“I serve at your pleasure, Uesama,” Jii said, bowing low.

  The shogun looked at his chief counselor. “I like how this family answers questions. Do I have anything else to settle?”

  “No Uesama,” came the reply. “That settles everything.”

  “Very well then,” the shogun said, placing his hands on his hips and announcing skyward, “Iken Raku Chaku,” a phrase meaning “one finished.” Then the shogun laughed as he exited toward the hollyhock emblem and his entrance on the side. An attendant was already there kneeling and sliding the door back for him.

  Hideki could hear the shogun talking to himself as he went through the exit. “Yes, I sure get a laugh out of those stories about the trial.” No one could see him exit, as all eyes were on the mat as he departed.

  Once the shogun left, the room relaxed. Everyone was abuzz in conversation. Jii and Yagyu put their heads together and then moved to the five Roju counselors.

  Naga and Yuki were talking as if no one else were in the room. Musashi approached Hideki.

  “I would hate to think that all my training went into a cruel man,” he said.

  “I do not know what kind of a man I am, Sensei. I hope a kind one. Yet I kept thinking of kyodai goroshi and the deaths of my cousin and his family. Then the site of Aoki’s head rolling in the dirt at Nihonbashi Bridge kept stabbing my conscience. And yes, I wanted to hurt her for the way she took my dreams away with fire,” he said, holding up his right gloved hand. “But mostly I wanted her to remember that actions have consequences. I wanted her to feel the pain of retribution.”

  “So was it revenge or justice?” Musashi asked.

  “I would like to think justice,” Hideki replied.

  “Then my teachings were not wasted. Sayonara,” Musashi said, as he bowed quickly, spun, and departed.

  “How about that,” Yoshi said. “He didn’t say goodbye to me.”

  “Musashi’s mind is already engaged in his journey. I’m surprised he said goodbye to me,” Hideki mused.

  Myo moved to Hideki’s side. “So what now, Prince of the Yoshinobu?”

  Hideki exhaled slowly. “I think everyone’s course has been set but mine.”

  “You will not stay to help Naga?” Yoshi asked.

  “I will help him, but not by staying. I think I shall embark on a Musha Shugyo. I need a swordsman’s pilgrimage to expand my skills.”

  “You are going to turn into another Musashi?” Yoshi asked.

  “I could do much worse with my life. I heard what the shogun said today. We have to get good men to run the country. I can help by keeping Jii and Naga informed of what I see across the land.”

  “Do you want company?” Yoshi asked.

  “Not from you, Yoshi. Although I can think of no better companion, both my brother and grandfather will have great need of your skills and advice. But thank you for the offer,” Hideki said.

  “How are you going to send your information back to your brother and grandfather?” Yoshi asked.

  “I have some ideas on that subject,” Myo said.

  “Oh,” Yoshi said. “The Five Families has the infrastructure. Good plan; however, traveling alone can be dangerous. Will your grandfather allow it?”

  “He will not be alone,” Myo said boldly.

  Hideki laughed. “Besides my personal spymaster here, Yagyu Jubei has agreed to accompany me. I want to train and get my right hand back to normal. I think I will be safe enough with Jubei and Myo as companions.”

  “Probably, but it is a big country and you will not have the police force of Edo to protect you,” Yoshi said.

  Hideki smiled. “From the time I was a little boy on Jii’s knee, my goal was to be the best swordsman in Japan and to help Naga,” he said, looking down at his glove-wrapped hand. “Now, my goal is to be the most dangerous swordsman in Japan, help Naga, and make Musashi proud.”

 

 

  Unknown, A Samurai Comes of Age (Death Among Brothers, Book One)

 

 

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