Erlkönig: The Samurai 「士」

Back in the time of the Samurai there was a powerful emperor who needed a new chief Samurai, so he sent out a declaration throughout the country that he was searching for one. A year passed, and only 3 people showed up: a Japanese Samurai, a Chinese Samurai, and a Jewish Samurai. The emperor asked the Japanese Samurai to come in and demonstrate why he should be the chief Samurai. The Japanese Samurai opened a match box, and out popped a bumblebee. Whoosh! went his sword, and the bumblebee dropped dead on the ground in 2 pieces.

The emperor exclaimed: That is impressive! The emperor then asked the Chinese Samurai to come in and demonstrate. The Chinese Samurai also opened a match box, and out buzzed a fly. Whoosh, Whoosh! went his sword, and the fly dropped dead on the ground in 4 small pieces. The emperor exclaimed:That is really VERY impressive! The emperor then had the Jewish Samurai demonstrate why he should be the head Samurai.The Jewish Samurai also opened a match box, and out flew a gnat. His flashing sword went Whooooosh! Whooooosh! But the gnat was still alive and flying around.

The emperor, obviously disappointed, asked: After all of that, why is the gnat not dead?

The Jewish Samurai smiled. Well, he replied, circumcision is not meant to kill.