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Sword Food

(Ikkyu Story)

Translation　Laurence Hunter

Japanese　←→　Japanese ＆ English　←→　English

　Once upon a time, there lived a well known priest apprentice boy named Ikkyu.



　Well, we have all heard before of the quick witted Ikkyu and his wonderful victory over the Lord of the castle in the Tiger and The Folding Screen story. The Lord had been so put out by this that he invited Ikkyu there once more

"Hello, Ikkyu .Thank you so much for coming again."

"Of course. Willing to serve you whenever you ask of me sire. Well, what do you require of me today? "

　After Ikkyu had asked this ,the Lord burst out laughing.

"Ha, ha ha ha ha.

　You’re a precautious one aren’t you.

　But , please relax.

　I only called you here today so that I could treat you to a feast."

　After saying so, the lord ordered up some of the most wonderful treats for Ikkyu to try.

"Go ahead, don’t be modest, eat as much as you like."

　Upon hearing the lord’s words, Ikkyu proceeded to eat all the things he was not permitted to eat in his Buddhist temple, things like meat and fish and such.

　The lord was very impressed by the sight before him and spoke out.

"Why, how you eat so well.

　For a boy like you ,its amazing to see that anything goes down your throat ."

"Yes.

　There’s is nothing that cant pass down my mouth.

　Just like The Eastern Costal road of Japan ."

"Ok then!"

　It seems the lord had been waiting for such an answer.

　The Lord then, drew out his sword and with a terrifying look handed it over to Ikkyu.

"Well then!  Swallow this sword!

　You say anything will pass down your throat.

　Don’t dare say this will not pass! "

　However, Ikkyu seemed not to worry.

"Ok, I see. So you want me to swallow this sword eh."

"What!? Can you really do it? "

"Like I said before, my mouth is just like the Eastern Coastal road of Japan."

　After saying so, Ikkyu picked up the sword ,but suddenly started coughing.

　Before long, Ikkyu stopped his coughing and spoke out to the Lord.

"This is a regrettable thing.

　Why, just this minute my cough has stopped,

　It seems my throat is just like check points on the Eastern Coastal road, once they stop coughing up permits, then there is no passing."

　As soon as the Lord heard these words, he clapped his hands together in awe.

"Damn! Ikkyu truly you are the greatest. This time you have also won against me.

　And once more, Ikkyu received a great number of gifts from the Lord and went on his way.

The end

One piece of advice: Beware of the crafty Ikkyu.

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