南総里見八犬傳 Nanso Satomi Hakkenden
滝沢馬琴 Takizawa Bakin
[The East Vol.XXX No.4 November/December 1994]

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22. Dog Warriors Meet at Gyotoku

Shino told Bungobe about Nukasuke. "Nukasuke must be the real father of Nobumichi," the innkeeper said. "Nineteen years ago, a samurai named Inukai Kenbe stopped at my inn, holding a young boy in his arms. Kenbe said he had stopped a man from leaping into a river with the boy strapped to his back. He asked if he could adopt the boy, since he himself was childless, and the man agreed. Kenbe asked my family to care for his young son, whom he had named Nobumichi, for awhile and left. This happened the year after my wife gave birth to our son Kobungo. My wife secreted so much milk that she was able to nurse both Kobungo and Nobumichi, who grew fat. Kenbe returned for Nobumichi one month later.
"Two autumns ago, Kenbe and Nobumichi stayed at my inn. Kenbe told me that Nobumichi had had a passion for martial arts since childhood. 'Although he is young, I think he has become something of a master,' he told me. 'He and Kobungo suckled at the same breast. It would be good for them to tie the brotherly knot so as not to forget their younger days.' We followed Kenbe's suggestion, and the two became like brothers. Kobungo is now a chivalrous young man, viewed as the leader of the locals his age. He will be grief-stricken if Nobumichi dies."
"Undoubtedly Nobumichi is the son of Nukasuke," Shino said. "But he is still unconscious. I'm afraid he's dying. I fulfilled Nukasuke's dying wish by finding his son, but I fought with him before I knew who he was. If Nobumichi dies, how can I continue to live?"
No sooner had Shino finished speaking than he unsheathed his sword. As he was about to bury it in his stomach, Nobumichi suddenly shouted, "Wait!"
In surprise Shino stared at Nobumichi. "I'm sorry that I worried you," Nobumichi said. "When I fell from the roof of Horyukaku, I was knocked out. As I was coming to, I heard someone mention my name and my father's name. Then I heard you talking about me. I decided to listen rather than interrupt."
Nobumichi took a case from his bosom. "Allow me to tell you about myself," he said. "Although my foster father, Kenbe, was a low-ranking samurai, he made it a rule to do good in secret. He raised me as if I were his real son. This case is my sole keepsake of my natural father. He put in the case a bead bearing the Chinese character for faith and an umbilical cord with a note that said, 'The umbilical cord of Genkichi, son of Nukasuke of Awa Province.' Kenbe named me 'Nobumichi' since the Chinese character for faith is read 'Nobu.' I was told that my real mother was dead, and that the location of my real father, who had been banished from Awa, was unknown. I wanted to repay my foster parents' kindness and clear my real father's name. I devoted myself to learning and martial arts. Last year, however, my foster parents died.
"When the mourning period for my foster parents ended, Ashikaga Nariuji appointed me prison magistrate. His regent abused his power and imprisoned innocent people. It was unbearable to see innocent people go to prison. In addition, I wanted to search for my real father. So I declined the position.
"Nariuji took this as a rebellion against his authority. I was sent to prison, where I thought I would perish. But suddenly I was released on the condition that I capture you. So I fought you without knowing that my real father owed you a debt of gratitude.
"We probably managed to escape danger thanks to the protection of our parents' souls. And now we've become friends. How lucky we are!"
Shino showed Nobumichi his bead bearing the Chinese character for filial piety as well as the mark shaped like a peony flower on his left arm. Calling heaven to witness, the two pledged to treat each other as brothers.
Then Bungobe said, "I cannot help but think that my son, Kobungo, is related to you. He has a bead bearing the Chinese character for fellowship. Because one pronunciation of that Chinese character is 'yasu,' I also gave him the name 'Yasuyori.' We discovered the bead during his weaning ceremony. When his mother put his chopsticks into his bowl of festive rice, she found the bead. Amazed, I put the bead in a case. Since then Kobungo has treasured the bead.
"When Kobungo was eight, while wrestling with a fifteen-year-old boy, he fell and struck a stone with such force that a mark shaped like a peony flower was made on his buttock."
Suddenly a man thrust through the reeds along the shore.

