushed through the densely growing bear bamboo grass and, clinging to its roots, climbed the cliff along the collapsed sections.

The top of the cliff was a cedar forest forming a steep slope that climbed toward Gongen Hall. Ihee stopped repeatedly to listen for human voices… but only the blizzard’s howl answered through the silence.

“Ah! Look.” “There’s another one over there…”

The voice of Jūrōbee, who had been running at the rear, sounded. About twenty-five meters to the right of where the three were climbing lay a figure collapsed and covered in snow... The white sweat cloth stood out vividly to their eyes.

“You two go check it out.” “I’ll go check up ahead.”

With those words, Ihee ran up the slope.

The detour around Gongen Hall was hushed. However, the snow on the road was badly trampled, with blood dripping here and there... Spotting something glinting between the bamboo leaves, he approached to find an unsheathed sword. There was another corpse.

The two had collapsed nearly overlapping each other, as if plunging into the oak forest on the right…… Upon approaching and examining their wounds, he found one in the chest and another in the right flank—all deep stab wounds from a single thrust.

They all had the same wound. A single fatal thrust.

Magojirō and Jūrōbee caught up. Both of them had turned completely pale... Though he didn’t recognize the name of the one who had collapsed on the slope, they said he too was a retainer of the Edo residence. “Where are the wounds?” “They were struck here.”

Magojirō pressed over the heart. Ihee told them to look at the two corpses lying there. Magojirō let out a strangled groan the moment he saw their faces…… They too were Edo retainers—men named Taniguchi Heiroku and Nojima Tadanosuke. The three split up and searched the vicinity once more. However, whether others were buried in the snow or their numbers were only that many, they found nothing else. When they returned exhausted from searching to the detour around Gongen Hall, Magojirō examined the two corpses once more,

“Strange—these stab wounds feel familiar… Every single thrust precisely targets vital points—no ordinary swordsman.”

“Anyway, staying like this won’t help.”

Ihee said. “Jūrōbee, you go report this to the magistrate and come back.” “Then we need manpower to transport the corpses.” “I need you to get five or six young men and some door planks.” “We’ll take care of things here—Saitō and I.” “Well, well… What a fine mess we’ve stumbled into.”

Jūrōbee immediately set out.

What on earth had happened? Four men from the Edo residence had infiltrated the domain only to end up as corpses in these mountains… Had they killed each other in mutual slaughter? Or had all four been slain by someone else? And if so, what had become of that assailant? Could they still be lurking in these mountains?

The blizzard grew increasingly violent; the icy wind swept through the treetops of the oak forest, howling fiercely. “That’s right—I remember!”

Magojirō suddenly raised his eyes. “What…?” “This wound—a single fatal stab. There’s no one else who could deliver such a perfect thrust.” “It’s him.” “……Who?” “There’s a man named Hasegawa Tōju—he was also a disciple at Master Suzuki’s dojo. Probably around twenty-one or two.” “Both his eyes are blind, but his technique was extraordinary.” “Blind? A blind man wields a sword?” “It’s not just about wielding—not a single person in the Suzuki school could fully withstand his thrusts… We called him Mōmunen.”

“What does Mōmunen mean?”

“I don’t know the meaning. No one in particular called him that—yet somehow the name just stuck over time… Looking at these stab wounds now, I can vividly see him.” Leaning slightly forward, blind eyes turned skyward, short sword held high in his guard… “That’s him. There’s no one besides Mōmunen who can deliver thrusts like these.”

Magojirō trembled as if he were seeing Mōmunen himself there, drawing in a deep breath. “However, even if the assailant were that man, would there be any reason for him to confront these four in such a place?” “Even if all four were slain by that man—”

“I don’t know. I was assigned to the domain last spring and came here. There might have been some mistake after that. But during my time there, there shouldn’t have been any particularly deep relationship.” “Who on earth is that man?” “Do you mean that man is Tōju?”

“You say a blind man wields a sword—but is he a samurai or a townsman? What does he use a sword for?” “That I don’t know either.”

Magojirō shook his head and said.

“Apparently his father was a ronin.” “I’d heard his main profession was as a biwa instructor, but he loved swordsmanship and frequented the dojo.” “Of course he didn’t seem to harbor any ambition to make a living by the sword—aside from that unique thrusting technique of his, he was a good-natured man with few words and a calm disposition.” “The story doesn’t align with the facts.” “But since the men themselves are dead, we’ll need to interrogate someone from the Edo residence to find out.”

Ihee raised his snow-covered hat and looked down the path. The blizzard assaulted the withered forest with tremendous force, shaking the treetops, scouring the earth, and mowing down everything in its path with gray wings as it moved on.

What had happened in this blizzard? Ihee thought of the man called Mōmunen, and pondered the circumstances of the four who had come all this way into the mountains to die.

――What had happened?

Two-Three

Kurusu Michinoshin was reading the summons from Domain Elder Tsuda Tanomo… He had just finished his midday meal when his mother entered carrying tea. “Are you going out?”

His mother sat down beside Michinoshin as she set down the tea. She was named Sonne; born the daughter of an ashigaru group leader in the same clan, she married into the Kurusu family at sixteen, gave birth to Michinoshin at nineteen, and after being widowed at twenty-five, had admirably raised Michinoshin while remaining a widow ever since. They say a first son’s face resembles his mother’s, and Michinoshin’s beautiful features were indeed a direct copy of his mother’s. Sonne was renowned as a beauty even within the Obata household, yet there was a porcelain-like chill about her that extended to her very temperament. In both her blunt manner of speech and the faint smile that perpetually lingered at the corners of her mouth hovered something sardonic—a penetrating quality that created an icy distance even for Michinoshin, her only child. That quality now seemed to cast a faint shadow across Michinoshin’s excessively handsome features—beauty too striking for a man.

“It was a messenger from the Domain Elder, but...”

Michinoshin was rolling up the document as he said, “It appears urgent official business requires me to go to Edo. I wish to make preparations and depart immediately.” “Then I shall prepare your things,” Sonne replied. She began to rise but paused. “Will this business take long?” “I cannot discern from the document alone—is there some matter requiring your attention, Mother?” “It concerns Kotō’s daughter—”

Sonne started to say but—

“Well, let’s discuss that later—it can wait until you’re back.” Having said that, she stood up and left. When speaking of Kotō’s daughter, it referred to his betrothed, Sawa. Come spring, once his lordship returned to the domain, the wedding ceremony was set to take place... Wondering if something had happened to Sawa, Michinoshin found himself beset by unexpected doubts that made his composure waver slightly.

――However, even if I pressed her now, Mother wouldn’t speak.

Thinking that, he remained silent.

In his travel-ready attire and accompanied by a single attendant, he visited the Domain Elder’s residence about half an hour later… He was immediately ushered into the guest room, but just as he entered, Inspector Narumi Daikurō was taking his leave.

“Thank you for braving the snowfall.” Tanomo, as if he had been waiting impatiently, acknowledged the greetings perfunctorily and declared: “I have a crucial task for you.” “If this humble one may prove capable,” “Master Yamagata was assaulted by assailants.”

“By thugs…” Michinoshin briefly recalled Ihee’s face. “This morning, he climbed Onibō Mountain to survey the geography.” “We did attempt to dissuade him due to the snow, but he insisted on hurrying ahead and climbed the mountain with Lord Tōju.” “Then... at Gongen Hall, seven men who had been following them reportedly launched an attack without giving them a chance to speak.” “And Master?!” “Though blind, Lord Tōju proved himself a peerless swordsman, cutting down four of the seven on the spot and returning unscathed... The problem is that those thugs were members of our own clan.”

Michinoshin gasped. He thought of Ihee again; however, that suspicion was quickly dispelled. “Though they are of our clan, they are not from the main territory. They are all people from the Edo residence, and it seems they have been pursuing Master all the way from Edo.” “For what reason would they do such a thing?” “You may not yet be aware of this, but through the joint recommendation of Edo’s senior official Yoshida Genba and myself, we have proposed Master Yamagata as an honored advisor to the shogunate. This invitation to lecture here was part of that process, but... there are those among the Edo senior officials who oppose it.”

Tanomo, bending his corpulent frame, suddenly lowered his voice and continued. “It is not merely opposition to welcoming Master Yamagata as an honored advisor—the roots lie in political discord, you see.” “Is it Lord Matsubara?”

Michinoshin boldly declared.

Within Oda Mino-no-kami’s retainers, two factions stood opposed. One faction belonged to Edo Chief Retainer Yoshida Genba and Domain Elder Tsuda Tanomo, while the other comprised Edo Administrator Matsubara Gondayū, Tsuda Shōzō, Elder Councilor Tsuze Gen’emon, and their allies… In short, the Yoshida-Tsuda faction were reformists who sought to discard old policies and overhaul domain governance. Matsubara Gondayū’s faction were conservatives who attempted to enforce traditional power politics.

However, to these two power struggles had been added yet another complex condition. That was— The current lord, Mino-no-kami Nobukuni, was an adopted son; his biological father was Oda Shōshō Nobuyoshi of the kōke—a high-ranking ceremonial family. This Nobuyoshi was a man who loved power, wielding his position as the lord’s biological father to manipulate Ōbata’s domain governance as he pleased… Matsubara Gondayū’s faction had allied themselves with this Major General Nobuyoshi. Of course, such conflicts within the clan were covert. It was not something anyone could speak of openly. Yet Michinoshin now clearly stated his opponent’s name. For he had sensed that the decisive moment had come.

“That’s right. It’s likely him.” Tanomo nodded.

2-4

“Just now, four bodies were brought from Onibō Mountain.” “Kotō Ihee, who had been out hunting, along with Kamiya Jūrōbee and Saitō Magojirō—the three of them found them.” “To make matters worse, since Magojirō had been stationed in Edo until last spring, he recognized the four dead men.” “Also, three of the seven men sustained injuries and appear to be hiding somewhere.” “If we do not silence Magojirō and settle this matter discreetly, it will provide them with a pretext to exploit.”

“Therefore, I want you to depart for Edo.” “Do you have a strategy?”

