As one of the few surviving autobiographical writings of early Japan, in the Story of Musui, Katsu Kokichi recounts his life as a samurai of the late Tokugawa period. During the Tokugawa period, also known as the Edo period, major wars and conflicts slowly decreased in number and size. The Edo period meant that samurai were no longer as necessary. However, the era also saw the publication of Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai, written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo. Tsunetomo, influenced by his time as a Buddhist priest, Confucian scholar and strongly by his teacher, Mitsushige, transmitted his private feelings and discussions that formed bushido or “the Way of the Samurai”. Katsu embodies some of the traditional samurai ideals written in the Hagakure such as exceptional fighting skills and courage. However, Japan's changing reality meant that Katsu had to adapt as other actions such as the right to personal gain and seeking different money-making options became unorthodox. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Katsu's courage represents an orthodox samurai ideal. Samurai were trained from a young age to face risky situations with balanced courage, anticipating and resolving any impending problems to ensure a positive outcome. Courage and intelligence carried over into Katsu's life because he remained composed and quick in the face of precarious situations. Katsu claims he had to place a copper coin on a doll in the middle of a field at the age of eight. “When my turn came it was after midnight and it was pitch black… but I made it and everyone praised me.” Hagakure supports this behavior by stating that "courage should be encouraged from childhood and avoid trivially scaring or teasing the child." Consequently, courage is an orthodox value that Katsu embodies. Katsu's fighting skills reveal one of the ideals of an orthodox samurai. During his time fencing in Otani's practice room, Katsu “tore down all the good-for-nothings in my neighborhood…everyone obeyed me. I feared absolutely no one." Fighting was an important element of a samurai's identity. Many have been trained from a young age to perfect the experience. His actions reflect a high level of skill and depict the duty and honor of what he believes is right and necessary when fighting. Katsu's fighting skills also increase his reputation fitting the fact that there are no major battles or wars in which to test them. Katsu's decision not to become a master's servant is unorthodox. The Hagakure states that "a man is a good servant to the extent that he seriously attaches importance to his master." Instead, Katsu does not become a servant and his loyalty is only to himself. “I made myself comfortable… I did what I wanted… I gave lessons every day. It seemed pointless to stay any longer." Therefore, Katsu embodies the ways of the 47 rōnin, or samurai without masters, for both are not anchored in masters who would guide and teach them throughout their lifelong dedication. Rather, they make their own decisions and live their lives as they see fit. Therefore, Katsu acts unorthodoxly against the real life of the samurai. Katsu has an unorthodox view of a samurai's right and respect by using the ideal to his advantage. Hagakure emphasizes the value of proper etiquette by stating that “treating a person harshly is the way of middle-class lackeys.” The opposite of this action is represented when a worker helps'.