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"Takagari" by Glenn I. Masuda

Original Description: A contest of Hawk-hunting or "Takagari" between Noriyuki and Hikiji turns to a lesson of honor and respect... Date originally archived: April 24, 2001 URL: Internet Archive

It is a beautiful spring day, the trees and flowers are in full bloom, and winter's harshness has been long forgotten. Standing in a field, nearby a lake stand three figures. A ronin wearing the "mon" of the Mifune clan stands with a female samurai, who wears the clan crest of the Geishu. With them is a young, short and somewhat cuddly-looking young lord. They admire the beauty of the country-side. Usagi, Tomoe Ame and Lord Noriyuki are out on a "takagari" . Usagi is present at Noriyuki's request. There is to be a contest, set up by the Shogun, between the house of Lord Hikiji and the house of Lord Noriyuki. Although the contest is meant to be a sporting event, much honor is at stake, as the winner would surely win favor in the imperial court. During the time of the Shogun, hawk-hunting was very much in fashion, and every local lord kept predatory birds for the pleasure of catching other birds. It was generally prohibited for a private person to keep a hawk.

Trusting in Usagi's courage, honesty, knowledge, cunning and skill, Lord Noriyuki has asked him to work with Tomoe to assure that the proceedings are not sabotaged by agents of Lord Hikiji. "We are honored that you will be able to participate in the ‘takagari Usagi-san.’" says Lord Noriyuki. "It is I who is honored, Lord Noriyuki." says the ronin, bowing humbly to the young Geishu lord.

Usagi was somewhat hesitant, yet intrigued by the idea of a "takagari". He has heard of such things, but had never been to one, as those were usually reserved for members of royalty or other powerful people, such as courtiers and lords in the feudal days of Japan. As the group walks back towards the Geishu castle, Tomoe tells Usagi of the skill of the Geishu Clan hawk-keeper, and also of the skills and proficiency of the hawks in his care. As they get closer towards the castle, they approach the hawk keeping area. They come upon a man who is dressed as a hunter. He is standing, his right arm outstretched. He wears a long leather glove which covers his arm up to his elbow. Sitting on his arm is a magnificent hawk. It’s eyes gleam in the sun. It has a regal bearing and the look of a predator. It fixes it’s glare upon Usagi. Usagi-san returns the hard stare. Something mutual passes between them, fleeting, silent. Perched atop a portable stand is another bird, also a hawk. It appears to be a bit younger, but every bit as fierce looking. The hunter introduces himself. "I am Gyoza, hawk-keeper for the Geishu lord." He proudly shows his birds off to Usagi. "These are my two best birds, samurai-san. This magnificent bird is called ‘Hikari’." He points out that it’s talons are white with stripes on the underside, indicating that the bird on his arm is five years old. "The younger bird on the perch is called ‘Hirogi’." The younger bird has black talons with blue undersides, indicating that birds age to be about three years old. Gyoza beams, "We are sure to win the takagari, not even Lord Hikiji’s birds can out-hunt my beauties!"* * * * *

The hawking contest is divided into only two parties, one of house Noriyuki, the other of house Hikiji. It will take place over three days. The winner would be that party that catches the most birds. Some birds are worth more than others, (e.g., a quail would be counted as three small birds.) The hawks would often would often go after smaller birds like sparrows, buntings, thrushes, but well trained hawks could go after much larger and highly prized birds, such as herons. The greatest prize would be a "tsuru" . Cranes are especially fearful of man, and usually will not go near an inhabited area.

On the first morning of the contest, it is a beautiful, sunny spring day. The contest has been going on in earnest, yet few birds have been taken today. At this time , Lord Hikiji's party has a has a slight lead. Lord Noriyuki is concerned, but his hawk-keeper is confident he will win the day for his lord. Late in the afternoon, Hikiji’s party still has a lead. Hawk-keeper Gyoza is becoming desperate. He carries his birds close to the lake to what he believes is a flocking place for many water birds. A great noise is made by the hawk-keeper’s helpers to startle any birds which may be hiding amongst the dense water foliage. Much commotion is made, and the loud flapping of large wings is heard. Two cranes take flight! "A TSURU!" cries Gyoza. "Quite a prize!" Even though they are frightened and fleeing, the majestic birds are a awesome and beautiful sight. The hawk "Hikaru" has it’s hood removed and is set free. It takes and takes off after one of the cranes. It seems to be drawing attention to itself, away from the other crane. The crane is quick and evades the hawk at first, even taking a few swipes at it. But the hawk is relentless. It finally makes contact, connecting with the crane’s long neck with its claws. The crane valiantly flails, trying to rid itself of its attacker. The hawk is screeching angrily, unaccustomed to having it’s prey fight back. The other crane flies off, crying angrily and piteously. The crane being attacked struggles to shake off the hawk, but the hawk clings on. The hawk Hikaru appears not to be strong enough to bring down the magnificent crane by itself. The keeper sends up the second hawk "Hirogi" to help the first. Hirogi flies up above the fray, then dives down onto the crane. Soon the crane is overwhelmed, and is finally brought down to the ground with a dull thud. Gyoza runs up with a knife to finish off the crane and to cut a bit of flesh from the crane, as it is custom to give every hawk a bit of flesh from each bird it caught. The two hawks sit perched atop the downed crane, both screeching in triumph. As Usagi and the rest of the hunting party run up, they take note of the sight. The crane shows no sign of fear. It is battered, and bleeding, breathing hard. It remains disturbingly quiet, as if it were resigned to its fate. Usagi looks into the eyes of the crane. It is defiant in death, but accepting of its fate. He is moved by its calm attitude, and is reminded of how his old sensei once spoke of the proper attitude of a samurai, even when facing death.

