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[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: Generate two sentences sentences. Adhere to mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre conventions." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo left the magistrate's compound and turned south on a street that led to the commercial ward.\n\n\"Aren't we going to see Ginjiro?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We need to speak with Chikao's family,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Preferably without Ren present.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Without Ren?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\nHiro nodded. \"Chikao's business partner has the physical strength to commit the crime, and though he seemed upset by the news, emotions can be faked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He cried real tears,\" Father Mateo said, \"and physical build means nothing. Any person of reasonable size could have beaten Chikao to death.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Hiro said, \"but Ren will gain from Chikao's murder in ways another man will not.\"\n\n\"Won't Chikao's son inherit his father's share of the business?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally, yes,\" Hiro said, \"but until we know for certain, we must consider everyone a suspect.\"\n\nThe Jesuit nodded. \"Do you know how to find the Lucky Monkey brewery?\"\n\n\"No,\" Hiro said, \"I'm hoping Tomiko does.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around five sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Try to stick to the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite Tomiko's warning, Hiro and Father Mateo walked right past the narrow alley on Shijō Road. When they reached the Kamo River, they retraced their steps until they found the unnamed alley, little more than a gap between an ancient apothecary and a brothel too low-class to afford a space in nearby Pontocho.\n\n\"I never would have looked for a brewery here,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nAs they entered the alley, daylight dropped to twilight, blocked by the buildings' eaves and faded laundry hanging overhead. Mildew and rotting garbage perfumed the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo coughed and raised a hand to his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stifled the almost overwhelming urge to follow suit. The odors burned his sensitive nose and set his eyes to watering. Only the lowest sort of drunk would patronize a dismal place like this.\n\nA pair of sake barrels stood outside the narrow entrance to a building that shared a wall with the apothecary's shop. A faded indigo noren hung in the entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blocky characters on the barrels and the noren read LUCKY MONKEY, but the door beyond the noren was closed and locked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's strange,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Hardly surprising,\" Father Mateo answered. \"It's early yet.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Hiro said, \"but a hanging noren indicates the shop is open.\"\n\nTrailing fragments of spiderweb dangled from the noren's edges, capturing dust and dirt instead of flies.\n\n\"Then again,\" Hiro said, \"this one may never come down at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached between the panels and knocked hard on the wooden door.\n\n\"Perhaps we shouldn't disturb them,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHiro glanced over his shoulder at the priest. \"Mourning rituals can't begin until they wash and dress the corpse. I'm sure that hasn't happened yet.\"\n\nFather Mateo ran a hand through his hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I may not share this family's faith, but I do respect their grief. Imposing on their sorrow—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—seemed a good enough idea when we left Ginjiro's half an hour ago.\" Hiro finished the Jesuit's thought with different words. \"If we do not interrupt them now, the magistrate may execute Ginjiro prematurely.\"\n\nHiro turned and knocked again.\n\nFootsteps approached from the other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door swung open, revealing a barrel-chested youth with greasy hair and wrinkled trousers. He wore no shirt, his feet were bare, and he smelled like yesterday's sweat and stale sake.\n\nHiro recognized the man as Kaoru, Chikao's son.\n\n\"What do you want?\" The young man frowned at Hiro with no sign of recognition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squinted at Father Mateo and added, \"You're not Japanese.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Jesuit started to bow, but a look from Hiro turned the gesture into an awkward nod." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am Father Mateo Ávila de Santos, a priest, from Portugal.\"\n\nKaoru drew the door open farther. He stepped back as if inviting them to enter. \"Mother said she sent for priests. She hasn't returned from the temple, but you can wait inside if you want to.\"\n\nFather Mateo opened his mouth, but Hiro shook his head and stepped inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wise men didn't explain mistakes until the host had missed his chance to slam the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo followed without comment.\n\nKaoru led the visitors through the entry and into a twelve-mat room. Medium-grade tatami covered the floor. Cheap wooden backrests along the walls and a counter along the left side of the room identified the space as the Lucky Monkey's drinking room.\n\nDecorative scrolls adorned the walls, but their uneven strokes betrayed a novice hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monochromatic ink bled away from the images in jagged lines, like unwanted vines growing wild into a wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three large barrels stood in a corner behind the wooden counter, and a line of lacquered sake flasks stood like soldiers on the countertop. In places, the lacquer had worn away, revealing a black undercoat beneath. The choice of lacquered wooden flasks, instead of expensive stoneware, came as no surprise in a place like this.\n\nThe smell of last night's grease in the air diminished Kaoru's personal odor slightly. The lack of adequate ventilation, combined with a low, slatted ceiling, gave the room an oppressive feel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro resolved to leave as soon as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kaoru walked to a sliding door on the far side of the room. He paused. \"My father lies through here.\"\n\nHiro shook his head. \"We are not the priests your mother summoned.\"\n\n\"Then who are you?\" Kaoru asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have business with your mother,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Who are you?\" Kaoru repeated. \"Why have you disturbed a house of mourning?\"\n\nHiro gestured to the Jesuit. \"Father Mateo introduced himself already. I am his translator, Matsui Hiro.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a pause just long enough to allow the youth to absorb the information, Hiro added, \"The Jesuit carries the rank of samurai.\"\n\nKaoru should have bowed. He didn't.\n\n\"May I ask your name?\" Father Mateo asked in a quiet voice.\n\nHiro recognized the Jesuit's attempt to ease the tension." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Kaoru,\" the young man said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We hoped your mother would grant us a favor,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nHiro considered the overture ill-advised. He didn't know Kaoru well, but the young man's appearance and reputation didn't suggest a helpful nature. The Jesuit should have waited for the widow.\n\nKaoru squinted at Father Mateo and then at Hiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't understand the foreigner. He needs to speak Japanese.\"\n\n\"I am speaking Japanese,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nKaoru raised a hand to his forehead. \"I have a headache. What is he trying to say?\"\n\nHiro didn't expect most people to bow and scrape because of his samurai status, but Kaoru's arrogance went too far in the other direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This came as no surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kaoru had acted just as rudely the few times Hiro saw him at Ginjiro's.\n\nIt was time to make Chikao's son behave.\n\nHiro straightened his shoulders and laid a hand on the hilt of his sword. \"I know you, Kaoru, though clearly you do not remember me.\"\n\nKaoru rubbed his eyes and squinted, lips apart and breathing through his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last he said, \"Ginjiro's. I saw you there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro nodded. Since they had never spoken, he had not expected Kaoru to remember.\n\n\"What are you doing here?\" Kaoru demanded. \"I said I would pay the bill.\"\n\nBefore Hiro could follow up on this revealing comment, Father Mateo said, \"We haven't come about your debt, but if you grant our favor I am sure Ginjiro will show leniency.\"\n\n\"I don't need a murderer's leniency,\" Kaoru snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Ginjiro and his family do need yours,\" the Jesuit said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kaoru looked at Hiro. \"What did he say? I don't understand his foreign talk.\"\n\nHiro's frustration rose. \"You understood him fine just now.\"\n\n\"I didn't.\" Kaoru rubbed his temple. \"I cannot understand a word he says.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stifled a sigh and repeated Father Mateo's words. Arguments only wasted precious time.\n\nKaoru considered the offer. \"Ginjiro will cancel my debt if I agree to your request?\"\n\n\"I said he would show leniency,\" Father Mateo said, \"I cannot promise cancellation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kaoru looked at Hiro until the shinobi translated the words.\n\n\"What help do you need?\" Kaoru asked.\n\nFather Mateo continued, with Hiro \"translating\" each sentence as he finished.\n\n\"Ginjiro didn't kill your father. We need the time to prove it. We wish you to ask the magistrate to delay Ginjiro's trial so that we can find your father's real killer.\"\n\n\"You are mistaken.\" Kaoru scowled." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with 2 sentences in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears filled Tomiko's eyes when Hiro and Father Mateo explained that Chikao's family agreed to petition the magistrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Four days is so much time,\" she said. \"I know that you will find the real killer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro knew the time would pass more quickly than she thought but saw no reason to destroy her slender hope.\n\n\"If we don't, the magistrate could still conduct his own investigation,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro's stomach sank. So much for hope.\n\n\"Please—no,\" Tomiko's eyes widened with sudden fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father won't survive interrogation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Interrogation?\" Father Mateo asked. \"What do you mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro avoided looking at Tomiko as he answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The law allows the magistrate to obtain a confession by any effective means.\"\n\n\"You mean he can torture Ginjiro until the brewer says what the yoriki wants to hear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo raised his hand but stopped just short of running it through his hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father will not lie, and won't confess to a crime he did not commit,\" Tomiko said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They'll torture him until he dies because he will not break.\"\n\nHer hands began to tremble. \"Please, Matsui-san, I beg you. You must find the killer. It's the only way to save my father's life.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: Extend text by 4 sentences sentences. Maintain mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pair of dōshin stood on guard outside the prison gates. Despite their samurai swords and topknots, they had little else in common with the well-dressed nobles strolling through the city. The cuffs of their hakama trailed, threadbare, to the ground, and their tunics showed the signs of cheap repairs. One dōshin looked too old to work, his hair more white than gray." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other's wrinkled hands and sagging eyes revealed that he, too, approached retirement age.\n\nHiro and Father Mateo stopped at the gates but did not bow.\n\n\"We have come to see a prisoner named Ginjiro,\" Hiro said. \"We were told that he is here awaiting trial.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ginjiro?\" the white-haired dōshin repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I will ask if he can see a visitor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dōshin entered the gates and locked them again from the opposite side. His companion, who remained behind, watched the priest with the mute alarm of a Japanese man who had never seen a foreigner.\n\nFather Mateo nodded to the guard but didn't speak. Hiro noted the behavior with approval." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lowest-ranking samurai drew the assignment to guard the prison gates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No man of rank would engage them in conversation without need.\n\nAfter several awkwardly silent minutes, the ancient dōshin returned. This time, he didn't lock the gate.\n\n\"You may see the prisoner,\" he said, \"but only briefly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Acceptable,\" Hiro replied, \"we don't need long.\"\n\n\"And thank you,\" Father Mateo added, to Hiro's minor disapproval.\n\n\"Follow me.\" The elderly dōshin led them into the prison yard.\n\nThe ammonia-rich scent of human waste assaulted Hiro's nostrils with the force of a physical blow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He coughed but stifled it quickly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Coughing showed weakness. More importantly, coughs required deep inhalation, which renewed the assault on Hiro's senses.\n\nThe acrid smell rose up from puddles in the dozens of wooden cages that lined the yard and ringed the compound walls. The cages measured three feet across and as tall as Hiro's shoulder—too short for a man to stand erect and not quite wide enough to sit or kneel. Some of the cages stood empty, but most held a single, miserable prisoner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without a night-soil bucket, the prisoners' waste ended up on the ground, creating puddles that even the flies avoided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long do they keep these men in those tiny cages?\" Father Mateo asked in Portuguese.\n\n\"Until the magistrate hears their cases,\" Hiro replied in the Jesuit's language, glad to keep the conversation private.\n\n\"And after that?\" the Jesuit asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fines, or flogging, or execution, depending on the crime.\"\n\nNear the middle of the compound, three wooden posts stood upright in the center of an open space. Each post measured as tall as a man and almost a foot in diameter, and had a pair of shackles secured to the top by a length of rusted chain. Dark red spots on the whipping posts attracted swarms of iridescent flies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro didn't need to get close to know the spots were blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just in front of the whipping posts, the dōshin took a left and led the visitors to a row of cages near the compound wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro crouched in a wooden cage near the end of the row, feet half-buried in mud and human waste. He kept his eyes on the ground as the jailer approached, in part because of the cage's height but also, no doubt, in shame.\n\nThe dōshin stopped and called, \"Ginjiro, identify yourself!\"\n\nThe brewer raised his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Ginjiro.\" His mouth fell open in shock, eyes wide, at the sight of Hiro and Father Mateo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He struggled to bow, but the narrow cage made courtesy impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsui-san,\" Ginjiro said, \"I am honored, and shamed, by your visit.\"\n\n\"You have five minutes,\" the dōshin said.\n\n\"May we approach him?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"If you choose,\" the dōshin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wouldn't. The prisoners throw filth if you get too close.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo walked to Ginjiro's cage as the dōshin departed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomiko asked us to help you,\" Hiro said.\n\nFather Mateo added, \"—to prove your innocence.\"\n\nHiro wished the priest wouldn't promise results when the truth remained uncertain.\n\n\"We have asked the magistrate to delay your hearing,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo looked up and down the row of cages." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chikao's family granted us four days to investigate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After that, you answer to the magistrate,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So if you know who killed Chikao, tell us now.\"\n\n\"I didn't kill him. I don't know who did.\" Ginjiro shifted position as if trying to find a more comfortable one. It didn't seem to work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell us about the argument,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ginjiro coughed, likely due to the acrid fumes rising off the puddle in which he stood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chikao's son, Kaoru, owes me a debt. He promised his father would pay, but the debt has gone so long, and grown so large, that I demanded payment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you ask Chikao before you extended credit to his son?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"No.\" Ginjiro shook his head. \"Why would I? Sons don't use their fathers' credit without permission.\"\n\n\"Kaoru did,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ginjiro nodded. \"So I discovered. At first, Kaoru denied the debt and accused me of cheating his father, but his attitude changed as soon as I showed my ledger. Chikao requested a chance to pay the debt down over time. I agreed, but told him I wouldn't support his application to join the brewers' guild until he paid the debt in full.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This happened last night?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"No.\" Ginjiro scratched his ear. \"That happened about a week ago. After that, I considered the matter closed. Then yesterday, around midday, Kaoru tried to buy a cask of my sake for the Lucky Monkey.\"\n\n\"Kaoru alone?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His father wasn't with him?\"\n\n\"Not the first time,\" Ginjiro said. \"Kaoru explained that his father wanted a better grade of sake, to serve along with the one they brew. I refused to sell, because of the debt, and Kaoru started making threats. He said I'd lose my daughter, my shop, and everything else I owned.\"\n\n\"That's a serious threat,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you call the police?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro raised his hands. \"If I reported every drunk who threatened my business, the magistrate would need to post a dōshin outside my shop on a permanent basis. Kaoru is rude and obnoxious, but matters like this are better resolved in private.\n\n\"After Kaoru's visit, I sent a message to the Lucky Monkey, warning Chikao that he needed to keep his son away from my brewery.\" Ginjiro paused. \"Chikao sent a message back, begging me not to involve the guild. He promised to make a payment toward the debt that very night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't believe him, but yesterday evening he showed up as promised, along with Kaoru." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chikao started to make a payment, but Kaoru objected. Once again, he claimed that I inflated the bill unfairly. When I produced the ledger, he tried to snatch it from my hands. That's when Chikao pulled Kaoru back and asked me to speak with them privately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not what I heard,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You told Chikao to go into the alley, not the other way around.\"\n\n\"I named the place,\" Ginjiro said, \"but only after Chikao asked to speak with me in private.\"\n\n\"Why did you wait to report the debt and the threats to the brewers' guild?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"The za will not admit a man whose sons or apprentices act in a shameful manner,\" Ginjiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chikao is a hardworking man with a spoiled son. It seemed unfair to punish him—and also Ren—for Kaoru's indiscretions.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What happened in the alley?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Chikao pulled out his purse, but Kaoru snatched it from him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro looked at the ground. \"At that point, I lost my temper.\"\n\nAfter a pause so long that Hiro doubted the brewer would finish the story, Ginjiro said, \"The argument escalated. Kaoru wouldn't return the purse, no matter what his father said. Eventually, he left the alley, taking the money with him. Chikao pursued him down the street. I followed only as far as the mouth of the alley.\"\n\nGinjiro looked at the ground as if ashamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro said, \"You yelled something after them.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro nodded. \"Yes. I said, 'You will regret this foolishness. I'll get my money, no matter what I have to do.'\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for like three sentences more. make it mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s-y" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One last question,\" Hiro asked. \"Did you see anyone else in the alley?\"\n\n\"Anyone else?\" Suke looked confused. \"Like a vagrant?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anyone at all,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suke looked at the ground and scratched his cheek with a filthy hand. \"I don't remember.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Suke,\" Hiro said. \"I'll try to persuade the magistrate to release you as soon as possible.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He won't release me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suke smiled cheerfully. \"He'll order me hanged and display my head on a pole as a warning to others. I don't mind. Death will free me to enter my next incarnation. This time, I hope I return as a cat.\"\n\n\"A cat.\" Hiro had to ask. \"Why do you want to become a cat?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suke's lips curled into a knowing smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He raised a hand to wipe the tendril of drool that started down his chin. \"Cats catch mice. Mice eat grain. Grain makes sake. As a cat, I'll find a brewery and kill its mice. The grateful owner will give me a bowl of sake every day!\"\n\n\"Cats don't drink sake,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would,\" Suke said.\n\nHiro had nothing to say to that. Knowing Suke, he probably would." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro returned to Ginjiro's cage and gestured toward the monk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He doesn't know anything at all. He claims he murdered Chikao in self-defense, and in his sleep, while defending his precious sake flask.\"\n\nGinjiro glanced toward Suke. \"Did he mention that he's 'a dangerous man'?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Once or twice,\" Hiro said. A wave of stench from the filth on the ground erased his urge to smile.\n\nGinjiro sighed. \"Please persuade the dōshin to let him go. They shouldn't punish a silly old man for something he didn't do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I doubt they intend to punish him long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro remembered the yoriki's words. \"They only arrested him to prevent a scene.\"\n\n\"Still,\" Father Mateo said, \"we will speak to the dōshin on his behalf. Is there anything more you can tell us about the night of the murder before we go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro shook his head. \"At closing time I locked the shop and went upstairs. My wife and Tomiko were already sleeping. I went to bed and didn't wake up until the dōshin came to arrest me.\"\n\n\"Did you leave anyone downstairs when you locked the shop?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro stared at the priest but didn't answer.\n\nAfter a moment that lasted a little too long, Ginjiro asked, \"Like a customer? No, they had all gone home.\"\n\n\"Nobody else?\" the Jesuit asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobody guards the brewery at night?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why would I need a guard?\" the brewer asked. \"We live upstairs.\"\n\nHiro admired the Jesuit's effort, but Ginjiro's answers were exactly as expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the brewer hired a guard who killed Chikao, he wouldn't say so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro started to turn away but paused when Father Mateo said, \"Thank you. We appreciate your answers.\"\n\nThe brewer did his best to bow despite the cramped conditions. \"On the contrary, I am in your debt. You owe my family nothing, yet you help us. I hope I live to repay your generosity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We just hope you live,\" Father Mateo said. \"No thanks required.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro nodded, grateful that the foreign priest could speak the words that etiquette denied a Japanese." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with four sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Susan Spann." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiro and Father Mateo left, they found the elderly dōshin waiting near the whipping posts.\n\nHiro gestured toward Suke's cage. \"Why is the monk imprisoned?\"\n\n\"Him?\" the dōshin asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's just a drunk. Word has it, he embarrassed the yoriki. We have orders to keep him until this evening and then release him. No additional punishment. A few more hours in the cage, and he'll go on his way.\"\n\nThe dōshin looked at Father Mateo. \"Does the foreigner speak Japanese well?\"\n\n\"A little,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dōshin looked impressed. \"Your Japanese is very good. Are you new to Kyoto?\"\n\nFather Mateo smiled. He had spoken only two words, but most Japanese seemed highly impressed to hear a Westerner say any words at all.\n\n\"Thank you,\" the Jesuit said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I fear my Japanese is poor, and badly spoken.\"\n\nHiro approved of the priest's response, which followed the proper self-deprecating manner for answering compliments. He also noted that Father Mateo passed over the question about his time in Kyoto.\n\nWith good reason." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit mission in Kyoto catered to the samurai ruling class. Nobles would have disapproved of Father Mateo's work among the commoners, so the Jesuit worked alone from his home on Marutamachi Road instead of living with the other priests. Father Mateo's mission wasn't secret, but the priest knew better than to draw unwanted samurai attention.\n\n\"Are you enjoying the capital?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the dōshin asked. \"Where are you visiting from?\"\n\nThe Jesuit smiled. \"Kyoto is a beautiful city. I have never seen a nicer one.\"\n\n\"Excuse us,\" Hiro said, \"we have business to attend to.\"\n\n\"Of course.\" The dōshin bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any place is better than downwind from the prisoners' cages.\"\n\nAs they approached the gates, Father Mateo stopped. Hiro walked past the priest and turned, eyebrows raised in a silent question.\n\nFather Mateo nodded toward the entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't that Akechi Yoshiko?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Hiro's surprise, the Jesuit was correct.\n\nA little over a year before, Hiro and Father Mateo solved the murder of Yoshiko's father, retired samurai general Akechi Hideyoshi. The general had raised his only daughter as a samurai warrior, allowing her to dress—and act—like a man.\n\nYoshiko hadn't changed her appearance since her father's death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If anything, she looked more masculine now than she had before. She wore a blue kimono bearing the five-petaled bellflower mon that symbolized the Akechi clan. With her hair drawn back in a samurai knot and a pair of swords at her side, only her unshaven pate revealed her gender.\n\nYoshiko stood talking with the samurai guard at the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro approached and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko returned the gesture instinctively, but as she straightened her eyes widened with recognition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled a genuine smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsui Hiro,\" Yoshiko said. \"A pleasant surprise.\"\n\n\"Good morning Akechi-san,\" Hiro said. \"I trust you also remember Father Mateo.\"\n\n\"Of course.\" She bowed to Father Mateo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please, call me Yoshiko.\"\n\nThe woman's tone seemed a bit too friendly, her smile a bit too bright. Worst of all, her eyes had a sparkle that made Hiro fear her interest in him went beyond professional courtesy.\n\nBefore Hiro could find a way to avoid further conversation, Father Mateo said, \"It's nice to see you, Yoshiko. If you've finished your business here, we can walk together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile widened into a grin. \"As it happens, I've just finished.\" She looked at Hiro. \"I would be delighted to walk with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro fought the urge to turn around and return to the cages." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had seen a smile like that on a woman's face before. Given his aversion to Akechi Yoshiko, Hiro already knew this walk would end in an awkward scene." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What brings you to the prison?\" Father Mateo asked Yoshiko as they walked along the narrow street. \"I hope nothing has happened to your relatives?\"\n\n\"I went to the prison on business,\" Yoshiko said. \"After we finished mourning my father, I went to work for the Sakura Teahouse.\"\n\nHiro tried to imagine the samurai woman dressed as a painted entertainer from Kyoto's floating world. His mind refused the image.\n\nFather Mateo looked even more disturbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko laughed at the priest's confusion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amusement softened her features, but not enough to make her attractive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not as an entertainer,\" she said. \"I collect the teahouse debts. I also handle collections for several merchants.\"\n\nHiro found it odd that she spoke so openly of her work. Most samurai considered a job a humiliating necessity. Worse, most debt collectors were commoners, making collections a shameful occupation for samurai.\n\nThen again, Yoshiko's very existence flouted the rules of samurai conduct. Her choice to live an independent life should not surprise him.\n\nHiro respected that independence, even though he found the woman personally repellant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a debt collector?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro caught the surprise in the Jesuit's tone.\n\n\"Yes.\" Yoshiko glanced at Hiro. \"I find it pays quite well.\"\n\n\"Does your mother object to your employment?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\nOnce again, the Jesuit had blundered into a social error. Family conflict wasn't a permitted topic of conversation among the Japanese. Not for people outside the family, anyway.\n\nHiro gave the priest a warning look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother doesn't know,\" Yoshiko said, \"and I would appreciate your discretion, if you see her in the street.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro found the answer surprising—not for its content, but because Yoshiko spoke the words aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After my father's death,\" she continued, \"the shogun terminated our stipend. We had bills but no income with which to pay them.\"\n\nYoshiko paused and looked at Hiro. \"It appears I, too, am ronin now.\"\n\n\"Doesn't your mother ask where the money comes from?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"That is not our business,\" Hiro said. \"Forgive my employer. He forgets his manners.\"\n\n\"His questions do not offend,\" Yoshiko said. \"I am different from other women. It is normal for men to wonder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you visit the prison often? I haven't seen you there before.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro glanced at Father Mateo, giving the priest permission to answer.\n\n\"No,\" the Jesuit said, \"I've never been there before today.\"\n\n\"Visiting a friend?\" Yoshiko asked.\n\nFather Mateo nodded. \"Ginjiro, the brewer.\"\n\nHiro closed his eyes and stifled a sigh. Yoshiko had set a trap and the priest didn't see it coming.\n\n\"Of course,\" Yoshiko said. \"He doesn't seem the type to commit a murder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wondered how she knew the nature of the brewer's crime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't believe he's guilty, either,\" Father Mateo said. \"In fact, Matsui-san and I are trying to help the family prove his innocence.\"\n\n\"As you identified my father's killer?\" Yoshiko held Hiro's gaze a little longer than necessary.\n\n\"Nothing that complicated.\" Hiro forced a smile and glanced at the priest. \"In fact, it's not important enough to discuss.\"\n\nThe conversation flagged, but Yoshiko didn't leave as Hiro hoped. Instead, she matched the shinobi's pace, in what she seemed to consider friendly silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tension crept up Hiro's back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko's bearing indicated an interest that transcended mere acquaintance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hoped he misinterpreted her bearing and proximity, but Hiro had seen—and refused—too many women's advances to be wrong.\n\nHe wondered how to free himself of Yoshiko before they reached Ginjiro's. Hiro needed to talk with Tomiko, but didn't want to give the female samurai information—especially since she already knew far more than a stranger should.\n\nAt Sanjō Road, they found a pair of armored samurai standing guard in front of the fire tower that marked the boundary between the wards. The samurai guards wore bamboo armor over kimono marked with the five-leaved Matsunaga mon. Wakizashi hung from their obis, and sheathed katanas jutted up behind them like the tails of angry monkeys.\n\nThe shorter samurai held up a hand, palm outward. \"Halt! State your names and business.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro fought the urge to laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard's broad girth and bamboo armor made him look like a sake barrel impersonating a samurai.\n\nYoshiko stepped forward. \"I am Akechi Yoshiko, eldest child of General Akechi Hideyoshi. My business is none of yours.\"\n\nThe samurai woman looked relaxed, but Hiro noted her dangling hands and the way she planted her feet exactly shoulder-width apart. If the guard provoked Yoshiko, she would fight.\n\n\"State your business, or you will not pass.\" The guard stepped sideways, into Yoshiko's path.\n\nHiro couldn't decide if the guard intended to start a fight or simply didn't believe the samurai woman would attack.\n\nYoshiko laid a warning hand on the hilt of her katana." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By whose authority do you speak so rudely? Only the shogun commands the Akechi clan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai flushed red. Before he could answer, the other guard said, \"Our apologies, Akechi-san. Matsunaga-san suspects that enemy spies have infiltrated the capital. Until they are captured, no one passes certain points without identification.\"\n\n\"I needed no identification here an hour ago.\" Yoshiko nodded at Father Mateo. \"Does this foreigner look like a spy to you? Do I?\"\n\n\"We were delayed—\" the guard began.\n\nHis heavyset companion said, \"Who knows where a foreigner's loyalty lies?\"\n\n\"I know the priest's allegiances,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is no threat.\"\n\n\"And who are you to make such claims?\" the portly guard demanded.\n\nHiro fixed a withering glare on the man. \"I am Matsui Hiro, a special investigator, appointed by order of Magistrate Ishimaki. What is your name? The magistrate will want to know who tried to delay my progress.\"\n\nThe taller guard gave his portly companion a nervous look. When the sake barrel didn't respond, the tall guard said, \"Again, sir, we apologize. We will not delay you further.\"\n\nThe shorter guard scowled but stepped aside to let them pass.\n\nOnce they left the guards behind, Yoshiko turned to Hiro and asked, \"Why didn't you tell me you'd entered the magistrate's service?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write one sentence sentences in the style of Susan Spann spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun stood high overhead when Hiro and Father Mateo reached Ginjiro's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomiko had opened the shutters and stood behind the wooden counter, cleaning the countertop with a clean white cloth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't look up, but Hiro saw the shift in her posture that indicated awareness of their presence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused at the edge of the brewery floor, unwilling to enter without permission." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Samurai didn't have to ask, but Hiro's notion of courtesy didn't hinge on formal etiquette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good afternoon, Tomiko,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May we speak with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked up and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course. Please come inside.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro stepped out of his sandals and knelt up onto the knee-high brewery floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo followed suit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They crossed to the counter, though Hiro didn't hand his katana across the countertop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rules about swords did not apply when the shop was closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomiko wiped her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you seen my father?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He seems unharmed,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He asked us to tell you he trusts you to care for the brewery, and your mother, in his absence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ginjiro hadn't said any such thing, but Tomiko would benefit from believing he had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiro expected, Father Mateo didn't confirm the lie but didn't deny it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit seemed to understand that certain deceptions furthered a moral goal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomiko inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, as if struggling to keep her emotions in check." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. I will try to make him proud.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you truly manage alone?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomiko looked down at the counter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Forgive my directness, but you are a man of samurai rank. My problems are not an appropriate topic of conversation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your personal safety is,\" Hiro said, \"and I think you underestimate the danger. Someone committed a murder here. The killer may return.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why would Chikao's death endanger me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomiko asked. \"Do you think his son might try to avenge him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kaoru wasn't his first concern, but Tomiko's comment made him curious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know.\" Tomiko considered the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He has a terrible temper, but I don't believe he would try to hurt us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wondered how much Tomiko knew about her father's business, particularly Ginjiro's habits when it came to hiring guards or debt collectors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman had clearly inherited her father's talent for keeping secrets, and Hiro doubted she would admit to incriminating facts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would need to approach the topic of private guards another way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if Chikao's death was accidental?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In our alley?\" Tomiko looked confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What kind of accident would happen there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did your father owe anyone money?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro suspected he knew the answer, but wanted to broach the topic of debt collectors without hinting at his ultimate objective." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have no debts,\" Tomiko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father spends no money before he earns it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What about debtors—aside from Chikao—or debt collectors your father hired to work on his behalf?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro kept the questions light, as if they stemmed from random thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Had your father mentioned any trouble?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only the argument with Chikao and Kaoru,\" Tomiko said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't have many debtors. Father has hired collectors, from time to time, but I do not think he hired one to deal with Kaoru's debt. Not yet, at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She paused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" she continued, \"I'm sure he would have told me if he had hired one. But this does give me a helpful idea. I think I'll hire a debt collector to guard the shop until Father returns.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro didn't like the thought of Tomiko dealing with debt collectors, many of whom had flexible attitudes toward personal honor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her idea surprised him, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ginjiro's daughter seemed too wise to risk her safety with an unknown man." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomiko smiled at his concern. \"Do not worry, Matsui-san. The debt collector I intend to hire is a woman.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. I'll provide a starting point, and you'll continue with 8 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The murderer stole your flask without your waking,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Impossible.\" Suke shook his head. \"I'm a dangerous man. No one steals my flask without me knowing. I must have killed him after all. I have to make the dōshin understand.\"\n\nHiro realized, with the dismay that accompanies nasty truths, that the only way to stop Suke from interfering with the case was to let the monk believe he was helping solve it.\n\n\"How about this?\" the shinobi asked. \"If the evidence proves you killed Chikao, I'll make the dōshin listen to your story. However, until we know for certain, you keep quiet and help my investigation.\"\n\nSuke's mouth split into a startled grin. \"You'd let me help?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but secretly,\" Hiro said. \"We can't let anyone know. The killer thinks he's safe because you confessed.\"\n\n\"Of course! Of course!\" Suke nodded vigorously, sending waves of noxious odors rolling off his robe. \"I will help you, Hiro-san! Together, we'll find the killer.\" His smile faded. \"Even if the killer turns out to be me.\"\n\n\"Listen carefully,\" Hiro said. \"I need you to watch Ginjiro's brewery. Listen to the patrons. Someone might say something about the murder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand. The killer might get drunk and confess the crime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suke paused. \"I don't suppose you'd give me money to buy a flask of sake—purely to preserve the illusion, of course.\"\n\nHiro removed a couple of silver coins from his purse. \"Remember,\" he said as he dropped them into Suke's waiting palm, \"your job is to listen without revealing you've joined the investigation. Do not call attention to yourself.\"\n\nSuke nodded and scurried out of the alley.\n\nHiro followed, reflecting on his decision. He doubted Suke would prove any help but hoped the assignment would keep the monk out of trouble and out of the way.\n\nFather Mateo met Hiro in the street. As they started south the Jesuit gestured over his shoulder and asked, \"What did you tell him? He seems much happier.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro glanced over his shoulder at Suke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monk had settled in the street to wait for the brewery to open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I gave him a job, to keep him out of trouble.\"\n\nFather Mateo smiled. \"Let me know how that works out.\"\n\n\"If it doesn't, we'll both know.\" Hiro saw the Jesuit wince and slowed his pace. \"Does your injury bother you?\"\n\nFather Mateo looked down at his hands, which were covered in angry scars from an attack two months before. \"A little. Is it obvious?\"\n\n\"Only to me,\" Hiro lied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you want to see Basho?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To learn how far Yoshiko's violent tendencies might go,\" the Jesuit said. \"It doesn't take much skill to suspect a connection between Ginjiro and Yoshiko. After all, she knew about the crime. Do you think she might be the guard Ginjiro hired?\"\n\n\"We don't know, for certain, that he hired one,\" Hiro said. \"Until we do, we must explore all options.\"\n\n\"It's hard for me to believe Yoshiko would kill Chikao,\" Father Mateo said. \"Not with her own father murdered a year ago.\"\n\n\"Yoshiko's father was samurai. Chikao is a merchant. Their deaths are not the same.\" Hiro doubted the priest would understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They are to me, and they are to God.\" Father Mateo paused. \"Could a woman beat a man to death?\"\n\n\"You've seen Yoshiko,\" Hiro said. \"If a man could do it, she could.\"\n\nFather Mateo sighed. \"This investigation seems more difficult than the others. Chikao didn't have any enemies. We don't even have good suspects.\"\n\nHiro noticed a noodle vendor and headed toward the cart. As he did, he switched to Portuguese. \"On the contrary, we have three: Kaoru, Ren, and Ginjiro.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He switched back to Japanese and ordered two bowls of udon.\n\n\"The second two I understand,\" Father Mateo said in Portuguese, \"but why the son? He doesn't want to work. Also, won't he share his inheritance with his mother?\"\n\nHiro smiled at the Jesuit's use of general terms instead of names. \"A wife inherits only when the husband leaves a will that names her heir.\"\n\nFather Mateo watched Hiro pay the vendor. \"I can't believe you're hungry.\"\n\nHiro accepted some copper change. \"I can't believe you're not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The vendor handed each man a bowl of steaming noodles in pungent sauce." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro inhaled deeply. His stomach grumbled. As he hoped, the chewy noodles had just the right combination of onions, fish, and savory broth.\n\nFather Mateo ate, but slowly, and fumbled with his chopsticks. His injured hands had not regained their full dexterity.\n\nAll too soon, Hiro's chopsticks clattered against the empty bowl. He returned them to the vendor. Father Mateo returned his, too, though he hadn't finished his noodles.\n\nThe vendor gave the Jesuit's half-filled bowl a worried look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry you didn't like the flavor.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I enjoyed it.\" Father Mateo gave the vendor an apologetic smile. \"I am not very hungry this afternoon.\"\n\nHiro glanced at the Jesuit's hands. He saw no sign of infection but reminded himself to keep an eye on the priest.\n\nFather Mateo switched to Portuguese. \"It's not my hands. I suppose I should tell you—I really don't like udon.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write seven sentences sentences in the style of Susan Spann spawning from what the user wrote, within the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A samurai in lacquered armor guarded Sanjō Road at Karasuma Street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wasn't surprised. Prosperous rice merchants often served as moneylenders, too. Their storehouses held not only coins but samurai heirlooms left as collateral for loans. With the city on alert, Matsunaga Hisahide would protect them. No man who wanted the shogunate would risk the loss of so much valuable treasure—or the tax revenue that accompanied it.\n\nDespite his understanding, Hiro bristled at the thought of yet another interruption.\n\nThe guard stepped into the road and blocked their path. \"State your names and business in this ward.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro felt his patience wane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Surely the shogun has more important business than keeping honest men from theirs?\"\n\n\"From their what?\" The samurai tipped his head to the side, confused.\n\n\"Their business,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"My business is to protect this ward.\" The samurai stepped forward until his chin was only inches from Hiro's chest. \"Do not challenge my authority. I speak with the voice of Shogun Matsunaga.\"\n\nHiro raised an eyebrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsunaga-san is taller than you and also better looking.\"\n\n\"How dare you!\" The samurai's hand moved to the hilt of his katana.\n\nA second armored samurai emerged from a nearby shop, cheeks bulging with an enormous bite from a bun. When he saw the situation, he swallowed quickly, stashed the bun in his armor, and joined his partner in the street. \"What's going on?\"\n\n\"Your friend believes himself the shogun's equal,\" Hiro said, consciously overlooking the fact that Matsunaga-san was not yet shogun. \"I chose to disabuse him of that notion.\"\n\nThe second samurai sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yujiro, let them pass. We're only supposed to stop saboteurs and spies.\"\n\nThe comment revealed these guards hadn't worked together very long, or very often. Regular partners would not contradict one another in public.\n\nYujiro nodded at Father Mateo. \"The foreigner looks suspicious to me, and everyone knows you cannot trust a ronin.\"\n\nHiro ignored the insult. Men promoted above their abilities often resorted to bullying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo stepped into the samurai's path." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed, I'm quite suspicious. Best arrest me before I carry out my devious plot... to purchase a sack of rice.\"\n\nYujiro's cheeks turned purple. \"Did you insult me?\"\n\nFather Mateo squared his shoulders. \"I treat a man as he deserves, and you deserve no better.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like Susan Spann using my stuff as a starting point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they entered the stinking alley off Shijō Road, shouting echoed from the Lucky Monkey's entrance.\n\nKaoru stood in the brewery doorway, facing someone farther inside. \"It's my money,\" he yelled, \"the least you can do is leave something for me to inherit!\"\n\nHe yanked the door closed with a thump and stomped down the alley away from Hiro and Father Mateo.\n\nThe Jesuit paused. \"We should leave and come back later.\"\n\nThe Lucky Monkey's noren parted. Mina appeared in the entrance. She stood in the doorway and watched her son disappear into the space beyond the buildings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mina turned and noticed Hiro and the priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good afternoon.\" She bowed to cover her embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Once again, I must apologize for my son's behavior.\"\n\n\"May we speak with you inside?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"Of course.\" Mina stepped aside. \"That is, if you do not object to entering a house of mourning. May I offer you tea?\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Hiro said. \"We would like some tea.\"\n\nCrossing the threshold, Hiro heard the sound of rhythmic chanting somewhere farther inside the building. Male voices rose and fell in the cadence of funeral prayers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monks had arrived, and formal mourning for Chikao had started." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chanting grew more noticeable as Hiro and Father Mateo followed Mina into the brewery's drinking room.\n\nShe paused and gestured. \"Sit wherever you like. I will make the tea.\"\n\nWhen she left the room, Father Mateo said, \"I can't believe you asked for tea while she's in mourning.\"\n\n\"She offered.\" Hiro settled himself on the floor. \"Preparing tea gives her something to do, and normalcy offers distraction in difficult times. Also, I thought it would please you, since the tea gives us a different way to start the conversation. We may not need your god's help after all.\"\n\nFather Mateo gave the shinobi a disapproving look as Mina returned.\n\nShe carried a tray with a steaming teapot, three ceramic cups, and a plate of sweetened rice balls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She set the tray on the floor and knelt beside it, but instead of pouring the tea she asked the Jesuit, \"Would you like to pray?\"\n\nMina smiled at Father Mateo's startled look. \"I have a friend who worships your Jesus god. She prays before accepting food and drink. If you wish, you may offer your prayer aloud. Honest gratitude insults no one, whether or not we pray to different gods.\"\n\nShe laid her hands in her lap and bowed her head.\n\nFather Mateo offered a prayer, asking God to bless the house, and Mina, and the food. Hiro appreciated the Jesuit's keeping the prayer short. Tea tasted better hot, and questions, too, retained more palatability without a liberal helping of foreign faith.\n\nMina poured tea for Hiro and Father Mateo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had brought a cup for herself but didn't fill it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I pour you tea?\" Father Mateo offered.\n\nMina leaned back in surprise. Guests never poured the tea for female hosts, especially male guests of samurai rank.\n\n\"Unless, perhaps, you are fasting,\" Hiro offered.\n\nMina's face relaxed with sudden relief. \"I am, to atone for my husband's sins. Thank you for understanding.\"\n\n\"How long will you fast?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"For Chikao, until his funeral,\" Mina said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After that, I will fast on my own account.\"\n\nFather Mateo leaned forward slightly. \"Why do you need to fast?\"\n\nMina shifted the plate of rice balls toward her guests. \"I intend to become a nun, after I finish mourning for my husband.\"\n\n\"A nun?\" Father Mateo looked surprised. His features softened with understanding. \"Oh, a Buddhist nun. I apologize—my religion also allows for female nuns.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really?\" Mina asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And do the widows of your faith elect this path?\"\n\n\"When God calls them,\" Father Mateo said, \"and, sometimes, when they have no other method of support.\"\n\nHiro caught the not-so-subtle hint but didn't mind.\n\n\"Sometimes Japanese widows also make this choice for economic reasons,\" Mina said, \"though I do not.\"\n\n\"Forgive me,\" the Jesuit said, \"but you mentioned that the moneylenders wouldn't give you loans...\" He trailed off.\n\nHiro had hoped the priest would remember Mina's comment about loans. A samurai could never ask, but Father Mateo's status as a foreigner, and a priest, created an excuse for intrusive questions.\n\n\"Chikao and I attempted to obtain a loan to pay off Kaoru's debts,\" the woman said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But the moneylender knows my son and wouldn't take the risk. Not without a licensed brewery to secure the loan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo looked concerned. \"Then how...\"\n\nMina smiled. \"I don't need money. Chikao's death has freed me to pursue the path I chose many years ago.\"\n\nShe paused. After allowing sufficient time for Hiro and Father Mateo to change the subject if they wished to, she continued, \"I grew up near Tofuku-ji, and my father often took me for walks on the temple grounds. Even as a child, I wanted to become a nun and spend my days in meditation, seeking peace.\"\n\nHer eyes took on a distant look.\n\nThe monks' voices rose and fell in the background, chanting prayers.\n\n\"And yet, you chose to marry,\" Father Mateo said.\n\nMina's eyes refocused on the priest. \"As duty required. Obedient children place their parents' hopes before their own.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wondered what Mina thought of Kaoru's selfish choices." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now,\" she continued, \"my husband's death releases me to pursue my heart's desire.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What will become of the brewery?\" Hiro asked.\n\nMina sighed. \"I do not know. I hoped my son would choose to learn his father's trade, but he refuses. Kaoru says he wants to sell our share of the brewery to Ren. My son will squander the money, but what can I do? He is adult, and male. I can't control him.\"\n\n\"Does Ren want to purchase the interest?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"I am ashamed to ask him,\" Mina said. \"It seems unfair to shackle Ren with debts, especially now. If my son would only accept his duty...\"\n\nShe trailed off into silence.\n\nHiro sipped his tea and waited.\n\nEventually Father Mateo asked, \"Did your husband know about your wish to lead a religious life?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wished the priest hadn't spoken." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People shared more information when the burden of silence reached a certain weight.\n\n\"Chikao felt guilty for keeping me tied to the world,\" Mina said, \"but, as I often told him, I never regretted my choice to marry. I loved Chikao and enjoyed our life together.\"\n\n\"Does Kaoru know about your plans to become a nun?\" the Jesuit asked.\n\nMina gave the priest a searching look. \"My son did not kill his father.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: 4 sentences\nGenre Classification: mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo blinked in surprise. Even Hiro barely managed to keep his reaction covered. Neither man expected Mina to broach the topic of Kaoru's guilt.\n\n\"That is what you came to ask me,\" Mina said, \"is it not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I—we—\" Father Mateo stammered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We did not expect you to guess it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro opted for the truth.\n\nMina smiled. \"All too often, people assume detachment from the physical world derives from a lack of intelligence or perception. They are mistaken.\n\n\"I will answer your questions, but first, please tell me why you suspect my son.\"\n\nHiro saw no point in pretense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have learned that Kaoru has a temper.\"\n\nMina lifted the teapot and refilled the shinobi's cup. \"I do not doubt my son could kill a man when drunk and angry. But I do not think he killed Chikao, and that opinion doesn't stem from a mother's blinded love.\n\n\"Kaoru doesn't consider his father's death a benefit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They argued often, over money, but Chikao always conceded in the end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his father dead, Kaoru will have to work—to support himself—which is the last thing he would ever wish to do.\n\n\"This is a terrible thing for a mother to say about her son, but Kaoru is far too selfish to kill his father.\"\n\n\"But he does inherit the brewery,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Our half of it, yes, but that will not support his habits long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mina paused as if unwilling to finish her thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last she continued, \"I've said this much, I will say the rest. My son is a coward. He lacks the courage to take his father's life.\"\n\n\"Perhaps,\" Hiro said, \"but we would prefer some evidence of his innocence. Do you know where Kaoru went last night?\"\n\nMina considered the question. \"He wasn't here. If I had to guess, I would say the Sakura Teahouse, east of the Kamo River on Sanjō Road, or else at the Golden Buddha in Pontocho. Before you ask, I do not know what time Kaoru returned. He said he was here all night, and sleeping. I found him asleep and still too drunk to pay attention when Ren arrived this morning with the news of Chikao's death. Kaoru claims he returned before the brewery closed last night. He may be telling the truth. He may be lying. I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about Ren?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know where he was last night?\"\n\n\"Ren worked here all evening with Chikao,\" Mina said. \"After the brewery closed, I cannot tell you, though I doubt that he went anywhere but home. Ren didn't believe in wasting money on women or entertainment. He wanted to join the brewers' guild and invest in a larger shop. To my knowledge, all his money went to savings.\"\n\n\"That must have caused some conflict with your husband,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not with Chikao.\" Mina smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Ren and Kaoru didn't get along.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ren admitted to arguing with Chikao about the decision to pay off Kaoru's debt,\" Father Mateo said. \"Did you know they argued?\"\n\n\"The argument involved my son. Of course I knew about it.\" Mina refilled the Jesuit's cup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ren threatened to leave the partnership and join the brewers' guild alone if Kaoru's actions stopped the za from approving Chikao's part of the petition.\"\n\n\"Did that create bad blood between them?\" Hiro asked.\n\nMina smiled sadly. \"Chikao and I did not want Ren to bear the burden of Kaoru's... disappointing choices.\"\n\nThe monks' chanting rose and fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro considered Chikao's body—so close, and yet impossible to reach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered whether Mina would grant permission for a viewing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Doubtful, since the funeral prayers had started. Still, a request could do no harm.\n\n\"Would you grant us a favor?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"You want to see my husband's body,\" Mina said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The comment left Hiro momentarily speechless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He forced his surprise away and said, \"We believe a closer examination will help us find his killer.\"\n\nMina nodded. \"I wondered when you would get around to asking. I didn't think the yoriki would let you view him at the murder scene. I will allow it, if you don't abuse his body in the process.\"\n\n\"We will treat him with respect,\" the shinobi said.\n\nMina led Hiro and Father Mateo across the room to the shoji that separated the common room from the space beyond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound of chanting increased as they reached the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She laid a hand on the door frame. \"Please wait here while I offer the monks some tea. I would prefer they leave the room before you enter.\"\n\n\"You truly don't mind?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"I do not,\" Mina said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The dead may defile the living, but we cannot harm the dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An unusual attitude for a Japanese woman, but in character with Mina's perceptive nature.\n\nShe drew open the door and stepped into the room beyond.\n\nThe chanting stopped. Moments later, a line of elderly priests filed out of the room, followed by two boys in saffron robes.\n\nMina paused in the doorway as she left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you touch my husband's body, leave no sign.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I ask why you chose to allow this?\" Father Mateo seemed confused.\n\n\"I respect every living creature, including the man accused of my husband's murder.\" Mina glanced into the room where Chikao lay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish to know, with certainty, that the person who dies for this crime is guilty of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gestured toward the room. \"You have ten minutes.\"\n\nHiro and Father Mateo entered the tiny room. Mina slid the shoji closed behind them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pattern of barrel-sized rings on the bare wooden floor suggested a former storage room converted to a far less pleasant purpose. The odors of sugi wood and straw still lingered beneath the incense in the air.\n\nChikao lay face-up on a narrow futon at the center of the room. A cone of incense smoldered in a ceramic burner near his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of his arms lay stiffly akimbo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other reached out, as if grasping at something only the dead could see.\n\nFather Mateo looked from the corpse to Hiro. \"Is that normal?\"\n\n\"You mean the arms?\" Hiro asked.\n\nThe Jesuit nodded. \"Why are they sticking out like that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The body must have gone rigid before they retrieved it,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The muscles will loosen tonight or tomorrow. After that, he will look more normal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stepped to the side of the futon.\n\nFather Mateo followed. \"Only half his face is purple. Did it look that way before?\"\n\nPurple mottling covered the right side of Chikao's face from halfway across his nose to the side of his jaw. The left side of Chikao's face was deathly pale, except where swollen bruises blossomed around his eye." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did the killer bruise an entire side of Chikao's face?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the Jesuit asked. \"And why is the right cheek bruised, and not the left one?\"\n\nHiro gestured to the mottled purple color on the right. \"The killer didn't cause this part. The parts of the flesh that lie toward the ground will always discolor shortly after death.\"\n\n\"Always?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro nodded. \"It takes a few hours, but yes, it always happens. The blood settles into those parts of the body, turning them purple, though the parts that actually touch the ground stay pale.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He indicated the strip of bloodless skin on Chikao's right cheek and along the jawline. \"See? That's where he rested on the ground.\"\n\n\"So, dead people bruise on the underside?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"It's not exactly bruising,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think it has to do with the way the blood runs downward after the heart stops beating. That also explains why you see less discoloration when the victim dies from bleeding, because the blood ends up on the outside, rather than trapped beneath the skin.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't need to know that.\" Father Mateo stared at the patch of waxy skin along Chikao's jaw. \"Why does the part that touches the ground stay pale?\"\n\n\"That, I can't explain,\" Hiro said, \"but it happens every time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Interesting,\" Father Mateo said, in a tone that actually meant \"repulsive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The bruises around his eye look worse. Can that happen after death?\"\n\n\"Not after his heart stops beating.\" Hiro studied the dead man's face, and agreed with the priest. The bruises did look darker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This room is better lit than the alley. It might be an illusion.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laid his hands on Chikao's outstretched arm. \"Let's turn him over.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with two sentences in the style of Susan Spann." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro and Father Mateo left the alley and walked east toward the Kamo River. As they turned north onto the road that followed the river, Hiro appreciated the late-summer afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun felt warm on his head and shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Familiar smells from the river filled the air.\n\n\"Do not use my faith as a diversionary tactic.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo's angry voice interrupted Hiro's reverie.\n\n\"What?\" It took the shinobi a moment to process the comment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wanted me to tell Chikao's wife I would pray for her husband, as if my efforts could change the fate of the unsaved dead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't do it,\" Hiro said.\n\n\"Only because the circumstances made your plan unnecessary.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo's voice held a warning edge the shinobi had never heard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If Mina hadn't offered us tea, you would have done it, regardless of my opinions on the matter.\"\n\n\"Is your god so weak that a lie can hurt him?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It isn't God I need to protect,\" Father Mateo said. \"A blasphemous lie is a mortal sin. I worry about your soul.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro raised an eyebrow at the priest. \"Well, I suppose that one of us should.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre. I'll provide a starting point, and you'll continue with three sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hiro returned to the house, he found the Jesuit reading in the common room. Father Mateo's leather-bound Bible lay open to a page with a missing corner.\n\n\"The letter to the Romans?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo looked up with a startled smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When did you start reading the Bible?\"\n\nHiro smiled awkwardly at the priest's misplaced delight. \"I haven't. I just recognized the page that Gato chewed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gato, Hiro's tortoiseshell cat, bounded in from the kitchen at the sound of her master's voice. Halfway across the room she angled sideways and arched her back. The hair on her tail puffed out on end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She fixed her eyes on Hiro and bounced to the side, inviting play." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shinobi leaned forward and clapped his hands.\n\nGato leaped in the air, spun around, and raced from the room, paws pattering the tatami like rain on a rooftop.\n\nFather Mateo laughed but stopped and stared at Hiro's gray kimono." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going three sentences at a time, also I'm going for a Susan Spann sorta thing in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What time did Kaoru leave two nights ago?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"At closing,\" Eba said, \"about three hours after midnight.\"\n\n\"Did he stay in the teahouse all evening?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo asked. \"Did he leave alone?\"\n\nEba considered the questions. \"He might have come and gone—I wasn't watching. Sometimes he does, sometimes he stays all night. As far as leaving, I think Basho and a couple of others stayed that late. Half a dozen of them left at closing time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did they leave together?\" Father Mateo asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not that I noticed, but then, I don't pay attention unless there's a fight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro nodded to end the conversation. \"Thank you. We appreciate your help.\"\n\n\"If I helped.\" Eba looked from Hiro to Father Mateo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You never did say who it was that Kaoru killed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I did not,\" Hiro confirmed, \"and I don't intend to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fair enough,\" Eba said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Killer or no, Kaoru isn't welcome in my teahouse anymore. Not after this. I'd appreciate your telling him so, when and if you see him. Again, no offense intended.\"\n\n\"None taken,\" Father Mateo replied.\n\nAfter Eba closed the door, the Jesuit turned to Hiro and said, \"I guess the apprentice told the truth about where Basho went.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About the teahouse,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm still not sure he took the Tōkaidō.\"\n\nHe had more to say, but the words died out on his lips when he saw Akechi Yoshiko step out of a building across the street.\n\nShe noticed Hiro a moment later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko squared her shoulders and stalked toward Hiro, wearing the glare of a furious tiger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her left hand gripped the hilt of her katana." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsui Hiro!\" she declared. \"You stop right there!\"\n\nHiro sensed no immediate danger, though Yoshiko's disposition indicated the conversation would not be pleasant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What does she want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo whispered in Portuguese." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No idea,\" Hiro replied in kind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She does look angry.\"\n\n\"What did you do?\" Father Mateo asked, but Yoshiko reached them before the shinobi could answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't bow.\n\n\"How dare you?\" she demanded.\n\n\"Good morning, Akechi-san.\" Hiro kept his expression neutral." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am sorry, I don't understand your question.\"\n\n\"You lied, and you betrayed me!\"\n\nHiro suspected the samurai woman had talked with Mayuri but feigned ignorance until he knew for sure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In what way do you believe I have betrayed you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't afford to lose this job.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko gripped her katana far too tightly for someone intending to draw it. \"My father's pension ended upon his death, and my share of the Sakura's profits does not cover my family's bills.\"\n\nHer nose turned red as she added, \"I considered you a friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro hoped she wouldn't cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hated it when women cried, especially in public.\n\nFortunately, she controlled herself before any tears could fall.\n\n\"Matsui-san,\" Yoshiko said, \"you accused me of attacking innocent men—and committing murder. Do not deny it. Mayuri told me everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I doubt that, Hiro thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aloud, he said, \"I did not accuse you of murder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I only strike the men who refuse to pay,\" Yoshiko said. \"Recalcitrant debtors are not innocent men.\"\n\nHer glance flickered over Hiro's shoulder toward the Golden Buddha." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you doing in Pontocho?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She paused. \"You do believe I killed Chikao. You lied to me last night.\"\n\nFather Mateo gave Hiro a startled look, but to his credit the Jesuit didn't speak.\n\nHiro chose his next words carefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did not tell Mayuri that I thought you killed Chikao.\"\n\n\"How could you, of all people, believe me guilty of murder?\" Yoshiko's lower lip trembled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro caught the injury in her voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence stretched between them. As it grew awkward Hiro said, \"You do not know what I believe. You make an assumption.\"\n\nYoshiko straightened and raised her chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A reasonable one, I think. You made me trust you, and then you lied to me and betrayed my trust.\"\n\n\"That can't be true.\" Father Mateo stepped forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hiro would never betray a woman's trust.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is not about trust,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And it's not about you, Akechi-san. We are merely using logic to solve a crime. Exactly the way we did with your father's murder.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then seek logical answers, which don't involve me.\" Yoshiko removed her hand from her sword. \"I have nothing to gain from Chikao's murder. In fact, it disadvantages me severely.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Disadvantages you?\" Hiro repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kaoru will never pay his debt. He's never paid a debt in his life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko made a frustrated gesture. \"You didn't have to go to Mayuri. I would have told you the truth if you asked. Yes, I saw Chikao the night he died. And yes, we spoke of Kaoru's debt.\"\n\n\"His blackened eye suggests he refused to pay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro spoke with candor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He doubted Yoshiko would ever speak with him again anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the positive side, he had finally rid himself of her affections." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I struck him,\" Yoshiko said, \"but he had no serious injuries when I left him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why did you strike him?\" Hiro asked.\n\n\"He said he didn't have the money, too many other debts to pay. I didn't believe him, but when he didn't change his story after I hit him... I decided it must have been the truth.\"\n\n\"What changed your mind?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko shrugged. \"Most men pay up to avoid a second strike.\"\n\n\"How did you learn about Chikao's death?\" Hiro watched her carefully, expecting her to lie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko smiled, though her eyes revealed regret." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw you in the prison yard. The dōshin told me who you'd come to see and why. I feigned surprise because I didn't want to admit to asking about your business.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Hiro's chagrin, he couldn't tell if Yoshiko spoke the truth.\n\n\"I would not have killed Chikao,\" she continued. \"Losing a father is not a thing I would wish on any man. Not even such a worthless one as Kaoru. Chikao would have paid the debt, in time, but even if he refused to pay I would not kill him—or any other man—over money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She met Hiro's gaze without faltering.\n\n\"What brings you into Pontocho this morning?\" Father Mateo asked, a bit too brightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko turned to the priest. Her eyes went cold. \"I'm afraid that's not your business. Please excuse me. I have matters to attend to.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around five sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Susan Spann\nGenre: mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Yoshiko disappeared, Father Mateo said, \"Well, that went poorly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It could have been worse,\" Hiro said, \"and might have actually helped us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He examined the building Yoshiko had emerged from just before their confrontation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two-story structure stood almost directly across from the Golden Buddha. No sign hung from its narrow entrance. Without the indigo noren that displayed the shopkeeper's name during business hours, the barren storefront offered no clue to the business's name or purpose.\n\nHiro stepped to the door and knocked.\n\nNo one answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro hammered his fist against the door. The knocking loosened a shower of detritus from the rafters, dusting Father Mateo's hair with thatch and one extremely indignant spider.\n\nThe Jesuit brushed the debris away and flicked the arachnid to the ground.\n\n\"We're closed,\" said a female voice from behind the door. \"Go away until evening.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" Hiro said. \"You opened this door for Akechi Yoshiko. You will open it now for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo gave the shinobi a startled look, no doubt caused by Hiro's breach of etiquette." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you a friend of Yoshiko's?\" the woman asked, though the door stayed closed.\n\nHiro weighed the cost of a second lie and decided it couldn't hurt—as long as the woman hadn't been watching the argument in the street.\n\n\"I am,\" he said.\n\nThe door swung open, revealing a woman about Yoshiko's age, but far more lovely than any Hiro had seen in Pontocho." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wore no makeup, and when she smiled, her teeth showed no sign of the blackening favored by women who mimicked the courtesans' style. Many men liked blackened teeth, but Hiro thought they looked as if their owners lost a fight.\n\n\"What do you want?\" The woman's tone counteracted any advantage her beauty offered.\n\n\"What manner of business do you run?\" the shinobi asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you do not know, you don't belong here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She started to close the door.\n\nHiro stuck a foot in the opening. The woman pressed on the door to force it closed.\n\nHiro's temper snapped. He laid both hands on the door and pushed with far more force than necessary. The woman stumbled backward with a startled cry and the door flew open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stepped on the threshold but didn't cross it. \"When a samurai asks a question, commoners answer.\"\n\nThe woman recovered her composure. \"Perhaps I do not know the answer.\"\n\nHiro raised an eyebrow and studied the woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She seemed too bold for a servant, but no entertainer answered the door without makeup. Her obi tied in the back, which meant she wasn't a prostitute, yet her smooth hands lacked a merchant's calluses.\n\nHe glanced at the front of the building. The narrow frontage and lack of identifying features indicated a business whose clientele did not rely on signage. People came to this door with knowledge and a purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro examined the woman again. The elaborate embroidery on her obi and kimono cost a fortune. Jeweled kanzashi pinned her hair in place.\n\n\"You do not know what business your house conducts?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"My business is not of consequence to samurai or priests.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman looked from one man to the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Samurai visit the Shijō Market. Priests... I do not know.\"\n\nThe market gave Hiro the final clue he needed. \"You're a moneylender.\"\n\n\"Yes, for the women of Pontocho.\" The moneylender clasped her hands. \"I do not lend to samurai or to men. If you need loans, you go to the rice-sellers' street.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You misunderstand,\" the shinobi said. \"We haven't come about a loan.\"\n\n\"Then what do you want—and how, exactly, do you know Yoshiko?\" The woman glanced at the door as if wondering whether she could slam it shut before the shinobi stopped her.\n\n\"We saw her leaving and wondered what she was doing here at this hour.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro raised his hands, palms up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you mentioned, you're not in the business of loaning money to samurai.\"\n\n\"If you know her, then you also know I won't discuss her business, any more than I would tell you of my own.\" The woman reached for the edge of the door, but didn't try to shut it.\n\n\"One last question,\" Hiro said. \"If we did need a loan, who do you suggest we get it from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is a merchant named Basho who lends to men of every social class.\" Her gaze shifted to Father Mateo. \"I do not know if he would lend to foreigners as well.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Hiro said as she closed the door.\n\nAs they turned away from the house, Father Mateo asked, \"Now what?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s thing. u write 6 sentences bits" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did the magistrate learn about your problems with Chikao?