Musashi 2003 episodes 13-24 recap

Musashi, Osugi and Otsu (from Episode 2)

The followings are my recap of Musashi 2003 Taiga drama episodes. Spoilers for those who haven’t watched the (very great and totally recommended) series.


Episode 13

After realising that Takezo wouldn't go out of the room, Otsu and Matahachi finally left the temple. Matahachi was surprised to learn that his ma was nearby, so he dashed off. However, beforehand he told Otsu that she better forget Takezo, for the sword was the only thing in his mind. He had no interest in love at all. Then, as Matahachi walked off, his fearful mother climbed up the temple stairs, almost giving the fool son a heart attack. But even Osugi couldn't make Takezo come out of the temple shack. Thus, even Osugi had to give up. Otsu separated herself from Osugi and returned to the inn.



Musashi finally unlocked the door and let Jotaro in. To the confused but loyal boy, Musashi explained that he couldn’t have his courage if he saw anyone. Jotaro just produced a daikon and split it in two to share with his shisho.

In Kyoto, Seijuro questioned Gion Toji whether it was truly necessary to put the 10 years old Mibu Genjiro (Seijuro’s nephew) in the forefront. When Seijuro said that the bloodshed was enough, that the dyeing business was actually good for Yoshioka, Toji slapped him. At that time, Seijuro realised Toji had always wanted to take over the school.

Koto told Kojiro that she could work in Okoh’s teahouse to pay for the lodging. Kojiro said he’d never allow her to do so. Koto kept questioning Kojiro’s attention to her that Kojiro flared and left the room, but he still said that he wouldn’t let Koto working as a courtesan.

Akemi told Mata-yan that Gion Toji set the child Genjiro as the commander of the duel. That night, Matahachi told Takezo that information, and that Takezo wouldn't be able to kill the child, hence the fight wouldn't be over. Takezo said if he ranaway now, he wouldn’t believe in himself, thus he couldn’t go on living.

“In order to believe in himself, will you stoop to killing a child, Takezo?!” screamed Matahachi.

The day after, Musashi observed some random children playing, wondering if he could kill that Yoshioka boy. Otsu went back to the temple but Musashi wasn’t there. Musashi actually went to see Myoshu to return the sword, for he couldn’t kill people with the sword she gave him. On the way back to the temple, Musashi met Jotaro wo walked the stubborn Otsu to see his shisho. When Musashi asked what happened, Otsu said she had the feeling that she’d never see him again. She then dropped to her knees cos she was so weak and ill, but Takezo caught her in time. He brought her to a nearby waterfall and gave her water. As he fed her water from a piece of cloth, his fingers accidentally brushed her lips, such that both were slightly stunned. Takezo then said that, although he couldn't be with her right now, he promised that he’d return to her. Tearfully, Otsu nodded. Takezo asked her not to die, Otsu also asked him not to die. Takezo finally, FINALLY (!!) drew her to his embrace and let her cry on his chest as he shed tears as well.

Takezo later left Jotaro to be in charge of Otsu. Leaving them at a small shrine, Musashi walked away to prepare himself. Jotaro told Otsu that she’d better return to the inn and had a rest. Smiling, she agreed. Jotaro teased her that a little kindness from shisho was enough to make her well, she didn’t deny it.

Akemi left for Edo with Matahachi despite her mother’s objection. Okoh didn’t want Akemi to leave her alone, but Akemi couldn’t care less. Matahachi himself, he didn’t want to see Takezo killed, hence he didn’t stay to see the fight. Kojiro got work somewhere as a bodyguard, hence Koto could pay for their lodging. That night, Kojiro and Koto were attacked by Koto’s husband, but Kojiro killed him.

Before dawn, Musashi woke up and left the room he stayed in with Jotaro after he glanced lovingly at his protégé. He then took a shower and walked to the battlefield. He walked by a Buddha or Avalokitesvara (or Kuan Yim?) statue. Musashi bowed in respect and then almost prayed when he remembered that, so far, he had never asked the gods for their help, thus he wouldn’t ask for it now.

The people of Kyoto also woke up before dawn to see the duel between Musashi and the Yoshioka school. Osugi and Uncle Gon were there, but Otsu and Jotaro were also there. Osugi taunted Otsu that Takezo would die, so let’s find a good seat for that!

