"Otsu-san, do not come after me !" "Musashi-sama !" "Please understand." "My hands are stained with a child's blood." "Being with such a man will not make you happy !" "No, you're not like that." "You are suffering deeply for it." "I am attracted to how stern you are with yourself." "Otsu-san" "I will follow you everywhere." "I will not regret any suffering !" "I won't get in the way of your studies." "Please take me with you !" "You will, won't you ?" "Musashi-sama..." "You still don't understand ?" "Forget about me." "I forgot about love and lived solely for the sword." "Please... forget me !" "Otsu-san, forgive me." "Who are you ?" "Little one." "Why do you sharpen a sword ?" "Can you cut a man's body with this ?" "Who do you intend to cut ?" " My father." "What ?" "!" "Kid, are you joking around ?" "If not, you are inhumane !" "But I can't bring him to his grave in one piece." "Little boy  He died ?" "Even to take him on the horse, unless I cut off his head and body," "I can't carry him alone." "But he's your father." "I see." "You poor soul." "No one else around ?" "Just your father ?" "Don't cry !" "When dawn breaks I shall help you !" "So don't cry !" "Your mother's grave ?" "That's right." "Please." "Please." "Kid, what are you going to do with it ?" "I'm going to sow it when Spring arrives." "One unhulled rice grain makes 900 grains." "Mister, you didn't know ?" "No, I didn't." "I recall it as a child." "Then, you were a farmer as a child ?" "That's right." "Mister, are you going already ?" "I must be on my way." "You'll be lonely all alone." "What are you going to do ?" "I don't know." "You don't have relatives nearby ?" "No." "I heard I have a sister that's living far away." "I've never met her, though." "Did you ask the villagers ?" "I'll consult the priest of Tokuganji Temple." "Take care, then." "Yes." "Samurai, you're a fool... !" "A fool... !" "Uncle !" "Uncle, you came back ?" "Will you keep me here for a while ?" "Let's farm together and live here." "You will ?" "That's right." "Hooray !" "Hooray !" "Hey, lori, watch out !" "Hey, lori..." "Yes ?" "I was feeling sorry that your father had died." "But you found yourself a young father !" "You're lucky." "He's not my dad !" "Right, Sensei ?" "Hey, lori !" "What can you grow on that barren rocky land ?" "Stop while you're ahead !" "Darn you !" "lori !" "We'll know if we get a harvest or not in the Fall." "Just work diligently until then." "Yes." "Uncle." "Yes ?" "When you turn in this rice, you're going out on a journey again ?" "How could you tell?" "You took out your sword to look at last night" "Oh !" "Hello, Mr. Samurai !" "Have you been well, kid ?" "How's your father ?" "He's dead." "I see." "Poor thing." "I have some sweets for you." "Come to the temple later." "I'll do that !" "Who is that gentleman ?" "He's the Chamberlain of the Hosokawa Clan." "His name is Sir Nagaoka." "Sir Nagaoka ?" "That's right !" "Are you Miyamoto-san ?" "I am most ashamed." "Please bear with me." "You got two bags of rice from that barren land ?" "There is nothing to be ashamed of." "Now you've become a farmer of two bags of rice." "Miyamoto-san !" "Two bags of rice !" "We attack tonight." "Uncle, I'm going to the temple." "Go on." "Though you are a distant relative, you come to this memorial annually." "I am most honored." "Please do not accommodate me too grandly." "While I appreciate your hospitality," "I do not expect to live it up extravagantly here." "I am humbled." "I need to stay over tonight." "Let me do as I please, again." "Yes." "Priest !" "Give me the wallet I left with you." "Don't peep in from there." "Come in if you want to talk." "I want my wallet !" "Your father entrusted it to me." "I'll hand it over, but what will you use it for ?" "Never mind." "Are