"Date: 13th Day of May, 1630." "Weather:" "Fair." "The heat of day rises hourly." "10 a.m. Hon. Heir Bennosuke departs bearing fresh rivertrout for presentation to the hon." "Lord Doi at His Lordship's mansion." "No incidents worthy of note." "However, around midday an ex-warrior, formerly in the service of the Lord of Geishu, appeared at our gate." "HARAKIRI" "Official residence of Lord Iyi." "A former retainer of the Lord of Geishu?" "Correct!" "And my names is Hanshiro Tsugumo." "Tsu as in Ohtsu." "Gumo for clouds in the sky." "And your errand here?" "My lord's downfall came about in 1619." "I have since moved to Edo and have managed to make a meagre living while seeking employed under a new master." "But in such times of peace, all was in vain and my hopes are crushed." "The years passed unrewarded and lacking means of subsistence, life has become intolerable." "Rather than live on in dire poverty and disgrace, he would die honourably by harakiri." "He begs use of a corner of this mansion for the ritual." "Such is his request." "Another one?" "Is there no end?" "And your wish, sire?" "Good!" "I'll see him." "A former retainer of the Lord of Geishu," "I am Hanshiro Tsugumo." "I respectfully beg your favours." "Clan Elder of the House of Iyi, Kageyu Saito." "I am indebted to you for this interview." "My purpose here..." "I am fully informed." "Rather than to live on in dire poverty, you prefer to die honourably by harakiri." "Is that not so?" "Correct!" "Truly a most worthy turn of mind." "I am greatly impressed." "You mentioned having served the former Lord of Geishu." "Did You know Motome Chijiiwa?" "Chijiiwa?" "You don't remember?" "He also served the Lord of Geishu." "In its day, the Geishu Clan counted some 12,000 retainers" "I regret to say..." "Indeed?" "But that is a minor matter." "Early this year... possibly the end of January..." "An ex-warrior... a Motome Chijiiwa..." "came to this mansion." "On a mission identical to yours." "He also begged permission to perform harakiri." "Are you interested in how he fared?" "I am listening." "A former retainer of the Lord of Geishu?" "That is correct!" "Former retiner of the Clan." "And known as Motome Chijiiwa." "And... your errand?" "Abolition of our Clan led me to seek humble quarters in Edo." "Here I have managed to subsist while waiting to serve a new master." "But in a world of peace there is no hope." "I expected this." "And... what would you do?" "Let me see..." "A truly deplorable state..." "The Sengoku Clan erred." "They set the precedent." "No..." "I don't agree." "Why not?" "The ex-warriorwho entered the Sengoku mansion was sincere." "He intended to die." "And touched by his sincerity the Clan took him in as a back-room retainer." "They did not err!" "They did right." "It is the others who copy him, who cast such shame on us." "Far from wishing to die, they merely seek material aid." "They are but common extortioners!" "You prefer to die honourably to die at our door." "Offer him a pittance to go his way as do the other clans." "No... that would never do!" "Offer coins to one and others will soon flock to our door." "They will pourforth like ants to a mound of sweet sugar." "Following the end of civil war, the land abounds with ex-warrior." "Scrambling for food like animals!" "The House of Iyi is blunt-witted." "Their reputation forgrit and moral fibre." "Once sufficed to keep ex-warrior away." "But... now?" "Even pride in the martial arts is a thing of the past... swept away by years of peaceful living." "Such would be the rumours circulated throughout the land." "His Lordship absent and such harmful rumours spreading in his absence..." "It must never be!" "Bribery to send him packing has never crossed my mind." "Without the least intention of dying he dares pretend..." "Hon. Elder!" "Allow me..." "Your pardon..." "His Lordship's retainer..." "Umenosuke Kawabe." "Motome Chijiiwa... ex-warrior of Geishu." "And now... kindly come with me." "To the bath-room." "In his Lordship's absence the hon." "Elder reported your plight to our hon." "Heir, Bennosuke." "Our young master is deeply moved and wishes a word with you." "I am allowed an interview with the hon." "Heir, Bennosuke?" "That is correct." "However... those clothes will not do." "First you must bathe." "Proper dress is being prepared for you." "I am in your hands." "I am overwhelmed." "Incredible!" "Am I dreaming?" "Not only inconceivable... it's..." "Your pardon!" "Forgive the unexpected delay." "You must change now." "To death robes." "You're shocked?" "Was I not to see your hon." "Heir?" "He has expressed such