南総里見八犬傳 Nanso Satomi Hakkenden
滝沢馬琴 Takizawa Bakin
[The East Vol. XXX No.3 September/October 1994]

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17. Samojiro Kidnaps Hamaji

Hikiroku and his wife, Kamezasa, were relieved when Shino left for Koga. They worried that Gakuzo would fail to kill him during the journey, but thought that even if Shino escaped, he would never return home alive because he didn't carry the real Murasame. If he tried to pass off his sword as the famed blade, the couple thought, Ashikaga Nariuji would have him executed.
Upon learning of Shino's departure, the jindai of the Oishi, Hikami Kyuroku, pressed Hikiroku to set the date for his marriage to Hamaji, Hikiroku's and Kamezasa's adopted daughter. Hikiroku and Kyuroku's vassal, Nurude Gobaiji, who acted as a go-between for the two men, scheduled the wedding for the following evening.
Hamaji was resting in her room. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Shino. Kamezasa entered and said, "The Oishi's jindai, Hikami Kyuroku, told Hikiroku of his desire to marry you. My husband, a modest man, was reluctant to agree since Kyuroku holds such a high position. However, Shino's departure has changed things, and it was decided that you should marry the jindai. If you are a devoted daughter, you will consent to marry him."
Hamaji burst into tears. "How sad!" she cried. "The villagers know that I am engaged to Shino. So if I marry someone else, I will be marked as immoral. Unless Shino himself says that he has broken our engagement, I can't bring myself to marry Kyuroku even if you order me to."
Hikiroku abruptly entered the room and sat beside Hamaji. "I overheard you," he said. "What you said stands to reason. I admit I was wrong. Kyuroku was so eager to marry you that I felt compelled to accept his offer. If I call off the wedding, we will be ruined. But it can't be helped. Please forgive me for my rash act." He burst into tears.
As Hikiroku regained control of his emotions, he said, "I'll apologize to the jindai by taking my life." He bared his stomach and tried to bury his sword into it, but Kamezasa and Hamaji clung to him to prevent his self-immolation. "I've changed my mind," Hamaji said tearfully. "I'll marry Kyuroku. So please stay your hand." Hikiroku dropped his sword.
The next morning Hamaji noticed the servants were busily cleaning the mansion. She wondered why. Some time later she overheard some servants and discovered that her wedding was to be held that evening. "My parents didn't mention the date," she said to herself, "probably because they fear I will run away. I have no choice but to kill myself. But I must be careful not to arouse their suspicion. I'd best get ready and pretend that I'm looking forward to the wedding."
As Hamaji was doing her hair, Kamezasa came in to see if she was feeling better. The sight of Hamaji doing her hair pleased Kamezasa. "She seems to be willing to marry Kyuroku," Kamezasa thought. "It's just like a young woman to recover her strength and beautify herself for her wedding." She could not help chuckling to herself.
Aboshi Samojiro lived near Hikiroku's mansion. That day he woke a little past noon. As he was washing his face at a well, he noticed that Hikiroku's mansion was unusually alive with people. He asked a passerby what was going on, and was surprised to learn that Hikiroku was preparing for the wedding of Hamaji and Kyuroku that evening.
"I couldn't bear to see Hamaji go to Shino, let alone Kyuroku," Samojiro thought angrily. "Kamezasa said if I switched Murasame with Hikiroku's sword, I could marry Hamaji. As far as she knows, I did switch them, but Hamaji is marrying Kyuroku. I'll have my revenge. When Kyuroku arrives at Hikiroku's mansion, I'll reveal the couple's wrongdoings. The jindai is sure to cancel the wedding."
The next instant, however, Samojiro thought, "What if the jindai discovers that I took Murasame? I'll be thrown into prison and may die there. I'd better abduct Hamaji and flee to Kyoto under cover of darkness. I'll present the priceless sword to the shogun, assuring my rise in the world. It won't be bad to travel with an invaluable sword and a beautiful woman."
Unknown to her parents, who were reassured by her preparations for marriage, Hamaji was busy planning suicide. Toward evening, when people were preoccupied with the wedding, she sneaked into the rear garden. She hung an obi from a branch of a pine tree and formed a noose. As she was about to pass her head through it, a man ran up and stopped her. It was Samojiro.
"This is none of your business," Hamaji said. "Why don't you just let me die?" Samojiro gagged her. Holding her under his arm, he fled.
Before long Hikiroku became aware of Hamaji's disappearance and turned pale. He ordered several men to find his daughter.