As he was walking in the darkness of the forest, Takezo felt the sensation of Otsu’s lips on his fingertips (he grazed her lips as he fed her some water earlier the day before). He wondered if he’d never be able to return to her, or whether he would live on to reunite with her. Tearfully yet with determination, he said to himself that he’d live.

Episode 14

So many things happened in this episode that I barely know where to start. Of course… it started outside the Ichijoji temple where Musashi ran towards the Yoshioka camp and… slashed dead the 10 years old Genjiro. That action shocked Otsu to the core that she slumped on the ground and went even paler. Musashi later defeated all the Yoshioka students plus Gion Toji. He didn’t kill them all (Toji and a few were spared), but he did kill the child commander.

Later, the bloody Musashi waited for Otsu and Jotaro at a river. Otsu did come with Jotaro. Musashi looked at her, whispering her name, his face a mixture of regrets and relief to see her. Yet, Otsu’s first sentence was asking whether Musashi wanted fame so bad that he had to kill a child. Musashi slowly realised how disappointed Otsu was. He tried to explain that it wasn’t it; he didn’t want fame by killing the child. In a very pitiful way, he grabbed Otsu’s shoulders and begged her to understand. He even later embraced her such that they both fell on the ground, him covering her with his shaking body. It took Jotaro’s beating his own shisho that Musashi came to realise what he was doing. Slowly, with very little life in her, Otsu told Musashi that she followed him, even risking her own life, because she wanted to be with him.

But you’re not the Takezo I thought you were. I am afraid of you, Takezo.

That was such very painful words from Otsu… but I understand, totally understand her shock, anger and disappointment. I can understand why she didn’t want to have anything to do anymore with Takezo. I can understand why, when Takezo hugged her, she didn’t want to receive him, although he hugged her in despair to receive strength and comfort from her.

Shaken to his core that Otsu despised him so, Takezo said nothing. He slowly got up and left Otsu and Jotaro. Jotaro later took Otsu to Homani Koetsu who took both of them in.

Musashi walked on to Mt Hiei and seeked refuge in a monastery there where he started to carve an Avalokitesvara wooden statue while listening to Zen chants. However, he was shortly kicked out of the monastery because the priests learned that he had killed a child. Musashi then stayed in a shack elsewhere in the mountain and kept carving the statue. In the novel, he did that for Genjiro’s soul. Hwoever, one night Osugi barged in and blinded him with her secret darts.

I feel really really sorry for Musashi as I saw him stumbling over down the mountain towards Lake Biwa. But thank God for sending Yoshino Dayu to Lake Biwa for a sight seeing, thus she found the blind Musashi there. Yoshino summoned a physician just in time to save Musashi’s eyesight. Yoshino asked Musashi to stay with her until he was healed. And the day he was able to see again… guess what and who he saw?

Yes… Yoshino Dayu’s naked back.

Yoshino wanted to teach Musashi things of beauty. And being a man, particularly someone who was “just” rejected by his loved one, I should understand why Musashi faltered and hugged Yoshino. Still, I’m angry and annoyed for Otsu. For I just want Musashi to hug Otsu only and vice versa!

Anyway, Yoshino later left Musashi on his own because she chose to return to Kyoto. Musashi did feel an attachment to her and asked why she had to return to Kyoto. Yoshino said that she prided herself as the highest ranking of courtesan, thus she returned to that world. Musashi himself realised that he would need to be proud of his own ways too (but please don’t kill any more child!).

Episode 15

It was already spring and Otsu and Jotaro had been living at Koetsu’s place for a season. Otsu was getting better at making paper screens while Jotaro improved his pottery making. Takuan visited Koetsu (they were of course friends) and met Otsu and Jotaro. When Otsu just said she wasn’t with Takezo, Takuan knew the lovers had a quarrel. Takuan tried to advise Otsu that a man couldn't always be a noble person. Otsu said that she knew that, for the first time in his life, Takezo wanted her to stay with him. Yet, she felt peace at Koetsu’s place and she wanted to stay there.

Meanwhile, Musashi crossed Lake Biwa and walked the Gifu mountains alone. The only incident was him easily dismantling a ronin who wanted to kill him for fame. Later, Musashi was caught in the rain. He saw a house and knocked on the door, requesting a shelter from the rain, even just under the roof eaves, any corner will do. The owner of the house was Hanada, Date Masamune’s killer who ran away with Oshino. Before Hanada agreed, Oshino came out and allowed Musashi in.