23. Kobungo and Fusahachiro

In surprise, the three men looked at the newcomer, who turned out to be Kobungo. "I'm sorry I surprised you," he said. He carried clothes and swords, which he offered to Shino and Nobumichi. "I overheard you talking," he said, "so I fetched these from home. Since you lost your swords and your clothes are stained with blood, please accept these. I think it's dangerous for you to stay here. Why don't you come to our home?"
Shino and Nobumichi were delighted by his offer. Expressing their thanks, they changed and put on the swords. Kobungo wrapped their bloodstained clothes in a cloth. Looking around, he said to his father, "Please take Shino and Nobumichi home. I'll be back after I get rid of their boat."
Bungobe left for home followed by Shino and Nobumichi. Kobungo used all his strength to push the boat back into the bay. Eventually it drifted out to sea.
Night fell. Kobungo started back, carrying Shino's and Nobumichi's clothes. Suddenly a man emerged from the reeds and charged Kobungo. Kobungo fought him off, but the man attacked again. Finally Kobungo knocked his assailant to the ground. He noticed that the parcel of clothes had come undone. He bound it tightly and hurried home.
Eventually the attacker rose. As he stepped forward he noticed something on the ground. It was Shino's bloodstained clothes. Grabbing them, the man ran away.
Meanwhile Bungobe returned home with Shino and Nobumichi. While entertaining his guests with sake and dainty dishes, Bungobe told his story:
"My elder brother, Nakono Shichiro Yoshitake, was an aide to Jiyo Mitsuhiro, who ruled half of Awa Province. Mitsuhiro was infatuated with his concubine Tamazusa. But his key vassal, Yamashita Sadakane, wormed his way into her confidence and secretly developed a relationship with her. At the time, two of Mitsuhiro's vassals, Somaki Bokuhei and Suzaki Mukuzo, plotted to kill Sadakane, whom they despised. But Sadakane learned of their plot and tricked them into killing Mitsuhiro instead. My brother fought the two assassins but was killed by Bokuhei. I was eighteen when the two were executed. Afterward I moved to Gyotoku, the birthplace of my mother, where I opened an inn.
"Kobungo was named 'Inuta' Kobungo because he once defeated a scoundrel named Mogari no Inuta."
Kobunga returned and showed Shino and Nobumichi his bead bearing the Chinese character for fellowship and the mark shaped like a peony flower on his buttock.
At midnight a messenger came for Kobungo. "Your friends got into a fight with Yamabayashi Fusahachiro's friends on the seashore," said the messenger. "Many are wounded. Please hurry there to settle the quarrel."
"How silly to be fighting at this late hour," Kobungo said, clicking his tongue. "Return to the seashore immediately. I'll be along soon."
Turning to Shino and Nobumichi, Kobungo said, "Yamabayashi Fusahachiro is married to my younger sister Nui. He is a handsome man who reminds me of you, Shino. He has a nice personality as well.
"Recently a quarrel occurred between two priests from Kamakura named Nengyoku and Kantoku. They decided to settle their quarrel by choosing proxies to represent them in a sumo bout. Nengyoku chose me and Kantoku picked Fusahachiro. Although we battled admirably, I beat Fusahachiro, much to his displeasure. I assume this quarrel between my friends and his has something to do with the sumo match. I'm going to the seashore to try and make peace. You two have nothing to worry about. Good night." With his sword at his side, Kobungo rushed out.
Day broke, but Kobungo had not yet returned. Bungobe got up early and prepared breakfast. Suddenly Nobumichi rushed in from a rear room. He told Bungobe that Shino had contracted tetanus. Bungobe hurried to the rear room. Shino had a high fever and was in pain. But he was also wanted by Ashikaga Nariuji, the lord of Koga, so Bungobe refrained from calling a doctor. He took Nobumichi into the next room. "My elder brother Yoshitake taught me how to cure tetanus," he whispered. "We must obtain five go [about 0.9 liters] of blood each from a young man and a young woman, mix it, and pour it on his wounds."
But Nobumichi said, "Losing five go of blood will kill a person. This goes against the spirit of medicine, which is a benevolent art. I have heard of a place in Shibaura, Musashi Province, that sells a medicine for tetanus. If I leave immediately, I'll be back early tomorrow morning."
Nobumichi equipped himself for a journey and departed.