you buying land and becoming a farmer ?" "I'm becoming a samurai !" "Still saying that !" "You're a stubborn one." "You really want to become a samurai ?" "Yes." "Then, come to my residence." "No thanks !" "You don't want to serve me ?" "Rather, give me the sweets !" "Oh, that's right." "Kid, are you lonely since your father died ?" "No, I'm not." "I have my Sensei !" "Sensei ?" "You mean that young man ?" "That's right !" "What are you doing ?" "This is your father's keepsake." "Spend it wisely." "Here are the sweets I promised." "Thank you !" "He's adorable." " Yes." "The boy is called Misawa Iori." "His father was a samurai from the Saikoku area." "Oh, I see..." "The mountain bandits !" "Uncle, come quick !" "What ?" "The mountain bandits are here to get our rice !" "Iori, get the horse !" " Yes !" "Set it on fire !" "It's the ronin !" "Pile straw on the bridge and don't let them get out !" "How dare you attempt to steal their rice ?" "It seems the villagers are in trouble." "Inosuke." " Sir !" "Go check it out." "Sir !" "What's that man's name ?" "Miyamoto Musashi." "He tilled the soil of a barren land with the boy you saw earlier." "A farmer who is a ronin, he's a most unusual man." "Farmer ?" "Then, he must be the man who defeated the" "Yoshioka Dojo all alone." "Miyamoto Musashi is a man I'd like, to meet." ""The sword if like the hoe." "The hoe is also like the sword."" ""Tilling the soil, one forgets the war."" ""With war, one forgets the soil."" ""With writings, one returns to reality."" ""Both are needed in this life."" "Priest." ""Regarding the home and the horse," "I would like to leave them in your custody."" "That Musashi... he must be a distinguished man." "Uncle, what did you write ?" "You won't understand it now, but I thanked the villagers." "What will you do in Edo ?" "It's in the lap of the new Shogun." "New things are happening there." "I want to see that." ""Souls of Samurai Finely Honed"" "Excuse me." "Excuse me." "Master." "Welcome." "Dear !" "Dear !" "Huh ?" "You have a customer." "Welcome." "Anything I can do ?" "Can you sharpen this sword ?" "Allow me to examine it." "How shall I hone this sword ?" "What do you mean ?" "Do you want me to hone it so it's suitable for cutting, or just keen enough ?" "Sharp." "The sharper the better." "More than this ?" "I cannot hone this sword." "Why is that ?" "Is this an inferior sword unworthy of being sharpened ?" "Oh, no." "This Hizen blade is of superior quality." "But I detest your order of making the sword sharp for cutting." "Oh." "Why ?" "Most samurai always request that it be very sharp." "They think that it's the most important virtue." "I can't stand it." " But you sharpen swords for a living ?" " Wait a minute !" "Step outside and re-read my sign." "I believe it said "..." "Souls..." "Finely Honed."" "That is correct." "I did not offer to sharpen any swords." "I am here to finely hone the soul of the samurai." "Not sharpen murderous weapons." "So I was taught  by the Master." "I see." "Making it sharp is all that you're concerned with." "Killing people makes you feel so important !" "I can't hone the sword of that kind of samurai to a fine edge !" "You have a point there." "And who taught you this philosophy ?" "Kyoto's Honami Koetsu-sama." "Koetsu-dono !" "I know him well !" "Could you be..." "Miyamoto Musashi-sama ?" "Yes, I am." "We apologize for the rudeness as we did not know who you were." "No, no." "Your husband has taught me some good lessons." "I'll keep them in mind." "I am humbled." "Allow me to hone this sword to a fine edge, then." "Have you a substitute in the meantime ?" "No." "It's not a good one, but I have a sword available." "Please come on in." "Please come in..." "That sword..." "You noticed it." "It's one of the famous swords