"Brought to you by Shura" "TOEI FILMS, LTD" "MIYAMOTO MUSASHI part-4" "Battle At Ichijoji Temple" "Producer :" "Okawa Hiroshi" "Original Story :" "Yoshikawa Eiji" "Screenplay by :" "Uchida Tomu  Suzuki Naoyuki" "Music by :" "Kosugi Taichiro" "Photography by :" "Yoshida Sadatsugu" "Starring :" "Nakamura Kinnosuke" "Oka Satami Irie Wakaba" "Kimura Isao Tani Kei" "Takakura Ken Ebara Shinjiro" "Directed by :" "Uchida Tomu" "In Keicho 5 (1600), The 2 great powers, Tokugawa and Toyotomi fought the Battle of Sekigahara to determine with would reign." "A squire's son of Sakushu, Miyamoto Village, Shinmen Takezo, was driven with ambition, and tempted his childhood friend," "Hoinden Matahachi, to join the forces of the Toyotomi." "But being defeated broke their dreams for quick success." "Akemi and Oko, who lived at Mt." "Ibuki took in the two wounded men." "Matahachi became a slave to Oko's passion, and one day disappeared without telling Takezo." "When Takezo returned to his home country," "only the Himeji official Aoki Tanzaemon's rigid investigations and Matahachi's mother, Granny Osugi's hatred awaited him." "The only ones that helped him were" "Matahachi's fiancée, Otsu, and the Priest Takuan." "It was Takuan's doings to confine him at Himeji Castle to bring back the humane nature of Takezo, and open the doors to the way of knowledge." "Three years passed... and Lord Ikeda of Himeji offered him a position, which he refused." "He then changed his name to "Miyamoto Musashi"." "And while his heaert longed for Otsu when they met again, he set his mind on pursuing the path of swordsmanship." "A year later, he went after the well-known Yoshioka School and mt Aoki Tanzaemon's son, Jotaro, about that time." "Muashi's long learning travels continued, and he defeated the spear experts at Nara's Hozoin Temple." "He also killed those heartless ronin at Hannyazaka Heights." "Musashi's heart yearned for confidence in his skills, and he set out to challenge Sekishusai of the Yagyu Clan, and his Shinkage style." "While fighting the four high disciples of the Yagyu, he got distracted by the flute of Otsu and in a state of confusion, he instantaneously drew two swords to escape" "from this peril." "At year's-end, Musashi challenged Yoshioka Seijuro." "Seijuro, who lived comfortably as the successor to a high notable school of fencing, found this challenge ominous." "On New Year's day, Yoshioka's disciple put up a signboard at" "Gojo Bridge to reply to Musashi's challenge." "Those who sought Musashi, such as :" "Otsu, Jotaro, the Granny, and Akemi, gathered at this location." "And Musashi met his arch-rival, Sasaki Kojiro, for the first time." "Seijuro and Musashi then had a duel at Rendaiji." "But Seijuro was no match for Musashi's sword, and the victory was decided with Musashi's single blow." "Son of a notable school..." "I shoudn't have challenged him." "But I won !" "They have a reputation since the Muromachi Period !" "But I won over that Yoshioka style !" "However... the battle has not ended..." "It's just begun... !" "Hay..." "Hayashi !" "Hayashi... !" " Young Master !" "Young Master..." "Was I a coward ?" "I did what i could for the family name..." "I don't think i was cowardly at all... !" "I wasn't a coward !" "Brother, stop it !" "People will laugh at you !" "Ueda !" "Get me saké !" "You men are fools !" "Oh, Seijuro..." "He got you ?" "Disembowel yourself like a samurai !" "That's cruel..." "Why ?" "He still has his right hand !" "He can do it !" "And to think you were all with him !" "Unrealiable !" "I heard Denshichiro is back !" "Uncle, I'm right here !" "Denshichiro !" "Uncle, I know what you want to say." "I'll take revenge on Musashi to restore Yoshioka Dojo's honor !" "Everyone, gather here !" "He couldn't have gone far !" "Find Musashi !" "Ueda, take Mita and Terada, and go to Sanjo Bridge." "Yokogawa and Nakahata, go to Awadaguchi !" "Miike and Hiraoka, take the Fushimi Highway !" "Hayasaki and Hamada, got to Tanbaguchi !" "Kojima and Sasayama, to Wakase Highway !" " Sir !" " Go now !" " Yes, Sir !" "Koetsu !" "Koetsu !" "What's wrong ?" "Ronin-sama, it seems my mother has been rude to you." "I will apologize many times on her behalf." "It is i who has to apologize." "Why she became afraid is incomprehensible to me." "But she ran away leaving this basket." "All i did was to deliver this." "Please raise you hands." "I see." "Did you hear that ?" "It appears that you misunderstood him." "Then, he's not going to harm us ?" "He brought that to you." "He's a kind man." "Forgive me." "Now that I think about it, I did a very wrong thing." "But when I first saw him, i sensed bloodthirstiness," "My skin tightened up." "Now that I look at him, he's not like that at all." "If you are not in a rush, please take a break