“Regarding the seven men who have come to this domain, no notification has been filed with the main territory.” “This is our only leverage.” “Dispose of them under the pretext of desertion and private feuding.” “That... is a grave responsibility.”

“We have no choice but to proceed.” “We must absolutely proceed.” “We will write a separate letter to Yoshida Genba—negotiate with him.” “Lord Matsubara is no straightforward man—I doubt he’ll yield easily—but I shall press with all resolve.” Having concluded their meticulous arrangements and risen to leave, Michinoshin suddenly recalled— “What of Master’s situation?” “Has he already departed?”

“He was scheduled to depart, but we’ve asked him to stay until this commotion dies down… It appears Magojirō has deduced that Lord Tōju was the one who dealt with those four men.”

“Are they acquainted?” “It seems that since they trained at the same swordsmanship dojo in Edo, he recognizes Lord Tōju’s sword techniques… He does not yet appear to have realized that Lord Tōju has come to this land accompanying Master Yamagata, but should he discover that, matters will not end peacefully.” “Therefore, I intend to shelter him in this residence for the time being.” Michinoshin thought for a moment,

“What are your thoughts?”

Michinoshin said while looking into Tanomo’s eyes. “Could you send Magojirō to Edo to accompany me? If we do so, since he alone knows Lord Tōju, I believe it will ensure safety afterward.”

“That is an excellent plan.” “We shall make arrangements at once.”

Tanomo immediately made the arrangements.

Together with Saitō Magojirō, who had hurried over after preparing for the journey, Michinoshin left Tanomo’s house a little past two in the afternoon. ...It was no hour to begin a journey. The blizzard raged. Yet they could not spare even a moment’s delay. Defying all precedent, they even gave horses to their attendants—four riders plunging through the storm, hooves churning snow as they departed.

When they turned the corner at the samurai district's crossroads and headed toward the highway entrance, crossing paths in the opposite direction, Kotō Ihee rounded the corner. He then entered the Tsuda residence's main gate and requested an audience with the Domain Elder.

However, the audience was refused.

“The Domain Elder states that he is currently occupied with pressing matters and has no time to meet with you.” “However, my business is equally urgent—there are matters I must inquire about regarding the disposal of the Edo retainers who were slain today at Onibō Mountain.” “At least arrange an audience now.”

“Since it concerns none other than you, my lord, were a meeting possible, he would not refuse. However, today he asks that you return.” “Then... there’s one thing I’d like to ask.” Kotō Ihee said, staring intently into the retainer’s eyes.

“Is Lord Yamagata Daini still staying at your residence?” “Well… that…” “Has Lord Yamagata already departed?” The retainer averted his eyes from Ihee’s gaze. “Well... yes, I believe he is still staying, but he may have already departed.” “As I was preoccupied with my own duties, I am afraid I have no knowledge of that matter.”

“...Then I suppose there’s nothing to be done.”

Ihee stared once more into the retainer’s eyes, then bowed and stepped outside. However, when he exited the gate and walked about thirty paces along the row-house wall, reaching the rear of the Tsuda residence, he heard a terrifying human scream and the sound of something tearing. —What was that?

Ihee stopped and listened intently. However, there were no more sounds. Enveloped in howling snow, the Domain Elder’s residence fell profoundly silent... A gruesome, chest-clawing scream. It was a sudden sound like splintering wood, but... “Was it a phantom sound?”

Ihee muttered to himself and began to walk.

III-1

Having been refused an audience with Tsuda Tanomo, Kotō Ihee proceeded directly to visit Saitō Magojirō. However, Magojirō was not there.

“Due to urgent business, he has just now departed for Edo.” “Did he go alone?”

“I heard he was with Lord Kurusu, but…”

The person left in charge knew no more than that. Ihee proceeded from there to Kamiya Jūrōbee’s house.

He was still a dependent younger son living at home, enjoying a carefree existence, with one brother considerably different in age. When Ihee peered into the garden from the side, he found him together with this brother, both covered in snow and crafting an alarmingly large snowman. "Hey, what's up? Need something?" "I need to talk. Can you come out?" "Alright, I'll come around from the front right away."

Jūrōbee adjusted his attire and came out from the front entrance. Ihee, walking alongside him toward his own house, began to speak in a hushed voice. “Jūrōbee, the four who were slain at Onibō Mountain had companions.” “Companions, you say?” “There were seven in total. Four were lying there at that place, but three who were injured managed to survive… they were now at my house.” Jūrōbee let out an “Ah!” and widened his eyes. “About two hours ago, they came stealthily through the back entrance. Momoi Kyūma was among the three.”

“That Momoi who was assigned to Edo three years ago?” “That’s right.” While keeping watch over both sides of the road, Ihee continued in a hushed voice. “That Kyūma.” “All three are injured.” “The wounds aren’t severe, but we can’t let word spread. I’ve got my mother and sister treating them now.” “Then… what became of those seven?” “What were they doing there?” “Who cut them down?” “Yamagata Daini.”

“What? That Yama…” “The one who struck them down wasn’t Daini—it was that fellow Mōmunen, just as Magojirō said.” “The seven had come to Obata by secretly tailing him, attempting to assassinate Daini for the clan’s sake.” “And they cornered him at Onibō Mountain, but because of Mōmunen, they were instead cut down—four killed and three wounded.” “For what purpose—but why did they try to kill Yamagata Daini for the clan’s sake?” “Through consultations between the Edo elders, Domain elders, and executives, they’ve apparently decided to invite Daini as the shogunate’s esteemed guest-scholar and even have him participate in core affairs of domain governance…… However, Yamagata Daini’s theories contravene many of the shogunate’s taboos, and there are rumors he’s plotting something destabilizing—so they’re secretly investigating him now.”

“That’s outrageous! To invite such a man as the shogunate’s guest-scholar—it’s practically begging for their reprimand!” “Under Lord Shigehide (Nobuhide) and Lord Matsubara’s orders, seven men came to sever the root of calamity…… Kyūma says cutting down Daini isn’t just for the clan’s sake, but for the realm’s peace.” “If you’re a warrior, that’s what you’d do—hell, I would too!”

Jūrōbee thrust out his fist. “So—have you informed Magojirō?” “No—I hear Saitō has left for Edo.”

“To Edo? “…For what purpose?” “I hear he’s with Kurusu, but I believe he’s acting as an urgent messenger regarding the matter of the four corpses.” “From the fact that seven men attempted to assassinate Daini, Lord Tsuda undoubtedly intends to take some preemptive measures at the Edo residence.” “……I don’t get it.”

Jūrōbee shook his head vigorously and said. “The Domain Elder is such a good person—his caliber had even been said to be wasted in a place like Obata—so why would he get so entangled with someone like Daini?” “If Daini were truly a man under secret investigation by the shogunate, there’s no way the Domain Elder wouldn’t realize it.”

“Every human has a weakness. Whether it’s being blinded by money, led astray by women, or obsessed with power—great men, in their own way, still have weaknesses.”

“Does the Domain Elder have some kind of weakness like that?” “Obata may be a small domain, but it’s a direct branch of the prestigious Oda clan. Having this domain’s governance in one’s own hands—that’s not exactly an unpleasant thing for anyone.”

The two were about to turn toward Kotō’s residence. Then, from that direction, someone came running, kicking up snow as if about to fall. “Ah, Brother!” It was his younger sister, Sawa.

Part 2 of 3 “Sawa? What’s wrong?” “I was looking for you.”

Sawa was pale, her face twisted, and she was gasping for breath. “As soon as you left, Brother, the two of them—Mr. Doi and Mr. Yamaguchi—” “What about the two of them?” “They declared they would cut down Daini and left.” “What about Momoi?” “What about Kyūma?”

“Mr. Momoi’s leg injury began to hurt, and he is unable to move—he is resting at home.” Ihee involuntarily groaned. ——Could it be?

When I left the Tsuda residence earlier, there was an unusual noise from the backyard—though suspicious, I came here without investigating—but could it be……that those two had stormed in at that moment? The noise was violent. And then it stopped immediately. If those two had broken in then, the fact that the noise ceased so abruptly… wouldn’t that mean they’d suffered the same fate as the four at Gongen Hall?

“Jūrōbee.”

Ihee turned around, “You take my sister home—I’m counting on you to handle Kyūma.” “What will you do?”

“The two stormed into the Tsuda residence.” “I might be too late, but I’ll go check.” “I’m counting on you to handle Kyūma—don’t hand him over to anyone who comes!” With that, Ihee kicked off his tabi and, thrusting the umbrella into his sister’s hand, broke into a run. Having judged a frontal approach futile, he circled straight to the rear when he reached the Tsuda residence. The snow fell with increasing stealth. Whipped by swirling winds, powder snow billowing up from the ground fluttered its gray shroud in every direction.

Ihee leaped onto the stable roof and clambered up onto it. Then, crouching in the accumulated snow, he peered into the inner garden.

In front stood a main house spanning over fifty tsubo. To the left stood a detached house and tea room, and behind them rose a two-story pavilion with gabled roofing that the master had styled as “Bōsuiro.” There was no sign of life anywhere.

The elaborately designed spring garden was now buried beneath the snow, and only the swirling blizzard performed its futile dance…… If Daini was here, he would be in that Bōsuiro pavilion. Having intuited this, Ihee observed the situation a while longer before quietly sliding down into the estate grounds.

The sound had definitely come from that vicinity. But now everything had been buried under the snow. Kotō Ihee ran along the shadows of the shrubbery across the garden now thick with twilight hues—then dashed all at once beneath the tea room’s earthen eaves… And when he paused there to catch his breath, he heard a mournful biwa’s notes. ——Hasegawa Tōju. Mōmunen. Ihee realized this. From Sonjirō’s account, he had heard that Tōju was skilled at the biwa, and there was no one in this residence who played the biwa. While certain it was him, Ihee became aware of himself being powerfully drawn into the melody... Fragments of Bai Juyi’s verse surfaced in his mind—*the thick strings roar like sudden rain, the thin strings whisper like intimate confessions*. ...*When roaring and whispering intertwine in play, great pearls and small pearls fall upon a jade plate*... Yet the biwa’s sound at this moment lacked such splendor. It was that superfluous technique that had evoked Bai Juyi’s phrasing, but the true resonance it emitted was something far more profound—far more immediate. Ihee, who had never cultivated any taste for music, could not grasp the true measure of its rhythm—but the chirping notes that pierced straight to his chest sent an almost palpable shudder through his heart.