on order." "Unfortunately, there's some rust on it." "Would you like to take a look ?" "Very much so." "It's three 'Shaku' long." "You're well informed." "Omitsu." "Please don't." "My uncle will return soon." "You needn't worry about him." "He knows about us." "Kakuei." " Sir." " Let's change." "Sir Sado." " Yes ?" "I want to ask you a favor." "What is it ?" "There is a man I'd like you to recommend." "He desires to serve our clan ?" "Correct." "I'm not really looking for more men as most are usually just searching for a job." "This man is a bit different." "He's an Iwakuni squire's son named Sasaki Kojiro." "Young as he is, he set up his own style, called Ganryu." "I'd like to meet him to see what he's like." "To see what he's like ?" "And see if he's worthy of a recommendation." "I'll decide after that." "Master." "You came for the long sword ?" "It has not yet been honed." "What ?" "It's not ?" "How long must I wait ?" "I can't wait !" "Musashi's sword." "Oh, Sasaki-sensei !" "Welcome !" "Sensei is here." " Please come this way." " Please." "Granny, you're working hard as usual." "Kojiro-sama !" "That man you are seeking, Miyamoto Musashi, is in Edo now." "What ?" "He is ?" "Correct." "He left his sword at Kosuke's shop for honing." "Kosuke, huh... ?" "Where is Musashi now ?" " That I don't know." "But he left his sword at Kosuke's shop, so if you stake out the shop, you'll know." "I see." "Thank you, Kojiro-dono." "You have all been so kind to me." "I thank you !" "Iori." " Yes !" "Want to eat some noodles ?" " Yes !" "Order two bowls downstairs." "Sensei, here you are." "Thanks." "It looks good." "It's so noisy." "Iori." "Go tell them to quiet down a little." " Yes !" "Be quiet !" "My Master says you're too noisy !" "Did you say that... or your Master ?" "My Sensei did." "Damn kid !" "Let go of me !" "No sense in picking on you !" "We'll see him !" "Damn kid !" "Hey, you !" "Acting so calm while you eat !" "Iori, eat, too." "Hey, listen... !" "Who are you ?" "You don't know ?" "Everyone knows me at Bakuro-cho !" "I'm not deaf." "Speak softer." " What ?" " State your name." "Among the Kanto horse traders, Chichibu-no-Kumagoro is a well known ruffian !" "I deal with the samurai !" "I handle rough horses !" "So deal with me accordingly !" "What is that ?" "Don't act funny !" "You're acting smart !" "This is not a lord's mansion !" "It's where horse traders dwell !" "I know that." "Then, why did you make trouble by sending that kid when we were having fun over there ?" "Say something !" "Depending on your answer, I won't let you go !" "Horse traders are always noisy !" "How will you settle this ?" "Hey !" "Iori, eat." "Kumagoro." " Yes !" "Can you wash these chopsticks ?" " Yes !" "Right away." "He wanted to meet me first ?" "It's only a formality." "He'll recommend you for certain should he meet you." "Let me decline." "I won't try to serve the Hosokawa Clan for the time being." "Why ?" "Am I not right ?" "Why must I meet Sado to serve the lord ?" "If Sado dislikes me, then I'll be a second hand." "Ridiculous !" "Kojiro-dono..." " I, Kojiro, am not for sale !" "Tadashi, I'll reconsider if I can meet the lord himself." "My Lord, I brought Sasaki Kojiro." "Is it the first time you'll serve a lord ?" "Yes, sir." "This would be." "I hear you want to serve my clan." "Why ?" "Sir, I think it's a good clan to stake my life for." "Your style ?" "Ganryu." "Ganryu ?" "It's my own." "Does Ganryu come from your Iwakuni origins ?" "Exactly." "I'd like to observe your skill." "Anyone here to challenge Sasaki Kojiro ?" "Okaya." "Sir !" "Give it a try." "Sir !" "You boast of your spear talents often." "Prove it to me." "Sir !" "I will be your opponent." "Do you mind ?" "Please." "Then, for the preparation." "Okaya-dono." "What is