Chapter 18 Chapter 14

Zean told Musashi that when Musashi attacked Hinakura's place three years ago, his sister Ayin was no longer there, so the official did not pursue it.Afterwards, due to various reasons, Ah Yin did not return to Miyamoto Village, but lived with relatives in Zuoyong Township, and now lives a stable life. "You want to see her?" Zean asked Musashi. "Miss Ah Yin also wants to see you very much. But, I told her—just treat your brother as dead, no, really dead. I also promised her that after three years, I will bring a completely different, brand new brother. Musashi came back to meet her."

"So, you not only saved me, but also my sister. You are so merciful, and I am so grateful to you." Musashi clasped his hands across his chest. "Come on, I'll take you there." Ze'an urged him to leave. "No, there's no need to meet, it's like meeting each other." "why?" "It's hard to survive a catastrophe. After being reborn, now is the time to strengthen your will and take the first step in your cultivation!" "I see." "Even if I don't say much, you should be able to figure it out." "You have even cultivated this kind of mind, that's great! Then, let's do as you want!"

"I bid farewell to you here... as long as you are still alive, there will be a period later." "Well! I am also like floating clouds and flowing water. Meet and follow fate." Ze An's personality is free and easy. About to separate—— "By the way, there is one thing you need to pay attention to. Both Ashanpo and Uncle Quan vowed not to find Atong and you to avenge their shame, and never return to their hometown. There may be some troubles during the journey, so don't worry about it. Also, Although I didn't complain behind my back, this guy with the character Hu Qingmu Danzuo, he has been dismissed because of the failure of the mission to capture you, so he may also be wandering around. No matter what, the road of life is always full of difficulties and setbacks. You have to Be very careful."

"yes." "That's all. Good-bye, then!" After speaking, Takuan went west. "...Take care!" Musashi said goodbye to his back and watched him until the end of the road.In the end, Musashi was left alone, and walked towards the east. Lone sword! Only the sword on his waist was left with him. Musashi held it. "Use this to survive! Treat this as your own soul, and practice it frequently to see how high you can reach the realm of human beings! Zean practiced Tao with Zen, and I practiced Tao with sword. I must surpass him." He made up his mind.

Youth, twenty-one years old, it's not too late. His feet are full of life.Eyes sparkle with youth and hope.Sometimes, he would push up the edge of the bamboo hat and look at the unpredictable and completely unfamiliar journey in the future with new eyes. at this time-- Not long after he left Himeji Castle, he was about to cross the Hanada Bridge when a woman ran across the bridge. "Ah!... You are not..." The opponent grabbed his sleeve. It's Atong. "ah?" Seeing his surprised expression, she said with hatred: "Brother Musashi, you haven't forgotten the name of this bridge, have you? Even if you have forgotten that Atong who will be waiting for you no matter how long it takes—"

"So you've been waiting here for three years?" "That's right... the old lady from the Tian family chased me everywhere, and I was almost killed. Fortunately, there was no danger, and I finally saved my life. From about twenty days after we broke up with you in Zhongshanling, until today -" She pointed to the bamboo shop near the bridge and said: "I've been working in that store and waiting for you. Today, it's exactly the nine hundred and seventieth day. In the days to come, will you take me away as we agreed?" In fact, he also longed to see her in his heart.Just when he couldn't even see Sister Ah Yin, who was worried about him, and he just wanted to leave as soon as possible——

Why? Musashi asked himself angrily. Why?Now that I am about to embark on a journey to study, can I walk with a woman? Besides, no matter how you say it, this woman is the fiancée of Motoba Tata.It's the Atong who, according to Grandma Ashan, is still my daughter-in-law even if her son is not around. Musashi couldn't hide his pained expression. "You said to take you away, where are you going?" he asked rudely. "Wherever you want." "My future is a road full of hardships, not traveling in mountains and rivers." "I understand this. I will not hinder your study. I can bear no matter how hard it is."

"How can there be a samurai who takes a woman to study with him? He will be ridiculed. Let go of my sleeves!" "don't want!" Atong instead pulled his sleeves tighter. "So, you lied to me!" "When did I lie to you?" "Didn't we agree in Zhongshanling?" "Well... I was a little delirious at the time. And I didn't bring it up, I was just impatient, and just followed your words and said 'um'." "No! No! You can't say that!" The two seemed to be fighting, and Atong pushed Musashi's body towards the railing of Hanada Bridge.