here." "Nothing is better than a cup of tea." "My mother will serve you some." "Ronin-sama, please come here." "I don't understand." "How do you feel ?" "That Aoki Tanzaemon who saved us... who is he, anyway ?" "When I hear the shakuhachi, I recall my mother..." "Then, my eyes fill with tears." "Please save me !" "Akemi-san !" "Matahachi-san !" "Help me !" "It's Sasaki Kojiro !" "Hide her." "You're that lady !" "You know her ?" "Akemi, what happened ?" "That man is frightening." " I'll chase him away, then !" "Hey..." " Matahachi-san, help me !" "Why are you so afraid of him ?" "He's frightening." "This morning, too... at Rendaiji." "What happened there ?" "After the match between Musashi and Seijuro, he cut off the arm of Seijuro, who lost the duel." "Musashi and Seijuro had a duel ?" "He's locked me up in a room since the end of last year." "Each day is hell for me !" "Who knows what he'll do next time he gets me !" "Save me !" "Please save me !" "She looked like Granny Hoinden from Sakushu." "You stupid crow !" "You stupid teacher !" "Why does Musashi act so ruthlessly ?" "Otsu-san." "Don't think about those things." "Your fever will rise again." "He kills and enjoys it..." "so Granny says." "Musashi-san isn't like that." "I can't believe he's that kind of man." "Otsu-san, you 're a crybaby." "Welcome back." "Welcome home." "Otsu, the light isn't on yet ?" " Right away." " Otsu-san, I'll do it, so go to sleep." "It's Jotaro !" "Where did that Takezo hide ?" "I wasted another day !" "Otsu, massage my shoulders." "It's Otsu-san." "Matahachi doesn't even know what I'm going through." "Where is that boy roaming ?" "Musashi-dono, are you staring at that Ryokai again ?" "It seems that you are thoroughly in love with it." "When you leave here, you may take it with you." "You are giving me this Ryokai art ?" "That's right." "i can't accept it." "You accommodate me for days and then give me this family treasure." "But, don't you like it ?" "Art is at its best when loved by its owner." "Now that you tell me that, I feel much stronger." "I have no home to hang it, roaming as a learning swordsman." "I suppose it may get in your way, then." "Why don't you get a home here in this Kyoto area ?" "Especially since you seem to like this region." "Thanks you very much, but I've never thought of owning a home yet." "But I feel that this region is a reflection of your character." "My heart feels much comfort." "You are praising me excessively." "How are you feeling this warmth ?" "This area is filled with the air of the townspeople struggling to make a living." "They have isolated themselves from the society's hustle." "Struggling for a living." "What's the matter, Brother ?" "Brother !" "Even an unworthy brother is reliable at a time like this." "Denshichiro." "Why are you so formal ?" "I shall hand over this fencing hall as you desire." "But that shall be after you regain the family honor." "I'll do that." " Don't say it so lightly." "Rather than both of us putting this Dojo to shame, it'll be better to disband it now." "I am not like you !" "I shall clear our stained name !" "That is not what I mean !" "Please refrain from taking on matches !" " Why ?" " Why ?" "You cannot win." "From whom ?" " Musashi." "Not with your skill." "That's absurd !" "It's not funny !" "Leave the duel with Musashi to just me, and plan on stabilizing the future of the Yoshioka School." "I cannot succeed a school with such motives !" "I'm warning you not to fall prey to Musashi's tactics !" "That's loser's attitude !" "Father !" "I, Denshichiro, will take over as of today !" "Young Lord." "What happened ?" "My brother is a bit paranoid." "So we had an argument." "Youhad an argument ?" "That's disagreeable." "Your brother is just on the verge of recovering." "Can I just listen to my brother's cowardly lectures ?" "!" "I'll make it clear now !" "I'll kill Musashi !" "No matter what my brother says, I'm going to do it !" "Leave Musashi as is..." "and... stabilizing this school... are not words coming from a samurai at heart !" "You men, don't take me the same as my brother !" "We're aware of your skills." "But..." "But what ?" "Your brother sees Musashi as a self-taught man." "Since the Muromachi Periord we are a well-known reputable school." "Whether we win or lose, it's just a silly gamble..." " Gamble... ?" "!" "Forgive me !" "I'll take back my words !" "You coward !" "Get out !" "Men like you don't deserve to be at my side !" "You are shameful... !" "Hurry up and get out... !" "Anyone who fears for his life may leave anytime !" "If out of all of you only 10 or 12 are left, that's still fine !" "We'll rebuild the Dojo from there !" "It looks bad to see this Dojo gloomy like a graveyard !" "Get ready !" "I'll give you a lesson !" "Yokogawa." "Unlike my