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 II

Katsugorō had been persistently searching for his enemy for five years, he learned by chance that Gōsuké was related to Hōjō Ujimasa. He was rejoiced to hear this information, and hurried away to Kamakura. He then assumed the name of Michisuké, and became servant to Tsukumo Shinzayémon, who was the instructor in fencing of the Hōjō Clan, in order to learn whether his enemy was taking shelter in the clan. Shinzayémon had an only daughter named Hatsuhana, who was a beautiful girl of seventeen. Her great beauty was the talk of Kamakura. Many young samurai admired her passionately, and wished to be her lovers. Takiguchi Kōzuké, who had enjoyed some six years' safety, had long since been giving rein to his lecherous nature. He had caught a glimpse of Hatsuhana, had fallen deeply in love with her, and had made up his mind to use his power in securing her hand. Hatsuhana, for her part, had strong feelings of affection towards the new servant Michisuké, who had a fine appearance, 279