a desire." "Odd!" "It must be a misunderstanding." "It's not!" "The hon." "Umenosuke Kawabe passed me the information..." "Oh?" "Hon. Kawabe did?" "I begin to understand... yes... it could be possible." "Then... you know about it?" "Yes, it becomes quite clear." "The hon." "Elder reported your plight to our hon." "Heir who was deeply moved by your courage and wished to make you one of us." "However... a samurai resolved to performing harakiri must be one of unwavering will." "As nothing can alter his decision, allow him his final wish..." "I would readily spare the time for a word with him but Lord Doi requests my attendance." "Extend him all courtesies of my house and have my men witness the ritual." "Let it be a proud example." "Such were his words... as told to me." "Well?" "Did you enjoy it?" "A most interesting story." "A tale befitting the valiant traditions of the House of Iyi." "And... what are your intentions?" "Oh... you are referring to this?" "Exactly!" "Be not concerned..." "I came here with this avowed purpose in mind." "Most laudable!" "I commend you on your unwavering decision." "Hon. Tsugumo." "Perhaps I should continue my story about this Motome Chijiiwa." "I am listening." "Come... time is fleeting!" "You must change your robes." "All preparations have been completed for your harakiri ritual." "I beg a boon!" "A boon... allow me a little time!" "I won't run!" "I promise to return here." "Just a few days!" "It's too late." "It's unjustified!" "Was it not at your request that we made arrangements?" "I beg your forgiveness!" "Just a day or two..." "I will return!" "A samurai's word is sacred." "It cannot be!" "Our master swordsman, Hayato Yazaki Young... eager for action!" "One move... you'll be ripped open!" "And there are others..." "Rather than be chopped up like some dead fish die in honour..." "Come... you must change robes." "Heed me, hon." "Ancestors!" "Forgive the unworthy ex-warrior which defiles our sacred garden." "The family honour is at stake the future of the Tokugawa Clan and our sacred Samurai Code." "I beg you be witness to my decision!" "Both blades?" "It's useless!" "Such a blade couldn't slash a radish!" "A samurai's blade is his soul!" "Blade of bamboo..." "And his is to die by harakiri?" "A shameless wretch!" "All is now ready." "Motome Chijiiwa..." "Rather than live in dishonour, you have chosen to die by harakiri." "A most commendable wish." "An end befitting a true warrior." "I am shamed to admit that even this House with its proud traditions boasts very few men of such integrity." "To witness this most unique rite all the retainers of this household have been gathered here." "Go your way... with heart at peace." "A boon, sire!" "Oh?" "What is it?" "A day or two of grace..." "I implore you!" "I seek not to escape!" "I will return." "I beg you... implore you!" "An odd request, indeed!" "I have been informed that Edo abounds with ex-warrior who disgrace our class by threatening to perform harakiri at one's gate unless a pittance is offered them." "Don't tell me... you..." "No..." "I would never..." "Yes..." "I'm sure you wouldn't." "A man of your lofty character would be incapable of such disreputable action." "Now... feel free to proceed!" "This unworthy will be your second" "Exponent of the Shindo-Munen School." "Though words be unnecessary, I would explain." "The rite of harakiri has changed with the years" "Of late, this sacred ritual has fallen into idle formalism." "The victim no sooner reaches for his blade, than he is beheaded." "No disembowelment is involved." "In some cases, a fan is placed on the tray instead of a blade." "Today, however, no shabby imitation of this sacred rite will be tolerated." "All will proceed in traditional form." "Understand?" "Like this... you will open your bowels crosswise!" "Only then will I undertake to execute my duty." "I act only when disembowelment is to our satisfaction." "Is that clear?" "Proceed!" "It is your blade... and you die by it." "A samurai's blade is his soul." "What blade could be more appropriate?" "Well... what keeps you?" "Please, proceed." "Strike!" "Behead me!" "Not yet!" "Slash open your bowels." "Why stops?" "Pull your blade!" "To the right!" "Yes... even as a final resort... to bite off one's own tongue..." "A praiseworthy... yet disgraceful act!" "And after all... he threatened harakiri with only bearing blades of bamboo." "By the way... what are your intentions?" "I assume you are referring to this?" "The fate of this hapless youth was exactly as I related it." "Hon. Tsugumo... heed my advice and reconsider." "No." "No!" "Set