The Three Thousand Heroes
This is but one of the many legends spoken of by the wolves in the Kandai region:
The wolves of Kandai knew that their town was doomed to be destroyed. A large invading army had been sighted in the villages to the west, destroying everything in their path, ransacking towns, the Kuro-okami (the Black Wolves) were coming. The feared Kuro-Okami who left nothing in their wake and took no prisoners, ruthless warriors who emerged from the battles with the blood on their disgusting muzzles and would not think twice of killing even the youngest cub would make an example of Kandai for sure as they took over Japan. The citizens of Kandai, wolves of a much lighter complexion than their would-be assailants had no way of defeating these intruders. Decades ago, a peace treaty was signed by the wolves of Kandai never to take up arms again, as they sought to be a city of intellectual development and farming. The standing army was disbanded and made to work in more peaceful professions such as police work, teaching and farming, the use of force completely disregarded as an effective tool.
But now, with an invading army so close to the city walls, it was obvious that a change to these rules would be necessary,
"We need to abolish the peace treaty. That is the only way to defeat these incoming warriors and save our way of life," the citizens would say to the chief and his Council of Twelve, a selected group of advisors and elders. But the chief had a plan, an ingenious plan that would prove to be the salvation of the city and the surrounding countryside, that would satisfy every condition of the treaty and repel the invading dark-furred wolves.
Ashitaka was the chief's name, a descendant from a long line of brave warrior-kings and sages who gave the citizens of Kandai a national identity and their own literature. And much like his ancestors Ashitaka was very much in tune with nature, perking his ears to hear the wordless voices that spoke to him alone. The spirit of the kami and his ancestors communicated through him and though he was very young, he was the wisest wolf in the land. His reasoning was invariably correct, exact, and final- a natural-born leader who could weather any storm, no matter how large.
"You say that we are doomed and that a large army has come. But we have made preparations," the wolf said to the Council of Twelve gathered inside his palace. "I am fully aware of the peace treaty our nation signed. And I know that there is a movement to break it. But if we break it, then we are as villainous as the invaders for our dishonesty. But through my research, I have discovered a way for certain members of this kingdom to fight, in spite of the contract. Though what we signed is legally binding, it was signed twenty-five years ago." Members of the Council of Twelve raised objections.
"What is the significance of twenty-five years?" one said, obviously wanting to know.
"The treaty applies only to those alive when it was signed. Your children were not alive to agree to it thus it has no binding on them. They are free to fight as they choose and many have indeed taken up the path of the warrior long since abandoned. Your love of peace is admirable but protection is a necessity. And I will be the general for this young army." No one had ever thought of this before- the wolf had come up with a solution that allowed for the country to raise an army without violating its own decrees. The entire Council was amazed at the incredible wisdom of such a solution. For years, their children had, under their very muzzles been practicing the same forbidden art which would now be their only hope of victory.
"But we can't raise an army in a few days and teach them the art of war," another Councilor said.
"Do not worry! I have trained them for three years in the scrolls of war. I have seen the works of these young wolves and I can tell you that no army shall prevail against them. They have shown courage and valor in delivering food to the poorest villages over the mountains, in apprehending thieves and bandits. Your cubs are strong and never cease in doing what is right for the country, and they will take the weapons of war to defend their land." As dangerous as it sounds, no one would even think of questioning the wisdom of Ashitaka the wolf. As a matter of fact, the youth of Kandai ranging in age from 18 to 25 were whom the chief deemed ready to fight, after a rigorous training program, regarded him as a father figure for teaching them the art of war. They were extremely proficient in whatever mission they were called, be it policing the outlying villages, capturing lawbreakers, or helping the poor. They trusted their leader to the point of being called the "Sons of Ashitaka" and they numbered exactly 3,000.
These young wolves knew that there would be a large battle upcoming, a battle which would determine the fates of their parents and so they would fight with desperation and strength, as though they were cornered beasts. When the Kuro-Okami were sighted, Ashitaka's Sons marched out of the city to meet the invaders, peerless archers and excellent students of the blade, hardened by years of missions and practice. Ashitaka knew that a defeat would mean not only death but disgrace for him and yet the wolf remained calm in the times reaching to this battle, as he sat on the hill overlooking the village.
When at last the time came for the two opposing armies to clash, something strange and marvelous occurred. The Kuro-Okami were being absolutely destroyed by Ashitaka's Sons- the archers with their accurate aim cut down the advancing invaders and the swordsmen outdueled their counterparts easily. The battle which was supposed to be the end of Kandai was an absolute joke as the discipline and professionalism of this young army was too much for the invading Black Wolves, who used conscripted slaves to build their army. The invaders retreated and in what was the greatest surprise of all, not a single one of Ashitaka's Sons were killed or even severely injured.
And thus the wolves of Kandai were able to protect their territory while retaining their honesty. And though centuries have passed in the Kandai region, many male cubs are named "Ashitaka", service organizations dedicated to this hero are everywhere and his great actions have stirred the hearts and minds of the poets, so that this story is immortalized in story and song. The actions of the Three Thousand Heroes continue to resonate in the minds of the cubs of Kandai and people of all ages look to these nameless heroes as role models in this region of Japan.