PREQUEL: TALE OF MUSASHI (CHAP10)

Days had passed, and then a day that every citizen of Wado was eagerly waiting for, had finally come. It was Emperor Day. A festival was hosted in honor of the emperor as well as a competition between martial artists. Karasuyama Clan always participated with their best new talent. And this year, Yami was the new talent they would show to all of Wado.

‘’Are you sure you only want to show Yami, Head Master?’’ Koji, who was with Karasuyama in his chamber, spoke.

‘’Yes. Musashi still needs time before he leaves the nest. When the Emperor sees Musashi’s talent, he will want him for executions and even assassinations immediately. Yami has more experience and is ready to show his talent. I don’t want them to compete over such ignorant things. That will deplete their growth.’’

‘’As you command, my lord!’’

All of the elite disciples and family members were waiting for the Head Master in front of the castle. Musashi, however, was nowhere to be seen.

‘’Isn’t Mr. Musashi also going?’’ one of the disciples said.

‘’I heard that the Head Master didn’t want him to go. Musashi then left somewhere.’’

‘’I see. Must be tough; he’s the only one of the strong swordsmen who won’t go.’’

Then, the Head Master came accompanied by Koji. Then they all rode the carriages and headed towards the Capital. At the same time, Musashi was in the Death Forest concentrating.

‘’Ho? It’s unusual for you to stay till this time here, Musashi.’’ The spirit girl said as she floated around him. ‘’What happened?’’

Musashi opened his eyes and blinked three times.

‘’Oh?! Is that so? It’s okay, your Head Master probably had a good reason for not taking you.’’

Musashi then blinked twice.

‘’OOOH?! He took Yami and that made you jealous! Hmmmm, I see, I see.’’ She rested her head on her hand and looked up. ‘’Maybe he didn’t want you to take Yami’s spotlight. Don’t you think?’’

Musashi stood up immediately, and after deep thinking, he smiled.

‘’See? I told you! That must be it! Hihihi!’’ The spirit girl started laughing proudly with her hands on her hips. ‘’Now what will you do?’’

Musashi put his hand on his chin and looked up. Then, he raised his finger up and blinked four times.

‘’I see. Your calligraphy lessons again? Well, you better hurry!’’

In the meantime, several men wearing animal skins and holding spears and machetes had entered the Karasuyama territory.