As for Kojiro, Koto was raped by Goto (Kojiro’s new employer). Koto didn’t make any resistance because Goto said that Kojiro allowed it to happen (hence Koto was disappointed). When Kojiro (who didn’t approve of the rape) found out, he killed Goto and left Kyoto with Koto. Kojiro asked Koto why she kept doubting his love. Koto said that, although Kojiro was very nice, he was just being nice because he didn’t want to hurt another woman. He was nice not because he loved her.


Episode 16

Hanada and Oshino welcomed Musashi into their home to shelter him from the rain. Oshino even gave Musashi a set of new kimono for the wanderer to change into while waiting for his own kimono to dry. Hanada was edgy (for he thought Musashi was an assassin from Date Masamune), but Oshino chose to trust Musashi. They even invited Musashi for dinner, whereby Musashi admitted gratefully how it was the first warm meal he had in days. Yet, when Oshino offered a refill, he politely refused.

Btw, Musashi here was a definitely much politer Musashi compared to even the time he was in Koetsu’s place. I think… escaping blindness (and recuperating days that he had to take to recover) gave him a new perspective and an increasing ability to feel and accept kindness. This Musashi was definitely only a few steps towards the Musashi whom we’d meet in Ep 24 onwards.

Also during dinner, Musashi apologised for his intrusion and told the hosts that he’d leave first thing in the morning. However, Oshino said it would rain tomorrow, hence Musashi was welcome to stay longer during the spring rain. Later as they went to bed, Hanada asked why Oshino accepted Musashi; she just said that she missed talking to people. Hanada was still wary that Musashi was a Date assassin.

That night, Musashi took a while to sleep.

Sojin asked Otsu to paint her own screen, to paint the gentle rain in Miyako.

The same rain also made Kojiro and Koto mellow. Kojiro said he always loved rain since he was a kid. Koto loved evening showers which always made her dreaming of leaving the Ibaragiya house. Koto had always wanted to run away from Ibaragiya, hence Kojiro shouldn't be so concerned about her. Kojiro said he wasn’t concerned. He said that nothing was more restful than watching the rain with the woman he loved. Yet Koto still asked whether Kojiro was true to himself. Didn’t he want to watch the rain with Oshino? Kojiro was irked for Koto kept doubting his love.

Rain… gentle rain always makes me mellow as well…

The day after, Musashi had a chit chat with Oshino as he helped with the chores. He eventually found out that Oshino knew Sasaki Kojiro. When he inquired how she knew about him, Hanada came in and said that Kojiro and Oshino loved each other. Flushed, Oshino told Hanada not to say such a thing. Hanada replied that he just said what was in Oshinio’s heart.

After the rain stopped, Musashi bode Oshino goodbye, but since Hanada (who introduced himself as Kyusetsu) wasn’t home yet, Musashi said he’d wait for a bit. Oshino begged Musashi not to go for Hanada would kill her. Musashi thus was surprised and confused to learn that Oshino and Hanada were not husband and wife. Oshino gave the gist of the story; that Hanada was sent to kill her, but he had a change of heart. When Hanada arrived home, Musashi asked Hanada to guarantee that he’d not kill Oshino. Both men drew swords. Oshino demanded that Hanada sheathe his katana first. However, upon seeing Hanada’s single drop of tear running down his face, Musashi was the one who sheated his katana first. At that moment, a black arrow was shot into the house. Date’s assassins had truly arrived.

Meanwhile back in Kyoto, Otsu asked if Jotaro had forgotten his teacher Musashi. Jotaro answered back that it was Otsu who was cozy with Sojin these days. Jotaro then said that Takezo loved Otsu. When Otsu said Takezo didn’t love her, Jotaro said how his shisho ran towards the direction of Otsu’s flut when they were in Yagyū. Otsu asked Jo to stop. The boy did, but he also said he had decided to stay at Koetsu’s to become the greatest pottery artist in Japan.

When walking to Edo along the Nakasendo Way, Koto was kidnapped when Kojiro was getting her some water. Kojiro arrived in time to rescue Koto, but Koto’s face was injured when she wanted to protect Kojiro from one of the baddies.

After a blaming session between Oshino and Hanada, with Musashi finally getting the correct reason as to why Oshino was chased around, Musashi and Hanada finally teamed up to kill the eight assassins. However, Hanada was shot by a poison, thus Oshino risked her own life to save Hanada by sucking the poison out. Musashi killed the last assassin while Hanada and Oshino saved each other. The crisis also cemented the relationship between Hanada and Oshino; they finally realised they needed each other, that they both had nowhere to go, both couldn’t live without the other, thus they better be there for each other.

