Kanadehon chushingura, Act 2 from the series a Copy for Imitation

Act II, Honzo cuts the pine branch. In Eisen's version of the act, the scene between the young lovers Konami and Rikiya pushed to the background. In this print the focus is given to Honzo's action of borrowing his master's sword and cutting off a branch of a pine tree to demonstrate his words, "Thus are the enemies of Wakasanosuke dealt with." Though apparently supporting his master's plan for revenge, Honzo has an ulterior motive for doing this. He intentionally does not completely lean Wakasanosuke's sword of sticky pine tar; as a result the sword will stick fast to its scabbard, and his impetuous lord will not be able to draw it against Moronao. Honzo believes it is his duty to forestall his master's revenge because he knows that any action taken against the powerful Moronao will result in disgrace at court or worse.