\" Father Mateo asked.\n\n\"Kaoru told him,\" the brewer said, though Hiro had already guessed the answer.\n\n\"You there!\" A man emerged from the prison house and hurried toward them. The hooked jitte in his hand identified him as a dōshin, and he wore a vibrant, patterned surcoat over dark hakama.\n\n\"What do you think you're doing?\" the dōshin demanded as he reached them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You cannot speak with the prisoner now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro gestured to Father Mateo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This man is a priest.\"\n\n\"The brewer worships the foreign god?\" The dōshin frowned at Ginjiro. \"Is this true?\"\n\nGinjiro bowed his head. \"I worship the foreigners' god, and Amida Buddha, and also follow the Shinto way.\"\n\nThe answer, though contrary to the truth and Father Mateo's theology, didn't sound abnormal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Many Japanese hedged their bets by worshipping all available deities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro was glad the brewer had the presence of mind to go along with the lie.\n\nThe dōshin scratched his head. \"I don't remember the magistrate granting permission for a priest...\"\n\nHe trailed off, unable to reconcile his respect for religious practices with his duty to follow orders.\n\nJust when Hiro thought the ruse might work, the dōshin said, \"I can't allow it. The yoriki could have me whipped for letting you interrupt an interrogation.\"\n\n\"This man has had enough for one day,\" Father Mateo said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"God restricts the maximum number of lashes a man can receive at once.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Truly?\" Curiosity overcame concern. \"How many does your god allow?\"\n\n\"Forty,\" Father Mateo said. \"No more, regardless of his crime.\"\n\nThe dōshin looked at Ginjiro. \"Then he still has a few to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is a maximum, not a goal.\" The Jesuit frowned, displeased his plan had failed.\n\nHiro wondered whether the rule existed or whether the priest had made it up to reduce Ginjiro's punishment.\n\n\"Do you intend to beat this man again?\" Father Mateo demanded.\n\n\"That depends,\" the dōshin said, \"on whether he confesses.\"\n\n\"What if he isn't guilty?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo asked. \"Surely you wouldn't expect an innocent man to confess a crime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Kyoto police do not arrest innocent men,\" the dōshin said. \"If he doesn't confess before his trial, or during it, the yoriki will bring him here and press him until he does.\"\n\nFather Mateo looked at Hiro and switched to Portuguese. \"Does he mean they intend to place him beneath a stone? They do this in my country, too. It's almost always fatal.\"\n\nHiro took a moment to parse the question. The lack of proper names helped keep the conversation secret but made the Jesuit harder to understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he replied in the Jesuit's tongue, \"and they will increase the weight of the stones until he confesses or dies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro switched to Japanese and told the dōshin, \"The foreigner does not speak our language well.\"\n\nThe dōshin nodded, neither surprised nor offended.\n\n\"May I speak with you privately?\" Hiro asked the dōshin.\n\nThey walked a few steps away. As Hiro hoped, Father Mateo remained at Ginjiro's side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shinobi lowered his voice as if to keep the priest from overhearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will the magistrate hear this case tomorrow? And press him immediately afterward?\"\n\n\"That's what I heard,\" the dōshin said, \"assuming the brewer doesn't confess to the magistrate during the hearing. Why do you care? You can't observe the pressing.\"\n\n\"On the contrary,\" Hiro said, \"we must. The foreign god has different rules than Japanese kami do. If one of his worshippers dies with a lie on his soul, the foreign god will send that man to the hell of everburning flames. The priest must witness the brewer's confession and confirm he died an honest death.\"\n\n\"How can a priest ensure a man is honest?\" the dōshin asked.\n\n\"How would I know?\" Hiro said. \"I'm a translator and scribe. I know his rituals. I don't share his faith.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think the yoriki will allow it,\" the dōshin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll have to get the magistrate's permission.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We will obtain permission.\" Hiro nodded, the gesture just shy of a bow. \"Thank you. Now we will leave, to save you trouble.\"\n\nThe dōshin bowed.\n\nHiro returned to Ginjiro and whispered, \"If you're guilty, confess at once.\"\n\n\"I'm innocent.\" The brewer spoke so quietly that Hiro had to strain to hear the words. \"I swear I am.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with 1 sentence more. Susan Spann vibes in mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre k?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiro soaked in the heated water, he considered the samurai guards throughout Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The presence of the samurai sent a message to the Ashikaga clan, as well as every spy within the city—a message that Matsunaga Hisahide met all threats with force." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, Hiro suspected Hisahide had a secondary goal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Samurai at the city gates would send a similar message with less effort and expense than posting men in every ward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro wondered what the acting shogun gained by flooding the streets with guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his intense frustration, the answer eluded him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Miyoshi's threat of war did not explain the city guards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An army on the march moved slowly, giving Hisahide time to secure the city before his enemies arrived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The battle would start outside the Japanese capital, not within it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro's instincts warned him that Hisahide was up to something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unfortunately, those instincts couldn't tell him what it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hurried home as twilight doused the final flames of the setting sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he passed the Kamo River bridge, he nodded to the grumpy samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard pretended not to notice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he reached the Jesuit's house, Hiro heard the distinctive murmuring of voices raised in prayer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled. Father Mateo held worship meetings almost every evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With luck, the shinobi could change his clothes and leave again before the Jesuit realized he'd been home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro laid his hand on the garden gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aggressive barking started in the yard across the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro turned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A giant akita strained against the woven rope that tied it to a stake in the neighbor's yard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro knew the dog did only what its nature called for, but he did not like the beast's near-constant barking in the night—or the memory that this dog had almost killed the Jesuit whose life was tied by oaths to Hiro's own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro stalked across the road in the gathering dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shinobi did not take revenge on beasts, but Hiro wanted to teach the dog a lesson." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stopped three feet from the end of the rope, sending the akita into a frenzy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The barking increased. A line of drool swung from the dog's bared fangs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The akita lunged against the rope, but cord and stake held firm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the weeks since the Jesuit's injuries, the neighbor had learned to tie his dog securely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro snarled, a sound in tone and timbre indistinguishable from the akita's own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dog stopped barking, momentarily confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro lunged. The dog leaped backward with a startled yelp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The akita growled. Hiro growled back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The akita barked, but with less confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro suddenly realized how foolish he looked and that he had momentarily—and unwisely—let his own emotions off the rope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't actually want the neighbor's dog to quit its barking altogether." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He loathed the beast for biting the priest, but as long as the neighbor kept the dog securely in the yard, the dog did make a decent warning system." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like you,\" Hiro said as the dog resumed its barking, \"but for now your usefulness outweighs the irritation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro returned to the Jesuit's yard and slipped through the garden gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hoped no one had seen his conversation with the dog." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't understand why he approached it in the first place—he didn't usually let emotion rule his conscious mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The difficulties of this day, and this investigation, must be having more effect than he had realized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro reminded himself that he must think before reacting from now on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gato greeted him at the veranda door with a mew and a patter of paws." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the cat rub against his shin and bent to pick her up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone—probably Ana—had already lit the brazier in the corner of Hiro's room and unfolded his narrow futon on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro gave the mattress a longing look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Given his plans, he wouldn't be using it very much that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gato squirmed. Hiro set her down and watched her trot into the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He left the door ajar for her return, crossed to his desk, and knelt before it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a moment to clear his thoughts, he walked his mind through his plans for the evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He visualized himself avoiding the samurai patrols and reaching Basho's shop without detection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once there, he intended to find Basho and learn what the merchant knew about the murder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He imagined the encounter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Basho would likely flee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his mind the shinobi tripped the merchant, who fell to the ground with a thump." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro opened his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thump was real." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Father Mateo's worship service had gone silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someone pounded on the Jesuit's front door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro leaped to his feet and listened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His urge to rush to the priest's defense waged war against the training that required him to hold his ground until he knew the nature of a threat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The visitor might not mean the Jesuit harm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro split the difference." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He crouched at the door that separated his room from the common room and listened.\n\nMoments later, a reedy voice called, \"Hiro-san! Where are you?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going three sentences at a time, also im going for a Susan Spann sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro left home three hours after sunset. He wore dark clothes and left his katana but carried his wakizashi, along with other, less common weapons he concealed within his clothes.\n\nHe kept to the shadows along the edge of the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even the neighbor's vigilant akita saw him leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he glided from shadow to shadow, he kept a watchful eye on the road. The choice to wear assassin's clothing would not go over well with the shogun's guards.\n\nDuring other investigations, Hiro wore his samurai clothes on nighttime missions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until recently, no one noticed a warrior out for an evening stroll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But edgy guards might stop a samurai out late at night, and a search of Hiro's person would reveal forbidden shinobi weapons.\n\nHiro passed the torii gate in front of Okazaki Shrine, silent as a shadow and ephemeral as the incense smoke that drifted upward in the starry night. He crossed the road and sneaked through private yards until he reached the final residence before the Kamo River." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The arrogant young samurai marched back and forth across the bridge, doubtless to combat his rising boredom.\n\nHiro smiled. Guards who sought to amuse themselves created opportunities for spies to pass unnoticed.\n\nAt the near end of the bridge, the samurai guard turned around on his heel and marched away with his back to Hiro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the guard passed the middle of the bridge, Hiro dashed across the open space between the end of Marutamachi Road and the line of sakura trees that shaded the path along the eastern side of the river." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time the guard turned back around, at the far end of the bridge, the shinobi had disappeared into the shadows.\n\nHiro headed south along the path beside the river, hoping to cross unchallenged at Sanjō Road. That bridge sat close to Pontocho." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With luck, the allure of beautiful women and glowing lanterns would distract the guards assigned to watch the Sanjō bridge.\n\nHiro slowed his pace as he approached the river crossing. A samurai stood at the eastern end of the bridge, interrogating a peddler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The peddler knelt, head bowed, and clutched a sack of goods before him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lanterns on the bridge illuminated the poor man's frightened face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai shouted a question and slapped the back of the peddler's head. The poor man cringed away from the blow, which made the samurai strike him a second time.\n\n\"What are you doing out after dark?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the samurai bellowed. \"Identify yourself and state your business!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The peddler lowered his face to his hands and moaned.\n\nHiro stopped in the shadows beneath the trees.\n\n\"What's in there?\" The samurai kicked the peddler's sack. It rattled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's in the bag?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai kicked the sack again, and the peddler lost his grip. The sack fell over. Wooden bowls spilled out into the dirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai grasped the sack by its bottom and shook it, sending a shower of wooden objects into the road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Worthless.\" The samurai dropped the empty sack. \"Nobody sells wooden junk after dark. What are you doing? Are you a Miyoshi spy? Speak up!\"\n\nThe peddler shook his head and pressed his face to the dirt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I said, speak up!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai kicked the peddler in the ribs.\n\nThe man fell onto his side. He raised his knees to his chest and curled his arms around his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the samurai kicked him again, he whimpered softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro's temper flared. Any fool could recognize a pauper heading homeward for the night.\n\nThe samurai kicked the peddler's shins. \"I asked you a question! Answer me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Conflict sliced through Hiro's chest like a sword through silken cloth. His hatred of bullies prompted him to intervene on the peddler's behalf, but Hiro knew the samurai would only arrest them both. He briefly considered assassinating the guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately, that could create more problems than it solved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro looked around for another solution.\n\nA pair of carved stone lanterns flickered brightly in a yard to the east of the bridge. They sat about four houses up the road, across the street from the Sakura Teahouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro heard Mayuri's voice in his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Clumsy carving, poorly finished... disgrace to a high-class street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro smiled. Perhaps he could solve two problems in one evening.\n\nWhile the samurai yelled at the peddler, Hiro scaled the wall that separated the river path from the private home beyond. To his relief, the house was dark and shuttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hurried through the darkened yard with no more sound than a pine tree shedding needles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he reached the street, he looked back toward the bridge. Distance and foliage made the samurai's anger less distinct, but his posture, and the peddler's quivering, told the shinobi the harassment hadn't ceased.\n\nWhen the samurai bent over the peddler, Hiro dashed across the street and into the shadows on the far side of the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He made his way through the darkened yards until he reached the veranda of the home with the flickering lanterns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Light seeped under the cracks in the house's entryway and glowed behind the oiled paper windows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The family who lived there was awake.\n\nHiro retrieved a pair of stoppered bamboo segments from a pouch concealed within his tunic. He double-checked the thickness of the segments and the stoppers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he checked the street and all the houses. He saw no one.\n\nA final glance toward the bridge confirmed the samurai remained preoccupied with the peddler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro raced to the lanterns—which were, in fact, as ugly as described—and dropped a bamboo segment into each." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He returned to the shadows, but didn't pause beside the house. He raced along the edges of the houses toward the river, counting off the seconds as he ran.\n\nJust as Hiro reached the final house before the bridge, the bombs exploded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The explosion split the silence, setting Hiro's ears to ringing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pieces of the broken lanterns clattered on the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro didn't waste a moment looking back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew exactly what the bombs had done.\n\nAhead, by the bridge, the samurai leaped away from the peddler.\n\n\"Run!\" he yelled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kyoto is under attack!\"\n\nBut instead of running toward the explosion, the samurai guard ran away across the bridge.\n\nHiro heard shouts behind him and risked a glance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The owner of the ugly lanterns ran into the yard and tossed a bucket of water on the wreckage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shattered lanterns hissed and sent up plumes of acrid smoke.\n\n\"Water!\" the man yelled toward his house. \"Hurry, before it catches the house on fire!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro knew the house was in no danger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had used small charges, packed with just enough explosive force to cause a nice distraction—and destroy the ostentatious lanterns.\n\nThe homeowner ran for another bucket.\n\nHiro hurried across the road to the place where the peddler lay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You need to get up and run,\" the shinobi said.\n\nThe peddler's moan explained why the poor man hadn't answered the samurai.\n\nHe was mute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro grabbed the peddler's arm and helped the quivering man to his feet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you can understand my words, you need to run—right now.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce three sentences using the prose and structure of Susan Spann every time its your turn using what the user wrote as a seed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro doubled back from the south and reached the rice sellers' street as the temple bells began to ring hour.\n\nAs Hiro expected, a samurai stood guard at the intersection of Sanjō Road and Karasuma Street. Hiro paused and observed the guard from the safety of the shadows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unlike the samurai on the bridge, this one didn't pace or seek distractions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He watched the road, bored but alert.\n\nHiro pulled a stoppered bamboo segment from his tunic. As he weighed the explosive in his hand, he considered its effect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bombs had served their purpose at the bridge, but after dark, in a silent ward, another explosion would lead to trouble Hiro didn't need.\n\nHe returned the bamboo tube to his tunic and bent to untie the thongs that held his trousers against his ankles. Once released, they fell into a standard hakama shape." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro hoped they would pass for normal trousers in the dimly lighted street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped from the alley and headed toward the guard, affecting the purposeful gait of a man on an errand.\n\nThe samurai turned as Hiro's footsteps reached his ears. Light from a nearby lantern shimmered on his graying hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The slenderness of his lower arms revealed advancing age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro hoped the guard was new and didn't know the neighborhood too well.\n\nWhen the shinobi drew within speaking distance, the samurai said, \"Come no farther, sir. Please state your name and business on this street.\"\n\nHiro stopped and bowed, encouraged by the samurai's politeness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good evening,\" he said, \"I am a physician on an urgent call.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai looked suspicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't see anyone go to call a physician.\" He took a closer look at Hiro and frowned. \"Is that blood on your clothes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro looked down at his clothes as if just noticing the spray of bloody droplets down the front. The dark fabric muted the color, but, as he expected, an experienced samurai recognized it even so.\n\n\"I was called to a fight in a teahouse. A cook and a brewer, fighting over a girl. I didn't even have time to put on proper clothes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hoped his tone was sufficiently nonchalant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't want to kill another samurai that night.\n\n\"Who won?\" the samurai asked, suspicion giving way to curiosity.\n\nHiro shrugged. \"The cook had a knife, but I think both men will live.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who called you here?\" the samurai asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They sent a boy—he found me at the teahouse,\" Hiro said. \"I don't remember the patient's name. The shop lies two doors past the one of a merchant named Basho.\"\n\nThe guard shrugged. \"No idea who that is, but before you go—my wife has a problem with a recurring toothache. The physician we consulted couldn't cure it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Toothache?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you tried mint tea? Any apothecary should have mint leaves. Buy the fresh ones—they work better than the dried. Your wife should chop a handful of leaves, boil them in water for ten full minutes, strain the liquid, and let it cool. She can drink two cups at a time, three hours apart, until the ache subsides. If that doesn't work, the tooth will have to come out.\"\n\n\"Thank you!\" The samurai reached for his purse. \"May I pay you? I don't want to take advantage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro shook his head and bowed. \"Not many men would treat a physician with courtesy and respect. I consider your generosity more than sufficient compensation.\"\n\n\"I wish you great success with your other patient.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai stepped aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro continued down the street, pleased that the samurai's personal needs played into his ruse so well. At the same time, his heart thudded in his chest and his stomach swirled with anxious tension.\n\nAs he approached Basho's warehouse, he slowed and moved to the side of the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lights flickered in the upper floors of half the merchants' houses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wealthy men could afford the oil to stay up after dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately, wakeful neighbors made the errand far more dangerous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro would have to wait for them to sleep before he entered Basho's shop.\n\nWooden shutters covered the front of Basho's warehouse, blocking the light from within. The upper story had no windows on the front and angled slats across the windows on the sides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro wouldn't know for certain when the merchant's family went to sleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Narrow alleys separated Basho's building from the ones on either side. Hiro stepped into the alley on the east side of the warehouse. Squinting up, he thought he saw a light between the slats of the upstairs window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfortunately, he couldn't tell for certain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro returned to the edge of the alley and looked out into the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw no one in the road and heard no sounds except cicadas and, more distantly, the hoot of an evening owl.\n\nHalfway along the alley, a pair of barrels sat outside a door that probably led to a private storage room behind the shop. Hiro lifted the lid of the closest barrel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The grassy scent of rice hulls wafted out, along with a hint of dust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro reached inside and found the barrel empty. It seemed solid and smelled clean, but merchants rarely left undamaged barrels out unguarded overnight. Faulty or no, this one would serve his purpose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro climbed into the barrel and returned the lid to its place above his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The space was dark and cramped but smelled far better than many places Hiro had spent the night.\n\nAs he crouched in the barrel, Hiro considered Chikao's murder, and why Ginjiro felt the need to hide the truth about his interactions with the brewer. Omissions seemed suspicious from a man who claimed he had nothing to hide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet Ginjiro wasn't the only suspect.\n\nKaoru's temper, combined with his love of money, gave Chikao's son a motive, too. However, in Hiro's experience, laziness trumped avarice when a murder required work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshiko claimed innocence, but Hiro didn't know how to interpret the samurai woman's denials. He needed more information about her whereabouts at the time of Chikao's death.\n\nThe lack of a clear investigative path made Hiro peevish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In both of the previous murders he solved—the one at the teahouse and the more recent one at the shogunate—specific facts had pointed the way to the killer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This time, the evidence didn't point in any clear direction.\n\nHiro hoped he could find Basho and that the merchant's information would prove useful. If not he had killed a man, and spent a night in a barrel, for no good reason." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Temple bells rang. An hour had passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stretched his muscles as well as he could to keep from cramping in the tiny space. His foot and ankle went to sleep, sending painful tingling up his leg. Hiro wiggled his toes until the unpleasant sensation went away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No sooner had he managed this when the other one started prickling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The temple bells marked the passage of another hour.\n\nHiro lifted the lid of the barrel and listened. He heard no human sounds in the alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All the houses he could see were dark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cricket chirped near the base of the barrel, but only once. Then silence fell.\n\nHiro left the barrel. As he replaced the lid, he heard footsteps in the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He crouched behind the barrel and pressed himself against the warehouse wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shadowed figure passed the alley. Hiro saw a scabbard sticking up behind the shadow's back and caught the faintest gleam of moonlight off the oiled chonmage on a samurai's head.\n\nHiro pulled a strip of cloth from beneath his obi and secured it over his nose and mouth." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thump of geta echoed on the porch of Basho's shop, followed by the hollow bang of a fist on wooden shutters.\n\n\"Basho!\" yelled a female voice. \"Get up and open this door at once!\"\n\nThe voice belonged to Akechi Yoshiko." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: two sentences\nGenre Classification: mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A second surge of adrenaline shocked Hiro's system as the assassin's footsteps pattered overhead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they faded into silence, Hiro hurried out from his hiding place and pursued the strange shinobi across the bridge.\n\nAs he ran, he caught a glimpse of the assassin disappearing into the shadows on Marutamachi Road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro didn't stop running until he reached the torii gate at Okazaki Shrine. There, he paused in the shadows to listen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard crickets and cicadas, nothing more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hoped his race across the bridge alerted the assassin to his presence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most shinobi abandoned a mission, temporarily at least, if someone saw them approaching the target's home.\n\nHe moved along the street, staying in the darkness when he could." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although he hoped the assassin had disappeared, Hiro didn't trust his hopes any more than he trusted assumptions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lights flickered behind the oiled paper windows of Father Mateo's home. The sight released a bit of the tension binding Hiro's chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shinobi would wait for the lights to go out before infiltrating the residence.\n\nHiro paused and watched for movement in the shadows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The house on the opposite side of the street from the Jesuit's was dark and silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro found himself suddenly grateful for the neighbor's akita. The assassin could not approach from that direction without triggering a fit of angry barking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something moved in the shadows near the fence that circled Father Mateo's yard. Hiro watched with horror as the strange shinobi approached the gate and slipped into the garden without a sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiro started toward the fence, he realized that Matsunaga Hisahide might have sent the assassin after Luis Álvares, believing the merchant's death would stop the weapon sale to the Miyoshi. That left Hiro with yet another ethical dilemma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He loathed Luis on a personal level but didn't think the Portuguese merchant deserved to die. Not unless his death would save the priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Iga ryu didn't care about the merchant, and the unknown client who paid for Hiro's services had never mentioned Luis Álvares. Even so, no other shinobi would harm the Jesuit's household on Hiro's watch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shout would send the assassin running, but he would return, perhaps at a time when Hiro did not expect him.\n\nHiro didn't intend to let his enemy slip away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A shinobi would notice someone following him through the garden gate, so Hiro slipped into the neighbors' yard and climbed an ancient cherry tree that sent its questing branches across the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the relative safety of the tree, he peered into the Jesuit's yard.\n\nA shadowed figure stood on the veranda outside Father Mateo's room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Jesuit's silhouette flickered on the paper panels, separated from the assassin by only a flimsy shoji.\n\nThe strange shinobi reached for the Jesuit's door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro retrieved a shuriken from a pocket inside his sleeve. He preferred to use the metal stars as fistload weapons, not projectiles, but he had no time to close the distance now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He measured the distance carefully. In daylight, and without obstructions, Hiro could strike a fatal blow to the man on the porch with ease." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tonight he had to make the throw in darkness and through branches, and he didn't know how quickly this assassin would react.\n\nHiro drew a preparatory breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The strange shinobi pivoted, and Hiro saw his opponent's face.\n\nIt was Ozuru." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro threw the shuriken but knew as he released it that the star would miss its target. He leaped from the tree and hit the ground as the metal star embedded itself in the porch with a silent thump." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't move.\" Hiro jumped to the veranda and drew his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I missed the throw on purpose. I will kill you if you run.\"\n\nOzuru raised his empty hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We have no dispute, Matsui-san.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We do,\" Hiro said, \"if you attempt to kill a man that I protect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ozuru lowered his hands to his sides. \"I came to warn you, not to kill the priest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro didn't believe him—not yet, anyway. \"Deliver your warning.\"\n\nOzuru's gaze flickered from Hiro's blade to the spots on his clothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes narrowed. He met Hiro's gaze and nodded, accepting Hiro's decision not to lower the sword.\n\n\"Hisahide has refused the Miyoshi daimyo's demand to surrender Kyoto. War is now inevitable. If the Miyoshi start that war with Portuguese firearms, Hisahide will declare this household guilty of treason. He will execute the merchant and the priest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Miyoshi weapons order has been cancelled,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hisahide has no cause to blame the Portuguese. Not the ones in this house, anyway.\"\n\nOzuru drew back in surprise. \"Cancelled? When?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yesterday,\" Hiro said. \"The merchant does not want to start a war.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My sources claim the sale proceeds on schedule,\" Ozuru said, \"and that your merchant simply arranged for a different Portuguese to deliver the firearms to the Miyoshi stronghold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro hid his chagrin behind an innocent expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You cannot blame Luis if another merchant revives a cancelled sale.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Matsunaga Hisahide will not consider that a cancellation,\" Ozuru said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I appreciate the warning.\" Hiro wondered what the Koga ryu would gain from helping Hiro save the Jesuit and Luis." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The respect and passive truce between the Iga shinobi and Ozuru's Koga ryu did not explain the other man's behavior. Somehow, the priest's survival—or the merchant's—benefited Koga's plans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro sheathed his sword.\n\nOzuru's expression softened. \"Koga desires stability in Kyoto. Foreign deaths will divide the city, creating opportunities for enemies far more dangerous than the Miyoshi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You mean Oda Nobunaga,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And others.\" Ozuru paused. \"Ashikaga Yoshiaki has left Nara.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The former shogun's brother?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro frowned. \"Can a monk lay claim to the shogunate?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yoshiaki renounced his vows when he left the temple,\" Ozuru said. \"Rumors say he does intend to claim the shogunate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much truth do these rumors hold?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ozuru shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would reveal no more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You should leave Kyoto quickly, with the merchant and the priest. This city is no longer safe for you.\"\n\n\"I understand.\" Hiro bowed but kept Ozuru's hands in sight. \"And thank you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do not thank me. I was never here.\" Ozuru sprinted to the wall and disappeared over the top without a sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro hoped he would move as smoothly when he reached Ozuru's age.\n\nThe door behind Hiro slid open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Father Mateo stepped onto the porch.\n\n\"I heard voices.\" The Jesuit looked around the yard." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 2 sentences in the mystery, historical fiction, Japan, historical mystery, 1500s genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two dōshin brought Ginjiro to the sand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The brewer walked with his head hung low and his arms and legs bound tightly by elaborately knotted ropes. Ginjiro's stained kimono bore a filthy witness to his time in prison." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they reached the shirazu, the guards took hold of Ginjiro's arms and lowered the brewer to his knees in the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ginjiro bowed his head before the magistrate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will read the charge.\" The yoriki's voice rang out across the yard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This man, Ginjiro, murdered a fellow brewer during an argument over a debt.\"\n\n\"How do you answer the charge?\" the magistrate asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro raised his head. \"I am not guilty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not guilty?\" Magistrate Ishimaki looked surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is correct,\" Ginjiro said. \"I did not kill Chikao.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The magistrate's forehead wrinkled in consternation. \"Can you prove this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro stepped forward. \"I can prove it.\"\n\nThe magistrate's eyes widened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Matsui Hiro? You are the man investigating the crime?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Magistrate Ishimaki looked out at the crowd, but didn't seem to find the face he sought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His gaze returned to Hiro. \"The yoriki mentioned seeing you at the murder scene. I should have guessed that you were the one Ginjiro's family asked for help.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiro bowed. \"Yes, Ishimaki-san.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The magistrate leaned forward. \"Tell me what you learned.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I object!\" Kaoru pushed his way through the crowd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ren followed close behind him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kaoru pointed at Ginjiro. \"That man killed my father. This... ronin... wants to interfere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On the contrary,\" Hiro said, \"I wish to see the murderer brought to justice.\"\n\nMagistrate Ishimaki shifted his gaze from Hiro to Kaoru as if weighing each man's words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last he said, \"Matsui-san will speak.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at Kaoru and added, \"You may speak when Matsui-san has finished. I wish to hear all the facts before I render a decision.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I request a favor?\" Hiro asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Magistrate Ishimaki frowned. \"Do not test my patience. I have granted you a significant favor by allowing you to speak in this man's defense.\"\n\n\"Yes, and I am grateful,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"However, I hoped you would order the dōshin to lock the gates until you render final judgment. The real killer is here, inside the compound, as we speak. I would hate to see that person slip away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Magistrate Ishimaki nodded to the yoriki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Secure the gates. No one leaves until this matter is resolved.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro waited until the massive wooden gates swung closed with a thump and a rattle.\n\n\"You will now reveal the killer,\" the magistrate said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I warn you, falsehoods will result in your sharing the killer's fate.\"\n\n\"I beg the magistrate's indulgence,\" Hiro said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot merely state a name. Unless I explain what happened on the night Chikao died, the killer will deny the crime. Ginjiro's innocence will not be proven.\"\n\n\"It's a trick,\" Kaoru said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's stalling for time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Silence!\" Magistrate Ishimaki glared at Kaoru." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will decide what is or is not a trick.\"\n\nHe looked at Hiro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Proceed with your tale.\"\n\n\"Ginjiro owns a brewery in the commercial ward,\" the shinobi said, \"a fine one, with fifty feet of frontage on a trafficked road. Chikao, with his partner Ren, owned a tiny, unlicensed brewery in an unnamed alley south of Pontocho. The only fortunate thing about the Lucky Monkey brewery is its name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What does that matter?\" Kaoru demanded.\n\nHiro ignored him. \"Chikao made offers to purchase Ginjiro's brewery, but Ginjiro would not sell at any price." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first, I wondered why Chikao would need Ginjiro's shop, and not another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro said he'd help the Lucky Monkey's owners join the brewers' guild, and the guilds assist their members when it comes to finding better space.\n\n\"The problem was, the brewers' za would not admit a man whose son ran up a debt and did not pay. Not unless that brewer demonstrated some substantial change that would allow him to prevent his son from causing future problems.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro's eyes widened. \"Like buying a better brewery and marrying that son to a woman with the skills to run the business herself.\"\n\n\"Exactly,\" Hiro said. \"But Chikao ran into problems. He couldn't get a loan to pay the debt. Then, the man who owned the brewery Chikao wanted wouldn't sell and wouldn't consider allowing his daughter to marry Chikao's son. In fact, that man—Ginjiro—wanted only to discuss the payment of the debt that Kaoru owed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kaoru scowled but did not deny the words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A series of arguments ensued, with threats exchanged,\" Hiro said. \"On the night of the murder, they argued again, and Ginjiro swore to collect on Kaoru's debt at any cost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The magistrate asked Ginjiro, \"Is this true?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The brewer looked at the sand beneath his knees. \"I made some threats, but I didn't mean them. Not the way they sounded.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Liar,\" Kaoru said. \"You threatened to kill my father, and then you did it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ginjiro tried to look at Kaoru but his bonds prevented him from turning all the way around.\n\nMagistrate Ishimaki frowned. \"So far, your tale does not exonerate this man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please indulge me by listening all the way to the end,\" Hiro said. \"After that final argument, Kaoru abandoned his father to go drinking in Pontocho. Chikao started back to his brewery for the night. On the way, Chikao ran into a debt collector seeking payment for another of Kaoru's debts.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiro turned to the crowd. \"That debt collector is here. She can confirm this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered whether Yoshiko would come forward without a fight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A moment later, he noticed movement in the crowd. The commoners cleared a path as Yoshiko approached the shirazu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stopped behind the pit of sand and bowed to the magistrate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am Akechi Yoshiko, the debt collector of whom Hiro speaks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will confirm that you spoke with Chikao on the night he died?\" the magistrate asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshiko nodded. \"I tried to persuade him to pay the debt that Kaoru owed my teahouse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he agree?\" Magistrate Ishimaki leaned forward, curious.\n\n\"He did not.\" Yoshiko glanced at Kaoru." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He refused and walked away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not before you struck him a blow in anger,\" Hiro said. \"You bruised his eye.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Keep going w/ 4 sentences more" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki gasped and broke into a run, fighting her way through the drifting snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No flames were in evidence, but as a child she had learned firsthand the unpredictability of fires. In an instant, an entire building could erupt.\n\nThe entry door stood wide. Someone was inside.\n\nMari." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The girl must have sensed Yamabuki's presence, for she looked toward the entry and smiled kindly, pulling the last of four logs from the irori, leaving only one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Already the smoke was clearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki sighed in relief and entered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just to be sure,\" said Mari as she gave a quick, small bow to Yamabuki before slipping past her and tossing the smouldering wood out the doorway into a snow bank.\n\n\"I'm afraid I caused this,\" said Yamabuki.\n\n\"Not at all.\" Mari returned and now bowed again with a polite smile. \"In the mountains it's harder to get smoke to rise. And the firewood's always damp.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mari spares me embarrassment and she now acts like it was in no way my fault." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still standing in the genkan, Yamabuki took off her fur boots, putting them next to Mari's straw pair, and stepped inside.\n\nMari picked up a small iron kettle. \"I've brought some hot food. Hot food fights the cold.\" Yamabuki braced herself for more kibi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nabe!\" Mari beamed as she lifted the lid off the pot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nabe, of course, was the word for kettle, but inside was what counted—hot broth and vegetables.\n\nYamabuki brightened. \"I shall now eat like a sumo player!\"\n\nYo-ichi appeared in the doorway carrying a tray of covered wooden bowls. He kicked off his straw snow sandals, but came no further than the genkan and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mari took the tray, presenting steaming unhusked rice to the warrior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see.\" Yamabuki grinned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I get the rice grains and you give my mount the rice straw.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yo-ichi shifted uneasily and grew slightly red faced.\n\nMari giggled, eyes twinkling. \"Samurai-sama is just making light.\"\n\nYamabuki laughed good-naturedly. But Yo-ichi hovered near the door, grinning uneasily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was probably not used to women's patter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mari bowed yet again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Last night we weren't ready for guests. Millet was all we had. Not a worthy meal for a samurai. I hope you'll like this better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wasn't hungry last night,\" Yamabuki lied. \"But I'm hungry now.\"\n\nYo-ichi left, promising to return shortly.\n\nMari placed onto the food tray a dark-blue flask bearing a white felwort mon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Gentian samurai left it for you early this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is this?\" Yamabuki asked.\n\n\"He said it's saké. And I was to also give you this.\" She held out a beautifully folded paper.\n\nYamabuki hummed skeptically and unfolded the note." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It still smelled of fresh ink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the warrior of saké and ice" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "May this flask soften the road's hardships\n\nCome to the House of Red Banners\n\nSo we can again drink together\n\nTo forget our homes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was written entirely in the calligraphy of Qin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A schooled hand. So much for his claim of bare literacy. She snorted in exasperation. It appears I'm being courted.\n\nA worried look crossed Mari's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it a challenge?\"\n\n\"Not to a duel, if that's what you think,\" said Yamabuki. \"Just a poem.\"\n\nMari sighed, relieved.\n\nYamabuki reconsidered. \"Well, maybe a challenge, but of a different sort. You know—\" She smiled slyly and shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mari gave her a questioning look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The kind between a man and woman.\"\n\nNow Mari blushed.\n\nYo-ichi returned, bearing a bundle.\n\n\"Your clothes.\" Mari took the bundle from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I apologize if I failed to clean them enough.\" She brought forth Yamabuki's folded kimono and hakama.\n\nThe clothes had been pressed. Yamabuki lifted the split riding skirt, which had received the worst spattering of blood; the distinctive rough silk with the green tortoise-shell pattern now betrayed not the slightest hint of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even the scent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was as if Mari had switched out the hakama for a new one, but that was impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pattern was unique. Getting the blood out silk must have been something an armorer's daughter had learned as part of the family livelihood.\n\n\"Will you please help me into my own clothing?\" Yamabuki asked.\n\nAt this, Yo-ichi left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mari stepped over to slide the outer door shut.\n\nYamabuki took the opportunity to quickly remove the scrolls from her sleeves and set them, along with her short sword, against the wall in the shadows. Hopefully the girl would not notice them.\n\nAs Mari returned, Yamabuki nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your brother has good manners.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mari bowed and eased the borrowed orange kimono off Yamabuki's shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope the Kōno family kimono kept you warm,\" Mari said.\n\n\"Very. It was warm and fit perfectly. And last evening, wearing it, I was able to move about not as a warrior, but as a person who might live in Minezaki. I wore makeup, so I don't think anyone recognized me, either.\"\n\n\"Makeup?\" Mari tried to suppress a small gasp.\n\nYamabuki pointed to her own left cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps I am vain, but the gash on my face had to be covered, which meant I had to cover the rest of my face as well, no?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And no one bothered you?\"\n\n\"Bothered me?\"\n\nMari's expression grew strained. \"In this town, if anyone—man or woman—wears makeup, it means the person is available for a rendezvous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki must have blanched, for Mari hastily added, \"But I know that since you carry a sword, no one would make such a mistake.\"\n\nYamabuki cleared her throat. \"No. Nothing like that.\"\n\nMari took the orange kimono from Yamabuki, set it aside, and began to help her into her own garments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the young girl fussed, Yamabuki said, \"You've cleaned my clothes so beautifully. I doubt our clan tailors could have done as well.\"\n\nMari brightened. \"Hai!\"\n\nWhen she had finished and Yamabuki was fully dressed, Mari collected the Kōno clan kimono and bowed. \"I hope you find your meal satisfactory.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stepped into the genkan and bowed again before opening the door.\n\nYamabuki called out, \"What about your boots?\"\n\n\"My boots?\"\n\n\"The straw boots by the door. Next to mine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Too big for me,\" Mari answered, genuinely surprised.\n\n\"Yo-ichi's?\"\n\n\"He's smaller than me.\"\n\n\"Whose then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A look of puzzlement flashed across Mari's face, but it was replaced by a smile. \"They do not belong to any of us. These are mine,\" she said, sliding her feet into a small pair of winter sandals. She quickly left.\n\nAlone, Yamabuki retrieved the three scrolls and slipped them into the safety of her kimono's ample sleeve pockets. Yes. It felt good to be back in her Taka clan colors and crests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sat before the food tray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last, a chance to enjoy a warm meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took the first mouthful, and it was like Mari had said. The food warmed her. She savored every bite, feeling her strength returning.\n\nWhat would her two handmaids think if they knew about the past eleven days?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had met so many new people, especially people as young as she, many even younger—and none, apart from Yoshinaka, was kuge class." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Growing up, the few young people she'd known were the sons and daughters of her uncles and aunts and of her father's senior council, all kuge, though none were like her. And she knew it. So did they.\n\nFor them, everything was about rank, appearances, currying favor and ingratiating oneself. The other highborn females showed little interest in training horses or mastering weapons, though some had at least a nodding acquaintance with naginata." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most, however, spent the entirety of their waking hours composing poetry and music and singing—much of it mediocre and all of it derivative—or thinking about how to look more fetching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And this carried over to the young males as well. Not long after their genpuku, they quickly learned that professing a love of poetry and music provided a convenient cloak for their lusts. They composed poems and songs, even more mediocre and derivative, dedicated to attractive girls of lower court rank.\n\nNone of these men, however, had dared entreat Taka-gimi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Courting a warlord's daughter was impermissible—not that Yamabuki was interested. She told Tomoko that she did not care for, nor did she have even the slightest use for, these young men, who were still mere boys, genpuku or not. No wonder she'd found a stable boy grown to manhood more fetching than any of them. Ryuma had been the first to cross a line that no youth at the Taka compound would have dared approach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had always thought that her life was governed by so many rules: what she could and could not do; where she could and could not go; what she could and could not say; how deeply she had to bow to whom, depending upon rank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And yet now she found that the nanigashi, what the kuge called commoners, were just as restricted, only in different ways, including what boys could and could not do, and what was expected of girls and what they were not permitted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were just as trapped as anyone at court. And it seemed the rules were just as complex—perhaps even more so when they encountered samurai, who were known to react unpredictably, even violently, if they felt imposed upon.\n\nShe recalled at the Barrier Strait when the young oyster girl offering to sell part of her catch to Yamabuki had hidden any fear. At the Wakatake Inn, Ishi-tsuki and Chi-ye, neither of them any older than Mari, had instructed Yamabuki in the steps of the fiery dances of the toi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the site of yesterday's duel, the knees of the farm girl carrying cloth to market had buckled upon seeing Yamabuki wipe blood from her blade, but the girl then braced up and maintained her composure. When Yamabuki had arrived in Minezaki, its townspeople were taciturn but for Kani, a youth who summoned the courage to answer her instead of turning mute. It was he who told her about the armory—where at sunset Yamabuki encountered the adorable child beating an already dead rat with a stick—a little girl with whom she shared the same childhood sobriquet: Kouma.\n\nAnd then there was Mari, who had treated the guesthouse as though it was Yamabuki's royal chamber." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In many ways, she substituted as Yamabuki's handmaid; and likewise Yamabuki was allowing herself a familiarity with this girl that she might otherwise not have displayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It occurred to Yamabuki that something was changed about herself, and not just from the killing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In each of the prior trips to Heian-kyō, others had always decided the route; others had always negotiated with merchants and ferrymen along the way; others had always dealt with threats natural and human." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she had grown up with the autonomy afforded a girl of high birth, only now did she begin to fathom that what she had thought of as her freewill and independence was nothing of the kind. Others had decided practically everything, and she in contradistinction had decided very little—if in fact anything. But now, away from the rules and customs of life back home, she had freedom to do as she pleased, to talk to whom she pleased in ways she pleased, and to go where she wished.\n\nShe decided she liked that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe she was more like the Dowager than she cared to admit. Maybe her grandmother's blood ran strongly in her veins, and no one was going to tell Yamabuki what she could do and could not do.\n\nWas that what her mother feared? That Yamabuki would be too independent? And never marry?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her thoughts drifted back to Yoshinaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt a smoldering attraction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was handsome like Ryuma, yet he was also so like herself, raised much like she had been raised. Yoshinaka had been forced to do what she had been forced to do—kill. And yet he retained a poet's soul.\n\nShe pondered his poem of invitation to share saké." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What else could she do in this boring little crossroads town until the pass cleared?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Samurai-sama!\" a young voice shouted. \"Samurai-sama,\" he repeated, now louder and more urgent.\n\n\"Yo-ichi?\" She put down her food and hashi and slid the outer door aside.\n\nThe young boy, eyes panicked, panted for breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My father begs your help.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help?\"\n\n\"Survivors!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write six sentences like Katherine M. Lawrence would, using user's text as beginning" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The light of the forge flames shone brightly, revealing Taro's grim expression as he gazed at the unconscious man, whose head lay on Yamabuki's knee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a soft voice, he said, \"This one was barefoot when he arrived.\"\n\n\"Barefoot?\" Yamabuki shook her head.\n\n\"He lost his boots. He said that during the night something pulled them off.\"\n\n\"Something?\" Yamabuki made a face.\n\nTaro nodded sagely. \"Strange things walk the road to the pass. Disquieted spirits cling onto the living and pull others into the abyss.\"\n\nShe cast a skeptical look. \"Disquieted spirits?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There were two other soldiers. I doubt they made it. After the thaw, we'll find what the wolves and scavengers haven't picked clean.\"\n\nMari came over and draped a blanket across the warrior. She then took over the ministering, resting his head on her knee.\n\nYamabuki stood and said, \"So this man is the only one who will live.\"\n\nTaro grunted and led her a few steps away. \"Maybe not even him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's warm and breathing. Surely—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His toes—\" Taro pointed at the man's feet, which protruded from the blanket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at them. Tōshō.\"\n\nYamabuki didn't understand. From what she saw, color had come back to the feet—save for the toes, which were as colorless as ice. \"You'll warm the toes,\" she said hopefully.\n\nTaro shook his head. \"The ice kami has already feasted on the flesh. Once warmed, the toes will turn black. Rot. And then the blood fever will come. After that—\" Taro shrugged. \"A terrible way to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can't anything be done?\"\n\n\"Yes, but he won't let it happen.\"\n\nYamabuki cocked her head. \"Won't let what happen?\"\n\n\"We take off the frozen parts before they turn black.\"\n\n\"Take off the frozen parts?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took a deep breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How?\" She already suspected the answer.\n\n\"We cut them off. But he won't agree. It's all his toes. And two of his fingers.\"\n\n\"So we do nothing?\"\n\n\"By the time they finally agree, it's always too late.\"\n\nThe man still breathed, though shallowly.\n\n\"He has no hope, then,\" Yamabuki said sadly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who knows? The blood fever kami usually doesn't spare anyone.\"\n\n\"You can reason with him.\"\n\nTaro walked over to a box. \"He won't want to reason with this.\" He lifted a saw with tiny razor-fine teeth like inside a shark's mouth, its handle dark with bloodstains. \"This will cut through flesh and bone quickly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long does it take to cut toes off?\"\n\n\"About the length of a shriek.\"\n\n\"All of them?\"\n\n\"Each.\" Taro straightened and looked Yamabuki in the eye. \"I won't give up, but the challenge is to get his permission.\"\n\nKeeping the saw behind him, out of man's line of sight, Taro approached the injured survivor, bent down, and spoke soothingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you hear me, samurai-sama?\"\n\nAwake after all, the Ōe warrior weakly nodded.\n\nTaro gently pulled the blanket back from the man's feet. \"Your toes. You see them?\"\n\nThe man opened his eyes and lifted his head to look. Then he sank back and nodded again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taro sighed. \"Not so good. The Yuki-onna must have brought the storm in hopes of embracing someone. She hoped to turn you into ice. You're lucky. All she got were your boots.\" He gave a sad chuckle.\n\nThe warrior managed a crooked smile.\n\n\"But then the kami of snow came\"—Taro pointed to the toes—\"and touched them, and two of your fingers. They're all white, just like the Gods. But mortal people can't have God parts. God parts kill us. Thus your kami toes must be taken off.\"\n\nNearly ice-white already, the man grew even more pale. He shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" he whispered. \"The kashira won't permit it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The kashira.\" Taro's face was grim." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't make it, but I'm sure he'd tell you to heed my advice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warrior rolled his head to the side and looked at the kashira's naked corpse lying in the morning sunlight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth twisted, and he turned his gaze toward his toes, his face set." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is up to you, but if we don't do this, you'll die,\" Taro said sadly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A warrior is not afraid to die,\" said the samurai with veiled pride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is true. But we are talking about life here and a battle which you could survive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A warrior with no fingers? Death is better.\"\n\nTaro glanced at Yamabuki as if to say his prediction had been correct.\n\nYamabuki screwed her face and broke in. \"You are right handed? Draw the bow string with your right, no?\"\n\nThe warrior looked up at her. With darkening eyes, he nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We've all met warriors who have lost fingers either in skirmishes or forfeit for making mistakes. Someone who has lost an ear or an eye or even a nose and have gone on to become illustrious, no?\"\n\nSlowly he nodded.\n\n\"For you, it's only two small fingers,\" she said with assurance. \"Afterward you'll still pull with the thumb and first two fingers, same as always. Same as everyone.\"\n\nHe frowned, and there was a long silence. He breathed hard and looked to Taro." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How will you... take off the God parts?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taro revealed the jagged blade. \"With this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A saw!\" the warrior snarled.\n\n\"I am fast.\"\n\nThe samurai's eyes betrayed everything—anger, fear, panic, resignation, each turning over in his head.\n\n\"No!\" He tried to sit fully up.\n\nMari laid a restraining hand on his chest. \"It's the only way,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No! I'll do it myself. With my own blade.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again he tried to sit upright.\n\nTaro touched the man's shoulder. \"You shouldn't move.\"\n\nThe guard lapsed back. Weak but resolute, he said, \"Hand me my blade.\"\n\nTaro pointed to the tachi. \"It's next to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warrior rolled onto his elbows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With his left hand, he seized the scabbard. With his right, he grasped the hilt to pull—but his fingers could not close, and he moaned in pain, gasping \"I can't!\" before lying back exhausted.\n\n\"I'll do it then,\" Taro said with gravity.\n\n\"No, you won't.\" Still panting, he gritted his teeth. \"But she can!\" He shot a hard look at Yamabuki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stunned, she resisted the impulse to look away, for his eyes expressed a strange mixture—anger and pleading.\n\n\"You are proficient?\" His words to her were not meant as a question.\n\nShe took in a breath, picturing what he was asking, imagining herself delivering a stroke to slice off the man's toes.\n\nAlmost growling, the samurai challenged, \"Even an average warrior can do what must be done in an instant. Are you at least that good?\" But it was all the fight he had within him. He closed his eyes tight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taro looked to Yamabuki. \"With your sword, you could make it go quickly for him. Clean cuts. After, there's the hot pike and my needle. But if he survives that, he has a chance. A fair chance.\" He looked expectantly at her.\n\n\"I don't like this one bit.\" She realized that she sounded exactly like her mother. \"It's savage.\"\n\n\"It's merciful. We need to be quick, while he still has the resolve and we haven't run out of time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one had ever suggested that this was any part of her duty. It had been one thing to kill an opponent with a thrust. But to methodically hack away pieces of a man? How was this part of the warrior's code? No one at the Taka compound ever spoke of such an eventuality.\n\nAnd yet, was this not what musha shugyō was about—encountering things she would never experience as a princess in a palace?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yesterday three men had fallen before her sword." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What was this compared to that?\n\nSomething inside her hardened. Perhaps forever. She slowly nodded. \"I agree.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre. I'll provide a starting point, and you'll continue with 5 sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tiger Cub whispered as it cleaved the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three cuts merged into a single blur. Misaki's two fingers dropped straight to the floor. Plop. Plop. She wiped her blade with a piece of paper and slid her sword back into its sheath. Everyone stood frozen. Misaki grimaced, but to his credit made no sound.\n\n\"Did she miss?\" Yo-ichi whispered meekly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taro went to Misaki's feet. \"She didn't miss. Clean cuts of a master swordsman,\" Taro declared as he lifted away the ten severed toes, throwing them toward the open back door. On all fours, he moved over to inspect the stumps where Misaki's fingers had been—and pulled back, gagging. \"More!\" He pointed to what remained of the little finger. \"You were conscientious samurai-sama. Some's left. Just a tiny bit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki eyed the nub of bone—white flesh that did not even ooze. It was an angular piece that protruded uncomfortably close to the healthy digits. If she let herself be careless and nicked his adjacent drawstring fingers, Misaki would never draw a bow again. If she was passing sentence in her home province for killing Blue Rice, would she now demand he forfeit more?\n\nYet again Yamabuki grimly centered herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blade flew. Misaki hardly flinched. Taro bent down a second time for another sniff. \"Perfect!\"\n\nHe grabbed the iron pike from the forge. The smell of hot metal filled the air.\n\n\"Brace yourself,\" Taro warned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pressed the pike's dull red tip against the raw toe stumps.\n\nMisaki gasped, pulling against the tethers. Burning flesh added to the odor of metal and rot. Taro quickly pulled the pike away.\n\n\"Mari,\" He commanded. Immediately she packed handfuls of snow over the burnt area. The snow reddened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Still some blood there.\" Taro drew a pre-threaded needle from his tunic. He spat on the thread, pushing the snow aside and began to sew, moving from stump to stump, wound to wound, stitching points only where blood still oozed.\n\nYamabuki marveled. Though his fingers and hands were hardened and thick from wielding a hammer, Taro's sewing proved deft and artful.\n\nThe air increasingly carried a pungent reek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki stepped toward the back door, vowing to hold her gorge until she got outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked down, for it helped contain the nausea—except that now her eyes came to rest on the white frozen toe remnants glistening in the daylight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In three long strides, she headed toward the guesthouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Out in the daylight, she doubled over and lost the content of her stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After nothing more came up, she cleared her mouth of the remnants of spit-up rice and bitter broth with a handful of fresh snow.\n\nWhen she re-entered the armory, the putrid odor had all but vanished. None of the severed toes and fingers were anywhere in sight. Mari threw something into the forge and a sizzling sound arose.\n\nMisaki lay very still, his eyes closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had heard from seasoned warriors that sometimes people died from blows not judged to be fatal, seemingly survivable blows, but which once delivered, jolted the victim's spirit loose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He dead?\"\n\nTaro said, \"He's had enough for the moment. Let him be. He'll be awake soon enough.\"\n\nAs for the dead kashira, someone had covered him in another blanket.\n\nShe turned and gazed out the doorway at the shimmering snow beyond. So beautiful. But such beauty took the lives of the men on the pass, and even one of the survivors had succumbed later to its touch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, but for her sword, no one would have survived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand gripped Tiger Cub's hilt, curling around the wrapping until her fingers blanched. Yukiyasu's steel was not unlike the snowy morning. Shimmering. Blinding. Deadly.\n\nShe released a breath. Only now, after she had killed men in battle and saved a life in need, did Nakagawa's lesson become clear in her mind: \"The sword becomes part of the person who wields it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not the sword that determined whether an act was wanton or compassionate. She, not Tiger Claw, had struck down the men yesterday. And she, not Tiger Cub, had removed Misaki's rotting flesh. Her actions—and to a large extent the course of events around her—were up to her. Not only did she have a hand in her own fate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her decisions changed the fate of others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a morning,\" Taro sighed. \"I would have started polishing your tachi except—\" He pointed toward Misaki.\n\n\"You said you'd have it today.\"\n\n\"Hai.\" Taro brightened. \"But I did mend your armor, samurai-sama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My armor? Already?\" She perked up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On a trellis-like wooden work rack, Yamabuki's dark green yoroi hung by knotted ropes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She touched the dō, running her hand across the spot where Shima's nodachi had ripped apart the kozane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The leather lacing connecting the platelets was not just mended—the entire chest protector bore not the slightest hint of a tear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The silk was perfectly matched. Taro had completely restored the armor—as new as the day she had left the Taka compound on this journey.\n\nTaro beamed at her obvious approval and change of mood.\n\n\"I would like to be fitted,\" the Taka princess declared.\n\n\"Eiji! Fuyuki!\" Taro called. \"Make yourselves useful!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two young men ran up as Taro offered to hold Tiger Cub." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boys immediately set to work, retrieving the suneate from the rack and kneeling to attach them to her shins. They fastened to her body each armor component methodically and efficiently as Taro supervised the work, saying, \"I admit, I was up all last night, but the armor's intricate and expert construction was sufficiently fascinating to keep me awake. Once I started working the new odoshi through the kozane, I lost all track of time.\"\n\nThe boys' tugged on the leather and jerked the silk ties, though no more firmly than did her handmaids back home." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Keep going w/ 6 sentences more" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Eight Bell Strikes, Hour of the Sheep, Second Day of Unohana Month, Eighth Day of Kokua, 27 April 1172, Taka Compound, Ō-Utsumi Prefecture, Isle of Unknown Fires ]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the opulent bedchamber of her shinden, with suneate and kote already snugly in place on her shins and forearms, and the heavy kusazuri armor skirt secured around her waist, Yamabuki reached out like a great bird, ready to be wrapped in her upper-body armor. Her two trusted handmaids slid the heavy green-lacquered dō around her torso and tied the silk side fastenings, taking the same pleasure mothers indulge in when fussing over a beloved child.\n\n\"The scent is so fetching,\" Tomoko said with a giddy laugh, \"when the armor's new.\"\n\n\"I think it's the fresh lacquer,\" said Hana-ye. \"I don't know why, but the dark green seems to smell the best. Do you think maybe that's why the Taka chose it for their armor's dominant color?\"\n\n\"Is that too tight, Yamabuki-sama?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomoko asked before continuing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Actually it's that I like the way the leather smells.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki smiled. \"That's rather un-Buddhist of you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha!\" Hana-ye scoffed. \"I don't think all warriors are Buddhists.\"\n\nYamabuki laughed. \"If the Emperor is Buddhist, then those who serve Him must be also.\"\n\n\"Buddhists are supposed to be vegetarians, but that doesn't stop us from eating fish.\" Hana-ye looked pleased with herself and licked her lips.\n\nAs her handmaids fastened the ties at her waist, Yamabuki said in mock officiousness, \"There's precious little fish in the Imperial City. It's easy enough not to eat something you can't get. We Taka cannot help it if there is only ocean to the east and to the south. We net what the Sea Deity bestows.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomoko and Hana-ye giggled quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki laughed. The banter kept her mind off the import of this, the next-to-final fitting. She knew they keenly felt this as well, for in special honor of this day and the princess whom they served, they wore their best everyday kimono: Tomoko in the cobalt blue Taka colors, and Hana-ye in the Taka's muted red.\n\nIn two days, she would have no one to fuss over her. She might not see her handmaids for another year, maybe two. Yamabuki would leave secretly and travel without bodyguards or royal escort. As for the armor, it bore no special badge of rank—merely the obligate crossed arrow feathers, seals of the Taka clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Yamabuki had told only Tomoko that Lady Taka had entrusted Yamabuki with a scroll. The princess was to hand it directly to Lady Taka's brother at the Palace of Spring Snow.\n\nTomoko, Yamabuki's age, had faithfully served the princess for over five years now; Hana-ye, two years younger, for three. Taka princess or not, Yamabuki felt they were as much sisters to her as any sisters by royal blood could be. And now she would be withdrawing from them, leaving an equally empty place in their hearts as well. And so they laughed and tittered all the more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomoko tugged again on the kote on Yamabuki's left forearm. \"Good. Tight though?\"\n\nYamabuki nodded. \"Much better than what I had before.\"\n\nHana-ye said, \"This is the second armor set since last spring.\"\n\n\"If you grow any taller,\" Tomoko teased, \"you'll be the tallest person in all of Great Bay Prefecture.\"\n\nYamabuki scowled and both handmaids giggled. Then Yamabuki moved about, stretching and bending to test the fit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was pleasantly surprised by its flexibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite its absence of markings of rank, this yoroi reflected the finest work of the Taka armorers. Always only the best for Taka-gimi.\n\n\"It's so bulky and heavy,\" Hana-ye chided.\n\n\"How ever can you walk in it?\" Tomoko asked mockingly.\n\n\"And if you had to swim for it—\" Hana-ye prompted, as she always did.\n\nAnd Yamabuki, as always, concluded with all of them, in unison, \"Armor's not for swimming!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And they all laughed.\n\nYamabuki heard her two bodyguards stir outside the nurigome's heavy doors. The girls fell silent. Yamabuki gave Hana-ye a conspiratorial look and whispered, \"Whoever it is, tell them I am not available.\"\n\nBefore the handmaid could utter a word, a voice boomed, \"General Moroto summons Taka-gimi!\"\n\n\"Etsu?\" Tomoko asked with surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki frowned. \"I have to obey.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hana-ye wondered aloud, \"Why send Etsu instead of one of the hand-men?\"\n\nYamabuki shook her head. \"Because my father wants me now.\"\n\nHana-ye called out, \"What should Taka-gimi wear?\"\n\nEtsu boomed back, \"Full armor.\"\n\nTomoko asked loudly, \"Where does the Great Lord wish to see Taka-gimi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He waits in the marshaling yard, and asks the princess to come with her swords and be ready for hard riding.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki said softly, \"I'll need my fur riding skirt.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two handmaids pulled it up around her waist, and while Tomoko fussed with the last of the knots, Hana-ye carried over the fur-wrapped scabbard cover." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This too will protect Mochizuki's flanks,\" she said brightly, clearly trying to add cheer to the moment. Yamabuki smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The handmaids quickly arranged Yamabuki's hair, wrapped it in a hachimaki, and set the kabuto in place. And since she went without a facemask, they were extra careful to securely tie the silk knots under her chin to keep the helmet snugly in place. Yamabuki nodded, and Hana-ye swung the doors outward.\n\nEtsu filled the doorway. He was the biggest man, maybe apart from Jun, she had ever seen. When she was a child, a story circulated about Etsu: to build his strength, every day from childhood on he lifted a foal high over his head, so that as the colt grew in size, Etsu's strength grew apace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first, Yamabuki had believed this story. But three years after her mogi, when the daimyō had presented her with a foal of her own, she tried to do what Etsu was said to have done, but it became obvious that horses grew to maturity far faster than did people. Mochizuki was nearly fully grown, even as a yearling. She felt quite foolish that she had ever believed the story.\n\nEtsu bowed, tipping his bulk toward her, and his voice rumbled, \"Denka!\"\n\nAs the large man led her across the shinden to the outer doors, Yamabuki dismissed her personal guards who normally escorted her everywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Etsu surely would be enough protection for her. Besides, she wanted to talk with him.