that for ?" "Don't bother covering the blade." "Bare blade ?" "Exactly." "Very well." "But if I am using the spear without covering the blade, then you must pick up a real sword yourself." "No." "That I cannot do." "Why not ?" "I am not a vassal of the clan." "It would be discourteous of me to take such action." "Such a conniving man !" "I'm fine as is." " But." " Don't let it bother you." "Okaya." "Just do as he says !" "Well, then !" "Stop there." "That will do." "My Lord, it was a magnificent match." "Yes." "He's coming out !" "Go after him to find out his inn !" " Yes." "Iori, shall we play a fun game ?" "Like what ?" "You run that way, I'll dash this way." "Let's race and see who can get back faster." "Sounds like fun !" "Let's do that." "Very well." "Go !" "They're gone !" "Damn !" "Those cowards !" "He's not back yet." "I won !" "Iori, you were fast." "Of course !" "I'll win any time in races !" "Sensei !" "Welcome back !" "Nice crabs, aren't they ?" "I caught them at Shinagawa !" "Let's have a drink later with them." "Hey !" "Stand one up here !" "Take the rest elsewhere !" "Hey !" "What does it say ?" ""The man... who showed his back and ran away..." "Miya..." "Miya..." "Miyamoto Musashi."" "Hey, does it say Miyamoto Musashi ?" " That's right." ""Granny Hoinden seeks him as her enemy."" ""If you don't show your face, you're not samurai."" "Damn fools !" "Miyamoto Musashi is our sensei !" "How dare they insult him ?" "He's your sensei ?" "He's with you ?" "Hey !" "Tell Granny we found out where he is !" "Wait !" "Who are you ?" "A henchman for Boss Hangawara !" "Then you put up this signboard ?" "Damn you !" "What the... ?" "Good for you !" "Hey everyone !" "This will discredit our sensei !" "I'm sure they're up all over town !" "Take them down !" " Yes !" "Takezo !" "Come down !" "Granny !" "There's Takezo" "We're here to assist her !" "Come down !" " Come down !" "Sensei, what will you do ?" "They won't come up." "He disappeared !" "That coward !" "Hey, hey, hey !" "Come down !" "Or we're coming up !" "Come out !" "Hey, they're here !" "Get them !" "Calm down !" "A message from the Shogun's kendo instructor is here !" "Miyamoto-sama !" "Miyamoto-sama !" "Hojo-sama summons you !" "What ?" "Hojo-sama ?" "I don't know why, but he readied your clothing." "I shall bring it right up." "Isn't Awa-no-kami the instructor for the Shogun ?" "That is correct." "Now you know how great our sensei is !" "Now that you know, get out of here !" "I don't know who Hojo or Awa-no-kami is, but it has nothing to do with me !" "Takezo must face my vendetta !" "Hand him over to me !" "Madam, tell me, who in your family was killed by him ?" "No one !" "But he's still my sworn enemy !" "My sworn enemy !" "I never heard of a vendetta like that !" "Sorry to keep you waiting." "I am Hojo Awa-no-kami." "Please follow me." "Thank you for coming today." "I heard a man whom I know is supposed to be here." "Who can he be ?" "I shall introduce you soon." "Come this way." "It's this way." "Why don't you come up ?" "Sir." "I am here." "Musashi..." "I was waiting for you." "Priest !" "Come on in." "What is the matter, Musashi ?" "Please come in." "Takuan-dono, you haven't explained all." "He finds it difficult to oblige as it is." "I see... though the intentions are good," "I guess I lost here." "Will you introduce the other guest to Musashi ?" "Please have Yagyu Tajima-no-kami enter the room." "You knew it was Tajima-dono ?" "I had some difficulty in figuring it out, but the shadow I saw earlier and his atmosphere gave it away." "No man other than Tajima-sama could be so distinguised." "You are correct." "Man in the shadows, come in." "He knows your identity." "I am Mina Mataemon Munenori." "Nice to meet you." "I am meeting you for the first time." "I'm