As for Musashi, I think he learned the importance of teaming up with the beloved during the whole saga. So far he had learned to depend on himself. Yet the strange bond between Hanada and Oshino left a deep impression in Musashi. He wondered if he had ever needed Otsu in the same way.

(so yeah! He wasn’t thinking of Yoshino Dayu anymore, yay!)

Episode 17

This episode was about Musashi and Otsu, albeit in their separate lives.

Musashi met Taguchi Genryu who was a renowned swordsman during Takezo’s childhood. Taguchi and Musashi caught some barrier breakers in the Fukushima post of Nakasendo (perhaps like “illegal immigrants”?) and reported it to the boundary post which was governed by a daimyo called Matsudaira. After realising who the swordsman in black was (i.e., Musashi), the officers offered Musashi a job at Matsudaira’s castle. Musashi refused because it was Taguchi who wanted a job, not him. However, Matsudaira’s men insisted, thus Musashi travelled with Taguchi to the castle just to accompany Taguchi (hoping that Taguchi would be the one offered a job). They stopped by at an apothecary belonging to Akaneya Genzo (under a pseudoname Narai Taizo) to buy some medicine for Matsudaira. Unknown to Musashi, Matahachi and Akemi were working there for Genzo.

Musashi and Taguchi were later informed that only one of them could receive a commission, hence one had to kill another to receive it. Musashi refused such a stupid rule and wanted to walk away, but Taguchi prevented him. Both of them eventually had a very short duel, in which Musashi emerged as a winner, despite Taguchi’s yesteryear’s fame. Taguchi yelled at Musashi, saying that the ronin left because he was too scared of him. Taguchi also yelled, asking Musashi whether he’d never take shelter under a big tree from the rain. Witnessing the fall of a great man that was Taguchi, Musashi shed silent tears, yet he swore he would never trade his honour for a straw raincoat, nor that he would need a tree to shelter him from the rain.

To prove his intention, Musashi walked into the rain on his own, well into the night.

Meanwhile in Kyoto, Otsu finally decided to leave Honami Koetsu’s place. It wasn’t an easy decision, for everyone was very kind to him. However, Sojin knew that Otsu wanted to leave, hence he destroyed a screen that Otsu made and painted (the screen had Koetsu’s poem which indicated Koetsu’s wish that Otsu and Sojin were to be an item). Otsu cried for her desire to leave was so apparent for everyone but her.

Yet, Otsu eventually decided to leave. She told Mother Myoshu that, the kinder everyone was to her, the more she wanted to meet this person (Takezo). Every time it was raining, she wondered where he was, and whether he was alone. She wanted to tell him that no one could live alone. She also knew that he actually had her, thus it was with him where she wanted to be.

Eventually, Otsu and Jotaro set up for God knows where, searching for Takezo.


Episode 18

It’s a soul-searching episode for Musashi and Kojiro. Early in the episode, Musashi walked on while wondering what was his life about. He’d always wanted to be strong… but now he wondered what was being strong for? What was his life for?

At Magome (the 43rd of the 69 stations of the Nakasendo Way), Akemi saw Genzo hiding some gold in the forest, but Genzo hypnotised her into forgetting that event. Genzo later threatened Matahachi, telling him to go to Edo to kill Tokugawa Ieyasu, else Akemi died. Matahachi and Akemi went to Edo. En route, risking his own life (or at least limbs), Matahachi uncovered an imposter who pretended to be Miyamoto Musashi. When Akemi said later that she admired him for doing that, Mata-yan just said that he couldn’t let people lie about Takezo. That made Akemi loved Mata-yan more.

After Matahachi and Akemi left Magome, Otsu and Jotaro visited Narai Taizo’s shop in that station town to buy some medicine. Narai (who was actually Akaneya Genzo) recognised Otsu as the girl he wanted to prey upon had it not been for Aya’s interference. Narai tricked Jotaro into fetching some water, then he hypnotised Otsu into falling asleep and hid her in a locker. When Jotaro emerged bringing water, Narai told him that Otsu saw someone on the street and ran towards that person. Jo thought Otsu saw Musashi, hence the kid went out of the shop. Narai immediately closed the shop, yet before he completely shut the door, Sasaki Kojiro came in with Koto (who was wearing a headscarf) and asked Narai to examine Koto. Narai said that he had closed his business for good, but Kojiro saw Otsu sleeping in the corner. Kojiro’s visit rescued Otsu because Kojiro then assumed that she was Narai’s patient.  Narai gave up and examined Koto too quickly for a real medicine man and declared Koto’s wound to be uncurable (yeah right!). Kojiro was irked, but Koto signalled him to let it go.