——Damn it all! Eventually, Ihee shook his head hard and stood up.

——What the hell am I doing?

The sound of the biwa must be indicating Daini’s whereabouts—Ihee circled along the tea room and emerged at the side of Bōsuiro. The sound of the strings was clearly coming from the upper floor of the pavilion. He approached the sliding door entrance and listened intently for signs within.

Then, to his ears came the voices of people calling out to each other at the rear gate on the west side. The number was four or five; they seemed to be trying to carry something out. Ihee instantly circled around to the rear…… At the gate entrance, five retainers of the Tsuda residence were attempting to carry out an object wrapped in a new cloth. Those must be Yamaguchi and Doi’s corpses.

Ihee started to call out but—judging that dealing with Yamagata and his retainer took priority—turned back to his original position... The biwa’s sound had ceased. And now low voices in conversation reached him—one unmistakably belonging to Tsuda Tanomo. ——Move in!

Just as Ihee was about to place his hand on the sliding door, the sound of conversation and laughter from upstairs could be heard descending toward him. “But for you two to dare venture out on night roads in this snow alone seems most unwise.” “The road leading to Usui Pass is exceedingly treacherous.”

It was Tanomo’s voice.

“I traversed this route twice some years back and know it well.” “My deepest apologies for causing you this unforeseen inconvenience.” “I beg you not to trouble yourself further.” “At least let my men accompany you to the pass entrance—” Their voices faded down the corridor.

――They set out on a night journey toward Usui Pass.

Ihee clenched his fist tightly.

3-3

In this land where dusk comes early, and with a particularly fierce blizzard raging, Yamagata Daini and Tōju departed the Tsuda residence just as lights were being lit in the houses.

Three young retainers of the Tsuda family guarded them at front and rear... The wind weakened somewhat but powdery snow continued falling as though it had forgotten how to cease. The road from castle town to Tomioka had areas where snow piled knee-deep in places while irrigation ditches and field drains became indistinguishable. In Tomioka day completely ended. The guarding retainers advised taking lodgings there but Daini laughed and refused. And he sent six back to Kobata.

“Both snow and night journeys are invaluable training tools for one who studies military strategy.” “Should walking become impossible, we’ll simply pass the night beneath a rock shelter.” “It would be rather diverting to test how far this forty-two-year-old body of mine can endure.” He said with a laugh. The master and retainer, now alone, set out along the desolate snow-blinded road toward Itahana… But whether they noticed Ihee trailing some twenty ken behind them… Ihee had crossed the Nate River ford ahead of time, waited until they passed, then taken up pursuit.

He had not thought to suddenly cut down Daini. On the night he first heard Daini’s lecture, he had sensed that its arguments slandered the current order—that depending on how one listened, they might even be perceived as attempting to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate... By contrasting the Imperial Court and the shogunate under the principle that “there are not two suns in heaven nor two kings on earth,” and declaring that “stipends and ranks cleave their very source,” Daini had constructed a logic driving a wedge between Kyoto and Edo, thereby proclaiming this as the root from which ages of chaos arise. He knew he was not well-versed in scholarship. Therefore, he couldn’t engage in troublesome, roundabout debates. Yet he believed—reflecting on the numerous upheavals of samurai governance until the Tokugawa clan pacified the realm—that the current order had followed the most natural path, developed through reason... There were no few examples of those who failed to attain their ambitions: men who dared invoke Kyoto’s name to turn arrows against the shogunate, seeking only to gratify their own thirst for glory. But do those who ignore reason ever succeed? Do they not ultimately merely poison the people and spill blood in vain? The Keian Uprising was such a case—and so was Bekki Shōzaemon of Jōō. And now, the same thing was about to happen once more.

Kotō Ihee said to Kurusu Michinoshin,

“Lord Yamagata will be killed!” He had said this because he reasoned as follows. Of course, he himself had never intended to carry it out. It stemmed from his conviction that no purveyor of such dangerous ideas could long evade the shogunate’s notice. Yet now circumstance had cornered him here. Having sounded Yamagata’s true depths, he stood resolved—should necessity demand—to cut the man down with his own blade.

When they had traveled about one and a half *ri* from Tomioka and reached a hamlet called Ono, Yamagata and his retainer abruptly halted on the road... Though the snow provided some illumination, the night’s veil hung thickly, and with powdery flakes falling stealthily besides, Ihee only noticed their stop when the distance between them had closed to four or five *ken*.

——Ah. Seeing the master and retainer standing in the faint light, Ihee involuntarily took a step back with a low cry. Then, without a moment’s delay,

“Do not flee.”

Then the blind attendant called out. “You were trailing us from beyond the Nate River crossing. I knew and have been waiting… Here, there will be no interference.” “Now, come forth.”

As he spoke, he flung off his cloak.

Blind Munen—a single, fatal sword thrust. He now faced the eerie enemy he had heard about from Sōjirō. Obscured by snow and darkness, the figure was not clearly visible, but his small, lean frame slightly hunched, his sightless eyes turned upward as he quietly placed a hand on the hilt of the short sword at his waist—there was something in that stance that exuded an eerie, bloodcurdling aura.

Ihee tried to call out to Daini. He had wanted first to ascertain his true intentions… but the killing aura emanating from the blind man’s entire being ensnared Ihee’s nerves as though ten thousand invisible arrows had been loosed, binding him with an eerie force.

A frog marked by a snake—Ihee in that moment must have felt precisely like this, his very marrow gone numb, unable to move his hands, even breathing becoming labored. ——Damn it! When he noticed, the opponent had already closed the distance considerably. And then, a white right hand visible even in the darkness smoothly drew the dagger—utterly soundless.

三の四

Momoi Kyūma was twenty-six years old. He had originally been a book custodian on provincial assignment, living in the neighboring estate to Kotō, but three years prior, he had left for an Edo assignment together with his parents and younger brother…… Owing to his unyielding temperament, even as neighbors they had not been on intimate terms, yet despite that, he had been childhood friends with the Kotō siblings. “It still hurts.” “It seems to have eased somewhat.” “It would be best to cool it a bit longer. They say that way the flesh heals better too.”

“No, that’s quite all right.” The light from the andon lamp glowed crimson upon the surrounding folding screen…… Having drawn the quilt’s collar up to his mouth, Kyūma suddenly turned his eyes toward the screen, as if to divert himself from the pain. The late master Iyōemon was a man of such tastes; he would often summon traveling artists and the like, having them draw various things in which he delighted.

“I care not for paintings bound by convention. A painting is heart—even a crude one suffices. So long as it reveals the artist’s spirit, I’ll treasure any work, even from the humblest painter.” Kyūma knew well how often he had spoken those words. This folding screen too had been painted by one such traveling artist—a piece combining Southern School-style landscapes with Northern Song-inspired birds and flowers, overlaid with the soft washes characteristic of literati painting. When completed, even Iyōemon could only manage a wry smile and fell silent. Particularly on the leftmost panel of the six-fold screen: water thick with reeds where a lone waterfowl soared—yet the bird’s true nature defied discernment. Plumage resembling a wagtail’s, legs long as a coot’s, beak uncannily heron-like… In their youth, whenever Kyūma and Kotō Ihee viewed this screen together, they would point at it and laugh.

“Ah, this screen brings back memories.”

“...What do you mean?”

“This folding screen.” “Because we could never quite figure out what that bird on the end was, Ihee and I used to joke about it all the time.” Sawa too laughed softly, her hand covering her lips as if suddenly remembering. “That’s right. Father apparently disliked hearing about our teasing—he had it stored away in the shed and never let it be displayed again… Most artists who visited our home would return two or three more times, but we never heard another word from the man who painted this screen… I wonder what became of him.”

“That was quite a long time ago, was it not?”

Kyūma gently closed his eyes.

He had been in love with Sawa. He had been chasing her shadow since the dawn of his consciousness. However, he was ashamed of his low family status, ashamed of his lack of talent, and ashamed of his ugly appearance.

――She was not someone within the reach of the likes of me. While constantly suppressing himself in this manner, he lived through days of hardship. When he had departed for Edo three years prior, he had rejoiced more at being freed from the agony of being near her than he grieved at never seeing her again… Three years’ time had indeed granted his heart the salvation of forgetting. Though he might occasionally conjure illusions, he was no longer assailed by that desperate, gnawing anguish.

——That person will marry someone worthy of her. And she will bear children and in time grow old. However, in my heart, that person remains. That youth—that beauty—that purity—all remained exactly as they were, not a single part altered.

He believed it was not lingering attachment. The woman a man chooses as his only wife in his lifetime—no other woman could ever be his wife. He believed this was a man’s true love toward such a woman. He and six comrades drove Yamagata Daini into Gongen Hall on Oniboko Mountain, but four of their number were cut down, and he himself took wounds. At that moment, he—

This is where I’ll die.

At the very moment he resolved himself,

Sawa was right nearby. He heard an inner cry that— The fact that he had fled here with Doi Yūjirō and Yamaguchi Tōkichi, wounded, was not solely for that reason—it was because he had resolved to assassinate Yamagata Daini at all costs. However, he could not assert that there had been no desire in some corner of his heart to die having seen Sawa. Upon hearing that Yamagata was at the Domain Elder’s residence, Yamaguchi and Doi could not wait to rush out—but he, his thigh stab wound throbbing fiercely, could not rise and remained here in vain. He remained here, receiving Sawa’s care.

——Ah.

Kyūma involuntarily let out a groan.

“What’s wrong?… Does it hurt…” “No.” Kyūma shook his head, his brows furrowing deeply not from his wound but from a searing pain in his chest. “I was wondering what became of those two.” “My brother came immediately, and seeing that he hasn’t returned yet, those two are likely safe… Since my brother is on close terms with Lord Domain Elder.” Outside, there was a sign of someone returning.

