(3)A Samurai Story:To Tempt Heaven

Takahashi Katsuhiko (b.1947 in Iwate)
Sharaku Murder Case, 1983, 29th Edogawa Ranpo Prize
Somondani, 7th Yoshikawa Eiji Literature Rookie Prize
Hokusai Murder Case, 1987, 40th Japan Mystery Writers’ Club Prize
Kaen, 2000, 34th Yoshikawa Eiji Literature Prize
53rd NHK Hoso Bunka Prize in 2001
Homura Tatsu and Hojo Tokimune, were produced into the NHK Through-the-Year Drama.

A Synopsis of To Tempt Heaven by Takahashi Katsuhiko
Written by the translator, Nishimura Yoshitaro, Professor Emeritus of Fukushima University

STORY
Masa’s plan to ambush Ando’s sudden attack and crush it worked.
He marched directly to Nagoushi Castle in the dark. He considered that the enemy in the castle had already retreated. The sky toward the castle was slightly light.
Probably the fire the enemy started at the granary was still burning.
“No sound of fighting.” Tomo said smilingly with his pricked ears.
He had taken off his heavy helmet and had his staff carry it. “Only two thousand to regain the castle.
Within a short day! After tonight your glorious name will spread not only in Michinoku but also over Musashi. Your demonic work I saw with my own eyes. Perhaps our main force will arrive at Oyu tomorrow night. When they see the battle is over they will be surprised. If I were not with you, I wouldn’t believe it possible. I’m sure Ando won’t invade Kazuno for a while at least.”
“I hope not.” Masa nodded,
but looked disappointed about his hollow victory. It certainly resulted from his strategy, but he reckoned that the enemy destroyed themselves.
“Your brother Nori is probably regretful. He did a good job as a decoy but he didn’t fight with the enemy at all. It’s a great pleasure to see him at the castle. We agreed not to fight until we joined.” Tomo grinned and went on, “This is happiness any way. Tomorrow night I invite my local people to the castle to announce my comeback.
We must wait until the main force arrives. Let’s have a big celebration. Let’s prepare a remarkable banquet to surprise Nao.
I order my men to prepare liquor and girls. You can enjoy our local girls.”
・・・・・・