brother, I'll be rough !" "Next !" "Young Lord !" "I found out where Musashi is !" "Where is he ?" "At Honami Koetsu's home." "At Honami's... ?" "Koetsu's home ?" "This is a problem." "We can't approach them very easily." " Never mind." "Let's got !" "Brother !" "I know where Musashi is !" "Look at this." "Seijuro wrote this long lecture-like letter !" "He didn't even say where he's be going !" "What is he ashamed of ?" "What does he mean by repenting ?" "Good !" "Another coward has left this dojo !" "Denshichiro-sama." "Who's there ?" "Hayashi, is that you ?" "Yes." "What are you doing there ?" "You knew that Seijuro left home and you assisted him ?" "Yes !" "Why didn't you stop him ?" "!" "Rather, why didn't you inform us ?" "Tell me why !" "I felt it was better not to stop him." "What ?" "Then, you are in agreement with Seijuro ?" "No, not really." "Not really... ?" "How different ?" "Denshichiro-sama," "I feel you must use caution in dealing with Musashi." "Caution ?" "Only the stronger one will win over the other." "But it's more advisable to study the opponent's style before getting into a duel." "Are you telling me what to do ?" "I just don't think Musashi's fencing is ordinary." "Those who are rash will be defeated." " Defeated... ?" "!" "Then, why have you come for me ?" "If you and Seijuro join forces, you could win." "You're saying that I can't do it alone ?" "Please do not be rash !" " You're spineless like my brother !" "We don't need you here !" "Get out !" "I said get out !" "And give this back to my brother saying" "I don't want to see this again !" "Now three cowards have left !" "Well, Musashi-sama, do you want to accompany me to the licensed pleasure quarters ?" "You mean where the courtesans are ?" " That's right." "I just got an invitation from my friend, Haiya." "Thank you, but no thanks." "Musashi-dono, it's a good chance to see what it is like." "I think my son wants you to go there." "Get rid of your troubles there." "Then, I'll graciously accept." "...And change your clothing." "I do not match beautiful clothing." "That may be acceptable for you, but if you dress shabbily in an extravagant setting, you'll stand out like a rag." "But all this is only clothes that are clean." "Please don't give me trouble and wear it." "Yes." "Koetsu, three vicious looking men stood at the entrance and said some cruel things." "Will it be safe ?" "Please rest assured." "They may harm me, but not Koetsu-dono." "I presume they are men from Yoshioka." "I agree with you." "I do not want to get you involved in this." "I feel it is better that I remain here today." "I know they're from the Yoshioka School," "I have nothing to fear." "You see that." "It's Haiya's residence." "He is an open-hearted man." "It will be good to meet him We're here." "Koetsu-dono, allow me to wait outside." "I see... be careful." "Are you Musashi ?" "I am." "From Yoshioka School, I am Otamura Hyosuke." "The second son of Yoshioka Dojo, Denshichiro, requests a duel." "He wants an answer right away." "'Hatashi-jo' (Request for a duel)." "Place :" "Rengeoin." "Time : 7:00 p.m." "Tell him I agree." "Definitely ?" "Yes, definitely." "It's not too long from now." "You realize that ?" "Yes." "Then we shall meet later." "Musashi-dono," "I am the household head here." "Haiya is my name." "Musashi-dono, have one." "Thank you but, no thanks." "You don't seem to be drinking at all." "I'm not very strong." "You mean in swordsmanship ?" "You could be right." "Drinking stands in the way of the studies, it confuses one's state of mind." "Drinking weakens one's will." "If those are your concerns, you will not become a great swordsman." "I do not think that, but I have a problem." "What is it ?" "I get sleepy." "Maidens, this little boy gets sleepy when he drinks." "Will you put him to sleep, then ?" "Surely." "Who shell we select for the lady to care for him ?" "Which one would Musashi patronize ?" "Yoshino should be here soon." "Musashi would be satisfied with courtesan Yoshino-dayu !" "But she's not here." "She's a very busy woman, unlike us." "Very soon may not be soon enough." "Tell her that I am here, and she'll leave all her customers behind to come." "Riiya, are you around ?" "Yes." "Aren't you her accompaniment ?" "Yes." "Tell her that's I'm here, and bring her over." "Yes." "Who is the other guest ?" "Sir Kangan." "Kangan-sama ?" "Why didn't you say that earlier ?" "Koetsu-dono, this is getting very interesting." "Now on my pride, I shall have to retrieve Yoshino." "Be careful." "My feet may seem like I'm unsteady, but not my mind." "Koetsu, Musashi-dono." "Let us be on our way." "That sounds like Haiya." "What shall we do ?" "Should he appear here ?" "Don't get up." "Yoshino-dayu, I brought you a young man today." "In today's world, the clever