your mind at ease on that score." "Unlike this youthful Chijiiwa, neither of my blades are of bamboo." "I will perform the harakiri ritual without biting off my tongue." "Enough!" "Hon. Tsugumo... at your insistence," "I grant you your wish." "Attendant!" "Hanshiro Tsugumo, ex-warrior of Gieshu, seeks to die by harakiri." "As his dress is inappropriate, he is to be supplied with robes..." "What is it?" "Such considerations are unwanted." "My present attire most befits a destitute ex-warrior headed for the next world." "For the considerate treatment extended me this day" "I am deeply grateful." "Hanshiro Tsugumo fails to find words to thank you." "Now..." "I proceed." "Incidentally, hon." "Elder... who will be acting as my second?" "Ichiro Shinmen has been selected." "You have a preference?" "Yes..." "I would request the services of hon." "Hikokuro Omodake." "Hikokuro Omodake." "His fame as a Shindo-Munen School swordsman precedes him." "True!" "Hikokuro has won wide acclaim." "Hikokuro..." "Omodaka has absented himself today." "He has sent in a formal request for 4 or 5 days of rest." "Indeed?" "Then it cannot be helped." "Hon. Tsugumo... as you have just heard," "Omodaka is not present." "Any other choice?" "Hmm... most disappointing!" "I had looked forward to hon." "Omodaka acting as my second." "Could I not beg his special attendance?" "Yes... perhaps." "His fatigue was not too noticeable yesterday." "It couldn't be serious." "Attendant!" "Go seek out Omodaka and inform him that I wish his attendance." "Go now... hurry!" "I am indebted to you for your kind consideration." "And now... will you await him here?" "Or will you come inside?" "To re-enter your mansion may cause my determination to waver." "My pending journey might become distasteful." "I will wait here." "Your grim determination is awe-inspiring." "Hon. Elder." "There is nothing to be gained from tedious waiting." "Allow me to relate my life story to pass the time." "Oh?" "The story of your life?" "Yes." "The life story of an impoverished ex-warrior may sound boring but my fate here today may be the fate of others tomorrow." "Those who heed my tale may even find certain gems of wisdom hidden therein." "Your fate today... another's tomorrow?" "Yes... sounds interesting!" "Heed well his final words." "The words of a man heading for Eternity." "This is no ordinary testament." "There is much to be gained from it." "Hon. Elder..." "The tale you related earlier is complete with all truths and facts?" "It is." "The Geishu ex-warrior, Motome Chijiiwa, was a lad of some slight acquaintance." "Motome Chijiiwa..." "Yes... a lad of some slight acquaintance." "Motome was a handsome youth of 15." "And my daughter, Miho, a child of 11." "Eleven years ago..." "Yet..." "I close my eyes and it all comes back to me as if it were only yesterday." "Another round?" "Why bother?" "Our duty is to rebuild." "Archery will not help us." "Oh, peace... wonderful peace!" "By the way, the 22nd is the 7th anniversary of my wife's death." "Oh?" "I rememberthe date... but the 7th already?" "Yes... and I plan a small ceremony at my residence." "But not offerings..." "I understand." "But I can hardly believe it!" "Seven years?" "And what is more, a war-scarred veteran like you bringing up that charming child all by yourself!" "You... it's the other way around!" "When hon." "Yuki died," "I wondered how you'd manage." "And yet..." "look at you... a perfect kite-hawk combination!" "The widowed kite puttering about bringing up his young one." "Only to find his young grown into a princely hawk!" "A fine young hawk!" "Nonsense!" "He grows up only in body." "A far cry from the noble hawks soaring overhead." "You know..." "I always felt" "I'd be of no use off the battlefield but somehow I've managed." "Had life gone on thus, all would have been well." "But not our life!" "Our lives are like unto houses built on foundations of sand." "An ill wind means the end." "What brought about the downfall of Milord's vast Geishu domain?" "Need I go into details?" "You must all be informed." "Repairs on Hiroshima Castle were construed as a threat to the Tokugawa Shogunate." "In June of 1619..." "Our master's domain was abolished and 12,000 innocent retainers of his household were suddenly deprived of means of livelihood." "Jinnai!" "The Hon. Hanshiro Tsugumo." "Final requests to my friend of long standing:" "Demise of the hon." "Castle Repairs Commissioner is expected at any moment." "I precede him on this final journey my attendance alone will suffice." "I beg you to refrain." "But my son," "Motome is yet a mere child of 