—It’s Mr. Kamiya. Having thought that, “I will bring your meal now.” Even as she spoke, Sawa quietly stood up…… Her mother had gone to the entrance. There, Kamiya Jūrōbee had arrived, accompanied by four or five young samurai. They were all solemnly prepared. Some were carrying spears.

Even after nightfall, her brother had not returned, so Jūrōbee had gone to check on the situation—but the fact that he had come back with five others in such solemn preparation suggested something had befallen her brother…… Sawa’s face paled.

“Mr. Kamiya, my brother…” “He wasn’t at the Domain Elder’s residence.”

Jūrōbee, who had been speaking with his mother, turned his lively eyes toward Sawa and continued.

“I just informed your mother, but he was not at the Domain Elder’s residence.” “However, since Yamagata Daini has departed along the night road, I believe he likely pursued him.” “So we intend to follow after them as well, but…”

“I don’t know about those two.”

“Understood.” Jūrōbee said darkly in a hushed voice. “It’s unfortunate… but it seems they were counterattacked.” “Because I confirmed they were transported to Sōfuku-ji along with four corpses.” In that case, my brother must have gone after Yamagata.

Sawa felt as though she could see it vividly. “In any case, we will pursue them.” “No one else will come here now.” “Please tell Kyūma to rest assured… Now then, everyone.” With five others，Kamiya Jūrōbee ventured out into the snow. Sawa muttered as if in prayer while watching them go.

——Please let them make it in time. Please let my brother return safely.

4-1 “Tōju, wait, wait!”

Yamagata’s voice rang out. “One must defend against falling fire.” “But we must not strike first.”

“But Master, this one is also part of the assassins.” Tōju’s dagger remained aimed at Ihee’s chest, unmoving. Daini strode back. “I will not permit this. Sheathe your sword, Tōju.” “…………” At the command to sheathe his sword,

Tōju quietly pulled back his right foot and lowered the dagger he had at the ready. Yamagata Daini gazed intently at Ihee in the snowlight. And in a quiet yet forceful voice, “Are you from Kobata Domain?”

He called out. Ihee’s body stiffened, his throat parched and unable to respond. “Be that as it may,”

Since there was no response, Yamagata continued. “Cease your pursuit. Even should you strike down Daini’s head alone, you cannot destroy the righteous path." “To be blinded by petty domain squabbles and lose sight of the path humans should tread—how utterly absurd…… Return home.” “I am not a Daini who will be struck down by your hands.” When he finished speaking, Yamagata urged Tōju and departed into the darkness. Ihee watched their retreating figures for a time, then suddenly resolved himself and gave chase…… From the moment he had stood frozen before Tōju’s blade, rendered immobile, to the conclusion of Daini’s quiet words—in that brief span, Ihee had been assailed by an unfathomable emotion welling from his core. It was impossible to explain and even for himself difficult to judge—a kind of upheaval.

Tōju’s sword was every bit as magnificent as I had long heard. The sinister aura emanating from his stance indeed possessed the power to strike terror into one’s very soul. However, it was not something that could not be defended against. At least for Ihee, he had more than enough confidence to cross swords with him as an equal. Yet... beyond that abnormality, Tōju’s entire body stood upon something far greater and immovable. A will that pierced straight through—unshakable belief that cast aside life and death itself—radiated from his entire body like heat.

The strength of one who casts aside self for the 'Way,' transcending life and death! That overwhelmed Ihee’s heart. The selfless spirit of one who treads the path bound Ihee’s limbs. “Lord Yamagata, wait!”

While running, Ihee shouted. The frozen snow crackled crisply underfoot. After racing as if his feet barely touched the ground for about eight hundred meters... he saw the figures of master and servant standing still. “Please wait, Lord Yamagata.” Ihee approached while saying, “I have something to ask regarding your earlier words. I won’t resort to violence until our conversation is concluded.”

“Tōju, step back.” Daini turned around after saying that. “If you have doubts, I shall address them.” “However, the night has grown late and the cold severe—standing here on the road for conversation would hardly be fitting.” “If it’s agreeable to you, would you care to accompany me to Itahashi Inn?” “That would be most agreeable.” “Let us go together.” “Without a hat or raincoat, covered in snow like this—you must be freezing.” Daini looked at Ihee’s figure as if reappraising him and said. “Tōju, there should be something in the bundle.” “Take them out and lend them.”

The blind man untied the bundle from his back and took out something resembling a padded juttoku. Yamagata hung it over Ihee’s shoulders.

“This should help you endure the cold a bit better.” “I will borrow this.” Kotō Ihee humbly accepted it with a bow...and abruptly recalled when he had first attended the lecture at the Tsuda residence— “Please come closer to the brazier.” he recalled the figure of Daini urging the audience. It was undoubtedly well-meaning consideration, but to Ihee, it seemed utterly ludicrous. Even now, though their relationship had once involved drawn blades, Yamagata’s consideration—this attempt to help him endure the cold—felt somehow forced and hollow, an insincerity he could not shake.

“Go ahead and try whatever you like—I’m not some fool to be swayed by such tactics.” Ihee sneered quietly,

“I shall lead the way.” He took position ahead of the two and began walking.

They entered Itahashi Inn around ten o’clock at night. The snow, which had once stopped, began to fall as a blizzard again around that time, so they entered an inn called Matsubaya, and the three of them removed their straw sandals.

4-2

“Lord Yamagata, you spoke earlier of the ‘righteous path.’” “I did speak of it.” “Are you claiming that the doctrine of your *New Thesis* constitutes this righteous path?”

After entering the inn’s bath and facing each other in the guest room, Ihee immediately straightened his knees and began speaking……Daini gazed fixedly at the young man’s face with eyes filled with quiet light, “Lord Kotō, have you read my New Thesis?” “I have not read it. I have only listened to last night’s lecture.” “Even so, that’s sufficient. If you heard that, I doubt you would need to ask again, but—” “No—I must ask.” Kotō Ihee met Daini’s gaze and said.

“Lord Yamagata’s doctrine slanders the shogunate and uses the name of imperial loyalty to mislead the people—that is what I believe.” “In your *Ryūitsu* theory, you stated that ‘the division of stipend and rank into two is the root of an age of chaos.’”

“Wait.” Yamagata quietly interjected. “Arguing over the minutiae of the New Thesis here would serve no purpose.” “Let us set aside such arguments and consider fundamental matters instead.” “Fundamental matters…?”

“What exactly are we? What kind of land is this that we stand upon? Let us first examine that... Lord Kotō—we are people of Yamato.” “Born in the land called Japan and serving the Emperor, sovereign of all under heaven—do you take issue with this point?” “That is exactly as Lord Yamagata has stated.” “Then there should be no need for debate… My *Ryūshi New Thesis* merely clarifies that very point.” “Humans are foolish creatures—they neither see nor listen to matters that are all too clear.” “As long as we are Japanese, it is self-evident that our national custom of one sovereign over all people remains immutable.” “Yet this self-evident truth has vanished from people’s sight.”

“How has it vanished from sight?” “For example, you are such a case.” “Lord Kotō, you are a retainer of the Obata domain and have been stipended by Lord Oda for generations.” “Lord Oda has also received territory from the shogunate.” “As a retainer of Obata, you would stake your very life when called upon by your lord’s house.” “And should the shogunate raise an army, you would undoubtedly throw away your life and serve as well.” “But... if the Imperial Court were to summon you, Lord Kotō—are you prepared to immediately abandon your house, cast aside your life, and answer their call?”

“But isn’t that precisely why the shogunate exists as the Shogun?” “And what would you do if that very shogunate were to turn its bow against the Imperial Court? It is not without precedent in historical records. What would you do if that came to pass?”

“…………” “What does the bushido you’ve studied teach?”

Yamagata paused briefly before continuing. “The bushido of our time teaches that one must not spare one’s life for one’s lord. “You are a hereditary retainer of the Oda family—you have eaten their rice for generations and received their benevolence. “Thus you would resolve to sacrifice life and limb for them. “But if your lords were to raise a rebel army with the shogunate—could you immediately rush to defend the capital?” Ihee found himself speechless.

“Lord Kotō?”

Yamagata continued quietly, with even a hint of a smile. “This is not a complicated argument. “As a citizen of Japan, this is an all-too-clear matter… However, you cannot answer immediately—do you understand why you cannot?” “In other words, it is because you too can no longer see what should be self-evident.” At that moment, from downstairs came the loud sound of voices exchanging insults... And following that, the clattering footsteps of someone barging into the house approached from the corridor toward the stairs.

“Master…” Tōju, who had been in the corner of the room, quietly drew his short sword closer as he rose to one knee... Ihee immediately stood up,

“I shall go and investigate.”

...and went out—with a greatsword in his left hand, descending the stairs only to collide abruptly with Kamiya Jūrōbee. Behind trailed four or five household retainers. "Oh, Kotō! You're unharmed?"

“Kamiya! What’s all this commotion?”

“We came chasing after you wondering what had happened.” “What happened to him? Did you kill Yamagata?” “We’ll discuss that later.” “Now come over here.”

“So you’re not going to kill him—is he on the second floor?” “I have something to discuss—let’s go outside.” “No—release me!”

Jūrōbee took a step back. “It is true that we came to support you.” “However, that is secondary—our true purpose lies with Yamagata Daini.” “To sever the clan’s source of calamity, we must kill him.” “That has been my responsibility from the beginning.” “Enough—just leave it to me!”

4-3 “Kotō—you’ve been had.”

Jūrōbee’s eyes glinted sharply. “We had imagined you wounded and collapsed in the snow—yet here you sit clad in an inn’s robe, settled comfortably, with every appearance of having abandoned all thought of cutting down Lord Yamagata... But we will not retreat!” “Whether I’ve been tricked is another matter—what’s certain is my thinking has changed.” “Withdraw for now.” “I’ll explain the details later.” “No—I won’t withdraw.” “You’re the one who should withdraw!”

Jūrōbee loosened his large sword in its scabbard with his left hand. “Yamagata Daini endangers the clan; we will prevent this calamity before it strikes.” “If you interfere, I’ll show no mercy even to you.” “Wait—don’t draw your sword, Kamiya!”