ones are the merchants and the fools are the samurai." "Now, will you fall for a merchant or a samurai ?" "What shall I say ?" "I get it." "You seem to prefer the merchant !" "Then, come with me !" "Enough of your jokes." "Jokes, he says." "Yoshino looks like she wants to come with me." "What shall I do ?" "Come on !" "Musashi will come for certain, won't he ?" "You needn't worry about that." "If he should not appear, we'll put up signboards throughout Kyoto annoucing his cowardliness !" "Can I get out through the back ?" "Sir, where are you going ?" "I'll be right back." "Right back ?" "But why must you leave from there ?" "If Koetsu asks of my whereabouts, tell him that I should be back shortly." "You must come back !" "Welcome." "Do you have straw slippers ?" "No, but we could get you some." "Please." " Yes, yes." "Will you hold on this jacket ?" "Yes, yes." "If I do not return after 7:00 p.m., please take this jacket and note to Koetsu at Omiya." "I will do so." "Yes, yes." "Is it 5:00 or 7:00 ?" "I think it's 7:00." "I can tell by the business on the streets." "Here you are." "Thanks." "Is that priest a regular here ?" "Yes, yes, yes... for 3 or 4 years." "He was formerly a samurai of Banshu." "Banshu ?" "Then he was Aoki Tanzaemon." "He's Jotaro's father." "It's snowing already !" "How cold it is !" "Hold it." "My slippers !" "Is it okay ?" "It could cut on nights like this." "Cloth slippers are more feasible on theses nights." "Remember that." " Yes, sir !" " Yes, sir !" " Yes, sir !" " Yes, sir !" "Go on." "Who's there ?" "It looks like Otaguro." "He hasn't come yet." "It must have been cold." "There is some time." "Warm your body in the meantime." "I guess I got here too early." "Someone, dash over to get some saké." " Sir, I have some on hand !" "This is good !" "It's the best ally I could ever get !" "Hey, somebody's coming." "Uncle, why are you here ?" "You're really going through with it ?" "I'm glad to see you in this state." "I am unlike my brother, who is weak." "Denshichiro, don't take your opponent too lightly." "Here, have some to ward oof the cold." "I don't want any." "It's a 7:00 p.m. now." "it's 7:00 p.m. now." "I can handle Musashi alone." "My name will be defamed if I get assistance." "Please withdraw." "Very well." "I shall pick up your bones if necessary." "All of you must stay away." "You must all go !" "Very well, let's go." "Go... go... go." "Musashi... !" "You're late !" "Are you ready ?" "What do you mean ?" "It's past 7:00 !" "I didn't promise to be here at the strike of the 7:00 bell." "Don't make excuses !" "Come down !" "I'll be right there." "I said come down !" "What's the matter ?" "If you're afraid of the sight of me, you are unworthy." "Yoshioka Denshichiro, I already split you in two last Spring !" "What ?" "If I cut you down today, it will be for the second time !" "Where ?" "When ?" "At Yamato, in Yagyu Village." "Yamato ?" "In the bath at the inn." "Both of us were unguarded then." "But with my eyes, I slayed you." "I shall wake you from your arrogance !" "Come !" "Young Master !" "That Musashi !" "Denshichiro... !" "Denshichiro... !" " Sensei !" "I won't let your life go to waste !" "Never !" "Welcome back." "You were awaiting my return ?" " Yes, The 'Dayu' asked me to." "I see." "You must have had a special person to meet with." "I'll tell on you." "Does it look that way ?" "Musashi-dono, where did you go ?" "On some business." "Than you for waiting." "Everything's prepared now." "I was just going to invite everyone." "You're prepared ?" " Yes !" " It's the courtesan's invitation." "Let us be on your way." "Yoshino has invited us." "Let's go to the tearoom." "She's dressed as a wife !" "How nice !" "Please come in." "I cannot accommodate you much in this mountain hut, but I think the heat here is the best entertainment." "Thus, I have readied a lot of firewood." "You may enjoy its warm comfort as long as you like." "Was that blood ?" "No, it was the leaf of a peony." "Dayu, what kind of firewood is that ?" "It's from the peony tree." "No wonder it smells so pleasant !" "Yoshino-dayu." "Thank you for listening." "That was superb !" "I hate to, but perhaps we should be on our way." "The entertainment was wonderful." "Koetsu-sama and Dayu-sama, please come this way." "Koetsu-sama, it's awful !" "About 100 Yoshioka disciples are here !" "They are awaiting the departure of Musashi-sama !" "Musashi-sama can't leave the premises right now." "Yoshino-dayu, thank you for the wonderful night." "Musashi-sama, did you say ?" "Stay over tonight." "I do not want to let you go tonight." "Is it all right if I keep him here ?" "I must return." " Musashi-dono, why not stay over here and leave tomorrow ?" "Dayu, do take care of him." "Yes." "It must be cold there." "Come closer." "Please