Stories of the Japanese 00893 [Kenmu Period] The Obstruction by Imajō Jōkei

When Wakiya Yoshisuke attempted to return to Kanegasaki, Imajō Jōkei of the Ashikaga side had gathered local bandits and was lying in wait with bows and arrows at the ready. Seeing this, Wakiya Yoshisuke said,
“If he is Jōkei, is he not the son of Imajō Hisatsune? Hisatsune was my ally and stayed with me until we reached Sakamoto, so he should not have forgotten our old friendship. Someone, go and hear what Imajō has to say.”
When he said this, Yura Mitsuuji, a close aide to Yoshisuke, went alone to meet Imajō. Incidentally, Imajō's base was in the area of the current Imajō Station (Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture), two stops from JR Tsuruga Station.
When Yura Mitsuuji said in a loud voice,
“Knowing that Lord Wakiya is traveling from Somayama to Kanegasaki, are you going to block the road? Lower your bows, remove your helmets, and let him pass at once!”
Imajō Jōkei dismounted from his horse and replied,
“Although my father, Hisatsune, was an ally and served the Nitta clan with loyalty, I have parted ways with my father and joined the Ashikaga side, so I cannot let you pass here. However, it is not my intention to be hostile toward you. I would like you to hand over one or two well-known people from your entourage. I wish to take their heads as proof that a battle took place, so that I may be spared from blame myself.”
A rather selfish request, is it not?
When Yura Mitsuuji returned and told this to Wakiya Yoshisuke, Yoshisuke looked quite troubled. Nitta Yoshiaki, unable to watch, said,
“I understand what Jōkei is saying, but the bond with the soldiers who have been with us until now is heavier than that between parent and child. Therefore, I cannot simply hand them over. Mitsuuji, go and talk to him once more. If Jōkei still insists, let us die in battle alongside our soldiers to show the world the principle that a commander values his troops.”
Because he said this, Yura Mitsuuji went to meet Jōkei again and spoke as instructed, but Jōkei was not easily convinced. Mitsuuji dismounted, cut the upper belt of his armor and threw it away, and said,
“Even the body of a great commander, which is precious for the sake of the realm, is being offered in exchange for the lives of his soldiers. How could I, a vassal who should be serving with loyalty, not be able to offer my life in exchange for my master's? Take my head quickly, and in return, let the commander pass!”
No sooner had he said this than he drew the sword at his waist and attempted to commit seppuku. Seeing this, Jōkei seemed to be genuinely moved; he took Mitsuuji's sword and said,
“Indeed, what you say is reasonable. I am willing to face the consequences, so please pass.” He then sat by the side of the road and bowed respectfully.
Yoshisuke and Yoshiaki were deeply moved and presented Jōkei with a sword. Those who saw and heard of this did not spare their praise... or so it is written in the Taiheiki, but I do not consider this a touching story. I think it is simply a case of someone withdrawing an unreasonable demand.