15 years." "I beg for him your future guidance." "Impatient one!" "Could he not have waited for me?" "Hanshiro..." "I forbid you!" "You are not to join me." "It is all so meaningless!" "Jinnai is enough!" "Be not imprudent!" "Jinnai died first to forest all any attempts by you" "He accompanies me on your behalf." "And now, Hanshiro, it is your duty to carry on." "To take over for him..." "Who else is there to look after his son, Motome?" "Masakatsu now goes to meet Jinnai." "Hanshiro... have you no message for your friend, Jinnai?" "No message for Jinnai?" "Inform Jinnai... just inform him..." "The future and destiny of his son, Motome Chijiiwa are watched over and protected by Hanshiro... with his life!" "Hon. Tsugumo." "Well?" "How did you fare?" "Sire... he seems gravely afflicted." "And what malady ails him?" "His family reports that he suffers high fever and much acute pain." "I begged to visit his bed-side but he suffers such great pain that they would not allow it" "I departed upon leaving your message." "Then we have no choice." "This sultry weather... it must have afflicted him." "Hon. Tsugumo... you have heard his report." "I must ask you to name another as your second." "Ah... most unfortunate!" "He seems too indisposed to attend." "Then I beg the services of Hayato Yazaki." "Hayato?" "You wish Hayato?" "Inaba... has not Yazaki been absent also?" "Yes, sire... he applied for leave to overcome his fatigue." "Hon. Tsugumo..." "I regret to say that" "Yazaki is also unavailable." "Oh?" "Hon. Yazaki is also indisposed?" "That is most unfortunate!" "Then... as I have no choice..." "I would request Umenosuke Kawabe." "Hon. Elder... could hon." "Kawabe also be ailing?" "Could such a thing be possible?" "Well, well!" "It seems that he also is indisposed." "That all three of them should find this day unfeasible..." "A strange coincidence." "How odd indeed!" "All is not well..." "Hikokuro was most insistent and forced Motome Chijiiwa to commit Suicide." "It was Hayato Yazaki who discovered that the blade was of bamboo..." "No... that was Umenosuke." "After all..." "I warned them against it." "It's no use now." "Very true!" "But how will you cope with him?" "He is not one to die meekly." "He must be plotting something." "Whatever his intentions" "I will force his hand and make him perform harakiri." "If he refuses," "I will have my men cut him down without mercy." "What happens within these walls remains an unknown secret herein." "The men will attack at my signal." "But Hikokuro and the others bother me." "I should send someone but under the circumstances," "I wish you'd go personally." "Hon. Tsugumo." "Though summer days be long, time is fleeting." "I bid you resign yourself." "But hon." "Elder!" "There can be no ritual without a second." "Yes..." "I have just discussed the matter with my major-domo." "The men you request are not available." "So I will pick one for you." "Ichiro Shinmen!" "You will act as second for the Geishu ex-warrior, Tsugumo." "Fulfil your duty with care." "With your permission," "I named three men to serve as my second." "I would still insist on one of them." "Have you no ears?" "All three are indisposed today!" "Is that not clearenough... or can't you hear?" "Oh?" "If such be the case, there is nothing I can do." "I fear this ritual must be postponed." "Hold your tongue!" "Your knavery goes too far!" "First you beg a site to perform harakiri." "Now you quibble overa second." "You never intended to die!" "Money was your motive!" "If I were a common extortioner, would I be placidly sitting here?" "I came prepared to die." "But harakiri alone can not ensure an easy trip to Hades." "A second is needed to lop this off." "A skilled master swordman." "What is more, I do not die a criminal." "I am free to choose a second." "You're a disgrace!" "A fraud!" "Harakiri was not your motive..." "Insolent dog!" "Wait!" "Restrain yourselves!" "I beg a word with all present..." "Pray restrain yourselves!" "What now?" "It is too late for words." "No... not yet!" "I am not yet finished..." "With my life story." "For any more such lengthy tales, I have no ears!" "Hon. Elder." "Should you force my hand," "I will do battle like one possessed." "Many of your innocent men will sustain injuries." "Some may even die!" "Would it not be wiser for all to hear out my tale?" "Then I will disembowel myself in good grace." "Should harakiri be too good for me, you may turn your men on me." "But for now..." "I entreat you to hear me out to the end." "You will remain true to your word?" "I swear it!" "On your samurai honour?" "Good!" "But