\n\nThe warm late-morning air carried the scent of peach blossoms as they crossed her garden. A steady offshore breeze rustled the palm trees. Five white-naped cranes floated directly over the compound, heading into the north, squawking in formation.\n\n\"Maybe that's the last of the cranes we'll see until the Time of Cold Dew,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wonder where they go in summer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"North,\" Etsu said flatly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe to the Barbarian Isle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Etsu said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki grinned, looking at the man who towered even over her. \"Up close, those birds are tall as a man.\"\n\nEtsu shrugged. \"Some of them taller.\"\n\n\"Maybe when they land they'll chase the barbarians.\" Yamabuki laughed at her light jest—imagine, these gawky birds chasing giant, hairy kehito barbarians across open fields!—but Etsu merely breathed and opened the gate. At times she wondered what Etsu really thought of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What lurked behind the stony face and granite exterior? She never questioned his loyalty to her father and thus to her, but Etsu was a man of few words. Like a tiger, he hid whatever he thought deep within, behind eyes that revealed precious little.\n\nAs she followed him down the covered plank walkway toward the marshaling yard, her own thoughts shifted to two nights earlier, when she had worn three-layered kimono and courtly makeup while following Rei, her mother's lithe, scarred handmaid to Lady Taka's shinden. That rainy night, after giving Yamabuki a single scroll, her mother had said the daimyō would also entrust her with a dispatch. Was her father summoning her to hand her the scroll?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why would he want to give it to her while she wore full armor? With swords? And what about the hard riding?\n\nOnly more questions arose as Yamabuki and Etsu emerged at the threshold of the marshaling yard, where ten mounted samurai of her father's personal retinue—Yamabuki recognized each, and could name all—circled the ring, putting their mounts through their paces in an impressive demonstration of horsemanship.\n\nIn a royal manner and in the way of a warrior princess, Yamabuki turned to Etsu. \"Why has my father summoned me like this?\" She flicked a gesture at her armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Etsu grunted. \"Unknown riders. Warriors. Two, maybe more. Crossing down from the north.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki gasped. Nobody dared encroach on Taka territory, especially given the tortuous approach required to reach the compound. \"Whose riders?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Etsu gave her a sideways glance. \"Don't know. They slipped away from our pickets.\"\n\n\"Bad pickets,\" Yamabuki said with disappointment.\n\n\"Skilled intruders.\"\n\nThe marshaling yard was immense, circumscribed by thirty sprawling, walled estates of T'ang and Toi architectural styles—each with well-tended ornamental ponds, flowering trees, and lush shrubs that provided shade and tranquility—plus the clan's private Shintō temple, armory, sword works, fletchery, several grand meeting halls, cart houses, and stables—in effect an enormous open-air garden in the center of the compound, except this garden was routinely employed for the purpose of warrior training and preparation.\n\nNow, surrounded by such opulence, the central yard's simple loose-dirt training area roiled with dust as the mounted warriors dashed between decapitated and speared straw dummies that lay scattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this was no training exercise. As if in preparation for battle, the mounts ran bare-hoofed, without their protective straw coverings. Yamabuki never liked exposing her own colt to such hazard. If Mochizuki shattered a hoof or broke his leg, she would have to put him down. Not six moons before, General Moroto had disparaged her sentiment. Such words coming from a warlord's daughter!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What else are battle horses good for if not to rapidly carry riders over uncertain ground? Does the princess weep for every arrow she lets fly in battle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, Mochizuki meant far more to her than any bamboo shaft, regardless of what speeches the royal fletchers made about their craftsmanship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And she also had reason to believe that her father cared for his own mount, Kage, at least as much as she cared for Mochizuki. But she knew he could never admit it. How would it look if a warlord hinted he might put a horse's welfare before the objective of winning a battle?\n\nTwo and three abreast, the riders thundered around the yard. But her father was nowhere to be seen.\n\n\"I thought my father was waiting,\" Yamabuki said sharply to Etsu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ground pulsed. More riders." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All attention turned to the middle gate, a side entry that was rarely used. Six guards swung it open.\n\nOn horseback, her father, General Moroto, burst into the yard, eight mounted Taka samurai at his side.\n\nBut there were no prisoners. No heads." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a Japan, historical fiction, samurai thing. u write 2 sentences bits" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki sometimes wondered if she took more after her mother or father. Perhaps both; maybe neither." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whenever she gazed at her mother, she wished she could be like her: captivating, strong, talented, and limber, her physiognomy tapered, her complexion pale, her skin milky smooth jade—the ideal of beauty, the impression all the highborn of the Itō clan, including its men, conveyed to the world, even if it required white powder and rose blush to do so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And years of martial practice had repaid her mother generously in terms of health. Unlike say Tachibana's senior wife, who though several years younger looked brittle and walked stooped, Lady Taka could still hit targets with a bow and arrow while riding at full gallop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since childhood, Yamabuki had heard the flattering remarks that she shared her mother's subtle features." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet Yamabuki knew she herself lacked her mother's mask of tranquility that so well hid her own passions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With her father, it was different." }, { "from": "human", "value": "More complicated. As General Moroto, the bold and experienced shōgun, his demeanor was anything but tranquil." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hardy and dark complected, he bore the port of Hachiman, God of War, with a round visage that shone like a brooding sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A mere glance from him instilled a respect and obedience that verged on foreboding—even from Etsu and Jun. In exaltation, his men could not help but follow him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Yamabuki could be counted among them.\n\nBut within his shinden, her father would shrug off all the wildness as if he were shrugging off a heavy cloak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By flickering light, in quiet repose, he read tomes on ancient matters and wrote in his diary about the fine points of statecraft. And he could always be counted on for Wéiqí, the board game that the people of Akitsushima called Igo, a game which he often won, a game he said was \"to be mastered by every daimyō\"—and by that he meant Yamabuki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This morning, as he galloped past her in the marshaling yard, her father was not the man of thoughtful reflection as he raised his bow and stood in his stirrups." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In one smooth motion, he drew the bowstring back and released an arrow.\n\nThe sound of the snapping string mixed with the arrow's whistle, immediately followed by a loud crack as the shaft shattered the target." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The downrange target judge cried, \"Hit!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "as the two board halves landed in a pile of previously broken pieces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without hesitation, a boy who no doubt was being groomed to be a warrior ran from nowhere and set a fresh board into place.\n\nYamabuki's father, still in rhythm, already had another arrow in hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a single motion he drew and released, breaking the second target." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shattered a third." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A fourth. And a fifth before finally turning Kage at the end of the run." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At a canter, he rode up to Yamabuki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You hit them all,\" she said with an admiring nod.\n\n\"Easy to shoot things that don't move. How nice it would be if targets never shot back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grinned darkly. \"You ready to ride?\" Before she could answer, he called out, \"Bring Taka-gimi's horse!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A young groom led across the yard Mochizuki in full battle array—bow and ebira stuffed with arrows hooked to the saddle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mount shook his head, eyes half wild." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tried to rear. The boy struggled.\n\n\"Hold him!\" Yamabuki snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She snatched Mochizuki's harness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy backed away as Yamabuki made sure Mochizuki was indeed ready for hard riding. She inspected the tack, lifted the stirrups, and tested that the saddle was solidly placed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mount up,\" Moroto commanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki gave him a long look. \"The yumi is not strung!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She handed the reins to the stable boy. \"Keep him still!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With one hand she produced a heavy length of asa twine from her pocket, while with the other she grasped the bow, which was as long as she was tall, by its middle. Deftly she fastened the twine to the top, bit the loose end, and braced the yumi's tied end in a notched wooden block that lay on the ground—one of many scattered throughout the archery yard for just this purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bending down on her left knee, she rested the bow against her thigh armor and pressed her weight down onto the middle. The laminated hardwood and bamboo composite yielded and creaked under the force." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking the hemp twine from her mouth, she slipped its free-end knot over the end without looking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The yumi was strung." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You move like you were in a mirror,\" Moroto said, commenting as usual on the fact Yamabuki accomplished this left-handed.\n\n\"Either side works, Tennō. What if I was wounded?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she answered firmly but respectfully. \"I must inspect the arrows.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need. The groom's seen to that.\"\n\n\"He's only a stable boy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's ride out!\" Moroto turned about, barely keeping control as his frenzied mount came up on his hind legs—which in turn excited Mochizuki, who tried to break free.\n\nYamabuki lunged, seizing Mochizuki's bridle before the boy lost control." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The colt fought to pull away, but she would have none of it and grabbed his mane. Still he tried to rear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Overcoming the weight of her armor, she leapt, swinging herself up, and placed her left foot in the stirrup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mochizuki, legs prancing, carved a circle as Yamabuki settled fully into the saddle and adjusted her hold on the reins, shrugging her shoulders, appreciating again the freedom her new armor afforded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Laughing, Moroto shouted, \"You've left him too temperamental.\"\n\nYamabuki shouted back, \"Just the way I like him!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The eight riders who had ridden in with the daimyō came alongside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tennō! We must escort you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moroto waved them off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have all the escort I need.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced at Yamabuki.\n\n\"Ha!\" she barked affirmatively, just like her father's retinue always did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where are we going?\"\n\n\"The Trap! See if you can keep up with me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With that, dirt flying, he raced Kage through the open gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In an instant, Yamabuki assessed the situation. The Trap, a trail that ran down from the north into Ō-Utsumi by hugging the sea, was the least obstructed, and thus most obvious route for any would-be invaders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki cried out, \"Ha!\" and Mochizuki leapt immediately into a gallop, pursuing the daimyō out of the compound." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: six sentences\nAuthor Emulation: Katherine M. Lawrence\nGenre Classification: Japan, historical fiction, samurai" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moroto swung his leg over Kage's haunches and jumped to the ground. Yamabuki followed his lead, and they walked, leading the horses by their reins. The ground was soft, and it felt good to move her legs. But her mind was full of questions. Sacrificed? How would I be sacrificed?\n\nHer father said, \"You know the timing of your mogi was entirely my idea. My own mother, of course, had different ideas. You noticed, the Dowager did not attend your mogi. She knew what it meant, that you had all but been made the heir apparent to lead the Taka. Something she still has not come to terms with. She has her own ideas about who you should be and what you should do. When you celebrated with your mother and me—the three of us drank saké together—it was more than an empty form. You are more than Taka-gimi. You one day will be warlord of the Taka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki's heart started pounding. Of course, she had known this was the likely outcome; after all, she was the eldest and only surviving child, and it was not unheard of for a woman to rule a prefecture. And had not Yamabuki trained hard all these years? Still, to hear him say it so plainly came as a shock. She said, \"Even though I am a woman?\"\n\n\"You are a woman, but you are no fool. Many people said I was a fool to train you and teach you, but if you had not had it within you, that inner strength that cannot be taught, then you would not be here at this moment. You would have found a hundred excuses for why you could not rise to the challenge, other things to divert your attention, and as princess you would not have had to look far. Your facility with the language and script of the Yellow River Delta, for example. You could easily and rightfully have buried yourself in such studies. Yet you devoted yourself to martial skills with equal determination. Plus training up Mochizuki. This shows character.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki flushed with some pride." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not every day that Lord Taka heaped praise upon his daughter. But she was not unaware of how family dynamics could play out in lines of succession. She asked, \"What of your brother's son?\"\n\nMoroto let out a deep belly laugh. \"Atsumichi? Our men are unlikely to follow him, much to my brother's dismay. Yes, he's a male Taka and son of a master swordsman, but Atsumichi is more interested in seducing girls than being a warrior. Jabbing with that tiny blade of flesh between his legs is all he seems to care about.\"\n\nYamabuki couldn't help but grin at the bawdy description, for it suited her cousin perfectly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I speak roughly, but you must accept the fact that warriors speak their thoughts in a different way. At times, you must speak roughly as well, without ever surrendering your status as Taka Princess. Like earlier, when you upbraided the stable boy for being unable to control Mochizuki. You know the men were watching you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She forced a smile.\n\n\"How would you deal with an inept boy? Would you be his wet-nurse or his warlord? Who they saw was a leader who would ask much from them, and in men this brings out their best.\"\n\nShe realized her father was looking at her. Watching her. She said, \"There were no intruders, were there?\"\n\nMoroto smiled as if he'd been waiting for this question. \"There were unexpected visitors, but that was several days ago. A group of envoys.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had not heard this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No one did. They traveled as sōhei—presumably to avoid the wrong kind of notice. There's always some pilgrimage that monks can be on, no? They met in private with me, Prince Tachibana, and Lord Nakagawa. Your mother listened from the blind.\"\n\n\"They were monks?\"\n\nHe grinned. \"In fact the six were warriors, envoys looking to rally support for a dispossessed warlord who has ambitions on the Imperial throne.\"\n\nYamabuki snorted.\n\n\"Don't underestimate the discontent among the kuge. Ambition and conquest are ever on their minds.\"\n\nYamabuki said, \"I just thought they would have learned from the Hōgen and Heiji rebellions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heiji Ran failed, yet it enhanced the power of some people, including Taira no Kiyomori, who now acts with Emperor Masahito's backing. Someone always benefits.\"\n\nYamabuki frowned, not liking where this was going. \"You're not joining this foolish cause, are you, Father?\"\n\nRather than scold her for questioning his leadership, Moroto laughed. \"I will not tangle you up in a war for the throne!\"\n\nHe laughed some more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gradually he stopped, wiping tears from his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is of special interest to us is news from Higo\"—the province to their immediate north, ruled by the Kikuchi, one of the largest clans on the Isle of Unknown Fires. \"Kikuchi Daimyō has joined his ancestors.\"\n\n\"Lord Tsunemune is dead? When?\"\n\n\"Ten days ago. His son immediately assumed rulership and took Takanao as his daimyō name.\"\n\nYamabuki gave her father a hard look.\" 'Peace with one, then war with his son,'\" she recited.\n\nHer father nodded. \"Takanao is of your years and ambitious, and it is said Takanao holds no affection for the Emperor. That could make things around here... interesting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki said, \"You're expecting he'll be trouble for the Mikado.\"\n\n\"Kiyomori, perhaps.\"\n\n\"Does not Kiyomori serve the Emperor?\" she asked, sensing there was a truth hiding behind the truth.\n\n\"Kiyomori is the real power. He masks it, pretending he acts in the Emperor's name, but he makes sure the Emperor's interests always align with his own. Our best course is to stay out of any Imperial conflict, even if it reaches our borders. We would have nothing to gain and everything to lose.\"\n\nYamabuki shrugged confidently. \"No enemy would dare attack us. From the sea, they'd have to scale these cliffs, and our archers would annihilate anyone trying to approach through the Trap.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And yet, Ō-Utsumi is a valuable holding,\" Moroto said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When you come to rule, people will want to encroach, manipulate, or topple you—and not just because you are a woman. However\"—he paused, searching for words—\"conflicts are sometimes not settled through battle but avoided through\"—he cleared his throat—\"marriage.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki stopped walking, holding the reins tight as Mochizuki lifted his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope this has nothing to do with me.\"\n\n\"Yes and no.\"\n\nWas he to revoke her musha shugyō? Force her to marry someone?\n\nMoroto said, \"I take it your mother delved into your interest in marriage?\"\n\nShe tried not to show her discomfort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your face says she did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She adopted a grim countenance. \"We talked about killing.\"\n\nHer father laughed softly. \"I suppose that's what happens when your wife and your daughter are trained warriors—they discuss killing.\"\n\n\"Mother reproached me for being\"—she took a deep breath—\" 'a willful wanderer' and all but said musha shugyō was a dalliance that would endanger the Taka.\" She looked into her father's eyes, hoping for escape from what sounded like a nightmare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She says my karma is to bear sons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kage snorted as if in response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moroto stroked his neck to calm him. \"Karmas are complicated. Your mother loves you. You know women's ways. You know it is to protect her young.\"\n\n\"Mother went on musha shugyō!\"\n\nMoroto laughed. \"Of course.\"\n\n\"You were married afterward.\"\n\nMoroto nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then why can't this wait? Takanao already has wives!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I believe the envoys confirmed he has three.\"\n\n\"And now he wants to make it four?\"\n\nMoroto gave a sardonic snort. \"You mean you? Hardly. I would never sanction a match with him. He would use such a marriage to weaken Taka rule and claim Ō-Utsumi Prefecture as his own. And you would languish in some shinden far away from everything and everyone you love. That will not be the fate of Taka-gimi. My daughter. My only heir.\"\n\nThe wind picked up, sending ripples through the grass. The horses grew restless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mochizuki put his nose against Yamabuki's shoulder, nudging her. Kage, hooves dancing, swung around as Moroto held fast the reins.\n\nHe said, \"But this does not mean in the future a marriage might not be advantageous. As Taka-gimi and as Daimyō, you must do what is right for you personally, if you are able, but always what is right for the Taka.\"\n\nBoth mounts snorted, exciting each other, eager to move, eager to run. Yamabuki welcomed the intrusion, not at all caring for this conversation. She'd not even left on musha shugyō and her father was talking about advantageous matches! \"Should we ride?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moroto jerked down on Kage's reins to hold him still, and reached into his sleeve. He pulled out a scroll wrapped in green-and-blue silk brocade. The whole thing was about as long as her tachi's hilt, and not much thicker. His eyes fixed on hers. \"As soon as you reach Heian-kyō, go to the Palace of Black Plums and deliver this scroll to my brother, Nobuyori.\"\n\nYamabuki solemnly accepted the scroll and tucked it safely into her sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will do as you say.\"\n\nHis eyes grew fierce. \"Be watchful in the Imperial City, Kouma. The miyabi-obsessed kuge of the Emperor's Court claim superiority by tracing their lineage back hundreds of years. To them, we Taka are lower order. They will toy with you like a cat toys with a mouse. You know the Tale of the Taka.\"\n\nShe recited from the opening:\n\nAs always, and in ancient times, before any place else,\n\nThe Sun Goddess shined Her first light on the land of the Great Bay" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To grace the people called the Taka.\n\nWhen man's time dawned, Taka ancestor Great-Hawk-Fire-Wind-Seeker drew his bow\n\nShooting a single stone arrow into the High Plain over the Autumn Creek Land.\n\nWeeping-Maiden-of-the-Milky-River-of-Stars then caught the arrow\n\nShe threw down the first grains of rice like tears from Heaven.\n\nHer father narrowed his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you make of those words?\"\n\n\"They are beautiful.\"\n\n\"Look behind the poetry for the entire truth. According to the Annals of Ancient Matters, of which I have a copy from the second original, the founder of the Taka, Great-Hawk-Fire-Wind-Seeker, was known by another name—Jinmu Tennō.\"\n\n\"The first Emperor,\" Yamabuki said softly.\n\n\"The Annals record that he led a great army that sailed from Mimitsu. What it omits is a story handed down amongst the Taka, from generation to generation: There was a split. Some of our ancestors opposed the expedition to annex the isles of the north. They remained, and we have been here ever since.\"\n\n\"I never heard this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is more. The Taka can trace their ancestry back before Jinmu, back thousands of years, across the Leeward Sea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To Zhou?\"\n\n\"No. To Chōsen.\"\n\nYamabuki stifled a gasp. Throughout her studies, Goryeo, the peninsula across the Leeward Sea—where it was said the Toi who had raided Ō-Utsumi and neighboring prefectures came from—had fascinated her. She'd read about the dynasties that rose and fell, and the wars that were fought. The confederated Chōsen kingdoms had grown to control the entire peninsula and ruled for thousands of years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To think, her ancestors lived there!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But while Yamabuki's whimsy carried her to distant and ancient lands, Moroto remained in the present. \"On your travels, especially in Heian-kyō, remember who you are, Taka-gimi. The Fujiwara, the Minamoto, now the Taira—they are powerful, but they are not better than us.\"\n\nYamabuki had never seen her father so distraught. \"I will be cautious.\"\n\nMoroto laughed at himself. \"Look at me, the nervous father. Let me just say this: As princess, as shōgun, as daimyō, the challenge is knowing whom you can rely on. Some men, they put on armor and look like warriors but let you down when you need them most. You will meet many of those in the Imperial City. But others\"—and his eyes glistened as he spoke—\"the armor is not what they put on, it is a part of them. They are true warriors.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He clapped a hand on the plated green-lacquered sode protecting her shoulders." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And they'll always be warriors, armor or not.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around five sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nAuthor style: Katherine M. Lawrence\nGenre: Japan, historical fiction, samurai" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki smiled to herself and turned. Yoshinaka stood just inside the front doorway, his eyes sparkling, his white kimono almost glowing in the light. His long raven-black hair hung to his waist. He had just now recited an opening line of a poem, initiating a game played among kuge of refinement. In high court society it was sport to finish the couplet on the spur, going back and forth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before she could reply, he put the back of his fingers to his lips and nodded at Taro—who never looked up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She left Taro to his work, and joined Yoshinaka at the doorway. \"For spring light drives off winter's gloom.\"\n\nYoshinaka laughed, dark eyes bright. \"You have dash.\"\n\n\"And only now you realize that? I took you for someone with far more perspicacity.\"\n\nHe studied her as carefully as she studied him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You disguised yourself well last evening, the first, last, and only time I saw you. Moving in flowing orange robes, hair tied in ribbons. You had cloaked your face in oshiroi. You were quite fetching. And you are even more lovely now, without courtly makeup.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki threw a sly glance his way. Oh a charmer, this one. He doesn't need saké to turn his tongue to seduction. And he is as pretty as a girl. She glanced at his shoulders and legs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Grinning, she turned her cheek. \"My face looks better when it's not rice-white, you say? What do you think of the gash, which the oshiroi hid?\"\n\nYoshinaka gazed at her as if she were the only thing in the world. \"I did not notice.\" She felt herself blush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the morning sunlight he looked younger, more handsome and powerful than he had appeared under lamplight—and usually that went the other way around, or so it was said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To be beautiful, this man did not need dim braziers. No. Early daylight.\n\nThis morning's poetry challenge remained unfinished, for it was now his turn to supply the next line. Unfinished business. More unfinished business. Unfinished business before getting on to the subject of intimate names. Intimate names? Was that where this was headed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her stomach fluttered at the idea.\n\nHe glanced away. \"I noticed you had some excitement here.\"\n\nOf course he would have heard something in this tiny town. But Yamabuki had things other than impetuous Ōe guards on her mind. Nor did she wish to speak of Misaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of that fit the romantic mood taking shape in her thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She deflected. \"Not excitement. Simply a misunderstanding of my disposition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dissatisfaction with dispositions is so often the root of unrest.\"\n\nNot quite sure what he meant by that, she changed the subject, bowing slightly—the bow of an equal. \"I received your kind gift and calligraphy. Arigatō gozaimashita.\"\n\nYoshinaka bowed in return. \"So formal? I hope my poor hand did not disrespect the poetry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such modesty! She said, \"The embodiment of miyabi.\"\n\n\"Now you flatter me.\"\n\n\"Flattery deserved is but description.\"\n\nHe bowed in thanks and stared into her eyes, his mouth bent in a slight grin. \"Should we perhaps drink the saké to determine if it too deserves flattery?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until that moment, Yamabuki had been enjoying their banter, but now she felt a twinge of guilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Alas, the saké was used as omiki to the Gods.\"\n\nYoshinaka waited, but Yamabuki offered no explanation. He finally said, \"May the Gods describe the offering to Them accurately.\"\n\n\"The Gods did not seem displeased.\" No need to say more to him, the one man who would understand what she felt." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka grinned and pulled a small flask of saké from his sleeve.\n\nShe smiled. Breath shallow. \"Come.\" She led him through the armory, out the back, toward the guesthouse. \"We can drink in privacy here.\"\n\n\"And talk,\" he added.\n\n\"At least that.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "STORY CONTINUATION REQUIRED:\nLength: 2 sentences sentences\nStyle: Katherine M. Lawrence\nGenre: Japan, historical fiction, samurai" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once inside the guesthouse, Yamabuki felt a burden lift from her shoulders. The irori fire warmed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She and Yoshinaka placed their fur boots next to the mystery pair made of woven straw, which still awaited an unseen owner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they stepped up from the genkan, Yoshinaka said, \"Nice lodging.\"\n\nShe bade him to sit next to the lively small fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He placed his two swords on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki put Tiger Cub next to her.\n\nThey sat for a moment in silence taking in the warmth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Yoshinaka held out the stoppered flask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The same Shinano saké as last night.\"\n\nYamabuki cast a look around the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mari must have already cleaned. I have no bowl to pour it in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said, \"No need\"—and he reached again into his sleeve—\"for I brought two flasks.\"\n\nThe saké warmed her, and it also went straight to her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course it did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I lost the morning meal. She gazed at him, studying his face, and then she decided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes. This is going to happen I will let it happen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She let herself smile. \"Are we going to go into battle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes grew serious. \"Battle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She brushed her hand down her armor. \"I'm the only one who's wearing full yoroi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hope this is not a signal of something ominous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where did you leave yours?\"\n\n\"Not very far. Still on Kōno's trellis. Do I need to don armor?\" Yoshinaka sounded dismayed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" she said flatly. \"If you aren't wearing yours, then please help me doff mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rose and stretched out her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated. \"You know this means I will have to touch you like an armorer or handmaid.\"\n\n\"Hai,\" she said. \"I am not concerned by this. Are you frightened of me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without another word, he stood up, coming around behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The sode go on last and come off first.\" He moved ever closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smelled of saké... just barely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt the sode shift slightly. So he has touched my shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled to herself. She felt the armor piece lift away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put it down on the floor near her bedding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rose, and again his hands touched her. She liked this. Different than when a handmaid or armorer undressed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His fingers lingered, though she could hardly feel them as he slipped loose the leather fastening and stacked the second forest-green piece atop the first." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Taka Shōgun, would be so kind to get down on one knee? I need to untie your dō.\"\n\n\"Taka Shōgun, is it? You are so formal with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ha! I have never had the pleasure of helping a future daimyō out of her armor, and so beautiful at that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was he saying her armor was beautiful or was it she?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did he know where she wanted to take this next? She thought about it as she dropped to her left knee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He came around to undo the fastenings which were on the right side of the chest protector." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Tomoko and Hana-ye untied the corselet she was only vaguely aware of their presence, always too busy in conversation with them to pay much notice to the mechanics of unfastening ties. Now in silence, with only the crackling fire and the occasional gust of wind, she heard herself breathing heavily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She listened to the soft sound of his kimono. His movements were not those of a server, more of a courtly dance—like the one she had performed for everyone at the Inn of Young Bamboo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each movement measured. Each turn of the hand studied. Gentle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Subtle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lifted the chest protector away and placed it next to the sode.\n\nWordlessly she stood, and he carefully removed the kote from her arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neither of them said anything. For Yamabuki, the silence only added to the growing sense of excitement—the intensity which she felt building between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To anyone coming upon the scene, it would have simply appeared to them like what it was, one person helping another take off armor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the quiet, intimate process caused her pulse to race—anything but mundane.\n\nHe unfastened her kusazuri and laid the heavy armor skirt aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally came the suneate off her shins, and the last pieces were stacked.\n\nWith the armor removed, Yamabuki stood in her kosode under-kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hakama riding skirt bloomed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dance, their proxy for passion, had come to an end. But Yoshinaka did not say more, nor did he sit back down, but stood silently, gazing at her with the intensity of a warrior, but she felt no fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the dance was over, she knew she had to sit down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If not, she had to take it to the next step. She smiled. \"My handmaids could not have done better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka's eyes flashed with something akin to relief. \"Oh to have such a position.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He affected the voice and expressions of a maid. \"Though I would not know what to do in the presence of a lovely woman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not very difficult. Next, my handmaids would help me out of my hakama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am not sure I know how I could do that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka put his hand over his mouth, but his eyes were anything but innocent.\n\nYamabuki sensed he was waiting for her to encourage him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had decided, but he was being exceedingly polite. Then again, she had made it clear the prior evening that there would be no touching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was now up to her to modify that rule." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like this,\" she said, stepping closer. She thrust her hands toward his own hakama's belt and pulled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reached behind him, letting her hands touch his body for the first time, and pulled the back knot loose and the split riding skirt fell away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now you,\" she said, her voice growing husky.\n\nYoshinaka, no longer feigning affectation, pulled the front and back ties on her hakama, which likewise floated to the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not waiting, she untied his obi and pulled his kimono off his shoulders. Almost as quickly, he then did the same with her kosode." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both now stood only in their shitagi.\n\nNo longer smiling, Yoshinaka's eyes grew intense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He placed his hands on her shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gazed back into his eyes and nodded hard just once. With that, he slipped his hands under her shitagi and slid it over her shoulders, pulling the undergarment halfway down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused, gazing at her breasts. Awestruck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waited. It was up to him to take this further.\n\nHis fingers grazed her there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her breath caught as her nipples grew hard, and it thrilled her down her body to her center." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He released her shitagi and it slid down to her feet.\n\nHe looked at the cloth around her hips, and his eyes widened. \"A fundoshi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think it inappropriate? It's for all warriors, ne?\"\n\n\"I did not know women, even women warriors, wore them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pulled the cloth down a bit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you do not know Taka warriors.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did not add that during her time of month, she absorbed her flow with the little saddle, and that the fundoshi was very useful for such circumstances.\n\nHe put his hands on her loincloth and gently pulled it down, leaving her in her nakedness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His own fundoshi was still in place, and it had developed a sizable bulge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki fell onto the bedding. Yoshinaka moved onto his knees and lowered himself over her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pulled his fundoshi off with a flourish, touching his hardness, letting her fingers move down its length." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be gentle when gripping the tsuka,\" he said melodiously.\n\n\"I am gentle with everything I put in my saya.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Putting a sword in its scabbard happens at the end of a battle.\" He breathed hard. \"This battle is just beginning.\"\n\nShe exhaled, smiled, and moved her legs apart." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "2 sentences sentences. Japan, historical fiction, samurai stuff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Third Day of Long Month, 22 September 1153 ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On market day, with Ichiro feigning illness—which he substantiated by managing to vomit when he stuck a finger into the back of his own throat—Saburo took his brother's place with the cart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He brought ten perfect cherries that he had fresh-picked from the family orchard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He planned to walk up to Sairyū the moment he arrived and offer her the cherries, but when the Kinu clan arrived, Mika-geishi immediately put Saburo to work unloading the cart. Saburo carefully placed the cherries away from the dust that was kicked up in the market area, and there they would stay until he was free." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he would go talk to Sairyū.\n\nOnce the silk stand was set up, Saburo saw that a crowd of buyers had descended upon the straw weaver's stand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sairyū was busily selling hats, baskets, rain jackets, sandals, mats, and all manner of straw-woven things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not the time to barge in. Then the Kinu stall got busy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo's father barked orders. His mother chided him to work harder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gulf across the road to her cart grew as wide and turbid as a river, overflowing with people—a flood which Saburo would wait to ford.\n\nFor most of the day, Saburo kept waiting for a right moment, but when was a right moment?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when he approached her, then what? What if she were to say she did not like cherries?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What if she said she did not like him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What if she said nothing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What if she ran and hid? As he thought of all these possibilities, his legs grew too heavy to cross to the straw weaver's stall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By day's end, most of the silks were sold. The sun had already moved low into the west." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Realizing there never would be a right moment, Saburo, his mouth dry, gathered himself and went to get the cherries. But now, with them in hand, only he himself could prevent himself from going up to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I can do this. I can do this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's just putting one foot in front of the other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The once-teeming road now held just a trickle of people." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could clearly see her. Pretty. Plain—nothing like the fancy woman his new mother made herself out to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sairyū was everything Himeyo was not. Unpretentious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Innocent. Humble without ever being low." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His knees wobbling, Saburo took the first step across the road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One step and then the next. And the next. Saburo made his way across the road, fifteen steps, if that, a short distance to the straw weaver's cart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sairyū stood there alone. She looked up at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without saying as much as hello, nor volunteering his name, he thrust his palm out to her and said, \"Would you like some cherries?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gazed into his palm, looked up, smiled sweetly, nodded, and then to his utter amazement took a single cherry from his open hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can have more. They're all for you.\" He grinned.\n\nShe smiled again. Their eyes met." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiles with her eyes.\n\n\"I'm Saburo,\" he said, suddenly beaming so broadly he thought he might look foolish, but she just looked back, mirroring him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha! Fish Eyeball! There you are,\" his father called from the silk cart.\n\nSairyū giggled with embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo flushed.\n\n\"What are you doing there, Fish Eyeball? Get over here!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He realized she was staring straight into his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was she laughing because of his eye?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe that was it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo dropped the cherries and ran as hard and as fast as he could back to the silk cart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing?\" his father thundered as Saburo ran up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Talking to a girl? You're lazy. Stupid. Get to work. That girl's not for you. She's laughing at you. Can't you see?\"\n\nAnd indeed, Sairyū stood at the basket vendor's stand, looking down at the cherries spilled onto the dirt, her hand over her mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those cherries were from our orchards, weren't they?\" Himeyo snapped. \"And you are giving our food away to some basket maker's brat? Get to work!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But there is no work to do,\" Saburo said.\n\n\"You dare speak to your elders in this way!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mika-geishi grabbed the boy by the scruff. \"Show respect!\" He pushed Saburo hard against the cart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Associating with a common weaver of straw!\" his mother hissed. \"You are of the Kinu! How do you ever expect to rise if you put your snout in the mud with the lowly!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo looked to his brothers and sisters for help, but they silently went about their work.\n\nNeedless to say, on the Full Moon of Long Month, when the next market day came, Saburo was left to tend the caterpillar trays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Make sure they get their fill\" were the last words Mika-geishi said as the family rolled off to market with more bolts of silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His brothers did not look his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sisters giggled. The parents looked ahead. The cart rumbled on until Saburo could hear it no more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Left alone, he listened as the shed filled up with the soft sound of the greedy, munching larval mouths feasting in the leaf trays. He remembered his mother standing before him, covered in yellow-green pustules." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To him, the silkworms forever sounded like approaching death—soft and imperceptible, and whose horror did not reveal itself until it was too late.\n\nSaburo had already decided he would not tend to the caterpillars as he had been told. Instead he donned a nondescript cotton traveling kimono, one which would not identify him as a merchant's son, stuffed a few personal belongings into its sleeve pockets, along with some fruit, and left the silk farm at a brisk walk, forever." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "lets do a Japan, historical fiction, samurai thing. u write three sentences bits like Katherine M. Lawrence would" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Three days past First Half Moon of Rice-Ear Month, Second Week of Taisho, the Great Heat, First Year of Hōgen, 30 July 1156, Iwakawa-jiin ]\n\nOne warm, sunny, and quiet day, a small contingent of sōhei arrived at Iwakawa-jiin. A commotion erupted at the gates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ōgane boomed in rapid rhythm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alarm! Aka-rui ran through the inner courtyard, shouting, \"Everyone to the front. Help the bettō!\"\n\nSaburo immediately set down his calligraphy brush, grabbed his walking stick, and ran toward the front. Nin-tai already stood just outside the gate, as priests, postulants, and novices folded in behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aka-rui and Saburo made their way to the front of the assembled as the temple bell's last toll echoed from the bluffs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo found himself facing eleven heavily armed warrior-monks who were irate about something, he was not sure what. They stood no more than five paces from the bettō, so close that Saburo could smell their rank sweat. One look at them and Saburo's heart turned into ice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His breath caught in his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sōhei stood larger than any of the priests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most had huge hands with which they gripped their sword-tipped polearms. Although their tunics were not all that different from those of the priests of Iwakawa-jiin, they wore mailed cowls and hoods. Only their eyes provided clues as to their expressions and thus their emotions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was eerie how their eyes agitatedly darted back and forth as they looked to one another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps seeing Saburo's fear, perhaps to reassure, Aka-rui opened his robes just a little, revealing the leather-wrapped hilt of the short sword he had brought with him when the two of them had first arrived at the monastery.\n\nSaburo almost gasped.\n\n\"Don't be afraid,\" Aka-rui whispered, flashing Saburo a knowing look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nin-tai, who saw nothing of what was happening between the two boys behind him, remained calm, not moving. \"Iwakawa-jiin is not a martial order,\" he said to the warrior-monks. \"We do not carry weapons. We aren't interested in proving anything through the force of arms.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha!\" said the leader of the \"Eleven,\" as Saburo later came to call these particular men. The leader had a deep voice, as well as a faded scar, likely from a blade lick, that crossed over one eye. \"And those hardwood walking sticks?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thrust his finger at the syncretics." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you not armed? That bunch behind you is here to back you up, or are you saying they're here to meditate!\"\n\n\"These?\" Nin-tai swept his arm. \"They're unarmed. The walking sticks help the old men and children climb the steep trails in the mountains,\" he said in a soft but commanding voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All we want to do is go back to our prayers. This temple has nothing you want or need. Please leave us to our meditations.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scarred leader raised his naginata. \"We'll decide when and where to go, not you, old man.\" For emphasis, he flicked the naginata, and the blade-sheath flew away, exposing the shining blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He lowered the polearm and slid into a low stance from which he could strike with speed and power.\n\n\"This is too much,\" Aka-rui hissed and started forward.\n\n\"No!\" Saburo seized Aka-rui's sleeve, but Aka-rui twisted, and Saburo's fingers lost their grip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aka-rui jumped out from the assembled priests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've dared speak to the bettō in such a disrespectful way,\" he shouted. \"Apologize now! Prostrate yourselves before the holy man! Immediately!\"\n\nThe sōhei leader's eyes brightened in amusement, and he laughed wickedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nin-tai put himself between the Eleven and Aka-rui." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go, Aka-rui,\" he whispered. \"Go. Leave now.\"\n\nThe man with the naginata mocked, \"Listen to the yamazaru who is certainly brighter than you, Baka-rui\"—a deliberate mispronunciation of the young priest's name, twisting Aka-rui, bright, to mean common fool. \"An idiot disciple follows a mountain monkey!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The leader laughed, looking at his fellows, who burst into laughter along with him, adding rude simian noises and making monkey-like gestures." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nin-tai turned and guided Aka-rui away.\n\nThe leader of the Eleven muttered, \"Shove your walking sticks up your backsides.\"\n\nAka-rui looked over his shoulder and pulled open his tunic to reveal the short sword's hilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll shove this up inside yours, if you like.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not a martial order? Ha! Liar!\" the scarred man howled. His naginata flashed.\n\nAka-rui pushed Nin-tai clear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There came a terrible sound as the blade tore flesh and bone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood spurted. Aka-rui fell instantly.\n\nDead.\n\nNever had Saburo seen anyone killed, let alone be cut down in this horrid way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nin-tai bent over the boy-priest whose white robes were soaked red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo stood stock-still in horror as the naginata swept again.\n\nNin-tai fell. His blood flowed and pooled with Aka-rui's.\n\nThe temple priests shrieked and shook their walking sticks—and then, as one, all eleven warrior-monks moved their polearms into fighting position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The deputy abbot, Dayu-suke, turned to the priests and waved his arms over his head. \"Everyone hold!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the priests followed his order and did not advance, they continued to raise their staffs and shout angrily at the hooded men, but it was in vain. The Eleven marched right through the gate, shoving aside anyone who got in their way, and swarmed through the temple, throwing open cabinets, ripping down banners, apparently searching for objects of value. But Iwakawa-jiin, though a proud order with roots in both Shintō and Buddhist traditions, was not a temple filled with riches." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: Extend text by 2 sentences sentences. Replicate Katherine M. Lawrence's style. Maintain Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Full Moon of Leaf Month, Seventh Night of Shūbun, First Year of Heiji, Year of the Earth Rabbit, 29 September 1159, Soft Breeze Shrine, Suō Prefecture, Main Isle ]\n\nUnder the bright glow of the Full Moon, walking by himself, Saburo arrived at Soft Breeze Shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shima had offered to accompany him into battle with the Eleven, but this was something Saburo had to do himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must kill them,\" he had replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For others to do it would deprive me of the satisfaction.\" And so Shima waited below with the horses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shrine itself was located up a steep crag, cradled amidst a natural ring of enormous stone pillars—a veritable fortress that could be reached only by trekking up a long series of very steep steps carved out of a sheer cliff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once near the top, the path wound its way around boulders taller than three men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first Saburo heard nothing but insects and the rustle of wind through the trees, but as he worked his way through the ring of granite, raucous singing reached his ears. Bawdy songs. The shrine's priest no doubt had run away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shrine itself was quite small—one building that served as shrine and dwelling for the priest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It stood unguarded. No sentry. Likely the Eleven were confident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anyone approaching enemies would have to take the steep rock path and come in single file." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo's tachi and Aka-rui's short sword were sharp, polished, and pristine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not wear armor, just a simple-looking riding kimono and hakama chosen for him by Shima from among the Ōuchi martial gear—but which was specially designed for assassinations. Though it looked ordinary enough, the kimono had inner sleeves with cleverly sewn-in pouches for weapons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Four tantō daggers and two throwing stars were tucked away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gave one last check of the inner flaps to make sure that they were properly folded back. The weapons had to easily slip into his grasp when the moment came." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There would be no allowance for fumbling.\n\nHe had rehearsed the battle countless times at the Ōuchi Compound, but in training he knew his opponents, fellow students who played the parts of the Eleven, so he always had a pretty good idea where they would be sitting, and their combat skills, along with their favorite tricks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this would be different. He had no idea of what he'd find, no way to know how matters would unfold, except that the Eleven were experienced killers, and that once engaged in a fight, they never held back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only important question was how many of the eleven men he would take down before he himself fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a life after, or is that merely a story we tell ourselves to push away the anguish of death?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If there was a life after, then he'd find out. If there wasn't, then there was nothing to worry about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo uttered his final prayers, certain that he would not emerge alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three years of preparations would end in this rocky arena with walls so high that they all but blocked the glow of the Full Moon. After Nin-tai's and Aka-rui's deaths, he had pictured his own tall stone grave post in the burial ground somewhere near theirs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But likely when people found his body here—if they found his body—no one would know who he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No name would be inscribed in stone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His grave marker—whether his name was inscribed there or not, whether his body was buried or left for the scavengers—would be the high stone pillars surrounding him now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fitting that they were so tall. An Emperor could not wish for a more grand memorial, though Masahito's name would at least be remembered. His would not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He huffed with amusement at this thought. Strange that at a moment like this he could feel amused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The singing, laughing, and carousing continued unabated from inside. Saburo adjusted the eyepatch, took a long, deep breath of fresh autumn air, and walked through the dark red uprights and crosspieces of the torii gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was crossing from the profane to the sacred. But what he planned to do to the men inside was anything but sacred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will now defile a holy place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo paused before the doors of the shrine that were guarded by a pair of stone-carved lion-dogs, their granite mouths cut into perpetual snarls, their fangs and hungry tongues showing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He gazed into their frozen stone eyes that returned only their terrifying countenance. Was he, too, like one of them now? A granite lion-dog." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth was dry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had looked forward to the ritual of clearing his mouth out with water before entering the shrine, but the chōzubachi by the entry door was empty. Without the actual priest around, who would fill it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously none of these \"spiritual\" men. But that did not matter now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as the door opened, he would strike.\n\nMy last night on earth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His heart beat so hard that his ears throbbed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo raised his hands to announce to the Gods he was coming into the shrine. And if the Gods stayed to watch, what wouldn't they witness now?\n\nHe clapped his hands together." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 2 sentences, keeping within the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Hour of the Sheep, One day past Full Moon of Unohana Month, Second Year of Shōan, 10 May 1172, North Road, Nagato Prefecture ]\n\nIn death, Shima seemed larger than Saburo remembered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sword master lay face down in the mud, long arms extended fully out over his head, fists still clutching the man-length nodachi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the cold drizzle, his indigo and orange yoroi glistened, appearing polished and pristine, except for a bloody gash just under his ribcage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo knelt down next to him and gently nudged his shoulder, and it yielded slightly. The body had not yet begun to stiffen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not dead long. He pushed harder and rolled the body face-up.\n\nHe suppressed a gasp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had killed many targets and been in terrible battles with grisly carnage, but nothing prepared him for the lifeless face of his own mentor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mud smeared his cheeks and jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sand grains clung to his eyeballs and invaded the creases of the lids. Rainwater dribbled from his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shima's eyes were clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No sign of the black that swallowed the eyes of victims of fugu poisoning.\n\nThis meant the false monks weren't the killers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What had earlier been his slight regard for a mere girl disguised as a samurai turned into bitter rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clenching his teeth, he poured water from his canteen across Shima's eyes, rinsing away the grit. Then closed them.\n\nSaburo closed his own eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to compose himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was renown even among the shinobi for his ability to kill anyone efficiently, without compunction or remorse, and always with discretion. He always applied patience and attentiveness, things he had learned from his old mentor-father Nin-tai, in everything he did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had never failed in an assignment. For the man of the shadows, death brought clarity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He focused now on what he knew and didn't know." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The routine calmed and centered him, bringing him back to cold reality.\n\nEarlier, as he had come up the road, he'd encountered farmers carrying fabrics." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He saw terror on their faces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the time, he'd assumed he—an unpredictable armored samurai on a lonely road—had frightened them. But then he came upon the scene and realized the dead bodies had terrified those pitiful farmers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had they actually watched the battle, seen the Taka girl defeat these men?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If so, she was only a short distance ahead.\n\nHe could dash up the road and cut her down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was possible she might not expect someone to rush up so soon—or at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But experience had taught him that appearances could deceive and to always check for the small clues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He slipped a hand under Shima's dō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His chest, the thickest part of his body, was only slightly warm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki could have done her killing as long as an hour before. Possibly longer.\n\nPlus she was on horseback." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although that made her easier to follow, it also meant she was traveling faster than he could on foot—two to three times faster, even accounting for periods when she would have to walk to let her stallion rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unlikely he could catch her before nightfall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet she would have to stop somewhere for the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could get his chance while she slept.\n\nHe swept his gaze around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aki lay face down, pierced by one stabbing thrust through the lung. The Taka girl surely had done that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Across the road, Ie's body lay sliced in two from a much more brutal and powerful attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shima's nodachi, no doubt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why had the fools attacked Shima? Had he tried to help the girl, only to have her turn on him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had she caught Shima with his guard down and killed him out of spite or malice?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. His guard wasn't down. Clearly from how he fell, she'd struck when his nodachi was raised high, poised for attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For her to have killed Shima with one thrust in face-to-face battle indicated superb skills for anyone, let alone a young noblewoman that Kuma had dismissed as \"untested.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obviously she had been trained to a high level. Why go through all that trouble for a mere girl?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Taka,\" he hissed out loud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a small, secretive, and rather isolated clan, and yet his client seemed to know exactly when she'd departed on her journey and what she carried. Kuma had to be Taka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why did Kuma want these particular two scrolls?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why did he want the warrior dead, her body never to be found? He had said she was \"high rank.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could it be that she was of very highest rank?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a policy, Saburo preferred never to ponder why he was being hired; yet now the petty intrigues within the Taka clan had touched his own life.\n\nHe stepped back to take in the entire battle scene—the footprints, the trampled brush along the road's edge—and then he noticed the deep wheel ruts and trudging indentations from footsteps tracking past the roadside shrine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fabric merchants. At the Barrier Strait, he had watched them slowly, awkwardly roll their cart aboard the kobune that carried the Taka warrior, Shima, Aki, and Ie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No doubt they came upon the scene here only once the battle was over and pushed their cart straight through, wanting nothing to do with dead bodies. They couldn't have gotten far since then." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! gimme three sentences more in Katherine M. Lawrence's voice. stick to Japan, historical fiction, samurai pls" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The day's light waned, but Saburo maintained his brisk pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As always, he kept his ears tuned to the sounds around him, which so far were just the unremarkable murmur of the forest. Birds, insects, squirrels. Even in the unseasonable cold, the pulsing mating chorus of minminzemi filled the air, each insect falling silent as he moved past, then rejoining the song behind him.\n\nHe now regretted his choice of wearing armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mushi no shirase. The bugs were letting him know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guise of samurai had seemed perfect when he had set out on the North Road from Akamagaseki, but now its little squeaks and clacks as the platelets shifted on his body distracted him—and obstructed his hearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt the presence of Shin-en once again. She has killed Shima, the monkey whispered in his skull. Why is she still alive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Shin-en began its shrieking and howling. Unable to clear his mind, Saburo grappled with the monkey. He had to refocus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Focus! Details reveal events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo turned his attention to Yamabuki's large colt's hoof tracks in the mud hardening in the unseasonable cold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By their separation, it was clear that the horse maintained a steady pace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But additional marks told him that the false silk merchants also walked ahead of him, how far ahead he could not tell. The pattern of their footprints, two abreast, indicated military training.\n\nWell, it was no matter for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their intrigues almost certainly bore no connection to his task.\n\nHis mind focused on killing the Taka warrior—and immediately Shin-en returned, shrieking and howling in excitement as Saburo pictured the expression on Yamabuki's face when his sword sliced open her belly, and the sound of her body hitting the ground, her eyes empty.\n\nAs the sun fell below the trees, thickening clouds above burned blood red before ripening into smashed, bruised plums." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gloom settled upon the forest. Trees and rocks disappeared into murk. And Saburo realized that the false silk merchants' footprints had disappeared as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped to listen. The insects had fallen silent. Gentle wind rustled the treetops." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He reached out with all his senses and heard a distant voice. A laugh. A whiff of burning pine. Campfire? The men who were not silk merchants were making camp, but where?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he saw it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over to the left, a vague glow seeped from a copse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the span of three breaths, he weighed his options. The Taka warrior likely would stop in Minezaki. If so, he would lose nothing by investigating these men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't because he wished to discover the reasons of their ruse. The idea of having armed men behind him annoyed him.\n\nQuietly he unfastened his Hayakawa armor and stacked the pieces behind a tree trunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cold air chilled his skin under his sweat-damp kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Somewhere, an owl called oooooooo-hoooo-oooo, sending luck and protection against misfortune through the woods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Protection for him? Or for those men?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was this a mistake?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As if in response, the sharp blue light of the rising moon illuminated the treetops—then almost immediately was swallowed by dark clouds. The forest was giving him his answer. The blackness provided a shield more effective than any armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tucked the swords into his waist sash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then as silent as the silence itself, he slipped into the forest, becoming one with it. Wind whispered through the pines. Again the owl called ooooooooo-hoooo-ooo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And men's laughter, suddenly so loud in the dark void, answered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The campfire glow grew brighter as Saburo approached. In the middle of a small clearing, several stacked branches blazed with fire. Six men moved about, casting long ghostly shadows into the woods." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They wore robes of sōhei.\n\nIndividual voices began to find their way to him.\n\n\"It will be good to sleep in a bed tomorrow,\" said on with slightly slurred speech." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think Kiso will let you rest with the news we're bringing?\"\n\n\"Kiso doesn't trust the Ōuchi.\"\n\n\"He trusts the beauty of their women.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men laughed quietly.\n\n\"He trusts the beauty of all women!\"\n\nMore laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Beauty visits all clans.\"\n\n\"And that's why in the end they will side with Kiso. He understands how to win.\"\n\nAgain they laughed. Indeed, these were no monks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voices fell silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sharp-sweet smell of cooked rabbit filled the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not the diet of religious men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The aroma brought back memories of the night he'd first met Shima. Now Shima lay dead in the road. No burial. No rites." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And shinobi or not, priest or not, Saburo knew the sutras. He could have at least performed the rites before leaving.\n\nShin-en whispered, You should feel guilt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo pushed Shin-en aside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Guilt was a luxury an assassin never dared buy.\n\nOne of the men said, \"The general won't like the news about her brother.\"\n\n\"Ne,\" said a deep voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say nothing about it.\"\n\n\"We have to.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because it was he who convinced the Ōuchi to meet.\"\n\nAnother asked, \"Will there be a meeting without him?\"\n\n\"Let Kiso decide,\" the deep voice answered, and the other voices fell silent for a while." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wanting to see their faces, Saburo floated closer, like a ghost, making no sound, a shadow within shadows, until he felt the warmth of the fire against his cheeks. A trio of intersecting skewers held the large, skinned animal roasting over the flames.\n\nThe six men, heads uncovered, did not have the shaved heads of Tendai monks but the wild black manes and beards of buke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Warriors. Large warriors at that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their naginata leaned against tree trunks, the poles adding to the dancing shadows from firelight, but the men themselves remained armed with both tachi and personal swords. Even so, they behaved as if they had no concerns about any potential threats around them. If they had sensed danger, they would not have kindled a fire and roasted a rabbit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they sat at their ease, tearing hunks of flesh with knives and fingers and swigging from a passed-around flask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And unlike sōhei, who lived lives attuned to the nature surrounding them, they had permitted death—in the form of Saburo—to steal so close without challenge.\n\nA squat man took a gulp of saké and shook his head. \"They should rename it the Isle of Obstinate Daimyō. Kikuchi. Itō. Taka. Sagara. Shimazu. They think that somehow they can stay out of it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warrior next to him, thicker, with wilder hair, said, \"The Taka brother Tachibana was interested. You saw?\"\n\n\"Kiso would like the Taka woman.\"\n\n\"The warrior on the boat this morning? A tall sapling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That sapling killed the Ōuchi fencing master.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Baka!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He challenged her on the boat. They obviously had a duel.\"\n\n\"And what about the dead monks? She killed them too?\"\n\n\"Maybe her hands are fast. A killer kills.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me that flask.\"\n\nThe squat warrior passed the saké bottle to the wild-haired man—who took a deep gulp—and reached out over the fire, tearing off more meat. For the space of thirty breaths, the men said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Damp branches crackled in the fire as the men chomped, swigged, and sighed over their meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had a thought,\" said a warrior across the fire, whose gray-tinged hair suggested he was eldest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if the sapling is Taka Daimyō's answer to Kiso's entreaties?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gazed one by one at each of his companions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She could be with him right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chewing, the squat man said, \"That's not good.\"\n\nThe elder warrior said, \"Kiso's incautious with women.\"\n\n\"Ha! And he has done so well trusting men. His uncle killed his father to take power of the Minamoto. I think he thinks that a woman would not do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No woman could. She'd be eliminated if she so much as tried. Men won't follow a woman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ne!\" rumbled the deep voice again from a tall, angular man, his back to Saburo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Respect for the general.\"\n\nThe squat man bowed his head.\n\nBut the elder warrior was not finished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Taka Moroto has a daughter. His only heir. It is said she has been trained with the sword. She could be the sapling, ne?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those words nearly shook Saburo out of his cloak of shadow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wild-haired warrior spat out a bone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Moroto will marry her off to Takanao for peace with the Kikuchi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takanao might join us,\" said the squat man.\n\nAgain, the tall man sounded off in a low warning tone. \"Hey. They will choose sides when they are forced to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The squat man snorted. \"The daimyō on that isle are cowards. If they had gills, they'd crawl into the sea to get away from what's coming.\"\n\n\"Ne! You talk too much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The squat man sneered at the tall man. \"You think Masahito is listening? Does Kiyomori have owls spying on us?\"\n\n\"What I hear is saké talking.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo heard a leaf crack.\n\nTen steps to his right stood a large fox, red fur seeming to glow in the firelight. It stared at him with uncanny intensity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo's blood ran cold. Was it a God? Saburo felt a shiver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why would a God appear now?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A trickster come to toy with him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He flushed with a surge of rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What had the Gods ever done for him? All the people he ever cared about were dead.\n\nThe fox bolted directly in front of him before dashing off into the deeper woods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The six men turned at the noise and stared straight at Saburo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice of his teacher and lover flash in his mind: \"Two equally matched swordsmen have an even chance in a duel. Two against one, it becomes one in three. Three against one, it's one in six. Four against one, survival is one in twelve. Take out as many opponents as quickly as possible before the battle begins.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo sprinted forward, drawing Shima's tachi, and struck two men down in one sweep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The remaining four leapt back, pulling their blades free of their scabbards.\n\nFour left—one in twelve for an ordinary swordsman, but Saburo was no ordinary swordsman.\n\nLike a fox, he feinted attack at one, then twisted around as the tachi tore through the chest of the man next to him. Three left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They spread out, surrounding him. The one behind slid to the side, at least three steps away, his steps snapping twigs. Two other men stood in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not young. Seasoned warriors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Older hands with weathered faces and unblinking eyes that had known battle—eyes that would not accept anything but their opponent's death.\n\nSaburo could not permit them to live, not after seeing his face. Now he would find out what the trickster God intended for him—or for them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The taller man, the one with the deep voice, flicked glances around left and right, alert to possible attacks on his flank. Saburo grinned. Men always assumed no one would dare act alone.\n\nThe other man before him, short and thick bodied, locked eyes, holding his sword low at the ready, pointed downward along his front leg." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Approaching slowly, maintaining a balanced stance, Saburo held his own sword low and back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His foot touched a thick branch at the edge of the campfire, and now he knew what would happen next.\n\nHe slid his other foot slowly around while raising his tachi high.\n\nHe glanced left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men looked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He kicked. The branch flipped up, sending sparks flying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To their credit, they did not lose focus even as the cinders burned their faces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tall man took a half-step back, but the squat man, tough as he was thick, stepped forward and smashed the tumbling log in two with a hard lateral strike, splashing sparks at Saburo.\n\nSaburo jumped forward, moving in close, driving his tachi into the man's chest, pinning him to the air.\n\nSpinning now, he let go the hilt and drew his short sword, coming in low against the tall man, who brought his blade down with a powerful two-handed strike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo flashed his sword up—short sword met long sword, steel met steel with a loud crack. Saburo's blade vibrated more than it should have. His right hand stung with pinpricks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kicked a leg out high, smashing the tall man's knee.\n\nThe other warrior cried out.\n\nSaburo cut through the tall man's torso, sapping his wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warrior bent over, wounded. Staggering. But still on his feet.\n\nSeeing his chance, the third man who had hung back charged with powerful diagonal strikes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo barely parried them. The squat man impaled by the tachi finally fall back to the dirt—blocking Saburo's shuffle-steps. Now off balance, Saburo flung the short sword at his attacker's face, not expecting to do damage, only to disrupt his rhythm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the moment's hesitation, Saburo pivoted around and ripped his tachi free from fallen squat man's chest. His attacker reset his stance, eyes focused on Saburo's longer sword. Saburo dropped one arm and let his personal dagger slip into his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a rising snapping motion, he flung it low. It slammed into the man's groin. Saburo's long sword sliced through the man's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood spewed in an arc." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man fell in a rolling tumble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Five of the warriors own, the tall warrior remained, still standing despite a shattered knee, bent only slightly, clutching his side wound, sword held out in one unsteady hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo approached him slowly. The sole survivor had little left in him. He'd be dead soon anyway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo considered just leaving him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But something about this man dressed as a warrior-monk brought up rage within the fallen priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he had no time for waiting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His blade flashed, knocking the man's sword out of his hand. Another flashing motion and the warrior's arm came off at the elbow.\n\nAnd still the tall man stood, glaring at him with defiance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo brought down his sword again, severing the man's other arm at the shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood spurted from both wounds, but weakly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gash in his torso had released most of it. The man's fierce eyes turned glassy. His body tipped forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo stepped out of the way, and as the man fell, Saburo swung the tachi once more, taking his head.\n\nBreathing deeply, his heart pumping, Saburo surveyed the slaughter—and it had been a slaughter. He walked up to each one and drove the tachi point into each man's heart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just like the Eleven. No witnesses.\n\nThe fire logs, scattered now, lost much of their flame. In the fading light, he grabbed a discarded head scarf and wiped the blood off Shima's tachi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its blade remained marvelously undamaged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slid it into its saya.\n\nAfter retrieving and wiping down his short sword, he examined its cutting edge. Deep notches. Though the sword hilt inscription proclaimed it a Kuninaga blade, it had to be a forgery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What could he expect from a shop selling dead men's armor?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tossed the damaged sword into the remnants of the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From a scabbard lashed to the squat man's waist sash, Saburo pulled a ko-dachi. This blade gleamed even in the dimness. Good enough. He slashed the sageo, tucked the empty saya into his waist sash, and slid the blade home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A rumble in the distance. A breeze of cold gave his damp skin a chill as the distinctive clinks and clops of mounted horses grew louder. He turned his head slowly, listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Downhill, out on the road, fives horses moved at a canter. Sakimori guards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would the guards see the campfire?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too late now. Scattering the logs would only kick up more sparks. He waited. The sakimori would have encountered the dead bodies of Shima and the false monks. Was this a manhunt?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The riders excitedly shouted to each other. Laughter. After a few breaths, the sound shifted and began to fade.\n\nSaburo glanced over his clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the encroaching darkness, he could just make out blood spattered across his front and sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not too bad; the robes of the fallen were in even worse shape. But he did not want to encounter any authorities like this. He'd need to acquire a new disguise by morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he had not killed the Taka warrior by then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mostly picked-over rabbit carcass lay at his feet. With hard fingers, he tore off a strip of flesh from the hind and shoved it into his mouth. Chewing on the bitter meat, he stepped back into the darkness." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand on the story, staying true to the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo ducked into the Saké House. Empty. A stooped old man in a brown kimono with white stripes moved tables and picked up fallen benches. \"Saké House Man,\" Saburo said.\n\nWithout looking up, the silver-haired man bowed stiffly. \"Cost you a copper,\" he muttered with barely veiled disdain and shuffled by Saburo toward the back.\n\n\"I don't want your saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The proprietor stopped, turned, and peered up at him, his eyes flitting back and forth from Saburo's face to the kimono he wore. \"Where's Ase?\" he asked, eyes narrowing.\n\nSaburo glanced down to see in the brazier light a distinctive yellow leaf pattern in the seemingly plain brown kimono he'd acquired. Not quite as anonymous as he had assumed. He laughed gently. \"The man with dark hair? He sold it to me. My kimono was soiled from falling into a mud hole.\" He glanced down modestly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I did not want to embarrass my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The saké man resumed his way toward the back.\n\n\"I bear a message for a Taka samurai, a woman wearing dark green armor. She here?\"\n\nThe old man jerked his head. \"No.\"\n\n\"It's important I deliver this message. I can pay for information.\"\n\nThe man paused.\n\nSaburo stepped forward and clapped a small Sòng Dynasty copper coin onto the counter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobody by that description?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old man turned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gnarled fingers scooped up the coin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He examined it closely, then looked up with a knowing smile. \"Interesting night.\" He paused, studying Saburo's face. \"But no woman samurai.\"\n\n\"Interesting? I think your answer is too vague to merit a Sòng copper.\"\n\nThe saké man slowly nodded. \"Sakimori.\" He said the word as if it were cursed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Drunk already. Talked about a samurai killed on the North Road. Not a woman.\"\n\nSaburo held up his hand, rubbing thumb and fingers together. \"That's all?\"\n\nThe man spat. \"With sakimori, it's never one thing. They come here already drunk. I don't know why. They tried to get a yahochi to join them. But she had a sword.\" He smirked. \"That did not go well.\" He turned away.\n\n\"Yahochi with a sword? Did not go... how?\"\n\nThe saké man jutted out his chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo narrowed his eyes, set his jaw, and clapped another copper onto the counter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She was too much for them. Didn't draw her sword. Broke their bones with just the scabbard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckled and picked up the coin.\n\n\"Not a warrior?\"\n\nThe old man waved his hand in front of his face, fingers dancing. \"Made up. A yahochi, I said. Long black hair down her back. Young. Beautiful—probably. Who can tell with all that makeup?\" He shook his head. \"She wore a local kimono, but she was no local. Her speech? Strange accent. Strange words. I didn't know that women who give their skin are taught to fight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo exhaled deeply. \"They aren't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man squinted at him. \"Didn't think so.\"\n\nSaburo held up another coin and placed it gently on the counter. \"I believe this woman might be the very lady I am to deliver my lord's message to. Do you know where she is?\"\n\nThe man shrugged, sagging as if a burden were set on his back. \"She left with a young kuge.\"\n\n\"A kuge? What kuge? Does he have a name?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man shrugged again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't know. Been around alone for several days. Easy to spot. Gentian flower on his kimono.\"\n\nSaburo's heart started to beat hard. Minamoto—the man named Kiso who no doubt awaited his men's arrival. Saburo remained outwardly calm. \"Where's he staying?\"\n\n\"Red Banners. But I wouldn't—\" The old man cut himself off.\n\nSaburo ignored the breach of manners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This yahochi. Wearing a local kimono, you said?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kōno's. The armorer's family colors and pattern. Orange with butterflies.\" He shook his head. \"Sad business, that.\"\n\n\"Sad?\"\n\n\"No use for those kimono. Pox outbreak six years ago. Dead wife. One of the twin girls.\"\n\nSaburo's pushed away memories of his mother's death. This very moment, the Taka woman was likely in the arms of the woman-loving Kiso." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo could strike now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man took a seat in a corner and wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. Saburo asked, \"Kind uncle, what's your name?\"\n\n\"They call me Unagi.\"\n\n\"I need a room, Unagi-kun. Where's this Red Banners? It sounds worthy.\"\n\nUnagi jerked his head. \"They won't have a room for you. Only Minamoto not Minamoto.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Minamoto not Minamoto?\" Saburo repeated.\n\n\"They're the only ones. Are you Minamoto?\"\n\nSaburo shook his head.\n\n\"Didn't think so.\"\n\n\"Another place nearby then?\"\n\n\"I have a room for you. Five coppers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo placed on the table a coin larger than the others, worth twenty coppers.\n\nUnagi snatched it up, trying to hide his delight. \"Out, to the right, take the alley. House banner with cherries. You want saké? I'll get you a flask to take with.\" He rose from his seat and quickly ambled toward a low curtained doorway to another room.\n\n\"May tomorrow be less interesting,\" Saburo said to his back and stepped out into the snowy night.\n\nHard icy snow bit his cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wind blew drifts across the road. His own footprints from before were already lost in the white. He paused at the corner as his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness away from the brazier light, then started down the alley, hand on the hilt of his ko-dachi. He didn't put it past the old man to send out armed akutō to rob a stranger carrying Sòng coins. But nobody confronted him. In fact, nobody was out at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost immediately he came upon a solid building draped with red banners, snow drifts blown up against the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Directly across stood a more humble building bearing a weathered banner with a marking so faded it was barely visible: Sakura." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo crossed over and clapped his hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a dozen breaths, he wondered if anyone had heard him. But at last the door clunked and rumbled open, splashing light out into the alley. A small woman of middle age with kind eyes and sun-warmed cheeks, wearing a gray kimono, smiled up at him. \"Apologies. I'm not so quick at my age.\"\n\n\"Unagi,\" Saburo said.\n\nShe invited him in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He unfastened his sandals and unwrapped his legs, then followed her barefoot around down a short hall that bent to the left twice—obviously a larger structure than it had seemed—before leading into a small room where an irori burned, warming the space." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Probably where she herself slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From a nook, she retrieved a straw-mat bedroll. She bent over, laid it down, and with a deft shove unfurled matting with a blanket already placed. \"I have no food at this hour. Apologies. I do have saké.\"\n\n\"Nothing,\" Saburo said.\n\nThe woman bowed. \"Water in the pail. I will have hot water and food ready after the sun is up.\" Her mouth twisted. \"If we can see Amaterasu in this storm. By halfway through Hour of the Dragon, in any case. Two coppers for rice. Eight if you want meat.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She bowed low and slid the screen door shut.\n\nHe suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion. Let the Taka warrior have her tryst. He would strike in the morning.\n\nHe found a wooden cup hooked on the edge of the pail and drank a mouthful of water. Then he lay down on the bedding and closed his eyes. The coals in the irori hissed." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Literary Collaboration Request:\n- Sentence Count: two sentences\n- Stylistic Inspiration: Katherine M. Lawrence\n- Genre Adherence: Japan, historical fiction, samurai" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Third Quarter of Hour of the Snake ]\n\nThe young man headed away from North Road, following a broken path through the deep snow toward the high cliffs beyond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His silk kimono's delicately woven blue mon of gentian flowers over bamboo leaves confirmed his class and identity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No doubt this was Kiso." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps he was seeking a rendezvous with the Taka princess. He was smiling—the smile of a man in love." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He strode across the snow with the confidence of a fighter. Strong. Loose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Balanced. Connected to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Young men unfamiliar with weapons often carried their swords in hand as they walked to prevent the scabbard from swinging wildly and striking them in the arm or even the face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But this man's deep ajisai-blue tachi saya, hanging by its matching sageo, seemed to float alongside his thigh. Saburo knew: this man could handle himself in battle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feigning the purposeful hunched walk of a farmer—not much he could do about his swords—Saburo followed from twenty steps behind. A few common townspeople glanced at him, perhaps recognizing the distinctive pattern on his borrowed kimono or the sword strapped to his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good. Let them remember the sword and kimono and forget his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one dared speak in challenge.\n\nThe buildings and trees on one side of the road gave way to a sheer drop, where wind eddies roiled up frost to sparkle in the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tracks veered up a side road along a ledge. A group of buildings came into view." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kiso walked directly toward them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo dashed to a stand of trees, ducked under snow-laden branches, and crouched on the damp soil. From this vantage, he held a clear view of the buildings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young kuge walked right up to the largest building and paused in the wide-open double doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A moment later, the Taka warrior stepped into view, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flirting. Yes, there was definitely affection between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo glanced around. The road was empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He detected the scent of burning coal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gray-black smoke rose from a vent in the high roof the building. An armory. Perfect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobody respectable—except warriors, of course—would want to soil their souls by coming around here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Time to act!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The doorway stood empty. Where had they gone?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Inside? Off to one of the other buildings? It didn't matter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would kill her now and drag her body into the ravine. Nobody would know what happened to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dashed toward the building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when he was but ten steps from the entrance, but two young men appeared.\n\nSaburo darted to the side and hid around the corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two men, hardly more than boys, dumped a large bucket of yellow-green liquid into a pile of rocks to the side. No indication they had seen him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo sighed. No witnesses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But to kill mere boys? He would avoid it if possible, but he would do what was necessary." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He edged around the armory to the field behind, where he saw a stable and a few small structures, fresh tracks in the snow leading to each of them.\n\nNo matter. She was here somewhere. Now was the time to strike." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Katherine M. Lawrence in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Hour of the Horse ]\n\nIn the guesthouse, the battle culminated with Yamabuki's surrender to Yoshinaka, and yet she did not in the slightest feel defeated. In fact she had achieved her aims." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he lay next to her, sound asleep, his face innocent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A distant tsurigane began its slow tolling. She rolled over and took some paper out of the saddlebag by the bed. For all the joy of intimacy with a man, afterward it was the woman who had to clean herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, his wetness was strangely satisfying, she thought as she wiped along her legs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mind wandered unbidden to one day when she was thirteen springs and a large boat rode out a storm in the Great Bay of Ō-Utsumi. There was much excitement, for the boat was filled with traders from Sòng Cháo. Nakagawa considered the occasion propitious for Yamabuki's education, and so he encouraged her to converse with the strangers and practice speaking their language." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the Taka princess began a different education that day, for among the strangers was one trader who spoke an indecipherable language but could make himself understood somewhat in the Common Language." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said he was from a place called Shā Xī, a great trading city in the far west beyond Sòng, and he had with him a text appropriate for young men and women who were nearing adulthood. But he would not show it to Yamabuki, only to Nakagawa, who, upon seeing it, became quite delighted—more than Yamabuki had seen him—and offered in trade his finest brocade kimono, one he always said was too fine to despoil on his mortal frame.\n\nSoon after, the winds changed, and the traders departed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Yamabuki asked Nakagawa about the text, he explained the language was of Tenjiku, the Center of Heaven, the land where the Buddha was born, a land as far from Sòng as Sòng was from Akitsushima." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He explained that this language was not based on brush stroke but on musical symbols. The notes matched the sounds the human mouth made to form a word.\n\n\"You mean like women's writing and katakana?\" Yamabuki asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even more complicated. A string of many shapes, one after the other, all connected like a long thread.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What a strange way to write. A language of musical notes on a thread.\n\n\"Perhaps one day we shall explore this language,\" he said, placing the scroll in the room where important manuscripts were stored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The very next day, she retrieved it and took it to her shinden, where she and her handmaids could examine this strange language." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indeed, it looked like a row of jagged teeth. But far more interesting than indecipherable script were the drawings the manuscript contained—drawing that left nothing to the imagination as to their subject: handsome unclothed men and voluptuous unclothed women coupling with one another. No wonder a language based on musical notes needed drawings—drawings that needed no translation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, as she watched Yoshinaka sleep, heat built up in her heart, and she recalled the resolution she had made that day: that long before she mastered the musical language, she would achieve all the pleasures pictured in the book of love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stood up and felt a chill. Even colder than earlier this morning. She tossed the paper with Yoshinaka's wetness onto the coals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Flames burst forth. She placed another piece of wood on the fire as a ninth bell strike rang out into silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Burning the evidence?\" Yoshinaka said, sitting up.\n\n\"Did I wake you? Or was it the bell?\"\n\nHe shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I always sleep with an eye open.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tapped the tachi next to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's getting colder in here,\" she said, rubbing her arms.\n\n\"On this cold day, may I suggest we employ other means to keep warm and to purify ourselves?\"\n\nShe smirked and said teasingly, \"I already put another log in the fire.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean warm up by taking a dip in the onsen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hot springs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hai, hai. Where do you think all that steam comes from over by the cliffs? Maybe you don't have onsen on the Isle of Unknown Fires.\"\n\n\"We have steaming kakkazan from which living fire rock flows. Onsen in our prefecture could boil a rabbit.\"\n\n\"Ha!\" Yoshinaka's eyes sparkled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No doubt. We also have springs like that in Shinano. But I will take you to hot springs that I promise don't scald.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps one day we will.\"\n\n\"No, no. I mean let's go now. Kōno's onsen.\"\n\n\"You've seen them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes behind this guesthouse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Show me.\" She put on her shitagi and kimono, surreptitiously taking the three scrolls along.\n\nYoshinaka quickly donned his own kimono, leaving his undergarments where they lay.\n\nYamabuki thought about the shinobi and picked up Tiger Cub. \"Bring your sword.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Always. I would be naked without it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They slipped on their boots and, before long, were making their way into the bluffs behind the armory and up a snow-filled narrow trail that twisted between narrow rock outcroppings, switching back and forth, and finally emerged on a small plateau." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Using his scabbarded tachi, Yoshinaka knocked through a drift of snow piled up between two high boulders and led her into a totally contained rocky ravine.\n\nAbove the surrounding high snowcapped cliffs, blue sky blazed bright, but the sun's warmth reached only partway down. Steam filled the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Straight across from them, at about eye height, a small pool bubbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Steaming water trickling down into a slightly larger pool below no wider than the reach of her arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From there, a sheet of water flowed down through a channel into the largest of the pools." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gazed all around, feeling like she had stepped into the mouth of a mountain. Except there was no musty odor. He laughed. \"The onsen here are not so hot as Amaterasu, but warmer than the blood. This one carries the sweetness of life. And it's quite private. No one will find us here.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Keep going w/ 3 sentences more" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waist deep in the spring pool, Yamabuki felt the heat seep into her legs. It felt wonderful, even as it continued to burn her skin. Steam rose all around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Across from her, Yoshinaka, who was in the water up to his neck, grinned. \"Better now, yes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sure I can do this,\" she said. She crouched, and the hot water rose to just below her breasts. Her nipples grew firm, as much from anticipation as from the chill air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry. The toes have the most difficult adjustment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My toes are not the parts I'm thinking about.\"\n\nHe laughed. She lowered herself all the way in, water up to her neck. She gasped as the warmth embraced her. Yoshinaka's eyes twinkled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How unlike Ryuma he was!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She found herself comparing them. She could not help herself. Both men were similar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both men were different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men were tall, though she remembered that Ryuma seemed wider at the shoulder and wider at the hara—the belly, the seat of resolve.\n\nBut did Ryuma have resolve? The morning after their night together, as he led Mochizuki to the front of the Wakatake Inn, she and Ryuma exchanged a long moment, staring into each other's eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who else knew what had happened? Maybe the entire inn. After all, it wasn't a Taka fortress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, propriety demanded formality. She knew many years might pass before the two saw each other again. Was it not already so?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Six years had passed since their prior encounter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe it would be six years again—maybe more. Most of the Good People died by their thirtieth year. By that reckoning, half of her own fleeting life was already gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe they would never meet again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she considered yesterday's duels, she realized how terribly close she had come to that being true.\n\nAnd suppose after years yet to be recorded, she rode her steed into Kita, returning to the Inn of Young Bamboo? Might Ryuma have taken a wife?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps one of the pretty servant-dancers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe Ishi-tsuki, or perhaps Chi-ye. Both were lovely. Maybe he took both as his wives. They would have his babies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet she herself could not afford to let her attraction lead her in that direction—could not let herself feel what she in fact felt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had to put Ryuma out of mind—the faithless Ryuma who would marry two women who would bear his babies.\n\nYoshinaka sat in the water, back against rock wall at the end of the pool. He looked at her intently. \"Are you troubled?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" She lied, of course." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would not say she was thinking about another man. Staying beneath the warm water she sloshed over to where he sat, his legs stretched out in front of him. She rose up and straddled him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As she lowered herself downward, her breasts moved passed his delighted face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He immediately became aroused.\n\n\"Lift your knees,\" she said.\n\n\"Oh, I'm lifting everything,\" he whispered back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cradle me. Let me sit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He adjusted himself so she could come down against him. She settled her weight on his thighs and rocked her hips gently, and the sun peeked over the south-facing cliff above and washed down upon them, illuminating the entire area in warmth.\n\nYoshinaka said, \"Amaterasu is especially bright shining upon snow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squinted up into the blindingly blue sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is beautiful.\" He smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a beautiful smile.\n\n\"When I saw you come to the armory with the sun rising, I decided I would call you Asahi. All that she shines on is made beautiful by her rays.\"\n\n\"Asahi is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are Asahi Shōgun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grinned, eyes wrinkling with pleasure. \"Then I shall call you Yamabuki Shōgun. I have plans already drawn up to build a great fortress castle in the mountains. I shall name it Yamabuki-jō.\"\n\nShe raised an eyebrow, even as she continued rolling her hips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yamabuki Chéng? Am I that formidable?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are that beautiful. It's the perfect name. Mountain Rose Castle. In the fortress mountains of Shinano.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She imagined herself in the mountains with the two of them looking across the domain. She had never been to Shinano, but that did not matter. She imagined a magnificent green land with brooks, lakes, and rivers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She imagined every day might be like this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would lead her into their canopied sleeping area.\n\n\"Put your arms around me,\" she said, thinking back on the drawings in the picture book.\n\nAs he slid his arms around her back, she wrapped hers around his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he began to lift while she began to slide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her saya moved toward him, but his tsuka was not where she wanted it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She reached down and held it steady, lowering her body until she could just feel him touch, and then she let go and allowed her weight to move her down, which pushed him inside her. Exquisite! Maybe because they had coupled earlier or because they were in the water, it went more smoothly. She lowered herself further and Yoshinaka slipped ever deeper into her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her hara went numb and completely sensitive at the same time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now she fully sat, and he was fully within her.\n\n\"Shall we have another battle?\" She grinned wickedly and began to move up and down, and he did too in rhythm with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She moaned with delight, and they continued with abandon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And her body experienced every sensation, every touch, every shiver that ran up her back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Love.\n\nYamabuki moaned as another pulse of pleasure coursed through her. The embrace of the hot water trapped the heat building up within her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt Yoshinaka within, moving slowly but steadily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her arms around his neck, she gasped, wanting him deeper. His strong hands, fists clenched at the small of her back, supported her. She directed the pace, rocking her hips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He moved in time in yet another dance they shared.\n\nStones skittered off the cliffs to her left. Melting snow, no doubt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She cast a sideways glance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tiger Cub remained in easy reach. She let her mind slip back to the pleasure of Yoshinaka. A whistling breeze carried cold air across the water, sweeping aside the steam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She inhaled the coolness as the heat between her legs intensified." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guesthouse had been merely a preliminary compared to what she experienced now.\n\nHe thrust deeper. It ached yet it didn't. She wanted to ache. To hurt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But not in the way of injury." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the way of throbbing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of entering ever further. The tightness of him inside thrilled her. Delighted her. And then Yoshinaka pressed his hips up, and his tsuka pulsed as his seed exploded inside her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her entire body dissolved from the top of her head, through her neck, down her back, through her hips and legs to her curled toes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She moaned and almost screamed.\n\nShe touched his shoulder. He had to stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She let him hold her as her body pulsed and throbbed, and the intensity began to die away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His seed was in her yet again. She liked it. She liked the feeling. The seed had charm and power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Power over her—part of the bargain of surrender." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the wind, a woman's voice sang out, \"Somehow I knew this was what you were up to, Yoshi-chan.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Katherine M. Lawrence in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night before, Yamabuki had taken the House of Red Banners to be a room barely larger than the genkan where she and Yoshinaka removed their boots. But now heavy shōji were slid aside, revealing old but solidly built yama house. An irori burned in the center. Two braziers cast warm light on walls that bore no tapestries or banners. Nor did any mats or pillows decorate the plank floor, though its black lacquer's uneven color and lack of shine revealed years of use—a natural course of events given that this might have been the most well-made structure in this small town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki briefly wondered if, years ago, an Imperial minister or governor might have lived here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After they had removed their boots and stepped into the large room, Yoshinaka retrieved some items from a small box against a wall. A bowl, sumi, a small flask, and paper. He knelt on the floor and under brazier light prepared ink in the same way Yamabuki prepared her own for her pillow book.\n\nThe smell of pungent spice greeted her, and she realized Tomoe had lit some incense in a porcelain kōro. Now they both watched in silence as Yoshinaka laid out on the worn floor six square sheets of rice paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He dipped his brush in the bowl and drew on one square, with elegant strokes, a name for one of the fallen warriors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A funerary remembrance. He dipped the brush again and marked the next square with another name. He marked each paper with a name.\n\nHe finished the last stroke on the last sheet, set down the brush, and sat back. Tomoe nodded in approval.\n\nAll attention turned to the front door as a warrior in brilliant white yoroi entered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A woman. She slid the door firmly shut behind her and removed her boots. Moving as if her armor were part of her, the samurai stepped up from the genkan. For a moment, she stared at Yamabuki.\n\nYoshinaka said to Yamabuki, \"This is Aoi Shōgun, my top commander.\"\n\nYamabuki stared back at Aoi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was older, though not as old as Lady Taka." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like Yamabuki, and unlike Tomoe, she wore no oshiroi, and her cheeks held the color of a life led in the sun. Woven leather, stained dark from hand sweat, covered her tachi tsuka. Her kimono sleeves bore the rice-ear mon identical to those on Blue Rice's cotton trousers and saké flasks.\n\nA knot tightened in Yamabuki's stomach. She had imagined Blue Rice's sister to be some helpless whisp of a woman, nothing like this formidable warrior; yet this had to be her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have to tell her what happened,\" he had said. But that had been a dream.\n\nAoi shifted her attention to Yoshinaka and bowed. \"Tennō! I was looking for you. I discovered bad news.\"\n\nIn answer, Yoshinaka gestured at the squares of paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi sighed. He rose to his feet and glanced at each of the warriors in turn—Tomoe, Aoi, and Yamabuki—and said, \"Join me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked solemnly to the far side of the irori and sat, facing the sandy pit. Tomoe seated herself to his left. Aoi, his right. Yamabuki sat across from him, her back to the entry. The glowing embers warmed her face.\n\nYoshinaka added two logs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he lifted the top off a taru resting next to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One by one, he dipped bowls into the saké within, passing one to Tomoe, another to Aoi, who in turn passed it to Yamabuki—giving her a lingering questioning look in the process—and a last one again to Aoi before dipping one for himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He raised his bowl and said, \"Namu Amida Butsu!\" I take refuge in the Amida Buddha.\n\nTomoe smiled and repeated, \"Namu Amida Butsu!\"\n\nThe three others drank down their bowls, but Yamabuki hesitated, unsure. The Buddhist monks sanctioned by the Emperor had announced the accepted ways to honor the dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nembutsu was not one of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki had of course heard of Pure Land Buddhism, but it was not something the Taka practiced in Ō-Utsumi—and certainly not in the Imperial City." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, she had read that the nembutsu was to be recited five hundred times for rebirth to be realized. Then again, every clan had their own practices handed down through the generations, each similar to others, yet unique.\n\nShe put her bowl to her lips and emptied it.\n\nTomoe lifted the funerary papers and touched them to her forehead, then held them in front of her mouth. She chanted words Yamabuki didn't understand while she dropped one of the sheets into the irori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The square seemed to float over the low fire, smoldering before flashing into flame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ashes danced over the coals as sparks rose up toward the roof vent. Still chanting, the white-haired warrior released another marked paper into the coals. And then another, each one by one.\n\nTomoe's ritual seemed eclectic, resembling Shintō if not Jingi. Yamabuki wondered what Tomoe and Yoshinaka would think about the rituals the priests of the Taka clan performed in honoring the dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We are all as much strangers to each other as we are to the dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the ash from the last of the papers settled in the sand, Yoshinaka sighed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takaitori will be missed keenly by his Satake brothers.\"\n\n\"And by Otomo,\" said Tomoe.\n\n\"We need to find out who did this.\"\n\n\"I want to know how,\" Aoi said, and she opened her mouth to say more, but stopped herself and turned to Yamabuki. \"Who are you? Why are you here? Tennō, why is she here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki answered directly. \"I am Taka Yamabuki, daughter of General Moroto.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Taka-gimi,\" Yoshinaka added.\n\nAoi did not appear impressed, but she did bow her head slightly. \"Why are you here, Taka-gimi?\"\n\nYoshinaka said, \"Taka-gimi might have some useful information about events that happened on the North Road.\"\n\n\"Among other useful aspects,\" his sister muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki bit off a retort and took a breath to calm herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A coal sizzled and cracked. Several sparks floated up into the rafters.\n\n\"Takaitori's men were seasoned warriors,\" Yoshinaka said. \"Not just anybody could kill them. Who? Who has the capability?\"\n\n\"Who would dare?\" Aoi asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomoe snorted. \"Anyone with enough swords. Ōe. Ōuchi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka turned his eyes to Yamabuki. \"Taka-gimi, you were on the North Road yesterday. Who else did you see?\"\n\n\"Nobody but those of whom I already told you,\" she replied. \"Just a farmer family carrying dyed fabrics to the Strait. I encountered nobody else until I arrived in Minezaki.\"\n\nHe continued to gaze at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about at the Strait? Who else crossed with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Barrier Strait? You were there?\" Aoi asked. \"What did you see?\"\n\nYamabuki shifted uncomfortably. She was being drawn into an intrigue she wanted no part of. When she had invited intimacy with Yoshinaka, this was not part of her plan. She took in a breath, considering her words, and decided to state the facts simply, without interpretation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then they would realize there was nothing out of the ordinary—aside from the shinobi who attempted to kill her and the sword master who nearly did, but she was not about to get into that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In the morning, Hour of the Dragon, two jun low-level Ōuchi warriors arrived by kobune from Akamagaseki. Then I boarded with my colt. The other passengers were two Tendai monks, a sword master, a wanderer, and some silk merchants with a cart.\"\n\n\"Silk merchants?\" Yoshinaka's face darkened. \"You did not tell me.\"\n\n\"Why? Is it important to report of the travels of silk merchants?\"\n\n\"Gomen.\" He took a calming breath and said, \"This might be important Yamabuki-gimi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The cart was cumbersome. Heavy. The merchants appeared strong enough, but they were inept handling it. Why they didn't have an ox I have no idea.\"\n\n\"How many merchants?\" asked Aoi.\n\nYamabuki checked her memory to make sure. \"Six.\"\n\nThe others nodded almost as one.\n\nWere the fabric merchants in fact Yoshinaka's men?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That meant every passenger on that kobune—except for Blue Rice, and who knew what he might have been capable of?—was a killer of one sort or another. And she had not realized it, not even of herself.\n\n\"Did you kill them?\" Tomoe declared, more an accusation than a question.\n\n\"Tomoe!\" Yoshinaka snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The alabaster woman snorted. \"No, it's obvious she's incapable.\"\n\nYamabuki frowned. Does she fear me? Is that why she's so hostile? Yamabuki resolved to ignore Tomoe as much as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or she'll force me to kill her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gomen nasai.\" Yoshinaka bowed his head to Yamabuki. \"Where did you see these silk merchants last?\"\n\nAt this point, Yamabuki wanted to get this over with. Her temper was growing short. It was one thing to be interrogated by Nakagawa or challenged with bokken by other Taka warriors in training." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was quite something else to be questioned by armed warriors with revenge on their minds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I last saw them approaching Akamagaseki. They had struggled with their cart on beach. I was up North Road, a quarter hour ahead of them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi said, \"The Tendai monks. Maybe they did it.\"\n\n\"Two against six?\" said Tomoe \"Monks?\"\n\n\"They were no monks,\" said Yoshinaka.\n\nAoi and Tomoe looked at him, waiting for him to explain, but he said nothing, gazing at Yamabuki. He wanted her to tell them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sighed. \"They were not monks, and they were dead by the Hour of the Horse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If not monks, who were they?\" Aoi asked.\n\n\"They attacked me with blades tipped with fugu. I killed them.\"\n\n\"You killed them, Taka-gimi?\" Tomoe narrowed her eyes. \"How?\"\n\nYamabuki touched her hand to Tiger Claw's hilt and said nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomoe leaned forward. \"And they were after you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Apparently,\" Yamabuki said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\nYamabuki had no intention of elaborating. \"A Taka matter.\"\n\nTomoe raised her eyebrows, skeptical.\n\nAoi struck a more polite tone. \"Yamabuki-sama, you mentioned a sword master?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki nodded. \"A large man with a nodachi. Wearing Ōuchi armor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you sure?\"\n\nAoi turned to Yoshinaka. \"It's possible a sword master could kill even six seasoned warriors.\"\n\nYamabuki said, \"Not possible.\"\n\n\"Why not possible?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He also was dead by the Hour of the Horse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dead? By you?\" Tomoe asked.\n\nYamabuki met Tomoe's gaze. \"He challenged. He insisted.\"\n\nTomoe's eyes crinkled, and a half-smile of half-admiration and half-menace appeared on her face. \"You seem to attract trouble. You could have killed our men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now it was Yamabuki's turn to ask questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So they were your men?\"\n\nTomoe spread her hands out and swept them over the irori, where the ashes from the rites still danced in the air currents.\n\nYoshinaka said, \"I told you last night of my plan.\"\n\nThe eyes of the other two women flashed. \"You told her?\" Tomoe nearly shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka growled, \"We speak now with Taka Shōgun! Wasn't that the purpose of sending the envoys? To forge alliances with clans of the Isle of Unknown Fires?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Taka!\" Tomoe said dismissively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many troops under your command, Taka Shōgun?\"\n\nYamabuki narrowed her eyes. \"My personal command?\"\n\nTomoe nodded hard.\n\n\"All of them.\" Of course her father, the daimyō, was the ultimate commander, but she was still shōgun. Any Taka samurai she encountered would obey her command without question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She smiled thinly at Tomoe and said, \"I do not see you with a retinue. Tomoe Shōgun, how many do you command? Or do you have so few that you need our numbers to swell your ranks?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is pointless!\" Yoshinaka roared. They fell silent. He took a deep breath. \"We have lost six men and we bicker with someone who could be an ally.\"\n\nAoi looked very serious. \"You mentioned an eleventh person on the kobune. A wanderer, you said. I am expecting my brother. He might have crossed with our envoys.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki nodded slightly, steeling herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could you describe him?\"\n\nTime to fulfill her promise. \"A loquacious and friendly man. Seemed to know a lot about the clans. He knew I was Taka. He did not approve of the Ōuchi. It was he who called them 'low-ranking' samurai.\" She decided it was best not to mention his particular affection for saké. \"He said he had been of daimyō lineage, but he wore a commoner's tunic. Simple cotton trousers bearing the symbol of the rice plant.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi smirked. \"He offered you drink.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki grinned sheepishly. \"I declined.\"\n\n\"What happened? He's not with you?\"\n\nYamabuki braced for another accusation from Tomoe, but the white warrior stared at the burning coals, saying nothing.\n\nYamabuki took a breath. \"The seas were choppy. He did not bear it well. When we reached the shore, there was a checkpoint. Sakimori of the Ōe clan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And?\" Aoi prompted, her face hardening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki realized she was drawing this out too long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why torture her any more? \"Ashore, he ran to the brush to lose his stomach. And—\" She hesitated. Tell her!\n\n\"And?\" Aoi prompted again.\n\n\"A sakimori warrior shot him with an arrow. He died instantly.\" Aoi did not seem to react." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki didn't want to say the next part, but she could not in good conscience hold it back, not from a respected general." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was pointless,\" she said, letting her bitterness show." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A skill-test murder by one of the guards who claimed this unarmed man was making a run for it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi clenched her eyes tight. She whispered, \"Risu-chan.\"\n\nThe dream name further tightened Yamabuki's stomach.\n\nGeneral Aoi opened her eyes. In an eerily calm voice, she asked, \"Where is his body?\"\n\nYamabuki shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know. Last I saw, the sakimori left him there.\" She stifled a building rage. \"They were too busy laughing.\"\n\n\"Where are these sakimori now?\"\n\nThe question cooled Yamabuki's temper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, they met their just fates. \"I found out this morning, the kashira of the detachment, the man responsible, died last night along with several other Ōe as they tried to cross the pass through the snowstorm. The Yuki-onna took them.\"\n\nThe general lowered her head. In a strained voice, she asked, \"Who held the yumi? What is his name? Whose arrows killed my brother?\"\n\n\"A man named Misaki. He too was caught on the pass.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi gazed with intensity at Yamabuki, and after some moments, bowed her head. \"Yamabuki-sama, dōmo arigatō gozaimashita.\"\n\nYamabuki bowed in return.\n\nAoi's gaze moved to Yoshinaka. Tears welled in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tennō—\" She choked on her words and turned her face away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A distant bell began tolling the hour.\n\nYoshinaka said in a quiet voice, \"When we return home, we will offer proper remembrance for our fallen.\"\n\nAoi said, \"We need locks of hair from our men. For their families. I will get them.\"\n\nShe stood and stormed out to the genkan and put on her boots. A moment later, the outer door slid open and slammed shut just as the seventh toll rang out into silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hour of the Monkey." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka said, \"Let Aoi-sama find herself. We need to decide what we're going to do.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Katherine M. Lawrence in the Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka dipped a saké bowl into the taru and held it out toward where Aoi Shōgun had been sitting, while looking expectantly across the irori at Yamabuki. She met his gaze.\n\nHe wants me to discuss his plans? This is how he draws me into his endeavors. Am I to be his warrior-lover? That prospect made her both excited and uneasy. Still, this was just a conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just talk. To refuse to sit next to him would be impolite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In one smooth motion—not easily executed while wearing armor—Yamabuki rose to her feet, stepped to his right, and lowered herself back down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eyes shining, he handed her the full cup, then dipped a bowl for Tomoe and one for himself.\n\nWithout a word, they all drank.\n\nHe collected Yamabuki's bowl and refilled it, and as he filled Tomoe's, he said, \"We now walk in darkness. We don't know what news Takaitori was bringing. I may need to go there myself.\"\n\nTomoe said, \"Too dangerous.\"\n\n\"Perhaps. But I must try.\"\n\n\"I don't know what you'd find,\" Yamabuki said. \"If your men were the ones who visited my father days before I left—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He told you?\" Yoshinaka's face lit up. \"Is he interested? Or perhaps open to discussions of a pact?\"\n\n\"What would be the benefit of such a pact? I do not know what it is you are trying to do, aside from reclaiming your birthright. Until yesterday, I did not even know you existed.\"\n\nHe collected and refilled everyone's saké bowls one by one. Then he began in his gentle voice to speak about what he called a better way to live, but which proved to be, at first, more of a litany of problems and injustices suffered across the land. \"For example, the tax.\"\n\n\"We pay this every autumn,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you know that the tax rates were set hundreds of years ago? And no matter how land has changed, no matter the weather, droughts, floods, pestilence, famines, the amount never changes.\" He went into detail about lawless areas of the country, the ineffective and corrupt actions by Imperial officials, their failures to maintain roads and stations. And he spoke with some frustration about the self-absorption of the nobles in the Imperial City, their inward focus to the point of obsession. \"Bandits are terrorizing the farmers while the Imperial ministers enjoy entertainments of monkey music. People starve in Shimotsuke while the ministers spend all day debating the fine points of what the acceptable brilliance of kimono colors should be for a middle-ranking lord.\"\n\nYamabuki found it not at all difficult to imagine ministers of petty concerns spending hours on trivial matters.\n\n\"Intrigue always shadows the Chrysanthemum Throne,\" said Yamabuki.\n\nHe slapped his knee for effect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They do it for power. Not to change things, just to put themselves on top of the same stinking kuso pile!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki raised an eyebrow at his impolite language.\n\nBut he seemed not to notice as, eyes gleaming, he continued, \"We are going to make it better for everyone. Not just for the moon lords!\"\n\nYamabuki drank down her saké. Yoshinaka's enthusiastic interest surprised her. She could not betray her father's trust. \"General Moroto's concern is always first with the Taka and the security of our borders. He did not tell me what message your men brought. He was interested in the news your envoys reported about the Kikuchi.\"\n\n\"You don't like them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka took the saké bowl from her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hear it in your voice.\"\n\n\"Relations with our neighbors is a Taka matter.\"\n\n\"A Taka matter!\" Tomoe snorted.\n\nRefusing to be provoked by her, Yamabuki waited as Yoshinaka handed her a brimming refill. \"Takanao is the new daimyō. It is said he is young and ambitious. It is said he is not likely to remain sequestered. It is said he has disaffection for the Emperor.\"\n\nYoshinaka lit up. \"Perhaps he could be made an ally?\"\n\nShe shook her head slowly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about the other clans? The Ōuchi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She grimaced. \"The Taka have not had beneficial relations with the Ōuchi. Mostly we avoid one another.\"\n\n\"Do you know who of the western clans we might entreat?\"\n\nYamabuki drank her saké while collecting her thoughts. \"My father says that every daimyō must be acquainted with the game of Igo. It's about encirclement. Black and white stones are placed on a board that's scribed in squares.\"\n\n\"I know the game,\" Yoshinaka sounded interested.\n\n\"My father says it is more than a game. He says it is a teaching.\"\n\nYoshinaka nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a game the highborn in the Imperial City play very well. They build solid lines of stones and adroitly connect them at the critical moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki looked at Tomoe, who listened closely.\n\n\"True,\" Yoshinaka said, \"but stones that linger on the edge have restricted liberty and can easily be captured, even if they take no great part.\"\n\n\"You mean like Ō-Utsumi? With water on two sides of our province, you think we risk being trapped in atari?\"\n\n\"I mean like any piece whose freedom of movement is restricted.\"\n\nYamabuki nodded. \"True, but every beginner also knows not to rush to the center to engage the opponent. For one, it is rude. For another, it rarely achieves anything lasting.\"\n\n\"What do you recommend, Taka-gimi?\" Tomoe asked.\n\n\"Build a good foundation and to anticipate the enemy's structures and exploit weaknesses. As Nakagawa says, 'Every strength is also its weakness.' \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh?\" Yoshinaka leaned forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Strong and fixed is good, but it cannot become supple and lithe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled. \"A good player can turn one into the other by dropping the right stone in the right place at the right time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"True, so long as the stone is not moved into atari or squandered. If it is your intent to win a game—\"\n\n\"You mean, take the Imperial City?\"\n\n\"—I mean any game, you can't let yourself walk into atari.\"\n\nYoshinaka said, \"No one will deliberately go into atari.\"\n\n\"Sometimes even the brilliant attacker can miscalculate and end up surrounded. Sometimes it is better to lose a stone than to push a long line in hopes of saving one piece and end up losing a whole column.\"\n\n\"How do you mean that, Taka-gimi?\"\n\n\"Tomoe Shōgun has advised that you not go to the Isle of Unknown Fires. I concur, not because you are in any real physical danger, but more that you are far from the center of the board.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't you just say it is rude to move to the center of the board?\"\n\nTomoe said to her brother, \"And didn't you just say that staying on the edge minimizes a stone's liberty?\" Her deep blue eyes twinkled. \"Taka Shōgun is saying we must first surround near the main area of play and not focus on the edges of the board.\"\n\nYoshinaka laughed. \"How gracefully, Taka Shōgun, you tell someone that they need to rethink their strategy!\" He laughed some more.\n\nYamabuki couldn't help but smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Ōuchi and the Kikuchi will use you as a sacrificial stone, for they believe they have a chance of winning against Kiyomori. In the Hōgen Ran and the Heiji Ran, the enemy walked into the Imperial Capital. Walked into atari. Yet if you start at the edge, you yourself will be encircled before you break out. You are already on the Main Isle. They must come to you.\"\n\n\"Sōdesu ka. Start close, but not foolishly close.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And my words about taxes and lawlessness? What of these?\"\n\n\"That's is where you lay your first stone.\"\n\n\"But everyone is affected.\"\n\n\"Start with those who are prospering without Imperial help, and thus pay the most for the least. These daimyō will understand your message immediately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka nodded and began to brood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He appeared about to say something but cut himself off.\n\nHe collected and refilled everyone's bowls.\n\nAt least there's good saké, Yamabuki thought.\n\nHe drank his down quickly and rose to his feet.\n\n\"I am going to find Aoi-sama. Make sure she doesn't kill anybody.\"\n\nHe said no more as he put his boots on and stepped outside. The door slid shut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki and Tomoe were alone in the House of Red Banners. Tomoe appeared to be amused, but for her own part, Yamabuki was both charmed and alarmed by Yoshinaka's headstrong nature—character that could be formidable in battle but also lead to blunders.\n\nTomoe broke the silence. \"Shall we walk? My stomach tells me I would benefit from nabe.\"\n\nAfter all the saké, the thought of food, even a steaming hot pot, did not hold appeal. However, a walk sounded quite the thing after such anxious conversation. But glancing at the alabaster woman, she hesitated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomoe's eyes narrowed. \"Tell me.\"\n\nHow could Yamabuki say this? \"Last night, I sought out saké and because of this\"—she touched the healing cut on her cheek—\"I too thought it best to wear full makeup.\"\n\n\"Such are the decisions kuge women must make.\"\n\n\"I learned this morning, women in oshiroi are taken for yahochi.\"\n\nTomoe burst into laughter, a tittering musical laugh that was both courtly and almost bawdy. \"You have a reputation, Taka-san!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki bristled. \"That reputation is for all women in makeup.\"\n\nIf anything, Tomoe laughed harder. \"They can try calling me yahochi, and my sword will reply.\"\n\n\"It's getting late. I'm going to see if the summit pass is in view. Maybe the weather is clearing.\"\n\n\"And if it isn't?\"\n\n\"Well,\" she sighed, \"I may have to go around on the East-West Highway.\"\n\n\"Then you can travel with us,\" said Tomoe and she smiled warmly. \"I know my brother would like that.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for like 1 sentence more. make it Japan, historical fiction, samurai-y" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Seven Bell Strikes, Hour of the Monkey ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The last note of the distant tsurigane faded to silence under the thick gray sky as Aoi stepped into the crusted snow outside of the House of Red Banners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her brother was dead, and there she stood, feeling nothing, looking at nothing, hearing nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By standing around she achieved nothing, so she marched up the alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The packed, refrozen snow made walking difficult, her steps sometimes sliding on hard-packed ice, other times breaking through crust and sinking to her ankles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was thankful for her fur boots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even rabbit hide was better than straw. Or nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She found herself near the green banners of Saké House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saké. That sounded good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two Ōe warriors, barely more than children, probably farmers, judging by their rough hands and shabby kimono, flanked either side of the entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stiffened at her approach, trying to look fierce with their overly long hoko yari." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi sniffed at them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What were are going to do with those? Spear birds in the sky?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The guards, suddenly uncertain, glanced up at the blades atop their polearms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi threw aside the door and stepped through." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside she found the place empty apart from five more Ōe sitting around several saké bottles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them the kashira she had stared down when she and Tomoe had first arrived in town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi snorted. Real warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She slammed the door shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warriors casually glanced at her, then looked again with appraising looks. She sniffed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Let them look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She picked a table close to the door, sat with her back to the wall, and said, \"Hey!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A bent old man emerged from a curtained-off back room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saké,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A moment later, he set a simple bottle down on the table. \"A copper.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked from the bottle to the old man's face. \"Bowl?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The saké man looked her up and down, then went into the back room, grumbling all the way, and returned with a drinking bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She put a coin down and it disappeared into his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She poured and drank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Awful saké. Perfect for her mood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The world was awful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Gods had abandoned the entire Autumn Creek Land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had abandoned her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had let her brother be killed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Little Risu, who had never hurt anybody." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who disliked fighting so much he refused to train with a bokken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he was dead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Killed by stupid warriors who thought killing an unarmed man was a test of skills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She glowered at the sakimori across the room. Warriors like them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She drank the last of the sour liquid and she was about to call out for another bottle, when the front door slid open and two commoners, a man and a woman, entered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman carried a covered nabe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man closed the door for her and they walked toward the back room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman said in a sweet, quiet voice, \"Samurai-sama, I have some food.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An indistinct voice came from the back room, and the two commoners ducked into the other room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the Ōe warriors said, \"We have to eat salted fish and he gets nabe. Lucky man.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lucky to lose only your fingers?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "one of his fellows asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lucky to survive the Yuki-onna.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This caught Aoi's attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stared at her empty saké bottle, listening, watching the warriors at the side of her vision." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The senior guard—the kashira, she guessed from the extra colors woven into his armor—said, \"You just want a woman to bring you hot broth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "All five warriors laughed quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ōe Shōgun won't be pleased, though. Fingerless retainers are of no use to him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe in the training hall?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Could you see that? An instructor? Misaki-san?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A roaring thunder filling Aoi's ears drowned out the laughter of the men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quietly, she rose to her feet and walked to where the five men sat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They looked at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said in a flat voice, \"You said a name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kashira stood, facing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who asks?\" He seemed tense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi gazed at him calmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know that name.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Ōe warrior—kashira rank, from the look of him—squinted. \"You know Misaki-san?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi ignored the question and glanced at the back room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's back there, isn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she said, not expecting an answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She headed toward the curtained doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind her, the guard growled, \"Stop!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slowly turned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other four guards rose, and they all now glared at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kashira shouted, \"You are not permitted to go in there!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi sniffed. \"Who are you to tell me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a step toward her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am Sadamasa Kashira! I speak in the name of the Emperor!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that, Aoi laughed—but it was a bitter laugh, a mirthless laugh that vented her anger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You? In the name of the Emperor? Does He know this?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Impudence!\" He glanced at his men. \"Apprehend her!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The four warriors, hands on their sword hilts, spread out and approached her like silk moths to brazier fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stood still, her mind empty but for the pain of the her brother's death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when they came within three strides of her, she let go of what held her and released her rage within." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stepped once. Her tachi flashed out from its scabbard and cut across through one warrior's neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others froze as the man's head landed with a wet thump." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The torso impossibly remained standing, blood gurgling out of its neck, before toppling over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warriors' eyes bulged, and they might have stood there like trees were it not for the roar of Sadamasa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kill her!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi stepped again and cut another man through the chest, sending blood spraying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sadamasa charged up from the back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi stepped aside and shoved another guard into him, then whipped the sword through the leg of the third." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Screams and blood filled the air as Aoi mercilessly moved through them, seeing where they would move, striking them where they were exposed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before she had taken ten steps, the battle was over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five Ōe warriors dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door guards clambered from outside, no doubt having heard the commotion, and saw the dead men and the woman holding the bloody sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ahh!\" they cried and they began trembling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One aimed his polearm at Aoi. \"You—!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi stepped toward them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The brave guard swung his yari back and slashed at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi parried the blade easily, but the polearm's reach still kept her at a distance, too far to strike back with her sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emboldened, the young guard grinned and swung back again, harder—but blade embedded in a wooden beam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tugged on the shaft to free it, but in two quick strides Aoi was upon him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her tachi cut through his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood sprayed. His eyes glazed. He collapsed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His companion moaned, took a step back, dropped his spear, and sprinted out the front door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So far, the battle was a rout." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Aoi felt no satisfaction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt nothing but black rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She marched into the back room, where she startled everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave,\" Aoi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grimacing with terror, the man and woman commoners slid along the wall, trying to stay away from the fearsome warrior, and dashed out of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The saké man followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dim brazier light, a lone warrior lay on a mat next to an irori where coals burned red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said, \"You are Misaki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man appeared to be unwell, but he answered in a surprisingly strong voice. \"I am Misaki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi looked at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was nothing more than an insect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He peered at her with insect-like eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said, \"I am Ine Aoi, sister of Ine Ashita, and I avenge his death.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Misaki threw off his blankets and rolled to the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With some difficulty, he pushed to his feet, grimacing, and stood—tottering, but with face hard, trying to maintain his dignity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your brother? He was the man at the Barrier Strait?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi shifted her position and raised her sword high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Misaki just nodded. \"I suppose it's better this way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi struck. Misaki was dead before his body hit the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand, missing all but two fingers, fell on the edge of the irori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi gazed at that hand, the instrument of her brother's death, as it now lay lifeless in the flickering glow of the coals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She heard a quiet step behind her, a familiar step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She turned around and gazed at Yoshinaka, whose eyes offered nothing but compassion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt tears run down her cheeks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now that her rage was gone, she felt nothing but emptiness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Words came unbidden. \"My brother is still dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka's mouth parted as if he was about to reply when a tsurigane began tolling in rapid rhythm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alarm!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shouts outside, in the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka stepped close and put his hands on her arms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aoi-sama,\" he said. For her, it was as though he spoke from the other side of the world. \"Aoi-sama!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he shouted, but he was so far away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshinaka too was all the way across on the other side of a veil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But right in front of her, she saw her brother, just six summers old, climbing high in a mulberry tree, laughing and squealing as he tried to chase a squirrel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ine Shōgun!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi's eyes focused. \"Tennō!\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must leave town now! Take the East Highway. If we don't see each other, we will meet at the Inn of Dancing Butterflies in Aki Prefecture.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aki Prefecture,\" she repeated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aki Prefecture,\" she said again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aoi-sama,\" Yoshinaka said. \"There is still much to do. We must survive this day!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aoi took in a deep breath, and the cloud over her began to dissipate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tolling alarm continued, and in her mind she pictured where the guards would be, blocking where roads intersected, watching at strategic points with clear sightlines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll be safer together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we can,\" Yoshinaka said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My horse is at the armory, as is Tomoe-san's and Taka-gimi's. We will meet where North Road intersects East-West Highway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi nodded. \"If the enemy is there, we should meet further beyond. A quarter hour at full gallop. They all will not sustain chase that long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka grinned. \"Shōgun!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aoi grinned. \"Tennō!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together they strode through the main room of the Saké House and stepped outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a nod to each other, they parted." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshinaka dashed up Ledge Road. Aoi marched back into the alley to the House of Red Banners." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with six sentences more. Katherine M. Lawrence vibes in Japan, historical fiction, samurai genre k?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the moment they left the House of Red Banners, Saburo shadowed Yamabuki and the alabaster woman. It was impossible to miss them, two women clad in beautiful yoroi. They carried their weapons casually as they strolled down the main street. Who was this woman with the Taka warrior? Ever since the onsen, he had tried to figure how she fit in. She had displayed extraordinary senses detecting his presence at the rim of the canyon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was she a hired sword? A yojimbō? The bodyguard, if that's what she was, wore exquisite armor and was as haughty as she was beautiful, and she surely knew she was, for she brazenly flaunted an extra-long tachi.\n\nAnd yet for all the military gear, Saburo could not help but have a growing impression that he followed a pair of young girls. They chatted in an animated and feminine way, gesturing with their hands and at times even laughing. As he paralleled them he saw Yamabuki had on a cheerful expression and open face. Almost innocent. Saburo wondered how she was even allowed to carry something so dangerous as a tachi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His assessment of her started to shift when a squad of spearmen tried to arrest them. For a brief moment, Saburo thought they were after him. Maybe Ase's body had been discovered. He cursed himself. He had never killed indiscriminately. He prepared to take one of the escape routes he always noticed wherever he went.\n\nThe guards did not so much as glance in his direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just to be safe, though, he burst into one of the hovels, where a withered woman stooped peering through the window slats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Out!\" he shouted and she almost fell over herself, leaving by the back. Saburo settled into her place at the window.\n\nIt appeared to him that the women had no choice but to surrender.\n\nAll that changed in an instant. Yamabuki's demeanor transformed, as though another being took over her body. Her smile dissolved. Her expression hardened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes turned to granite. Her mouth drew into a line. Her body erect, she grew half a head taller—not so much that anything physically changed, more that she called up something that she otherwise kept hidden.\n\nWords were exchanged and spears were brandished.\n\nThen in one glorious strike, the alabaster yojimbō decapitated one of the guards. She was as physically talented as she was beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like the snake of her mon, she struck fast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blindingly fast. Fast and accurate—her sword a blur. Another spear carrier and then their leader fell in quick succession to her. For a brief moment Saburo wondered if it was the yojimbō who had killed Shima.\n\nMeanwhile, the Taka Princess stood alone against the other men. Bad odds. The sakimori attacked as a unit. True, they were mere spearmen, but fighting close in with so many determined opponents took a coolness few possessed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A warrior was either born with this kind of ice or died young." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This kind of nerve was something some men managed to feign." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fewer swordsmen actually possessed it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Most did not, but still had the presence of mind to bluff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki's sword cut through men like a whirlwind. There was no bluffing. Saburo could barely keep up with the speed at which her sword dispatched them. Before one man even started to fall, her sword already found its mark on the next man. Saburo held his breath until the final sakimori fell.\n\n\"Magnificent,\" he whispered to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And though Saburo favored men, if indeed he favored anyone, when Yamabuki flicked the blood from her sword and wiped the blade with rice paper, he found himself stirred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Taka warrior excited him as no woman had, at least not since Sairyū at the market nineteen years before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such a contrast: the sweet daughter of a weaver of straw baskets and a grim princess in dark green armor, a weaver of death. He did not know if he wanted to ravish the Taka warrior or if he even still wanted to kill her. What kind of wife might she make? What offspring would we have? What would she be like if she gave her skin?\n\nBut ever pragmatic, Saburo realized a warrior of this strength would never let any man possess her any more than Saburo would let any man possess him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Poor young Kiso would never possess her.\n\nAnd there was more. Saburo saw the look in the alabaster yojimbō's eyes: lust. The alabaster woman's mouth might have twisted in disdain when she said something flippant to Yamabuki—something Saburo could not quite hear—but her eyes. Yes those eyes. What the yojimbō saw in Yamabuki was what he had seen. The look in the yojimbō's eyes was an admiration at least as great as Saburo's. No." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would never have any chance in Yamabuki's bedchamber. The only way he would conquer her was for her to fall beneath his sword.\n\nHis hand moved to the hilt of Shima's tachi. He took a deep breath, ready to act. No one would blame him—after all, Yamabuki now had killed sakimori, so her death would be deserved. The alabaster woman would be no easy target, but if he killed Yamabuki outright, the yojimbō would either choose to fight or make her getaway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The death of all the sakimori could be blamed on the Taka samurai. He stepped out the doorway.\n\nShouts drew his attention as a contingent of archers scurried up the street. Whereas spearmen were often raw recruits whose chief qualifications were youth, an ability to follow orders, and willingness to lift a polearm, archers were another matter.\n\nSix of them and their commander halted some thirty long paces from the two women. The bodies of the dead, snow falling on them, lay in heaps in the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The archers lifted their yumi, nocked their arrows, prepared to shoot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One defensive tactic for Yamabuki and her yojimbō might have been to lift the dead bodies, using the corpses as a shield, but neither woman availed herself. Swords drawn, they eyed the archers. Saburo tensed. If they killed her, he would not have the pleasure of killing Yamabuki.\n\nThe leader gave the command. Six arrows sped toward the two women. The women's swords swept them from the air. Cut into pieces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The commander ordered another volley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again the arrows were intercepted. The commander called for his men to move in closer.\n\nA small girl ran out, emerging from a break in the rock wall. Judging from her size, she was not even five springs, but the girl spoke animatedly and pointed toward the fissure. The archers leapt over their dead as Yamabuki and her yojimbō followed the child along the face cliff and one by one disappeared.\n\nThe archers reached the fissure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three sat on the snow, extending their feet to hold their yumi and drew back the bowstrings, arrows directed into the fissure. The remaining three stood above them, ready to shoot at the same time. Clearly it would be impossible for anyone to dodge a volley within the narrow tunnel. The commander shouted.