24. Fusahachiro Divorces Nui

Kobungo had not yet returned. While prepanng a meal for Shino, Bungobe received a summons from the village headman. He wondered if his sheltering Shino had reached the ears of the headman. Hiding his anxiety, he served Shino the meal. "I've been summoned by the village headman," he said. "I assume he wants to examine the inn register. He checks it several times a month, so there's nothing to worry about." Setting Shino's mind at ease, Bungobe departed.
It was not until that afternoon that Kobungo finally settled the quarrel. While he was returning home, someone called his name. He turned to see his brother-in-law, Fusahachiro. His head was covered with a towel.
Fusahachiro complained about the way Kobungo settled the quarrel, and attempted to provoke him. "When the sumo bout ended in my defeat," Fusahachiro said, "I swore I would never enter the sumo ring again. To prove my determination I shaved the front of my head. Look!" With those words Fusahachiro removed the towel. "But my pride as a man will not allow me to let things stand as they are," he continued. "I challenge you to a fight." But Kobungo was too concerned about returning home to accept Fusahachiro's challenge. He broke away from his brother-in-law and hurried toward home.
Before long, however, Kobungo encountered a samurai and many policemen leading Bungobe by a rope. Kobungo was surprised to see his father in bonds. The samurai approached Kobungo and said, "I am Niiori Hodayu, a vassal of Ashikaga Nariuji, the lord of Koga. At his behest, I have pursued a ruffian named Inuzuka Shino. Upon learning that a samurai matching Shino's description was staying at your father's inn, I told the village headman to summon your father. His replies to my questions about the man were suspicious, so I've decided to search your home. If you want me to release your father, find out the identity of the man. If he is Shino, kill him and bring me his head."
Kobungo felt his heart rend. But he maintained his composure. "I've been away from home for awhile," he said, "so I know nothing of this samurai. Even if he is the ruffian wanted by your lord, I'm sure my father put him up without knowing his identity. I'm returning home. Please let me ascertain the man's identity. If he is the outlaw, I'll kill him and give you his head. Would you please wait at the headman's house?"
Hodayu had heard much of Kobungo's bravery, so he welcomed the young man's offer. He described Shino to Kobungo, then he and his party led Bungobe back to the village headman's house.
Running home, Kobungo found Shino sick in bed. Upon Kobungo's return, however, Shino managed to sit up and describe the events of that morning. Kobungo's heart ached to learn of Shino's illness. He refrained from telling the ailing samurai of Bungobe's arrest.
That evening as Kobungo was helping Shino eat, he was startled by someone shouting for admission. Worrying that someone had come for Shino, Kobungo went to the entrance. He was relieved to see that it was Nengyoku, one of the priests from Kamakura. Nengyoku, who was carrying a conch, said, "Can you put me up for a couple of days?" Although Kobungo, concerned about Shino and Bungobe, was reluctant to receive a guest, he was unable to decline Nengyoku's request. He showed the priest to a room.
Late that night Kobungo received Fusahachiro's mother, Myoshin, who was followed by two men shouldering a palanquin. From the palanquin emerged his sister, Nui, holding her four-year-old son, Daihachi. Kobungo wondered why they were visiting so late.
"I am very sorry," said Myoshin, "but Fusahachiro has divorced your sister because of his grudge against you. I tried to dissuade my son from doing so, but to no avail. So I had no choice but to bring Nui and their son here." Then she took a piece of paper from inside her obi. "I was told to give you this." Kobungo was surprised to see that the paper was the description of Shino that Hodayu had given him. He realized that he had dropped it somewhere. "My son says that we must sever our relationship with a family that shelters a wanted man," Myoshin said tearfully. "I'm afraid I must leave."
Kobungo saw Myoshin off in silence. Nui wept. Even Daihachi began crying as if to sympathize with his mother.
At midnight Fusahachiro rushed in. "What do you want at this hour?" demanded Kobungo.
"I have something to show you." Fusahachiro thrust some bloodstained clothes at Kobungo. They were Shino's.
"Was it you who attacked me from the field of reeds?" asked Kobungo, puzzled.
"I'm sure these are Shino's," jeered Fusahachiro. "You must be hiding him. If you want your father released, you will turn Shino over to me. If I present him to the samurai from Koga, I will be rewarded."
But Kobunga showed no sign of giving in. Impatient, Fusahachiro moved toward the rear of the house to try to find Shino. This angered Kobungo, who drew his sword.
Surprised, Nui stepped between her brother and her husband to stop them from fighting. Irritated, Fusahachiro tried to kick her, but his foot struck Daihachi by mistake. Screaming, the young boy collapsed and died.