make it short," "I have no ears for long, absurd tales." "Stand back, men!" "Now... where was I?" "Oh, yes... my master's house abolished;" "the death of Jinnai Chijiiwa and I had just reached the point where he entrust me with his son." "Following my master's downfall," "I left the land and came to Edo." "The end of civil war created hordes of ex-warriors." "In better times, a clan would gladly have employed a distinguished ex-warrior." "But in times of peace, the honoured warrior is no longer in demand." "He eats or fasts as Fate dictates." "Yes... it shames me to recall our life during the past 8-9 years." "However... even amidst such misery, my daughter, Miho, continued to grow and soon it was her 18th spring..." "Hon. Sire..." "Should I not return by midday, your meal is prepared." "The finest delicacy loses taste when one dines alone." "I will wait." "Then after I receive payment, I will purchase some dried fish." "Your pardon!" "Busy?" "You're going out?" "Yes... to see the wholesaler." "The hon." "Mikawaya?" "Good luck!" "Experience surpasses training!" "You're quite an expert now." "Forgive me for constantly requesting advances." "My earrings are so meagre." "Your frank innocence disarms me." "I had intended a few harsh words." "By taking the initiative, you tie my hands." "I bow to you." "By the way... that proposition I put to you the other day..." "Have you given it serious thought?" "Yes... my mind is made up." "Oh?" "That's gratifying!" "Yes, it takes a great burden off my mind." "No... your proposal regarding Miho..." "I have definitely decided against it." "In short, the adoption of Miho would merely be a pretext." "The Sakakibara family would then make a concubine of her." "Hon. Tsugumo... it's a powerful clan." "To be related to them would assure you a rewarding future." "Yes..." "I am aware of that." "However, hon." "Seibei never will I sacrifice my daughter to further my fortunes." "Pride is all right, but should not a parent consider her plight?" "A young... and beautiful... girl without even a festival kimono." "Day in and day out... slaving at her father's side!" "Hon. Tsugumo... do not be led astray by these times." "It's futile to fight the tide." "For Miho's sake and your own... it's all too obvious..." "For Miho's sake and your own... only because she is blessed with such beauty is such opportunity made possible" "Confucius says:" "Confucius says:" "Ignorance of one's mission makes not a superior person." "Ignorance of one's mission makes not a superior person" "Ignorance of etiquette means failure." "Ignorance of words means ignorance of men." "Class dismissed!" "Thank you, master." "Welcome, sire." "I took the liberty of preparing us some tea." "However, Motome..." "I have come for some serious words with you." "Honoured one... why such formality?" "Indeed... the days and months flow past so swiftly!" "Miho is already eighteen." "And looking more and more like her mother." "It seems unbelievable that she could be my child." "No... if she had taken after me, such beauty would be impossible." "Honoured One... why are you talking this way?" "You see..." "Motome..." "I want you to take Miho as your wife." "I realize that this is all very sudden." "But... how about it, Motome?" "Surely you are aware of the poverty in which I live." "As tutor for my neighbour's children," "I sustain my miserable existence." "How could I possibly take a wife?" "You dislike Miho?" "Do you like her... or don't you?" "I do not ask you to marry Miho merely because it was your sire's wish." "No... boorish warrior that I am, I can feel for you and Miho." "Convincing Motome was no simple matter." "The lad had a stubborn streak, which I had failed to realize." "However... he did love Miho and Miho certainly had no objections." "The crane which lives 1,000 years" "Symbolizes the countless happyjoys;" "The tortoise prevails 10,000 years" "Bearing, the crowning triple pleasures" "Hay the glistening sands long reflect" "The sun of numerous morning to come." "Two years passed, brought them their first son." "A son who was named Kingo." "It was I, of course, who served as the infant's godfather." "Welcome, sire." "No... not asleep." "Hon. Sire... you are too generous." "Nonsense!" "Amidst your own chores, you care for me." "What is here... now that I am alone, my wealth becomes a burden." "Can't take it with me." "Oh, no... it seems I have awakened him!" "Yes, my fine rascal dimples are not for a warrior's son." "You little rogue!" "Oh?" "The Matsudaira Clan abolished?" "Yes." "As with many another provincial warlord." "However... this Clan