\n\nThe first volley was away, and they listened to hear the arrows hit, but there was no sound whatever.\n\nMoments later, death was atop them. Saburo cut the archers down as they fumbled for their swords." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another group of warriors, at least two jun, raced down the street, swords drawn. These odds were becoming impossible. Veiled partially by the snowfall, Saburo slipped into the cave.\n\nShouts erupted from the guards and they guards raced faster, leaping over the snow-covered bodies. The man in the kimono had killed sakimori. No quarter would be given." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet when they arrived at the cliff face, they found only more dead bodies." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The killer, along with the opening in the rock, had vanished, leaving only footprints in the snow." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~4 sentences more. copy Eiji Yoshikawa's style" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That night, when he'd gone stealthily to his sister's house, Matahachi's mother—as luck would have it—had been there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a while he'd just stood outside, trying to come up with an explanation of Matahachi's whereabouts, but as he was watching his sister through a crack in the door, the soldiers had spotted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again he had to flee without having the chance to speak to anyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since then, it appeared from his refuge in the mountains that the Tokugawa samurai were keeping a very sharp eye out for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They patrolled every road he might take, while at the same time the villagers had banded together to form search parties and were scouring the mountains.\n\nHe wondered what Otsū must think of him and began to suspect that even she had turned against him. Since it appeared that everyone in his own village regarded him as an enemy, he was stymied.\n\nHe thought: \"It'd be too hard to tell Otsū the real reason her fiancé didn't come back. Maybe I should tell the old woman instead... That's it! If I explain everything to her, she can break it gently to Otsū. Then there won't be any reason for me to hang around here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mind made up, Takezō resumed walking, but he knew that it would not do to go near the village before dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a large rock he broke another into small pieces and hurled one of them at a bird in flight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After it fell to earth, he barely paused to pluck its feathers before sinking his half-starved teeth into the warm, raw flesh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he was devouring the bird, he started walking again but suddenly heard a stifled cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whoever had caught sight of him was scrambling away frantically through the woods. Angered at the idea of being hated and feared—persecuted—for no reason, he shouted, \"Wait!\" and began running like a panther after the fleeing form.\n\nThe man was no match for Takezō and was easily overtaken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It turned out to be one of the villagers who came to the mountains to make charcoal, and Takezō knew him by sight. Grabbing his collar, he dragged him back to a small clearing.\n\n\"Why are you running away? Don't you know me? I'm one of you, Shimmen Takezō of Miyamoto. I'm not going to eat you alive. You know, it's very rude to run away from people without even saying hello!\"\n\n\"Y-y-y-y-yes, sir!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sit down!\"\n\nTakezō released his grip on the man's arm, but the pitiful creature started to flee, forcing Takezō to kick his behind and make as if to strike him with his wooden sword. The man cringed on the ground like a simpering dog, his hands over his head.\n\n\"Don't kill me!\" he screamed pathetically." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just answer my questions, all right?\"\n\n\"I'll tell you anything—just don't kill me! I have a wife and family.\"\n\n\"Nobody's going to kill you. I suppose the hills are crawling with soldiers, aren't they?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are they keeping close watch on the Shippōji?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Are the men from the village hunting for me again today?\"\n\nSilence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you one of them?\"\n\nThe man jumped to his feet, shaking his head like a deaf-mute.\n\n\"No, no, no!\"\n\n\"That's enough,\" shouted Takezō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking a firm grip on the man's neck, he asked, \"What about my sister?\"\n\n\"What sister?\"\n\n\"My sister, Ogin, of the House of Shimmen. Don't play dumb. You promised to answer my questions. I don't really blame the villagers for trying to capture me, because the samurai are forcing them to do it, but I'm sure they'd never do anything to hurt her. Or would they?\"\n\nThe man replied, too innocently, \"I don't know anything about that. Nothing at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takezō swiftly raised his sword above his head in position to strike. \"Watch it! That sounded very suspicious to me. Something has happened, hasn't it? Out with it, or I'll smash your skull!\"\n\n\"Wait! Don't! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!\"\n\nHands folded in supplication, the trembling charcoal-maker told how Ogin had been taken away a prisoner, and how an order had been circulated in the village to the effect that anyone providing Takezō with food or shelter would automatically be regarded as an accomplice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each day, he reported, the soldiers were leading villagers into the mountains, and each family was required to furnish one young man every other day for this purpose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The information caused Takezō to break out in goose pimples. Not fear. Rage. To make sure he'd heard right, he asked, \"What crime has my sister been charged with?\" His eyes were glistening with moisture.\n\n\"None of us knows anything about it. We're afraid of the district lord. We're just doing what we're told, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where have they taken my sister?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rumor has it that they've got her in Hinagura stockade, but I don't know if that's true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hinagura... \" repeated Takezō. His eyes turned toward the ridge that marked the provincial border. The backbone of the mountains was already spotted with the shadows of gray evening clouds.\n\nTakezō let the man go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Watching him scramble away, grateful to have his meager life spared, made Takezō's stomach turn at the thought of the cowardice of humanity, the cowardice that forced samurai to pick on a poor helpless woman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was glad to be alone again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He soon reached a decision. \"I have to rescue Ogin, and that's that. My poor sister. I'll kill them all if they've harmed her.\" Having chosen his course of action, he marched down toward the village with long manly strides.\n\nA couple of hours later, Takezō again furtively approached the Shippōji." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The evening bell had just stopped tolling. It was already dark and lights could be seen coming from the temple itself, the kitchen and the priests' quarters, where people seemed to be moving about.\n\n\"If only Otsū would come out,\" he thought.\n\nHe crouched motionless under the raised passageway—it was of the sort that had a roof but no walls—which connected the priests' rooms with the main temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smell of food being cooked floated in the air, conjuring up visions of rice and steaming soup. For the past few days, Takezō had had nothing in his stomach but raw bird meat and grass shoots, and his stomach now rebelled. His throat burned as he vomited up bitter gastric juices, and in his misery he gasped loudly for breath.\n\n\"What was that?\" said a voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Probably just a cat,\" answered Otsū, who came out carrying a dinner tray and started crossing the passageway directly over Takezō's head. He tried to call to her, but was still too nauseated to make an intelligible sound.\n\nThis, as it happened, was a stroke of luck, because just then a male voice just behind Otsū inquired, \"Which way is the bath?\"\n\nThe man was wearing a kimono borrowed from the temple, tied with a narrow sash from which dangled a small washcloth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takezō recognized him as one of the samurai from Himeji. Evidently he was of high rank, high enough to lodge at the temple and pass his evenings eating and drinking his fill while his subordinates and the villagers had to scour mountainsides day and night searching for the fugitive.\n\n\"The bath?\" said Otsū. \"Come, I'll show you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She set her tray down and began leading him along the passageway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly the samurai rushed forward and hugged her from behind.\n\n\"How about joining me in the bath?\" he suggested lecherously.\n\n\"Stop that! Let go of me!\" cried Otsū, but the man, turning her around, held her face in both big hands and brushed his lips against her cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong!\" he cajoled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you like men!\"\n\n\"Stop it! You shouldn't do that!\" protested the helpless Otsū. The soldier then clapped his hand over her mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takezō, oblivious of the danger, leapt up onto the passageway like a cat and thrust his fist at the man's head from behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blow was a hard one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Momentarily defenseless, the samurai fell backward, still clinging to Otsū. As she tried to break away from his hold, she let out a shrill scream. The fallen man began shouting, \"It's him! It's Takezō! He's here! Come and take him!\"\n\nThe rumble of feet and the roar of voices thundered from inside the temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The temple bell began signaling the alarm that Takezō had been discovered, and from the woods throngs of men began converging on the temple grounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Takezō was already gone, and before long search parties were once again sent out to scour the hills of Sanumo. Takezō himself hardly knew how he'd slipped through the swiftly tightening net, but by the time the chase was in full swing he found himself standing far away, at the entrance to the large dirt-floored kitchen of the Hon'iden house.\n\nLooking into the dimly lit interior, he called out, \"Granny!\"\n\n\"Who's there!\" came the shrill reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Osugi ambled out from a back room. Lit from below by the paper lantern in her hand, her gnarled face paled at the sight of her visitor.\n\n\"You!\" she cried.\n\n\"I have something important to tell you,\" Takezō said hurriedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Matahachi isn't dead, he's still very much alive and healthy. He's staying with a woman. In another province. That's all I can tell you, because that's all I know. Will you please somehow break the news to Otsū for me? I couldn't do it myself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immensely relieved to have unburdened himself of the message, he started to leave, but the old woman called him back.\n\n\"Where do you plan to go from here?\"\n\n\"I have to break into the stockade at Hinagura and rescue Ogin,\" he replied sadly. \"After that, I'll go away somewhere. I just wanted to tell you and your family, as well as Otsū, that I didn't let Matahachi die. Other than that, I have no reason to be here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see.\" Osugi shifted the lantern from one hand to the other, playing for time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she beckoned to him. \"I'll bet you're hungry, aren't you?\"\n\n\"I haven't had a decent meal for days.\"\n\n\"You poor boy! Wait! I'm in the midst of cooking right now, and I can give you a nice warm dinner in no time. As a going-away present. And wouldn't you like to take a bath while I'm getting it ready?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takezō was speechless.\n\n\"Don't look so shocked. Takezō, your family and ours have been together since the days of the Akamatsu clan. I don't think you should leave here at all, but I certainly won't let you go without giving you a good hearty meal!\"\n\nAgain Takezō was unable to reply. He raised his arm and wiped his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one had been this kind to him for a long, long time. Having come to regard everybody with suspicion and distrust, he was suddenly remembering what it was like to be treated as a human being.\n\n\"Hurry on round to the bathhouse, now,\" urged Osugi in grandmotherly tones. \"It's too dangerous to stand here—someone might see you. I'll bring you a washcloth, and while you're washing, I'll get out Matahachi's kimono and some underwear for you. Now take your time and have a good soak.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She handed him the lantern and disappeared into the back of the house. Almost immediately, her daughter-in-law left the house, ran through the garden and off into the night.\n\nFrom the bathhouse, where the lantern swung back and forth, came the sound of splashing water.\n\n\"How is it?\" Osugi called jovially. \"Hot enough?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just right! I feel like a new man,\" Takezō called back.\n\n\"Take your time and get good and warm. The rice isn't ready yet.\"\n\n\"Thanks. If I'd known it'd be like this, I'd have come sooner. I was sure you'd have it in for me!\" He spoke two or three more times, but his voice was drowned out by the sound of the water and Osugi didn't answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before long, the daughter-in-law reappeared at the gate, all out of breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was followed by a band of samurai and vigilantes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Osugi came out of the house and addressed them in a whisper.\n\n\"Ah, you got him to take a bath. Very clever,\" said one of the men admiringly. \"Yes, that's fine! We've got him for sure this time!\"\n\nSplitting into two groups, the men crouched and moved cautiously, like so many toads, toward the fire blazing brightly under the bath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something—something indefinable—pricked Takezō's instincts, and he peeped out through a crack in the door. His hair stood on end.\n\n\"I've been trapped!\" he screamed.\n\nHe was stark naked, the bathhouse was tiny, and there was no time to think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Beyond the door he'd spotted what seemed like hordes of men armed with staffs, lances and truncheons.\n\nStill, he wasn't really afraid. Any fear he might have had was blotted out by his anger toward Osugi.\n\n\"All right, you bastards, watch this,\" he growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was well beyond caring how many of them there were. In this situation, as in others, the only thing he knew how to do was to attack rather than be attacked. As his would-be captors made way for each other outside, he abruptly kicked open the door and jumped out and into the air, bellowing a fearsome war whoop. Still naked, his wet hair flying in every direction, he seized and wrenched loose the shaft of the first lance thrust at him, sending its owner flying into the bushes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking a firm grip on the weapon, he thrashed about like a whirling dervish, swinging with complete abandon and hitting anyone who came near." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd learned at Sekigahara that this method was startlingly effective when a man was outnumbered, and that the shaft of a lance could often be used more tellingly than the blade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The attackers, realizing too late what a blunder they'd made by not sending three or four men charging into the bathhouse in the first place, shouted encouragement to one another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was clear, however, they'd been out-maneuvered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "About the tenth time Takezō's weapon came in contact with the ground, it broke. He then seized a large rock and threw it at the men, who were already showing signs of backing down.\n\n\"Look, he's run inside the house!\" shouted one of them, as simultaneously Osugi and her daughter-in-law scrambled out into the back garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Making a tremendous clatter as he stormed through the house, Takezō was yelling, \"Where are my clothes? Give me back my clothes!\"\n\nThere were work clothes lying about, not to speak of an elaborate kimono chest, but Takezō paid them no attention. He was straining his eyes in the dim light to find his own ragged garment. Finally spotting it in the corner of the kitchen, he seized it in one hand and finding a foothold atop a large earthen-ware oven, crawled out of a small high window." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do 2 sentences in Eiji Yoshikawa's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rousing himself from his reverie, Takuan said, \"The fire's gone down, Otsū. Would you put some more wood on it?... Why, what's the matter? Is something wrong?\"\n\nOtsū didn't answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you crying?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still she said nothing.\n\n\"I'm sorry I reminded you of the past. I didn't mean to upset you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's nothing,\" she whispered. \"I shouldn't have been so stubborn. Please take the flute and play it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She brought the instrument out from her obi and offered it to him across the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was in a wrapper of old, faded brocade; the cloth was worn, the cords tattered, but there still remained a certain antique elegance.\n\n\"May I look at it?\" asked Takuan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, please do. It doesn't matter anymore.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But why don't you play it instead of me? I think I really would rather listen. I'll just sit here like this.\" He turned sideways and clasped his arms around his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. I'm not very good,\" she said modestly, \"but I'll try.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knelt in formal fashion on the grass, straightened her kimono collar and bowed to the flute laying before her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takuan said no more. He seemed no longer to even be there; there was only the great lonely universe enveloped in night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monk's shadowy form might well have been a rock that had rolled down from the hillside and settled on the plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū, her white face turned slightly to one side, put the cherished heirloom to her lips. As she wetted the mouthpiece and prepared herself inwardly to play, she seemed a different Otsū altogether, an Otsū embodying the strength and dignity of art." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Turning to Takuan, she once again, in proper fashion, disavowed any claim to skill. He nodded perfunctorily.\n\nThe liquid sound of the flute began." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the girl's thin fingers moved over the seven holes of the instrument, her knuckles looked like tiny gnomes absorbed in a slow dance. It was a low sound, like the gurgling of a brook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan felt that he himself had turned into flowing water, splashing through a ravine, playing in the shallows." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the high notes sounded, he felt his spirit wafted into the sky to gambol with the clouds. The sound of earth and the reverberations of heaven mingled and were transformed into the wistful sighs of the breeze blowing through the pines, lamenting the impermanence of this world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he listened raptly, his eyes closed, Takuan could not help but recall the legend of Prince Hiromasa, who, while strolling on a moonlit night at Suzaku Gate in Kyoto and playing his flute as he walked, heard another flute harmonizing with his." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The prince searched out the player and found him in the upper story of the gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having exchanged flutes, the two played music together throughout the night. Only later did the prince discover that his companion had been a devil in human form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even a devil,\" thought Takuan, \"is moved by music. How much more deeply must a human being, subject to the five passions, be affected by the sound of the flute in the hands of this beautiful girl!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to weep but shed no tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His face sank deeper between his knees, which he unconsciously hugged more tightly.\n\nAs the light from the fire gradually faded, Otsū's cheeks turned a deeper red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was so absorbed in her music that it was difficult to distinguish her from the instrument she was playing.\n\nWas she calling to her mother and father?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Were these sounds ascending into the sky really asking, \"Where are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And was there not mingled with this plea the bitter resentment of a maiden who'd been deserted and betrayed by a faithless man?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She seemed intoxicated by the music, overwhelmed by her own emotions. Her breathing began to show signs of fatigue; tiny beads of sweat appeared around the edges of her hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears flowed down her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the melody was broken by stifled sobs, it seemed to go on and on forever.\n\nAnd then suddenly there was a movement in the grass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was no more than fifteen or twenty feet from the fire and sounded like a creeping animal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takuan's head shot up. Looking straight at the black object, he quietly raised his hand and waved a greeting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You over there! It must be chilly in the dew. Come over here by the fire and warm yourself. Come and talk with us, please.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Startled, Otsū stopped playing and said, \"Takuan, are you talking to yourself again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't you notice?\" he asked, pointing. \"Takezō has been over there for some time, listening to you play the flute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned to look, and then, with a shriek, threw her flute at the black form." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was indeed Takezō. He jumped like a startled deer and started to flee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan, as astonished as Takezō by Otsū's scream, felt as though the net he was so carefully hauling in had broken and the fish escaped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jumping to his feet, he called out at the top of his lungs, \"Takezō! Stop!\"\n\nThere was overpowering strength in his voice, a commanding force that could not easily be ignored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fugitive stopped as though nailed to the ground and looked back, a little stupefied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared at Takuan with suspicious eyes.\n\nThe monk said no more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly crossing his arms on his chest, he stared back at Takezō as steadily as Takezō was staring at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two seemed even to be breathing in unison.\n\nGradually there appeared at the corners of Takuan's eyes the wrinkles that mark the beginning of a friendly smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unfolding his arms, he beckoned to Takezō and said, \"Now, come here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the sound of the words, Takezō blinked; a strange expression came over his dark face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on over here,\" Takuan urged, \"and we can all talk to each other.\"\n\nThere followed a puzzled silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's lots to eat and we even have some sake. We're not your enemies, you know. Come over by the fire. Let's talk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "More silence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takezō, aren't you making a big mistake? There's a world outside where there are fires and food and drink and even human sympathy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You persist in driving yourself about in your own private hell. You're taking a pretty warped view of the world, you know." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I'll stop trying to argue with you. In your condition, you could hardly have much of an ear for reason. Just come over here by the fire. Otsū, warm up the potato stew you made a while ago. I'm hungry too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū put the pot on the fire, and Takuan placed a jar of sake near the flames to heat it. This peaceful scene allayed Takezō's fears, and he inched nearer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he was almost on top of them, he stopped and stood still, apparently held back by some inner embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takuan rolled a rock up near the fire and patted Takezō on the back. \"You sit here,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly, Takezō sat down. Otsū, for her part, couldn't even look her exfiance's friend in the face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt as though she were in the presence of an unchained beast.\n\nTakuan, lifting the lid of the pot, said, \"It seems to be ready.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stuck the tips of his chopsticks into a potato, drew it out, and popped it into his mouth. Chewing heartily, he proclaimed, \"Very nice and tender. Won't you have some, Takezō?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takezō nodded and for the first time grinned, showing a set of perfect white teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū filled a bowl and gave it to him, whereupon he began alternately to blow on the hot stew and slurp it up in big mouthfuls. His hands trembled and his teeth clattered against the edge of the bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Pitifully hungry as he was, the trembling was uncontrollable. Frighteningly so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good, isn't it?\" asked the monk, putting down his chopsticks. \"How about some sake?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want any sake.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you like it?\"\n\n\"I don't want any now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all that time in the mountains, he was afraid it might make him sick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Presently he said, politely enough, \"Thank you for the food. I'm warmed up now.\"\n\n\"Have you had enough?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Plenty, thank you.\" As he handed his bowl back to Otsū, he asked, \"Why did you come up here? I saw your fire last night too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question startled Otsū and she had no answer ready, but Takuan came to the rescue by saying forthrightly, \"To tell the truth, we came here to capture you.\"\n\nTakezō showed no particular surprise, though he seemed hesitant to take what Takuan had said at face value." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hung his head in silence, then looked from one to the other of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takuan saw that the time had come to act. Turning to face Takezō directly, he said, \"How about it? If you're going to be captured anyway, wouldn't it be better to be tied up with the bonds of the Buddha's Law? The daimyō's regulations are law, and the Buddha's Law is law, but of the two, the bonds of the Buddha are the more gentle and humane.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no!\" said Takezō, shaking his head angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan continued mildly. \"Just listen for a minute. I understand that you are determined to hold out to the death, but in the long run, can you really win?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean, can I win?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean, can you successfully hold out against the people who hate you, against the laws of the province and against your own worst enemy, yourself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I know I've already lost,\" groaned Takezō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His face was sadly contorted and his eyes brimmed with tears. \"I'll be cut down in the end, but before I am I'll kill the old Hon'iden woman and the soldiers from Himeji and all the other people I hate! I'll kill as many as I can!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What will you do about your sister?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh?\"\n\n\"Ogin. What are you going to do about her? She's locked up in the stockade at Hinagura, you know!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite his earlier resolve to rescue her, Takezō could not answer.\n\n\"Don't you think you should start considering the well-being of that good woman? She's done so much for you. And what about your duty to carry on the name of your father, Shimmen Munisai? Have you forgotten that it goes back through the Hirata family to the famous Akamatsu clan of Harima?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takezō covered his face with his blackened, now nearly clawed hands, his sharp shoulders piercing upward as they shook in his haggard, trembling body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He broke into bitter sobs. \"I... I... don't know. What... what difference does it make now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At that, Takuan suddenly clenched his fist and let go with a solid punch to Takezō's jaw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fool!\" the monk's voice thundered.\n\nTaken by surprise, Takezō reeled from the blow and before he could recover took another punch on the other side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You irresponsible oaf! You stupid ingrate! Since your father and mother and ancestors are not here to punish you, I'll do it for them. Take that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The monk struck him again, this time knocking him all the way to the ground. \"Does it hurt yet?\" he asked belligerently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, it hurts,\" the fugitive whined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. If it hurts, you may still have a little human blood coursing through your veins. Otsū, hand me that rope, please... Well, what are you waiting for? Bring me the rope! Takezō already knows I'm going to tie him up. He's prepared for it. It's not the rope of authority, it's the rope of compassion. There's no reason for you to either fear or pity him. Quick, girl, the rope!\"\n\nTakezō lay still on his stomach, making no effort to move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Takuan easily straddled his back." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Takezō had wanted to resist, he could have kicked Takuan in the air like a little paper ball. They both knew that. Yet he lay passively, arms and legs outstretched, as though he'd finally surrendered to some invisible law of nature." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~6 sentences sentences. Style: Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally, one day, he heard the swallows returning to the donjon eaves. Once again, spring had flown from across the seas.\n\nNot long after its arrival, a voice, now sounding strange, almost painful to the ears, inquired, \"Takezō, are you well?\"\n\nThe familiar head of Takuan appeared at the top of the stairs. Startled and much too deeply moved to utter a sound, Takezō grabbed hold of the monk's kimono sleeve and pulled him into the room. The servants who brought his food had never once spoken a word." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was overjoyed to hear another human voice, especially this one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've just returned from a journey,\" said Takuan. \"You're in your third year here now, and I've decided that after gestating this long, you must be pretty well formed.\"\n\n\"I am grateful for your goodness, Takuan. I understand now what you've done. How can I ever thank you?\"\n\n\"Thank me?\" Takuan said incredulously. Then he laughed. \"Even though you've had no one to converse with but yourself, you've actually learned to speak like a human being! Good! Today you will leave this place. And as you do so, hug your hard-earned enlightenment to your bosom. You're going to need it when you go forth into the world to join your fellow men.\"\n\nTakuan took Takezō just as he was to see Lord Ikeda." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although he had been relegated to the garden in the previous audience, a place was now made for him on the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the salutations and some perfunctory small talk, Terumasa lost no time in asking Takezō to serve as his vassal.\n\nTakezō declined. He was greatly honored, he explained, but he did not feel the time was yet right to go into a daimyō's service. \"And if I did so in this castle,\" he said, \"ghosts would probably start appearing in the closed room every night, just as everyone says they do.\"\n\n\"Why do you say that? Did they come to keep you company?\"\n\n\"If you take a lamp and inspect the room closely, you'll see black spots spattering the doors and beams. It looks like lacquer, but it's not. It's human blood, most likely blood spilled by the Akamatsus, my forebears, when they went down to defeat in this castle.\"\n\n\"Hmm. You may very well be right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Seeing those stains infuriated me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My blood boiled to think that my ancestors, who once ruled over this whole region, ended up being annihilated, their souls just blown about in the autumn winds. They died violently, but it was a powerful clan and they can be roused.\n\n\"That same blood flows in my veins,\" he went on, an intense look in his eyes. \"Unworthy though I am, I am a member of the same clan, and if I stay in this castle, the ghosts may rouse themselves and try to reach me. In a sense, they already have, by making it clear to me in that room just who I am. But they could cause chaos, perhaps rebel and even set off another bloodbath. We are not in an era of peace. I owe it to the people of this whole region not to tempt the vengeance of my ancestors.\"\n\nTerumasa nodded. \"I see what you mean. It's better if you leave this castle, but where will you go? Do you plan to return to Miyamoto? Live out your life there?\"\n\nTakezō smiled silently. \"I want to wander about on my own for a while.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see,\" the lord replied, turning to Takuan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"See that he receives money and suitable clothing,\" he commanded.\n\nTakuan bowed. \"Let me thank you for your kindness to the boy.\"\n\n\"Takuan!\" Ikeda laughed. \"This is the first time you've ever thanked me twice for anything!\"\n\n\"I suppose that's true.\" Takuan grinned. \"It won't happen again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's all right for him to roam about while he's still young,\" said Terumasa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But now that he's going out on his own—reborn, as you put it—he should have a new name. Let it be Miyamoto, so that he never forgets his birthplace. From now on, Takezō, call yourself Miyamoto.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Takezō's hands went automatically to the floor. Palms down, he bowed deep and long. \"Yes, sir, I will do that.\"\n\n\"You should change your first name too,\" Takuan interjected. \"Why not read the Chinese characters of your name as 'Musashi' instead of 'Takezō'? You can keep writing your name the same as before. It's only fitting that everything should begin anew on this day of your rebirth.\"\n\nTerumasa, who was by this time in a very good mood, nodded his approval enthusiastically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miyamoto Musashi! It's a good name, a very good name. We should drink to it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They moved into another room, sake was served, and Takezō and Takuan kept his lordship company far into the night. They were joined by several of Terumasa's retainers, and eventually Takuan got to his feet and performed an ancient dance. He was expert, his vivid movements creating an imaginary world of delight. Takezō, now Musashi, watched with admiration, respect and enjoyment as the drinking went on and on.\n\nThe following day they both left the castle. Musashi was taking his first steps into a new life, a life of discipline and training in the martial arts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During his three-year incarceration, he had resolved to master the Art of War.\n\nTakuan had his own plans. He had decided to travel about the countryside, and the time had come, he said, to part again.\n\nWhen they reached the town outside the castle walls, Musashi made as if to take his leave, but the monk grabbed his sleeve and said, \"Isn't there someone you'd like to see?\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"Ogin?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is she still alive?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked in bewilderment. Even in his sleep, he'd never forgotten the gentle sister who'd been a mother to him so long.\n\nTakuan told him that when he'd attacked the stockade at Hinagura three years earlier, Ogin had indeed already been taken away. Although no charges were pressed against her, she had been reluctant to return home and so went instead to stay with a relative in a village in the Sayo district. She was now living comfortably there.\n\n\"Wouldn't you like to see her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "asked Takuan. \"She's very eager to see you. I told her three years ago that she should consider you dead, since in one sense, you were. I also told her, however, that after three years I'd bring her a new brother, different from the old Takezō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi pressed his palms together and raised them in front of his head, as he would have done in prayer before a statue of the Buddha." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not only have you taken care of me,\" he said with deep emotion, \"but you've seen to Ogin's well-being too. Takuan, you are truly a compassionate man. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you for what you've done.\"\n\n\"One way to thank me would be to let me take you to your sister.\"\n\n\"No... No, I don't think I should go. Hearing about her from you has been as good as meeting her.\"\n\n\"Surely you want to see her yourself, if only for a few minutes.\"\n\n\"No, I don't think so. I did die, Takuan, and I do feel reborn. I don't think that now is the time to return to the past. What I have to do is take a resolute step forward, into the future. I've barely found the way along which I'll have to travel. When I've made some progress toward the knowledge and self-perfection I'm seeking, perhaps I'll take the time to relax and look back. Not now.\"\n\n\"I see.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I find it hard to put into words, but I hope you'll understand anyway.\"\n\n\"I do. I'm glad to see you're as serious about your goal as you are. Keep following your own judgment.\"\n\n\"I'll say good-bye now, but someday, if I don't get myself killed along the way, we'll meet again.\"\n\n\"Yes, yes. If we have a chance to meet, let's by all means do so.\" Takuan turned, took a step, and then halted. \"Oh, yes. I suppose I should warn you that Osugi and Uncle Gon left Miyamoto in search of you and Otsū three years ago. They resolved never to return until they've taken their revenge, and old as they are, they're still trying to track you down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They may cause you some inconvenience, but I don't think they can make any real trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't take them too seriously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes, and then there's Aoki Tanzaemon. I don't suppose you ever knew his name, but he was in charge of the search for you. Perhaps it had nothing to do with anything you or I said or did, but that splendid samurai managed to disgrace himself, with the result that he's been dismissed permanently from Lord Ikeda's service. He's no doubt wandering about too.\" Takuan grew grave. \"Musashi, your path won't be an easy one. Be careful as you make your way along it.\"\n\n\"I'll do my best.\" Musashi smiled.\n\n\"Well, I guess that's everything. I'll be on my way.\" Takuan turned and walked westward. He didn't look back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep well,\" Musashi called after him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood at the crossroads watching the monk's form recede until it was out of sight. Then, once again alone, he started to walk toward the east.\n\n\"Now there's only this sword,\" he thought. \"The only thing in the world I have to rely on.\" He rested his hand on the weapon's handle and vowed to himself, \"I will live by its rule. I will regard it as my soul, and by learning to master it, strive to improve myself, to become a better and wiser human being. Takuan follows the Way of Zen, I will follow the Way of the Sword. I must make of myself an even better man than he is.\"\n\nAfter all, he reflected, he was still young." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His footsteps were steady and strong, his eyes full of youth and hope. From time to time he raised the brim of his basket hat, and stared down the long road into the future, the unknown path all humans must tread.\n\nHe hadn't gone far—in fact, he was just on the outskirts of Himeji—when a woman came running toward him from the other side of Hanada Bridge. He squinted into the sunlight.\n\n\"It's you!\" Otsū cried, clutching his sleeve.\n\nMusashi gasped in surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū's tone was reproachful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Takezō, surely you haven't forgotten? Don't you remember the name of this bridge? Did it slip your mind that I promised to wait here for you, no matter how long it took?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been waiting here for the last three years?\" He was astounded.\n\n\"Yes. Osugi and Uncle Gon caught up with me right after I left you. I was sick and had to take a rest. And I almost got myself killed. But I got away. I've been waiting here since about twenty days after we said good-bye at Nakayama Pass.\"\n\nPointing to a basket-weaving shop at the end of the bridge, a typical little highroad stall selling souvenirs to travelers, she continued: \"I told the people there my story, and they were kind enough to take me on as a sort of helper. So I could stay and wait for you. Today is the nine hundred and seventieth day, and I've kept my promise faithfully.\" She peered into his face, trying to fathom his thoughts. \"You will take me with you, won't you?\"\n\nThe truth, of course, was that Musashi had no intention of taking her or anyone else with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At this very moment, he was hurrying away to avoid thinking about his sister, whom he wanted to see so badly and felt so strongly drawn toward.\n\nThe questions raced through his agitated mind: \"What can I do? How can I embark on my quest for truth and knowledge with a woman, with anyone, interfering all the time? And this particular girl is, after all, still betrothed to Matahachi.\" Musashi couldn't keep his thoughts from showing on his face.\n\n\"Take you with me? Take you where?\" he demanded bluntly.\n\n\"Wherever you go.\"\n\n\"I'm setting out on a long, hard journey, not a sightseeing trip!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't get in your way. And I'm prepared to endure some hardships.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some? Only some?\"\n\n\"As many as I have to.\"\n\n\"That's not the point. Otsū, how can a man master the Way of the Samurai with a woman tagging along? Wouldn't that be funny. People'd say, 'Look at Musashi, he needs a wet nurse to take care of him.'\" She pulled harder at his kimono, clinging like a child. \"Let go of my sleeve,\" he ordered.\n\n\"No, I won't! You lied to me, didn't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When did I lie to you?\"\n\n\"At the pass. You promised to take me with you.\"\n\n\"That was ages ago. I wasn't really thinking then either, and I didn't have time to explain. What's more, it wasn't my idea, it was yours. I was in a hurry to get moving, and you wouldn't let me go until I promised. I went along with what you said because I had no choice.\"\n\n\"No, no, no! You can't mean what you're saying, you can't,\" she cried, pinning him against the bridge railing.\n\n\"Let go of me! People are watching.\"\n\n\"Let them! When you were tied up in the tree, I asked you if you wanted my help. You were so happy you told me twice to cut the rope. You don't deny that, do you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was trying to be logical in her argument, but her tears betrayed her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First abandoned as an infant, then jilted by her betrothed and now this. Musashi, knowing how alone she was in the world and caring for her deeply, was tongue-tied, though outwardly more composed.\n\n\"Let go!\" he said with finality. \"It's broad daylight and people are staring at us. Do you want us to be a sideshow for these busybodies?\"\n\nShe released his sleeve and fell sobbing against the railing, her shiny hair falling over her face.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" she mumbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I shouldn't have said all that. Please forget it. You don't owe me anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leaning over and pushing her hair from her face with both hands, he looked into her eyes. \"Otsū,\" he said tenderly. \"During all that time you were waiting, until this very day, I've been shut up in the castle donjon. For three years I haven't even seen the sun.\"\n\n\"Yes, I heard.\"\n\n\"You knew?\"\n\n\"Takuan told me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Takuan? He told you everything?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I guess so. I fainted at the bottom of a ravine near the Mikazuki Teahouse. I was running away from Osugi and Uncle Gon. Takuan rescued me. He also helped me make arrangements to work here, at the souvenir shop. That was three years ago. And he's stopped in several times. Only yesterday, he came and had some tea. I wasn't sure what he meant, but he said, 'It's got to do with a man and a woman, so who can say how it'll turn out?'\"\n\nMusashi dropped his hands and looked down the road leading west. He wondered if he'd ever again meet the man who'd saved his life. And again he was struck by Takuan's concern for his fellow man, which seemed all-encompassing and completely devoid of selfishness. Musashi realized how narrow-minded he himself had been, how petty, to suppose that the monk felt a special compassion for him alone; his generosity encompassed Ogin, Otsū, anyone in need whom he thought he could help.\n\n\"It has to do with a man and a woman... \" Takuan's words to Otsū sat heavily on Musashi's mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a burden for which he was ill prepared, since in all the mountains of books he'd pored over those three years, there wasn't one word about the situation he was in now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even Takuan had shrunk from becoming involved in this matter between him and Otsū. Had Takuan meant that relationships between men and women had to be worked out alone by the people involved? Did he mean that no rules applied, as they did in the Art of War? That there was no foolproof strategy, no way to win? Or was this meant as a test for Musashi, a problem only Musashi would be able to solve for himself?\n\nLost in thought, he stared down at the water flowing under the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū gazed up into his face, now distant and calm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can come, can't I?\" she pleaded. \"The shopkeeper's promised to let me quit whenever I wish. I'll just go and explain everything and then pack my things. I'll be back in a minute.\"\n\nMusashi covered her small white hand, which was resting on the railing, with his own. \"Listen,\" he said plaintively. \"I beg of you, just stop and think.\"\n\n\"What's there to think about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I told you. I've just become a new man. I stayed in that musty hole for three years. I read books. I thought. I screamed and cried. Then suddenly the light dawned. I understood what it means to be human. I have a new name, Miyamoto Musashi. I want to dedicate myself to training and discipline. I want to spend every moment of every day working to improve myself. I know now how far I have to go. If you chose to bind your life to mine, you'd never be happy. There will be nothing but hardship, and it won't get easier as it goes along. It'll get more and more difficult.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you talk like that, I feel closer to you than ever. Now I'm convinced I was right. I've found the best man I could ever find, even if I searched for the rest of my life.\"\n\nHe saw he was just making things worse. \"I'm sorry, I can't take you with me.\"\n\n\"Well, then, I'll just follow along. As long as I don't interfere with your training, what harm would it do? You won't even know I'm around.\"\n\nMusashi could find no answer.\n\n\"I won't bother you. I promise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remained silent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's all right then, isn't it? Just wait here; I'll be back in a second. And I'll be furious if you try to sneak away.\" Otsū ran off toward the basket-weaving shop.\n\nMusashi thought of ignoring everything and running too, in the opposite direction. Though the will was there, his feet wouldn't move.\n\nOtsū looked back and called, \"Remember, don't try to sneak off!\" She smiled, showing her dimples, and Musashi inadvertently nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Satisfied by this gesture, she disappeared into the shop." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he was going to escape, this was the time. His heart told him so, but his body was still shackled by Otsū's pretty dimples and pleading eyes. How sweet she was! It was certain no one in the world save his sister loved him so much. And it wasn't as though he disliked her.\n\nHe looked at the sky, he looked into the water, desperately gripped the railing, troubled and confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon tiny bits of wood began floating from the bridge into the flowing stream." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū reappeared on the bridge in new straw sandals, light yellow leggings and a large traveling hat tied under the chin with a crimson ribbon. She'd never looked more beautiful.\n\nBut Musashi was nowhere to be seen.\n\nWith a cry of shock, she burst into tears. Then her eyes fell upon the spot on the railing from which the chips of wood had fallen. There, carved with the point of a dagger, was the clearly inscribed message. \"Forgive me. Forgive me.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do eight sentences. going for Eiji Yoshikawa vibe" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along the stony path leading up to the Kiyomizudera Temple stood a row of shabby houses, their planked roofs lined up like rotten teeth and so old that moss covered their eaves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Under the hot noonday sun, the street reeked of salted fish broiling over charcoal.\n\nA dish flew through the door of one of the ramshackle hovels and broke into smithereens on the street. A man of about fifty, apparently an artisan of sorts, came tumbling out after it. Close on his heels was his barefooted wife, her hair a tangled mess and her tits hanging down like a cow's.\n\n\"What're you saying, you lout?\" she screamed shrilly. \"You go off, leave your wife and children to starve, then come crawling back like a worm!\"\n\nFrom inside the house came the sound of children crying and nearby a dog howled. She caught up with the man, seized him by his topknot and began beating him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now where do you think you're going, you old fool?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neighbors rushed up, trying to restore order.\n\nMusashi smiled ironically and turned back toward the ceramics shop. For some time before the domestic battle erupted, he had been standing just outside it, watching the potters with childlike fascination. The two men inside were unaware of his presence. Eyes riveted on their work, they seemed to have entered into the clay, become a part of it. Their concentration was complete.\n\nMusashi would have liked to have a try at working with the clay. Since boyhood he had enjoyed doing things with his hands, and he thought he might at least be able to make a simple tea bowl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just then, however, one of the potters, an old man of nearly sixty, started fashioning a tea bowl. Musashi, observing how deftly he moved his fingers and handled his spatula, realized he'd overestimated his own abilities. \"It takes so much technique just to make a simple piece like that,\" he marveled.\n\nThese days he often felt deep admiration for other people's work. He found he respected technique, art, even the ability to do a simple task well, particularly if it was a skill he himself had not mastered.\n\nIn one corner of the shop, on a makeshift counter made of an old door panel, stood rows of plates, jars, sake cups, and pitchers. They were sold as souvenirs, for the paltry sum of twenty or thirty pieces of cash, to people on their way to and from the temple. In stark contrast to the earnestness the potters devoted to their work was the humbleness of their boarded shack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi wondered whether they always had enough to eat. Life, it appeared, wasn't as easy as it sometimes seemed.\n\nContemplating the skill, concentration and devotion put into making wares, even as cheap as these, made Musashi feel he still had a long way to go if he was ever to reach the level of perfection in swordsmanship that he aspired to. The thought was a sobering one, for in the past three weeks he'd visited other well-known training centers in Kyoto besides the Yoshioka School and had begun to wonder whether he had not been too critical of himself since his confinement at Himeji. His expectation had been to find Kyoto full of men who had mastered the martial arts. It was, after all, the imperial capital, as well as the former seat of the Ashikaga shogunate, and it had long been a gathering place for famous generals and legendary warriors. During his stay, however, he had not found a single training center that had taught him anything to be genuinely grateful for. Instead, at each school he had experienced disappointment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though he always won his bouts, he was unable to decide whether this was because he was good or his opponents were bad. In either case, if the samurai he had met were typical, the country was in sorry shape.\n\nEncouraged by his success, he had reached the point of taking a certain pride in his expertise. But now, reminded of the danger of vanity, he felt chastened. He mentally bowed in deep respect to the clay-smudged old men at the wheel and started up the steep slope to Kiyomizudera.\n\nHe had not gone far when a voice called to him from below. \"You there, sir. The rōnin!\"\n\n\"Do you mean me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "asked Musashi, turning around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Judging from the man's padded cotton garment, his bare legs, and the pole he carried, he was a palanquin bearer by trade. From behind his beard, he said, politely enough for one of his lowly status, \"Sir, is your name Miyamoto?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" The man turned and went down toward Chawan Hill.\n\nMusashi watched him enter what appeared to be a teahouse. Passing through the area a while earlier, he had noticed a large crowd of porters and palanquin bearers standing about in a sunny spot. He couldn't imagine who had sent one of them to ask his name but supposed that whoever it was would soon come to meet him. He stood there awhile, but when no one appeared resumed his climb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped along the way to look at several well-known temples, and at each of them he bowed and said two prayers. One was: \"Please protect my sister from harm.\" The other was: \"Please test the lowly Musashi with hardship. Let him become the greatest swordsman in the land, or let him die.\"\n\nArriving at the edge of a cliff, he dropped his basket hat on the ground and sat down. From there he could look out over the whole city of Kyoto. As he sat clasping his knees, a simple, but powerful, ambition welled up in his young breast.\n\n\"I want to lead an important life. I want to do it because I was born a human being.\"\n\nHe had once read that in the tenth century two rebels named Taira no Masakado and Fujiwara no Sumitomo, both wildly ambitious, had gotten together and decided that if they emerged from the wars victorious, they would divide Japan up between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The story was probably apocryphal to begin with, but Musashi remembered thinking at the time how stupid and unrealistic it would have been for them to believe they could carry out so grandiose a scheme. Now, however, he no longer felt it laughable. While his own dream was of a different sort, there were certain similarities. If the young cannot harbor great dreams in their souls, who can? At the moment Musashi was imagining how he could create a place of his own in the world.\n\nHe thought of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, of their visions of unifying Japan and of the many battles they had fought to that end. But it was clear that the path to greatness no longer lay in winning battles. Today the people wanted only the peace for which they'd thirsted so long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And as Musashi considered the long, long struggle Tokugawa Ieyasu had had to endure to make this desire a reality, he realized once again how hard it was to hold fast to one's ideal.\n\n\"This is a new age,\" he thought. \"I have the rest of my life before me. I came along too late to follow in the footsteps of Nobunaga or Hideyoshi, but I can still dream of my own world to conquer. No one can stop me from doing that. Even that palanquin bearer must have a dream of some sort.\"\n\nFor a moment he put these ideas out of his mind and tried to view his situation objectively. He had his sword, and the Way of the Sword was the way he had chosen. It might be fine to be a Hideyoshi or an Ieyasu, but the times no longer had use for people of their particular talents. Ieyasu had everything neatly tied up; there was no more need for bloody wars. In Kyoto, stretched out below him, life was no longer a touch-and-go affair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For Musashi, the important thing from now on would be his sword and the society around him, his swordsmanship as it related to existing as a human being. In a moment of insight, he was satisfied that he had found the link between the martial arts and his own visions of greatness.\n\nAs he sat lost in thought, the palanquin bearer's face came into view beneath the cliff. He pointed his bamboo pole at Musashi and shouted, \"There he is, up there!\"\n\nMusashi looked down to where the porters were milling about and shouting. They began climbing the hill toward him. He got to his feet and, trying to ignore them, walked farther up the hill, but soon discovered that his path was blocked. Locking arms and thrusting out their poles, a sizable group of men had encircled him at a distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking over his shoulder, he saw that the men behind him had come to a halt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them grinned, showing his teeth, and informed the others that Musashi seemed to be \"staring at a plaque or something.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi, now before the steps of the Hongandō, was indeed gazing up at a weatherbeaten plaque hanging from the crossbeam of the temple entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt ill at ease and wondered if he should try frightening them away with a battle cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though he knew he could make quick work of them, there was no point in brawling with a bunch of lowly laborers. It was probably all a mistake anyway. If so, they would disperse sooner or later. He stood there patiently, reading and rereading the words on the plaque: \"Original Vow.\"\n\n\"Here she comes!\" one of the porters cried.\n\nThey began talking among themselves in hushed tones. Musashi's impression was that they were working themselves into a frenzy. The compound within the western gate of the temple had quickly filled with people, and now priests, pilgrims and vendors were straining their eyes to see what was going on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their faces brimming with curiosity, they formed circles outside the ring of porters surrounding Musashi.\n\nFrom the direction of Sannen Hill came the rhythmical, pace-setting chants of men carrying a load. The voices came closer and closer until two men entered the temple grounds bearing on their backs an old woman and a rather tired-looking country samurai.\n\nFrom her porter's back, Osugi waved her hand briskly and said, \"This will do.\" The bearer bent his legs, and as she jumped spryly to the ground, she thanked him. Turning to Uncle Gon, she said, \"We won't let him get away this time, will we?\" The two were clothed and shod as though they expected to spend the rest of their lives traveling.\n\n\"Where is he?\" called Osugi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the bearers said, \"Over there,\" and pointed proudly toward the temple.\n\nUncle Gon moistened the handle of his sword with spittle, and the two pushed through the circle of people.\n\n\"Take your time,\" cautioned one of the porters.\n\n\"He looks pretty tough,\" said another.\n\n\"Just make sure you're well prepared,\" advised still another.\n\nWhile the laborers offered words of encouragement and support to Osugi, the spectators looked on in dismay.\n\n\"Is the old woman actually planning to challenge that rōnin to a duel?\"\n\n\"Looks that way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But she's so old! Even her second is shaky on his legs! They must have good reason to try taking on a man so much younger.\"\n\n\"Must be a family feud of some kind!\"\n\n\"Look at that now, will you! She's lighting into the old man. Some of these old grannies really have guts, don't they!\"\n\nA porter ran up with a dipper of water for Osugi. After drinking a mouthful she handed it to Uncle Gon and addressed him sternly. \"Now see that you don't get flustered, because there's nothing to be flustered about. Takezō's a man of straw. Oh, he may have learned a little about using a sword, but he couldn't have learned all that much. Just stay calm!\"\n\nTaking the lead, she went straight to the front staircase of the Hongandō and sat down on the steps, not ten paces from Musashi. Paying no attention whatever either to him or to the crowd watching her, she took out her prayer beads, and closing her eyes, began moving her lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inspired by her religious fervor, Uncle Gon put his hands together and did likewise.\n\nThe sight proved to be a little too melodramatic, and one of the spectators started snickering. Immediately, one of the porters spun around and said challengingly, \"Who thinks this is funny? This is no laughing matter, you imbecile! The old woman's come all the way from Mimasaka to find the good-for-nothing who ran off with her son's bride. She's been praying at the temple here every day for almost two months and today he finally showed up.\"\n\n\"These samurai are different from the rest of us,\" was the opinion of another porter. \"At that age, the old woman could be living comfortably at home, playing with her grandchildren, but no, here she is, in place of her son, seeking to avenge an insult to her family. If nothing else, she deserves our respect.\"\n\nA third one said, \"We're not supporting her just because she's been giving us tips. She's got spirit, she has! Old as she is, she's not afraid to fight. I say we should give her all the help we can. It's only right to help the underdog! If she should lose, let's take care of the rōnin ourselves.\"\n\n\"You're right! But let's do it now! We can't stand here and let her get herself killed.\"\n\nAs the crowd learned of the reasons for Osugi's being there, the excitement mounted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of the spectators began goading the porters on.\n\nOsugi put her prayer beads back into her kimono, and a hush fell over the temple grounds. \"Takezō!\" she called loudly, putting her left hand on the short sword at her waist.\n\nMusashi had all the while been standing by in silence. Even when Osugi called out his name, he acted as if he hadn't heard. Unnerved by this, Uncle Gon, at Osugi's side, chose this moment to assume an attacking stance, and thrusting his head forward, uttered a cry of challenge.\n\nMusashi again failed to respond. He couldn't. He simply did not know how to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He recalled Takuan's having warned him in Himeji that he might run into Osugi. He was prepared to ignore her completely, but he was very upset by the talk the porters had been spreading among the mob. Furthermore, it was difficult for him to restrain his resentment at the hatred the Hon'idens had harbored against him all this time. The whole affair amounted to nothing more than a petty matter of face and feelings in the little village of Miyamoto, a misunderstanding that could be easily cleared up if only Matahachi were present.\n\nNevertheless, he was at a loss as to what to do here and now. How was one to respond to a challenge from a doddering old woman and a shrunken-faced samurai? Musashi stared on in silence, his mind in a quandary.\n\n\"Look at the bastard! He's afraid!\" a porter shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Be a man! Let the old woman kill you!\" taunted another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was not a soul who was not on Osugi's side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old woman blinked her eyes and shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she looked at the bearers and snapped angrily, \"Shut up! I just want you as witnesses. If the two of us should happen to be killed, I want you to send our bodies back to Miyamoto. Otherwise I don't need your talk, and I don't want your help!\" Pulling her short sword partway out of its scabbard, she took a couple of steps in Musashi's direction.\n\n\"Takezō!\" she said again. \"Takezō was always your name in the village, so why don't you answer to it? I've heard you've taken a fine new name—Miyamoto Musashi, is it?—but you'll always be Takezō to me! Ha, ha, ha!\" Her wrinkled neck quivered as she laughed. Evidently she hoped to kill Musashi with words before swords were drawn.\n\n\"Did you think you could keep me from tracking you down just by changing your name? How stupid! The gods in heaven have guided me to you, as I knew they would. Now fight! We'll see whether I take your head home with me, or you manage somehow to stay alive!\"\n\nUncle Gon, in his withered voice, issued his own challenge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's been four long years since you gave us the slip, and we've been searching for you all this time. Now our prayers here at the Kiyomizudera have brought you into our grasp. Old I may be, but I'm not going to lose to the likes of you! Prepare to die!\" Whipping out his sword, he cried to Osugi, \"Get out of the way!\"\n\nShe turned on him furiously. \"What do you mean, you old fool? You're the one who's shaking.\"\n\n\"Never mind! The bodhisattvas of this temple will protect us!\"\n\n\"You're right, Uncle Gon. And the ancestors of the Hon'idens are with us too! There's nothing to fear.\"\n\n\"Takezō! Come forward and fight!\"\n\n\"What are you waiting for?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi did not move. He stood there like a deaf-mute, staring at the two old people and their drawn swords.\n\nOsugi cried, \"What's the matter, Takezō! Are you scared?\"\n\nShe edged sideways, preparing to attack, but suddenly tripped on a rock and pitched forward, landing on her hands and knees almost at Musashi's feet.\n\nThe crowd gasped, and someone screamed, \"She'll be killed!\"\n\n\"Quick, save her!\"\n\nBut Uncle Gon only stared at Musashi's face, too stunned to move.\n\nThe old woman then startled one and all by snatching up her sword and walking back to Uncle Gon's side, where she again took a challenging stance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong, you lout?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Osugi cried. \"Is that sword in your hand just an ornament? Don't you know how to use it?\"\n\nMusashi's face was like a mask, but he spoke at last, in a thunderous voice. \"I can't do it!\"\n\nHe started walking toward them, and Uncle Gon and Osugi instantly fell back to either side.\n\n\"Wh-where are you going, Takezō?\"\n\n\"I can't use my sword!\"\n\n\"Stop! Why don't you stop and fight?\"\n\n\"I told you! I can't use it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked straight ahead, looking neither right nor left. He marched directly through the crowd, without once swerving.\n\nRecovering her senses, Osugi cried, \"He's running away! Don't let him escape!\"\n\nThe crowd now moved in on Musashi, but when they thought they had him hemmed in, they discovered he was no longer there. Their bewilderment was acute. Eyes flared in surprise, then became dull patches in blank faces.\n\nBreaking up into smaller groups, they continued until sunset to run about, searching frantically under the floors of the temple buildings and in the woods for their vanished prey.\n\nStill later, as people were going back down the darkened slopes of Sannen and Chawan hills, one man swore that he had seen Musashi jump with the effortlessness of a cat to the top of the six-foot wall by the western gate and disappear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobody believed this, least of all Osugi and Uncle Gon.\n\nThe Water Sprite\n\nIn a hamlet northwest of Kyoto, the heavy thuds of a mallet pounding rice straw shook the ground. Unseasonal torrents of rain soaked into the brooding thatched roofs. This was a sort of no-man's-land, between the city and the farming district, and the poverty was so extreme that at twilight the smoke of kitchen fires billowed from only a handful of houses.\n\nA basket hat suspended under the eaves of one small house proclaimed in bold, rough characters that this was an inn, albeit one of the cheapest variety. The travelers who stopped here were impecunious and rented only floor space. For pallets they paid extra, but few could afford such luxury." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dirt-floored kitchen beside the entranceway, a boy leaned with his hands on the raised tatami of the adjoining room, in the center of which was a sunken hearth.\n\n\"Hello!... Good evening!... Anybody here?\" It was the errand boy from the drinking shop, another shabby affair just down the road.\n\nThe boy's voice was too loud for his size. He could not have been more than ten or eleven years old, and with his hair wet from the rain and hanging down over his ears, he looked no more substantial than a water sprite in a whimsical painting. He was dressed for the part too: thigh-length kimono with tubular sleeves, a thick cord for an obi, and mud splattered clear up his back from running in his wooden clogs.\n\n\"That you, Jō?\" called the old innkeeper from a back room.\n\n\"Yes. Would you like me to bring you some sake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not today. The lodger isn't back yet. I don't need any.\"\n\n\"Well, he'll want some when he does come back, won't he? I'll bring the usual amount.\"\n\n\"If he does, I'll come get it myself.\"\n\nReluctant to leave without an order, the boy asked, \"What are you doing in there?\"\n\n\"I'm writing a letter, going to send it by the packhorse up to Kurama tomorrow. But it's a bit difficult. And my back's getting sore. Be quiet, don't bother me.\"\n\n\"That's pretty funny, isn't it? You're so old you're beginning to stoop, and you still don't know how to write properly!\"\n\n\"That's enough out of you. If I hear any more sass, I'll take a stick of firewood to you.\"\n\n\"Want me to write it for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ha, as if you could.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I can,\" the boy asserted as he came into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked over the old man's shoulder at the letter and burst into laughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you trying to write 'potatoes'? The character you've written means 'pole.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quiet!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't say a word, if you insist. But your writing's terrible. Are you planning to send your friends some potatoes, or some poles?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Potatoes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy read a moment longer, then announced, \"It's no good. Nobody but you could guess what this letter's supposed to mean!\"\n\n\"Well, if you're so smart, see what you can do with it, then.\"\n\n\"All right. Just tell me what you want to say.\" Jōtarō sat down and took up the brush.\n\n\"You clumsy ass!\" the old man exclaimed.\n\n\"Why call me clumsy? You're the one who can't write!\"\n\n\"Your nose is dripping on the paper.\"\n\n\"Oh, sorry. You can give me this piece for my pay.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He proceeded to blow his nose on the soiled sheet. \"Now, what is it you want to say?\" Holding the brush firmly, he wrote with ease as the old man dictated.\n\nJust as the letter was finished, the lodger returned, casually throwing aside a charcoal sack he had picked up somewhere to put over his head.\n\nMusashi, stopping by the door, wrung the water out of his sleeves and grumbled, \"I guess this'll be the end of the plum blossoms.\" In the twenty-odd days Musashi had been there, the inn had come to seem like home. He was gazing out at the tree by the front gate, where pink blossoms had greeted his eye every morning since his arrival. The fallen petals lay scattered about in the mud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Entering the kitchen, he was surprised to catch a glimpse of the boy from the sake shop, head to head with the innkeeper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Curious as to what they were doing, he stole up behind the old man and peered over his shoulder.\n\nJōtarō looked up into Musashi's face, then hastily hid the brush and paper behind him. \"You shouldn't sneak up on people like that,\" he complained.\n\n\"Let me see,\" said Musashi teasingly.\n\n\"No,\" said Jōtarō with a defiant shake of his head.\n\n\"Come on, show me,\" said Musashi.\n\n\"Only if you buy some sake.\"\n\n\"Oh, so that's your game, is it? All right, I'll buy some.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Five gills?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't need that much.\"\n\n\"Three gills?\"\n\n\"Still too much.\"\n\n\"Well, how much? Don't be such a tightwad!\"\n\n\"Tightwad? Now, you know I'm only a poor swordsman. Do you think I have money to throw away?\n\n\"All right. I'll measure it out myself, give you your money's worth. But if I do, you have to promise to tell me some stories.\"\n\nThe bargaining concluded, Jōtarō splashed cheerfully off into the rain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi picked up the letter and read it. After a moment or two, he turned to the innkeeper and asked, \"Did he really write this?\"\n\n\"Yes. Amazing, isn't it? He seems very bright.\"\n\nWhile Musashi went to the well, poured some cold water over himself and put on dry clothes, the old man hung a pot over the fire and set out some pickled vegetables and a rice bowl. Musashi came back and sat down by the hearth.\n\n\"What's that rascal up to?\" muttered the innkeeper. \"He's taking a long time with the sake.\"\n\n\"How old is he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eleven, I think he said.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mature for his age, don't you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mm. I suppose it's because he's been working at the sake shop since he was seven. He runs up against all kinds there—wagon drivers, the paper-maker down the way, travelers, and what have you.\"\n\n\"I wonder how he learned to write so well.\"\n\n\"Is he really that good?\"\n\n\"Well, his writing has a certain childish quality, but there's an appealing—what can I say?—directness about it. If I had a swordsman in mind, I would say it shows spiritual breadth. The boy may eventually be somebody.\"\n\n\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"I mean become a real human being.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" The old man frowned, took the lid off the pot and resumed his grumbling. \"Still not back. I'll bet he's dawdling somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was about to put on his sandals and go for the sake himself when Jōtarō returned. \"What have you been up to?\" he asked the boy. \"You've been keeping my guest waiting.\"\n\n\"I couldn't help it. There was a customer in the shop, very drunk, and he grabbed hold of me and started asking a lot of questions.\"\n\n\"What kind of questions?\"\n\n\"He was asking about Miyamoto Musashi.\"\n\n\"And I suppose you did a lot of blabbering.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It wouldn't matter if I did. Everybody around here knows what happened at Kiyomizudera the other day. The woman next door, the daughter of the lacquer man—both of them were at the temple that day. They saw what happened.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop talking about that, won't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi said, almost in a pleading tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sharp-eyed boy sized up Musashi's mood and asked, \"Can I stay here for a while and talk with you?\" He started washing off his feet, preparing to come into the hearth room.\n\n\"It's all right with me, if your master won't mind.\"\n\n\"Oh, he doesn't need me right now.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\n\"I'll warm up your sake for you. I'm good at that.\" He settled a sake jar into the warm ashes around the fire and soon announced it was ready.\n\n\"Fast, aren't you?\" said Musashi appreciatively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you like sake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"But being so poor, I guess you don't drink very much, do you?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"\n\n\"I thought men who were good at the martial arts served under great lords and got big allowances. A customer at the shop told me once that Tsukahara Bokuden always used to go around with seventy or eighty retainers, a change of horses and a falcon.\"\n\n\"That's true.\"\n\n\"And I heard that a famous warrior named Yagyū, who serves the House of Tokugawa, has an income of fifty thousand bushels of rice.\"\n\n\"That's true too.\"\n\n\"Then why are you so poor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm still studying.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How old will you have to be before you have lots of followers?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know if I ever will.\"\n\n\"What's the matter? Aren't you any good?\"\n\n\"You heard what the people who saw me at the temple said. Any way you look at it, I ran away.\"\n\n\"That's what everybody's saying: that shugyōsha at the inn—that's you—is a weakling. But it makes me mad to listen to them.\" Jōtarō's lips tightened in a straight line.\n\n\"Ha, ha! Why should you mind? They're not talking about you.\"\n\n\"Well, I feel sorry for you. Look, the paper-maker's son and the cooper's son and some of the rest of the young men all get together sometimes behind the lacquer shop for sword practice. Why don't you fight one of them and beat him?\"\n\n\"All right. If that's what you want, I will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi was finding it difficult to refuse anything the boy asked, partly because he himself was in many ways still a boy at heart and was able to sympathize with Jōtarō. He was always looking, mostly unconsciously, for something to take the place of the family affection lacking from his own boyhood.\n\n\"Let's talk about something else,\" he said. \"I'll ask you a question for a change. Where were you born?\"\n\n\"In Himeji.\"\n\n\"Oh, so you're from Harima.\"\n\n\"Yes, and you're from Mimasaka, aren't you? Somebody said you were.\"\n\n\"That's right. What does your father do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He used to be a samurai. A real honest-to-goodness samurai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first Musashi looked astonished, but actually the answer explained several things, not the least of which was how the boy had learned to write so well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He asked the father's name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His name is Aoki Tanzaemon. He used to have an allowance of twenty-five hundred bushels of rice, but when I was seven he left his lord's service and came to Kyoto as a rōnin. After all his money was gone, he left me at the sake shop and went to a temple to become a monk. But I don't want to stay at the shop. I want to become a samurai like my father was, and I want to learn swordsmanship like you. Isn't that the best way to become a samurai?\"\n\nThe boy paused, then continued earnestly: \"I want to become your follower—go around the country studying with you. Won't you take me on as your pupil?\"\n\nHaving blurted out his purpose, Jōtarō put on a stubborn face reflecting clearly his determination not to take no for an answer. He could not know, of course, that he was pleading with a man who had caused his father no end of trouble. Musashi, for his part, could not bring himself to refuse out of hand. Yet what he was really thinking of was not whether to say yes or no but of Aoki Tanzaemon and his unfortunate fate. He could not help sympathizing with the man. The Way of the Samurai was a constant gamble, and a samurai had to be ready at all times to kill or be killed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mulling over this example of life's vicissitudes, Musashi was saddened, and the effect of the sake wore off quite suddenly. He felt lonely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jōtarō was insistent. When the innkeeper tried to get him to leave Musashi alone, he replied insolently and redoubled his efforts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He caught hold of Musashi's wrist, then hugged his arm, finally broke into tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi, seeing no way out, said, \"All right, all right, that's enough. You can be my follower, but only after you go and talk it over with your master.\"\n\nJōtarō, satisfied at last, trotted off to the sake shop.\n\nThe next morning, Musashi rose early, dressed, and called to the innkeeper, \"Would you please fix me a lunch box? It's been nice staying here these few weeks, but I think I'll go on to Nara now.\"\n\n\"Leaving so soon?\" asked the innkeeper, not expecting the sudden departure. \"It's because that boy was pestering you, isn't it?\"\n\n\"Oh, no, it's not his fault. I've been thinking about going to Nara for some time—to see the famous lance fighters at the Hōzōin. I hope he doesn't give you too much trouble when he finds out I'm gone.\"\n\n\"Don't worry about it. He's only a child. He'll scream and yell for a while, then forget all about it.\"\n\n\"I can't imagine that the sake man would let him leave anyway,\" said Musashi as he stepped out onto the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The storm had passed, as if wiped away, and the breeze brushed gently against Musashi's skin, quite unlike the fierce wind of the day before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Kamo River was up, the water muddy. At one end of the wooden bridge at Sanjō Avenue, samurai were examining all the people who came and went. Asking the reason for the inspection, Musashi was told it was because of the new shōgun's impending visit. A vanguard of influential and minor feudal lords had already arrived, and steps were being taken to keep dangerous unattached samurai out of the city. Musashi, himself a rōnin, gave ready answers to the questions asked and was allowed to pass.\n\nThe experience set him to thinking about his own status as a wandering masterless warrior pledged neither to the Tokugawas nor to their rivals in Osaka. Running off to Sekigahara and taking sides with the Osaka forces against the Tokugawas was a matter of inheritance. That had been his father's allegiance, unchanged from the days when he served under Lord Shimmen of Iga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toyotomi Hideyoshi had died two years before the battle; his supporters, loyal to his son, made up the Osaka faction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Miyamoto, Hideyoshi was considered the greatest of heroes, and Musashi remembered how as a child he had sat at the hearth and listened to tales of the great warrior's prowess. These ideas formed in his youth lingered with him, and even now, if pressed to say which side he favored, he'd probably have said Osaka.