25. Fusahachiro's Awful Predicament

Taking no notice of Daihachi's death, Fusahachiro and Kobungo continued fighting. But Daihachi's death and her recent divorce from Fusahachiro drove Nui into a frenzy.
"Have you gone mad?" she screamed. "Stop fighting!" Nui threw herself between the two in an attempt to stop them, but Fusahachiro accidentally struck her below her breast. Then Kobungo slashed Fusahachiro across his shoulder. Kobungo raised his sword again, but Fusahachiro shouted, "Wait! I must tell you something." Seeing that Fusahachiro was too weak to fight, Kobungo let him speak.
"Two years ago my father died of illness. He revealed a secret to my mother and me before he breathed his last.
"My paternal grandfather, Samaki Bokuhei, was tricked into killing his lord, Jinyo Mitsuhiro of Awa Province, by Yamashita Sadakane, Mitsuhiro's wicked retainer. At the time my father was fourteen. Bokuhei was executed and my father left Awa. He wandered around, finally settling in Ichikawa and entering the service of the Yamabayashi. He married into the Yamabayashi, and soon after I was born.
"I married Nui. Later my father learned that your father Bungobe is the younger brother of Nakono Yoshitake, an aid of Mitsuhiro's, who was killed by my grandfather Bokuhei. My father's dying wish was that if Bungobe was ever in trouble, I must help him, even at the cost of my life, to atone for my grandfather's sin.
"I overheard Bungobe talking with Shino and Nobumichi aboard the boat near the shore of the Bay of Gyotoku. I learned that those two young men, as well as you, have mysterious beads and marks. I wish that I also had such a bead and mark. If I did, I could become a hero. But there is no way of getting them.
"Anyway, I noticed that Shino bears a close resemblance to me. I came up with the idea of dying for him. I thought that if my head were given to the samurai from Koga, they would believe it was Shino's and release Bungobe.
"I told my mother of my plan, explaining that it would save Bungobe, thereby atoning for my grandfather's sin. She grieved, but saw that I was determined. Steeling her heart, she brought Nui and Daihachi here.
"I shaved the front of my head in order to look like Shino. And I provoked you in the hope that you would mortally wound me.
"I'm sorry about Daihachi and Nui, whom I have fatally wounded. My actions were unintentional. I apologize to you and your father."
Moved to tears, Kobungo said, "I appreciate your sacrifice. I assure you that Nui will not die in vain, either. I will give her blood to Shino, who suffers from tetanus and needs blood from a young man and a young woman in order to survive."
Smiling, Fusahachiro replied, "Please take my blood as well. It must be divine grace that her death will help cure Shino. And I will regain respect. Please waste no time in collecting our blood."
In the room was the conch Nengyoku had carried. Tearfully, Kobungo held the conch to their wounds and collected their blood.
Shino, who had overheard Kobungo and Fusahachiro, tried to crawl out of his room to tell Kobungo that he refused to take their blood. But he collapsed at the entrance of his room.
Kobungo entered Shino's room carrying the conch full of blood. He tripped over Shino and dropped the conch, spilling the blood on Shino.

