六様性国芳自慢赤口

Ōmori Hikoshichi 大森彦七 was a general serving the warlord (later shogun) Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358). He defeated the loyalist general Kusunoki Masashige (1294–1336) at the Battle of Minatogawa in 1336 and was made governor of Iyo Province as reward. On his way to celebrate his appointment, Ōmori encountered a beautiful young woman fretting because her travel was obstructed by a river. He gallantly offered to carry her on his back. In the middle of the river she suddenly became quite heavy. This aroused his suspicion. A moonlit reflection in the water revealed that the woman was a demon in disguise. The demon was actually the vengeful spirit of Kusunoki attempting—unsuccessfully—to steal Ōmori’s sword.