\n\nMusashi had since learned a few things and now recognized that his actions at the age of seventeen had been both mindless and devoid of accomplishment. For a man to serve his lord faithfully, it was not enough to jump blindly into the fray and brandish a lance. He must go all the way, to the brink of death.\n\n\"If a samurai dies with a prayer for his lord's victory on his lips, he has done something fine and meaningful,\" was the way Musashi would have put it now. But at the time neither he nor Matahachi had had any sense of loyalty. What they had been thirsting for was fame and glory, and more to the point, a means of gaining a livelihood without giving up anything of their own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was odd that they should have thought of it that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having since learned from Takuan that life is a jewel to be treasured, Musashi knew that far from giving up nothing, he and Matahachi had unwittingly been offering their most precious possession. Each had literally wagered everything he had on the hope of receiving a paltry stipend as a samurai. In retrospect, he wondered how they could have been so foolish.\n\nHe noticed that he was approaching Daigo, south of the city, and since he'd worked up quite a sweat, decided to stop for a rest.\n\nFrom a distance, he heard a voice shouting, \"Wait! Wait!\" Gazing far down the steep mountain road, he made out the form of the little water sprite Jōtarō, running for all he was worth. Presently the boy's angry eyes were glaring into his.\n\n\"You lied to me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jōtarō shouted. \"Why did you do that!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Breathless from running, face flushed, he spoke with belligerence, though it was clear he was on the verge of tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi had to laugh at his getup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had discarded the work clothes of the day before in favor of an ordinary kimono, but it was only half big enough for him, the skirt barely reaching his knees and the arms stopping at the elbows. At his side hung a wooden sword that was longer than the boy was tall, on his back a basket hat that looked as big as an umbrella.\n\nEven as he shouted at Musashi for having left him behind, he burst into tears. Musashi hugged and tried to comfort him, but the boy wailed on, apparently feeling that in the mountains, with no one around, he could let himself go.\n\nFinally Musashi said, \"Does it make you feel good, acting like a crybaby?\"\n\n\"I don't care!\" Jōtarō sobbed. \"You're a grownup, and yet you lied to me. You said you'd let me be your follower—then went off and left me. Are grownups supposed to act like that?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" said Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This simple apology turned the boy's crying into a pleading whine.\n\n\"Stop it now,\" said Musashi. \"I didn't mean to lie to you, but you have a father and you have a master. I couldn't bring you with me unless your master consented. I told you to go and talk with him, didn't I? It didn't seem likely to me that he'd agree.\"\n\n\"Why didn't you at least wait until you heard the answer?\"\n\n\"That's why I'm apologizing to you now. Did you really discuss this with him?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" He got his sniffling under control and pulled two leaves from a tree, on which he blew his nose.\n\n\"And what did he say?\"\n\n\"He told me to go ahead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did he now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He said no self-respecting warrior or training school would take on a boy like me, but since the samurai at the inn was a weakling, he ought to be just the right person. He said maybe you could use me to carry your luggage, and he gave me this wooden sword as a going-away present.\"\n\nMusashi smiled at the man's line of reasoning.\n\n\"After that,\" continued the boy, \"I went to the inn. The old man wasn't there, so I just borrowed this hat from off the hook under the eaves.\"\n\n\"But that's the inn's signboard; it has 'Lodgings' written on it.\"\n\n\"Oh, I don't mind. I need a hat in case it rains.\"\n\nIt was clear from Jōtarō's attitude that as far as he was concerned, all necessary promises and vows had been exchanged, and he was now Musashi's disciple. Sensing this, Musashi resigned himself to being more or less stuck with the child, but it also occurred to him that maybe it was all for the best. Indeed, when he considered his own part in Tanzaemon's loss of status, he concluded that perhaps he should be grateful for the opportunity to see to the boy's future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed the right thing to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō, now calm and reassured, suddenly remembered something and reached inside his kimono. \"I almost forgot. I have something for you. Here it is.\" He pulled out a letter.\n\nEyeing it curiously, Musashi asked, \"Where did you get that?\"\n\n\"Remember last night I said there was a rōnin drinking at the shop, asking a lot of questions?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Well, when I went home, he was still there. He kept on asking about you. He's some drinker, too—drank a whole bottle of sake by himself! Then he wrote this letter and asked me to give it to you.\"\n\nMusashi cocked his head to one side in puzzlement and broke the seal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking first at the bottom, he saw it was from Matahachi, who must have been drunk indeed. Even the characters looked tipsy. As Musashi read the scroll, he was seized with mixed feelings of nostalgia and sadness. Not only was the writing chaotic; the message itself was rambling and imprecise.\n\nSince I left you at Mount Ibuki, I haven't forgotten the village. And I haven't forgotten my old friend. By accident I heard your name at the Yoshioka School. At the time, I got confused and couldn't decide whether to try to see you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now I'm in a sake shop. I've had a lot to drink.\n\nThus far the meaning was clear enough, but from this point on the letter was difficult to follow.\n\nEver since I parted from you, I've been kept in a cage of lust, and idleness has eaten into my bones. For five years I've spent my days in a stupor, doing nothing. In the capital, you are now famous as a swordsman. I drink to you! Some people say Musashi is a coward, good only at running away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some say you're an incomparable swordsman. I don't care which is true, I'm just happy that your sword has the people in the capital talking.\n\nYou're smart. You should be able to make your way with the sword. But as I look back, I wonder about me, the way I am now. I'm a fool! How can a stupid wretch like me face a wise friend like you without dying of shame?\n\nBut wait! Life is long, and it's too early to say what the future will bring. I don't want to see you now, but there will come a day when I will.\n\nI pray for your health." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then came a rapidly scrawled postscript informing him, at some length, that the Yoshioka School took a serious view of the recent incident, that they were looking everywhere for him, and that he should be careful about his movements. It ended: \"You mustn't die now that you're just beginning to make a name for yourself. When I, too, have made something of myself, I want to see you and talk over old times. Take care of yourself, stay alive, so you can be an inspiration to me.\"\n\nMatahachi had no doubt meant well, but there was something twisted about his attitude. Why must he praise Musashi so and in the next breath carry on so about his own failings? \"Why,\" wondered Musashi, \"couldn't he just write and say that it's been a long time, and why don't we get together and have a long talk?\"\n\n\"Jō, did you ask this man for his address?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Did the people at the shop know him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think so.\"\n\n\"Did he come there often?\"\n\n\"No, this was the first time.\"\n\nMusashi was thinking that if he knew where Matahachi lived, he would go back to Kyoto right now to see him. He wanted to talk to his childhood comrade, try to bring him to his senses, reawaken in him the spirit he had once had. Since he still considered Matahachi to be his friend, he would have liked to pull him out of his present mood, with its apparently self-destructive tendencies. And of course, he would also have liked to have Matahachi explain to his mother what a mistake she was making.\n\nThe two walked on silently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were on their way down the mountain at Daigo, and the Rokujizō crossing was visible below them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abruptly Musashi turned to the boy and said, \"Jō, there's something I want you to do for me.\"\n\n\"What is it?\"\n\n\"I want you to go on an errand.\"\n\n\"Where to?\"\n\n\"Kyoto.\"\n\n\"That means turning around and going back where I just came from.\"\n\n\"That's right. I want you to take a letter from me to the Yoshioka School on Shijō Avenue.\"\n\nJōtarō, crestfallen, kicked a rock with his toe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you want to go?\" asked Musashi, looking him in the face.\n\nJōtarō shook his head uncertainly. \"I don't mind going, but aren't you just doing this to get rid of me?\"\n\nHis suspicion made Musashi feel guilty, for wasn't he the one who had broken the child's faith in adults?\n\n\"No!\" he said vigorously. \"A samurai does not lie. Forgive me for what happened this morning. It was just a mistake.\"\n\n\"All right, I'll go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Entering a teahouse at the crossroads known as Rokuamida, they ordered tea and ate lunch.\n\nMusashi then wrote a letter, which he addressed to Yoshioka Seijūrō:\n\nI am told that you and your disciples are searching for me. As it happens, I am now on the Yamato highroad, my intention being to travel around in the general area of Iga and Ise for about a year to continue my study of swordsmanship. I do not wish to change my plans at this time, but since I regret as much as you do that I was unable to meet you during my previous visit to your school, I should like to inform you that I shall certainly be back in the capital by the first or the second month of next year. Between now and then, I expect to improve my technique considerably. I trust that you yourself will not neglect your practice. It would be a great shame if Yoshioka Kempō's flourishing school were to suffer a second defeat like the one it sustained the last time I was there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In closing, I send my respectful wishes for your continued good health." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shimmen Miyamoto Musashi Masana" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the letter was polite, it left little doubt as to Musashi's confidence in himself. Having amended the address to include not only Seijūrō but all the disciples in the school, he laid down his brush and gave the letter to Jōtarō.\n\n\"Can I just throw it in at the school and come back?\" the boy asked.\n\n\"No. You must call at the front entrance and hand it personally to the servant there.\"\n\n\"I understand.\"\n\n\"There's something else I want you to do, but it may be a little difficult.\"\n\n\"What is it?\"\n\n\"I want you to see if you can find the man who gave you the letter. His name is Hon'iden Matahachi. He's an old friend of mine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That should be no trouble at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think not? Just how do you propose to do it?\"\n\n\"Oh, I'll ask around at all the drinking shops.\"\n\nMusashi laughed. \"That's not a bad idea. I gather from Matahachi's letter, however, that he knows somebody at the Yoshioka School. I think it would be quicker to ask about him there.\"\n\n\"What do I do when I find him?\"\n\n\"I want you to deliver a message. Tell him that from the first to the seventh day of the new year, I'll go every morning to the great bridge at Gojō Avenue and wait for him. Ask him to come on one of those days to meet me.\"\n\n\"Is that all?\"\n\n\"Yes, but also tell him that I want very badly to see him.\"\n\n\"All right, I think I have it. Where will you be when I come back?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going five sentences at a time, also im going for a Eiji Yoshikawa sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yagyū Valley lies at the foot of Mount Kasagi, northeast of Nara. In the early seventeenth century, it was the site of a prosperous little community, too large to be described as a mere village, yet not populous or bustling enough to be called a town. It might naturally have been called Kasagi Village, but instead its inhabitants referred to their home as the Kambe Demesne, a name inherited from the bygone age of the great privately owned manorial estates.\n\nIn the middle of the community stood the Main House, a castle that served as both a symbol of governmental stability and the cultural center of the region. Stone ramparts, reminiscent of ancient fortresses, surrounded the Main House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The people of the area, as well as their lord's ancestors, had been comfortably settled there since the tenth century, and the present ruler was a country squire in the best tradition, who spread culture among his subjects and was at all times prepared to protect his territory with his life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the same time, however, he carefully avoided any serious involvement in the wars and feuds of his fellow lords in other districts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In short, it was a peaceful fief, governed in an enlightened manner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here one saw no traces of the depravity or degeneracy associated with footloose samurai; it was quite unlike Nara, where ancient temples celebrated in history and folklore were being left to go to seed. Disruptive elements simply were not permitted to enter into the life of this community.\n\nThe setting itself militated against ugliness. The mountains in the Kasagi Range were no less strikingly beautiful at eventide than at sunrise, and the water was pure and clean—ideal water, it was said, for making tea. The plum blossoms of Tsukigase were nearby, and nightingales sang from the season of the melting snow to that of the thunderstorms, their tones as crystal clear as the waters of the mountain streams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A poet once wrote that \"in the place where a hero is born, the mountains and rivers are fresh and clear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If no hero had been born in Yagyū Valley, the poet's words would have been empty; but this was indeed a birthplace of heroes. No better proof could be offered than the lords of Yagyū themselves. In this great house even the retainers were men of nobility. Many had come from the rice fields, distinguished themselves in battle, and gone on to become loyal and competent aides.\n\nYagyū Muneyoshi Sekishūsai, now that he'd retired, had taken up residence in a small mountain house some distance behind the Main House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He no longer showed any interest in local government, and had no idea who was in direct control at the moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a number of capable sons and grandsons, as well as trustworthy retainers to assist and guide them, and he was safe in assuming that the people were being as well governed as they had been when he was in charge.\n\nWhen Musashi arrived in this district, about ten days had passed since the battle on Hannya Plain. On the way he had visited some temples, Kasagidera and Jōruriji, where he'd seen relics of the Kemmu era. He put up at the local inn with the intention of relaxing for a time, physically and spiritually.\n\nDressed informally, he went out one day for a walk with Jōtarō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's amazing,\" said Musashi, his eyes roving over the crops in the fields and the farmers going about their work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Amazing,\" he repeated several times.\n\nFinally Jōtarō asked, \"What's amazing?\" For him, the most amazing thing was the way Musashi was talking to himself.\n\n\"Since leaving Mimasaka, I've been in Settsu, Kawachi and Izumi provinces, Kyoto and Nara, and I've never seen a place like this.\"\n\n\"Well, so what? What's so different about it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For one thing, there are lots of trees in the mountains here.\"\n\nJōtarō laughed. \"Trees? There are trees everywhere. Well, aren't there?\"\n\n\"Yes, but here it's different. All the trees in Yagyū are old. That means there haven't been any wars here, no enemy troops burning or cutting down the forests. It also means there haven't been any famines, at least for a long, long time.\"\n\n\"That's all?\"\n\n\"No. The fields are green too, and the new barley has been well trampled to strengthen the roots and make it grow well. Listen! Can't you hear the sound of spinning wheels? It seems to be coming from every house. And haven't you noticed that when travelers in fine clothing pass by, the farmers don't look at them enviously?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anything else?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you can see, there are many young girls working the fields. This means that the district is well off, that life is normal here. The children are growing up healthy, the old people are treated with due respect, and the young men and women aren't running off to live uncertain lives in other places. It's a safe bet that the lord of the district is wealthy, and that the swords and guns in his armory are kept polished and in the best condition.\"\n\n\"I don't see anything so interesting in all that,\" complained Jōtarō.\n\n\"Hmm, I don't imagine you would.\"\n\n\"Anyway, you didn't come here to admire the scenery. Aren't you going to fight the samurai in the House of Yagyū?\"\n\n\"Fighting isn't all there is to the Art of War. The men who think that way, and are satisfied to have food to eat and a place to sleep, are mere vagabonds. A serious student is much more concerned with training his mind and disciplining his spirit than with developing martial skills. He has to learn about all sorts of things—geography, irrigation, the people's feelings, their manners and customs, their relationship with the lord of their territory. He wants to know what goes on inside the castle, not just what goes on outside it. He wants, essentially, to go everywhere he can and learn everything he can.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi realized this lecture probably meant little to Jōtarō, but he felt it necessary to be honest with the child and not give him halfway answers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He showed no impatience at the boy's many questions, and as they walked along, he continued to give thoughtful and serious replies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After they had seen what there was to see of the exterior of Koyagyū Castle, as the Main House was properly known, and taken a good look all around the valley, they started back to the inn.\n\nThere was only one inn, but it was a large one. The road was a section of the Iga highroad, and many people making pilgrimages to the Jōruriji or Kasagidera stayed the night here. In the evening, ten or twelve packhorses were always to be found tied to the trees near the entrance or under the front eaves.\n\nThe maid who followed them to their room asked, \"Have you been out for a walk?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In her mountain-climbing trousers, she might have been mistaken for a boy, were it not for her girl's red obi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without waiting for an answer, she said, \"You can take your bath now, if you like.\"\n\nMusashi started for the bathroom, while Jōtarō, sensing that here was a new friend of his own age, asked, \"What's your name?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" answered the girl.\n\n\"You must be crazy if you don't know your own name.\"\n\n\"It's Kocha.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a funny name.\" Jōtarō laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's funny about it?\" demanded Kocha, striking him with her fist.\n\n\"She hit me!\" yelled Jōtarō.\n\nFrom the folded clothing on the floor of the anteroom, Musashi knew there were other people in the bath. He took off his own clothes and opened the door into the steamy bathroom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were three men, talking jovially, but catching sight of his brawny body, they stopped as though a foreign element had been introduced into their midst." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi slipped into the communal bath with a contented sigh, his six-foot frame causing the hot water to overflow. For some reason, this startled the three men, and one of them looked straight at Musashi, who had leaned his head against the edge of the pool and closed his eyes.\n\nGradually they took up their conversation where they had left off. They were washing themselves outside the pool; the skin on their backs was white and their muscles pliant. They were apparently city people, for their manner of speech was polished and urbane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was his name—the samurai from the House of Yagyū?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think he said it was Shōda Kizaemon.\"\n\n\"If Lord Yagyū sends a retainer to convey a refusal to a match, he can't be as good as he's said to be.\"\n\n\"According to Shōda, Sekishūsai's retired and never fights anyone anymore. Do you suppose that's the truth, or was he just making it up?\"\n\n\"Oh, I don't think it's true. It's much more likely that when he heard the second son of the House of Yoshioka was challenging him, he decided to play it safe.\"\n\n\"Well, he was tactful at least, sending fruit and saying he hoped we'd enjoy our stopover.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshioka? Musashi lifted his head and opened his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having overheard someone mention Denshichirō's trip to Ise while he was at the Yoshioka School, Musashi assumed that the three men were on their way back to Kyoto. One of them must be Denshichirō. Which one?\n\n\"I don't have much luck with baths,\" thought Musashi ruefully. \"First Osugi tricked me into taking a bath, and now, again with no clothes on, I run into one of the Yoshiokas. He's bound to have heard of what happened at the school. If he knew my name was Miyamoto, he'd be out that door and back with his sword in no time.\"\n\nBut the three paid him no attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To judge from their talk, as soon as they had arrived they had sent a letter to the House of Yagyū. Apparently Sekishūsai had had some connection with Yoshioka Kempō back in the days when Kempō was tutor to the shōguns. No doubt because of this, Sekishūsai could not let Kempō's son go away without acknowledging his letter and had therefore sent Shōda to pay a courtesy call at the inn.\n\nIn response to this, the best these city youths could say was that Sekishūsai was \"tactful,\" that he had decided to \"play it safe,\" and that he couldn't be \"as good as he's said to be.\" They seemed exceedingly satisfied with themselves, but Musashi thought them ridiculous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In contrast to what he had seen of Koyagyū Castle and the enviable state of the area's inhabitants, they appeared to have nothing better to offer than clever conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It reminded him of a saying about the frog at the bottom of a well, unable to see what was going on in the outside world. Sometimes, he was thinking, it works the other way around. These pampered young sons of Kyoto were in a position to see what was happening at the center of things and to know what was going on everywhere, but it would not have occurred to them that while they were watching the great open sea, somewhere else, at the bottom of a deep well, a frog was steadily growing larger and stronger. Here in Koyagyū, well away from the country's political and economic center, sturdy samurai had for decades been leading a healthy rural life, preserving the ancient virtues, correcting their weak points and growing in stature.\n\nWith the passage of time, Koyagyū had produced Yagyū Muneyoshi, a great master of the martial arts, and his son Lord Munenori of Tajima, whose prowess had been recognized by Ieyasu himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And there were also Muneyoshi's older sons, Gorōzaemon and Toshikatsu, famous throughout the land for their bravery, and his grandson Hyōgo Toshitoshi, whose prodigious feats had earned him a highly paid position under the renowned general Katō Kiyomasa of Higo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fame and prestige, the House of Yagyū did not rank with the House of Yoshioka, but in terms of ability, the difference was a thing of the past. Denshichirō and his companions were blind to their own arrogance. Musashi, nevertheless, felt a little sorry for them.\n\nHe went over to a corner where water was piped into the room. Undoing his headband, he seized a handful of clay and began scrubbing his scalp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time in many weeks, he treated himself to the luxury of a good shampoo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the meantime, the men from Kyoto were finishing their bath.\n\n\"Ah, that felt good.\"\n\n\"Indeed it did. Now why don't we have some girls in to pour our sake for us?\"\n\n\"Splendid idea! Splendid!\"\n\nThe three finished drying themselves and left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a thorough wash and another soak in the hot water, Musashi too dried off, tied up his hair, and went back to his room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There he found the boyish-looking Kocha in tears.\n\n\"What happened to you?\"\n\n\"It's that boy of yours, sir. Look where he hit me!\"\n\n\"That's a lie!\" Jōtarō cried angrily from the opposite corner.\n\nMusashi was about to scold him, but Jōtarō protested, \"The dope said you were weak!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not true. I didn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did too!\"\n\n\"Sir, I didn't say you or anybody else was weak. This brat started bragging about how you were the greatest swordsman in the country, because you'd killed dozens of rōnin at Hannya Plain, and I said there wasn't anybody in Japan better with the sword than the lord of this district, and then he started slapping me on the cheeks.\"\n\nMusashi laughed. \"I see. He shouldn't have done that, and I'll give him a good scolding. I hope you'll forgive us. Jō!\" he said sternly.\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" said the boy, still sulking.\n\n\"Go take a bath!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't like to take baths.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Neither do I,\" Musashi lied. \"But you, you're so sweaty you stink.\"\n\n\"I'll go swimming in the river tomorrow morning.\"\n\nThe boy was becoming more and more stubborn as he grew more accustomed to Musashi, but Musashi did not really mind. In fact, he rather liked this side of Jōtarō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the end, the boy did not go to the bath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before long Kocha brought the dinner trays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They ate in silence, Jōtarō and the maid glaring at each other, while she served the meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi was preoccupied with his private objective of meeting Sekishūsai. Considering his own lowly status, perhaps this was asking too much, but maybe, just maybe, it was possible.\n\n\"If I'm going to match arms with anybody,\" thought Musashi, \"it should be with somebody strong. It's worth risking my life to see whether I can overcome the great Yagyū name. There's no use in following the Way of the Sword if I haven't the courage to try.\"\n\nMusashi was aware that most people would laugh outright at him for entertaining the idea. Yagyū, though not one of the more prominent daimyō, was the master of a castle, his son was at the shōgun's court, and the whole family was steeped in the traditions of the warrior class." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the new age now dawning, they were riding the crest of the times.\n\n\"This will be the true test,\" thought Musashi, who, even as he ate his rice, was preparing himself for the encounter.\n\nThe Peony\n\nThe old man's dignity had grown with the years, until now he resembled nothing so much as a majestic crane, while at the same time retaining the appearance and manner of the well-bred samurai. His teeth were sound, his eyes wonderfully sharp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll live to be a hundred,\" he frequently assured everyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sekishūsai firmly believed this himself. \"The House of Yagyū has always been long-lived,\" he liked to point out. \"The ones who died in their twenties and thirties were killed in battle; all the others lived well beyond sixty.\" Among the countless wars he himself had taken part in were several major ones, including the revolt of the Miyoshi and the battles marking the rise and fall of the Matsunaga and Oda families.\n\nEven if Sekishūsai had not been born in such a family, his way of life, and especially his attitude after he reached old age, gave reason to believe he would live to reach a hundred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the age of forty-seven, he had decided for personal reasons to give up warfare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing since had altered this resolution. He had turned a deaf ear to the entreaties of the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshiaki, as well as to repeated requests from Nobunaga and Hideyoshi to join forces with them. Though he lived almost in the shadow of Kyoto and Osaka, he refused to become embroiled in the frequent battles of those centers of power and intrigue. He preferred to remain in Yagyū, like a bear in a cave, and tend his fifteen-thousand-bushel estate in such a way that it could be handed on to his descendants in good condition. Sekishūsai once remarked, \"I've done well to hold on to this estate. In this uncertain age, when leaders rise today and fall tomorrow, it's almost incredible that this one small castle has managed to survive intact.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was no exaggeration." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he had supported Yoshiaki, he would have fallen victim to Nobunaga, and if he had supported Nobunaga, he might well have run afoul of Hideyoshi. Had he accepted Hideyoshi's patronage, he would have been dispossessed by Ieyasu after the Battle of Sekigahara.\n\nHis perspicacity, which people admired, was one factor, but to survive in such turbulent times, Sekishūsai had to have an inner fortitude lacking in the ordinary samurai of his time; they were all too apt to side with a man one day and shamelessly desert him the next, to look after their own interests—with no thought to propriety or integrity—or even to slaughter their own kinsmen should they interfere with personal ambitions.\n\n\"I am unable to do things like that,\" Sekishūsai said simply. And he was telling the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, he had not renounced the Art of War itself. In the alcove of his living room hung a poem he had written himself. It said:\n\nI have no clever method\n\nFor doing well in life.\n\nI rely only" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the Art of War." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is my final refuge.\n\nWhen he was invited by Ieyasu to visit Kyoto, Sekishūsai found it impossible not to accept and emerged from decades of serene seclusion to make his first visit to the shōgun's court. With him he took his fifth son, Munenori, who was twenty-four, and his grandson Hyōgo, then only sixteen. Ieyasu not only confirmed the venerable old warrior in his landholdings but asked him to become tutor in the martial arts to the House of Tokugawa. Sekishūsai, declining the honor on grounds of age, requested that Munenori be appointed in his stead, and this met with Ieyasu's approval." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The legacy Munenori carried with him to Edo encompassed more than a superb ability in martial arts, for his father had also passed on to him a knowledge of the higher plane of the Art of War that enables a leader to govern wisely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Sekishūsai's view, the Art of War was certainly a means of governing the people, but it was also a means of controlling the self. This he had learned from Lord Kōizumi, who, he was fond of saying, was the protective deity of the Yagyū household. The certificate Lord Kōizumi had given him to attest to his mastery of the Shinkage Style of swordsmanship was always kept on a shelf in Sekishūsai's room, along with a four-volume manual of military techniques presented him by his lordship. On anniversaries of Lord Kōizumi's death, Sekishūsai never neglected to place an offering of food before these treasured possessions.\n\nIn addition to descriptions of the hidden-sword techniques of the Shinkage Style, the manual contained illustrative pictures, all by the hand of Lord Kōizumi himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in his retirement, Sekishūsai took pleasure in rolling the scrolls out and looking through them. He was constantly surprised to rediscover how skillfully his teacher had wielded the brush. The pictures showed people fighting and fencing in every conceivable position and stance. When Sekishūsai looked at them, he felt that the swordsmen were about to descend from heaven to join him in his little mountain house.\n\nLord Kōizumi had first come to Koyagyū Castle when Sekishūsai was thirty-seven or thirty-eight and still brimming with military ambition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His lordship, together with two nephews, Hikida Bungorō and Suzuki Ihaku, was going around the country seeking experts in the martial arts, and one day he arrived at the Hōzōin. This was in the days when In'ei often called at Koyagyū Castle, and In'ei told Sekishūsai about the visitor. That was the beginning of their relationship.\n\nSekishūsai and Kōizumi held matches for three days in a row. In the first bout, Kōizumi announced where he would attack, then proceeded to take the match doing exactly as he had said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The same thing happened the second day, and Sekishūsai, his pride injured, concentrated on figuring out a new approach for the third day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Upon seeing his new stance, Kōizumi merely said, \"That won't do. If you are going to do that, I will do this.\" Without further ado, he attacked and defeated Sekishūsai for the third time. From that day on, Sekishūsai gave up the egotistic approach to swordsmanship; as he later recalled, it was on that occasion that he first had a glimpse of the true Art of War.\n\nAt Sekishūsai's strong urging, Lord Kōizumi remained at Koyagyū for six months, during which time Sekishūsai studied with the single-minded devotion of a neophyte. When they finally parted, Lord Kōizumi said, \"My way of swordsmanship is still imperfect. You are young, and you should try to carry it to perfection.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He then gave Sekishūsai a Zen riddle: \"What is sword fighting without a sword?\"\n\nFor a number of years, Sekishūsai pondered this, considering it from every angle and finally arriving at an answer that satisfied him. When Lord Kōizumi came to visit again, Sekishūsai greeted him with clear, untroubled eyes and suggested that they have a match. His lordship scrutinized him for a moment, then said, \"No, it would be useless. You have discovered the truth!\"\n\nHe then presented Sekishūsai with the certificate and the four-volume manual, and in this fashion the Yagyū Style was born." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This in turn gave birth to Sekishūsai's peaceful way of life in his old age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That Sekishūsai lived in a mountain house was due to his no longer liking the imposing castle with all its elaborate trappings. Despite his almost Taoist love of seclusion, he was happy to have the company of the girl Shōda Kizaemon had brought to play the flute for him, for she was thoughtful, polite and never a nuisance. Not only did her playing please him immensely, but she added a welcome touch of youth and femininity to the household. Occasionally she would talk of leaving, but he would always tell her to stay a little longer.\n\nPutting the finishing touches on the single peony he was arranging in an Iga vase, Sekishūsai asked Otsū, \"What do you think? Is my flower arrangement alive?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Standing just behind him, she said, \"You must have studied flower arranging very hard.\"\n\n\"Not at all. I'm not a Kyoto nobleman, and I've never studied either flower arranging or the tea ceremony under a teacher.\"\n\n\"Well, it looks as though you had.\"\n\n\"I use the same method with flowers that I use with the sword.\"\n\nOtsū looked surprised. \"Can you really arrange flowers the way you use the sword?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. You see, it's all a matter of spirit. I have no use for rules—twisting the flowers with your fingertips or choking them at the neck. The point is to have the proper spirit—to be able to make them seem alive, just as they were when they were picked. Look at that! My flower isn't dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū felt that this austere old man had taught her many things she needed to know, and since it had all begun with a chance meeting on the highroad, she felt she had been very lucky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll teach you the tea ceremony,\" he would say. Or: \"Do you compose Japanese poems? If you do, teach me something about the courtly style. The Man'yōshū is all well and good, but living here in this secluded place, I'd rather hear simple poems about nature.\"\n\nIn return, she did little things for him that no one else thought of. He was delighted, for example, when she made him a little cloth cap like the tea masters wore. He kept it on his head much of the time now, treasuring it as though there were nothing finer anywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her flute playing, too, pleased him immensely, and on moonlit nights, the hauntingly beautiful sound of her flute often reached as far as the castle itself.\n\nWhile Sekishūsai and Otsū were discussing the flower arrangement, Kizaemon came quietly to the entrance of the mountain house and called to Otsū. She came out and invited him in, but he hesitated.\n\n\"Would you let his lordship know I've just come back from my errand?\" he asked.\n\nOtsū laughed. \"That's backwards, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the chief retainer here. I'm only an outsider, called in to play the flute. You're much closer to him than I. Shouldn't you go to him directly, rather than through me?\"\n\n\"I suppose you're right, but here in his lordship's little house, you're special. Anyway, please give him the message.\" Kizaemon, too, was pleased by the way things had turned out. He had found in Otsū a person whom his master liked very much.\n\nOtsū returned almost immediately to say that Sekishūsai wanted Kizaemon to come in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kizaemon found the old man in the tea room, wearing the cloth cap Otsū had made." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you back already?\" asked Sekishūsai.\n\n\"Yes. I called on them and gave them the letter and the fruit, just as you instructed.\"\n\n\"Have they gone?\"\n\n\"No. No sooner had I arrived back here than a messenger came from the inn with a letter. It said that since they'd come to Yagyū, they didn't want to leave without seeing the dōjō. If possible, they'd like to come tomorrow. They also said they'd like to meet you and pay their respects.\"\n\n\"Impudent boors! Why must they be such a nuisance?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sekishūsai looked extremely annoyed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you explain that Munenori is in Edo, Hyōgo in Kumamoto, and that there's no one else around?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did.\"\n\n\"I despise people like that. Even after I send a messenger to tell them I can't see them, they try to push their way in.\"\n\n\"I don't know what—\"\n\n\"It would appear that Yoshioka's sons are as shiftless as they're said to be.\"\n\n\"The one at the Wataya is Denshichirō. He didn't impress me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd be surprised if he did. His father was a man of considerable character. When I went to Kyoto with Lord Kōizumi, we saw him two or three times and drank some sake together. It appears that the house has gone downhill since then. The young man seems to think that being Kempō's son gives him the right not to be refused entry here, and so he's pressing his challenge. But from our viewpoint, it makes no sense to accept the challenge and then send him away beaten.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This Denshichirō seems to have a good deal of self-confidence. If he wants so badly to come, perhaps I myself should take him on.\"\n\n\"No, don't even consider it. These sons of famous people usually have a high opinion of themselves; moreover, they're prone to try and twist things to their own advantage. If you were to beat him, you can depend on it that he'd try to destroy our reputation in Kyoto. As far as I'm concerned, it makes no difference, but I don't want to burden Munenori or Hyōgo with something like that.\"\n\n\"What shall we do, then?\"\n\n\"The best thing would be to appease him in some way, make him feel he's being treated the way a son from a great house should be treated. Maybe it was a mistake to send a man to see him.\" Shifting his gaze to Otsū, he continued: \"I think a woman would be better. Otsū is probably just the right person.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" she said. \"Do you want me to go now?\"\n\n\"No, there's no hurry. Tomorrow morning will do.\"\n\nSekishūsai quickly wrote a simple letter, of the sort a tea master might compose, and handed it to Otsū, with a peony like the one he had put in the vase. \"Give these to him, and tell him that you've come in my stead because I have a cold. Let's see what his answer is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next morning, Otsū draped a long veil over her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although veils were already out of style in Kyoto, even among the higher classes, the upper-and middle-class women in the provinces still prized them.\n\nAt the stable, which was in the outer grounds of the castle, she asked to borrow a horse.\n\nThe keeper of the stables, who was busy cleaning up, asked, \"Oh, are you going somewhere?\"\n\n\"Yes, I have to go to the Wataya on an errand for his lordship.\"\n\n\"Shall I go with you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no need for that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you be all right?\"\n\n\"Of course. I like horses. The ones I used to ride in Mimasaka were wild, or nearly so.\"\n\nAs she rode off, the reddish-brown veil floated in the wind behind her. She rode well, holding the letter and the slightly weary peony in one hand and deftly handling the horse with the other. Farmers and workers in the field waved to her, for in the short time she had been here, she had already become fairly well known among the local people, whose relations with Sekishūsai were much friendlier than were usual between lord and peasants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farmers here all knew that a beautiful young woman had come to play the flute for their lord, and their admiration and respect for him were extended to Otsū.\n\nArriving at the Wataya, she dismounted and tied her horse to a tree in the garden.\n\n\"Welcome!\" called Kocha, coming out to greet her. \"Are you staying for the night?\"\n\n\"No, I've just come from Koyagyū Castle with a message for Yoshioka Denshichirō. He's still here, isn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you wait a moment, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the brief time Kocha was gone, Otsū created a mild stir among the travelers who were noisily putting on their leggings and sandals and strapping their luggage to their backs.\n\n\"Who's that?\" asked one.\n\n\"Who do you suppose she's come to see?\"\n\nOtsū's beauty, a graceful elegance seldom encountered in the country, kept the departing guests whispering and ogling until she followed Kocha out of sight.\n\nDenshichirō and his companions, having drunk until late the night before, had only just arisen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When told that a messenger had come from the castle, they assumed it would be the man who had come the day before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sight of Otsū with her white peony came as a distinct surprise.\n\n\"Oh, please forgive the room! It's a mess.\"\n\nWith abjectly apologetic faces, they straightened their kimonos and sat properly and a little stiffly on their knees.\n\n\"Please, come in, come in.\"\n\n\"I've been sent by the lord of Koyagyū Castle,\" Otsū said simply, placing the letter and the peony before Denshichirō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you be so kind as to read the letter now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes... this is the letter? Yes, I'll read it.\"\n\nHe opened the scroll, which was no more than a foot long. Written in thin ink, suggestive of the light flavor of tea, it said: \"Forgive me for sending my greetings in a letter, rather than meeting you in person, but unfortunately I have a slight cold. I think a pure white peony will give you more pleasure than the runny nose of an old man. I send the flower by the hand of a flower, with the hope that you will accept my apology. My ancient body rests outside the everyday world. I hesitate to show my face. Please smile with pity on an old man.\"\n\nDenshichirō sniffed with contempt and rolled up the letter. \"Is that all?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, he also said that although he'd like to have a cup of tea with you, he hesitates to invite you to his house, because there is no one there but warriors ignorant of the niceties of tea. Since Munenori is away in Edo, he feels that the serving of the tea would be so crude as to bring laughter to the lips of people from the imperial capital. He asked me to beg your pardon, and tell you that he hopes to see you on some future occasion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha, ha!\" exclaimed Denshichirō, putting on a suspicious face. \"If I understand you correctly, Sekishūsai is under the impression we were looking forward to observing the niceties of the tea ceremony. To tell the truth, being from samurai families, we don't know anything about tea. Our intention was to inquire personally after Sekishūsai's health and persuade him to give us a lesson in swordsmanship.\"\n\n\"He understands that perfectly, of course. But he's spending his old age in retirement and has acquired the habit of expressing many of his thoughts in terms of tea.\"\n\nIn obvious disgust, Denshichirō replied, \"Well, he hasn't left us any choice but to give up. Please tell him that if we come again, we'd like to see him.\" He handed the peony back to Otsū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you like it? He thought it might cheer you up on the road. He said you might hang it in the corner of your palanquin, or if you're on horseback, attach it to your saddle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He meant it to be a souvenir?\" Denshichirō lowered his eyes as though insulted, then with a sour face said, \"This is ridiculous! You can tell him we have peonies of our own in Kyoto!\"\n\nIf that was the way he felt, Otsū decided, there was no point in pressing the gift on him. Promising to deliver his message, she took her leave as delicately as she would have removed the bandage from an open sore. In ill temper, her hosts barely acknowledged her departure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once in the hallway, Otsū laughed softly to herself, glanced at the shiny black floor leading to the room where Musashi was staying, and turned in the other direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kocha came out of Musashi's room and ran to catch up with her.\n\n\"Are you leaving already?\" she asked.\n\n\"Yes, I've finished what I came to do.\"\n\n\"My, that was fast, wasn't it?\" Looking down at Otsū's hand, she asked, \"Is that a peony? I didn't know they bloomed white.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. It's from the castle garden. You can have it, if you like.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, please,\" said Kocha, stretching out her hands.\n\nAfter bidding Otsū good-bye, Kocha went to the servants' quarters and showed everyone the flower. Since no one was inclined to admire it, she went disappointedly back to Musashi's room.\n\nMusashi, sitting by the window with his chin in his hands, was gazing in the direction of the castle and thinking hard about his objective: how could he manage, first, to meet Sekishūsai and, second, to overcome him with his sword?\n\n\"Do you like flowers?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kocha asked as she entered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Flowers?\"\n\nShe showed him the peony.\n\n\"Hmm. It's nice.\"\n\n\"Do you like it?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's supposed to be a peony, a white peony.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it? Why don't you put it in that vase over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know how to arrange flowers. You do it.\"\n\n\"No, you do it. It's better to do it without thinking how it's going to look.\"\n\n\"Well, I'll go and get some water,\" she said, taking the vase out with her.\n\nMusashi's eye happened to light on the cut end of the peony stem. His head tilted in surprise, though he couldn't pinpoint what it was that attracted his attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Casual interest had become intent scrutiny by the time Kocha came back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She put the vase in the alcove and tried sticking the peony in it, but with poor results." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The stem's too long,\" said Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bring it here; I'll cut it. Then when you stand it up, it'll look natural.\"\n\nKocha brought the flower over and held it up to him. Before she knew what had happened, she had dropped the flower and burst into tears. Small wonder, for in that split second Musashi had whipped out his short sword, uttered a vigorous cry, slashed through the stem between her hands, and resheathed his sword. To Kocha, the glint of steel and the sound of the sword snapping back into its scabbard seemed simultaneous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Making no attempt to comfort the terrified girl, Musashi picked up the piece of stem he had cut off and began comparing one end of it with the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed completely absorbed. Finally, taking notice of her distraught state, he apologized and patted her on the head.\n\nOnce he had coaxed her out of her tears, he asked, \"Do you know who cut this flower?\"\n\n\"No. It was given to me.\"\n\n\"By whom?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A person from the castle.\"\n\n\"One of the samurai?\"\n\n\"No, it was a young woman.\"\n\n\"Mm. Then you think the flower came from the castle?\"\n\n\"Yes, she said it did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry I scared you. If I buy you some cakes later, will you forgive me? In any case, the flower should be just right now. Try putting it in the vase.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will this do?\"\n\n\"Yes, that's fine.\"\n\nKocha had taken an instant liking to Musashi, but the flash of his sword had chilled her to the marrow. She left the room, unwilling to return until her duties made it absolutely unavoidable.\n\nMusashi was far more fascinated by the eight-inch piece of stem than by the flower in the alcove." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was sure the first cut had not been made with either scissors or a knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since peony stems are lithe and supple, the cut could only have been made with a sword, and only a very determined stroke would have made so clean a slice. Whoever had done it was no ordinary person. Although he himself had just tried to duplicate the cut with his own sword, upon comparing both ends he was immediately aware that his own cut was by far the inferior one. It was like the difference between a Buddhist statue carved by an expert and one made by a craftsman of average skill.\n\nHe asked himself what it could mean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If a samurai working the castle garden can make a cut like this, then the standards of the House of Yagyū must be even higher than I thought.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His confidence suddenly deserted him. \"I'm nowhere near ready yet.\"\n\nGradually, however, he recovered from this feeling. \"In any event, the Yagyū people are worthy opponents. If I should lose, I can fall at their feet and accept defeat with good grace. I've already decided I'm willing to face anything, even death.\" Sitting and mustering up his courage, he felt himself grow warmer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But how was he to go about it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even if a student arrived at his doorstep with a proper introduction, it seemed unlikely Sekishūsai would agree to a match. The innkeeper had said as much. And with Munenori and Hyōgo both away, there was no one to challenge but Sekishūsai himself.\n\nHe again tried to devise a way of gaining admittance to the castle. His eyes returned to the flower in the alcove, and the image of someone the flower unconsciously reminded him of began to take form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing Otsū's face in his mind's eye quieted his spirit and soothed his nerves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū herself was well on her way back to Koyagyū Castle when suddenly she heard a raucous shout behind her. She turned to see a child emerging from a clump of trees at the base of a cliff. He was clearly coming after her, and since children of the area were much too timid to accost a young woman such as herself, she brought her horse to a halt out of sheer curiosity.\n\nJōtarō was stark naked. His hair was wet, and his clothes were rolled up in a ball under his arm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unabashed by his nudity, he said, \"You're the lady with the flute. Are you still staying here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having eyed the horse with distaste, he looked directly at Otsū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's you!\" she exclaimed, before averting her eyes in embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The little boy who was crying on the Yamato highroad.\"\n\n\"Crying? I wasn't crying!\"\n\n\"Never mind. How long have you been here?\"\n\n\"Just came the other day.\"\n\n\"By yourself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No; with my teacher.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, that's right. You did say you were studying swordsmanship, didn't you? What are you doing with your clothes off?\"\n\n\"You don't think I'd jump in the river with my clothes on, do you?\"\n\n\"River? But the water must be freezing. People around here would laugh at the idea of going swimming this time of year.\"\n\n\"I wasn't swimming; I was taking a bath. My teacher said I smelled sweaty, so I went to the river.\"\n\nOtsū chuckled. \"Where are you staying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"At the Wataya.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, I've just come from there.\"\n\n\"Too bad you didn't come to see us. How about coming back with me now?\"\n\n\"I can't now. I have an errand to do.\"\n\n\"Well, bye!\" he said, turning to go.\n\n\"Jōtarō, come see me at the castle sometime.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Could I really?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words were barely out before Otsū began to regret them, but she said, \"Yes, but make sure you don't come dressed the way you are now.\"\n\n\"If that's the way you feel about it, I don't want to go. I don't like places where they make a fuss about things.\"\n\nOtsū felt relieved and still had a smile on her face when she rode back through the castle gate. After returning her horse to the stable, she went to report to Sekishūsai.\n\nHe laughed and said, \"So they were angry! Fine! Let them be angry. There's nothing they can do about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a moment, he seemed to remember something else. \"Did you throw the peony away?\" he asked.\n\nShe explained that she had given it to the maid at the inn, and he nodded his approval. \"Did the Yoshioka boy take the peony in his hand and look at it?\" he asked.\n\n\"Yes. When he read the letter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He just handed it back to me.\"\n\n\"He didn't look at the stem?\"\n\n\"Not that I noticed.\"\n\n\"He didn't examine it, or say anything about it?\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's just as well that I refused to meet him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's not worth meeting. The House of Yoshioka might just as well have ended with Kempō.\n\nThe Yagyū dōjō could quite appropriately be described as grand. Situated in the outer grounds of the castle, it had been rebuilt around the time when Sekishūsai was forty, and the sturdy timber used in its construction gave it an air of indestructibility. The gloss of the wood, acquired over the years, seemed to echo the rigors of the men who had undergone training here, and the building was ample enough to have served as samurai barracks during times of war." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lightly! Not with your sword point! With your gut, your gut!\" Shōda Kizaemon, seated on a slightly elevated platform and clad in underrobe and hakama, was roaring angry instructions at two aspiring swordsmen. \"Do it again! You don't have it right at all!\"\n\nThe target of Kizaemon's scolding was a pair of Yagyū samurai, who though dazed and bathed in sweat fought doggedly on. Stances were taken, weapons readied, and the two came together again like fire against fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A-o-o-oh!\"\n\n\"Y-a-a-ah!\"\n\nAt Yagyū, beginners were not allowed to use wooden swords. Instead they used a staff devised specifically for the Shinkage Style. A long, thin leather bag filled with strips of bamboo, it was, in effect, a leather stick, with no handle or sword guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though less dangerous than a wooden sword, it could still remove an ear or turn a nose into a pomegranate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were no restrictions regarding what part of the body a combatant could attack. Knocking down an opponent by striking him horizontally in the legs was permitted, and there was no rule against hitting a man once he was down.\n\n\"Keep it up! Keep at it! Same as last time!\" Kizaemon drove the students on.\n\nThe custom here was not to let a man quit until he was ready to drop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beginners were driven especially hard, never praised and treated to no small amount of verbal abuse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because of this, the average samurai knew that entering into the service of the House of Yagyū was not something to be taken lightly. Newcomers rarely lasted long, and the men now serving under Yagyū were the result of very careful sifting. Even the common foot soldiers and stablemen had made some progress in the study of swordsmanship.\n\nShōda Kizaemon was, needless to say, an accomplished swordsman, having mastered the Shinkage Style at an early age and, under the tutelage of Sekishūsai himself, gone on to learn the secrets of the Yagyū Style. To this he had added some personal techniques of his own, and he spoke proudly now of the \"True Shōda Style.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Yagyū horse trainer, Kimura Sukekurō, was also an adept, as was Mu-rata Yozō, who, though employed as keeper of the storehouse, was said to have been a good match for Hyōgo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Debuchi Magobei, another relatively minor official, had studied swordsmanship from childhood and wielded a powerful weapon indeed. The Lord of Echizen had tried to persuade Debuchi to come into his service, and the Tokugawas of Kii had tried to lure Murata away, but both of them had chosen to stay in Yagyū, though the material benefits were fewer.\n\nThe House of Yagyū, now enjoying a peak in its fortunes, was turning out a seemingly unending stream of great swordsmen. By the same token, the Yagyū samurai were not recognized as swordsmen until they had proved their ability by surviving the merciless regimen.\n\n\"You there!\" called Kizaemon to a guard passing by outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been surprised by the sight of Jōtarō following along after the soldier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello!\" shouted Jōtarō in his friendliest manner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing inside the castle?\" asked Kizaemon sternly.\n\n\"The man at the gate brought me in,\" answered Jōtarō, truthfully enough.\n\n\"He did, did he?\" To the guard, he said, \"Why did you bring this boy here?\"\n\n\"He said he wanted to see you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you mean to say you brought this child here on his word alone?... Boy!\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"This is no playground. Get along with you.\"\n\n\"But I didn't come to play. I brought a letter from my teacher.\"\n\n\"From your teacher? Didn't you say he was one of those wandering students?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look at the letter, please.\"\n\n\"I don't need to.\"\n\n\"What's the matter? Can't you read?\"\n\nKizaemon snorted.\n\n\"Well, if you can read, read it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a tricky brat. The reason I said I don't need to read it is that I already know what it says.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even so, wouldn't it be more polite to read it?\"\n\n\"Student warriors swarm here like mosquitoes and maggots. If I took time to be polite to all of them, I wouldn't be able to do anything else. I feel sorry for you, however, so I'll tell you what the letter says. All right?\n\n\"It says that the writer would like to be allowed to see our magnificent dōjō, that he would like to bask, even for a minute, in the shadow of the greatest master in the land, and that for the sake of all those successors who will follow the Way of the Sword, he would be grateful to have a lesson bestowed upon him. I imagine that's about the long and short of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jōtarō's eyes rounded. \"Is that what the letter says?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, so I don't need to read it, do I? Let it not be said, however, that the House of Yagyū coldheartedly turns away those who call upon it.\" He paused and continued, as though having rehearsed the speech: \"Ask the guard there to explain everything to you. When student warriors come to this house, they enter through the main gate and proceed to the middle gate, to the right of which is a building called the Shin'indō. It is identified by a hanging wooden plaque. If they apply to the caretaker there, they are free to rest for a time, and there are facilities for them to stop over for a night or two. When they leave, they are given a small amount of money to help them along the way. Now, the thing for you to do is to take this letter to the caretaker at the Shin'indō—understand?\"\n\n\"No!\" said Jōtarō. He shook his head and raised his right shoulder slightly. \"Listen, sir!\"\n\n\"Well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You shouldn't judge people by their appearance. I'm not the son of a beggar!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do have to admit you have a certain knack with words.\"\n\n\"Why don't you just take a look at the letter? It may say something completely different from what you think. What would you do then? Would you let me cut off your head?\"\n\n\"Hold on a minute!\" Kizaemon laughed, and his face, with its red mouth behind his spiky beard, looked like the inside of a broken chestnut burr. \"No, you can't cut my head off.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, then, look at the letter.\"\n\n\"Come in here.\"\n\n\"Why?\" Jōtarō had a sinking feeling he'd gone too far.\n\n\"I admire your determination not to let your master's message go undelivered. I'll read it.\"\n\n\"And why shouldn't you? You're the highest-ranking official in the House of Yagyū, aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wield your tongue superbly. Let's hope you can do the same with your sword when you grow up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He broke the seal of the letter and silently read Musashi's message. As he read, his face became serious. When he was finished, he asked, \"Did you bring anything along with this letter?\"\n\n\"Oh, I forgot! I was to give you this too.\" Jōtarō quickly pulled the peony stem from his kimono." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silently, Kizaemon examined both ends of the stem, looking somewhat puzzled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not completely understand the meaning of Musashi's letter.\n\nIt explained how the inn's maid had brought him a flower, which she said had come from the castle, and that upon examining the stem, he had discovered that the cut had been made by \"no ordinary person.\" The message continued: \"After putting the flower in a vase, I sensed some special spirit about it, and I feel that I simply have to find out who made that cut. The question may seem trivial, but if you would not mind telling me which member of your household did it, I would appreciate your sending a reply by the boy who delivers my letter.\"\n\nThat was all—no mention of the writer's being a student, no request for a bout.\n\n\"What an odd thing to write,\" thought Kizaemon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at the peony stem again, again examining both ends closely, but without being able to discern whether one end differed from the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Murata!\" he called. \"Come look at this. Can you see any difference between the cuts at the ends of this stem? Does one cut, perhaps, seem to be keener?\"\n\nMurata Yozō looked at the stem this way and that, but had to confess that he saw no difference between the two cuts.\n\n\"Let's show it to Kimura.\"\n\nThey went to the office at the back of the building and put the problem to their colleague, who was as mystified as they were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Debuchi, who happened to be in the office at the time, said, \"This is one of the flowers the old lord himself cut the day before yesterday. Shōda, weren't you with him at the time?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I saw him arranging a flower, but I didn't see him cut it.\"\n\n\"Well, this is one of the two he cut. He put one in the vase in his room and had Otsū take the other one to Yoshioka Denshichirō with a letter.\"\n\n\"Yes, I remember that,\" said Kizaemon, as he started to read Musashi's letter again. Suddenly, he looked up with startled eyes. \"This is signed 'Shimmen Musashi,'\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you suppose this Musashi is the Miyamoto Musashi who helped the Hōzōin priests kill all that riffraff at Hannya Plain? It must be!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Debuchi and Murata passed the letter back and forth, rereading it. \"The handwriting has character,\" said Debuchi.\n\n\"Yes,\" mumbled Murata. \"He seems to be an unusual person.\"\n\n\"If what the letter says is true,\" Kizaemon said, \"and he really could tell that this stem had been cut by an expert, then he must know something we don't. The old master cut it himself, and apparently that's plain to someone whose eyes really see.\"\n\nDebuchi said, \"Mm. I'd like to meet him... We could check on this and also get him to tell us what happened at Hannya Plain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But rather than commit himself on his own, he asked Kimura's opinion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kimura pointed out that since they weren't receiving any shugyōsha, they couldn't have him as a guest at the practice hall, but there was no reason why they couldn't invite him for a meal and some sake at the Shin'indō. The irises were already in bloom there, he noted, and the wild azaleas were about to blossom. They could have a little party and talk about swordsmanship and things like that. Musashi would in all likelihood be glad to come, and the old lord certainly wouldn't object if he heard about it.\n\nKizaemon slapped his knee and said, \"That's a splendid suggestion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It'll be a party for us too,\" Murata added. \"Let's send him an answer right away.\"\n\nAs he sat down to write the reply, Kizaemon said, \"The boy's outside. Have him come in.\"\n\nA few minutes earlier, Jōtarō had been yawning and grumbling, \"How can they be so slow,\" when a big black dog caught his scent and came over to sniff at him. Thinking he had found a new friend, Jōtarō spoke to the dog and pulled him forward by the ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's wrestle,\" he suggested, then hugged the dog and threw him over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dog went along with this, so Jōtarō caught him in his hands and threw him two or three more times.\n\nThen, holding the dog's jaws together, he said, \"Now, bark!\"\n\nThis made the dog angry. Breaking away, he caught the skirt of Jōtarō's kimono with his teeth and tugged tenaciously.\n\nNow it was Jōtarō's turn to get mad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who do you think I am? You can't do that!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drew his wooden sword and held it menacingly over his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dog, taking him seriously, started barking loudly to attract the attention of the guards." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a curse, Jōtarō brought his sword down on the dog's head. It sounded as though he had hit a rock. The dog hurled himself against the boy's back, and catching hold of his obi, brought him to the ground. Before he could get to his feet, the dog was at him again, while Jōtarō frantically tried to protect his face with his hands.\n\nHe tried to escape, but the dog was right on his heels, the echoes of his barking reverberating through the mountains. Blood began to ooze between the fingers covering his face, and soon his own anguished howls drowned out those of the dog." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 8 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his return to the inn, Jōtarō sat down before Musashi and with a smug look reported that he had carried out his mission. Several scratches criss-crossed the boy's face, and his nose looked like a ripe strawberry. No doubt he was in some pain, but since he offered no explanation, Musashi asked no questions.\n\n\"Here's their reply,\" said Jōtarō, handing Musashi the letter from Shōda Kizaemon and adding a few words about his meeting with the samurai, but saying nothing about the dog. As he spoke, his wounds started to bleed again.\n\n\"Will that be all?\" he asked.\n\n\"Yes, that's all. Thanks.\"\n\nAs Musashi opened Kizaemon's letter, Jōtarō put his hands to his face and hurriedly left the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kocha caught up with him and examined his scratches with worried eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did that happen?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A dog jumped on me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whose dog was it?\"\n\n\"One of the dogs at the castle.\"\n\n\"Oh, was it that big black Kishū hound? He's vicious. I'm sure, strong as you are, you wouldn't be able to handle him. Why, he's bitten prowlers to death!\"\n\nAlthough they were not on the best of terms, Kocha led him to the stream out back and made him wash his face. Then she went and fetched some ointment, which she applied to his face. For once, Jōtarō behaved like a gentleman. When she had finished her ministrations, he bowed and thanked her over and over again.\n\n\"Stop bobbing your head up and down. You're a man, after all, and it looks ridiculous.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I appreciate what you've done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even if we do fight a lot, I still like you,\" she confessed.\n\n\"I like you too.\"\n\n\"Really?\"\n\nThe parts of Jōtarō's face that showed between the patches of ointment turned crimson, and Kocha's cheeks burst into subdued flame. There was no one around. The sun shone through the pink peach blossoms.\n\n\"Your master will probably be going away soon, won't he?\" she asked with a trace of disappointment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll be here for a while yet,\" he replied reassuringly.\n\n\"I wish you could stay for a year or two.\"\n\nThe two went into the shed where the fodder for the horses was kept and lay down on their backs in the hay. Their hands touched, sending a warm tingle through Jōtarō. Quite without warning, he pulled Kocha's hand toward him and bit her finger.\n\n\"Ouch!\"\n\n\"Did that hurt? I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"It's all right. Do it again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't mind?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no, go on and bite! Bite harder!\"\n\nHe did just that, tugging at her fingers like a puppy. Hay was falling over their heads, and soon they were hugging each other, just for the sake of hugging, when Kocha's father came looking for her. Appalled at what he saw, his face took on the stern expression of a Confucian sage.\n\n\"You idiots, what are you up to? Both of you, still only children!\" He dragged them out by the scruff of the neck and gave Kocha a couple of smart whacks on the behind.\n\nThe rest of that day, Musashi said very little to anyone. He sat with his arms folded and thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once, in the middle of the night, Jōtarō woke up and, raising his head a little, stole a look at his master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi was lying in bed with his eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling with intense concentration.\n\nThe next day, too, Musashi kept to himself. Jōtarō was frightened; his master might have heard about his playing with Kocha in the shed. Nothing was said, however. Late in the afternoon, Musashi sent the boy to ask for their bill and was making preparations to depart when the clerk brought it. Asked if he would need dinner, he said no.\n\nKocha, standing idly in a corner, asked, \"Won't you be coming back to sleep here tonight?\"\n\n\"No. Thank you, Kocha, for taking such good care of us. I'm sure we've been a lot of trouble for you. Good-bye.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Take good care of yourself,\" said Kocha." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was holding her hands over her face, hiding her tears.\n\nAt the gate, the manager of the inn and the other maids lined up to see them off. Their setting off just before sunset seemed very odd.\n\nAfter walking a bit, Musashi looked around for Jōtarō. Not seeing him, he turned back toward the inn, where the boy was under the storehouse, saying farewell to Kocha. When they saw Musashi approaching, they drew hastily away from each other.\n\n\"Good-bye,\" said Kocha.\n\n\"Bye,\" called Jōtarō, as he ran to Musashi's side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though fearful of Musashi's eyes, the boy could not resist stealing backward glances until the inn was out of sight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lights began to appear in the valley. Musashi, saying nothing and not once looking back, strode on ahead. Jōtarō followed along glumly.\n\nAfter a time, Musashi asked, \"Aren't we there yet?\"\n\n\"Where?\"\n\n\"At the main gate of Koyagyū Castle.\"\n\n\"Are we going to the castle?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will we stay there tonight?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have no idea. That depends on how things turn out.\"\n\n\"There it is. That's the gate.\"\n\nMusashi stopped and stood before the gate, feet together. Above the moss-grown ramparts, the huge trees made a soughing sound. A single light streamed from a square window.\n\nMusashi called out, and a guard appeared. Giving him the letter from Shōda Kizaemon, he said, \"My name is Musashi, and I've come on Shōda's invitation. Would you please tell him that I'm here?\"\n\nThe guard had been expecting him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're waiting for you,\" he said, motioning for Musashi to follow him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In addition to its other functions, the Shin'indō was the place where the young people in the castle studied Confucianism. It also served as the fief's library. The rooms along the passageway to the rear of the building were all lined with bookshelves, and though the fame of the House of Yagyū stemmed from its military prowess, Musashi could see it also placed great emphasis on scholarship. Everything about the castle seemed to be steeped in history.\n\nAnd everything seemed to be well run, to judge from the neatness of the road from the gate to the Shin'indō, the courteous demeanor of the guard, and the austere, peaceful lighting visible in the vicinity of the keep.\n\nSometimes, upon entering a house for the first time, a visitor has the feeling he's already familiar with the place and its inhabitants. Musashi had that impression now, as he sat down on the wooden floor of the large room to which the guard brought him. After offering him a hard round cushion of woven straw, which he accepted with thanks, the guard left him alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the way, Jōtarō had been dropped off at the attendants' waiting room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guard returned a few minutes later and told Musashi that his host would arrive soon.\n\nMusashi slid the round cushion over to a corner and leaned back against a post. From the light of the low lamp shining into the garden, he saw trellises of blossoming wisteria vines, both white and lavender. The sweetish scent of wisteria was in the air. He was startled by the croak of a frog, the first he had heard that year.\n\nWater gurgled somewhere in the garden; the stream apparently ran under the building, for after he was settled, he noticed the sound of flowing water beneath him. Indeed, before long it seemed to him that the sound of water was coming from the walls, the ceiling, even the lamp. He felt cool and relaxed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet simmering deep inside him there was an unsuppressible sense of disquiet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was his insatiable fighting spirit, coursing through his veins even in this quiet atmosphere. From his cushion by the post, he looked questioningly at his surroundings.\n\n\"Who is Yagyū?\" he thought defiantly. \"He's a swordsman, and I'm a swordsman. In this respect we are equal. But tonight I will advance a step farther and put Yagyū behind me.\"\n\n\"Sorry to have kept you waiting.\"\n\nShōda Kizaemon entered the room with Kimura, Debuchi and Murata.\n\n\"Welcome to Koyagyū,\" Kizaemon said warmly.\n\nAfter the other three men had introduced themselves, servants brought in trays of sake and snacks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sake was a thick, rather syrupy, local brew, served in large old-style sake bowls with high stems." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here in the country,\" said Kizaemon, \"we aren't able to offer you much, but please feel at home.\"\n\nThe others too, with great cordiality, invited him to make himself comfortable, not to stand on ceremony.\n\nWith a little urging, Musashi accepted some sake, though he was not particularly fond of it. It was not so much that he disliked it as that he was still too young to appreciate its subtlety. The sake this evening was palatable enough but had little immediate effect on him.\n\n\"Looks as though you know how to drink,\" said Kimura Sukekurō, offering to refill his cup. \"By the way, I hear the peony you asked about the other day was cut by the lord of this castle himself.\"\n\nMusashi slapped his knee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought so!\" he exclaimed. \"It was splendid!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kimura moved closer. \"What I'd like to know is just how you could tell that the cut in that soft, thin stem had been made by a master swordsman. We, all of us, were deeply impressed by your ability to discern that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uncertain as to where the conversation was leading, Musashi said, to gain time, \"You were? Really?\"\n\n\"Yes, no mistake about it!\" said Kizaemon, Debuchi and Murata almost simultaneously.\n\n\"We ourselves couldn't see anything special about it,\" said Kizaemon. \"We arrived at the conclusion that it must take a genius to recognize another genius. We think it would be of great help in our future studies if you'd explain it to us.\"\n\nMusashi, taking another sip of sake, said, \"Oh, it wasn't anything in particular—just a lucky guess.\"\n\n\"Come now, don't be modest.\"\n\n\"I'm not being modest. It was a feeling I got—from the look of the cut.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just what sort of feeling was it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they would with any stranger, these four senior disciples of the House of Yagyū were trying to analyze Musashi as a human being and at the same time test him. They had already taken note of his physique, admiring his carriage and the expression in his eyes. But the way he held his sake cup and his chopsticks betrayed his country upbringing and made them inclined to be patronizing. After only three or four cups of sake, Musashi's face turned copper red. Embarrassed, he touched his hand to his forehead and cheeks two or three times. The boyishness of the gesture made them laugh.\n\n\"This feeling of yours,\" repeated Kizaemon. \"Can't you tell us more about it? You know, this building, the Shin'indō, was built expressly for Lord Kōizumi of Ise to stay in during his visits. It's an important building in the history of swordsmanship. It's a fitting place for us to hear a lecture from you tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Realizing that protesting their flattery was not going to get him off the hook, Musashi decided to take the plunge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you sense something you sense it,\" he said. \"There's really no way to explain it. If you want me to demonstrate what I mean, you'll have to un-sheath your sword and face me in a match. There's no other way.\"\n\nThe smoke from the lamp rose as black as squid ink in the still night air. The croaking frog was heard again.\n\nKizaemon and Debuchi, the two eldest, looked at each other and laughed. Though he had spoken quietly, the statement about testing him had undeniably been a challenge, and they recognized it as such.\n\nLetting it pass without comment, they talked about swords, then about Zen, events in other provinces, the Battle of Sekigahara. Kizaemon, Debuchi and Kimura had all taken part in the bloody conflict, and to Musashi, who had been on the opposing side, their stories had the ring of bitter truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hosts appeared to be enjoying the conversation immensely, and Musashi found it fascinating just to listen.\n\nHe was nonetheless conscious of the swift passage of time, knowing in his heart that if he did not meet Sekishūsai tonight, he would never meet him.\n\nKizaemon announced it was time for the barley mixed with rice, the customary last course, to be served, and the sake was removed.\n\n\"How can I see him?\" thought Musashi. It became increasingly clear that he might be forced to employ some underhanded scheme. Should he goad one of his hosts into losing his temper? Difficult, when he was not angry himself, so he purposefully disagreed several times with what was being said and spoke in a rude and brash manner. Shōda and Debuchi chose to laugh at this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "None of these four was about to be provoked into doing anything rash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Desperation set in. Musashi could not bear the idea of leaving without accomplishing his objective. For his crown, he wanted a brilliant star of victory, and for the record, he wanted it known that Musashi had been here, had gone, had left his mark on the House of Yagyū. With his own sword, he wanted to bring Sekishūsai, this great patriarch of the martial arts, this \"ancient dragon\" as he was called, to his knees.\n\nHad they seen through him completely? He was considering this possibility when matters took an unexpected turn.\n\n\"Did you hear that?\" asked Kimura.\n\nMurata went out on the veranda, then, reentering the room, said, \"Tarō's barking—not his usual bark, though. I think something must be wrong.\"\n\nTarō was the dog Jōtarō had had a run-in with." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no denying that the barking, which seemed to come from the second encirclement of the castle, was frightening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounded too loud and terrible to be coming from a single dog.\n\nDebuchi said, \"I think I'd better have a look. Forgive me, Musashi, for spoiling the party, but it may be important. Please go on without me.\"\n\nShortly after he left, Murata and Kimura excused themselves, politely begging Musashi's forgiveness.