was a link in Tokugawa power." "One outcome is sure... more ex-warriors!" "Listen?" "You heard how one threatened harakiri at the Sengoku mansion." "An ex-warrior from a provincial clan, one Shume Chi..." "Will this wake up the Sengoku?" "It doesn't matter." "Many ex-warriors force themselves into various mansions threatening harakiri." "To stop these disturbances, these households reluctantly offer them coins." "A most shameful turn of events." "Yes... a disgrace!" "These happened." "No officials' assistance, things will continues." "As you have said, no report of officials' efforts for the help of times like these." "Live under the poverty... how can one become so base?" "Yes... what is it?" "It is time now." "It's the time, he wants his milk." "Whenever he cries out, you feed him." "An evil habit to form." "Look..." "Kingo!" "How, look...?" "Kingo, like it?" "With Kingo, we fear nothing." "Life was full of laughter." "However... such happy days were not destined continue forever." "The snowing winter, snow was as thick as the mountain." "One day..." "Miho vomited blood." "One had always been a delicate child and drudgery was too much." "Her frail body had been over-worked too often." "I can help nothing..." "Motme tried hard." "The poor boy!" "Town Labour Poo." "Fifty men, forty yens." "Fifty men, forty yens." "Look, samurai!" "Stay out!" "The townsmen need work." "A sword-bearing labourer can only bring me trouble." "Twenty men, forty-five yens." "Motome's plight was pitiful!" "His every effort ended in vain." "Miho went from bad to worse." "Strange how evil hounds misfortune!" "I still recall how we barely survived that year." "Then as the spring of this year brought forth plum blossoms..." "What is it?" "Motome!" "Is it Miho?" "It is Miho?" "It's..." "Kingo..." "What?" "Kingo?" "He's feverish!" "He burns with fever." "Miho... were you standing idly by while this child was stricken?" "It seemed a fever brought by a cold." "But... what did the physician say?" "He came... did he not?" "You have not called in the physician?" "But... why didn't you?" "Kingo!" "Don't give up." "This Old One and your parents have long since sold our valuables." "There is nothing... nothing we can do to save you!" "Though we be so helpless." "Kingo a good samurai must not give up the fight!" "Kingo, you mustn't lose!" "You mustn't!" "You mustn't lose... you mustn't!" "There is still one final chance." "In my absence..." "look after Kingo." "Motome... what is this new idea?" "I know a former retainer who is now a money-lender." "But his rates were so high!" "And this is no time to be concerned about details." "You are right!" "If you know such a person... hurry!" "Yes, I go now." "I will return by evening at the latest." "As Miho is also bed-ridden," "I beg you to look after Kingo." "Do not worry, I'll be here." "But, Motome, he is seriously ill." "The greatest haste is required." "Make arrangements and hurry back." "Yes..." "I will return by evening." "I go now." "We depend on you, Motome." "No, let me do it." "Kingo... just a while longer..." "What delays him?" "This will not do!" "What is keeping Motome?" "What takes him so long?" "Getting up now will do no good for Kingo's fever!" "Where can Motome be?" "He should have returned by evening." "He promised!" "What keeps him?" "Where can he be?" "I continued to wait." "Each hour seemed as long as autumn day." "But we waited in vain." "Motome never did return to us." "I will return by evening." "Look after Kingo..." "Those were his words on departing." "Such was my final parting with Motome Chijiiwa." "However..." "later that night at the Hour of the Dog," "Motome did come home." "But not only by himself." "He was accompanied by a gallant escort of retainers and underlings of the Iyi Clan." "Such was the hon." "Chijiiwa's touching request." "However, our gateway was unsuitable, and we cordially accommodated him in our garden, where he was able to fulfil his wish." "Of late, one hears of mansion frequently visited by ex-warriors who extort a pittance by threatening disembowelment." "We understand that the households are greatly embarrassed thereby." "However... advent of this honourable samurai, Chijiiwa, who did die by harakiri, and the honoured House of Iyi which did not fail to adopt appropriate measures;" "these two serve as examples to ex-warriors and to weak-kneed members of other households." "A refreshing breeze and eye-opener for such disgraceful elements!" "Surely a matter for mutual congratulations" "Show the blades." "A moot point." "Will you examine the two swords of the deceased?" "Please