Later, Otsu met Kojiro again in an inn. They exchanged polite greetings before Otsu bode him goodbye and asked him to take care of his companion (for Kojiro said that his companion was ill). Kojiro then washed Koto’s feet, though she was initially very uncomfortable that Kojiro was very nice to her. Later that night, Kojiro got impatient with some noisy guests (three samurai who were discussing Sun Tzu’s The Art of War) and almost got into a fight had Koto not apologised on his behalf. Koto even removed her headscarf upon the request of one of the samurai, thus revealing her scar. Kojiro felt so bad that Koto had to do that to rescue him from a brawl, thus he felt more gravitated towards her.
Meanwhile, Musashi passed by a village where he saw a boy getting into an argument with his mother (the boy didn’t want to go home). The mother eventually left the boy alone, thus he cried. Musashi sat down, observing the boy and remembering his own mother. Back then at Uji, Musashi got cold feet and ran away before meeting his mother.  He suddenly missed his mother. All of a sudden, the mother of the boy came back and hugged the crying boy. Mother and son went home peacefully. Musashi got up and walked to Uji.

Yet, at Uji, his sister Ogin informed him that his mother had passed away earlier that year. Musashi’s mother was already ill when Musashi arrived at Uji (after coming from Yagyū), hence Ogin wanted him to see their mother. Musashi cried for he succumbed to his fear that day, that his resolve would crumble had he met his mother.


Episode 19

Upon reflecting on his life so far, Musashi realised he wanted to see Matahachi and Otsu again. Kojiro and Koto were attacked by the three Edo samurai who were discussing Sun Tzu earlier. Akemi and Matahachi arrived in the dusty Edo and settled at a house that Narai Taizo rented. Osugi and Uncle Gon also arrived at Edo. They were ridiculed by some workers, but Osugi fought back until someone stole her wallet. However, Hangawara Yajibei stopped the thief and returned the money to Osugi. Yajibei also punished the thief (who actually worked for Yajibei) and offered Osugi and Uncle Gon to stay at his place.

Kojiro and Koto also arrived at Edo. They stayed at a nice inn despite Koto’s objection. Kojiro went to the town centre for some work, but he advised Koto to be careful and not to wander too far. When Koto said that men no longer found her attractive, Kojiro disagreed, saying that she was still very attractive to men. Kojiro went to Yajibei’s house and challenged his men to a duel in return of a payment (100 mon per person he beat up). Kojiro ended up with 400 mon and a commission from Yajibei to teach the latter’s men some proper swordfight to straighten his thugs. Kojiro accepted it. He later gave all the money to Koto (basically asking her to manage it) and suggested her to buy more kimono, for she just had two with her. When Koto asked why he was so nice to her, Kojiro said that it was because he loved her. Koto changed Kojiro for the better, hence, “Please stop arguing with me, Koto. In the vast Kanto, we are alone, you and I. With the right companion, people change. I change. Thus, please also change.”

Koto sobbed and melted into Kojiro’s embrace.

Damn, I like this Kojiro!

Otsu and Jotaro crossed a river and rested at the crossing. At the same crossing, Hanada and Oshino were resting as well, but the four of them were not interacting. Musashi was walking, walking and walking.

As he rested on a hillslope, Hanada sent Oshino to fetch some dried persimmons “for his health”. Oshino obliged and returned quickly.  However, she found Hanada dead, stabbed with a katana. He was killed by the ninjas he used to lead when he was working with Date Masamune.

As they arrived at a river bank, Jotaro remembered that he’d been to that area once. He remembered a house with a mask (similar to the mask he had now). The stubborn Otsu ignored his protest and dragged him around the area to eventually find a house – indeed with a mask resembling Jotaro’s on one of its posts. The house owner remembered that a woman used to drop a son there during the war, and the woman crossed the mountain later. Otsu stubbornly dragged Jotaro across the mountain, again despite the boy’s reluctance (which, of course was born out of his fear of disappointment).

