Versione ebook di Readme.it powered by Softwarehouse.it The Taste of Banzo's Sword
Matajuro Yagyu was the son of a famous swordsman. His fatherbelieving that his son's work was too mediocre to anticipate mastershipdisowned him.
So Matajuro went to Mount Futara and there found the famous swordsman Banzo. But Banzo confirmed the father's judgment. "You wish to learn swordsmanship under my guidance?" asked Banzo. "You cannot fulfill the requirements."
But if I work hard, how many years will it take to become a master?persisted the youth.
The rest of your life,replied Banzo.
I cannot wait that long,explained Matajuro. "I am willing to pass through any hardship if only you will teach me. If I become your devoted servanthow long might it be?"
Oh, maybe ten years,Banzo relented.
My father is getting old, and soon I must take care of him,continued Matajuro. "If I work far more intensivelyhow long would it take me?"
Oh, maybe thirty years,said Banzo.
Why is that?asked Matajuro. "First you say ten and now thirty years. I will undergo any hardship to master this art in the shortest time!"
Well,said Banzoin that case you will have to remain with me for seventy years. A man in such a hurry as you are to get results seldom learns quickly.
Very well,declared the youthunderstanding at last that he was being rebuked for impatienceI agree.
Matajuro was told never to speak of fencing and never to touch a sword. He cooked for his masterwashed the dishesmade his bedcleaned the yardcared for the gardenall without a word of swordmanship.
Three years passed. Still Matajuro labored on. Thinking of his futurehe was sad. He had not even begun to learn the art to which he had devoted his life.
But one day Banzo crept up behind him and gave him a terrific blow with a wooden sword.
The following daywhen Matajuro was cooking riceBanzo again sprang upon him unexpectedly.
After thatday and nightMatajuro had to defend himself from unexpected thrusts. Not a moment passed in any day that he did not have to think of the taste of Banzo's sword.
He learned so rapidly he brought smiles to the face of his master. Matajuro became the greatest swordsman in the land.
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