1.The Samurai's Tale
By: Harutomo Murakami
Houghton Mifflin Company
Copyright @ 1984
215 Park Avenue New York, New York
234 Pages

2. Harutomo Murakami (Taro)- The hero of the story, the son of a poor samurai who died in battle
Lord Akiyama Nobutomo- One of Lord Shingen's generals, Taro's master and friend.
Lord Akiyama Nobutora- Father of Lord Akiyama Nobutomo
Lord Oda Nobunaga- Lord Takeda Shingen's rival and enemy.
Lord Oda Nobutada- Son of Lord Oda Nobunaga
Lord Takeda Katsuyori- Son of Lord Shingen, also called the Wakatono, the prince
Lord Takeda Shingen- The Lord of Kai, a ruthless warlord whose ambition is to rule all of Japan.
Lord Takeda Yoshinobu- Son of Lord Shingen. He revolts against his father and is killed.
When Murakami was 18, Lord Takeda decided to go to war and Murakami was disappointed to find himself appointed aide to the officer in charge of food supplies. When a thief tried to steal some rice, Murakami showed both firmness and compassion by beating him, but not killing him. After that, Murakami won a sword fight with a ronin bandit loyal to Lord Obu, but refused to behead him. Murakami's captain beheaded the ronin and gave Murakami the head and the helmet. Lord Akiyama ordered the siege of Iwamura Castle. A ninja who had escaped from the castle declared that Lord Toyama was dead and beautiful Lady Toyama - Lord Oda Nobunaga's aunt - governed the castle now. Lord Akiyama with Murakami and a handful of others as bait set a trap; Murakami finally got his wish to take part in battle. The Castle of Iwamura surrendered and Lord Akiyama and his men entered it. Murakami took half the men to Takato Castle and obtained millet there. Fearing that Oribe would accuse him of insubordination (not following orders), Murakami went to see Lord Akiyama. Instead of scolding him, Akiyama thanked him for getting the millet, asked if he had heard that Lord Shingen was ill, and gave him a gold coin. On the way out, he caught a glimpse of Aki-hime, the lovely daughter of Akiyama's retainer, Lord Zakoji - and was smitten. A few days later Murakami formed part of a guard of fifty soldiers sent to Nagashino Castle to see Lord Takeda