Ihee raised his hand and shouted. “What reason would I have to cross blades with you?” “It was I, Kotō, who told you Lord Yamagata is the clan’s blight.” “Now I say it anew.” “Do not touch Lord Yamagata.” “Hear me before you cut him down!” “Unnecessary.” “We’ve no cause to heed a turncoat’s words.” “Stand aside, Kotō!” “I won’t yield... Lord Tōju.” Ihee whirled around and barked upward. “Escort Master away.” “This falls to me.”

“You traitor!” Jūrōbee launched a surprise attack while shouting. Even swifter than that, Ihee whirled around and leaped back to the middle of the staircase. Jūrōbee did not even attempt to evade the sword strike descending upon his head and instead stomped his foot, charging up the staircase.

“I’ll take Kotō!” “Don’t let Lord Yamagata escape!”

Shouting, he closed in. Responding to the voice, the three men who had been behind dashed toward the rear; while watching them, Ihee retreated to the front of the room where Yamagata and his attendant had been.

“Lord Yamagata! Lord Tōju!”

He called out, but there was no response.

――They got away.

As he thought this—they got away—Jūrōbee came slashing in with a scream. However, the large sword sliced through empty air and tore the shoji screen, and Ihee was already running toward the rear staircase. ―I must not let Lord Yamagata fall. However, I cannot harm them. “Wait, Kotō!”

With that voice at his back, Ihee slid down the rear ladder, slipped through the panicking inn guests, and leaped out into the rear. The figures of the three men who had earlier circled around to the back were glimpsed running toward the highway. Ihee was still wearing the inn’s winter robe. The hem tangled around his legs, and the wide sleeves hindered his movements. However, he ran desperately and quickly caught up to the three men.

“Stop! If you don’t stop, I’ll cut you down!” Like a fleeing rabbit, he overtook them, turned to face them, and for the first time drew his great sword… There was no one unaware of Ihee’s skill. When the great sword glinted in the darkness, the three men stopped dead in their tracks. But immediately, Jūrōbee and the other two came hastening to that spot. “Never mind them—cut your way through!”

Jūrōbee shouted. “Cut him down!”

Ihee responded while throwing the scabbard he held in his left hand. "If talking won't make you understand, then I won't hold back either." "But I'll say one thing—we were wrong. It can't be summed up in a word." "I can't explain it in words, but it was my mistake to have seen Lord Yamagata as a traitor." "From the perspective of the Obata Domain's survival, he may indeed be a source of calamity." "However, that is not because Lord Yamagata is a traitorous retainer." "I cannot explain it now." "I myself want to understand it better."

“No more talk.” “Kotō! If you can take this blade as a samurai of Obata, then try it!”

With a voice that split the air like a blade, Jūrōbee charged in bodily. Ihee barely dodged. And when he saw Jūrōbee violently lurch forward,

―The righteous path. The words flickered through his mind. ―If the Imperial Court summoned you, would you abandon home and life to race instantly to the capital?

The tone of Yamagata’s words came back vividly to his ears. The bushido that had been distorted solely to fortify the shogunate system, the samurai ethics that had cloaked its most essential meaning—devotion to the Imperial Court—while preaching loyalty; their true nature was beginning to take vague shape in Ihee’s understanding. “Come at me, Jūrōbee!”

Ihee shouted resolutely.

“I am no longer Kotō Ihee of Obata Domain! I now stand upon the greater path—the path a samurai must tread as a samurai! None shall pass!” “Charge! He’s but one man—cut through him!”

Jūrōbee charged through the snow... In the driving snowfall, a white blade drew a line through the air, and the kicked-up snow dyed the darkness like smoke.

Part Four of Four

Kurusu Michinoshin returned from Edo on the seventh day thereafter… While his traveling companion Saitō Magojirō went straight home, Michinoshin visited the Tsuda residence still clad in his travel clothes.

Tanomo was waiting in the sitting room. "You’ve endured hardships." "Unforeseen circumstances arose that delayed my return." "What manner of unforeseen circumstances...?"

“What has become of Lord Yamagata?”

After only the briefest of greetings, Michinoshin lowered his voice and spoke—though travel weariness might have accounted for some of it, there was something far graver lurking beneath his pallid features. Tanomo knit his eyebrows quizzically and, “Lord Yamagata departed immediately after that.” “Though there was some trouble concerning that matter.” “What do you mean?” “Kotō Ihee got into a scuffle with Kamiya Jūrōbee and four or five young men at the Itahashi Inn.” “The details are unclear.” “Jūrōbee and two young men sustained serious injuries, and Ihee simply left the scene... but according to the investigation I ordered, it appears Ihee has been acting as Lord Yamagata’s protector.”

“Ihee… Lord Yamagata…” To Michinoshin, these words were utterly enigmatic. On the night he first heard the lecture, Ihee had denounced Yamagata Daini’s teachings and— “Lord Yamagata will be killed before long!”

He had said. He had said it was a theory that endangered the country. That very Ihee had now instead escorted Lord Yamagata on his journey. "But isn’t that some kind of mistake?"

“It is not a mistake. When Kamiya and his men tried to cut down Lord Yamagata, Ihee interfered—that’s what caused the mishap. Why it came to that, I’ve no notion of the particulars myself. But when I pieced together the rumors from the post town, that’s how matters stood.” Even as he spoke with visible impatience: “So then—this ‘original unforeseen matter’ you mentioned earlier—what precisely was it?” “The situation in Edo has taken an unexpectedly urgent turn.”

Michinoshin leaned forward sharply.

“The shogunate’s investigation into Lord Yamagata spreads like a spider’s web.” “In scholarly matters, Lord Matsumiya Shusuzume spearheads their efforts, while the chief inspector manages personal affairs through every channel—you may already know this, but Master counts among his disciples a man called Fujii Umon.” “I’ve heard only rumors.” “Lord Umon became entangled in a blade-related incident at Edo’s Shin-Yoshiwara and fell into shogunal custody... Until now, the reason the shogunate couldn’t touch Lord Yamagata lay precisely in his advocacy of ‘the great principle of imperial reverence.’” “Since this doctrine formed their foundation, they hesitated to act out of deference to Kyoto.” “But with Lord Umon’s arrest over this violence, the shogunate has resolved to round up the entire faction.”

“Why should Lord Umon’s violent act implicate Master?”

“Logic can be twisted any which way.” “The crux is that all they need is a pretext to haul Lord Yamagata before the magistrate’s office.” “And it seems those preparations have been completed.”

Michinoshin continued in a hushed voice.

“Lord Elder, all is lost at this juncture.” “We must sever all ties with Lord Yamagata.” “We cannot afford even a moment’s delay.” “If measures are delayed, the Lord Elder’s position will vanish like foam on water.”

“My position?… What does my position matter?” “In Edo, His Lordship the Major General and Lord Matsubara Gondayū among others are preparing to rise up. Here, I believe the surefire strategy would be for Your Lordship to take preemptive action by lodging a formal accusation against Lord Yamagata.” “Michinoshin, what are you saying?” Tanomo stared in astonishment, his eyes wide.

“Are you... are you telling me to accuse Master?”

“That is correct.” “We must preempt the Major General’s faction.” “By doing so, Your Lordship’s standing will undoubtedly become even more secure from this day forth.” “I understand.” “I fully grasp your scheme now.”

Tanomo said blankly. “So, until now, you’ve only pretended to study under Lord Yamagata because the Edo elders and I were managing the domain’s governance.” “You never truly studied under Lord Yamagata—you were merely currying favor with those in power over domain governance.”

“Lord Elder, I act solely for the sake of our clan. I am only wishing for your security in your position as Lord Elder.” “Are you suggesting we accuse Lord Yamagata before the shogunate for that reason? To commit such unrighteousness and immorality just to secure the clan’s safety and preserve your own life—is that what you’re saying?… Get out. Your very words defile this place. Leave, Michinoshin!”

Michinoshin silently looked up at Tanomo’s eyes…… On his pallid face, razor-like eyes emitted a sharp light. He quietly slid out of his seat, “I have incurred your wrath and am deeply sorry,” he said, bowing low.

“Nevertheless, I must press this point once more. No matter what Your Lordship’s intentions may be, the shogunate’s policy has already been decided. There is no doubt that His Lordship the Major General and the Matsubara faction will bring charges against Lord Yamagata. In any case, Lord Yamagata’s fate is clear. This is a crucial moment where the Lord Elder must determine his will, I believe.” And then Michinoshin withdrew.

Part Five, Chapter One

“Sir… sir…”

From the darkness came a hesitant call... Ihee halted his steps, keeping vigilant watch over his surroundings as he did so. “Who’s there? Calling out to me?” “Oh! It really is you, sir!” As he spoke, his house servant Gorōji came leaping out from beneath a roadside tree’s shadow. “So it truly was you after all, sir! I’ve been waiting.” “Why would you wait in a place like this?” “Terrible things happened while you were away.” “Neither Her Ladyship nor the Young Mistress remains at the residence.” “And an arrest order has come for you from the Inspectorate Office too, sir.”

“So that’s what caused the calamity after all.”

At the Itahana inn, to save Yamagata Daini, he had inflicted wounds on several men starting with Kamiya Jūrōbee…… Though he had taken great pains to avoid such an outcome, he ultimately ended up injuring three or four people. —But this wasn’t personal resentment; it had been done to save Lord Yamagata. Domain Elder Tsuda would understand. Those who had previously tried to assassinate Yamagata only to be cut down by Tōju instead knew that Tsuda Tanomo had disposed of such matters without ceremony. Thus in this case too, he had believed the Domain Elder would naturally handle the aftermath. Having reached this conclusion, he decided it would be better to let tempers cool rather than return immediately—and driven too by his desire to immerse himself deeper in Yamagata’s teachings—he had spent over twenty days traveling together with him along the Kōshū Road.

Yamagata Daini was returning to his hometown of Shinohara Village in Koma District of Kai Province to visit ancestral graves. Yet this journey also carried a hidden meaning—to bid farewell in this life to his hometown people. In Shinohara Village, he stayed over ten days and even held two or three lectures for the local scholars... During their travels along the Kōshū Road and their stay in Shinohara Village, Kotō Ihee gained a detailed understanding of Yamagata’s ideology through close listening. And then, as if reborn, he had been granted a bright and expansive vision, firmly grasped the fundamental bond between the national polity and its subjects, and took his leave of Lord Yamagata.

