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...
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 ?
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 !
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 !
Don't come !
Wait !
Don't get near me !
I'll kill you ! Wait !
I said don't come !
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