note... they are of bamboo." "Of bamboo?" "Miho!" "Note that both blades are of bamboo." "We want no claims regarding loss of the blades." "Is that quite clear?" "You understand?" "The..." "Motome begged the loan of a blade from one of you?" "Such was not the case." "He died magnificently... using that blades!" "Motome... died by the bamboo blade?" "Correct!" "We witnessed in detail the ritual performed with bamboo blade." "An unsightly affair!" "A samurai needs to die by a true blade which is a warrior's soul." "Now... we take leave." "Miho wept... and wept... and wept..." "Forgive me!" "It was I... who was so thoughtless!" "You sold those blades..." "You sold them for Miho's sake..." "And still..." "I never realized..." "Yet..." "I never parted with mine." "I would never have dared." "In my ignorance," "I clung... to these worthless symbols." "Useless tokens..." "Ravaged by raging feverand in a coma," "Kingo died some two days later." "And three days later..." "Miho also passed on... following her child to the next world." "Thus was Hanshiro Tsugumo left alone in this world." "Alone and solitary figure..." "Hon. Tsugumo..." "Does that conclude your tale?" "Yes... in a way." "No!" "I wish one final word." "I beg all in attendance to listen well." "No matter how dire his circumstances, for a member of the samurai class to extort aid by threatening harakiri is an abominable act and cannot be forgiven!" "On the other hand, this household's method of coping with Chijiiwa can justly be said to leave much to be desired." "A samurai shaming himself by begging a few days of grace must certainly have a reason." "Certainly it was not out of place for you to ask his reason!" "Is this asking too much?" "Did not one of you now present feel need for such consideration?" "With a wife fatally stricken and an innocent, ailing child demanding immediate attention..." "He begged this chance to inform me and to make one final effort before leaving matters in my hands and returning to this mansion." "Hanshiro Tsuguma!" "Enough of your excuses!" "Chijiiwa may have been victim of various circumstances." "But he himself want to die!" "Though matters did not go as planned, he sowed his own seeds." "It was not for him to resent, blame or accuse others!" "It was for him to forget all else and die a magnificent death." "To go unwavering to one's death is the way of the true samurai!" "But to plead for days of grace!" "Signs of a true coward!" "No wonder one thought him mad!" "Yes, you are right!" "Truly, Motome was not in his right mind." "But for such state of mind," "I have only praise." "Even the famous samurai is a mere human being." "He cannot live on air alone." "In a crisis, even men like Motome will stand by their family." "Yes, and I'm glad!" "The bamboo ex-warrior." "Not only samurai... even the townsmen sneer at Motome's memory." "Yes." "Let them who would..." "laugh!" "It is impossible to fathom the hearts of all men." "The ruthless Shogunate policy of wiping out the provincial lords, brings ruin to innocent thousands!" "The well fed may never realize this." "Some among you may loathe Motome for his pleas." "Put yourself in his position, what would you have done?" "After all... our.samurai honour... merely glosses the surface" "Enough nonsense!" "You dare suggest that our honour is merely superficial?" "That's right!" "Some threaten harakiri and try to evade the consequences." "Such wishful thinking can be perilous." "Any who ask are allowed to die." "In fact... we see to it that they do!" "It is the way of our Clan." "No half measures for us!" "In other words, you believe that I have no intentions of dying?" "That I come, enraged at the way you dealt with my son-in-law, merely to give voice to my numerous grudges?" "Is that what you believe?" "Need you ask me?" "You need only ask yourself." "Eitherway... you have no intention of letting me get away?" "That is my choice." "I see no reason to ask you to leave." "Hon. Elder... suspicious eyes welcome the devil." "You recognize the proverb?" "My promise to perform harakiri is not a fraud." "Despite all my efforts... you still..." "First of all... even if I do live on, what is there to look forward to?" "Much rather would I hurry to join Motome..." "Miho... and Kingo in the Land beyond where they await my coming." "However..." "I cannnot go to them with both these hands empty." "Is that not true?" "Explaining Motome's predicament enables your men to understand his position..." "To reflect on their own hot-blooded approach..." "Not all are convinced that they did right." "Was it possible that they