26. The Sixth Dog Warrior

Amazingly, it was not long before Shino, who had been almost lifeless, rose to his feet, as if he had just awoken from a dream. With his wounds healed and his fever gone, he was brimming with energy.
Those present were delighted. Moved to tears, Shino expressed his gratitude to the dying couple. Just then the two itinerant priests, Nengyoku and Kantoku, entered.
"I am actually Kanamari Takanori, the son of Takayoshi, who served Satomi Yoshizane, the lord of Awa Province," said Nengyoku. "Since entering the priesthood, however, I have been known as Chudai."
Then Kantoku said, "I am Amasaki Terufumi. My father, Terutake was also a vassal of Yoshizane's."
After Princess Fuse, the daughter of Yoshizane, committed suicide on Mt. To, her eight beads, which were inscribed with the Chinese characters for benevolence, justice, courtesy, wisdom, loyalty, faith, filial piety, and fellowship, were scattered in all directions. Chudai went searching for them and Terafumi, at the behest of Yoshizane, traveled throughout the country to find brave warriors. Chudai and Terafumi met in Kamakura in May of that year. Hearing that Kobungo was of matchless valor, they wondered if he possessed one of the eight beads. They went to Gyotoku under the names of Nengyoku and Kantoku, arranging a sumo bout between Kobungo and Fusahachiro to determine Kobungo's valor. During the bout they saw the mark shaped like a peony flower on Kobungo's buttock and were convinced that he was a dog warrior.
Chudai related the story of the Satomi to those present, describing the events surrounding the deaths of Princess Fuse and her dog Yatsufusa as well as the disappearance of the eight beads.
"I have searched for these beads since the death of Princess Fuse," Chudai said. "Those who possess a bead can be thought of as a son of Princess Fuse. Each has on his body a mark shaped like a peony flower, which is symbolic of a black spot on the body of Yatsufusa. And each of their family names includes the Chinese character for dog. So they are known as dog warriors."
Then Chudai took Daihachi into his arms. Suddenly the child revived and began crying. He opened his left hand, which he had kept closed since birth, and revealed a bead bearing the Chinese character for benevolence. And on his side where his father had kicked him was now a mark shaped like a peony flower.
Myoshin returned and was overjoyed to see that Daihachi's left hand was open. Wiping away her tears, she said to Chudai, "Daihachi must have kept his hand closed because he was holding a bead. Since his left hand never opened, people likened him to a one-wheeled vehicle. But they jokingly called him 'Daihachi,' after the ''daihachi-guruma.' [a large two-wheeled vehicle]. His real name is Inue Shinhei. Since the Chinese character for dog is included in his family name, I can't help but think that he is a dog warrior."
Chudai smiled. "Fusahachiro displayed an act of benevolence in sacrificing himself. Shinhei should make his father's benevolence known to the public. I suggest that he be renamed Inue Shinbe Masashi, which includes the Chinese character for parent in the middle name."
Content with Chudai's words, Nui died. Fusahachiro asked Kobungo to behead him in order to relieve him of his pain. Tearfully, Kobungo brought down his sword. Although prepared for her son's death, Myoshin broke down crying.
Soon afterwards Nobumichi returned from Shibaura dejected. He said the pharmacy that sold the medicine for tetanus had moved to Kamakura. Upon hearing of Shino's recovery, however, he was delighted.
Nobumichi met Chudai and Terufumi. After learning of Fusahachiro's death, he comforted Myoshin. He was pleased that her grandson had turned out to be a dog warrior.
"The day is dawning," Kobungo said to Nobumichi. "I'll present Fusahachiro's head to Niiori Hodayu, the samurai from Koga, in place of Shino's. Then he will release my father. After I leave, please take some people and transport the bodies of Fusahachiro and Nui to Ichikawa by boat."
Kobungo wrapped Fusahachiro's head in Shino's bloodstained clothes. Bidding the others farewell, he disappeared into the morning mist.
Nobumichi and his party reached Ichikawa that evening. Eventually Kobungo joined them. His father had been released. Kobungo said that he had had little difficulty in outwitting Hodayu. Everyone was relieved. They held a funeral for Fusahachiro and Nui.
Later the three dog warriors — Shino, Nobumichi, and Kobungo — departed for Otsuka Village to meet another dog warrior, Gakuzo.
Those remaining in Ichikawa held a service for the repose of the souls of Fusahachiro and Nui on the seventh day after their deaths. Summer passed and autumn arrived.

[The East Vol. XXX No.5 January/February 1995] 27 Gakuzo's Escape home