Chapter 3, 'Yoshida Kinshi' Summary

One evening, Saburo and his band rob a rice brokerage, disguised as Komuso monks who wear baskets on their heads. They stuff rice and money into secret compartments in the baskets, tie up the guard, and get away safely. The authorities and the merchants' guild offer a large reward for information leading to Saburo's capture.

Jiro and his family are hungry again and their money has run out. Hanji is working on a new puppet, but Yoshida has just sent word cancelling the order, as he will no longer need the puppet. Jiro decides he will go to the theater and offer himself as apprentice. His family will then have one less mouth to feed, and one day Jiro will be employed properly and be able to give them money.

When he gets to the theater, there is a...