Meanwhile in a similar area, Musashi walked and walked until he saw a rocky summit.

(I now have a nasty feeling that it was the same mountains with the same types of grasses, but if Otsu and Musashi were in the vicinity of each other, surely NHK would indicate that in the camera movements…)

The place reminded Musashi of his childhood where he sought refuge whenever he was lonely. Then… Matahachi and/or Otsu would surely come to his rescue.

He missed them… thus he screamed to the sky.

Episode 20

Musashi stopped by at a place at Kiso Mountains to observe a couple who were working on wooden housewares. Musashi tried making a bowl, but the bowl kept leaping away from the instrument, which actually annoyed him, but he kept trying. He later mastered the way to make the bowl. But more importantly, he understood the importance of collaboration, working with others.

Meanwhile, although the trails of his mother was still hot, Jotaro chickened out again and said that his mother might have forgotten him. But Otsu convinced him to persist with the search, for they kept finding clues. Otsu also told Jotaro about how she wanted to find her own mother.

In Yajibei’s place in Edo, Kojiro was challenged by the Oyama school (the Sun Tzu samurai lot), but he easily defeated them; all the while Koto was watching outside. Later, Koto apologised to Kojiro for observing him. However, Kojiro said that he was happy that Koto went out and about. He also said that Koto taught him to live with others. Koto eventually took off her head scarf.

Matahachi told Akemi what Akaneya Genzo wanted him to do. Akemi was so worried about Matahachi that, when she accidentally met Osugi, she spilled the beans. Osugi then orchestrated a plan to make the Edo Castle officials captured Matahachi on the ground of him wanting to steal Ieyasu’s pine tree (!) for Osugi. Matahachi was hit 100 times, but he survived and was released into his mother’s embrace (and wrath) later.

Otsu and Jotaro finally found Jotaro’s family. When Jotaro didn’t want to stay with his family, Otsu slapped him and said that, had she found but one clue of her own mother, she’d scour the country for her. Jotaro finally said goodbye to Otsu in tears.

Once again, Otsu was alone. As the snow fell, she reached for the falling snow (just as Musashi did the same in Kiso) and then walked on. Now Otsu had only Musashi, and Musashi only had her…

The travel section is lovely. It’s about Magome and other post towns along the Kiso Road. In the novel, Musashi and Otsu travelled from Kyoto to Edo along the Kiso Road. At a twin waterfall outside Magome, Musashi confessed his love to Otsu and tried to hug her, but she rejected him, thus he stood under one of the waterfalls to calm his desires. Later, he and Otsu were separated by accident when a cow Otsu was riding on got out of control, and Otsu was later kidnapped.

Episode 21

Musashi stayed in Kiso the whole winter and eventually got the hang of making wooden bowls. At the same area, he also met Katsu, the wife of a Shi… Baiken who excelled at the sickle and chain weapon. Meanwhile, Otsu stayed at a temple during that winter, teaching flute to temple maidens. When she received the concerns that the temple priest and maidens over her safety (for the road to Edo was full of dangerous man), and when one of the maidens asked whether she went to Edo to see her beloved, Otsu said that she must see it for herself whether this person was indeed her beloved.

In Edo, Kojiro received a challenge from Yagyū Munenori, i.e. parrying Munenori’s arrows. Kojiro agreed and he did parry all arrows. He returned home with such a passion that he made love with Koto afterwards (just like after he killed a swallow).

By the way, it’s interesting that the scene after Kojiro embraced Koto was the scene of raging waves hitting the rocks. I think NHK was using water to portray love-making scenes. If so, the calm water after Musashi embraced Yoshino Dayu must be a symbol of them making love as well…. (well, I hope it wasn’t a raging love-making. I’m still annoyed that Takezo made love with a woman who is not Otsu!).

My favourite priest Takuan Sōhō (who was staying at Munenori’s mansion to write his advice book) visited Kojiro to talk about swordsmanship, and how these days swords were supposed to be used to maintain order.  Takuan even almost did a bout with Kojiro, had it not for Osugi’s sudden entrance as she recognised Takuan. Takuan also advised Matahachi to care more about his mother. By the way, Akemi had left Matahachi in order to make him realise her values. Takuan also talked about Takezo with Matahachi, how Takezo was forced to kill the child Genjiro. Takuan said that Matahachi and Otsu were truly the two people who rescued Takezo. Without them, without Matahachi, Takezo would have been more twisted. Matahachi said he wasn’t strong, but Takuan said he was; for accompanying an outcast like Takezo definitely took courage.

