Musashi - Eiji Yoshikawa [317]
“Yoshino’s a strange woman. What does she see in that uncouth swordsman?”
“I don’t pretend to understand her. Nor do I understand Otsū. What it comes down to is, I don’t understand women in general. As far as I’m concerned, they all seem a little sick. As for Musashi, I suppose it’s about time he reached the springtime of life. His real training starts now, and let’s hope that he gets it through his head that women are more dangerous than swords. Still, other people can’t solve his problems for him, and I see nothing for me to do but leave him alone.”
A little uncomfortable about having said so much in front of Jōtarō, he hastened to offer his thanks and bid farewell to his host, requesting him a second time to allow Otsū and Jōtarō to stay a little longer.
The old saying that journeys should be commenced in the morning meant nothing to Takuan. He was ready to depart, and depart he did, though the sun was well into the west and twilight already descending.
Jōtarō ran along beside him, pulling at his sleeve. “Please, please, come back and say a word to Otsū. She’s been crying again, and I can’t do anything to cheer her up.”
“Did you two talk about Musashi?”
“She told me to ask you when he’s coming. If he doesn’t come, I’m afraid she might die.”
“You don’t have to worry about her dying. Just leave her alone.” “Takuan, who’s Yoshino Dayū?”
“Why do you want to know that?”
“You said Musashi was with her. Didn’t you?”
“Urn. I have no intention of going back and trying to heal Otsū’s illness, but I want you to tell her something for me.”
“What is it?”
“Tell her to eat properly.”
“I’ve told her that a hundred times.”
“You have? Well, that’s the best thing she could possibly be told. But if she won’t listen, you may as well give her the whole truth.”
“What’s that?”
“Musashi is infatuated with a courtesan named Yoshino, and he hasn’t left the brothel for two nights and two days. She’s a fool to go on loving a man like that!”
“That’s not true!” protested Jōtarō. “He’s my sensei! He’s a samurai! He’s not like that. If I told Otsū that, she might commit suicide. You’re the one who’s a fool, Takuan. A great big old fool!”
“Ha, ha, ha!”
“You have no business saying bad things about Musashi or saying Otsū is foolish.”
“You’re a good boy, Jōtarō,” said the priest, patting him on the head.
Jōtarō ducked from under his hand. “I’ve had enough of you, Takuan. I’ll never ask for your help again. I’ll find Musashi myself. I’ll bring him back to Otsū!”
“Do you know where the place is?”
“No, but I’ll find it.”
“Be sassy if you like, but it’s not going to be easy for you to find Yoshino’s place. Shall I tell you how?”
“Don’t bother.”
“Jōtarō, I’m no enemy of Otsū’s, nor do I have anything against Musashi. Far from it! I’ve been praying for years that both of them would be able to make good lives for themselves.”
“Then why are you always saying such mean things?”
“Does it seem that way to you? Maybe you’re right. But just at the moment, both of them are sick people. If Musashi is left alone, his illness will go away, but Otsū needs help. Being a priest, I’ve tried to help her. We’re supposed to be able to cure sicknesses of the heart, just as doctors cure illnesses of the body. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do anything for her, so I’m giving up. If she can’t realize that her love is one-sided, advising her to eat properly is the best I can do.”
“Don’t worry about it. Otsū is not going to ask a big phony like you for help.”
“If you don’t believe me, go to the Ōgiya in Yanagimachi and see for yourself what Musashi is up to. Then go back and tell Otsū what you saw. She’ll be heartbroken for a while, but it just might open her eyes.”
Jōtarō put his fingers in his ears. “Shut up, you acorn-headed old fraud!”
“You’re the one who came chasing after me, or have you forgotten?”
As Takuan walked off and left him, Jōtarō stood in the middle of the street, repeating a very disrespectful chant with which street urchins