don't bother and get some rest." "I shall leave at dawn." "Musashi-sama." "Yes." "Who are you prepared for ?" "I am just keeping myself on guard." "From your enemy ?" "Yes, of course." "What if all the Yoshioka disciples barged in ?" "You would surely be slain by them." "It seems that way to me." "Such an unfortunate man." "Musashi-sama." "As a woman, I do not know a lot about swordsmanship, but judging from your mannerisms and eyes," "you seem to be a man who shall be killed soon." "Death seems to be behind you." "Is that what a swordsman in training should be like ?" "Can anyone win with such an attitude ?" "What ?" "Yoshino-dono." "You consider me incompetent !" "Are you angry ?" " You are a woman." "I'd never get angry." "But, Yoshino-dono, why do I look like I'm about to get killed ?" "Is this a joke ?" "I would never joke about that." "Why do I look so incompetent, like a seabream ready to be killed by the enemy ?" "if you insist, I shall tell you." "Musashi-sama, did you listen to the Biwa harp I played earlier to the guests to console them ?" "How is that related to myself ?" "I shouldn't have asked." "You were in such deep concentration." "I doubt if you appreciated the subtle tones of the Biwa." "I heard that." "I'm not that much of a blockhead." "Then, how do that many tones come from four strings ?" "Some are stronger..." "... weaker, and much more..." "Did you consider that ?" "Musashi-sama." "Those strange tones will lead you to its heart, and you will find that it's very simple." "Let me show you !" "See..." "The various sounds come from this cross piece !" "But if the strings are just laid tightly across, there will be no differences in tone." "The crescents and descents, and shaved ends" "all contribute to the tones in a balanced manner to uphold the body of the Biwa." "I split this Biwa as I want you to recognize that our attitudes in life must be like this Biwa." "When I think of you situation presently, you are a man with only tenseness within, and not a trace of relaxation in your body." "Not only will you not have changes in tones, but the strings will cut and the body will tear." "So I thought of you with concern, as rude as it may seem." "It was not out of poking fun." "Please take my comments as unneeded worries of a woman." "I know Musashu stayed at Omiya after Koetsu left." "Let's wait for him to come out." "Increase the security at the back gate !" "Seems like it'll turn out to be a big duel !" "Musashi is young, but awfully strong, it seems !" "I heard he even cut down Yoshioka Denshichiro !" "Musashi ?" "You mean Miyamoto Musashi ?" "Right." "That's my teacher !" "Master !" "Jotaro !" "I'm so glad you found me here." "What are you doing here leaving me and Otsu ?" "Don't get so angry." "Little boy, where did you come from ?" "They refused me at the entrance, so I came in through the back." " You must leave, you must leave !" "Forgive him." "He is my disciple." "My, what a cute disciple !" "It has dried." "Human blood stains don't come off, do they ?" "Thank you." "But it's cleaned well." "Where is Yoshino-dono ?" "She has guests to entertain this afternoon." "She has accommodated me so well." "But I am also inconveniencing the others at Ogiya." "I will leave at sundown, so please relay that to her." "Give her my best regards." "I understand." "Will someone deliver this jacket and letter to Honami-dono ?" "Such an easy task !" "I'm relying on you." "The messenger has just returned." "I'm told these are your clothes." "Thank you." ""If fate will bring us together, let us meet again..." ""..." "People's lives are long yet short..." ""..." "Please take care of you health..." ""..." "I shall be praying for your safety from afar." "Koetsu."" "The Honami mistress also sends you her warmest." "The elders are so warm." "If only I had a mother..." "What did you say ?" "Nothing." "Let's get ready." "Are we leaving ?" "Yes." "Honored Guest..." "This is from Yoshino." ""More than the flowers that fall in the night..." ""..." "I will remember the moon..." ""..." "A farewell even before we had some time..." ""..." "If I could show my sorrows, though people may laugh..." ""Yoshino"" "Master, who is that from ?" "Never mind." "A woman ." "You needn't ask !" "Smells wonderful, like aloeswood." "Let's go." "It's the Yoshioka disciples !" "Musashi is here !" "Master, let's go the other way !" "You may not know, but other gates are all closed." "Let's go over the fence !" "I will be put to shame." "We'll leave from here." "Look how many they are !" "I'm afraid !" "You're still a kid, so you needn't come with me." "Master, you're leaving from there, but what about me ?" "Come !" "He's trying to escape ?" "!" "Wait, wait... !" "This is the only way he can leave !" "Following him might lead us into a trap !" "Jotaro, climb this fence." "Just me ?" "That's right." "Why not ?" "I don't want to get called a coward !" "No one will." "They're only after me, not you !" "Where should I wait outside ?" "By the cart house in Yanagi." "You promise to come ?" "I will." "It's safe." "Master, don't leave without me again !" "I won't lie to you." "Hurry and go." "Can you make it ?" "I'm okay." "That shakuhachi... !" "Jotaro, wait !" "Can you hear that shakuhachi ?" "Yes." "Go after him !" "Then what ?" "Meet him !" "Who ?" "The one who is playing it." "You'll know when you see him." "When do I meet you then ?" "Jotaro, listen well." "That gate will decide my life or death." "Who knows if I can meet you ever again." "I don't want that !" "You are a samurai !" "Go see that shakuhachi player." "If I live, I shall go to see you with him." "I understand !" "That's it." "I'll be waiting !" "Good." "Spread out !" "Musashi, we can skip the formalities." "Are you prepared ?" "Prepared ?" "A samurai is always prepared, even in bed !" "But this is the main gate." "We may inconvenience the people." "I have a question first." "Do you all want to assassinate me ?" "Or do you want a fair duel ?" "Our master Seijuro is injured and Denshichiro is dead !" "Why must we at Yoshioka let you out alive ?" "You have defamed our school name, thus we have vowed to take your life !" "This is not a match !" "We are here to kill... !" "Musashi, we won't let you go this time !" "We shall take your head !" "What a very samurai-like attitude." "I wouldn't mind giving up my life for this, then." "But why aren't you requesting a formal duel  like Denshichiro and Seijuro, ... if it is to uphold the samurai's pride ?" "Nonsense !" "You tried to escape from us like a coward !" "Cowards like you infer things as such !" "As you can see, I do not run or hide from any of you !" "Get him !" " Wait !" "It's me !" "Don't act like ruffians in the middle of the city." "I am neither an ally of the Yoshioka or Musashi." "But as a fellow swordsman, I have a right to say this." "All of you as samurai, when you act disorderly, you shall put all other samurai to shame." "As a representative of the samurai, I advise you to stop." "Disagreements with the sword should be done fairly." "Choose a time and place for it." "Very well." "Your logic is correct." "But, Kojiro, can you guarentee us that Musashi would not escape ?" "I doubt if he would." "But should he do that, set up signboards in Kyoto to disgrace him !" "I can't agree with just that !" "Unless you promise to be responsible for him !" "Alright, wait." "Let me ask Musashi his true intentions." "How about it ?" "I have no objections." "What date and time do you request ?" "Anytime." "Musashi has agreed." "What are your conditions ?" "They want to meet tomorrow morning at 3:00 am." "Very well." "The place is the foothills of the Ichijoji Mountains, at the Sagarimatsu Pine Tree." "Ichijoji, Sagarimatsu Pine." "Agreed." "Now that Seijuro and Denshichiro cannot be present, his uncle, Mibu Genzaemon will appoint Genjuro." "But as he is still a lad, several disciples will accompany him." "I shall forewarn you." "Understood !" "Does Yoshioka have any complaints ?" " None !" " Very well !" "It's decided." ""Official Duel"" "Genjuro." " Yes." "Today is a very fortunate day for you." "First of all, pay your respects to your ancestors." "That's good, now sit over there." "The following are the particulars." "Tomorrow is the day that Yoshioka Clan can take revenge on its mortal enemy, Miyamoto Musashi." "You, as Yoshioka successor, will head for the Sagarimatsu Pine at Ichijoji." "He's just a child..." "Don't act disgracefully !" "What if this child is..." "Missus, do not worry." "All he has to do is stand among us." "There will be his father, and eight Mibu disciples." "From the Yoshioka School there will be Ueda, Yokogawa, and 100 others." "This will be the final avenging battle !" "No matter how many may assist Musashi, we have nothing to worry about." "This time we will surely behead Musashi to regain our family honor and re-establish the Yoshioka School." "Genjuro, would you like to go to this glorious battle ?" "Yes, I would." "Good boy, good boy." ""Yoshioka versus Musashi." "3:00 a.m. Ichijoji, Sagarimatsu"" "This will decide if Yoshioka will survive or not." "You're right." "But what is that opponent Musashi like, anyway ?" "I hear he's the strongest since the Kurama 'Tengu' (Goblin)." "I would think so !" "He defeated both Seijuro and Denshichiro !" "This time the whole school will be out to attack him !" "Sorry I'm late, Master." "Welcome home." "You didn't return for two days, so I was worried." "Here is a gift for you." "It's mountain yams." "Let's have them as relishes for our saké." "I'll do my best in preparing it." "What