Musashi eventually said goodbye to the woodworker couple. He thanked them for teaching him that humans must live in harmony with each other. The couple gave Musashi their best wooden bowl, which made the samurai shed grateful tears.  Yet, as he walked along, Musashi met Katsu again, who said that her husband had returned and he was willing to teach Musashi the proper sickle and chain method. Musashi agreed to return to Katsu’s place, not knowing that her husband was Shishido Baiken, the brother of a bandit Takezo killed in Ep 1.

Meanwhile, Otsu was attacked and captured by some bandits led by Gion Toji. She was captured and kept in a room in their hut.

Episode 22

Musashi was welcomed by Baiken, even with an invitation to dinner and staying at their place. After dinner, Baiken told Musashi to drink sake, lest he wouldn't show his guest how to do the sickle and chain method.  Musashi drank the sake and watched, red-faced, Baiken demonstrated his skills.

In Edo, Kojiro was attacked by the Oyama guys; Kojiro killed them all. Koto said she was afraid, because she was now happy with Kojiro, hence she feared losing the true happiness that she first experienced.

Before retiring to bed, Baiken asked Musashi if he was previously known as Shinmen Takezo. Musashi confirmed it. Had he been to a village at the Mt Ibuki after the Battle of Sekigahara? Yes, how did Baiken know this? Baiken said that he knew it from a man in Kyoto. That night, Musashi sat in zazen until he sensed something. When Baiken came to kill him, his sickle hit a mound of straws. Musashi himself was nowhere to be seen. Katsu scolded Baiken for being such a coward. He should have just told Musashi the real story of revenge and challenged the ronin right away, instead of making him drunk. Baiken said that he changed after marrying Katsu and having Chokichi (the baby). He wanted to live for his family. Katsu made up with Baiken and then headed for another room to sleep, for she (saying it out loud) didn't want to sleep where her brother’s murderer slept. Musashi, who was actually still in the room, was surprised to hear that he had killed Baiken’s brother, Tsujikaze Tenma.

Knowing that Musashi was actually still at his place, Baiken let it be until the morning after. In the morning, he met Musashi at the gate and declared who he was and his intention. Musashi said that Tenma came to kill him first, hence he had to kill Tenma. That was that. After a short bout between Musashi, Baiken and Katsu, Baiken told his wife to step aside because he wished to fight Musashi alone. Musashi later asked Baiken to stop the fighting because he had a son and a good wife. Baiken said that Musashi killed the Yoshioka child; Musashi’s face blanched. Baiken said that Musashi did that because he didn’t want to be afraid, because he didn’t want to be a coward, because he didn’t have a choice at that time (I TOTALLY don’t get it!), because that was how martial arts is. Thus, Baiken encouraged Musashi to fight. Baiken himself didn’t want to avenge his brother now, he just wanted to defeat Musashi, just like Musashi wanted to defeat Baiken.

Musashi eventually defeated Baiken (I suggest you really watch the fight scene, really beautiful with very little effects, if at all!). Actually, Musashi stabbed Baiken with the latter’s own wakizashi, though Baiken was able to cling his sickle to Musashi’s neck (but without injuring Musashi). Baiken asked Musashi to take Katsu and his baby to her village of origin; Musashi gave him his words. When Katsu wanted to shoot Musashi, Baiken forbade it, because it was the Way of the Swords. As Katsu cried upon Baiken’s departure, Musashi cried too.

Meanwhile, Otsu was captured by Gion Toji and his bandits. Otsu never gave up and never wanted to serve the bandits. She refused food and water for days and would rather die than give herself in. The bandits didn’t want to further force her because the last girl they captured committed suicide after they forced themselves on her, and her ghost was still seen in the river. Okoh took the task of convincing Otsu into her hands, but upon seeing how Otsu was so adamant to live for a man she loved, Okoh then let her go.

Katsu buried Baiken in front of their house and swore revenge. She then set to return to her village with her baby, escorted by Musashi.

