On one occasion the army of Nitta, who was fighting under the flag of Go-Daigo, the true emperor, was encamped before that of Ashikaga. To save further slaughter, Nitta sallied out alone, and, approaching his enemys camp, cried out: “The was in the country continues long. Although this has arisen from the rivalry of two emperors, yet its issue depends solely upon you and me. Rather than millions of people should be involved in distress, let us determine the question by single combat.”
The retainers of Ashikaga prevailed on their commander not to accept the challenge. In 1338, on the second day of the Seventh month, while marching with about fifty followers to assist in investing a fortress in Echizen, he was suddenly attacked in a narrow path in a rice-field near Fukui by about three thousand of the enemy, and exposed without shields to a shower of arrows. Some one begged Nitta, as he was mounted, to escape.
It is not my desire to survive my companions slain,” was his response. Whipping up his horse, he rode forward to engage with his sword, making himself the target for a hundred archers. His horse, stuck when at full speed by an arrow, fell. Nitta, on clearing himself and rising, was hit between the eyes with a white-feathered shaft, and mortally wounded. Drawing his sword, he cut off his own head -- a feat which the warrior of that time were trained to perform -- so that his enemies might not recognize him.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
