I Run Away Again Summary and Analysis

Musui decides to run away again. He pawns several possessions, steals some fencing gear from the practice hall, and leaves in the middle of the night. He walks for many days and decides to find the coolie, Kiheiji, who took him in several years ago. Kiheiji is surprised to see the beggar he knew as a samurai. After a day with Kiheiji, Musui goes further west. Travel barriers are set up and permits are needed to travel the provinces, but Musui manages to lie his way past barrier officials. He also manages to stay in an inn by adopting the fictional persona of "Harima-no-kami of Mito." Mito is a famous noble house, and Musui finds that the name gets him influence and favors.

Finding himself in the province of Totomi, Musui seeks out an acquaintance...