* * * *

It is a fine summer afternoon. The days are long, and mercifully cool. A old lion with a magnificent mane so long it trails behind him, stands by a stream. His bearing is noble, yet priest-like. His clear eyes, however are that of a warrior. He wears the two swords of a samurai. He holds a tall staff, to which is attached a drinking gourd. He smiles knowingly as he watches over a young rabbit struggling fiercely with a fishing pole, and a large fish in the stream. Sweat pours off the forehead of the young rabbit. It is a master swords-man and his shugyosha. "Sensei! I don’t think I can hold on to the ‘koi’! It is too strong!" "Nonsense!" barks Katsuichi Sensei. "The Koi embodies the spirit of a samurai. Do not dishonor it by giving up so easily!" Many more minutes pass, which feel like hours for the young Usagi. Finally, exhausted, he is able to bring the strong fish onto the bank. It has fought fiercely, but now that it has been caught, it lays quietly. Usagi has gathered up a stone to strike the fish into submission, but is puzzled, then fascinated that such a fighter is now laying ever so still. Katsuichi sensei walks up to where the student is crouched over the fish. "Sensei, is the koi dead?" asks Usagi. "Fool." mutters Katsuichi sensei. "See shugyosha, how the "Koi" lays quietly? Is not like other fish. It fought like a true warrior till the very end. But when death is certain and inevitable, it faces his fate with honor and dignity." Usagi still looks upon the fish with puzzlement. Katsuichi sensei reaches down, grabs up the koi and unhooks it deftly with one motion. He then throws it back into the stream. Young Usagi cries out, "Sensei, why did you do that! You told me to catch the Koi! Weren’t we going to have it for dinner?" "Fool." Katsuichi sensei retorts quietly. "I only told you to catch the koi. To destroy a creature of such spirit symbolizing the spirit of a samurai would be a dishonor! Besides, little weevil, the meat of a koi is very musky, and unsuitable for our meal. Come." Katsuichi sensei turns away. "I have prepared a tasty meal of pickled vegetables." A bewildered Usagi looks after the koi now swimming away. He can hear Katsuichi sensei murmuring off in the distance, "Remember that many creatures of nature can teach us the true way of the samurai...."

* * * * *

The samurai-like bearing of the crane touches Usagi. "STOP!" He suddenly orders the hawk-keeper to cease his actions. Gyoza is surprised and upset. "But samurai-san, the crane is worth many birds, and Lord Noriyuki is behind in the contest!" Tomoe is also angered by Usagi's actions, concerned for the outcome of the contest. She firmly states, "Lord Noriyuki's honor is at stake, Usagi, we cannot suffer the humiliation of losing to Lord Hikiji!" Usagi, seemingly unheeding of the anger of the others, gently covers the head of the great, white bird with a cloth, then gently but firmly takes the injured bird up into his arms. It is laying very still, yet he knows it is very much alive.

Usagi carries the bird back to Lord Noriyuki's compound. The bird’s wounds are tended to and Usagi personally nurses it back to health over the next two days. In the near distance, a crane can be seen flying up high in the sky. It cries for its mate. The crane in Usagi’s keeping hears, but only looks up into the sky. The takagari continues, but Lord Noriyuki’s "team" is never able to catch up with Lord Hikiji’s takagari team. On the last day of the takagari, the crane is well enough to be released. Accompanied by Tomoe, Noriyuki and Gyoza, Usagi takes the crane back to the place where it was captured, and removes the hood. The crane looks back at Usagi momentarily. Something fleeting passes between them. It flaps it’s great wings and takes flight. The hawk keeper is looking on disapprovingly, knowing that the contest could have easily been won if Usagi had not intervened. Usagi watches the crane fly away, its wings majestically spread out in the setting sun. It is quickly and happily joined by another crane, its mate. Usagi smiles. Out of view of the hunting party, we see the crane return with its mate to its nest. In the nest we see a few eggs.

At the end of the contest, all of the Clan nobles and their retainers gather in the Shogun’s court. In court, the Shogun hears of the Crane’s story, and although the contest was won in numbers by House Hikiji, he asks that the tale of the compassion and wisdom shown by the ronin in the employ of House Noriyuki be told to him over and over again. Finally, the Shogun acknowledges that although the largest number of birds in the Takagari contest was taken by Lord Hikiji, he awards the victory to Lord Noriyuki, as he declares the capture of white crane to be counted as a actual catch. The retainers of the Hikiji clan briefly protest, but the Shogun maintains that Lord Noriyuki’s hunting party demonstrated a true understanding of the samurai spirit. The Shogun asks to speak with Usagi. Lord Noriyuki bows respectfully and says, "Regretfully, my lord, the ronin Miyamoto Usagi has already left the area. He continues his warrior pilgrimage. Although disappointed, the Shogun nods his approval.

Later, a lone ronin can be seen on a hill, watching two cranes down in their nesting area. He smiles as he remembers another piece of wisdom from his sensei. "Behold the "tsuru" Usagi, legend has it that they live for a thousand years, and that they mate for life. Many creatures of nature can teach us the true way..."

#sorry that it's been so long since I posted here!#fanfiction #fanfic #fan fiction #usagi yojimbo #Miyamoto Usagi #Tomoe Ame #Lord Noriyuki #Lord Hijiki #Katsuichi

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