Ōsuga Katsutaka married Katsuno with the hearty approval of his lord,
Tokugawa Iyeyasu, who greatly struck with admiration of the girl’s
heroic deed, readily promised to accord her his special protection.
On hearing of this, Shichiroyemon’s brother Gemba Morimasa, a
well-known warrior, who had won for himself the nickname of Gemba the
Tiger, clenched his teeth in wrath and mortification, and going to his
lord, Nobunaga, gave him a minute account of all that had happened,
requesting him to take immediately some steps to wrest Katsuno from
Iyeyasu’s hand.
“If this be left undone,” he continued fiercely, “my brother’s spirit
will never be at peace, nor will my outraged feelings allow me to rest.
You must see this, my lord.”
“Calm yourself, Morimasa. You speak wildly.”
“Who could help it, my lord! Just think of the case! Not only was
my brother murdered by a mere woman, but she, my mortal enemy, has
been taken under the protection of a powerful noble, so that I am
powerless to touch her! If I allow the matter to stand my reputation as
a warrior will be compromised. If you decline to interfere, I will go
myself and negotiate with Lord Tokugawa. At least you will allow me to
do that!”
“If you are so set upon it, I will see what I can do,” said Nobunaga,
reluctantly; and he accordingly sent a warrior to Iyeyasu to request
the delivery of Katsuno.
Iyeyasu readily granted the messenger an interview, but after listening
to what he had to say, replied bluntly:—
“I am sorry, but I cannot consent. Katsuno is a heroine, and such a
woman as is rarely found in Japan. To speak frankly, Shichiroyemon did
not behave well. I understand that because Katsuno would have nothing
to say to him, and because Hachiya, to whom she was affianced, was
a favourite with his lord, Shichiroyemon, out of a mean jealousy,
unworthy of a samurai, caused his house to be set on fire and himself
to be assassinated. In my opinion,—in the opinion of all right-minded
men, he richly deserved his fate, and it was fitting he should die as
he did. What can his brother urge in extenuation of his crime? His
demand is preposterous! Think of Katsuno! For the sake of a man to
whom she was merely betrothed, she boldly avenged his death, stabbing
a strong warrior in the midst of a large concourse. What courage! It
might well put a man to shame! And this heroic woman comes to me for
protection, honouring me by her confidence! Do you imagine I will give
her up? Never! Tell your lord that Iyeyasu is not one to betray his
trust, and that he emphatically refuses to deliver up this brave woman
to her enemies.”
There was nothing more to be said. The messenger returned to his
lord and gave the answer he had received. Nobunaga admitted its
reasonableness, and not even the hot-tempered Morimasa could deny its
truth. But being of a stubborn and revengeful nature, he brooded over
his grievance, and secretly schemed or the attainment of his purpose.
* * * * *
One fine autumn day Katsuno, attended by a maid, was strolling in the
grounds at the back of her residence. Sweet and beautiful she looked,
with the calm happiness of a contented young wife. To the west of the
garden were to be seen the quarters of her husband’s retainers, and
the twang of bowstrings accompanied by the whistling arrows showed
that the samurai were strenuously practising their archery. A grove
of maple-trees bounded the east, and their red leaves effectively
contrasted with the dark green of their background. In front, to
the south, the view led across paddy-fields to the tall black pines
enclosing the precincts of the village shrine. A few little birds
flitting here and there, and softly twittering, gave life to the scene.
Standing by a pond in the garden Katsuno was idly throwing some food
to the carp which came at her call, when the little gate that gave
entrance to the grounds suddenly opened, and an elderly woman came in.
“I am glad to see you, Miss Katsuno, nay, I should say Mrs. Ōsuga,”
said the newcomer bowing politely.
“Madame O-Tora!” exclaimed Katsuno, in surprise, quite taken aback by
this unexpected visitation. “Is it indeed you? I am very glad to see
you, it is long since I had that pleasure. How did you find your way
here?”
“By a mere chance,” replied the elder woman, smiling as though
overjoyed at the meeting, and speaking in propitiatory tones. “As I was
passing along this lane I happened to glance through the hedge and to
my great astonishment and joy recognised you in the garden. What a
happy home you have! I could envy you your good fortune!”