Chapter 77 Chapter 19

It was still dark, and the moon was still high in the sky. A group of black shadows moved on the whitened street, and the atmosphere was a bit weird. "It's really unexpected!" "Hmm! Although most of them have never seen it before, there must be a hundred forty or fifty people gathered!" "It's probably only halfway there!" "Including Mibu Genzaemon, his son and relatives who have not yet arrived, at least sixty or seventy people will come!" "The Yoshioka family is almost finished. The two pillars, Seijuro and Denshichiro, have fallen. It can be said that there are no eggs under the overturned nest!"

A group of dark shadows spoke softly.Another member of the group sitting by the collapsed stone wall shouted angrily: "Don't talk about frustration! Ups and downs are commonplace in the world!" Another bunch of people: "If you don't want to come, don't come. Once the martial arts hall is closed, everyone is considering their own way out, and some people are busy calculating the gains and losses. Only disciples with firm will and full of loyalty will gather here spontaneously." "It's troublesome if one or two hundred people come. Isn't it just one person we have to deal with?"

"Haha! Who can guarantee that he will win! Do you still remember what happened at Lianhua Wangin? At that time, the companions present just watched Musashi leave!" Ruishan, Yichengjishan, Ruyishan and other mountain peaks are still sleeping in the arms of still white clouds. This is commonly known as Yabu no Kokamatsu, the relic of Ichijo Temple, and also the watershed between the village road and the mountain road. The mountain road is divided into three forks here. The pine trees stretched out like umbrellas, towering so high that they almost pierced the morning night sky.It is located at the foot of Mount Ichijoji, and the road is sloping and covered with gravel.When it rains, the road surface collects rainwater to form a river; when it is sunny, it looks like a dry river bed with its ridge exposed.

The people of Yoshioka Martial Arts Center took Shimatsu as the center, occupying the surrounding area like crabs at night.Those who know the terrain say: "There are three roads here. I don't know which one Musashi will come from. So we have to divide into three groups to ambush by the roadside. Xiamatsu is under the charge of the head Genjiro. In addition, Mr. Mibu Genza, Oike Juro, and Ueda Ryohei Ten old seniors are enough to guard." Someone took another view: "No, this stronghold is too narrow. Gathering too many people would be disadvantageous. It's better to keep a distance, ambush on the route that Musashi must pass, and surround him when Musashi passes. It's absolutely safe!"

When there are more people, the natural will is high.I saw the shadows on the ground gathering and dispersing from time to time.Some are holding long knives, some are holding guns, ready to go.None of these people were timid. "I'm coming!" Although it was still early before the appointed time, but someone on the other side shouted such a call, which made people excited, and all the shadows immediately fell silent. "It's Genjiro!" "Take a sedan chair!" "You're still young after all!" Everyone looked together—seeing three or four lanterns in the distance gradually approaching Mount Rui under the bright moonlight.

"Ah! Everyone is here." The first person to get off the sedan chair was an old man, followed by a boy who was only thirteen or fourteen years old. Both the young man and the old man wore strips of white cloth on their heads, and the openings on both sides of the hakama were tied up high. They were Mibu Genzaemon and his son. "Hey! Genjiro." The old man said to his son: "You just need to stand under that pine tree, don't move around!" Genjiro didn't say anything, just nodded. The old man stroked his head and said: "Today's martial arts competition, you are the duelist in name, but the fighting is handed over to the disciples. You are still young, as long as you stay here all the time."

Genjiro nodded again, walked obediently under the pine tree, and stood there upright like a puppet. "Don't be on guard yet, there is still some time before dawn." The old man deliberately looked calm, reached into his waist and took out a pipe, and asked: "Is there a fire?" Oike Jurozaemon took a step forward and replied: "Senior Mibu, there are several flint and steel, but before smoking, do you want to assign people first?" "What you said also makes sense." He did not hesitate to regard his young son as a duelist in name, he is really an old man who is easy to communicate with.Without further ado, he fully agreed with everyone's views.

"Then let's hurry up and prepare to meet the enemy! How will these people be distributed?" "With this pine tree as the center, on three roads, ambush on both sides of the road with a distance of about 35 meters." "What about here?" "You and I and ten people are responsible for protecting Genjiro. No matter which side Musashi comes from, as long as we send a signal, we can attack together." "etc!" Ginger is still old and spicy, he thought deeply: "Even if it is divided into several places, we don't know which direction Musashi will come from. Therefore, there are only about 20 people who play forward to fight him."

