Two brave men on the roof of Horyukaku
This diptych illustrates an episode from the epic novel The eight canine heroes of the House of Satomi.
The novel recounts the meetings and fantastic adventures of the eight brothers who sprang from the union between the daughter of the Lord of Satomi and the Lord's own dog.
When they were babies, the brothers were adopted by different parents. Two of the eight canine heroes, Inukai Kenpachi and Inuzuka Shino, are battling for a precious sword on the rooftop of Horyukaku, a tower of Koga Castle.
At this moment, they are unaware that they are brothers. Inukai Kenpachi is defying his brother shown in heroic stance on the lower roof. A flight of startled birds intensifies the drama of the moment.
