Musashi - Eiji Yoshikawa [554]
“Somebody slandered you. Is that it?”
“Perhaps, but don’t give it another thought. And don’t misunderstand me. My ideas, I’ve learned, particularly today, are little more than dreams.”
“That’s not true. I’ve had the same idea; the Way of the Sword and the spirit of good government ought to be one and the same.”
“I’m glad we agree. But in fact, the truth of the scholar, alone in his study, does not always accord with what the world at large considers to be true.”
“Then you think the truth you and I are searching for is of no use in the real world.”
“No, it’s not that,” said Musashi impatiently. “As long as this country exists, no matter how things change, the brave man’s Way of the Spirit will never cease to be useful…. If you give the matter some thought, you’ll see that the Way of Government is not concerned with the Art of War alone. A flawless political system must be based on a perfect blending of military and literary arts. To cause the world to live in peace is the ultimate Way of the Sword. That’s why I’ve come to the conclusion that my thoughts are only dreams, childish dreams at that. I must learn to be a humble servant of two gods, one of the sword, one of the pen. Before I attempt to govern the nation, I must learn what the nation has to teach.” He concluded with a laugh but abruptly stopped and asked Gonnosuke if he had an ink box or a writing kit.
When he finished writing, he folded up his letter and said to Gonnosuke, “I’m sorry to trouble you, but I’d like to ask you to deliver this for me.”
“To the Hōjō residence?”
“Yes. I’ve written fully about my feelings. Give Takuan and Lord Ujikatsu my warmest greetings…. Oh, there’s one more thing. I’ve been keeping something of Iori’s. Please give it to him.” He pulled out the pouch Iori’s father had left him and placed it beside the letter.
With an anxious look on his face, Gonnosuke moved forward on his knees and said, “Why are you returning this to Iori now?”
“I’m going to the mountains.”
“Mountains or city, wherever you go, Iori and I want to be with you as your disciples.”
“I won’t be away forever. While I am, I’d like you to take care of Iori, say for the next two or three years.”
“What? Are you going into retirement?”
Musashi laughed, uncrossed his legs and leaned back on his arms. “I’m much too young for that. I’m not giving up my great hope. Everything’s still ahead of me: desire, illusion, everything…. There’s a song. I don’t know who wrote it, but it goes like this:
While yearning to gain
The depths of the mountains,
I’m drawn against my will
To the places
Where people reside.”
Gonnosuke lowered his head as he listened. Then he stood up and put the letter and pouch in his kimono. “I’d better go now,” he said quietly. “It’s getting dark.”
“All right. Please return the horse, and tell Lord Ujikatsu that since the clothes are soiled from travel, I’ll keep them.”
“Yes, of course.”
“I don’t think it would be discreet for me to go back to Lord Ujikatsu’s house. The cancellation of the appointment must mean that the shogunate regards me as unreliable or suspicious. It might cause Lord Ujikatsu trouble to be associated any more closely with me. I didn’t write that in the letter, so I want you to explain it to him. Tell him I hope he’s not offended.”
“I understand. I’ll be back before morning.”
The sun was rapidly setting. Gonnosuke took the horse’s bit and led the animal down the path. Since it had been lent to Musashi, the idea of riding it never crossed his mind.
It was about two hours later when he reached Ushigome. The men were sitting around, wondering what had become of Musashi. Gonnosuke joined them and gave the letter to Takuan.
An official had already been there to inform them of unfavorable reports on Musashi’s character and past activities. Of all the points against him, the most damaging was that he had an