Sakushin ronin, Miyamoto Musashi." "Musashi, greetings are done." "Come up." "Sir." "I heard of you from my father Sekishusai's letter, as well as from Priest Takuan." "I was just impressed by your keen perception." "Thank you." "About the Granny who seeks Musashi as her enemy." "Takuan claims that it is not worth mentioning." "Also the action he took at Ichijoji Sagarimatsu Pine." "It was inevitable with 73 men against one." "I think we can expect that as reasonable." "Precisely." "It was more cowardly on Yoshioka's part." "Then shall we appoint Miyamoto Musashi as the" "Shogun's instructor without any objections ?" "Sakai-dono." "You have been in deep thought." "What is your opinion ?" "It's not that I'm against it." "Just that Musashi has taken a child's life." "Though it was perfectly legitimate, would he be appropriate for the Shogun ?" "Slaying a child is within the samurai's Code of Bushido, but his hands are still stained." "I think reconsideration is needed for our Shogun." "Sorry to keep you waiting." "Musashi-dono." "Unfortunately, fate has not shined upon this chance." "This is just one of the happening of life." "Let it not get you down." "One cannot tell what is happiness or not, jsut from looking at things on the surface." "I understand what you are saying." "I am most grateful." "I hear that you have artistic talents as well." "I would like the Shogun to see your value." "Would you care to leave a silent record of your true capacities ?" "So Confucius would preach." "Then, until a later time." "We lost a tiger !" "Parent and child Jizo." "Miyamoto Musashi is here for the duel as promised !" "Forgive me !" "He's that..." "Oh, someone's there ?" "Honored Priest, what are you sculpting ?" "You can't see ?" "Your voice is new to me." "You're not a village child." "I'm a samurai's son !" "I'm with my sensei !" "Your sensei ?" "That's good." "It's 'Jizo-san', protector of children and travelers." "Kakubei !" "Kakubei !" "Sir." "Did you call ?" "Yes." "Kyoto is right past Kara Bridge." "I asked Koetsu for a tea ceremony bowl." "Go ahead and get it for me." " Sir." "This is beautifully made." "It's exquisite." "I also feel the same." "The lord will be pleased." "Thank you." "From his movements, he seems distinguished." "That's Miyamoto Musashi." "So, that's him ?" "Miyamoto Musashi." "So he was at Koetsu-dono's ?" "Exactly." "He looked very strong, so I inquired." "Low and behold, it's Miyamoto Musashi !" "What was Musashi doing ?" "He was cleaning the yard along with a kid." "He usually paints or enjoys tea ceremony." "Other days, he gazes at the swords being finely honed." "So he's with a kid." "It's too early to retire." "I suppose Musashi has given up the sword." "The fact that he wasn't elected as the Shogun's fencing instructor must have hit him hard." "I wonder..." "We're talking about Musashi here." "He could be interpreting the sword differently at Koetsu's." "Probably that of a loser's sword." "A loser's ?" "Is it ?" "I see Musashi's fencing as from the heart." "Fencing from the heart ?" "Does such a thing exist ?" "Fencing is ultimately strength and skill." "It's a combination of these two." "Can you be sure of it ?" "Is Musashi right, or am I right about swordsmanship ?" "I could challenge him to prove my point." "What ?" "Have a match with Musashi ?" "Kojiro-dono, are you serious ?" "Can I joke about such a matter ?" "A match with Musashi !" "This is the best test for my recommendation." "Yes." "Sado-dono, what do you think ?" "Miyamoto Musashi was considered for the post of" "Shogun's fencing instructor at one time." "Having him challenge Musashi will not harm Hosokawa Clan." "Kojiro." "Are you confident of defeating Musashi ?" "Of course." "Should you lose, it would affect us, too." "You know