Musashi - Eiji Yoshikawa [283]
“I had to hide,” said Matahachi, his eyes shifting nervously. “That man who passed here a minute ago. You saw him, didn’t you?”
“The man with the long sword on his back?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know him?”
“Sort of. That’s Sasaki Kojirō.”
“What! I thought you were Sasaki Kojirō.”
“Huh?”
“In Osaka you showed me your certificate. That was the name written on it. You said it was the name you’d taken, didn’t you?”
“Did I? Uh, that wasn’t true…. Today, on my way up here, I caught sight of him. Kojirō gave me a bad time a couple of days ago, so I’ve been hiding, to keep out of his way. If he comes back this way, I might be in trouble.”
Osugi was so shocked words failed her. But she noticed that Matahachi was thinner than he had been. This and his agitated state made her love him all the more—for the time being at least.
With a look that told him she did not want to hear the details, she said, “All that doesn’t matter. Tell me, son, did you know that Uncle Gon died?” “Uncle Gon … ?”
“Yes, Uncle Gon. He died right there, on the beach at Sumiyoshi, just after you left us.”
“I hadn’t heard.”
“Well, it happened. The question is whether you understand the reason for his tragic death and for my continuing this long, sad mission, even at my age.”
“Yes; it’s been engraved on my mind since that night in Osaka when you… reminded me of my shortcomings.”
“You remember that, do you? Well, I have news for you, news that’ll make you happy.”
“What’s that?”
“It concerns Otsū.”
“Oh! That was the girl with you.”
Matahachi started around her, but Osugi blocked his way and asked reproachfully, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“If that was Otsū, I want to see her. It’s been a long time.”
Osugi nodded. “I brought her here for the purpose of letting you see her. But would you mind telling your mother just what you plan to do?”
“I’ll tell her I’m sorry, I treated her very badly, and I hope she’ll forgive me.”
“And then?”
“Then … well, then I’ll tell her I’ll never make a mistake like that again. You tell her that too, Mother, for me.”
“Then what?”
“Then it’ll be just like before.”
“What will?”
“Me and Otsū. I want to be friends with her again. I want to marry her. Oh, Mother, do you think she still—”
“You fool!” She dealt him a resounding slap.
He staggered back and put his hand to his stinging cheek. “Wh-why, Mother, what’s the matter?” he stammered.
Osugi, looking angrier than he had ever seen her since the day he was weaned, growled, “You just now assured me you’d never forget what I said in Osaka, didn’t you?”
He hung his head.
“Did I ever say a word about apologizing to that worthless bitch? How could you conceivably beg forgiveness from that she-monster after she threw you over and went off with another man? You’ll see her, all right, but apologize you shall not! Now, listen to me!” Osugi collared him with both hands and shook him back and forth. Matahachi, head bobbing, closed his eyes and listened meekly to a long string of angry rebukes.
“What’s this?” she screamed. “You’re crying? Do you still love that tramp enough to weep over her? If you do, you’re no son of mine!” As she threw him to the ground, she collapsed too.
For several minutes, both of them sat there and wept.
But Osugi’s bitterness could not stay submerged for long. Straightening up, she said, “You’ve reached a point where you must make a decision. I may not live much longer. And when I’m dead, you won’t be able to talk with me like this, even if you want to.
“Think, Matahachi. Otsū’s not the only girl in the world.” Her voice became calmer. “You mustn’t let yourself feel any attachment to someone who’s acted the way she has. Find a girl you like, and I’ll get her for you, even if I have to visit her parents a hundred times—even if it wears me out and I die.”
He remained sullen and silent.
“Forget about Otsū, for the sake of the Hon’iden name. Whatever you think, she’s unacceptable from the family’s viewpoint. So if you absolutely cannot do without her, then cut off this old head of mine. After that you can