Arguing the Justice of the Vendetta Before Yoritomo — The Final Moments of a 20-Year-Old Warrior
On the night of May 1193, during the great Fuji hunt, Soga Goro Tokimune and his elder brother Juro raided the camp of Kudo Suketsune and achieved their vengeance. But Juro was slain in the chaos, and Goro charged alone into Yoritomo's own quarters. Seized by the palace guards and brought before Yoritomo himself, Goro fearlessly declared—according to the Tale of the Soga—"Avenging a father is the duty of a warrior. I have not a single regret." Yoritomo is said to have marveled at his courage, but Goro was nonetheless executed that same year at age 20. His fearless valor was celebrated as the model of a warrior for centuries, inspiring countless works of Noh, Kabuki, and Joruri.