18. A Mysterious Man at the Foot of Mt. Marutsuka

There was a mysterious ascetic by the name of Jakumaku Dojin Kenryu. His age and origin were unknown. He claimed to know the secret of perpetual youth, and said he had visited the sacred mountains of the country. He could walk through a raging fire unscathed. In addition, he could describe exactly the events of a century ago. This extraordinary ascetic was respected by everyone he visited.
That summer Kenryu happened to be in Musashi Province. "I am going to attain Nirvana," he told local residents, "by jumping into a fire at the foot of Mt. Marutsuka at sunset on June 19. Please assemble there and bring a bundle of firewood as an offering to me."
The people were surprised. They knew of many priests who had attained Nirvana by being buried alive, but had never heard of one who had done so by being consumed by flames. They thought Kenryu must be the most blessed priest in the world. They looked forward to the day he would enter Nirvana and stacked wood at the foot of Mt. Marutsuka, which rises near a path to Koga.
At sunset on June 19, a large crowd watched as Kenryu set fire to the wood piled at the foot of Mt. Marutsuka. He loudly chanted sutras in front of the roaring flames. When he finished, he told people that if they wanted to be blessed, they should throw coins into the fire. Then he plunged into it. The fire burned even more furiously. Some time later the people saw a pile of ashes within the flames. Moved by Kenryu's attainment of Nirvana, they were choked with tears. The left by two's and three's.
Late that night a samurai passed Mt. Marutsuka followed by two men shouldering an open palanquin, aboard which was a young woman bound and gagged. The bearers suspected that the samurai had kidnapped the woman. As they stopped and lowered the palanquin to the ground, they attempted to blackmail the samurai, Samojiro, saying, "Give us your money or we'll tell the authorities that you kidnapped the woman." But Samojiro, undaunted, drew Murasame and killed them. Breathing heavily, he turned to see another man come running up. The man had been sent by Hikiroku to search for Hamaji. Samojiro also killed him.
Samojiro untied Hamaji and removed the gag. He said, "While fishing in the Kaniwa River, I stole Murasame from Shino at the request of Kamezasa. She promised to marry you to me if I did so. Shino is unaware of what happened and journeys to Koga with another sword. If he presents it to Nariuji, he will be beheaded. But my future looks promising since I have Murasame. If I present it to the shogun, he may install me in a high post. So it would be wise for you to marry me."
Hamaji was surprised that Samojiro had Murasame. To save Shino, she thought, she must get the sword from him.
"I can't believe you have Murasame without actually seeing it," said Hamaji. "Would you show it to me?" Samojiro handed her the sword. She unsheathed it and pretended to gaze at the blade. Then she suddenly turned and tried to stab him, shouting, "Let me avenge Shino!" Surprised, Samojiro avoided the sword. He drew his short sword and slashed her beneath her breast.
In great pain Hamaji cried, "How sad I am to leave this world at the hands of the wicked man who betrayed my fiance! I never even met my natural parents! Are there no gods? I wish I could see Shino again. If only I were granted a reprieve from death!"
"Shut up!" snarled Samojiro. "Let me end your life with Murasame." With those words he prepared to strike. Suddenly a knife whistled through the air and buried itself in his chest. Dropping Murasame, he fell on his back. He saw a man approaching. It was Kenryu.
Samojiro grabbed Murasame and scrambled to his feet. But his wound left him weak. Kenryu wrestled the sword from his hands and killed him. The sword was covered with dew, which cleansed the blade of Samojiro's blood. "Indeed this is Murasame," Kenryu thought. "The renowned sword will help me to gain my revenge."
Sheathing Murasame, Kenryu gently lifted Hamaji, who had fainted, and said, "Hamaji, be strong! I am Inuyama Dosetsu Tadatomo, your elder brother!"

