Youth Summary and Analysis

At age sixteen, Musui is recovered from his testicle problem, and it is decided he should find a career. He goes to the commissioner's office and starts the process. However, through his much older brother's office, Musui comes to known a shady man by the name of Kuboshima Karoku, who introduces him to Edo's "pleasure district" in Yoshiwara (for prostitution). Musui enjoys the experience "immensely," and when annual tax money comes in, Musui and Kuboshima conspire to steal a little of it to use in Yoshiwara. The older brother, Hikoshiro, accuses Musui of the theft, but their father "looks the other way" in order to protect Musui's honor in the face of a relatively small theft.

Next Musui relates the story of visiting his two cousins and meeting their swordsman friend, Genbei. Genbei has heard of Musui's fighting reputation, and asks...