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Characters

The following characters are mentioned in the story:

• Miyamoto Usagi

Story Synopsis

Usagi does his best to keep his lunch down as the kago (palanquin) bearers he has hired to ferry him to the next town hurry along a wide mountain path. Before long, Usagi has had enough and sends the kago bearers away, deciding to walk to the next town.

Further along the trail he is halted by four brash young samurai (obviously not the local authorities). They are searching all passers by, looking for Nakamura Koji. When they learn that Usagi knows Koji, they order him away. Usagi goes, but not before considering teaching them a lesson. Along a different route, Usagi happens upon another four samurai accosting another traveller. The traveller reveals himself as Nakamura Koji and declines their invitation to him to leave the area. A melee ensues and Usagi takes the time to watch Koji's technique as Koji shows his contempt for his adversaries, beating them with the flat of his blade. As the four samurai beat a hasty retreat, Usagi makes a mental note - Koji drops his kensen (tip of his blade) before he attacks. Unconscious or deliberate? Usagi isn't sure.

Usagi and Koji get reaquainted as they travel. Apparently the local sword school heard of Koji's prescence in the area and feared a challenge. Koji's intent was not to, but the road-blocks have forced his hand. If he does not, they will spread the word that he was scared off. As Koji puts it, A shugyosha has nothing but his reputation. As they walk, he cuts down a sapling and makes from it, a bokuto (wooden sword). Further along the path are the four samurai that Usagi encountered previously.

The inevitable fight begins and before long, the four samurai flee to the apparent safety of their dojo. Koji and Usagi are not far behind, and Koji issues his challenge to the startled dojo sensei. The sensei draws a steel blade as Koji faces off with his bokuto. On the other side of the dojo, the students plan to kill the intruding samurai.

Usagi sits in seiza, observing the match. He has time to note again the drop of Koji's kensen before the students treacherously attack. Koji's bokuto is slowly whittled away by his adversary while Usagi makes short work of the dojo students. Victory is Koji's as his final blow leaves the dojo's sensei a humiliated wreck on the floor.

Together, Usagi and Koji continue on toward Kitanoji.