19. The Third Dog Warrior

Hamaji opened her eyes and gazed at her rescuer. "Did you say you are my brother?" she asked. She didn't remember him, but she instinctively knew that this was her brother. Overcome by fondness for him, she melted into tears.
"I was born of a different mother, but we're both children of Inuyama Sadatomo Dosaku," Tadatomo said. "Sadly, our father is no longer alive. He was a samurai in the service of Nerima Masumori. During a battle with the Ogigayatsu, our father and his lord were killed. I've traveled across the country disguised as an ascetic raising money to acquire men and material to attack the Ogigayatsu and avenge our father." After a pause, Tadatomo continued.
"Earlier I pretended to attain Nirvana by jumping into a fire in front of many people, who contributed money at my request. Although I'll use the money to exact my revenge, I felt that I was no better than a common thief. I was about to leave when I saw the samurai kill his servants and turn his sword on you. I had heard that you were adopted by Hikiroku and Kamezasa in Otsuka Village. And I also heard of your engagement to their nephew, Shino. Listening to you talking with the samurai, I realized you're my sister. So I threw a knife at him.
"Our father had me by one concubine, Ozehi, and you by another, Ayame. Our father married Ozehi because she bore him a son. Ayame was envious of Ozehi. During Dosaku's absence Ayame poisoned Ozehi with the help of her physician and then strangled Ozehi's baby; in other words, me. She buried us near a temple, saying we had suddenly died of disease. But I came back to life and cried out and was rescued by someone from the temple. Probably as a result of being buried, I now have on my shoulder a mark shaped like a peony flower.
"Eventually Ayame's treachery was discovered, and she and her physician were executed. Since you were Ayame's daughter, Dosaku disowned you. You were given to Hikiroku. But you had nothing to do with your mother's crime. I feel sorry for you."
"I know that I'm destined to atone for my mother's sin," Hamaji said weakly. "My sole consolation is that I was able to meet my brother before leaving this world. But I'm concerned about Shino. If he gives his sword to Nariuji, believing it to be Murasame, he may be put to death. Please go to Koga and return the sword to him." She folded her hands in prayer.
With a sigh, Tadatomo replied, "I understand your concern foi your fiance, but I intend to use Murasame to take revenge on the Ogigayatsu. I'll return the sword to Shino afterwards. If I'm killed by the enemy, however, there'll be no way to return him the sword."
Hearing this, Hamaji cried out in despair and died.
Tadatomo cremated the remains of his sister and prayed for the repose of her soul. He was about to leave when a voice cried, "Wait!" It was Gakuzo.
Gakuzo had left for Koga with Shino. However, to trick Hikiroku and Kamezasa, he had turned back and planned to tell the evil couple that his assassination attempt had failed. While passing Mt. Marutsuka, Gakuzo heard Tadatomo and Hamaji talking and realized that Shino was going to give Nariuji the wrong sword.
"Give me Murasame," Gakuzo demanded. "I'm Shino's best friend."
"I won't give this sword to anyone," Tadatomo replied.
The two men grappled. Gakuzo carried a small bag with his bead inscribed with the Chinese character for justice. During the fight his bag became entangled with the braided cord hanging from the sheath of Murasame. Gakuzo had no time to recover his bag, however, as Tadatomo unsheathed Murasame. Gakuzo drew his sword. As Tadatomo sliced at Gakuzo's chest, Gakuzo cut the mark on Tadatomo's shoulder. From the wound came not only blood, but also a bead.