"Afterwards, everyone gathers around together." "No, it's not that simple, Musashi will definitely bring his thugs. Not only that, on a snowy night that day, Musashi quickly retreated after defeating Denshichiro at Renhua Wangin. It can be seen that Musashi not only has sharp swordsmanship, but also has a very good exit technique , can be said to be a person who knows how to retreat. Maybe he will kill three or four people before fleeing due to lack of manpower, and then spread rumors everywhere, saying that he alone defeated more than 70 people in Yoshioka at the ruins of Ichijo Temple Legacy disciple."

"No, I won't let him succeed." "This will only lead to endless controversy. No matter how many thugs Musashi brings, the world will only think that he went to the appointment alone. If one person confronts everyone, the world's public opinion will condemn the side with more people." "I understand. In short, this time, Musashi will never escape alive." "exactly!" "We know it even if you don't tell me. If Musashi escapes again, no amount of excuses afterwards will be able to clear our stigma. Therefore, there is only one purpose this morning, which is to put Musashi to death. There is no proof of death. The world only You can believe what we say."

After Oike Jurozaemon finished speaking, he looked around the crowd and called out the names of four or five people. The three doormen held bows and arrows in their hands, and the other came forward with a gun on his shoulders, and said in response: "Did you call us?" Oike Jurozaemon nodded: "Ok!" After that, facing the old man Yuanzuo, he said: "Old man, I actually prepared these guys too. So please don't worry." "Ah! One that can fly?" "It can be launched in ambush at a higher place or on a tree." "You don't care if the world criticizes your despicable tactics?" "Compared with public opinion, the most important thing is to put Musashi to death. Only victory can change public opinion. If you fail, even if it is the truth, the world will only complain." "Okay, since I decided to go all out, then I have no objection. Even if Musashi brings more helpers, we have bows, arrows and guns, and we can definitely win. But, don't be attacked by the other party when we are discussing. The deployment is by You are in charge, go get ready." After the old man agreed, Jurozaemon ordered: "ambush!" In order to respond to the enemy's infestation, the method of attacking from front to back was adopted. The avant-garde ambushed on both sides of the Sancha Road; while Xiasong was the base camp, with about ten hardcore elements guarding it. The people in the reeds scattered like geese.Some hid in the thatch, some hid in the shade of the trees, and some lay on the ridges of the fields. There are also some black shadows with bows and arrows climbing up the trees nearby. Also, the man with the gun climbed up the pine tree.In order to avoid the dark shadow left by the moonlight, he deliberately hides his own shadow so as not to be discovered by the enemy. Withered pine leaves and bark fell sparsely.Genjiro, who was standing under the pine tree like a puppet, shuddered several times, and stretched out his hands to tighten the skirt of his clothes. Yuan Zuo old man glared at him: "Why, are you trembling? What a coward!" "I'm not scared at all, it's just the pine leaves falling on my back." "That's good, this competition is a rare experience for you. The fight will start later, so watch it carefully!" At this moment, a voice suddenly came from the direction of the academy road on the easternmost side of Sancha Road: "Fool!" Then there was a commotion in the nearby reeds. It was evident that the ambush was moving.Genjiro hugged the old man Genza's waist tightly, and called out casually: "It's terrible!" "Here we come!" Oike Jurozaemon immediately raised his vigilance and ran towards the noisy direction. Unexpectedly, that person was not the enemy who had come to the appointment, but the person who had mediated between the two opposing sides in front of the gate of Liutiaoliu Street a few days ago.He is Sasaki Kojiro, a young man with bangs. Standing there with a haughty attitude, he reprimanded the Yoshiokamen: "Are you blind? You were so careless before the battle, and you thought I was a Musashi and pounced on me in a daze. What a daredevil. I was a witness to the martial arts competition this morning, and someone pointed a gun at me. No! Someone shot me with a gun from among the reeds, it's really unreasonable." However, people on Yoshioka's side were also very emotional, so some people suspected Kojiro. "This guy is really arrogant!" "Maybe I was entrusted by Musashi to spy on the situation first!" The Yoshioka family members talked softly, although no one shot again, they did not evacuate from his surroundings. Jurozaemon hurried over.Kojiro ignored everyone and complained directly to Jurozaemon. "I came to be a witness today, but the Yoshiokamen regarded me as an enemy. Is this what you ordered? If