that ?" "There's no need to take special care." ""To Miyamoto Musashi"" ""Challenge for a Duel."" ""To realize my long desired goal of challenging you," "I formally request a duel."" ""The date and time will be posted" "April 11, at Buzen Kokura castletown, Kikyo-gatsuji."" ""First month Keicho 19 (1614)." "Ganryu Sasaki Kojiro."" "This is serious." "What will you do ?" "It was inevitable that Kojiro and I have a duel." "I will gladly accept his challenge." "It will be strange for me to say, but please look after yourself." "Thank you very much." "Iori, I may have to part from you for awhile." "You recall Nagaoka Sado-sama ?" "Yes, he's the samurai that visited Tokuganji, isn't he ?" "I'll ask him to look after you." "Take my letter to him." " Yes !" "Is Koetsu-dono here ?" "I heard that Musashi is under your care." "Honored Priest... !" " Priest Takuan." "What a rare visit !" "Please come in." "Musashi, I heard." "A very critical time has come for you." "I hear Sasaki Kojiro is a truly masterful swordsman." "You can never be too cautious." "Yes, sir !" "Priest Takuan, I shall prepare some tea for you." "Please be comfortable." "I will be visiting Lord Terumasa of Himeji." "I shall take Iori part of the way." "Thank you very much." "It's a castle !" "The time has come to go our separate ways." "I will go to that castle." "You'll go straight down this road and it's Shimonoseki." "Take a boat across the sea and you'll reach Kokura." "In Kokura ask for Nagaoka-sama's residence." "Can you make it ?" " Yes." "Then tie the strings of your sandals better." "This is the same cloth as Otsu's flute bag..." "Iori." " Yes !" "Let me see that bag on your hip." " What, this one ?" "Does Musashi know you have this ?" "No, Sensei doesn't." "When you arrive at Kokura, show him that." "Why ?" "Show him, you'll know." "Now be on your way." "Hurry !" "Yes." "Honored Priest, sayonara !" "Honored Priest !" "Sayonara !" ""Go to Buzen Kokura castletown by April 11."" ""You shall meet two people there." "Takuan."" "Two people ?" "Musashi-sama !" "Then, who is the other one ?" "BUZEN KOKURA" ""For any problems because of my upcoming duel with Sasaki Kojiro," ""I am sorry."" ""Shinmen Miyamoto Musashi"" "Musashi and Kojiro are just a hair apart in swordsmanship." "Kid." "Thank you for delivering this letter." " Yes !" "Come here." "Sit down." "Kid, you finally came to serve me." "Yes !" "You really want to become a samurai it seems." " Yes, Sir !" "Stay here awhile and study !" " Yes !" "Inosuke." " Sir !" "Teach this boy the samurai's etiquette and ways." " Sir." "I'll be under your care." "Musashi sent you as his substitute." "Wait !" "Your back." "As expected of Kojiro." "Observe how calm he looks with a duel ahead !" "Yes." "Has the place been decided ?" "My Lord, we cannot avoid heavy crowds of speculators on land, so my suggestion is  Funajima Island." "Funajima Island is between Akagama-seki and Mojiga-seki." "It's two and a half miles by sea from Kokura." "I feel it is an ideal location." "Then, it has been decided." "Funajima Island is the place." "Sado !" "Sir." "If Kojiro were to be defeated in this duel, how will it affect the reputation of this clan ?" "My Lord, you shouldn't worry yourself about that." "I doubt if Musashi would be able to defeat Kojiro." "Regardless of how strong a swordsman Musashi may be, we will be far away on an isolated island." "The reputation of this clan can be salvaged." "Right, Sado-dono ?" "Iwama-dono, you said the clan's reputation will be salvaged." "What are your intentions ?" "I just don't want a ronin to defeat the clan's fencing master." "Kojiro must win by all means." "You heard what Kakubei said." "Sado." " Sir." "Your opinion ?" "Duels are sometimes determined purely by luck." "Whether it's Kojiro