"On the Millennium Cedar, when I cut the rope for you, you also said if you wanted to run away with me?" "Let go! Hey! You'll be seen." "It doesn't matter if someone sees you. At that time I asked you, would you accept me to save you? You said in a joyful voice, oh, cut this rope, cut it quickly! And you yelled twice." Although she reproached with reason, her eyes filled with tears were burning with passion. Morally, Musashi was speechless; emotionally, he was aroused even higher by her, and even the corners of his eyes became hot. "...Let go of your hands... In broad daylight, passers-by will look sideways!"

"..." Atong let go of his sleeve meekly.Then he fell on the railing of the bridge, sobbing and crying. "...I'm sorry, I couldn't help but say some embarrassing things. Please forget about these flattering words!" "Girl Atong!" He peered at the face bent over the railing. "To be honest, during the nine hundred days before yesterday, that is, during the period you were waiting for me, I was locked in the castle tower of Bailu City, and I never saw a single day of sunshine." "I heard about it." "Huh? You know?" "Yes, I listened to what Master Ze'an said."

"So the monk told you everything?" "I fainted in the bamboo forest valley below Sanriyue Tea House. Fortunately, Master saved me. He also introduced me to work in that native product shop." "Again, it's a matter between men and women." When he came to drink tea in the store yesterday, he said something like a riddle: "The future is unknown!" "Ah... so..." Musashi looked back at the road to the west, the person we parted from just now, will there be a day of goodbye?At this time, he felt the great love of Ze'an even more deeply.It turned out that he thought he was only good to himself, but it was because he was too narrow-minded.Not only for her sister, but also for Atong and everyone, Takuan extended a helping hand equally. ——The matter of men and women, the future is unknown! Hearing that Takuan left after leaving this sentence, Musashi felt an unexpected heavy load on his shoulders. For nine hundred days, in that confinement room, among the jumble of men and books displayed in front of me, none of them mentioned this important event in the world.Zean deliberately avoided the issue of men and women as if it had nothing to do with me. I don't know if he is implying: Matters between men and women can only be resolved by men and women themselves. Still a test of Musashi: Such trivial matters should be judged by yourself. Musashi fell into deep thought.Eyes staring at the flowing water under the bridge. This time, it was A-Tong who peeped at his face. "is it okay……" Atong begged. "I told the store that I can leave at any time. I'll explain the reason right now, and come as soon as I'm ready. Be sure to wait for me!" Musashi pressed Atong's white hand against the railing. "Please think again." "What else am I thinking about?" "As I said just now, I read books in the dark for three years. After struggling again and again, I finally understood the way people should go. I just started again. My name was also changed to 'Miyamoto Musashi'. This is the most important thing for me. At the moment, I have no other intentions except to study. If you walk with someone like me, the road will be difficult, and you will never be happy." "The more I hear you say that, the more my heart is drawn to you. I know I've found the most manly man in the world!" "No matter what you say, I still can't take you there." "But, no matter where you go, I'll follow you. As long as it doesn't hinder your study, isn't it?...Isn't it right?" "..." "I will definitely not disturb you." "..." "Okay? I'll be mad if you leave without saying goodbye! Please wait here for me...I'll be right back." After asking and answering his own questions, Atong immediately ran to the Qiaotou Bamboo Ware Shop.Musashi wanted to take advantage of this gap, and ran in the opposite direction with his eyes closed.However, I only moved a little bit, but my feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, and I couldn't move. "—I'll be angry if I go away!" A Tong turned around and confirmed again.Seeing that white smiling face, Musashi couldn't help nodding his head in agreement.Seeing Musashi nodding, she walked into the bamboo shop with confidence. If you want to go, take advantage of this time! Musashi's heart, urging Musashi. However, Atong's white smiling face and those pitiful and lovely eyes still remained in his mind, which bound his whole being. So cute!Except for my sister, I never thought there would be such a loving person in this world. And Atong is not annoying at all. Looking at the sky and the river, Musashi hugged the railing in a dull mood, not knowing what to do.After a while, he leaned his elbows and face against the railing, not knowing what he was doing, when he saw white sawdust falling down one after another and flowing away with the water. A Tong was wearing light yellow leggings and new straw sandals, and the red ribbon of a women's hat was tied under his chin.Atong fits this outfit very well. but-- Musashi was no longer there. "Oh!" She whimpered, almost crying. Where Musashi stood just now, there were sawdust scattered there.Looking at the top of the railing, there are small words engraved, leaving white traces. Please forgive me.