so, I, Sasaki Kojiro, have not used blood to sharpen the family's long sword 'clothes pole' for a long time ' Yes—it's really my honor. I can't be Musashi's helper for no reason, but for my own sake, I will take you on. Now, I want to hear what you have to say." He roared like a mighty lion. This arrogant gesture was Kojiro's usual attitude.His attitude and bangs alone shocked many people. However, Oike Jurozaemon did not accept this. "Hahaha! This is indeed irritating! But, did someone entrust you to be the witness of the martial arts competition this morning? We Yoshiokamen don't remember asking you, did Musashi entrust you?" "Shut up! I did tell both parties when I put up the bulletin board on Liutiao Street the other day." "I see, you said that at that time! It was you who said you wanted to be a witness - Musashi didn't entrust you at that time, and we didn't entrust you either. In short, you are meddling in your own business, alone It's all just a one-man show. There are many people like you who are meddling in the world!" "How dare you say that!" Kojiro was enraged, this time it was not just a bluff. "go back!" Jurozaemon was extremely displeased. "This is not an acrobatic troupe!" "Ok!" Kojiro took a deep breath, nodded and turned around with a pale face: "Remember, you people, let's wait and see!" Just as he was about to leave, old man Mibu Genzuo just walked over: "Young man! Kojiro, please stay." The old man hurriedly called Kojiro to stop. "I'm fine. But please remember what you just said, you will get your retribution, just wait and see!" "Ah! Please don't say that! Long time no see! Long time no see!" While talking, the old man walked around to Kojiro who was extremely angry: "I'm Seijuro's uncle. I heard Seijuro say that you are a very promising person before. This time it must be a misunderstanding. My disciples have made mistakes with you. Please forgive them for my old man's sake! " "I really can't bear it when you say that. I used to be good friends with Seijuro in the Shijo Martial Art Museum, so I wanted to help, but I was met... If I continue, I will utter foul words again." "No wonder you are angry. Adults don't count villains, please take their words as wind, forget it, don't take it to heart. For the sake of Seijuro and Denshichiro, please be more tolerant." The old man Yuan Zuo tactfully appeased the proud and complacent young man. Such comfort does not require Kojiro to draw his sword to help.The old man Yuanzuo must be worried that this young man will publicize Yoshiokamon's despicable methods everywhere, and it will be endless. "Let everything pay for itself!" Because of the old man's sincere apology, Kojiro changed his attitude just now: "Old senior, at your age, you keep bowing your head to apologize to me, leaving Kojiro, a junior like me, at a loss as to what to do. Stop talking." To everyone's surprise, Kojiro quickly recovered his calm.He encouraged Yoshiokamen with his usual fluent eloquence and abused Musashi. "I have a very close friendship with Mr. Seijuro, and I have nothing to do with Musashi as I said just now. Of course I hope my friend Yoshiokamon can win. This is human nature! However, you have been attacked twice. Defeated. The four martial arts halls are scattered, and the Yoshioka family is about to collapse... Alas! It is really unbearable to watch! Since ancient times, military contests have been seen frequently, and I have never heard of such a tragedy. Since the Muromachi family, I have served as the military instructor of the general's family The famous Yoshioka suffered such a tragic fate because of an unknown country swordsman." Kojiro eloquently spoke with enthusiasm.As a result, not only the old man Yuan Zuo remained silent, but everyone else was fascinated by his hard-working speech.Jurozaemon and the others regretted why they had uttered wild words to this well-intentioned Kojiro just now. Seeing such an atmosphere, Kojiro showed off his eloquence even more, monopolized the stage, and sang a one-man show: "I also want to own a martial arts gym by myself in the future, so I don't watch it out of curiosity. Every time a master duels, I will definitely go to watch the battle. Being a bystander is also helpful to martial arts. However, I have never watched it. As anxious as the martial arts contest between you and Musashi—whether you were at the Renhuawangin Temple or Rendai Temple, you all brought your followers, but let Musashi escape from the scene safely. You kept saying that you would kill Musashi to avenge your master and clear the shame. , but watched Musashi rampant in the city of Kyoto. I really don't understand your thoughts." He licked his dry lips and continued: "For a ronin, Musashi is indeed very powerful. He is a brave man! I, Kojiro, have met him once or twice, so it is clear. Maybe I am nosy. Before coming here, I gave his surname , place of birth and other background information have been investigated. Because I met a woman who knew Musashi when