or Musashi who will win is hard to predict." "I just want them to fight a fair and honest duel." "According to Bushido." ""On April 13 at Funajima Island"" ""I will order Ganryu Sasaki Kojiro to fight a duel with Sakushu ronin, Miyamoto Musashi."" "Sir, our master hasn't returned from the castle yet." "But he will shortly." "Please come in for a rest." "I just came to report my arrival." "Tell him I shall be at the specified time and place." " Yes, sir." " Excuse me." "Sensei !" "Iori !" "Sensei !" "Are you studying ?" " Yes." "Sensei !" "Please win !" "Make sure that you win !" "Give my warmest regards to Sado-sama." "Tell him I'll see him  later at Funajima Island." "Sensei !" "Priest Takuan said to show this to you." "What ?" "He said that ?" "Yes !" "This if from the same cloth as Otsu's flute bag !" "Iori." "Didn't you once say you had a sister ?" " Yes." "Iori, should you ever meet a woman named Otsu-san." "Ask her to play the flute for you." "The flute ?" "That's right." "She is the big sister you sought !" "Big sister ?" "Sensei !" "Torii-sama sent 7 men, and Watanabe-sama sent 8 men." "Welcome !" "Iwana-sama, I shall speak on behalf of the others." " Yes." "Ours lords have said the duel is finally tomorrow." "We were told to follow your commands until tomorrow." "For the Hosokawa Clan honor, we shall do our best !" "Thank you !" "Ganryu-sensei, we extend our congratulations on tomorrow." "We all wish you our best." "I am grateful." "Go to the back for some rest." "Kakubei." "Yes." "What is this about ?" "Isn't it going overboard ?" "Don't let it bother you." "Kojiro-dono, I won't let you be put to shame." "Put to shame ?" " Exactly." "They all believe you will be victorious." "Whether the honor of the Hosokawa Clan will be heard throughout the country, or whether it will fall." "Kojiro-dono, I needn't remind you, but you were the one that wanted this duel." "I'm aware of that." "Ganryu-sensei, an old woman named Osugi wants to assist in the duel and awaits outside." "What shall I do ?" "An old woman ?" "Don't bother me with that !" "Send her away !" "Sending home an old woman visitor without seeing me !" "I'm disappointed in you, Kojiro-dono !" "It's hard to figure out people's hearts." "Will Miyamoto Musashi show up ?" "He will." "I hear Sasaki Kojiro is a master swordsman !" "Musashi may get scared." "No, he'll really show up !" "Your daddy will come back soon, so don't cry." "Pardon me." "Aren't you Akemi-san ?" "Otsu-san, isn't it ?" "Yes." "I knew it." "Matahachi-san always mentions  that he hurt you badly." "Matahachi-san said that ?" " Yes." "He went on an errand." "He should be right back." "He'd want to see you." "Then is this Matahachi-san's child ?" "Matahachi's child ?" "Oh !" "It's Ma..." "Ma..." "Matahachi !" "Otsu-san." "Matahachi-san." "Here you are." "I don't know about such a grandchild !" " Granny !" "I don't know any such grandchild !" "Granny..." "I won't acknowledge it !" "It's not Hoinden lineage !" "You're all making fun of me !" "We won't, Granny." "." "Look." "Such a cute grandchild." "No... !" "I won't acknowledge it !" "Excuse me." "Please come in." " Yes." "This is beautiful." "I am not good with the brush." "But fate must have allowed me to know of your kindness." "This is a gift to you." "The other one is for the boatman, Sasuke." "He should be pleased." "Sensei." "You hardly ate." "I had a little of everything." "But you won't have enough energy for tomorrow's duel." "It was such a feast." "But too much will slow down my movements." "You men hide over here." " Sir." "You other men hide here." " Sir." "Others as guards on Funajima." " Sir." "Let's go everyone !" "Omitsu-dono." "It seems like your uncle is taking unnecessary action." "What is that ?" "He's arranging for assassins." "How