“Your lordship flatters us. We do not deserve such praise.”
“And who may you be, my friend?”
“My name, your lordship, is Nakatsukasa Tadakatsu, formerly Honda Heihachiro.”
“I know, I know! It was a misty morning when I saw you fighting bravely on the bank of the river near Ryūsenji Temple in Kasugai. Yes, yes, you, too, acquitted yourself splendidly.”
“My lord, I do not merit such commendation; I am but a plain soldier.”
“There is one more—may I ask your name also?”
“Sakakibara Yasumasa, my lord.”
“Do I behold the countenance of the renowned Sakakibara?—Sakakibara, who by himself gave chase to Lord Hideyoshi when he was forced to retreat near Hosonigaki? Your temerity on that occasion is still vividly remembered by His Highness. He admits, of an evening when in a talkative mood, that he was never so terrified in his life! Ha, ha, ha! You were a bold man.”
“The past is past and forgotten, my lord. I am now one of the most faithful and obedient servants of His Highness. We whose trade is that of arms, fight and make peace as the god of war casts his dice—we have no choice in the matter.”
“The presence of so many brave soldiers who took part in the battle of Komaki Hill gives me much pleasure. My thoughts are carried back to the past and—that reminds me—my brave sirs, will you answer me one question?”