\n\nThe barking grew more urgent; the dog was apparently trying to give warning of some danger. When one of the castle's dogs acted this way, it was almost a sure sign something untoward was going on. The peace the country was enjoying was not so secure that a daimyō could afford to relax his vigilance against neighboring fiefs. There were still unscrupulous warriors who might stoop to anything to satisfy their own ambition, and spies roamed the land searching out complacent and vulnerable targets.\n\nKizaemon seemed extremely upset." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept staring at the ominous light of the little lamp, as if counting the echoes of the unearthly noise.\n\nEventually there was one long, mournful wail. Kizaemon grunted and looked at Musashi.\n\n\"He's dead,\" said Musashi.\n\n\"Yes, he's been killed.\" No longer able to contain himself, Kizaemon stood up. \"I can't understand it.\"\n\nHe started to leave, but Musashi stopped him, saying, \"Wait. Is Jōtarō, the boy who came with me, still in the waiting room?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They directed their inquiry to a young samurai in front of the Shin'indō, who after searching reported the boy was nowhere to be found." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A look of concern came over Musashi's face. Turning to Kizaemon, he said, \"I think I know what happened. Would you mind my going with you?\"\n\n\"Not at all.\"\n\nAbout three hundred yards from the dōjō, a crowd had gathered, and several torches had been lit. Besides Murata, Debuchi and Kimura, there were a number of foot soldiers and guards, forming a black circle, all talking and shouting at once.\n\nFrom the outer rim of the circle, Musashi peered into the open space in the middle. His heart sank. There, just as he had feared, was Jōtarō, covered with blood and looking like the devil's own child—wooden sword in hand, his teeth tightly clenched, his shoulders rising and falling with his heavy breathing.\n\nBy his side lay Tarō, teeth bared, legs outstretched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dog's sightless eyes reflected the light of the torches; blood trickled from his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's his lordship's dog,\" someone said mournfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai went toward Jōtarō and shouted, \"You little bastard! What have you done? Are you the one who killed this dog?\" The man brought his hand down in a furious slap, which Jōtarō just managed to dodge.\n\nSquaring his shoulders, he shouted defiantly, \"Yes, I did it!\"\n\n\"You admit it?\"\n\n\"I had a reason!\"\n\n\"Ha!\"\n\n\"I was taking revenge.\"\n\n\"What?\" There was general astonishment at Jōtarō's answer; the whole crowd was angry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tarō was the favorite pet of Lord Munenori of Tajima." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not only that; he was the pedigreed offspring of Raiko, a bitch belonging to and much loved by Lord Yorinori of Kishū. Lord Yorinori had personally given the pup to Munenori, who had himself reared it. The slaying of the animal would consequently be investigated thoroughly, and the fate of the two samurai who had been paid to take good care of the dog was now in jeopardy.\n\nThe man now facing Jōtarō was one of these two.\n\n\"Shut up!\" he shouted, aiming his fist at Jōtarō's head. This time Jōtarō did not duck in time. The blow landed in the vicinity of his ear.\n\nJōtarō raised his hand to feel his wound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you doing?\" he screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You killed the master's dog. You don't mind if I beat you to death the same way, do you? Because that's exactly what I'm going to do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All I did was get even with him. Why punish me for that? A grown man should know that's not right!\"\n\nIn Jōtarō's view, he had only protected his honor, and risked his life in doing so, for a visible wound was a great disgrace to a samurai. To defend his pride, there was no alternative to killing the dog: indeed, in all likelihood he had expected to be praised for his valiant conduct. He stood his ground, determined not to flinch.\n\n\"Shut your impudent mouth!\" screamed the keeper. \"I don't care if you are only a child. You're old enough to know the difference between a dog and a human being. The very idea—taking revenge on a dumb animal!\"\n\nHe grabbed Jōtarō's collar, looked to the crowd for approval, and declared it his duty to punish the dog's murderer. The crowd silently nodded in agreement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The four men who had so recently been entertaining Musashi looked distressed but said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bark, boy! Bark like a dog!\" the keeper shouted. He swung Jōtarō around and around by his collar and with a black look in his eye threw him to the ground. Seizing an oak staff, he raised it above his head ready to strike.\n\n\"You killed the dog, you little hoodlum. Now it's your turn! Stand up so I can kill you! Bark! Bite me!\"\n\nTeeth tightly clenched, Jōtarō propped himself up on one arm and struggled to his feet, wooden sword in hand. His features had not lost their spritelike quality, but the expression on his face was anything but childlike, and the howl that issued from his throat was eerily savage.\n\nWhen an adult gets angry, he often regrets it later, but when a child's wrath is aroused, not even the mother who brought him into the world can placate him.\n\n\"Kill me!\" he screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go on, kill me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Die, then!\" raged the keeper. He struck.\n\nThe blow would have killed the boy if it had connected, but it didn't. A sharp crack reverberated in the ears of the bystanders, and Jōtarō's wooden sword went flying through the air. Without thinking about it, he had parried the keeper's blow.\n\nWeaponless, he closed his eyes and charged blindly at the enemy's midriff, latching on to the man's obi with his teeth. Holding on for dear life, he tore with his nails at the keeper's groin, while the keeper made futile swings with his staff.\n\nMusashi had remained silent, arms folded and face expressionless, but then another oak staff appeared. A second man had dashed into the ring and was on the verge of attacking Jōtarō from behind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi moved into action. His arms came down and in no time he forced his way through the solid wall of men into the arena.\n\n\"Coward!\" he shouted at the second man.\n\nAn oak stick and two legs described an arc in the air, coming to rest in a clump about four yards away.\n\nMusashi shouted, \"And now for you, you little devil!\" Gripping Jōtarō's obi with both hands, he lifted the boy above his head and held him there. Turning to the keeper, who was taking a fresh grip on his staff, he said, \"I've been watching this from the start, and I think you're going about it the wrong way. This boy is my servant, and if you're going to question him, you ought to question me too.\"\n\nIn fiery tones, the keeper answered, \"All right, we'll do that. We'll question the two of you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good! We'll take you on together. Now, here's the boy!\"\n\nHe threw Jōtarō straight at the man. The crowd let out an appalled gasp and fell back. Was the man mad? Who ever heard of using one human being as a weapon against another human?\n\nThe keeper stared in disbelief as Jōtarō sailed through the air and rammed into his chest. The man fell straight back, as though a prop holding him up had suddenly been removed. It was difficult to tell whether he had struck his head against a rock, or whether his ribs had been broken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hitting the ground with a howl, he began vomiting blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō bounced off the man's chest, did a somersault in the air, and rolled like a ball to a point twenty or thirty feet away.\n\n\"Did you see that?\" a man shouted.\n\n\"Who is this crazy rōnin?\"\n\nThe fracas no longer involved only the dog's keeper; the other samurai began abusing Musashi. Most of them were unaware that Musashi was an invited guest, and several suggested killing him then and there.\n\n\"Now,\" said Musashi, \"everybody listen!\"\n\nThey watched him closely as he took Jōtarō's wooden sword in his hand and faced them, a terrifying scowl on his face.\n\n\"The child's crime is his master's crime. We are both prepared to pay for it. But first let me tell you this: we have no intention of letting ourselves be killed like dogs. We are prepared to take you on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of acknowledging the crime and taking his punishment, he was challenging them!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If at this point Musashi had apologized for Jōtarō and spoken in his defense, if he had made even the slightest effort to soothe the ruffled feelings of the Yagyū samurai, the whole incident might have passed by quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Musashi's attitude precluded this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed set on creating a still greater disturbance.\n\nShōda, Kimura, Debuchi and Murata all frowned, wondering anew what sort of freak they had invited to the castle. Deploring his lack of sense, they gradually edged around the crowd while keeping a watchful eye on him.\n\nThe crowd had been seething to begin with, and Musashi's challenge exacerbated their anger.\n\n\"Listen to him! He's an outlaw!\"\n\n\"He's a spy! Tie him up!\"\n\n\"No, cut him up!\"\n\n\"Don't let him get away!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment it looked as though Musashi and Jōtarō, who was again by his side, would be swallowed up by a sea of swords, but then an authoritative voice cried, \"Wait!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Kizaemon, who together with Debuchi and Murata was trying to hold the crowd in check.\n\n\"This man seems to have planned all this,\" said Kizaemon. \"If you let him entice you and you're wounded or killed, we shall have to answer to his lordship for it. The dog was important, but not as important as a human life. The four of us will assume all responsibility. Rest assured no harm will befall you because of anything we do. Now calm down and go home.\"\n\nWith some reluctance, the others dispersed, leaving the four men who had entertained Musashi in the Shin'indō. It was no longer a case of guest and hosts, but one of an outlaw facing his judges.\n\n\"Musashi,\" said Kizaemon, \"I'm sorry to tell you your plot has failed. I suppose someone put you up to spying on Koyagyū Castle or just stirring up trouble, but I'm afraid it didn't work.\"\n\nAs they pressed in on Musashi, he was keenly aware that there was not one among them who was not an expert with the sword. He stood quite still, his hand on Jōtarō's shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surrounded, he couldn't have escaped even if he'd had wings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Musashi!\" called Debuchi, working his sword a little way out of its scabbard. \"You've failed. The proper thing for you to do is commit suicide. You may be a scoundrel, but you showed a great deal of bravery coming into this castle with only that child at your side. We had a friendly evening together; now we'll wait while you prepare yourself for harakiri. When you're ready, you can prove that you're a real samurai!\"\n\nThat would have been the ideal solution; they had not consulted with Sekishūsai, and if Musashi died now, the whole affair could be buried along with his body.\n\nMusashi had other ideas. \"You think I should kill myself? That's absurd! I have no intention of dying, not for a long time.\" His shoulders shook with laughter.\n\n\"All right,\" said Debuchi. The tone was quiet, but the meaning was crystal clear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've tried to treat you decently, but you've done nothing but take advantage of us—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kimura broke in, saying, \"There's no need for further talk!\"\n\nHe went behind Musashi and pushed him. \"Walk!\" he commanded.\n\n\"Walk where?\"\n\n\"To the cells.\"\n\nMusashi nodded and started walking, but in the direction of his own choice, straight toward the castle keep.\n\n\"Where do you think you're going?\" cried Kimura, jumping in front of Musashi and stretching his arms out to block him. \"This isn't the way to the cells. They're in back of you. Turn around and get going!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No!\" cried Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked down at Jōtarō, who was still clinging to his side, and told him to go sit under a pine tree in the garden in front of the keep. The ground around the pine trees was covered with carefully raked white sand.\n\nJōtarō darted from under Musashi's sleeve and hid behind the tree, wondering all the while what Musashi intended to do next. The memory of his teacher's bravery at Hannya Plain came back to him, and his body swelled with excitement.\n\nKizaemon and Debuchi took positions on either side of Musashi and tried to pull him back by the arms. Musashi didn't budge.\n\n\"Let's go!\"\n\n\"I'm not going.\"\n\n\"You intend to resist?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kimura lost patience and started to draw his sword, but his seniors, Kizaemon and Debuchi, ordered him to hold off.\n\n\"What's the matter with you? Where do you think you're going?\"\n\n\"I intend to see Yagyū Sekishūsai.\"\n\n\"You what?\"\n\nNever had it crossed their minds that this insane youth could have even thought of anything so preposterous.\n\n\"And what would you do if you met him?\" asked Kizaemon.\n\n\"I'm a young man, I'm studying the martial arts, and it is one of my goals in life to receive a lesson from the master of the Yagyū Style.\"\n\n\"If that's what you wanted, why didn't you just ask?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't it true that Sekishūsai never sees anyone and never gives lessons to student warriors?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then what else can I do but challenge him? I realize, of course, that even if I do, he'll probably refuse to come out of retirement, so I'm challenging this whole castle to a battle instead.\"\n\n\"A battle?\" chorused the four.\n\nHis arms still held by Kizaemon and Debuchi, Musashi looked up at the sky. There was a flapping sound, as an eagle flew toward them from the blackness enveloping Mount Kasagi. Like a giant shroud, its silhouette hid the stars from view before it glided noisily down to the roof of the rice storehouse.\n\nTo the four retainers, the word \"battle\" sounded so melodramatic as to be laughable, but to Musashi it barely sufficed to express his concept of what was to come. He was not talking about a fencing match to be decided by technical skill only." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He meant total war, where the combatants concentrate every ounce of their spirit and ability—and their fates are decided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A battle between two armies might be different in form, but in essence it was the same. It was simple: a battle between one man and one castle. His willpower was manifest in the firmness with which his heels were now implanted in the ground. It was this iron determination that made the word \"battle\" come naturally to his lips.\n\nThe four men scrutinized his face, wondering again if he had an iota of sanity left.\n\nKimura took up the challenge. Kicking his straw sandals into the air and tucking up his hakama, he said, \"Fine! Nothing I like better than a battle! I can't offer you rolling drums or clanging gongs, but I can offer you a fight. Shōda, Debuchi, push him over here.\" Kimura had been the first to suggest that they should punish Musashi, but he had held himself back, trying to be patient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he had had his fill.\n\n\"Go ahead!\" he urged. \"Leave him to me!\"\n\nAt exactly the same time, Kizaemon and Debuchi shoved Musashi forward. He stumbled four or five paces toward Kimura. Kimura stepped back a pace, lifted his elbow above his face, and sucking in his breath, swiftly brought his sword down toward Musashi's stumbling form. There was a curious gritty sound as the sword flashed through the air.\n\nAt the same time a shout was heard—not from Musashi but from Jōtarō, who had jumped out from his position behind the pine tree." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The handful of sand he had thrown was the source of the strange noise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Realizing that Kimura would be gauging the distance so as to strike effectively, Musashi had deliberately added speed to his stumbling steps and at the time of the strike was much closer to Kimura than the latter had anticipated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sword touched nothing but air, and sand.\n\nBoth men quickly jumped back, separating themselves by three or four paces. There they stood, staring menacingly at one another in the tension-filled stillness.\n\n\"This is going to be something to watch,\" said Kizaemon softly.\n\nDebuchi and Murata, though not within the sphere of battle, both took up new positions and assumed defensive stances. From what they had seen so far, they had no illusions about Musashi's competence as a fighter. His evasion and recovery had already convinced them he was a match for Kimura.\n\nKimura's sword was positioned slightly lower than his chest." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next 2 sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gradually obscured by the wintry noonday mist, the sunlit island of Awaji faded into the distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flapping of the great sail in the wind drowned out the sound of the waves. The boat, which plied several times each month between Osaka and Awa Province in Shikoku, was crossing the Inland Sea on its way to Osaka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although its cargo consisted mostly of paper and indigo dye, a distinctive odor betrayed it was carrying contraband, in the form of tobacco, which the Tokugawa government had forbidden the people to smoke, sniff or chew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were also passengers on board, mostly merchants, either returning to the city or visiting it for the year-end trading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How's it going? Making lots of money, I bet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not at all! Everybody says things are booming in Sakai, but you couldn't prove it by me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hear there's a shortage of workmen there. Heard they need gunsmiths.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Conversation in another group went along similar lines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I supply battle equipment myself—flagstaffs, armor, that sort of thing. I'm certainly not making as much as I used to, though.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I guess the samurai are learning how to add.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ha, ha!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It used to be that when the freebooters brought in their loot, you could redye or repaint things and sell them right back to the armies. Then after the next battle, the stuff would come back and you could fix it up and sell it again.\"\n\nOne man was gazing out over the ocean and extolling the riches of the countries beyond it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can't make money at home anymore. If you want real profits, you have to do what Naya 'Luzon' Sukezaemon or Chaya Sukejirō did. Go into foreign trade. It's risky, but if you're lucky, it can really pay off.\"\n\n\"Well,\" said another man, \"even if things aren't so good for us these days, from the samurai's viewpoint we're doing very well. Most of them don't even know what good food tastes like. We talk about the luxuries the daimyō enjoy, but sooner or later they have to put on their leather and steel and go out and get killed. I feel sorry for them; they're so busy thinking about their honor and the warrior's code they can't ever sit back and enjoy life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't that the truth? We complain about bad times and all, but the only thing to be today is a merchant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're right. At least we can do what we want.\"\n\n\"All we really have to do is make a show of bowing down before the samurai, and a little money makes up for a lot of that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you're going to live in this world, might as well have a good time.\"\n\n\"That's the way I see it. Sometimes I feel like asking the samurai what they're getting out of life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woolen carpet this group had spread for themselves to sit on was imported—evidence that they were better off than other elements of the population. After Hideyoshi's death, the luxuries of the Momoyama period had passed largely into the hands of merchants, rather than samurai, and these days the richer townspeople were the ones with elegant sake-serving sets and beautiful, expensive travel equipment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even a small businessman was normally better off than a samurai with an allowance of five thousand bushels of rice per year, which was considered a princely income by most samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never much to do on these trips, is there?\"\n\n\"No. Why don't we have a little card game to pass the time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\"\n\nA curtain was hung, mistresses and underlings brought sake, and the men began playing umsummo, a game recently introduced by Portuguese traders, for unbelievable stakes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gold on the table could have saved whole villages from famine, but the players tossed it about like gravel.\n\nAmong the passengers were several people the rich merchants might well have questioned as to what they were getting out of life—a wandering priest, some rōnin, a Confucian scholar, a few professional warriors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most of them, after witnessing the beginning of the ostentatious card game, sat down beside their baggage and stared disapprovingly at the sea.\n\nOne young man was holding something round and furry in his lap, telling it from time to time to \"Sit still!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a nice little monkey you have. Is it trained?\" asked another passenger.\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've had him for some time, then?\"\n\n\"No, I found him not long ago in the mountains between Tosa and Awa.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, you caught him yourself?\"\n\n\"Yes, but the older monkeys almost scratched me to pieces before I got away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he talked, the young man concentrated intently on picking fleas off the animal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even without the monkey, he would have attracted attention, for both his kimono and the short red cloak he wore over it were decidedly fancy. His front hair wasn't shaved, and his topknot was tied with an unusual purple band." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His clothing suggested he was still a boy, but these days it wasn't as easy as it used to be to tell a person's age from his apparel. With the rise of Hideyoshi, clothing in general had become more colorful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not unknown for men of twenty-five or so to continue to dress like boys of fifteen or sixteen and leave their forelocks uncut.\n\nHis skin glowed with youth, his lips were a healthy red, and his eyes were bright." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the other hand, he was solidly built, and there was a certain adult severity about his thick eyebrows and the upward curve at the corners of his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you keep squirming?\" he said impatiently, rapping the monkey sharply on the head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The innocence with which he was picking off the fleas added to the impression of youthfulness.\n\nHis social status was also difficult to ascertain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since he was traveling, he wore the same straw sandals and leather socks everyone else wore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So there was no clue there, and he seemed perfectly at home among the wandering priest, the puppeteer, the ragged samurai and the unwashed peasants on board. He could easily be taken for a rōnin, yet there was something that hinted at a higher status, namely the weapon slung slantwise across his back on a leather strap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a long, straight battle sword, large and splendidly made." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nearly everyone who spoke to the youth remarked on its fineness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gion Tōji, standing some distance away, was impressed by the weapon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yawning and thinking that not even in Kyoto were swords of such high quality often seen, he grew curious as to its owner's background.\n\nTōji was bored. His trip, which had lasted fourteen days, had been vexing, tiring and fruitless, and he longed to be once again among people he knew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wonder if the runner arrived in time,\" he mused. \"If he did, she'll certainly be at the dock in Osaka to meet me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He tried, by conjuring up Okō's face, to alleviate his boredom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reason behind his trip was the shaky financial condition of the House of Yoshioka, brought on by Seijūrō's having lived beyond his means." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The family was no longer wealthy. The house on Shijō Avenue was mortgaged and in danger of being seized by merchant creditors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aggravating the situation were countless other year-end obligations; selling every single family possession would not produce enough funds to meet the bills that had already piled up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faced with this, Seijūrō's only comment had been, \"How did this happen?\"\n\nTōji, feeling responsible for having encouraged the Young Master's extravagance, had said that the matter should be left up to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He promised that he would settle things somehow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After racking his brains, he'd come up with the idea of building a new and bigger school on the vacant lot next to the Nishinotōin, where a much larger number of students could be accommodated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to his reasoning, this was no time to be exclusive. With all sorts of people around wanting to learn the martial arts and the daimyō crying for trained warriors, it would be in the interests of everyone to have a bigger school and turn out a great number of trained swordsmen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The more he thought about it, the more he deluded himself into thinking it was the school's sacred duty to teach Kempō's style to as many men as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seijūrō wrote a circular to that effect, and thus armed, Tōji set out to solicit contributions from former students in western Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. There were many men in various feudal domains who had studied under Kempō, and most of those still alive were now samurai of enviable status." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As it turned out, however, for all the earnestness of Tōji's pleas, not many were ready to make substantial donations or subscribe on such short notice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With discouraging frequency, the answer had been, \"I'll write you about it later,\" \"We'll see about it the next time I'm in Kyoto,\" or something equally evasive. The contributions Tōji was returning with amounted to but a fraction of what he'd anticipated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The endangered household was not, strictly speaking, Tōji's own, and the face that came to mind now was not Seijūrō's but Okō's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But even hers could divert him only superficially, and soon he became fidgety again. He envied the young man picking the fleas off his monkey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had something to do to kill time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tōji walked over and tried to strike up a conversation.\n\n\"Hello, there, young fellow. Going to Osaka?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without actually raising his head, the young man lifted his eyes a bit and said, \"Yes.\"\n\n\"Does your family live there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"Then you must be from Awa.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not there either.\" This was said with a certain finality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji lapsed into silence for a time before he made another try." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's quite a sword you have there,\" he said.\n\nSeemingly happy to have the weapon praised, the young man rearranged himself to face Tōji and replied genially, \"Yes, it's been in my family a long time. It's a battle sword, but I plan to get a good swordsmith in Osaka to remount it, so I can draw it from my side.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's too long for that, isn't it?\"\n\n\"Oh, I don't know. It's only three feet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's pretty long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Smiling, the youth replied confidently, \"Anybody should be able to handle a sword that long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, it could be used if it was three feet long, or even four feet,\" said Tōji reproachfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But only an expert could handle it with ease. I see a lot of fellows swaggering around with huge swords these days. They look impressive, but when the going gets rough, they turn and run. What style did you study?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In matters pertaining to swordsmanship, Tōji could not conceal a feeling of superiority over this mere boy.\n\nThe young man flashed a questioning look at Tōji's smug face and replied, \"The Tomita Style.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Tomita Style is for use with a shorter sword than that,\" said Tōji authoritatively." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The fact that I learned the Tomita Style doesn't mean I have to use a shorter sword. I don't like to be imitative. My teacher used a shorter sword, so I decided to use a long one. That got me thrown out of the school.\"\n\n\"You young people do seem to take pride in being rebellious. What happened then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I left Jōkyōji Village in Echizen and went to Kanemaki Jisai. He'd also discarded the Tomita Style, then developed the Chūjō Style. He sympathized with me, took me in as a disciple, and after I'd studied under him four years, he said I was ready to go out on my own.\"\n\n\"These country teachers are all quick to pass out certificates.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, not Jisai. He wasn't like that. In fact, the only other person he had ever given his certificate to was Itō Yagorō Ittōsai. After I made up my mind to be the second man to get formally certified, I worked at it very hard. Before I was through, though, I was suddenly called home because my mother was dying.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's your home?\"\n\n\"Iwakuni in Suō Province. After I went home, I practiced every day in the neighborhood of Kintai Bridge, cutting down swallows on the wing and slicing willow branches. That way I developed some techniques of my own. Before my mother died, she gave me this sword and told me to take good care of it, because it was made by Nagamitsu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nagamitsu? You don't say!\"\n\n\"It doesn't bear his signature on the tang, but it's always been thought to be his work. Where I come from, it's a well-known sword; people call it the Drying Pole.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though reticent earlier, on subjects he liked he would talk at great length, even volunteer information. Once started, he rattled on, paying little attention to his listener's reaction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From this, as well as from his account of his earlier experiences, it appeared that he was of stronger character than might have been inferred from his taste in clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At one point, the youth stopped talking for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes grew cloudy and pensive. \"While I was in Suō,\" he murmured, \"Jisai took sick. When I heard about it from Kusanagi Tenki, I actually broke down and cried. Tenki was at the school long before I was and was still there when the master was on his sickbed. Tenki was his nephew, but Jisai didn't even consider giving him a certificate. Instead he told him he'd like to give me a certificate, along with his book of secret methods. He not only wanted me to have them but had hoped to see me and give them to me personally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The young man's eyes moistened with the recollection.\n\nTōji had not the slightest whit of empathy with this handsome, emotional youth, but talking to him was better than being alone and bored." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see,\" he said, feigning great interest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And he died while you were away?\"\n\n\"I wish I could have gone to him as soon as I heard of his illness, but he was in Kōzuke, hundreds of miles from Suō. And then my mother finally died about the same time, so it was impossible for me to be with him at the end.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clouds hid the sun, giving the whole sky a grayish cast. The ship began to roll, and foam blew in over the gunwales." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man continued his sentimental tale, the gist of which was that he had closed up the family residence in Suō and, in an exchange of letters, had arranged to meet his friend Tenki on the spring equinox." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was unlikely that Jisai, who had no close kin, had left much property, but he had entrusted Tenki with some money for the young man, along with the certificate and the book of secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until they met on the appointed day at Mount Hōraiji in Mikawa Province, halfway between Kōzuke and Awa, Tenki was supposedly traveling around studying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man himself planned to spend the time in Kyoto, studying and doing some sightseeing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having finished his story, he turned to Tōji and asked, \"Are you from Osaka?\"\n\n\"No, I'm from Kyoto.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a while, they were both silent, distracted by the noise of the waves and the sail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you plan to try to make your way in the world through the martial arts?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "said Tōji. While the remark was innocent enough in itself, the look on Tōji's face revealed condescension bordering on contempt. He had long since had his fill of conceited young swordsmen who went around bragging about their certificates and their books of secrets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was his considered opinion that there could not possibly be all that many expert swordsmen just wandering around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had not he himself been in the Yoshioka School for nearly twenty years, and was he not still only a disciple, although a highly privileged one?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man shifted his position and looked intently at the gray water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kyoto?\" he muttered, then turned again to Tōji and said, \"I'm told there's a man there named Yoshioka Seijūrō, the eldest son of Yoshioka Kempō. Is he still active?\"\n\nTōji was in the mood to do some teasing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he replied simply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Yoshioka School seems to be flourishing. Have you visited the place?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, but when I get to Kyoto, I'd like to have a match with this Seijūrō and see how good he is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji coughed to suppress a laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was fast growing to detest the young man's brash self-confidence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, he had no way of knowing Tōji's position in the school, but if he were to find out, he would no doubt regret what he had just said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a twisted face and a contemptuous tone, Tōji asked, \"And I suppose you think you'd come away unscathed?\"\n\n\"Why not?\" the youth snapped back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now he was the one who wanted to laugh, and laugh he did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yoshioka has a big house and a lot of prestige, so I imagine Kempō must have been a great swordsman. But they say neither of his sons amounts to much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you be so sure before you've actually met them?\"\n\n\"Well, that's what the samurai in the other provinces say. I don't believe everything I hear, but almost everybody seems to think the House of Yoshioka will come to an end with Seijūrō and Denshichirō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji longed to tell the youth to hold his tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He even thought for a moment of making his identity known, but to bring the matter to a head at this point would make him appear the loser." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With as much restraint as he could manage, he replied, \"The provinces seem to be full of know-it-alls these days, so I wouldn't be surprised if the House of Yoshioka is being underrated. But tell me more about yourself. Didn't you say a while ago you'd figured out a way to kill swallows on the wing?\"\n\n\"Yes, I said that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you did it with that great long sword?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, if you can do that, it should be easy for you to cut down one of the sea gulls swooping down over the ship.\"\n\nThe youth did not answer immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had suddenly dawned on him that Tōji was up to no good. Staring at Tōji's grim lips, he said, \"I could do it, but I think it would be silly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" said Tōji magniloquently, \"if you're so good that you can disparage the House of Yoshioka without having been there... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, have I annoyed you?\"\n\n\"No; not at all,\" said Tōji." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But no one from Kyoto likes to hear the Yoshioka School talked down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha! I wasn't telling you what I thought; I was repeating what I'd heard.\"\n\n\"Young man!\" said Tōji sternly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know what is meant by 'half-baked samurai'? For the sake of your future, I warn you! You'll never get anywhere underestimating other people. You brag about cutting down swallows and talk about your certificate in the Chūjō Style, but you'd better remember that not everybody is stupid. And you'd better start taking a good look at whoever you're talking to before you start boasting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think it's only bragging?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I do.\" Thrusting out his chest, Tōji came closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nobody really minds listening to a young man boast of his accomplishments, but you shouldn't carry it too far.\"\n\nWhen the young man said nothing, Tōji continued." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From the beginning I've been listening to you carry on about yourself, and I haven't complained. But the fact of the matter is that I am Gion Tōji, the chief disciple of Yoshioka Seijūrō, and if you make one more disparaging remark about the House of Yoshioka, I'll have it out of your hide!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "By this time they had attracted the attention of the other passengers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tōji, having revealed his name and exalted status, swaggered off toward the stern of the ship, growling ominously about the insolence of young people these days. The youth followed him in silence, while the passengers gaped from a safe distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji was not at all happy about the situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okō would be waiting for him when the ship docked, and if he got into a fight now, there was bound to be trouble with the officials later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking as unconcerned as possible, he propped his elbows on the rail and gazed intently at the blue-black eddies forming under the rudder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The youth tapped him on the back lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir,\" he said, in a quiet voice that showed neither anger nor resentment.\n\nTōji did not answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir,\" the young man repeated.\n\nUnable to keep up his show of nonchalance, Tōji asked, \"What do you want?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You called me a braggart in front of a lot of strangers, and I have my honor to uphold. I feel constrained to do what you challenged me to do a few minutes ago. I want you to be a witness.\"\n\n\"What did I challenge you to do?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can't have forgotten already. You laughed when I told you I'd cut down swallows on the wing and dared me to try cutting down a sea gull.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hmm, I did suggest that, didn't I?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I cut one down, will it convince you I'm not just talking?\"\n\n\"Well... yes, it will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, I'll do it.\"\n\n\"Fine, splendid!\" Tōji laughed sarcastically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But don't forget, if you undertake this just for pride's sake and fail, you'll really be laughed at.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll take that chance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've no intention of stopping you.\"\n\n\"And you will stand by as a witness?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, I'd be only too glad to!\"\n\nThe young man took a position on a lead plate in the center of the afterdeck and moved his hand toward his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he did so, he called out Tōji's name. Tōji, staring curiously, asked what he wanted, and the youth, speaking with great seriousness, said, \"Please have some sea gulls fly down in front of me. I'm ready to cut down any number of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji suddenly recognized the similarity between what was going on and the plot of a certain humorous tale attributed to the priest Ikkyū; the young man had succeeded in making an ass of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Angrily he shouted, \"What sort of nonsense is this? Anyone who could make sea gulls fly in front of him would be able to cut them down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The sea stretches out for thousands of miles, and my sword is only three feet long. If the birds won't come near, I can't cut them down.\"\n\nAdvancing a couple of paces, Tōji gloated, \"You're just trying to work yourself out of a bad spot. If you can't kill a sea gull on the wing, say you can't, and apologize.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I intended to do that, I wouldn't be standing here waiting. If the birds won't come near, then I'll cut something else for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Such as...?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just come another five steps closer. I'll show you.\"\n\nTōji came nearer, growling, \"What are you up to now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just want you to let me make use of your head—the head with which you dared me to prove I wasn't just boasting. When you consider the matter, it would be more logical to cut that off than to kill innocent sea gulls.\"\n\n\"Have you lost your mind?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "shouted Tōji. His head ducked reflexively, for just at that instant, the young man whipped his sword from its scabbard and used it. The action was so fast that the three-foot sword seemed no larger than a needle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wh-wh-what?\" cried Tōji, as he staggered backward and put his hands to his collar. His head was still there, fortunately, and as far as he could tell, he was unharmed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you understand now?\" asked the youth, turning his back and walking off between the piles of baggage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tōji was already crimson with embarrassment, when looking down at a sunlit patch of the deck, he saw a peculiar-looking object, something like a little brush. A horrible thought came into his mind, and he put his hand to the top of his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His topknot was gone! His precious topknot—the pride and joy of any samurai!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Horror on his face, he rubbed the top of his head and found that the band tying his hair at the back was undone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The locks it had held together had fanned out over his scalp.\n\n\"That bastard!\" Unmitigated rage swept through his heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knew now, only too well, that the youth had been neither lying nor voicing an empty boast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Young he was, but he was a spectacular swordsman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tōji was amazed that anyone so young could be so good, but the respect he felt in his mind was one thing, and the choler in his heart something else again.\n\nWhen he raised his head and looked toward the bow, he saw that the youth had returned to his previous seat and was searching around on the deck for something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was obviously off guard, and Tōji sensed that the opportunity for revenge had presented itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spitting on the hilt of his sword, he grasped it tightly and sneaked up behind his tormenter. He was not sure his aim was good enough to take off the man's topknot without taking off his head too, but he did not care." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Body swollen and red, breathing heavily, he steeled himself to strike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just then, a commotion arose among the cardplaying merchants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's going on here? There aren't enough cards!\"\n\n\"Where'd they go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look over there!\"\n\n\"I've already looked.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they were shouting and shaking out their carpet, one of them happened to glance skyward.\n\n\"Up there! That monkey has them!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other passengers, welcoming still another diversion, all looked up at the simian in question, which was perched at the very top of the thirty-foot mast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha, ha!\" laughed one. \"Quite a monkey—stole the cards, he did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's chewing them up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, he's making like he's dealing them.\"\n\nA single card came floating down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the merchants swept it up and said, \"He must still have three or four more.\"\n\n\"Somebody get up there and get the cards! We can't play without them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nobody's going to climb up there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not the captain?\"\n\n\"I guess he could if he wanted to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's offer him a little money. Then he'll do it.\"\n\nThe captain heard the proposal, agreed, and took the money, but apparently felt that as the master of the ship, he must first fix responsibility for the incident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Standing on a pile of cargo, he addressed the passengers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just who does that monkey belong to? Will the owner please come forward?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not a soul answered, but a number of people who knew the monkey belonged to the handsome young man eyed him expectantly. The captain also knew, and his anger rose when the youth did not reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raising his voice still higher, he said, \"Isn't the owner here?... If nobody owns the monkey, I'll take care of him, but I don't want any complaints afterward.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The monkey's owner was leaning against some luggage, apparently deep in thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few passengers began to whisper disapprovingly; the captain looked daggers at the youth. The cardplayers grumbled malevolently, and others began to ask whether the young man was deaf and dumb or just insolent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The youth, however, merely shifted his position a little to the side and acted as though nothing had happened.\n\nThe captain spoke again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It appears that monkeys thrive on sea as well as on land. As you can see, one has wandered in on us. Since it is ownerless, I suppose we can do whatever we wish with it. Passengers, be my witness! As captain, I have appealed to the owner to make himself known, but he hasn't done so. If he later complains that he could not hear me, I ask you to stand by me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're your witnesses!\" cried the merchants, who by this time were verging on apoplexy.\n\nThe captain disappeared down the ladder into the hold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he re-emerged, he was holding a musket with the slow-burning fuse already lit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no question in anybody's mind but that he was ready to use it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faces turned from the captain to the monkey's owner.\n\nThe monkey was enjoying himself immensely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "High in the air, he was playing with the cards and doing everything he could to annoy the people on deck. Suddenly he bared his teeth, chattered, and ran to the yardarm, but once there he did not seem to know what to do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The captain raised the musket and took aim. But as one of the merchants pulled at his sleeve and urged him to fire, the owner called out, \"Stop, Captain!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was now the captain's turn to pretend not to hear. He squeezed the trigger, the passengers bent down with their hands over their ears, and the musket fired with a huge bang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the shot went high and wide." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the last instant, the young man had pushed the barrel of the gun out of line.\n\nScreaming with rage, the captain caught hold of the young man's chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He seemed for a time almost to be suspended there, for though he was strongly built, he was short by the side of the handsome youth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's the matter with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "shouted the young man. \"You were about to shoot down an innocent monkey with that toy of yours, weren't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was.\"\n\n\"That's not a very nice thing to do, is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I gave fair warning!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And just how did you do that?\"\n\n\"Don't you have eyes and ears?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shut up! I'm a passenger on this ship. What's more, I'm a samurai. Do you expect me to answer when a mere ship's captain stands up before his customers and bellows as though he were their lord and master?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be impertinent! I repeated my warning three times. You must have heard me. Even if you didn't like the way I said it, you could have shown some consideration for the people who were inconvenienced by your monkey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What people? Oh, you mean that bunch of tradesmen who've been gambling behind their curtain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't talk so big! They paid three times as much fare as the others.\"\n\n\"That doesn't make them anything but what they are—low-class, irresponsible merchants, throwing around their gold where everybody can see it, drinking their sake, and acting as though they owned the ship. I've been watching them, and I don't like them at all. What if the monkey did run away with their cards? I didn't tell him to. He was just imitating what they themselves were doing. I see no need for me to apologize!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man looked fixedly at the rich merchants and directed a loud, sardonic laugh their way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Seashell of Forgetfulness\n\nIt was evening when the ship entered the harbor at Kizugawa, where it was met by the all-pervading odor of fish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reddish lights twinkled onshore, and the waves hummed steadily in the background. Little by little, the distance between the raised voices coming from the ship and those issuing from the shore closed up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a white splash, the anchor was dropped; ropes were cast and the gangplank was moved into place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A flurry of excited cries filled the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is the son of the priest at the Sumiyoshi Shrine aboard?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there a runner around?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Master! Here we are, over here!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like a wave, paper lanterns bearing the names of various inns rolled across the dock toward the ship, as the touts vied with each other for business.\n\n\"Anyone for the Kashiwaya Inn?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The young man with the monkey on his shoulder pushed his way through the crowd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come to our place, sir—no charge for the monkey.\"\n\n\"We're right in front of Sumiyoshi Shrine. It's a great place for pilgrims. You can have a beautiful room with a beautiful view!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one had come to meet the youth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked straight away from the dock, paying no attention to the touts or anyone else.\n\n\"Who does he think he is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "growled one passenger. \"Just because he knows a little swordsmanship!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I weren't just a townsman, he wouldn't have gotten away without a fight.\"\n\n\"Oh, calm down! Let the warriors think they're better than anybody else. As long as they're strutting around like kings, they're happy. The thing for us townsmen to do is to let them have the flowers while we take the fruit. Why get excited over today's little incident?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While talking on in this fashion, the merchants saw to it that their mountains of baggage were properly gathered together, then disembarked, to be met by swarms of people and lanterns and vehicles. There was not one among them who was not immediately surrounded by several solicitous women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The last person off the ship was Gion Tōji, on whose face there was an expression of extreme discomfort. Never in all his life had he spent a more unpleasant day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His head was decently covered with a kerchief to conceal the mortifying loss of his topknot, but the cloth did nothing to hide his downcast eyebrows and sullen lips.\n\n\"Tōji! Here I am!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "called Okō. Though her head was also covered with a kerchief, her face had been exposed to the cold wind while she was waiting, and her wrinkles showed through the white powder that was meant to hide them.\n\n\"Okō! So you came after all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isn't that what you expected? You sent me a letter telling me to meet you here, didn't you?\"\n\n\"Yes, but I thought it might not have reached you in time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is something the matter? You look upset.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, it's nothing. Just a little seasick. Come on, let's go to Sumiyoshi and find a nice inn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come this way. I have a palanquin waiting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks. Did you reserve a room for us?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Everybody's waiting at the inn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A look of consternation crossed Tōji's face. \"Everybody? What are you talking about? I thought just the two of us were going to spend a couple of pleasant days here at some quiet place. If there are a lot of people around, I'm not going.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Refusing the palanquin, he strode angrily on ahead. When Okō tried to explain, he cut her off and called her an idiot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the rage that had built up inside him on the ship exploded.\n\n\"I'll stay somewhere by myself!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he bellowed. \"Send the palanquin away! How could you be such a fool? You don't understand me at all.\" He snatched his sleeve away from her and hurried on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were in the fish market by the waterfront; all the shops were closed, and the scales strewn about the street glittered like tiny silver seashells. Since there was virtually no one around to see them, Okō hugged Tōji and attempted to soothe him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let go of me!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you go off by yourself, the others will think something's wrong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let them think what they want!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, don't talk like that!\" she pleaded. Her cool cheek pressed against his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sweetish odor of her powder and her hair penetrated his being, and gradually his anger and frustration ebbed.\n\n\"Please,\" begged Okō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's just that I'm so disappointed,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know, but we'll have other chances to be together.\"\n\n\"But these two or three days with you—I was really looking forward to them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand that.\"\n\n\"If you understood, why did you drag a lot of other people along? It's because you don't feel about me the way I feel about you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now you're starting on that again,\" said Okō reproachfully, staring ahead and looking as if the tears were about to flow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But instead of weeping, she made another attempt to get him to listen to her explanation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the runner had arrived with Tōji's letter, she had, of course, made plans to come to Osaka alone, but as luck would have it, that very night Seijūrō had come to the Yomogi with six or seven of his students, and Akemi had let it slip out that Tōji was arriving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In no time at all, the men had decided that they should all accompany Okō to Osaka and that Akemi should come along with them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the end, the party that checked into the inn in Sumiyoshi numbered ten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Tōji had to admit that under the circumstances there was not much Okō could have done, his gloomy mood did not improve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This had clearly not been his day, and he was sure there was worse to come. For one thing, the first question he expected to hear would concern how he had made out on his canvassing campaign, and he hated to have to give them the bad news." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What he dreaded far more was the prospect of having to take the kerchief off his head. How could he ever explain the missing topknot?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ultimately he realized there was no way out and resigned himself to his fate.\n\n\"Oh, all right,\" he said, \"I'll go with you. Have the palanquin brought here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I'm so happy!\" cooed Okō, as she turned back toward the dock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the inn, Seijūrō and the others had taken a bath, wrapped themselves up snugly in the cotton-padded kimonos provided by the inn, and settled down to wait for Tōji and Okō's return. When, after a time, they failed to reappear, someone said, \"Those two will be here sooner or later. There's no reason to sit here doing nothing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The natural consequence of this statement was the ordering of sake. At first they drank merely to pass the time, but soon legs began to stretch out comfortably, and the sake cups to pass back and forth more rapidly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not long before everybody had more or less forgotten about Tōji and Okō.\n\n\"Don't they have any singing girls in Sumiyoshi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say, that's a good idea! Why don't we call in three or four nice girls?\"\n\nSeijūrō looked hesitant until someone suggested that he and Akemi retire to another room, where it would be quieter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The none-too-subtle move to get rid of him brought a wistful smile to his face, but he was nevertheless happy to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would be far more pleasant to be alone with Akemi in a room with a warm kotatsu than to be drinking with this crew of ruffians." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as he was out of the room, the party began in earnest, and before long several singing girls of the class known locally as the \"pride of Tosa-magawa\" appeared in the garden outside the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their flutes and shamisen were old, of poor quality and battered from use." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are you making so much noise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "one of the women asked saucily. \"Did you come here to drink or to have a brawl?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man who had appointed himself ringleader called back, \"Don't ask foolish questions. Nobody pays money to fight! We called you in so we could drink and have some fun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" said the girl tactfully, \"I'm glad to hear that, but I do wish you'd be a little quieter.\"\n\n\"If that's the way you want it, fine! Let's sing some songs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In deference to the feminine presence, several hairy shins were retracted under kimono skirts, and a few horizontal bodies became vertical. The music started, spirits rose, and the party gained momentum." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was in full swing when a young maid came in and announced that the man who had come in on the ship from Shikoku had arrived with his companion.\n\n\"What'd she say? Somebody coming?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, she said somebody named Tōji's coming.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Great! Wonderful! Good old Tōji's coming... Who's Tōji?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji's entrance with Okō did not interrupt the proceedings in the least; in fact, they were ignored." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having been led to believe the gathering was all for his sake, Tōji was disgusted.\n\nHe called back the maid who had shown them in and asked to be taken to Seijūrō's room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But as they went into the hall, the ringleader, reeking of sake, staggered over and threw his arms around Tōji's neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Tōji!\" he slurred. \"Just get back? You must have been having a good time with Okō somewhere while we sat here waiting. Now, that's not the thing to do!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tōji tried unsuccessfully to shake him off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man dragged him struggling into the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the process, he stepped on a tray or two, kicked over several sake jars, then fell to the floor, bringing Tōji down with him.\n\n\"My kerchief!\" gasped Tōji." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand sped to his head, too late. On his way down, the ringleader had snatched at the kerchief and now had it in his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a collective gasp, all eyes looked straight at the spot where Tōji's topknot should have been." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened to your head?\"\n\n\"Ha, ha, ha! That's some hairdo!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did you get it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tōji's face flushed blood red. Grabbing the kerchief and replacing it, he sputtered, \"Oh, it's nothing. I had a boil.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To a man, they doubled up with laughter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He brought a boil back with him as a souvenir!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cover the vile spot!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't talk about it. Show us!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was obvious from the feeble jokes that nobody believed Tōji, but the party went on, and no one had much to say about the topknot.\n\nThe next morning it was a different matter altogether." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ten o'clock found the same group assembled on the beach behind the inn, sober now and engaged in a very serious conference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They sat in a circle, some with shoulders squared, some with arms crossed, but all looking grim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Any way you look at it, it's bad.\"\n\n\"The question is, is it true?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard it with my own ears. Are you calling me a liar?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can't let it pass without doing anything. The honor of the Yoshioka School is at stake. We have to act!\"\n\n\"Of course, but what do we do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, it's still not too late. We'll find the man with the monkey and cut off his topknot. We'll show him that it's not just Gion Tōji's pride that's involved. It's a matter that concerns the dignity of the whole Yoshioka School! Any objections?\" The drunken ringleader of the night before was now a gallant lieutenant, spurring his men on to battle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Upon awakening, the men had ordered the bath heated, so as to wash away their hangovers, and while they were in the bath, a merchant had come in. Not knowing who they were, he told them about what had happened on the ship the day before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He furnished them with a humorous account of the cutting off of the topknot and concluded his tale by saying that \"the samurai who had lost his hair claimed to be a leading disciple of the House of Yoshioka in Kyoto. All I can say is that if he really is, the House of Yoshioka must be in worse shape than anyone imagines.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sobering up fast, the Yoshioka disciples had gone looking for their wayward senior to question him about the incident. They soon discovered he had risen early, spoken a few words with Seijūrō, and departed with Okō for Kyoto right after breakfast." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This confirmed the essential accuracy of the story, but rather than pursue the cowardly Tōji, they decided it would make better sense to find the unknown youth with the monkey and vindicate the Yoshioka name.\n\nHaving agreed upon a plan at their seaside council of war, they now stood up, brushed the sand off their kimonos and moved into action." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A short distance away, Akemi, bare-legged, had been playing at the edge of the water, picking up seashells one by one, then discarding them almost immediately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though it was winter, the sun was shining warmly, and the smell of the sea rose from the froth of the breakers, which stretched out like chains of white roses as far as the eye could see.\n\nAkemi, wide-eyed with curiosity, watched the Yoshioka men as they all ran off in different directions, the tips of their scabbards in the air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the last of them passed her, she called out to him, \"Where are you all going?\"\n\n\"Oh, it's you!\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you come search with me? Everybody's been assigned a territory to cover.\"\n\n\"What are you looking for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A young samurai with a long forelock. He's carrying a monkey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What did he do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Something that will disgrace the Young Master's name unless we act fast.\"\n\nHe told her what had happened, but failed to raise even a spark of interest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You people are always looking for a fight!\" she said disapprovingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not that we like to fight, but if we let him get away with this, it'll bring shame on the school, the greatest center of the martial arts in the country.\"\n\n\"Oh, what if it does?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you crazy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You men spend all your time running after the silliest things.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Huh?\" He squinted at her suspiciously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what have you been doing out here all this time?\"\n\n\"Me?\" She dropped her eyes to the beautiful sand around her feet and said, \"I'm looking for seashells.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why look for them? There are millions of them all over the place. It just goes to show you—women waste their time in crazier ways than men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm looking for a very particular type of shell. It's called the seashell of forgetfulness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh? And is there really such a shell?\"\n\n\"Yes, but they say you can only find it here on the shore at Sumiyoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'll bet there's no such thing!\"\n\n\"There is too! If you don't believe it, come with me. I'll show you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pulled the reluctant youth over to a row of pine trees and pointed to a stone on which an ancient poem was carved.\n\nHad I but the time" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd find it on the Sumiyoshi shore.\n\nThey say it comes there—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shell that brings\n\nOblivion to love." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Proudly, Akemi said, \"See? What more proof do you need?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aw, that's only a myth, one of those useless lies they tell in poetry.\"\n\n\"But in Sumiyoshi they also have flowers that make you forget, and water too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, suppose it does exist. What magic will it work for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's simple. If you put one in your obi or sleeve, you can forget everything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The samurai laughed. \"You mean you want to be more absentminded than you already are?\"\n\n\"Yes. I'd like to forget everything. Some things I can't forget, so I'm unhappy in the daytime and lie awake nights. That's why I'm looking for it. Why don't you stay and help me look?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is no time for child's play!\" the samurai said scornfully, then suddenly remembering his duty, flew off at full speed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she was sad, Akemi often thought her problems would be solved if she could only forget the past and enjoy the present." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right now she was hugging herself and wavering between holding on to the few memories she cherished and wanting to cast them out to sea." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If there really were such a thing as a seashell of forgetfulness, she decided, she wouldn't carry it herself, but instead sneak it into Seijūrō's sleeve." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sighed, imagining how lovely life would be if he would just forget all about her.\n\nThe very thought of him turned her heart cold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was tempted to believe he existed for the sole purpose of ruining her youth. When he importuned her with his wheedling protestations of love, she comforted herself by thinking of Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But if Musashi's presence in her heart was at times her salvation, it was also a frequent source of misery, for it made her want to run away to escape into a world of dreams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet she hesitated to give herself up entirely to fantasy, knowing it was likely that Musashi had forgotten her completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, if there was some way I could erase his face from my mind!\" she thought.\n\nThe blue water of the Inland Sea looked suddenly tempting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Staring at it, she grew frightened. How easy it would be to run straight in and disappear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mother had no idea Akemi entertained such desperate thoughts, let alone Seijūrō. All the people around her considered her a very happy creature, a little flippant perhaps, but nonetheless a bud still so far from blossoming that she couldn't possibly accept the love of a man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Akemi, her mother and the men who came to the teahouse were something outside her own self." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In their presence, she laughed and joked, tinkled her bell and pouted as the occasion seemed to demand, but when she was alone, her sighs were care-filled and sullen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her thoughts were interrupted by a servant from the inn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Spotting her by the stone inscription, he ran up and said, \"Young lady, where've you been? The Young Master's been calling for you, and he's getting very worried.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Back at the inn, Akemi found Seijūrō all alone, warming his hands under the red quilt covering the kotatsu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The room was silent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the garden a breeze rustled through the withered pines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have you been out in this cold?\" he asked.\n\n\"What do you mean? I don't think it's cold. It's very sunny on the beach.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What have you been doing?\"\n\n\"Looking for seashells.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You act like a child.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am a child.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How old do you think you'll be on your next birthday?\"\n\n\"It doesn't make any difference. I'm still a child. What's wrong with that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a great deal wrong with it. You ought to think about your mother's plans for you.\"\n\n\"My mother? She's not thinking about me. She's convinced she's still young herself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want to. I'd get too hot. I'm still young, remember?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Akemi!\" He seized her wrist and pulled her toward him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no one else here today. Your mother had the delicacy to return to Kyoto.\"\n\nAkemi looked at Seijūrō's burning eyes; her body stiffened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tried unconsciously to back away, but he held her wrist tightly.\n\n\"Why are you trying to run away?\" he asked accusingly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not trying to run away.\"\n\n\"There's no one here now. It's a perfect opportunity, isn't it, Akemi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For what?\"\n\n\"Don't be so obstinate! We've been seeing each other for nearly a year. You know how I feel about you. Okō gave her permission long ago. She says you won't give in to me because I don't go about it the right way. So today, let's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop! Let go of my arm! Let go, I tell you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi suddenly bent over and lowered her head in embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You won't have me, whatever happens?\"\n\n\"Stop! Let go!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though her arm had turned red under his grasp, he still refused to release her, and the girl was hardly strong enough to resist the military techniques of the Kyōhachi Style.\n\nSeijūrō was different today from his usual self." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He often sought comfort and consolation in sake, but today he had drunk nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you treat me this way, Akemi? Are you trying to humiliate me?\"\n\n\"I don't want to talk about it! If you don't let me go, I'll scream!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Scream away! Nobody'll hear you. The main house is too far away, and anyway, I told them we were not to be disturbed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to leave.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't let you.\"\n\n\"My body doesn't belong to you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that the way you feel? You'd better ask your mother about that! I've certainly paid her enough for it.\"\n\n\"Well, my mother may have sold me, but I haven't sold myself! Certainly not to a man I despise more than death itself!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that?\" shouted Seijūrō, throwing the red quilt over her head.\n\nAkemi screamed for all she was worth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Scream, you bitch! Scream all you want! Nobody's coming.\"\n\nOn the shoji the pale sunlight mingled with the restless shadow of the pines as though nothing had happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside, all was quiet, save for the distant lapping of the waves and the chatter of the birds.\n\nDeep silence followed Akemi's muffled wails." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a time, Seijūrō, his face deathly pale, appeared in the outer corridor, holding his right hand over his scratched and bleeding left hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shortly afterward, the door opened again with a bang, and Akemi emerged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a cry of surprise, Seijūrō, his hand now wrapped in a towel, moved as though to stop her, but not in time. The half-crazed girl fled with lightning speed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seijūrō's face creased worriedly, but he did not pursue her as she crossed the garden and went into another part of the inn. After a moment, a thin, crooked smile appeared on his lips. It was a smile of deep satisfaction." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next 4 sentences in the distinctive voice of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akemi slipped out of the inn at Sumiyoshi without telling anybody. She felt like a bird freed from its cage but was still not sufficiently recovered from her brush with death to fly too high. The scars left by Seijūrō's violence would not heal quickly; he had shattered her cherished dream of giving herself unblemished to the man she really loved.\n\nOn the boat up the Yodo to Kyoto, she felt that all the waters of the river would not equal the tears she wanted to shed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As other boats, loaded with ornaments and supplies for the New Year celebration, rowed busily past, she stared at them and thought: \"Now, even if I do find Musashi... \" Her troubled eyes filled and overflowed. No one could ever know how eagerly she had anticipated the New Year's morning when she would find him on the Great Bridge at Gojō Avenue.\n\nHer longing for Musashi had grown deeper and stronger. The thread of love had lengthened, and she had wound it up into a ball inside her breast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through all the years, she had gone on spinning the thread from distant memories and bits of hearsay and winding it around the ball to make it larger and larger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until only a few days earlier, she had treasured her girlish sentiments and carried them with her like a fresh wild flower from the slopes of Mount Ibuki; now the blossom inside her was crushed. Though it was unlikely anyone was aware of what had occurred, she imagined everybody was looking at her with knowing eyes.\n\nIn Kyoto, in the fading light of evening, Akemi walked among the leafless willows and miniature pagodas in Teramachi, near Gojō Avenue, looking as cold and forlorn as a butterfly in winter.\n\n\"Hey, beautiful!\" said a man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your obi cord is loose. Don't you want me to tie it for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was thin, shabbily clothed and uncouth of speech, but he wore the two swords of a samurai.\n\nAkemi had never seen him before, but habitués of the drinking places nearby could have told her that his name was Akakabe Yasoma, and that he hung around the back streets on winter nights doing nothing. His worn straw sandals flapped as he ran up behind Akemi and picked up the loose end of obi cord.\n\n\"What are you doing all by yourself in this deserted place? I don't suppose you're one of those madwomen who appear in the kyōgen plays, are you? You've got a pretty face. Why don't you fix your hair up a little and stroll about like the other girls?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi walked on, pretending to have no ears, but Yasoma mistook this for shyness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You look like a city girl. What did you do? Run away from home? Or do you have a husband you're trying to escape from?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi made no reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should be careful, a pretty girl like you, wandering around in a daze, looking as though you're in trouble or something. You can't tell what might happen. We don't have the kind of thieves and ruffians who used to hang out around Rashōmon, but there are plenty of freebooters, and their mouths water at the sight of a woman. And vagrants too, and people who buy and sell women.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Akemi said not a word, Yasoma persisted, answering his own questions when necessary.\n\n\"It's really quite dangerous. They say women from Kyoto are being sold for very high prices in Edo now. A long time ago, they used to take women from here up to Hiraizumi in the northeast, but now it's Edo. That's because the second shōgun, Hidetada, is building up the city as fast as he can. The brothels in Kyoto are all opening up branches there now.\"\n\nAkemi said nothing.\n\n\"You'd stand out anywhere, so you should be careful. If you don't watch out, you might get involved with some scoundrel. It's terribly dangerous!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi had had enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Throwing her sleeves up on her shoulders in anger, she turned and hissed loudly at him.\n\nYasoma just laughed. \"You know,\" he said, \"I think you really are crazy.\"\n\n\"Shut up and go away!\"\n\n\"Well, aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're the crazy one!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ha, ha, ha! That as much as proves it. You're crazy. I feel sorry for you.\"\n\n\"If you don't get out of here, I'll throw a rock at you!\"\n\n\"Aw, you don't want to do that, do you?\"\n\n\"Go away, you beast!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The proud front she was putting up masked the terror she actually felt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She screamed at Yasoma and ran into a field of miscanthus, where once had stood Lord Komatsu's mansion and its garden filled with stone lanterns. She seemed to swim through the swaying plants.\n\n\"Wait!\" cried Yasoma, going after her like a hunting dog.