would that benefit me ?" "If they're needed, I would already be dead." "Don't worry, Omitsu." "I will win." "I'll win for sure !" "Fifty of Iwama-sama's men just left for Funajima Island." "I see." "Keep me posted." "Sir." "So like him to do such a thing." "But we're dealing with Musashi." "I'm sure he has read them well." "But should he lose his life for it, that cannot be helped either." "Sensei, I believe it's about time for your departure." "Seems like the tide is still high." "What time will the tide recede ?" "In about an hour." "How long does it take to reach Funajima ?" "An hour, considering Sasuke's skill." "An hour." "Then, it will still be high tide ?" " Yes." "The time is just right." "Very well." "Otsu-san." "Musashi-sama !" "Otsu-san !" "You came to see me ?" "Yes." "Granny is here, too." "Granny..." "Matahachi, too  and Akemi." "Otsu-san, you must hate me." "No." "But forgive me." "An indifferent person is not always indifferent." "I know that." "You do ?" "I do." "You were so filled with grief over killing that child." "Why do you again go on a duel ?" "Otsu-san." "The sword has no compassion." "It is not the sword, but your heart." "Stop your merciless killings, please... !" " Enough." "A samurai's life is very austere." "I must go." "Forgive me." "Musashi-sama." "For the sword, you ignore your feelings, and me as well." "If you win  You'll bloody your hands again." "I won't say anything now." "See me off with a smile like a samurai's wife !" "No !" "I won't smile !" "I'll weep and won't move from here !" "Such is a woman's heart !" "Sasuke, take the boat out !" "Otsu !" "Otsu !" "Takezo !" "Don't lose !" "Don't lose !" "Sasuke, I hear you row very fast." " Yes." "I don't mean to brag, but I can go pretty fast." "Sasuke, does anyone live on that island ?" "No." "It's uninhabited." "Didn't you see something shiny over there ?" " Is there ?" "Sasuke, can't you see a boat on that island ?" "Yes I do !" "There usually isn't one !" "It's three shaku long." "Sir, we're running into fog !" "This is better !" "Sasuke, let me borrow your coat." " Yes." "We have a mist." "What time is it ?" "Sir." "From the tide, it's way past 5:00 a.m." "It's past the time for the duel !" "What is that Musashi doing ?" "This trick is an old favorite of Musashi's !" "Don't let it get the better of you !" "Iori, you must watch all." "A life is being risked to teach you a lesson." "Yes !" "A boat !" "Musashi !" "Sasuke !" "I'll leave this sword with you !" " What the... ?" "I'll use this oar for Kojiro !" "This sword is to be used when we retreat !" "I see !" "Do your best !" "Musashi !" "You were late !" "Is that a strategy ?" "I consider you a coward !" "It's two hours past the promised time !" "I waited here all that time !" "During Ichijoji, as well as at Sanjusangendo, you purposely turn up late to upset the opponent !" "I won't fall for that trick !" "Come on, Musashi !" "Kojiro, you lost !" "What ?" "Today's duel has already been decided." "You have lost !" "Silence !" "Why do you say that ?" "If you were to win, why abandon your sword case ?" "You threw away your life !" "Nonsense !" "How pitiful, Kojiro." "You will fall." "Will you rush to your death ?" "Come !" "After him !" "Wait !" "Stop acting shamelessly !" "The tide is receding." "We're safe !" "Sasaki Kojiro." "I'll never again meet an opponent of his caliber !" "I won !" "Your hands are stained in blood !" "Musashi is here as promised... !" "Forgive me !" "The sword." "I shall live for the way of the sword." "I'll think of this as my soul, and see how much I can become a better person !" "At 21, it's not too late." "Ten years have passed since." "I dedicated my life to the sword." "But I feel emptiness." "Was the sword essentially only a weapon ?" "THE END"