20. Justice

Tadatomo said to Gakuzo, "You must be a master swordsman. Since there's something I must do, I will leave, instead of staying here and risking my life." With those words Tadatomo disappeared.
Breathing heavily, Gakuzo looked at the bead that had come from Tadatomo's wound. It was identical to his and Shino's except that it bore the Chinese character for loyalty. "He must somehow be involved with me and Shino," Gakuzo thought. "He now has my bead, and I have his. How mysterious!"
Eventually Gakuzo resumed his journey.
In Otsuka Village, Hikiroku eagerly waited for his men to bring back Hamaji so that she could marry Kyuroku. As the time of the wedding approached, Kyuroku, dressed formally, arrived at Hikiroku's mansion accompanied by Nurude Gobaiji and his other subordinates. Hikiroku and Kamezasa hid their apprehension and showed Kyuroku and his party into a room, serving them sake and dainty dishes.
Some time later Gobaiji urged Hikiroku to bring in the bride. But Hikiroku asked Gobaiji to wait a little longer, saying that Hamaji needed more time to prepare.
Time passed without the appearance of the bride. The bridegroom's patience was finally exhausted. Hikiroku and Kamezasa had no other choice but to tell Kyuroku that their daughter was missing. Kyuroku was furious. To allay his anger, Hikiroku placed a sword in front of him. "This is Murasame, the Ashikaga's heirloom," Hikiroku said, "We stole it from Shino so that you could have it."
Kyuroku regained his composure. "Let me have a look at the famous sword," he said. He grabbed the sword and unsheathed it, expecting it to be covered with dew. But the sword, which Samojiro had covered with river water when he stole it, had rusted.
Enraged, Kyuroku roared, "Liar! This is not Murasame!" The jindai, under the influence of the sake, unsheathed his sword. Gobaiji followed suit.
Terrified, Hikiroku tried to escape, but both he and Kamezasa were cut down.
As Kyuroku and Gobaiji were wiping the blood from their swords, Gakuzo returned. "I'm Hikiroku's servant," Gakuzo said. "Did you kill my master and his wife?"
"Yes," replied the jindai.
"Indeed they were evil," said Gakuzo, "but how can I condone your slaughter of them? I must avenge them."
Gakuzo had no trouble defeating Kyuroku and Gobaiji. He slashed Kyuroku across the shoulder and chest, killing him. Then he seriously wounded Gobaiji, who was carried away by the other subordinates of the jindai.
Gakuzo's killing of Kyuroku caused no little apprehension in the other servants. Gakuzo soothed their fears, saying he was prepared for whatever might happen.
Thus Hikiroku and Kamezasa, who had treated Shino, Hamaji, and Gakuzo unkindly, died miserable deaths. And the unscrupulous Kyuroku was killed by Gakuzo. These three probably died because of the law that people are rewarded or punished in accordance with their deeds.
And what of Shino? After Gakuzo left, he spent the night at an inn in Koga. The following morning, still unaware of the deaths of his fiancee, uncle, and aunt, he visited Nariuji's regent, Yokohori Fuhito Arimura.