she was seventeen years old, and obtained some clues." He did not say Zhu Shi's name. "In addition to inquiring about the woman, I also went to various places to inquire, and found out that the boy was born in the countryside of Zuozhou. After the Battle of Sekigahara, he returned to his hometown and behaved mischievously in the village. He was finally driven out of his home and wandered around. .So he was originally an unworthy person. However, his swordsmanship comes from his nature, like a beast, without any rules. This kid who knows how to live and die can actually defeat the orthodox swordsmanship. Therefore, if you use the right way to kill Musashi is doomed to fail. Just like setting a trap to catch a beast, you can only achieve your goal with a strange move. Regarding this aspect, please be sure to observe the enemy more and think more about it." The old man Yuanzuo thanked him for his kindness, and explained to him the safe preparation situation.After hearing this, Kojiro nodded and said: "Such a thorough preparation should be foolproof; but for the sake of prudence, wouldn't it be better to have a surprise strategy?" "Strategy?" The old man Genza looked at Kojiro's smart expression: "What? I think this is enough, and there is no need for other strategies. But I still want to thank you for your kindness." Kojiro still insisted on saying: "Old man, things are not that simple. If Musashi overestimates his abilities and comes here honestly, he will certainly fall into the trap and cannot escape. If he knows your preparations in advance, he may avoid these routes .” "If so, he will be ridiculed. Because we will put up notices at every intersection in Kyoto to make the world laugh at Musashi's cowardice." "As a result, only half of your status is left; and Musashi can publicize your despicable behavior even more exaggeratedly. This way, it is impossible to eliminate Master's resentment. In short, you must kill Musashi here. To achieve this goal, we must think of a strategy to lure that kid to this place of death." "Oh? Do you have a good plan?" Kojiro replied: "Have." He continued confidently: "Yes! There are several good strategies..." He changed his usual arrogant expression, put his mouth close to Yuanzuo old man's ear and said softly with approachable eyes: "Hey... so...how?" The old man nodded frequently, and approached Oike Juemon's ear, repeating the strategy completely. "Well! Well! That's how it is!" In the middle of the night before yesterday, Miyamoto Musashi came to the small wooden hotel that he hadn't visited for a long time, and the owner was shocked.He stayed here for one night.As soon as the sun was up, he said he was going to the Kurama Temple.After going out, I didn't see him all day yesterday. "Maybe you'll be back tonight?" The hotel owner warmed up salty porridge and waited for him, but he didn't return to the hotel that night.As a result, I returned to the hotel at dusk the next day. "This is a native product of the pommel horse." As he spoke, he took a big taro wrapped in pu leaves and handed it to the shop owner. Then he took another piece of white cloth bought from a nearby store and asked the store owner to find someone to sew a close-fitting dress, bellyband and belt as soon as possible. The hotel owner immediately took the white cloth and asked a nearby woman who knew how to tailor to sew it.On the way back, I bought some wine, used potato soup as a side dish, and chatted with Musashi until midnight.The clothes just happened to be sewn and sent over. Musashi put the clothes he had sewn under his pillow and fell asleep.In the middle of the night, the shop owner woke up suddenly and heard someone taking a shower in the well behind.He got up to check, and found that Musashi had got out of bed, had showered under the moonlight, was wearing the snow-white underclothes he had just made, with his bellyband fastened and his usual jacket on. The moon is not yet oblique.At this time, where are you going to go with such an attire?The shop owner was surprised and asked him.He replied: I am not going anywhere, I just visited around Kyoto today, and I rode a pommel horse yesterday, so I am a little tired of Kyoto.Therefore, I want to take advantage of the moonlight tonight to climb Mount Rui and see the sunrise over Lake Shiga, then leave Kashima and go to Edo Castle.Just thinking about it makes me so excited I can't sleep, I'm sorry for waking you up.I have packed the accommodation fee and wine money and put them under the pillow. Although it is not much, please accept it.After three or four years, when I come to Kyoto again, I will definitely stay here again. Musashi replied. "Boss, you have to close the back door!" As soon as he finished speaking, he quickly walked around the path beside the field and walked towards the Beiye road full of cow dung. Reluctantly, the boss stood in front of the small window and watched him go.After walking about ten steps, Musashi stopped and tied his shoelaces again.