happened to the items I requested before departing ?" "They are ready." "The pants, sashes and everything else are ready." "I appreciate it." "This is our last battle of revenge." "We can't be bothered by the code of Bushido anymore !" "Unless we defeat Musashi, we cannot continue on !" "Retired Master Mibu has given his dear son for this, too !" "It will not be a one to one duel, but ten to one !" "With 100 against 10, we will surely win !" "Sir Miyamoto..." "Sir Miyamoto..." "I'm not here to kill you." "Oh, you're Yoshioka's disciple." "No, I'm not with Yoshioka anymore." "I was expelled." "Expelled ?" "If you were expelled, what brings you here ?" "I had to ask you a question." "Go on." "First :" "Why do you pursue Yoshioka so ruthlessly ?" "For my studies." "Your studies ?" "For my martial studies." "Then for that reason alone, you would waste the lives of many ?" "Please explain." "Again, many lives are about to be lost." "And you, too, are about to cast your life away." "For what purpose ?" "Why are you silent ?" "Please say something !" "I don't know !" "Don't know ?" "You have been lining up logic, but what words do you seek from my mouth ?" "That is why I said I do not know." "Then what is your ultimate goal through that sword ?" "Is it fame or glory ?" "Fame and glory... !" "The two things I despise most !" "The sword is death, seeking the ultimate !" "I have no more words to say to you !" "I am in a rush." "Excuse me." "Musashi-dono..." " You are persistent !" "If you must know, ask the sword !" "Otsu-san." "Musashi-sama !" "Why are you here ?" "I knew that if I came here, I'd meet you." "Musashi-sama, aren't you preparing to die at Ichijoji ?" "If you should die, I will not keep living either." "So even the illness I have doesn't bother me anymore." "What illness ?" "Now that you mention it, your body does feel hot." "As if it's on fire..." "You must take care." "A healthy man like you shall die within the hour..." "It's easier for me to accept death as I am ill." " You're wrong !" "In my death, there is the dream of swordsmanship !" "No... a man like you can die happily..." "Even a woman can do so, too." "I am not dying because I'm drowning in sorrow." "So allow me this much." "Otsu-san, now that I reflect back," "I have unintentionally lied many times." "It started with Hanada Bridge." "I didn't mean to, but the result is all the same." "I also have acted coldly to you." "Otsu-san, death awaits me in an hour." "My words now are the truth !" "I love you !" "I have never forgotten about you for a day !" "How I wanted to set everything aside to be with you !" "Otsu-san." "I have put one foot each in both love and my training." "And for a long time I suffered in my decision, yet I tended to head towards the way of the sword." "I could not die for love, but I could for the sword." "Otsu-san, I, Musashi, am that kind of man !" "I know you're that kind of person." "Otherwise, I wouldn't have pursued you this far." "...even as the kind of person I am," "Even if it's only within your heart..." "Will you make me your wife ?" "Otsu-san... farewell..." "Otsu-san, do not die for nothing !" "Do not die like a weakling sliding off life !" "I will not throw my life away wastefully, either !" "Otsu-san, regain your health and watch me from afar !" "Even if my body shall turn to dust," "I will keep on living !" "They're here." "Gather around, come !" " Sir !" "I can't see some of the faces, but I think there's only half of us." "The rest will come later." "We should total about 70 or 80 together." "This should suffice." "There's only one of him." "But we split into three groups." "The question is where he'll be coming from." "Genjuro is only a lad of 13." "Assuming that the Mibu disciples will protect him, this Sagarimatsu pine will be the main squad's base." "Everyone's here, it seems." "Genjuro." "Yes !" "Though the duel is under your name, the actual fighting will be done by the men." "You look wonderful !" "But it's still too early." "There is yet time till dawn." "Anyone have a light ?" "Perhaps before smoking, we should split the group up." "Yes, let's do that." "But what do you suggest ?" "Using this pine as the center," "divide the group into three along the paths." "They will be about 80 feet apart on both sides of the road." "Who will be here ?" "I, Otaguro, Miike, Yokogawa, Nakamura," "Your Lordship and 8 of the Mibu disciples." "Once we know which direction Musashi's coming from, we shall unite and attack him in a joint force." " But he will initially only confront about 20 men." "It will take no time for the rest to go to their rescue." "Musashi should be defeated well before nearing here !" "But Musashi may only slay 4 - 5 men, and spread rumors around town that he stood up alone against all of