Liberated from the narrow bushido he had once regarded as the supreme law—a moral code meant to stabilize samurai governance—he returned with the powerful resolve that "Now, at last, I truly live," having discovered a grand and righteous path. He had believed the Domain Elder would handle matters concerning his mother and sister, and he himself had resolved that upon returning to the domain, he would throw himself into working alongside Michinoshin for the Domain Elder’s new governance policies… Yet now, according to the servant’s words, his mother and sister seemed to have gone into hiding from their residence, and a warrant from the Inspectorate Office had been issued for him as well. What in the world was happening?

“So, how fares Mother?” “For the present, I have concealed them at my family home.” “Your house lies in Hino’s countryside, does it not?” “It is called Kawaji on Ayu River’s far shore.” “A little over two ri from here. I shall guide you there directly.” “Wait… Is that place truly secure?” “Yes, being beyond our domain’s borders, Obata’s minor officials dare not enter.” “Good. Then return ahead of me.”

Ihee said resolutely while looking up at the night sky, “You must convey that I have returned safely and will request an audience shortly. I will certainly come tomorrow.” “But sir… if you’re heading to the castle town—” “Don’t worry about me. Don’t forget to relay the message to Mother. Go! The road is dangerous at night—be extremely careful on your way.”

“But… sir.” Leaving behind his servant’s concerned voice, Kotō Ihee hurried briskly along the road to the castle town. He considered visiting Kurusu but reconsidered, deciding he should first meet with the Domain Elder, and headed toward the Tsuda residence via back alleys... Though it was only around eight in the evening, the rain-threatening dark night made it ideal for stealth. He couldn’t approach from the front entrance.

He had been prepared for that. Patches of lingering snow became intermittent guides through the darkened path. Alert to distant voices and the barest suggestion of dogs, Kotō Ihee finally reached the Tsuda estate's rear. From a memorized infiltration point—where he had once spied on Yamagata Daini—he skillfully launched himself into the compound.

5-2

“…Who’s there?”

A figure’s shadow swayed faintly against the shoji screen, approaching the window while calling out in a low voice. It was Tsuda Tanomo’s voice. Ihee sidled up to the round-windowed shoji, suppressing his voice as he announced himself once more.

“It is Kotō Ihee.” A soft gasp was heard. “Make no sound. Remain here until I clear the area.” After whispering this command, Tanomo swiftly departed but soon returned, sliding open the corridor’s storm shutters and gesturing urgently…… Ihee darted forward, slipped off his straw sandals, hastily wiped his feet clean, and stepped inside.

“……This way is better. Come in.” Tanomo transferred the flame to a hand lantern and led the way across the corridor to Bōsui-rō’s upper floor… This was where they had held that farewell banquet for Yamagata long ago, where even now the sound of Tōju’s biwa remained vivid in Ihee’s ears. “No formalities needed.” After placing the light in the candlestick, Tanomo leaned forward impatiently. “What concerns me is Lord Yamagata’s safety.” “Is he unharmed?”

“Yes, I have safely escorted him to Kai domain.” “Lord Elder… The injuries I inflicted upon members of our household at Itahana were an unavoidable measure to rescue Lord Yamagata.”

“I am aware of that.” “But why did you come to the decision to save Lord Yamagata?” “From what I have heard, were you not originally among those who denounced Lord Yamagata as a traitorous rebel?” “When I reflect upon it now, a shudder runs through me, but during our journey to Kai and our stay in Shinohara Village, I received Lord Yamagata’s teachings and gained various insights… And so—”

Ihee straightened his posture and said. “From now on, after thorough discussions with Michinoshin, I humbly intend to devote my entire being to serving the domain reform effort, however limited my abilities may be.” “...How should I respond to those words?” Tanomo suddenly lowered his eyes as if all strength had left him. “What can I say… Kotō, you were too late.” “Everything has changed in such a short time.” “Lord Elder…”

“It has become only a matter of time before Lord Yamagata falls into the shogunate’s grasp.” “The faction opposing my domain reforms has already submitted an indictment to the shogunate.” “All our efforts have come to nothing, Kotō.” “What manner of indictment is this?” “Is there any justification for accusing Lord Yamagata?” “They claimed he plotted rebellion to overthrow the shogunate.” “Regarding that charge alone, Lord Yamagata would surely offer his defense.” “However—when he lectured at our domain during military debates, he once discussed strategies for capturing Edo Castle and outlined campaigns centered on Usui Pass.” “Naturally…this occurred at a gathering attended solely by his disciples, framed as hypothetical discourse. Yet someone recorded it verbatim and meticulously transcribed it into the indictment.”

“If it were a gathering solely of those who studied under Lord Yamagata, I would think there would be no risk of information leaking outside.” “There was someone who once studied under Lord Yamagata and pretended devotion to his ideas—but in truth had done so only for their own social advancement… That person switched sides when they saw circumstances turning unfavorable.”

“Such a person… No—could there exist anyone among those who have once listened to Lord Yamagata’s teachings—anyone capable of such baseness?” “Kotō… Did you come here directly upon returning?” Tanomo abruptly asked a different matter. “Ah—on the way, I encountered a servant and learned only my mother’s whereabouts, so I first came here to pay my respects.” “Then you have not yet met your mother?” “I have not met her yet.”

“Actually, Kurusu came to me…”

He began to speak but, his tongue seeming to falter, paused briefly before continuing. “He came to request that the engagement between your sister and Michinoshin be broken off.” “That is unexpected news.” Ihee said, as if unable to believe it,

“Is this truly the case? It was Michinoshin who proposed to take Sawa as his bride.” “Though my mother did not wish it, since I recognized his sincerity and established the engagement, I cannot believe he would now seek to break it off.”

“Even I, who undertook the role of mediator, could not believe such a thing would occur.” “But Kotō… When humans bare their hearts, they reveal a fearsome power, regardless of good or evil.” “What do you mean by that, Lord Elder?” “The one who wrote the indictment to sell out Lord Yamagata to the shogunate was Michinoshin.”

“…………” “He pretended to study under Lord Yamagata for his own social advancement.” “He worked for me believing my domain reforms would succeed.” “But when he learned the shogunate had begun exerting oppressive measures against Lord Yamagata, he immediately turned his back on me, joined forces with Matsubara Gondayū, and sold out our master… That is also why he broke off the engagement with your sister.” “The ferocity when humans lay bare their hearts—Kotō, do you not find this terrifying?”

5-3

Ihee remained silent for a long time. His mind churned like a muddy whirlpool—unifying his thoughts proved impossible for some time... He had always acknowledged Michinoshin’s sharp intellect. Even if he couldn’t stand Michinoshin’s know-it-all airs, he’d respected that keen mind and tactical precision.

――I can’t stand that man. But as a person, he must stand out as first-rate. He had believed that. That was precisely why he had gone against his mother’s objections and promised to send Sawa off as a bride. Yet Michinoshin had laid bare his true self in this manner. Setting aside the matter of breaking off the engagement for now, the fact that his attitude toward Yamagata Daini—which had appeared so deeply devoted—was in truth merely a means for his own social advancement was unforgivable. If it were true—if that were indeed true… No! Humans cannot become so base—there must be limits to the evil schemes conceived by the heart. It’s impossible for him to degrade himself to such depravity.

――Perhaps he has some scheme in mind. There must be some misalignment of intentions between him and the Domain Elder.

Ihee grasped at a glimmer of hope, “Is Kurusu at his residence?”

he looked up.

“You should not pursue this.” Tanomo quietly shook his head. “Meeting him will achieve nothing.” “Furthermore, an arrest order has been issued for you.” “With matters having progressed this far, remaining in Kobata holds no merit.” “If Lord Yamagata has illuminated a path through his teachings, devote yourself to it... Go out into society and spread the righteous way he instructs—impart it to as many people as you can.”

“I will meet Kurusu.” “After that, I will act as you command.” “It’s no different from walking into a death trap yourself.” “I will not die so easily.” “I do not fear death either… Lord Elder, I shall seek your will again.”

“Wait. If you insist on meeting him, I shall have him summoned by letter. You will wait at the gate of Sufuku-ji Temple. I will arrange for Kurusu to go there.” “But will he come?” “If he doesn’t appear, storming his residence won’t be too late—I believe he’ll come.”

“Then I humbly leave it in your hands.”

Ihee left the Tsuda residence. After stepping outside, Ihee realized that Priest Baissō of Sufuku-ji Temple had long been aligned with Matsubara Gondayū’s faction—yes—if Michinoshin were to come to Sufuku-ji under these circumstances, it would irrefutably prove his defection to Matsubara’s faction. Confronted with this realization, Ihee found himself compelled to make a resolute decision.

As he neared the temple, he slipped beneath the eaves of a teahouse before its main gate... An old woman served tea there only by day; come nightfall, the place stood empty—an ideal refuge from both the biting wind and prying eyes.

However, there was no need to wait long. Hearing distant footsteps, Kotō Ihee peered out cautiously to see a single lantern light hurrying closer... He held his position, remaining perfectly still—and there stood Kurusu Michinoshin. Moreover, carrying only his own belongings and attended by no servant whatsoever, he was completely alone. ——Got him.

Ihee nodded and, when his opponent drew near before his eyes, strode out onto the temple path. “Kurusu, I’ve been waiting!”

Suddenly being blocked in his path after those words, Michinoshin let out a low cry and retreated two or three steps. “Who… Who’s there?” “What are you so startled about? “It’s me.” “K-Kotō…” “It’s Iee—been waiting.” “Then that letter…” As Michinoshin retreated another step, Ihee shouted as if to pin him down.

“Stop. Trying to run is useless.” “I had you come here because there are things I need to ask.” “I won’t let you go until I’ve asked them.” “Then you should’ve come to my house.” “What’s the meaning of this?” “You know what position I’m in—I won’t waste your time.” “Just come over here and face me.” “If this is about the marriage proposal, I know nothing of it.” Michinoshin entered the teahouse with Ihee, desperately trying to recover his composure after falling behind—Ihee took the lantern, placed it on the bench, and sat facing Michinoshin while...

