Before Minamoto Tamako could catch her breath, the entire corridor suddenly became lively. Several residents opened their doors and windows, shouting in competition, even the opposite building echoed with yells:
"Yasukawa, if you sing that crappy opera again, I'll tear your mouth apart!"
"You scoundrel, you're causing disturbances again! All day long, all you do is play that samisen!"
"Play, play, play, I'll play your damn head—"
The door with the Noh chant slammed shut, and the mournful, haunting sound abruptly stopped. A man holding a pipe wrench came out from across the hallway, banging on the door while cursing: "Come out! I can't take it anymore, if you don't come out, I'll smash your door lock!"
