口笛を吹く武士The Whistling Samurai

What you'll learn

Kobayashi Heihachiro and Shimizu Ikaku discuss rumors of an attack by the Ako ronin. Kobayashi shows Ikaku a record book identifying a merchant as a former Ako retainer. They agree to investigate further.

Ikaku tries to wake his drunken brother Kyoutarou and persuade him to help with surveillance. Kyoutarou resists but eventually agrees to go out as a spy.

Kyoutarou walks through the streets, pondering which direction to go. He decides to head towards the Tokaido road by following the wind.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～ておる N4Polite form of ～ている, often used in historical or formal contexts.
  そうどこにも、ここにも、赤浪が潜んでおってたまるものですか。
• ～かも知れない N4Means 'might be', expressing uncertainty.
  第一、そういうあなたこそ、赤穂浪士の錚々たるものかも知れませんな。
• ～ごとき N1Means 'like' or 'such as', often used to express humility or contempt.
  何をいわれる。誰が兄貴を、男めかけにする女があります。」一角は、とうとう笑い出して、「犬、猫などと、見下げたようなことをおっしゃるが、兄貴は、それこそ犬、猫のごとくに――。

Cultural notes

• The 47 Ronin (Ako Roshi)The 47 Ronin were former retainers of Asano Naganori who avenged his death by attacking the mansion of Kira Yoshinaka. This event is one of the most famous tales of samurai loyalty and honor in Japanese history.
• Role of the Kira Household RetainersThe retainers of Kira, including those from the Uesugi clan, were tasked with protecting him from potential attacks by the Ako ronin. They conducted surveillance and gathered intelligence on the ronin's movements.
• Tokugawa Shogunate Laws on VendettaDuring the Edo period, acts of revenge were regulated by the shogunate. The 47 Ronin's attack was technically illegal, but they were seen as upholding the samurai code of honor, leading to their legendary status.

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Topics

Short Storyhistoricalloyaltyconspiracysuspensefulphilosophicalaozora bunko