“If you don’t know, then who would?”

“It was my mother! She acted alone in this!” “Does her action have justification?”

5-4 “Unless I speak of my shame, you won’t understand.” Michinoshin suddenly lowered his eyes and said: “I’ve never told you this before, but my mother is a person who considers my social advancement her foremost priority.” “To that end, she would not hesitate to sacrifice herself—she’s resolved to do anything.” “Are you saying that making Sawa your wife would hinder your social advancement?”

“To lay it bare—yes.” “My mother had been advancing talks with Lord Hiraga Junsō’s daughter—the Edo-based Elder Councilor—even before this engagement.” “While those negotiations made little progress, my own fervent wishes secured tentative approval for matters with Lady Sawa… Yet now, just recently, Lord Hiraga’s faction has revived their proposal with renewed insistence.” “Do you mean to annul things with Sawa for that reason alone?”

“No, that’s merely my mother’s will—I never said I would break off the engagement.” “But you must know about what was proposed to Lord Tsuda… Or do you not?”

“I knew. It was my mother’s will—there was nothing I could do. But as for me, I had thought rejection from either the Domain Elder or you was inevitable—so with that in mind, I intended to persuade her.” “What if you couldn’t? What if you used our rejection as a shield to persuade your mother, and she still refused… Kurusu, but that’s not what I want to ask you.” “……?”

Ihee stared fixedly at the man’s eyes while, “Are you still devoted to Lord Yamagata?” “...What do you mean by that?” “In every possible sense—in all respects.” “One snowy night, on our way back from a lecture, we had talked.” “Even now, do you still revere Lord Yamagata in the same way you did then?”

“Of course, that goes without saying—Lord Yamagata’s philosophy is noble.” “But now that I recall it, you were the one who said Lord Yamagata would be killed back then.” “I do think those words certainly hold merit.”

“My words mean nothing—I want your true heart.” “Tell me what you truly think.” “You’re no longer as devoted to Lord Yamagata as you once were, are you?” “Lord Yamagata remains absolutely—” “Wait, Kurusu.”

Ihee raised his hand to interrupt. “I don’t want to hear any evasions meant just for this moment.” “You’re educated and quick-witted—you might think someone like me could be easily tricked.” “But this Ihee tonight is different.” “Though only twenty-odd days have passed, I’ve seen every manner of falsehood and truth in this world—the duplicity of men’s hearts.” “Flowery phrases and clever turns of speech won’t deceive me now.” “Listen—you’re a samurai.” “Cast off this petty vanity and reputation—speak your true mind!”

“My... my feelings toward Lord Yamagata have not changed in the slightest from before.” “That I swear on the name of a samurai.” “However, Kotō... The shogunate has now prepared measures to arrest Lord Yamagata.” “If we leave him be like this, it will undoubtedly bring grave repercussions upon our house.” “So you accused Lord Yamagata to the shogunate?”

“Kotō, that’s wrong.” “Do you think *I* would do such a thing?” “Be more explicit.” “Look into my eyes—look into them and speak plainly!” “I don’t know.” “Who told you such things matters not to me.” “Was it Matsubara Gondayū’s faction… or Lord Shōshō’s doing—” “Silence! Silence, Kurusu!”

Ihee abruptly stood up. “Then I’ll ask—what reason did you have for coming here tonight? Baisō Oshō has long known Lord Matsubara belongs to the faction. For what purpose did you sneak into that priest?”

“That…” “You came without knowing it was a forged letter.” “Don’t you realize this lays bare your true heart?”

“…………” “Kurusu, I will cut you down.” A look of terror flashed across Michinoshin’s pallid face... It resembled the expression of a beast cornered at the last moment. Ihee glared down at that womanly beautiful face with eyes of genuine fury and contempt, yet still hoped that even from Michinoshin’s screams, some unvarnished truth might emerge. “Michinoshin, get up!” While shouting, he gripped the hilt of his great sword.

An instant! Michinoshin sprang up, flipped the bench toward Ihee with a kick, and bolted outside like a ricocheting ball... Ihee swung his great sword at the fleeing back, but the blade found empty air. Determined not to let him escape, he lunged after him. Behind them, the overturned lantern blazed to life—its flames licking upward like some ravenous beast.

Six-One

He was as swift as a weasel. Crouching low as he sprinted, Michinoshin reached the approach of the earthen bridge over the irrigation ditch when his tabi-clad foot slipped on the frozen snow, sending him crashing down. Damn it! As he tried to push himself up— “Kurusu, don’t move!”

With a shout, Ihee charged.

Michinoshin wrenched his half-risen posture into an instinctive defensive stance……upturned eyes glaring between chapped lips baring teeth, breath heaving like a cornered beast……Ihee surveyed this apparition under the snow’s faint roadside glow, —This was his true face. Kobata’s peerless beauty, that swift genius once called Oda’s finest—stripped bare, they revealed nothing but this base, wretched, contemptible thing.

―Was this... was this the thing that was to become my brother-in-law? Fury, pity, contempt—various emotions flashed through his head like lightning. “Stand, Kurusu! Stand and draw your sword!” “...No.” Michinoshin, his shoulders heaving with each breath, let out a hoarse cry like a woman’s. “I refuse. I lack the strength to cross blades with you—this you must know.” “If you’re going to kill me, then kill me as I am.” “Do you think I won’t cut you down?”

Ihee thrust the naked blade’s tip against Michinoshin’s face while, “You still haven’t realized your own baseness, have you? “You grew arrogant over your meager talents—betraying Lord Yamagata for your advancement, betraying Lord Tsuda, betraying friends, even betraying your engagement… That prim-and-proper appearance of yours, those plausible words and actions—perhaps they deceived people smoothly enough to let you climb the ranks.” “But… just how much social advancement can you achieve? By paying such a price, how much prosperity can you attain?”

“…………” “Suppose you became Kobata domain’s elder—do you truly believe a mere 20,000-koku elder’s rank warrants such a price, Kurusu?” “…………” “The very act of human birth is solemnity itself.” “But a life straying from truth holds less worth than three coppers. Cunning may deceive the moment, but history’s century-spanning eye sees through such fox-mask disguises.” “Ministers and generals rise thick as stars—yet how many scorch their names into the blue annals? You’ll never live a hundred years, Kurusu.” “Each passing day slips beyond reclaiming!” “After wallowing in such vileness—can you still call pride in your human birth?”

Michinoshin’s shoulders drew in feebly. He remained seated on the frozen snow, head deeply bowed, both hands clutching the hakama’s folds into a crumpled mess.

“I cannot let someone like you live.” “I’ll kill you. Prepare yourself, Kurusu.” “...Kill me.” Michinoshin spoke chokingly.

“Even without being told by you, I knew my own baseness.” “No matter how much they called me a genius or a man of talent, I knew my own worth best.” “Hearing people’s acclaim was agony for me.” “And when I realized my true worth—knowing that acclaim would turn to abuse—I began to feel I *had* to become the person of that reputation… no matter what… It seemed I had no choice but to do so.” “Kotō… The only time I can return to my true self as Kurusu Michinoshin is when I’m asleep.” “After that, it wasn’t me—it was an entirely different person fabricated by rumors and reputation.” “For me, it was the life of a different person—painful, burdensome, excruciatingly so.”

It was a voice that wrenched the gut. Michinoshin covered his face and wept. "I must keep up this deception until my disguise wears thin." "But someday, it will be dragged into daylight." "The moment of exposure will come." "When? How?... That terror never left my mind—when alone, I shook with it." "I sold out Lord Yamagata. I betrayed Lord Tsuda's faith. I deceived even you—even Lady Sawa."

Michinoshin continued to speak as if lashing himself.

“As long as I live, I must continue this despicable behavior endlessly.” “Kotō… Kill me. That would be a friend’s mercy.”

6-2 Amid Michinoshin’s choking sobs came the crisp clack of a great sword being sheathed……and then Kotō Ihee, “That’s all I needed to hear.” he said in a restrained voice. “I meant to kill you.” “But more than that, I needed to hear your true heart.” “With these words, I’m satisfied.” “Humans are creatures riddled with flaws.” “Each bears their own failings.” “But once you recognize those flaws and transgressions for what they are—first comes great awakening—then it’s time to begin anew……The world’s esteem, whether high or low, amounts to nothing.” “Such things hold less worth than wind through withered grass.” “What matters is living your life to its fullest measure.” “Never lose sight of truth’s dwelling place……Kurusu, try again.” “Far harder than dying here by my blade.” “Yet once one speaks their hidden heart—surprisingly—resolve takes root.” “Try it—to live is itself a solemn act!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Ihee promptly set off walking from there.

As he hurried along the night path, what crossed his mind was far from simple... Yamagata Daini had come and gone. How many events must have unfolded around that brief incident. It could be likened to casting a stone into a mountain lake's surface—in an uneventful peaceful life, everything had seemed to occupy their proper positions and fulfill their respective roles. Some had bloomed as flowers upon the water's surface, while others had become roots hidden in unseen depths. Fish took pleasure in tranquility; birds sang joy upon the ripples. But once a massive boulder was thrown in, those floating and sinking were torn from their places—some crushed, others scattered into chaos—all losing their original positions... What had appeared true exposed itself as falsehood, while what lay hidden emerged with unmistakable form. The larger the cast stone, the more thorough its manifested influence. Yamagata Daini's visit had erased countless lives and transformed many others' destinies. While Yamagata's personal stature was indeed significant, this outcome sprang more profoundly from the truth and worth of the doctrines he taught.

――That’s right.

Ihee nodded firmly to himself and thought.

――A great dawn is coming. The malevolent spirits wandering lost at the predawn crossroads must vanish with the light of dawn. The darkness shrouding this country will soon greet a great dawn.

The path was unfamiliar, and as they traveled through the pitch-dark night, by the time they reached the banks of the Ayukawa River, the eastern sky was already beginning to lighten. Crossing the stream and asking directions to Kawaji Village, they quickly found Gorōji’s house…… There it stood in a bamboo grove, surrounded by hills to the north and east. Around the estate was an abundant fruit orchard, with fields and rice paddies spreading all the way to the Ayukawa River’s banks.