21. A Duel on Horyukaku

Shino explained to Arimura how he had acquired Murasame and told the regent of his desire to return the blade to Nariuji. Recognizing Shino's ability, Arimura immediately disliked him. But he said, "I'll convey your desire to the lord. Wait for a summons." Relieved that the end of his journey was in sight, Shino returned to the inn.
The next morning Shino decided to examine Murasame before giving it to Nariuji. He gently unsheathed the sword and gazed at it. He was surprised to see that it was not Murasame. "The only time I was away from the sword," thought Shino, "was when I jumped into the Kaniwa River to save my uncle from drowning. Samojiro was alone in the boat; only he had the opportunity to steal Murasame. I'd better tell Arimura before he tells Nariuji."
But as Shino prepared to leave for Arimura's mansion, two of the regent's messengers arrived at the inn. They informed Shino that Arimura was at Nariuji's castle, and that Shino was to bring Murasame as soon as possible. Arimura also sent clothes for Shino to wear to the castle.
Shino changed and hurried to Nariuji's castle. Upon arriving, he was shown into a room where Arimura and many senior vassals were waiting.
"We would like to see Murasame before presenting it to the lord," said Arimura. Embarrassed, yet undaunted, Shino said, "I just discovered that a fake was substituted for the real Murasame. I apologize for not noticing this earlier. If you give me some time, I will surely recover the blade and return it to the lord."
"Murasame was stolen?" said Arimura in disbelief. "I suspect you wanted to gain access to the lord for another reason, so you lied about having Murasame. I won't let you leave now. Seize him!" he shouted.
Arimura's men surrounded Shino. He considered surrendering, but since Nariuji was rumored to be hot-tempered and would probably have him put to death, he decided to escape. Dodging Arimura's men, he ran to the garden of the castle, climbed a pine tree, and leaped to the eaves of a three-story building named Horyukaku. He climbed to the roof.
Shino could see the Tone River below. Numerous men assembled at the base of the building and shot arrows at Shino, but none dared climb to the roof. Irritated, Arimura came up with the idea of using Inukai Kenpachi Nobumichi, a prisoner at the castle. Nobumichi, who was adept at martial arts, had been imprisoned because he had refused his appointed position of prison magistrate.
Arimura suggested that Nariuji pardon Nobumichi under the condition that he capture Shino. The lord consented.
Released from prison, Nobumichi, armed with a short metal truncheon, climbed like a monkey to the roof of Horyukaku. He found Shino waiting with sword in hand.
Under the blazing June sun, the roof tiles were boiling hot. Wielding the truncheon, Nobumichi moved in close to Shino. The two young men fought skillfully. One wrong step meant death. Nariuji and his vassals watched breathlessly from the ground.
Shino brought his sword down, but Nobumichi blocked it with the truncheon and the sword shattered. Delighted, Nobumichi charged Shino. While grappling, however, the two slipped off the roof.
A boat happened to be moored next to Horyukaku. Shino and Nobumichi fell into it. Under their weight, the mooring lines snapped and it drifted into the middle of the river. The wind and current carried it downstream and out of sight.
Nariuji ordered Arimura to pursue. Arimura and his men boarded several boats and took off down the river at great speed. But they were too late. They saw nothing but the vast expanse of water.
The Tone River empties into the sea at Gyotoku in Shimousa Province. In Gyotoku stood an old inn, which was owned by Konaya Bungobe.
Bungobe had lost his wife two years ago, but he had a son and a daughter. His twenty-year-old son, Kobungo, a well-built man standing nearly six feet tall, was a lover of martial arts, in which he had trained since childhood. He was a master swordsman, as well as an expert in jujitsu and sumo. Bungobe's daughter, Nui, was nineteen. She had married Yamabayashi Fusahachiro, a ferryman in Ichikawa, in the spring of her sixteenth year, and had borne him a son name Daihachi.
Bungobe loved to fish in the Bay of Gyotoku. On the day of the duel between Shino and Nobumichi, Bungobe went fishing, alone as usual. He encountered a boat drifting from the mouth of the river. Aboard the boat were two samurai, who seemed to be dead. Bungobe moved closer and recognized one of the samurai, who had a birthmark shaped like a peony flower on his right cheek. Surprised, he jumped into their boat.
The two samurai were only unconscious. Bungobe attempted to awaken the samurai he had recognized, but to no avail. As Bungobe stood, he accidentally kicked the other samurai, who groaned and opened his eyes. He looked around and then gazed at Bungobe.
"I'm Konaya Bungobe, the owner of an inn in Gyotoku," he said. "You've drifted into the Bay of Gyotoku. I recognize the other samurai, Inukai Nobumichi, the son of Kenbe, a vassal of Ashikaga Nariuji. May I ask your name?"
"Inuzuka Shino," the samurai replied. "I come from Otsuka, a village near Edo."
After telling Bungobe his background, Shino said, "I don't know this samurai, whom you called Inukai Nobumichi. But I feel as if his birthmark is familiar to me."
Shino suddenly remembered the dying wish of Nukasuke, a neighbor of his and his father's in Otsuka Village. Nukasuke had asked Shino to find his son, Genkichi, who had a birthmark shaped like a peony flower on his right cheek. Nukasuke had given his son to a samurai when the child was very young, without learning the identity of the samurai. Looking at the unconscious samurai, Shino knew he had fulfilled his promise to Nukasuke.

[The East Vol.XXX No.4 November/December 1994] 22. Dog Warriors Meet at Gyotoku home