us." "We have taken that into consideration." "Hey !" " Sir !" "Guns ?" "Guns ?" "Guns ?" "Guns ?" "Guns ?" "Society will criticize our ways." "The objective is to get Musashi's head." "Once dead, he can't make excuses." "Society will see that as only gripes." "Very well, if you have decided that far, I have nothing to say." "He may be coming here while we discuss this." "Start splitting yourselves up." " Sir !" "Gather yourselves !" "Split up in three as we ordered you earlier !" " Sir !" "Fifteen by the pine..." "Ten at Shirakawa Road..." "Twenty at Torii Road..." "Fifteen at Kyo Road..." "Ten at Kunibi Woods." "It's 73 against 1." "Are you trembling ?" "You coward !" "No, a pine needle fell in my back." "It's not that I'm afraid !" "If that's the case, then it's all right." "Today should be a good experience for you." "When the duel begins, watch carefully." "Idiots !" "I'm scared !" "He's here !" "Don't you have eyes ?" "Seems like your eyes are upturned before the battle." "Mistaking me for Musashi makes you all look incapable." "I am here this morning as the witness to this battle." "Who head of pointing their weapons at the witness ?" "Fools !" "Fools... ?" "You seem to be very upset." "But nobody asked you to come here as a witness !" "The Yoshioka men never asked you here !" "Or did Musashi ask you ?" "Shut up !" "Remember, I was the arbitrator for this duel." "Yes, I vaguely recall you saying you'd be the witness." "But I didn't ask about supporting Musashi !" "We have nothing to do with you !" "Besides, you took that job upon yourself !" "There are so many busybodies like you !" " Silence !" " Go home !" "This is not a show !" "Very well." "I shall leave." "Now I can see all of your capabilities." "I hope you have not been upset by this incident !" "Return to your stations !" " Yes, Sir !" "Sasaki Kojiro" "Who's there ?" "Oh, you're a Yoshioka disciple." "Seems like you're watching the duel from afar." "What the... ?" "Don't be angered." "I am about to do the same." "Just watch." "It will begin shortly." "Something you will rarely get to see." "Now's my chance to attack." "Unless I kill, I shall be killed." "That Musashi is late !" "It's past the hour that we agreed on !" "He must have had cold feet looking at the numbers !" "No, Musashi always comes late to get the opponent restless." "Don't get caught off guard !" "Hey." "Hachimon." "A duel can only happen if I can live !" "I've come for the duel as promised !" "I'm scared !" "Forgive me !" "Your Lordship !" "He's a devil... !" "Kill him !" "Don't let him get away !" "It's useless." "Musashi's a good swordsman." "Only I can defeat him." "Wait !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "I saw your strategy !" "Musashi, you are cowardly !" "I'm not !" "Get out of the way !" "Your sword if hell... !" "I'll teach you a lesson... !" "Oh, Hayashi... !" "Take this !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Don't come !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Don't get near me !" "I'll kill you !" "Wait !" "I said don't come !" "Wait !" "Wait !" "Be prepared !" "Miyamoto no Musashi..." "You are no longer welcome here !" "You must leave the premises immediately." "This is in compliance with the temple regulations !" "I understand." "But was this your decision, or due to official pressure ?" "Earlier I was allowed to stay here, but this is such an abrupt declaration." "I find it difficult to comprehend." "Then, let me explain." "I thought you fought against all the Yoshioka men alone, in the manner of an honorable samurai, but I heard an unpleasant story" "that made me decide you were not so upright !" "Unpleasant story ?" "I understand." "I shall leave first thing tomorrow morning." "You scum !" "You're no good... !" "You devil... !" "I will take your comments as ordered, but I will not tolerate verbal insults !" "Are you picking a fight with me ?" "We serve the Buddha and do not seek fights, but those words came out of disgust for you !" "It's heaven's call !" "Take this as a warning !" "Warning ?" "Heaven's call ?" " Yes !" "I've done nothing to be called or told that !" "I am right !" "I was not merciless !" "I did what a samurai would do courageously !" "Nothing that heaven would punish me for !" "Then, let me ask you..." "Why did you kill the child ?" "Was it necessary to be so ruthless with Genjuro's life ?" "You scum..." "I cannot insult you enough !" "Are you human ?" "Leave these mountains immediately !" "Be it child or not." "If he represents the opponent, then he is one, too." "Why shoudn't I kill him ?" "The Yoshioka should be condemned for setting up a child as the head of that duel." "Unless I have killed the leader," "I would not have been victorious in that battle !" "I will not regret this !" "THE END" " PART 4"