When they circled around the bamboo grove, they met Gorōji emerging from the rear. “Ah! Master!” “We were delayed after losing our way.” “Thank heavens you’re unharmed.” “Is Mother awake?” “Yes—I believe I just heard the storm shutters being opened.” “Let me show you in.” Gorōji crossed before the main house and guided them past a sleeve-shaped hedge of podocarpus trees——beyond stood a secluded retirement cottage encircled by pines, where Sawa drew water from a bamboo pipe at its side.

“Young Lady, Master has arrived.”

“Wh-... Brother?”

The eyes that had turned back met fiercely with those of Ihee as he drew near. "Brother." "...Sawa."

Their eyes saw through to the very depths of each other’s hearts. And within a short span of days, through the warm resonance of their shared blood, the brother who had completely changed and the sister felt each other deeply. “Is Mother well?” “Yes… She has been deeply worried about you, Brother, and has abstained from salt all this time.” “I’ve caused you all sorts of trouble.” Sawa gently pressed her sleeve to her eyes…… Gorōji must have informed her. The sound of the Buddhist altar’s bell ringing from inside the house could be heard. Undoubtedly, Mother was informing the spirit of her deceased father of Ihee’s safety.

“What happened to Momoi? And Kyūma?” “Master Kamiya took them in... Both of them said such awful things that they made Mother cry.” “There will be harsher trials ahead.”

Ihee said in a breathless voice. "I'll explain in detail later, but I, your brother, will no longer be a retainer of the Oda clan—I'll abandon both my stipend and family name." "From now on, I will take the entire world as my enemy." "Even harsher trials may befall you and Mother... Sawa. But no matter what hardships come, the pride of living righteously as this country's people remains ours." "Never forget this." "You understand?"

“Yes, I am well aware.”

Sawa raised her wet eyes and looked at her brother. “From the moment we heard Brother was protecting Lord Yamagata, Mother and I had resolved ourselves. Please do not concern yourself with us—act as you see fit.” “I see… So Mother thought that way too… That was my only lingering worry. Now the weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Let’s go, Sawa—I want to see Mother’s face.”

Ihee’s face began to shine vividly.

6-3 Mother was her usual self.

She did not say "welcome back," nor did she show any outward joy at his safe return. As if greeting a child who had merely stepped out moments before—her demeanor unchanged from ordinary days—she promptly sat down at the dining table with her two children. That this would be the last meal shared by all three was clear to the mother, to Sawa, and to Ihee alike. Yet "last" did not mean "end." It was a finality that heralded new beginnings—a parting from what had been. Peace would never again visit this family in its former guise. The battle against unending trials had commenced. In this light, it stood as both conclusion and commencement—the first repast of their uncharted path.

When the meal ended and Sawa began clearing away, Mother Kiwa accompanied Ihee to the Buddhist altar.

“Sit here. There is one thing I must tell you as your mother.” “Yes.” Ihee formally knelt… Kiwa remained silent for a time, gazing at her child’s face, then spoke in a quiet yet weighty voice. “I know full well what path you mean to take… But earlier, you told Sawa you would ‘make the whole world your enemy and act.’” “Yes, I did say that.”

“You’re mistaken. That is your misunderstanding. You should know this even without Mother saying so. The ancestral founder of the Oda clan is Lord Oda Nobunaga. Lord Nobunaga was deeply devoted to imperial loyalty; due to the misgovernance of the Ashikaga shogunate, he reconstructed the waning imperial court, revived long-discontinued court ceremonies, and reestablished regular offices—thus demonstrating for the first time since the dawn of warrior governance the utmost sincerity of a loyal retainer... Our clan flows directly from this noble lineage. You are indeed a retainer of the Oda clan. Moreover… Though the Tokugawa shogunate’s power now stands strong and governance appears centered in Edo, all people of this land revere and serve the imperial sovereign as their parent. There is not a single person who does not… The world is not your enemy—all are allies sharing the same aspiration. Don’t you agree?”

Ihee listened to his mother’s words with near astonishment. “Mother, thank you for telling me this.” “As you said, Ihee’s thinking was narrow.” Ihee had become so consumed by fighting that he had nearly turned into a fanatic.

“Indeed, I will not make the world my enemy but act as its ally.” “If these foolish words of mine have proven of any use at all, nothing would bring me greater joy.” “Now… go light a lamp at the family altar and take your leave of Father for a time.”

With those words, Kiwa withdrew from her seat.

When Ihee saw before him the old family Buddhist altar—passed down through generations and carefully relocated even in emergencies—he felt his body tense with solemnity.

After lighting the ritual lamp, burning incense, and ringing the bell before turning around, Mother extended an object wrapped in an old cloth bundle. “This contains over one hundred twenty ryō in gold coins.” “That won’t do, Mother. I—” “No—take it without another word.” She would not permit refusal.

“Thanks to your father’s frugality, we still have some remaining here.” “When it runs out, send word anytime.” “I will send you whatever I can manage.” “But I cannot burden you and Sawa.” “I will make do on my own.” “Sawa and I are women.” “We can earn enough for food through hired work.” “Gorōji will remain here with us—you needn’t worry about us at all.” “Take it.”

Ihee silently prostrated himself, humbly accepted the bundle of gold.

Even as they faced parting, there was nothing left to say. This was no departure blessed with prayers for steadfast well-being. They did not know whether they would live to meet again. However, Mother bravely did not cry.

“Then, Mother, I pray for your steadfast well-being.” “……Do not mistake your place of death.” “That alone is what this mother prays for.”

“Gorōji, I leave Mother in your care!” “...Master.”

Gorōji could say nothing more. With tear-filled eyes, he could only look up at his young master and nod repeatedly.

Ihee looked at his mother’s face once more. Mother’s eyes were smiling. Ihee also smiled. And steeling himself, he stepped outside—

“Sawa, won’t you see me off this far?” “Yes.” The younger sister came chasing after him as though she had sprung forward.

6-4

They rounded the bamboo thicket and emerged atop the hill.

Over the eastern mountain range, the newly risen morning sun began to shine with myriad rays. Crushing the frost that had formed on the path beneath their feet as they walked, when they came to where the hill began its descent, Ihee stopped and turned back.

“Well, this is goodbye. “Sawa.” “Yes.” “Before we part, there’s just one thing I have to say.”

“……”

“Last night, I met Michinoshin.” “Promising that man as your husband was my misjudgment as your brother.” “I can’t give you the details, but last night I intended to cut Michinoshin down.” Sawa’s complexion changed. “That guy did something rotten to the core.” “He’s a disgrace to the name of samurai.” “So I tried to cut him down… but couldn’t.” “He’s neither a genius nor a wise man.” “A weak-willed, pitiable man.” “A man who didn’t know the heat of fire until he was burned.” “So I... forgave him.”

Kotō Ihee gently placed his hand on his sister’s shoulder. “He did something he cannot face you for.” “But forget him now—I’ve already forgiven him.” “You should forget him too.”

“……Yes.” “As long as you understand... Then… I leave Mother in your care.”

Sawa looked up at her brother with eyes wide and brimming with emotion. Ihee gently tapped his sister’s shoulder, grinned, and waved his hand. “Farewell.”

“Please... stay well.” Ihee nodded. He nodded again. Then, he waved his right hand broadly and descended the slope with vigorous strides.

His destination lay beyond Yashio Hot Springs toward Chichibu Road, then Edo—eastward where the sun rises, eastward, ever eastward.

Sawa kept wiping her overflowing tears—wiping and wiping—as she watched him go endlessly. When her brother’s figure finally disappeared around the woods, she quietly turned back toward the house…… Just then, a samurai in traveling attire came running up the hill from the opposite direction. Spotting Sawa, he let out a cry and rushed toward her. “Lady Sawa.” “……”

Sawa turned around and, upon seeing the face of the man who had removed his sedge hat, took a faltering step back. “...Lord Michinoshin.”

It was Kurusu Michinoshin. He held the removed sedge hat in his left hand and advanced with a pallid face, his eyes blazing hotly. “Lady Sawa—is Ihee still here?” “......No.” “Has he already left?” “Yes. He just went down that road.” “I see.”

Michinoshin promptly bowed his head. “Forgive me, Lady Sawa—Michinoshin was reborn last night. "I cannot face you... nor your mother." "As for my recent actions, I can only beg your forgiveness... I have taken my leave." “I’ve abandoned both my mother and my home.” "From now on, I will follow Ihee and tie his straw sandal laces." “For as long as I live, I will work alongside Ihee.” “Please forgive Michinoshin’s foolish actions.”

“Those words are more than sufficient.”

Sawa said with a trembling voice. “Even when there was talk of breaking off our engagement, I had resolved that there was no husband for me other than you, Lord Michinoshin.” “If the engagement had truly been broken off, I intended to take my own life before you.” “Then… will you forgive me?” “Even if your circumstances were to become whatever they may be, I am the wife of the Kurusu household.” More than being condemned for his sins, those words tormented Michinoshin beyond endurance... He hung his head low and held his breath for a moment.

“Your current words are the greatest parting gift to Michinoshin.” “With this, there is nothing left for me to fear… I will not show myself before your mother.” “Please, may both of you remain in good health.” “Yes.” “And you too, Lord Michinoshin… Please do not forget that there is someone who will always be waiting for you by the Ayukawa riverside.” “I will return.”

Suppressing what surged up within him, Michinoshin spoke in a choked voice…… While drawing the man’s fiery gaze deep into her heart, Sawa murmured quietly to herself. Now I will lose him twice… but this time at last, his heart alone shall never part from me. He would return. Those were his final words. Michinoshin began walking while keeping his eyes locked on Sawa’s. He quickened his pace, yet with every backward glance their gazes fused in searing intensity…… Soon the road dipped downward, concealing Michinoshin’s form from view. Straight along the path Kotō had taken, he too departed eastward—ever eastward. Eastward… ever eastward.

The sun climbed ever higher, and in the pine forest, birds began raising songs of blessing. The mountains crowned with snow beneath a sky that had cleared to fresh green were already faintly heralding the first stirrings of spring.