Episode 23

Katsu and Musashi stopped for the night. Musashi gave Katsu water and tasted the water himself, saying how good the water was. He then explained that a great man (Sekishusai) once told him that it was useless to have great fighting skills if he couldn't taste good water. Katsu wanted to kill Musashi, but Musashi said that he couldn't let her kill him, woman or not, revenge or not. Musashi sternly told Katsu to withdraw her weapon, lest her baby would totally be a lonely orphan. Katsu eventually relented.

The next morning, Katsu almost got a chance to attack Musashi again when he took turn in holding Chokichi. However, upon seeing how Musashi tried to console the crying Chokichi, Katsu again cancelled her plan to attack Musashi.

Otsu became so scared and hid herself from everyone. However, one night, she was still kidnapped by some people, but this time they just wanted her to stay with them as outcast. Yet, Otsu eventually escaped.

In Edo, Kojiro accompanied Koto praying, which brought her happiness. This Kojiro was a different Kojiro now, he enjoyed watching Koto shopping; it brought him happiness to see her smile. However, a group of prostitutes arrived in Edo… among them was Oshino…

Upon receiving advice from a villager that walking the pass to Mt Mitake would be dangerous at night, Katsu and Musashi decided to stay at a herb gatherer’s hut. They were crossing a river when the villager who led him attacked them, but Musashi defeated him (and also the other bandits) easily. Surprisingly, Katsu was the one who warned Musashi of the danger and she even helped him defeating a bandit. Later, as they rested in the hut, they shared a little of their childhood story, growing up in a mountain. Katsu slowly but surely saw what a kind and sensitive person Musashi was.

The next morning, their hut was attacked by Gion Toji’s bandits, but Musashi easily defeated them. Even when Gion Toji arrived at the scene, Musashi easily dismantle dhim. When Toji taunted Musashi to kill him, though, Musashi refused, because there was no need for that.

Katsu and Musashi finally reached the pass to Mt. Mitake. Katsu finally thanked Musashi for bringing her and the baby up to that point. Yet, Musashi said, had it not been for his interest in learning sickle and chains, it would be Baiken himself and his family who passed the Mt Mitake. Musashi apologised for what he did, but Katsu calmly said that Baiken was also a student of the Way of the Sword. Baiken died happy fighting Musashi… and that’s that.

Meanwhile, Otsu tended to herself, making fire, making “shoes” out of her own clothes so they stopped bleeding… However, this experience made her almost deranged because of fear and constant guard. The Otsu that arrived in a village later, asking for the way to Edo, was a totally dishevelled Otsu, definitely not unlike a crazy woman…  Understandably, children were afraid of her. This Otsu walked on, though, towards Edo. In her mind, she just had to walk on and stay alive to reach Edo.

Musashi and Katsu eventually arrived at the outskirt of Katsu’s village. Katsu invited Musashi to come to the village so she could introduce him to her parents. Yet, Musashi refused, for to Katsu’s parents, he was also the enemy. Relented, Katsu told Musashi to wait for a bit. Although baffled, Musashi agreed to wait. A while later, Katsu returned, huffing and puffing, bringing Musashi some mountain food for his journey. Musashi thanked her, she asked him if there was a woman waiting for him in Edo. He said no, he went to Edo to apologise to Matahachi, a childhood friend of his, for he injured Matahachi when all that he thought about was just himself. Katsu commented how open-hearted Musashi was. When Musashi finally bade his farewell, Katsu block his way and… bit his arm, before running away like a rabbit.

A totally harmless action which baffled Musashi… but he also understood it. When Katsu stopped running and turned to nod at him, he knew that she had forgiven him. They were friends now. Misty-eyed, Musashi bowed in gratitude and walked on.

(I also think Katsu and Musashi made a cute couple, actually… but Otsu was still a better woman for Musashi, for she encouraged him to be a better person…)

Back in Edo, Matahachi was now selling water. He told the couldn't-care-less-Osugi that he’d be a merchant now, for he was definitely not good with swords. Disheartened that his mother was now a very placid mother, Matahachi returned to the city centre to sell more water. There, a woman asked him to donate some water to an unconscious, very dirty, girl. When Matahachi approached the girl, he was very surprised that the girl was Otsu.

All the time, unaware of what happened to Otsu, Musashi walked on to Edo, wondering where she was, wondering if Matahachi was indeed in Edo…


Episode 24

This is a recap of Musashi episodes thus far, told from the perspectives of Musashi, Matahachi and Otsu; the latter as she was laying mindless inside Matahachi’s house.

Click here to read the summaries of the next episodes...