might have carried things too far?" "Perhaps more appropriate measures could have been taken..." "A single word to this effect would being satisfaction to Motome." "Would this not be most fitting gift I could take to him?" "Such were my plans... but to my regret, that was not to be." "Now we understand each other." "Your touching tale is of no use." "No... a samurai who claims that honour serves only to embellish the surface could never reach our hearts." "In short... they are the illogical" "grumbling of a senile ex-warrior?" "Well... it serves no purpose to lament that now." "Forgive my prolonged narrative." "Now I go through with the ritual..." "Oh... one moment!" "Before beginning," "I must return some items entrusted to me." "Each bears the name of the original owner." "Please, study them" "Hon. Hayato Yazaki... hon." "Umenosuke Kawabe... both swordsmen held in high esteem by the Iyi Clan for their honour and bravery." "But, hon." "Elder... and others in attendance... be not concerned!" "I accepted only their top-knots and not their lives." "My encounter with hon." "Yazaki took place six days ago..." "One moment!" "Hon. Kawabe was disposed of five days ago... on May 8th" "But the master swordsmen of the Shindo-Munen School, hon." "Hikokuro Omodaka was not to be made light of..." "Possibly aware of the fate of his two companions, he was never off guard." "Yes... to be honest," "I was at a loss as to how to deal with hon." "Omodaka." "As you reach out for your blade" "I draw... and fell you with one blow!" "However..." "I fear that my blade will be blocked by this lintel." "A sideward blow at your waist is hampered by this pillar." "Forgive my delay." "I couldn't find you." "Please, make ready." "As one cannot duel here, we will repair to the Plains of Gojin-In." "Hovel that it is," "the owner may be annoyed if you fail to return and someone must come to dispose of your corpse." "I suggest a short note stating that you proceed to the Plains of Gojin-In to duel with Hikokuro Omodaka." "He wisely took advantage of the winds." "But a blade not only cuts... it can stab or be used to snap others." "Swordsmanship untested in battle is like swimming on land." "Be that as it may it was my first fight in 16 years." "Since the Summer Siege of Osaka." "Taking a man's head is not easy." "But to take only his top-knot was harder still!" "Irrespective of skill, to lose one's top-knot is equivalent to losing one's head." "A laxity and dishonour which even death cannot wipe away!" "Yet, they claim illness and hide until their top-knots grow back, hon." "Elder!" "You boast of traditions of bravery but even the code of the House of Iyi seeks only a false front!" "A maniac!" "Fell the culprit!" "Hanshiro Tsugumo has fallen, sire." "And our casualties?" "The casualties among our men!" "Masakatsu Sugita..." "Sobei Umemura..." "Ichiro Shinmen..." "Uemon Yoshioka... died in action." "Eight others suffer injuries." "The ex-warrior from Geishu, Hanshiro Tsugumo, died of harakiri." "Our retainers died of illness." "No retainer of the Iyi Clan was killed or maimed by this impoverished ex-warrior!" "At his own request, ex-warrior Hanshiro Tsugumo performed harakiri!" "Our men died of illness!" "There can be no connection!" "See that none other dies of illness." "The injured must be given treatment immediately!" "Hon. Elder..." "I return." "Omodaka..." "Hikokuro... died last night at his residence." "The two others, Kawabe and Yazaki, still claim illness... but..." "Foolish one!" "Why did you not order them to die?" "Go immediately... order them to die by harakiri!" "And... take some skilled men with you!" "Should they refuse, they are to be slain on the spot!" "Understand!" "Also, these men..." "Omodaka, too, are victims of illness... not harakiri!" "Stupid one!" "You know the ways of administration..." "You fall to realize the implications?" "You idiot!" "I go now, sire." "Geishu ex-warrior, Hanshiro Tsugumo, died by harakiri in the early evening." "His words and actions markedly odd." "Many considered him as being out of his mind." "Also, disposition of Geishu ex-warrior," "Motome Chijiiwa, who died in January, was found appropriate" "and the fame of the House of Iyi was greatly enhanced." "In this case also, our stern measures were soon known throughout the administration." "Consequently, three days later, during formal session at the Castle," "His Lordship took occasion to laud our hon." "Heir Bennosuke ...in peace as in turbulence..." "With this borne in mind the House of Iyi will prosper throughout the ages" "May 16th, 1630... 7th Year of Kan-Ei."