\n\nAbove Toribe Hill rose the evening moon, looking like the wild grin of a she-demon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no one in the immediate vicinity. The nearest people were about three hundred yards away, in a group slowly descending a hill, but they wouldn't have come to her rescue even if they had heard her shouts, for they were returning from a funeral. Clad in formal white clothing and hats tied with white ribbons, they carried their prayer beads in their hands; a few of them were still weeping.\n\nSuddenly Akemi, pushed sharply from behind, stumbled and fell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I'm sorry,\" said Yasoma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He fell on top of her, apologizing all the while. \"Did it hurt?\" he asked solicitously, hugging her to him.\n\nSeething with anger, Akemi slapped his bearded face, but this did not faze him. Indeed, he seemed to like it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He merely squinted and grinned as she struck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he hugged her more closely and rubbed his cheek against hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His beard felt like a thousand needles sticking into her skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could barely breathe. As she scratched desperately at him, one of her fingernails clawed the inside of his nose, bringing forth a stream of blood. Still, Yasoma did not relax the tight hold he had on her.\n\nThe bell at the Amida Hall on Toribe Hill was tolling a dirge, a lamentation on the impermanence of all things and the vanity of life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it made no impression on the two struggling mortals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The withered miscanthus waved violently with their movements.\n\n\"Calm down, stop fighting,\" he pleaded. \"There's nothing to be afraid of. I'll make you my bride. You'd like that, wouldn't you?\"\n\nAkemi screamed, \"I just want to die!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The misery in her voice startled Yasoma.\n\n\"Why? Wh-what's the matter?\" he stammered.\n\nAkemi's crouching position, with her hands, knees and chest drawn tightly together, resembled the bud of a sasanqua flower. Yasoma began to comfort and cajole, hoping to soothe her into surrender." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This did not seem to be the first time he had encountered a situation of this sort. On the contrary, it would appear that this was something he liked, for his face shone with pleasure, without losing its menacing quality. He was in no hurry; like a cat, he enjoyed playing with his victim.\n\n\"Don't cry,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing to cry about, is there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Giving her a kiss on the ear, he went on, \"You must have been with a man before. At your age, you couldn't be innocent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seijūrō! Akemi recalled how stifled and miserable she had been before, how the framework of the shoji had blurred before her eyes.\n\n\"Wait!\" she said.\n\n\"Wait? All right, I'll wait,\" he said, mistaking the warmth of her feverish body for passion. \"But don't try to run away, or I'll really get rough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a sharp grunt, she twisted her shoulders and shook his hand off her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Glaring into his face, she slowly rose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you trying to do to me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know what I want!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think you can treat women like fools, don't you? All you men do! Well, I may be a woman, but I've got spirit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blood seeped from her lip where she had cut it on a miscanthus leaf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Biting the lip, she burst into fresh tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You say the strangest things,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What else can you be but crazy?\"\n\n\"I'll say whatever I please!\" she screamed. Pushing his chest away from her with all her might, she scrambled away through the miscanthus, which stretched as far as she could see in the moonlight.\n\n\"Murder! Help! Murder!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yasoma lunged after her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before she had gone ten steps, he caught her and threw her down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her white legs visible beneath her kimono, her hair falling around her face, she lay with her cheek pressed against the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her kimono was half open, and her white breasts felt the cold wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as Yasoma was about to leap on her, something very hard landed in the vicinity of his ear. Blood rushed to his head, and he screamed out in pain. As he turned to look, the hard object came crashing down on the crown of his head. This time there could hardly have been any pain, for he immediately fell over unconscious, his head shaking emptily like a paper tiger's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he lay there with his mouth slack, his assailant, a mendicant priest, stood over him, holding the shakuhachi with which he had dealt the blows.\n\n\"The evil brute!\" he said. \"But he went down easier than I expected.\" The priest looked at Yasoma for a time, debating whether it would be kinder to kill him outright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The chances were that even if he recovered consciousness, he would never be sane again.\n\nAkemi stared blankly at her rescuer. Apart from the shakuhachi, there was nothing to identify him as a priest; to judge from his dirty clothes and the sword hanging at his side, he might have been a poverty-stricken samurai or even a beggar.\n\n\"It's all right now,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't have to worry anymore.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recovering from her daze, Akemi thanked him and began straightening her hair and her kimono. But she peered into the darkness around her with eyes still full of fright.\n\n\"Where do you live?\" asked the priest.\n\n\"Eh? Live... do you mean where's my house?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she said, covering her face with her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through her sobs, she tried to answer his questions, but she found herself unable to be honest with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Part of what she told him was true—her mother was different from her, her mother was trying to exchange her body for money, she had fled here from Sumiyoshi—but the rest was made up on the spur of the moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd rather die than go back home,\" she wailed. \"I've had to put up with so much from my mother! I've been shamed in so many ways! Why, even when I was a little girl, I had to go out on the battlefield and steal things from the bodies of dead soldiers.\"\n\nHer loathing for her mother made her bones tremble.\n\nAoki Tanzaemon helped her along to a little hollow, where it was quiet and the wind less chilly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Coming to a small dilapidated temple, he flashed a toothy grin and said, \"This is where I live. It's not much, but I like it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though aware that it was a little rude, Akemi could not help saying, \"Do you really live here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tanzaemon pushed open a grille door and motioned for her to enter. Akemi hesitated.\n\n\"It's warmer inside than you'd think,\" he said. \"All I have to cover the floor with is thin straw matting. Still, that's better than nothing. Are you afraid I might be like that brute back there?\"\n\nSilently Akemi shook her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tanzaemon did not frighten her. She felt sure he was a good man, and anyway he was getting on—over fifty, she thought. What held her back was the filthiness of the little temple and the smell of Tanzaemon's body and clothing. But there was nowhere else to go, no telling what might happen if Yasoma or someone like him were to find her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And her forehead was burning with fever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I won't be a bother to you?\" she asked as she went up the steps.\n\n\"Not at all. No one will mind if you stay here for months.\"\n\nThe building was pitch black, the kind of atmosphere favored by bats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait just a minute,\" said Tanzaemon.\n\nShe heard the scratching of metal against flint, and then a small lamp, which he must have scavenged somewhere, cast a feeble light. She looked about and saw that this strange man had somehow accumulated the basic necessities for housekeeping—a pot or two, some dishes, a wooden pillow, some straw matting. Saying he would make a little buckwheat gruel for her, he began puttering around with a broken earthenware brazier, first putting in a little charcoal, then some sticks, and after raising a few sparks, blowing them into a flame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a nice old man,\" thought Akemi. As she began to feel calmer, the place no longer seemed so filthy.\n\n\"There now,\" he said. \"You look feverish, and you said you were tired. You've probably caught a cold. Why don't you just lie down over there until the food is ready?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed to a makeshift pallet of straw matting and rice sacks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akemi spread some paper she had with her on the wooden pillow and with murmured apologies for resting while he worked, lay down. For cover, there were the tattered remains of a mosquito net. She started to pull this over her, but as she did so, an animal with glittering eyes jumped out from under it and bounded over her head. Akemi screamed and buried her face in the pallet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tanzaemon was more astonished than Akemi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dropped the sack from which he was pouring flour into the water, spilling half of it on his knees. \"What was that?\" he cried.\n\nAkemi, still hiding her face, said, \"I don't know. It seemed bigger than a rat.\"\n\n\"Probably a squirrel. They sometimes come when they smell food. But I don't see it anywhere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lifting her head slightly, Akemi said, \"There it is!\"\n\n\"Where?\"\n\nTanzaemon straightened up and turned around. Perched on the railing of the inner sanctum, from which the image of the Buddha was long gone, was a small monkey, shrinking with fright under Tanzaemon's hard stare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tanzaemon looked puzzled, but the monkey apparently decided there was nothing to fear. After a few trips up and down the faded vermilion railing, he sat down again, and turning up a face like a peach with long hair, began blinking his eyes.\n\n\"Where do you suppose he came from?... Ah ha! I see now. I thought a good deal of rice had been scattered around.\" He moved toward the monkey, but the latter, anticipating his approach, bounded behind the sanctum and hid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a cute little devil,\" said Tanzaemon. \"If we give him something to eat, he probably won't do any mischief. Let's let him be.\" Brushing the flour off his knees, he sat down before the brazier again. \"There's nothing to be afraid of, Akemi. Get some rest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think he'll behave himself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. He's not wild. He must be somebody's pet. There's nothing to worry about. Are you warm enough?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Then get some sleep. That's the best cure for a cold.\"\n\nHe put more flour in the water and stirred the gruel with chopsticks. The fire was burning briskly now, and while the mixture was heating up, he began chopping some scallions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His chopping board was the top of an old table, his knife a small rusted dagger. With unwashed hands, he scooped the scallions into a wooden bowl and then wiped off the chopping block, converting it into a tray.\n\nThe bubbling of the boiling pot gradually warmed the room. Seated with his arms around his spindly knees, the former samurai gazed at the broth with hungry eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked happy and eager, as though the pot before him contained the ultimate pleasure of mankind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bell of Kiyomizudera pealed as it did every night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The winter austerities, which lasted thirty days, had ended, and the New Year was at hand, but as always as the year drew to a close, the burden on people's souls seemed to grow heavier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Far into the night supplicants were sounding the tinny gong above the temple entrance as they bowed to pray, and wailing chants invoking the Buddha's aid droned on monotonously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Tanzaemon slowly stirred the gruel to keep it from scorching, he turned reflective." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I myself am receiving my punishment and atoning for my sins, but what has happened to Jōtarō?... The child did nothing blameworthy. Oh, Blessed Kannon, I beg you to punish the parent for his sins, but cast the eye of generous compassion on the son—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A scream suddenly punctuated his prayer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You beast!\" Her eyes still closed in sleep, her face pressed hard against the wooden pillow, Akemi was weeping bitterly. She ranted on until the sound of her own voice woke her.\n\n\"Was I talking in my sleep?\" she asked.\n\n\"Yes; you startled me,\" said Tanzaemon, coming to her bedside and wiping her forehead with a cool rag." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're sweating terribly. Must be the fever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What... what did I say?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, a lot of things.\"\n\n\"What sort of things?\" Akemi's feverish face grew redder from embarrassment. She pulled the cover up over it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without answering directly, Tanzaemon said, \"Akemi, there's a man you'd like to put a curse on, isn't there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did I say that?\"\n\n\"Mm. What happened? Did he desert you?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"I see,\" he said, jumping to his own conclusion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akemi, pushing herself up into a half-sitting position, said, \"Oh, what should I do now? Tell me, what?\" She had vowed she would reveal her secret shame to no one, but the anger and sadness, the sense of loss pent up inside her, were too much to bear alone. She sprawled on Tanzaemon's knee and blurted out the whole story, sobbing and moaning throughout.\n\n\"Oh,\" she wailed finally, \"I want to die, die! Let me die!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tanzaemon's breath grew hot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been a long time since he had been this close to a woman; her odor burned his nostrils, his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Desires of the flesh, which he thought he had overcome, began to swell as from an influx of warm blood, and his body, until now no more vibrant than a barren withered tree, took on new life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was reminded, for a change, that there were lungs and a heart underneath his ribs.\n\n\"Mm,\" he muttered, \"so that's the kind of man Yoshioka Seijūrō is.\" Bitter hatred for Seijūrō welled up in him. Nor was it only indignation; a kind of jealousy moved him to tighten his shoulders, as though it were a daughter of his own who had been violated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Akemi writhed in tears on his knee, he experienced a feeling of intimacy, and a look of perplexity crept into his face.\n\n\"Now there, don't cry. Your heart is still chaste. It's not as if you'd permitted this man to make love to you, nor did you return his love. What's important to a woman is not her body but her heart, and chastity itself is a matter of the inner being. Even when a woman doesn't give herself to a man, if she regards him with lust, she becomes, at least as long as the feeling lasts, unchaste and unclean.\"\n\nAkemi was not comforted by these abstract words. Hot tears seeped through the priest's kimono, and she went on repeating that she wanted to die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, now, stop crying,\" said Tanzaemon again, patting her on the back. But the trembling of her white neck did not move him to genuine sympathy. This soft skin, so sweet to the smell, had already been stolen from him by another man.\n\nNoticing that the monkey had sneaked up to the pot and was eating something, he unceremoniously removed Akemi's head from his knee, shook his fist and cursed the animal roundly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond the shadow of a doubt, food was more important than a woman's suffering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next morning Tanzaemon announced he was going to town with his beggar's bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You stay here while I'm gone,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have to get some money to buy you medicine, and then we need some rice and oil so we can have something hot to eat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hat was not a deep one woven of reeds, like those of most itinerant priests, but an ordinary bamboo affair, and his straw sandals, worn and split at the heels, scraped against the ground as he shuffled along. Everything about him, not just his mustache, had an air of scruffiness. Yet, walking scarecrow that he was, it was his habit to go out every day, unless it rained.\n\nNot having slept well, he was particularly bleary-eyed this morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi, after crying and carrying on so in the evening, had later sipped her gruel, broken into a heavy sweat and slept soundly through the rest of the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had hardly closed his eyes until dawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even walking under the bright morning sun, the cause of his sleeplessness remained with him. He could not get it out of his mind.\n\n\"She's about the same age as Otsū,\" he thought. \"But they're completely different in temperament. Otsū has grace and refinement, but there's something chilly about her. Akemi's appealing whether she's laughing, crying or pouting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The youthful feelings aroused in Tanzaemon's desiccated cells by the strong rays of Akemi's charm had made him all too conscious of his advancing years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And during the night, as he had looked solicitously at her each time she stirred in her sleep, a different warning had sounded in his heart. \"What a wretched fool I am! Haven't I learned yet? Though I wear the surplice of the priest and play the shakuhachi of the mendicant, I'm still a long way from achieving the clear and perfect enlightenment of P'u-hua. Will I never find the wisdom that will release me from this body?\"\n\nAfter castigating himself at length, he had forced his sad eyes shut and tried to sleep, but to no avail.\n\nAs dawn broke, he had again resolved, \"I will—I must—put evil thoughts behind me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Akemi was a charming girl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had suffered so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must try to comfort her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had to show her that not all the men in the world were demons of lust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides the medicine, he was wondering what sort of present he could bring her when he came back in the evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Throughout the day's alms-seeking, his spirit would be bolstered by this desire to do something to make Akemi a little happier. That would suffice; he cherished no greater desire.\n\nAt about the time he recovered his composure and the color returned to his face, he heard the flapping of wings above the cliff beside him. The shadow of a large falcon skimmed past, and Tanzaemon watched a gray feather from a small bird flutter down from an oak branch in the leafless grove above him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Holding the bird in its claws, the falcon rose straight up, exposing the undersides of its wings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nearby a man's voice said, \"Success!\" and the falconer whistled to his bird.\n\nSeconds later, Tanzaemon saw two men in hunting outfits coming down the hill behind the Ennenji. The falcon was perched on the left fist of one of them, who carried a net bag for the catch on the side opposite his two swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An intelligent-looking brown hunting dog trotted along behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō stopped and took in the surroundings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It happened somewhere along here yesterday evening,\" he was saying. \"My monkey was scrapping with the dog, and the dog bit his tail. He hid somewhere and never came out. I wonder if he's up in one of those trees.\"\n\nSeijūrō, looking rather disgruntled, sat down on a rock. \"Why would he still be here? He's got legs too. Anyway, I can't see why you bring a monkey along when you go hunting with falcons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō made himself comfortable on the root of a tree." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't bring him, but I can't keep him from tagging along. And I'm so used to him, I miss him when he's not around.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought only women and people of leisure liked to have monkeys and lapdogs for pets, but I guess I was wrong. It's hard to imagine a student warrior like you being so attached to a monkey.\" Having seen Kojirō in action on the dike at Kema, Seijūrō had a healthy respect for his swordsmanship, but his tastes and his general way of life seemed all too boyish. Just living in the same house with him these past few days had convinced Seijūrō that maturity came only with age. While he found it difficult to respect Kojirō as a person, this, in a way, made it easier to associate with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō replied laughingly, \"It's because I'm so young. One of these days, I'll learn to like women, and then I'll probably forget all about the monkey.\"\n\nKojirō chatted idly in a light vein, but Seijūrō's face seemed increasingly preoccupied. There was a nervous look in his eyes not unlike that of the falcon perched on his hand. All at once he said irritably, \"What's that beggar priest over there doing? He's been standing there staring at us ever since we got here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seijūrō glared suspiciously at Tanzaemon, and Kojirō turned around to have a look.\n\nTanzaemon turned his back and trudged off.\n\nSeijūrō stood up abruptly. \"Kojirō,\" he said, \"I want to go home. Any way you look at it, this is no time to be out hunting. It's already the twenty-ninth of the month.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Laughing, with a touch of scorn, Kojirō said, \"We came out to hunt, didn't we? We've only got one turtledove and a couple of thrushes to show for it. We should try farther up the hill.\"\n\n\"No; let's call it a day. I don't feel like hunting, and when I don't feel like it, the falcon doesn't fly right. Let's go back to the house and practice.\" He added, as though talking to himself, \"That's what I need to do, practice.\"\n\n\"Well, if you must go back, I'll go with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked along beside Seijūrō but did not seem very happy about it. \"I guess I was wrong to suggest it.\"\n\n\"Suggest what?\"\n\n\"Going hunting yesterday and today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry about it. I know you meant well. It's just that it's the end of the year, and the showdown with Musashi is creeping up on us fast.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's why I thought it'd be good for you to do some hunting. You could relax, get yourself into the proper spirit. I guess you're not the type who can do that.\"\n\n\"Umm. The more I hear about Musashi, the more I think it's just as well not to underrate him.\"\n\n\"Isn't that all the more reason to avoid getting excited or panicky? You should discipline your spirit.\"\n\n\"I'm not panicky. The first lesson in the Art of War is not to make light of your enemy, and I think it's only common sense to try to get in plenty of practice before the fight. If I should lose, then at least I'd know I'd done my best. If the man's better than I am, well... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he appreciated Seijūrō's honesty, Kojirō sensed in him a smallness of spirit that would make it very difficult for Seijūrō to uphold the reputation of the Yoshioka School." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because Seijūrō lacked the personal vision needed to follow in his father's footsteps and run the huge school properly, Kojirō felt sorry for him. In his opinion, the younger brother, Denshichirō, had more strength of character, but Denshichirō was also an incorrigible playboy. And though he was a more capable swordsman than Seijūrō, he had no stake in the Yoshioka name.\n\nKojirō wanted Seijūrō to forget about the impending bout with Musashi, for this, he believed, would be the best possible preparation for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question he wanted to ask, but didn't, was what could he hope to learn between now and the time for the match? \"Well,\" he thought with resignation, \"that's the way he is, so I suppose I can't be of much help to him.\"\n\nThe dog had run off and was barking ferociously in the distance.\n\n\"That means he's found some game!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "said Kojirō, his eyes brightening.\n\n\"Let him go. He'll catch up with us later.\"\n\n\"I'll go have a look. You wait here.\"\n\nKojirō sprinted off in the direction of the barking and after a minute or two spotted the dog on the veranda of an ancient ramshackle temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The animal leaped against the dilapidated grille door and fell back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few trials, he began scratching at the worn red-lacquered posts and walls of the building.\n\nWondering what he could possibly be so excited about, Kojirō went to another door. Peering through the grille was like looking into a black lacquer vase.\n\nThe rattle of the door as he pulled it open brought the dog running to his heels, wagging his tail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō kicked the dog away, but to little effect. As he entered the building, the dog streaked in past him.\n\nThe woman's screams were ear-splitting, the kind of screams that shatter glass. Then the dog started howling, and there was a battle of lung power between him and the shrieking woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō wondered if the beams would split. Running forward, he discovered Akemi lying under the mosquito net and the monkey, which had jumped in the window to escape the dog, hiding behind her.\n\nAkemi was between the dog and the monkey, blocking the dog's way, so he attacked her. As she rolled to one side, the howl of the dog reached a crescendo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi was now screaming from pain rather than fright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dog had set his teeth around her forearm. Kojirō, with an oath, kicked him violently again in the ribs. The dog was already dead from the first kick, but even after the second, his teeth were solidly clamped on Akemi's arm.\n\n\"Let go! Let go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she screamed, writhing on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō knelt beside her and pulled the dog's jaws open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound was like that of pieces of glued wood being wrenched apart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mouth came open, all right; a little more force on Kojirō's part, and the dog's head would have split in two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He threw the corpse out the door and came back to Akemi's side.\n\n\"It's all right now,\" he said soothingly, but Akemi's forearm said otherwise. The blood flowing over the white skin gave the bite the appearance of a large crimson peony.\n\nKojirō shivered at the sight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't there any sake? I should wash it with sake... No, I guess there wouldn't be any in a place like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Warm blood flowed down the forearm to the wrist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have to do something,\" he said, \"or poison from the dog's teeth might cause you to go mad. He has been acting peculiarly these past few days.\"\n\nWhile Kojirō tried to decide what could be done in a hurry, Akemi screwed her eyebrows together, bent her lovely white neck backward and cried, \"Mad? Oh, how wonderful! That's what I want to be—mad! Completely stark, raving mad!\"\n\n\"Wh-wh-what's this?\" stammered Kojirō. Without further ado, he bent over her forearm and sucked blood from the wound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his mouth was full, he spat it out, put his mouth back to the white skin, and sucked until his cheeks bulged.\n\nIn the evening Tanzaemon returned from his daily round. \"I'm back, Akemi,\" he announced as he entered the temple. \"Were you lonesome while I was gone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He deposited her medicine in a corner, along with the food and the jar of oil he had bought, and said, \"Wait a moment; I'll make some light.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the candle was lit, he saw that she was not in the room. \"Akemi!\" he called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where could she have gone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His one-sided love turned suddenly to anger, which was quickly replaced by loneliness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tanzaemon was reminded, as he had been before, that he would never be young again—that there was no more honor, no more hope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thought of his aging body and winced.\n\n\"I rescued her and took care of her,\" he grumbled, \"and now she's gone off without a word. Is that the way the world is always going to be? Is that the way she is? Or was she still suspicious of my intentions?\"\n\nOn the bed he discovered a scrap of cloth, apparently torn from the end of her obi. The spot of blood on it rekindled his animal instincts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kicked the straw matting into the air and threw the medicine out the window.\n\nHungry, but lacking the will to prepare a meal, he took up his shakuhachi and, with a sigh, went out onto the veranda. For an hour or more, he played without stopping, attempting to expel his desires and delusions. Yet it was evident to him that his passions remained with him and would remain with him until he died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She'd already been taken by another man,\" he mused. \"Why did I have to be so moral and upright? There was no need for me to lie there alone, pining all night.\"\n\nHalf of him regretted not having acted; the other half condemned his lecherous yearning. It was precisely this conflict of emotions, swirling incessantly in his veins, that constituted what the Buddha called delusion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was trying now to cleanse his impure nature, but the more he strived, the muddier the tone of his shakuhachi became.\n\nThe beggar who slept beneath the temple poked his head from under the veranda. \"Why are you sitting there playing your recorder?\" he asked. \"Did something good happen? If you made lots of money and bought some sake, how about giving me a drink?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was a cripple, and from his lowly viewpoint, Tanzaemon lived like a king.\n\n\"Do you know what happened to the girl I brought home last night?\"\n\n\"She was a nice-looking wench, wasn't she? If I'd been able, I wouldn't have let her get away. Not long after you left this morning, a young samurai with a long forelock and a huge sword on his back came and took her away. The monkey too. He had one of them on one shoulder, one on the other.\"\n\n\"Samurai... forelock?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh. And what a handsome fellow he was—handsomer by far than you and me!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The humor of this sent the beggar into a paroxysm of laughter." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode: Collab writing\nAmount: three sentences\nVoice: Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi left the field thinking, \"I won.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He told himself: \"I defeated Yoshioka Seijūrō, brought down the citadel of the Kyoto Style!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he knew his heart was not in it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes were downcast, and his feet seemed to sink into the dead leaves. A small bird on the wing, rising, exposing its underside, reminded him of a fish.\n\nLooking back, he could see the slender pines on the mound where he had fought Seijūrō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I only struck once,\" he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe it didn't kill him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He examined his wooden sword to assure himself there was no blood on it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This morning, on his way to the appointed place, he had been expecting to find Seijūrō accompanied by a host of students, who might very well resort to some underhanded maneuver. He had squarely faced the possibility that he himself might be killed, and to avoid looking unkempt at the end had carefully brushed his teeth with salt and washed his hair.\n\nSeijūrō fell far short of Musashi's preconception." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had asked himself if this could really be the son of Yoshioka Kempō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not perceive in the urbane and obviously well-bred Seijūrō the leading master of the Kyoto Style. He was too slender, too subdued, too gentlemanly, to be a great swordsman.\n\nWhen the greetings were exchanged, Musashi thought uncomfortably: \"I should never have gotten into this fight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His regrets were sincere, because his aim was always to take on opponents who were better than he. One good look was sufficient; there had been no need to train for a year just to have this bout. Seijūrō's eyes betrayed a lack of self-confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The necessary fire was absent, not only from his face but from his whole body.\n\n\"Why did he come here this morning,\" wondered Musashi, \"if he has no more faith in himself than this?\" But Musashi was aware of his opponent's predicament and sympathized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seijūrō was in no position to call the fight off, even if he wanted to. The disciples he'd inherited from his father looked up to him as their mentor and guide; he had no choice but to go through the motions. As the two men stood poised for battle, Musashi cast about for an excuse to call the whole thing off, but the opportunity did not present itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that it was all over, Musashi thought: \"It's too bad! I wish I hadn't had to do it.\" And in his heart he prayed, for Seijūrō's sake, that the wound would heal quickly.\n\nBut the day's work was done, and it was not the mark of a mature warrior to stand around moping over the past." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he quickened his pace, the startled face of an elderly woman appeared above a patch of grass. She'd been scratching about on the ground, apparently looking for something, and the sound of his footsteps brought a gasp to her lips. Dressed in a light, plain kimono, she would have been almost indistinguishable from the grass, except for the purple cord holding her cloak in place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though her clothing was that of a layman, the kerchief hiding her round head was that of a nun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was small of build and genteel in appearance.\n\nMusashi was as astonished as the woman. Another three or four steps and he might have trampled on her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you looking for?\" he asked genially. He glimpsed a string of coral prayer beads on her arm, just inside her sleeve, and a basket of tender wild plants in one hand. Her fingers and the beads trembled slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To put her at her ease, Musashi said easily, \"I'm surprised to see the greens up so early. I guess it's really getting to be spring. Hmm, I see you have some nice parsley there, and some rape and cottonweed. Did you pick them all yourself?\"\n\nThe old nun dropped the basket and ran, shouting, \"Kōetsu! Kōetsu!\"\n\nMusashi watched bemused as the little form retreated toward a slight rise in the otherwise flat field." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From behind it rose a wisp of smoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thinking it would be a shame for her to lose her vegetables after going to all the trouble of finding them, he picked them up and, basket in hand, started off after her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a minute or so, two men came into view.\n\nThey had spread a rug on the sunny southern side of a gentle slope. There were also various implements used by devotees of the tea cult, including an iron kettle hanging over a fire and a pitcher of water to one side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking the natural surroundings for their garden, they had made themselves an open-air tea room. It all looked rather stylish and elegant.\n\nOne of the men seemed to be a servant, while the other's white skin, smooth complexion and well-composed features brought to mind a large china doll representing a Kyoto aristocrat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had a contented paunch; self-assurance was reflected in his cheeks and in his posture.\n\n\"Kōetsu.\" The name rang a bell, for there was at this time a very famous Hon'ami Kōetsu living in Kyoto. It was rumored, with considerable envy, that he had been granted an annual stipend of one thousand bushels by the very wealthy Lord Maeda Toshiie of Kaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As an ordinary townsman, he could have lived magnificently on this alone, but in addition he enjoyed the special favor of Tokugawa Ieyasu and was frequently received in the homes of high noblemen. The greatest warriors of the land, it was said, felt constrained to dismount and walk by his shop on foot, so as not to give the impression that they were looking down on him.\n\nThe family name came from their having taken up residence on Hon'ami Lane, and Kōetsu's business was the cleaning, polishing and appraising of swords." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His family had gained a reputation as early as the fourteenth century and had flourished during the Ashikaga period." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had later been patronized by such leading daimyō as Imagawa Yoshimoto, Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.\n\nKōetsu was known as a man of many talents. He painted, excelled as a ceramist and lacquer-maker and was regarded as a connoisseur of art." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He himself considered calligraphy to be his forte; in this field he was generally ranked with acknowledged experts like Shōkadō Shōjō, Karasumaru Mitsuhiro and Konoe Nobutada, the creator of the famous Sammyakuin Style, which was so popular these days.\n\nDespite his fame, Kōetsu felt that he was not fully appreciated, or so it would seem from a story that was going around. According to this tale, he often visited the mansion of his friend Konoe Nobutada, who was not only a nobleman but currently Minister of the Left in the Emperor's government." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During one of these visits, the story went, the talk turned naturally to calligraphy and Nobutada asked, \"Kōetsu, who would you select as the three greatest calligraphers in the country?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without the slightest hesitation, Kōetsu answered, \"The second is yourself, and then I suppose Shōkadō Shōjō.\"\n\nA little puzzled, Nobutada asked, \"You start with the second best, but who is the best?\"\n\nKōetsu, without so much as a smile, looked directly into his eyes and replied, \"I am, of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lost in thought, Musashi stopped a short distance from the group.\n\nKōetsu was holding a brush in his hand, and on his knees were several sheets of paper. He was studiously sketching the flow of water in a stream close by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This drawing, as well as earlier efforts lying scattered about on the ground, consisted solely of watery lines of a sort that, to Musashi's eye, any novice might be able to draw.\n\nLooking up, Kōetsu said quietly, \"Is something wrong?\" Then, with steady eyes, he took in the scene: Musashi on one side and on the other his mother trembling behind the servant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi felt calmer in the presence of this man. He was clearly not the sort of person he came into contact with every day, but somehow he found him appealing. His eyes held a profound light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a moment they began to smile at Musashi, as if he were an old acquaintance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Welcome, young man. Has my mother done something wrong? I'm forty-eight myself, so you can imagine how old she is. She's very healthy, but there are times when she complains about her eyesight. If she's done anything she shouldn't, I hope you'll accept my apologies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Placing his brush and pad on the small rug he was sitting on, he started to put his hands on the ground and make a deep bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hurriedly dropping to his knees, Musashi stopped Kōetsu from bowing. \"Then you're her son?\" he asked in confusion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"It is I who must apologize. I don't really know what made your mother afraid, but as soon as she saw me, she dropped her basket and ran off. Seeing she'd spilled her greens made me feel guilty. I've brought the things she dropped. That's all. There's no need for you to bow.\"\n\nLaughing pleasantly, Kōetsu turned to the nun and said, \"Did you hear that, Mother? You had the wrong impression entirely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Immensely relieved, she ventured out from her place of refuge behind the servant. \"Do you mean the rōnin didn't intend to harm me?\"\n\n\"Harm? No, not at all. See, he's even brought back your basket. Wasn't that considerate of him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I'm sorry,\" said the nun, bowing deeply, her forehead touching the prayer beads on her wrist. Quite cheerful now, she laughed as she turned to her son. \"I'm ashamed to admit it,\" she said, \"but when I first saw the young man, I thought I detected the smell of blood. Oh, it was frightening! I broke out in goose pimples. Now I see how foolish I was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old woman's insight amazed Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had seen right through him and without really knowing, had put it very candidly. To this woman's delicate senses, he must indeed have seemed a terrifying, gory apparition.\n\nKōetsu, too, must have taken in his intense, penetrating look, his menacing mane of hair, that prickly, dangerous element that said he was ready to strike at the slightest provocation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, Kōetsu seemed inclined to search out the good in him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're in no hurry,\" he said, \"stay and rest awhile. It's so quiet and peaceful here. Just sitting silently in these surroundings, I feel clean and fresh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If I pick a few more greens, I can make some nice gruel for you,\" said the nun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And some tea. Or don't you like tea?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the company of mother and son, Musashi felt at peace with the world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sheathed his bellicose spirit, like a cat retracting its claws. In this pleasant atmosphere, it was hard to believe he was among perfect strangers. Before he realized it, he had removed his straw sandals and taken a seat on the rug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking the liberty of asking some questions, he learned that the mother, whose religious name was Myōshū, had been a good and faithful wife before becoming a nun, and that her son was indeed the celebrated aesthete and craftsman. Among swordsmen, there was not one worth his salt who did not know the name Hon'ami—such was the family's reputation for sound judgment with regard to swords.\n\nMusashi found it difficult to associate Kōetsu and his mother with the picture he had of how such famous people should look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To him they were simply ordinary people he had met by accident in a deserted field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the way he wanted it to be, for otherwise he himself might grow tense and spoil their picnic.\n\nBringing the kettle for the tea, Myōshū asked her son, \"How old do you suppose this lad is?\"\n\nWith a glance at Musashi, he replied, \"Twenty-five or -six, I imagine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi shook his head. \"No, I'm only twenty-three.\"\n\n\"Only twenty-three,\" exclaimed Myōshū." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She then proceeded to ask the usual questions: where his home was, whether his parents were still alive, who had taught him swordsmanship, and so on.\n\nShe addressed him gently, as though he were her grandson, and this brought out the boy in Musashi. His manner of speech slipped into the youthful and informal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Accustomed as he was to discipline and rigorous training, to spending all his time forging himself into a fine steel blade, he knew nothing of the more civilized side of life. As the old nun talked, warmth spread through his weather-beaten body.\n\nMyōshū, Kōetsu, the things on the rug, even the tea bowl, subtly fused into the atmosphere and became part of nature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Musashi was impatient, his body too restless, to sit still for long. It was pleasant enough while they were chatting, but when Myōshū began staring silently at the teakettle and Kōetsu turned his back to continue his sketching, Musashi became bored. \"What,\" he asked himself, \"do they find so entertaining about coming out here like this? Spring's only barely begun. It's still cold.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If they wanted to pick wild greens, why not wait until it was warmer and more people were around? There would be lots of flowers and fresh green plants then. And if they wanted to enjoy a tea ceremony, why go to the trouble of lugging the kettle and tea bowls all the way out here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A well-known, prosperous family like theirs would surely have an elegant tea room in their house.\n\nWas it to sketch?\n\nStaring at Kōetsu's back, he found that by twisting a little to the side he could see the moving brush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Drawing nothing but the lines of flowing water, the artist kept his eyes on the narrow brook wending its way through the dry grass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He concentrated solely on the movement of the water, again and again trying to capture the flowing motion, but the exact feel seemed to elude him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Undeterred, he went on drawing the lines over and over.\n\n\"Um,\" thought Musashi, \"drawing's not as easy as it looks, I guess.\" His ennui receding for the moment, he watched Kōetsu's brush strokes with fascination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kōetsu, he thought, must feel very much as he himself did when he faced an enemy swordpoint to swordpoint." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At some stage he would rise above himself and sense that he had become one with nature—no, not \"sense,\" because all sensation would be obliterated at that moment when his sword cut through his opponent. That magic instant of transcendence was all.\n\n\"Kōetsu's still looking at the water as an enemy,\" he mused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why he can't draw it. He has to become one with it before he'll succeed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With nothing to do, he was sliding from boredom into lethargy and this worried him. He must not let himself go slack, even for a moment. He had to get away from here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry I disturbed you,\" he said brusquely, and started retying his sandals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, are you leaving so soon?\" asked Myōshū." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kōetsu turned around quietly and said, \"Can't you stay a little longer? Mother is going to make the tea now. I gather you're the one who had a bout with the master of the House of Yoshioka this morning. A little tea after a fight does you good, or at least that's what Lord Maeda says. Ieyasu, too. Tea is good for the spirit. I doubt whether there's anything better. In my opinion, action is born of quiet. Stay and talk. I'll join you.\"\n\nSo Kōetsu knew about the fight! But maybe that was not so strange; the Rendaiji wasn't far away, only the next field over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A more interesting question was why he had said nothing about it so far." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it simply that he regarded such matters as belonging to a world different from his own? Musashi took a second look at mother and son, then sat down again.\n\n\"If you insist,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We haven't much to offer, but we enjoy having you with us,\" said Kōetsu. He put the cover on his ink box and placed it on his sketches to keep them from blowing away. In his hands, the lid glittered like fireflies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed to be sheathed in thick gold, with silver and mother-of-pearl inlay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi leaned forward to inspect it. Now that it was resting on the carpet, it no longer gleamed so brightly. He could see that there was nothing at all gaudy about it; its beauty was that of the gold-leaf and color paintings in Momoyama castles, reduced many times in size." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was also a hint of something very ancient about it, a dull patina suggestive of faded glories." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi stared intently. There was something comforting about the box.\n\n\"I made that myself,\" said Kōetsu modestly. \"Do you like it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, can you make lacquerware too?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kōetsu merely smiled. As he looked at this youth, who seemed to admire the artifice of man more than the beauty of nature, he was thinking with amusement: \"After all, he is from the country.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi, unaware of Kōetsu's lofty attitude, said with great sincerity, \"It's really beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't take his eyes off the ink box.\n\n\"I said I made it myself, but actually the poem on it is the work of Konoe Nobutada, so I should say we made it together.\"\n\n\"Is that the Konoe family the imperial regents come from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Nobutada's the son of the former regent.\"\n\n\"My aunt's husband has served the Konoe family for many years.\"\n\n\"What's his name?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matsuo Kaname.\"\n\n\"Oh, I know Kaname well. I see him whenever I go to the Konoe house, and he sometimes comes to visit us.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother, it's a small world, isn't it? His aunt is the wife of Matsuo Kaname.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't say!\" exclaimed Myōshū." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She moved away from the fire and placed the vessels for tea before them. There could be no doubt that she was perfectly at home with the tea ceremony. Her movements were elegant yet natural, her delicate hands graceful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even at seventy, she seemed to be the epitome of feminine grace and beauty.\n\nMusashi, uncomfortably out of his depth, sat politely on his haunches, in what he hoped was the same fashion as Kōetsu. The tea cake was a plain bun known as Yodo manjū, but it rested prettily on a green leaf of a variety not found in the surrounding field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi knew there were set rules of etiquette for serving the tea, just as there were for using the sword, and as he watched Myōshū, he admired her mastery of them. Judging her in terms of swordsmanship, he thought to himself, \"She's perfect! She doesn't leave herself open anywhere.\" As she whisked the tea, he sensed in her the same unearthly proficiency that one might observe in a master swordsman poised to strike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the Way,\" he thought, \"the essence of art. One has to have it to be perfect at anything.\"\n\nHe turned his attention to the tea bowl in front of him. This was the first time he had been served in this fashion, and he had not the slightest notion of what to do next." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tea bowl surprised him, for it resembled something that might have been made by a child playing in the mud. Yet seen against the color of this bowl, the deep green of the foam on the tea was more serene and ethereal than the sky.\n\nHe looked helplessly at Kōetsu, who had already eaten his tea cake and was holding his tea bowl lovingly in both hands, as one might fondle a warm object on a cold night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drank down the tea in two or three sips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir,\" began Musashi hesitantly, \"I'm just an ignorant country boy, and I don't know the first thing about the tea ceremony. I'm not even certain how to drink the tea.\"\n\nMyōshū chided him gently. \"Hush, my dear, it doesn't make any difference. There shouldn't be anything sophisticated or esoteric about drinking tea. If you're a country boy, then drink it the way you would in the country.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is really all right?\"\n\n\"Of course. Manners are not a matter of rules. They come from the heart. It's the same with swordsmanship, isn't it?\"\n\n\"When you put it that way, yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you become self-conscious about the proper way to drink, you won't enjoy the tea. When you use a sword, you can't let your body become too tense. That would break the harmony between the sword and your spirit. Isn't that right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, ma'am.\" Musashi unconsciously bowed his head and waited for the old nun to continue the lesson.\n\nShe laughed, a little tinkling laugh. \"Listen to me! Talking about swordsmanship, when I know nothing at all about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll drink my tea now,\" said Musashi with renewed confidence. His legs were tired from sitting in formal style, so he crossed them in front of him in a more comfortable position. Swiftly, he emptied the tea bowl and set it down again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tea was very bitter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not even for the sake of politeness could he force himself to say it was good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Will you have another cup?\"\n\n\"No, thank you, that's quite enough.\"\n\nWhat did these people find good about this bitter liquid?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why did they talk on so seriously about the \"simply purity\" of its flavor and all that sort of thing?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though understanding eluded him, he found it impossible to regard his host with anything but admiration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all, he reflected, there must be more to tea than he himself had detected; otherwise it could not have become the focal point for a whole philosophy of aesthetics and life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor would great men like Hideyoshi and Ieyasu have displayed such interest in it.\n\nYagyū Sekishūsai, he recalled, was devoting his old age to the Way of Tea, and Takuan also had spoken of its virtues. Looking down at the tea bowl and the cloth beneath it, he suddenly envisioned the white peony from Sekishūsai's garden and felt again the thrill it had given him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, inexplicably, the tea bowl struck him in the same forceful way. He wondered for a moment if he had gasped out loud.\n\nHe reached out, picked up the bowl lovingly and placed it on his knee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes shone as he examined it; he felt an excitement he had never experienced before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he studied the bottom of the vessel and the traces of the potter's spatula, he realized that the lines had the same keenness as Sekishūsai's slicing of the peony stem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This unpretentious bowl, too, had been made by a genius. It revealed the touch of the spirit, the mysterious insight.\n\nHe could hardly breathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why, he knew not, but he sensed the strength of the master craftsman. It came to him silently but unmistakably, for he was far more sensitive to the latent force that resided here than most people would have been. He rubbed the bowl, unwilling to lose physical contact with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kōetsu,\" he said, \"I don't know any more about the utensils than I know about tea, but I would guess that this vessel was made by a very skillful potter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why do you say that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The artist's words were as gentle as his face, with its sympathetic eyes and well-formed mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The corners of his eyes turned down a bit, giving him an air of gravity, but there were teasing wrinkles around the edges.\n\n\"I don't know how to explain it, but I feel it.\"\n\n\"Exactly what do you feel? Tell me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi thought for a moment and said, \"Well, I can't express it very clearly, but there's something superhuman about this sharp cut in the clay... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hmm.\" Kōetsu had the attitude of the true artist. He did not suppose for a moment that other people knew much about his own art, and was reasonably certain Musashi was no exception. His lips tightened. \"What about the cut, Musashi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's extremely clean.\"\n\n\"Is that all?\"\n\n\"No, no... it's more complicated than that. There's something big and daring about the man who made this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anything else?\"\n\n\"The potter himself was as sharp as a sword from Sagami. Yet he enveloped the whole thing in beauty. This tea bowl looks very simple, but there's a certain haughtiness about it, something regal and arrogant, as though he didn't regard other people as being quite human.\"\n\n\"Mm.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As a person, the man who made this would be difficult to fathom, I think. But whoever he is, I'd bet he's famous. Won't you tell me who it was?\"\n\nKōetsu's heavy lips broke into a laugh. \"His name is Kōetsu. But this is just something I made for fun.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi, not knowing he had been undergoing a test, was genuinely surprised and impressed to hear that Kōetsu was able to make his own ceramics." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What affected him more than the man's artistic versatility, however, was the human profundity concealed within this ostensibly plain tea bowl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It disturbed him a little to recognize the depth of Kōetsu's spiritual resources. Accustomed to measuring men in terms of their swordsmanship, he suddenly decided that his yardstick was too short. The thought humbled him; here was yet another man before whom he must admit defeat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For all his splendid victory of the morning, he was now no more than a bashful youth.\n\n\"You like ceramics too, don't you?\" Kōetsu said. \"You seem to have a good eye for pottery.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I doubt whether that's true,\" Musashi replied modestly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was only saying what came into my head. Please forgive me if I said something foolish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, of course, you couldn't be expected to know a great deal about the subject, because to make a single good tea bowl involves a lifetime of experience. But you do have a feeling for aesthetics, a rather firm instinctive grasp. I suppose studying swordsmanship has developed your eye to a slight extent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There seemed to be something close to admiration in Kōetsu's remark, but as an older man, he could not bring himself to praise the boy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not only would it not be dignified, it might also go to his head.\n\nPresently, the servant returned with more wild greens, and Myōshū prepared the gruel. As she took it up on small plates, which also appeared to have been made by Kōetsu, a jar of fragrant sake was heated, and the picnic feast began." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tea ceremony food was too light and delicate for Musashi's taste." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His constitution craved more body and stronger flavor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet he made a dutiful attempt to savor the thin aroma of the leafy mixture, for he acknowledged that there was much he could learn from Kōetsu and his charming mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the time passed, he began to look nervously about the field." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eventually, he turned to his host and said, \"It's been very pleasant, but I should go now. I'd like to stay, but I'm afraid my opponent's men might come and cause trouble. I don't want to involve you in anything like that. I hope I'll have the opportunity to see you again.\"\n\nMyōshū, rising to see him off, said, \"If you're ever in the vicinity of Hon'ami Lane, don't fail to stop in to see us.\"\n\n\"Yes, please come and visit us. We can have a nice long talk,\" Kōetsu added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite Musashi's fears, there was no sign of the Yoshioka students." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having taken his leave, he paused to look back at his two new friends on their rug. Yes, theirs was a world apart from his. His own long, narrow road would never lead him to Kōetsu's sphere of peaceful pleasures. He walked silently toward the edge of the field, his head bowed in thought." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going 4 sentences at a time, also im going for a Eiji Yoshikawa sorta thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jōtarō thought their next move would be to get out of the quarter without being detected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Going this way will take us to the main gate,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would be dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mm.\"\n\n\"There must be another way out.\"\n\n\"Aren't all the entrances except the main one closed at night?\"\n\n\"We could climb the wall.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would be cowardly. I do have a sense of honor, you know, as well as a reputation to maintain. I'll walk straight out the main entrance, when the time is right.\"\n\n\"You will?\" Though uneasy, the boy didn't argue, for he was well aware that according to the rules of the military class, a man without pride was worthless.\n\n\"Of course,\" replied Musashi. \"But not you. You're still a child. You can go out some safer way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Over the wall.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By myself?\"\n\n\"By yourself.\"\n\n\"I can't do that.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd be called a coward.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be foolish. They're after me, not you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But where will we meet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Yanagi Riding Grounds.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're sure you'll come?\"\n\n\"Absolutely.\"\n\n\"Promise you won't run off again?\"\n\n\"I won't run away. One of the things I don't intend to teach you is lying. I said I'll meet you, and I will. Now, while nobody's around, let's get you over the wall.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō looked about cautiously before making a run for the wall, where he stopped dead, looking wistfully upward. It was more than double his height. Musashi joined him, carrying a sack of charcoal. He dropped the sack and peered through a crack in the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you see anyone out there?\" Jōtarō asked.\n\n\"No; nothing but rushes. There may be water underneath, so you'll have to be careful when you land.\"\n\n\"I don't care about getting wet, but how am I going to get to the top of this wall?\"\n\nMusashi ignored the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have to assume guards have been stationed at strategic points besides the main gate. Take a good look around before you jump, or you may find a sword pointed at you.\"\n\n\"I understand.\"\n\n\"I'll throw this charcoal over the wall as a decoy. If nothing happens, you can go ahead.\"\n\nHe stooped and Jōtarō jumped onto his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stand on my shoulders.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My sandals are dirty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō hoisted himself to a standing position.\n\n\"Can you reach the top?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"If you jumped, could you make it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right; stand on my hands.\" He stretched his arms straight above his head.\n\n\"I've got it!\" Jōtarō said in a loud whisper.\n\nMusashi took the sack of charcoal in one hand and lobbed it as high as he could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It thudded into the rushes. Nothing happened.\n\n\"There's no water here,\" Jōtarō reported after he jumped down.\n\n\"Take care of yourself.\"\n\nMusashi kept one eye to the crack until he could no longer hear Jōtarō's footsteps, then walked quickly and lightheartedly to the busiest of the main alleys." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of the many revelers milling about paid any attention to him.\n\nWhen he went out the main gate, the Yoshioka men uttered a collective gasp, and all eyes focused on him. Besides the guards at the gate, there were samurai squatting around the bonfires where the palanquin bearers passed the time while they waited, and relief guards in the Amigasa teahouse and the drinking shop across the street. Their vigilance had never relaxed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Basket hats had been unceremoniously lifted and faces examined; palanquins had been stopped and their occupants examined.\n\nSeveral times negotiations had been started with the Ōgiya to search the premises, but these had come to naught. As far as the management was concerned, Musashi was not there. The Yoshiokas could not act on the rumor that Yoshino Dayū was protecting Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was too highly admired, both within the district and in the city itself, to be assailed without serious repercussions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Obliged to fight a waiting war, the Yoshiokas had encircled the quarter at a distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They didn't rule out the possibility that Musashi might try to escape over the wall, but most expected him to leave by the gate, either in disguise or in a closed palanquin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The one contingency they were unprepared for was the one they were faced with now.\n\nNo one made a move to block Musashi's path, nor did he pause to acknowledge them. He covered a hundred paces with bold strides before a samurai shouted, \"Stop him!\"\n\n\"After him!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eight or nine shouting men filled the street behind Musashi and began stalking him.\n\n\"Musashi, wait!\" called an angry voice.\n\n\"What is it?\" he replied immediately, startling all with the force of his voice.\n\nHe moved to the side of the road and backed up against the wall of a shanty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shanty was part of a sawmill, and a couple of the mill hands slept there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of them opened the door a crack, but after a quick glance slammed the door and bolted it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yelping and howling like a pack of stray dogs, the Yoshioka men gradually formed a black crescent around Musashi. He stared intently at them, gauging their strength, assessing their position, anticipating where a move might come from. The thirty men were quickly losing the use of their thirty minds. It was not difficult for Musashi to read the workings of this communal brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he had anticipated, not one came forward alone to challenge him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They babbled and hurled insults, most of which sounded like the barely articulate name-calling of common tramps.\n\n\"Bastard!\"\n\n\"Coward!\"\n\n\"Amateur!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They themselves were far from realizing that their bravado was merely vocal and revealed their weakness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Until the horde achieved a degree of cohesion, Musashi had the upper hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He examined their faces, singled out the ones who might be dangerous, picked out the weak spots in the formation, and prepared himself for battle.\n\nHe took his time, and after slowly scrutinizing their faces, declared, \"I am Musashi. Who called to me to wait?\"\n\n\"We did. All of us!\"\n\n\"I take it that you're from the Yoshioka School.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What business do you have with me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know! Are you prepared?\"\n\n\"Prepared?\" Musashi's lips twisted into a sardonic grin. The laugh that issued from his white teeth chilled their excitement. \"A real warrior is prepared even in his sleep. Come forward when you wish! When you're picking a meaningless fight, what sense is there in trying to talk like a human being or in observing the etiquette of the sword? But tell me one thing. Is your objective only to see me dead? Or do you want to fight like men?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you here to settle a grudge or challenge me to a return bout?\"\n\nHad Musashi, by the slightest false movement of eye or body, given them an opening, their swords would have rushed at him like air into a vacuum, but he maintained perfect poise. No one moved. The entire group stood as still and silent as prayer beads.\n\nOut of the confused silence came a loud shout: \"You should know the answer without asking.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi, shooting a glance at the speaker, Miike Jūrōzaemon, judged from the man's appearance that he was a samurai worthy to uphold Yoshioka Kempō's reputation. He alone seemed willing to end the stalemate by striking the first blow. His feet edged forward in a sliding motion.\n\n\"You maimed our teacher Seijūrō and killed his brother Denshichirō. How can we hold up our heads if we let you live? Hundreds of us who are loyal to our master have vowed to remove the source of his humiliation and restore the name of the Yoshioka School. It's not a matter of grudges or lawless violence. But we will vindicate our master and console the spirit of his slain brother. I don't envy you your position, but we're going to take your head. On guard!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your challenge is worthy of a samurai,\" replied Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If this is your true purpose, I may lose my life to you. But you talk of discharging your duty, you speak of revenge according to the Way of the Samurai. Why, then, do you not challenge me properly, as Seijūrō and Denshichirō did? Why do you attack en masse?\"\n\n\"You're the one who's been hiding!\"\n\n\"Nonsense! You're merely proving that a coward attributes cowardice to others. Am I not standing here before you?\"\n\n\"Because you were afraid of being caught when you tried to escape!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not so! I could have escaped any number of ways.\"\n\n\"And did you think the Yoshioka School would have let you?\"\n\n\"I assumed that you would greet me one way or another. But wouldn't it disgrace us, not only as individuals but as members of our class, to brawl here? Should we disturb the people here, like a pack of wild beasts or worthless tramps? You speak of your obligation to your master, but wouldn't a fight here heap still greater shame on the Yoshioka name? If that's what you've decided on, then that's what you shall have! If you've resolved to destroy your teacher's work, disband your school and abandon the Way of the Samurai, I have nothing more to say—save this: Musashi will fight so long as his limbs hold together.\"\n\n\"Kill him!\" cried the man next to Jūrōzaemon, whipping out his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A distant voice cried, \"Watch out! It's Itakura!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As magistrate of Kyoto, Itakura Katsushige was a powerful man, and though he governed well, he did so with an iron fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even children sang songs about him. \"Whose chestnut roan is that,/clopping down the street?/Itakura Katsushige's?/Run, everyone, run.\" Or: \"Itakura, Lord of Iga, has/more hands than the Thousand-armed Kannon,/more eyes than the three-eyed Temmoku./His constables are everywhere.\"\n\nKyoto was not an easy city to rule." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Edo was well on the way to replacing it as the country's greatest city, the ancient capital was still a center for economic, political and military life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And as the place where culture and education were most highly advanced, it was also the one where criticism of the shogunate was most articulate. The townspeople had, from about the fourteenth century, given up all military ambition and taken to trades and crafts. They were now recognized as a class apart, and on the whole a conservative one.\n\nAlso among the populace were many samurai who sat on the fence, waiting to see whether the Tokugawas would be upset by the Toyotomis, as well as a number of upstart military leaders who, while lacking both background and lineage, managed to maintain personal armies of considerable size." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was also a considerable number of rōnin like those in Nara." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Libertines and hedonists were plentiful in all classes, so that the number of drinking shops and brothels was disproportionate to the city's size.\n\nConsiderations of expediency rather than political convictions tended to govern the allegiance of a substantial portion of the people. They swam with the current and grasped any opportunity seemingly favorable to themselves.\n\nA story circulated in the city at the time of Itakura's appointment, in 1601, said that before accepting, he asked Ieyasu if he might first consult his wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he returned home, he said to her: \"Since ancient times, there have been innumerable men in positions of honor who have performed outstanding deeds but have ended up bringing disgrace upon themselves and their families. Most often the source of their failure is to be found in their wives or family connections. Thus I consider it most important to discuss this appointment with you. If you will swear that you won't interfere with my activities as magistrate, I will accept the post.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His wife readily consented, avowing that \"wives have no business interfering in matters of this sort.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the next morning, as Itakura was about to leave for Edo Castle, she noticed that the collar of his underrobe was askew. She had barely touched it when he admonished her: \"You've forgotten your oath already.\" She was made to swear again that she would not meddle. It was generally agreed that Itakura was an effective deputy, strict but fair, and that Ieyasu had been wise to choose him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the mention of his name, the samurai shifted their eyes away from Musashi. Itakura's men patrolled the quarter regularly, and everyone gave them a wide berth.\n\nA young man pushed his way into the open space in front of Musashi. \"Wait!\" he cried in the booming voice that had given the alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smirking, Sasaki Kojirō said, \"I was just getting out of my palanquin when I heard a fight was about to break out. I've been afraid for some time this might happen. I'm appalled to see it take place here and now. I'm not a partisan of the Yoshioka School. Still less am I a supporter of Musashi. Nevertheless, as a warrior and visiting swordsman, I believe I am qualified to make an appeal in the name of the warrior's code and the warrior class as a whole.\" He spoke forcefully and eloquently, but in a patronizing tone and with uncompromising arrogance.\n\n\"I want to ask you what you're going to do when the police get here. Wouldn't you be ashamed to be picked up in a common street brawl?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If you force the authorities to take notice, it won't be treated like an ordinary fight among townspeople." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that is another question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your timing is bad. So is the place. It's a disgrace to the entire military class for samurai to disturb the public order. As one of your number, I enjoin you to cease this unseemly behavior immediately. If you must cross swords to settle your grievance, then in the name of heaven, abide by the rules of swordsmanship. Choose a time and place!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fair enough!\" said Jūrōzaemon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if we set a time and place, can you guarantee Musashi will appear?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd be willing to, but—\"\n\n\"Can you guarantee it?\"\n\n\"What can I say? Musashi can speak for himself!\"\n\n\"Perhaps you have in mind helping him to escape!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be an ass! If I were to show partiality to him, the rest of you would challenge me. He's no friend of mine. There's no reason for me to protect him. And if he leaves Kyoto, you only have to put up notices all over town to expose his cowardice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not enough. We aren't leaving here tonight unless you guarantee to take custody of him until the bout.\"\n\nKojirō spun around. He thrust out his chest and walked closer to Musashi, who had been staring fixedly at his back. Their eyes locked, like those of two wild beasts watching each other. There was an inevitability in the way their youthful egos were pitted one against the other, a recognition of the other man's ability and, perhaps, a mote of fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you consent, Musashi, to meet as I have proposed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I accept.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"However, I take exception to your involvement.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not willing to put yourself in my custody?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I resent the implication. In my bouts with Seijūrō and Denshichirō, I have done absolutely nothing cowardly. Why should their followers think I'd flee in the face of a challenge from them?\"\n\n\"Well spoken, Musashi. I won't forget that. Now, my guarantee aside, would you name the time and place?\n\n\"I agree to any time and place they choose.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That, too, is a gallant answer. Where will you be between now and the time of the fight?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't have an address.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If your opponents don't know where you are, how can they send a written challenge?\"\n\n\"Decide the time and place now. I'll be there.\"\n\nKojirō nodded. After consulting with Jūrōzaemon and a few of the others, he came back to Musashi and said, \"They want the time to be five o'clock in the morning the day after tomorrow.\"\n\n\"I accept.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The place is to be the spreading pine at the foot of Ichijōji Hill, on the road to Mount Hiei. The nominal representative of the House of Yoshioka will be Genjirō, the eldest son of Yoshioka Genzaemon, uncle of Seijurō and Denshichirō. Genjirō being the new head of the House of Yoshioka, the bout will be conducted in his name. But he is still a child, so it is stipulated that a number of the Yoshioka disciples will accompany him as his seconds. I tell you this to preclude any misunderstanding.\"\n\nAfter promises had been formally exchanged, Kojirō knocked on the door of the shanty. The door was gingerly opened and the mill hands peeped out.\n\n\"There must be some wood you don't need around here,\" Kojirō said gruffly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to put up a sign. Find me a suitable board and nail it to a post about six feet long.\"\n\nWhile the board was being planed, Kojirō sent a man for brush and ink. Materials assembled, he wrote the time, place and other details in an expert hand. As before, the notice was being made public, for this was a better guarantee than a private exchange of oaths." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To dishonor the pledge would be to bring on public ridicule.\n\nMusashi watched the Yoshioka men erect the signboard at the most conspicuous corner in the neighborhood. He turned away nonchalantly and walked rapidly to the Yanagi Riding Grounds.\n\nAll alone in the dark, Jōtarō was fidgety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eyes and ears were alert, but he saw only the occasional light of a palanquin and heard only fleeting echoes of men singing songs on their way home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dreading the thought that Musashi might have been injured or even killed, he eventually lost patience and started off at a run toward Yanagimachi.\n\nBefore he had gone a hundred yards, Musashi's voice came through the darkness. \"Hey! What's this?\"\n\n\"Oh, there you are!\" the boy exclaimed with relief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It took you so long, I decided to go have a look.\"\n\n\"That wasn't very smart. We might have missed each other.\"\n\n\"Were there lots of Yoshioka men outside the gate?\"\n\n\"Um, quite a few.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't they try to capture you?\" Jōtarō looked quizzically up at Musashi's face. \"Nothing at all happened?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where are you going? Lord Karasumaru's house is this way. I bet you're eager to see Otsū, aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to see her very badly.\"\n\n\"At this time of night, she'll be terribly surprised.\"\n\nAn awkward silence ensued.\n\n\"Jōtarō, do you remember that little inn where we first met? What was the name of the village?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Karasumaru's house is much nicer than that old inn.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure there's no comparison.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Everything's closed up for the night, but if we go around to the servants' gate, they'll let us in. And when they find out I've brought you, Lord Karasumaru himself may come to greet you. Oh, I meant to ask you, what's wrong with that crazy monk Takuan? He was so mean it made me sick. He told me the best thing to do with you was leave you alone. And he didn't want to tell me where you were, though he knew perfectly well all along.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi made no comment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō prattled on as they walked.\n\n\"There it is,\" said Jōtarō, pointing at the back gate. Musashi stopped but said nothing. \"See that light above the fence? That's the north wing, where Otsū's staying. She must be waiting up for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he made a quick move toward the gate, Musashi gripped his wrist tightly and said, \"Not just yet. I'm not going into the house. I want you to give Otsū a message for me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not going in? Isn't that why you're here?\"\n\n\"No. I only wanted to see that you arrived safely.\"\n\n\"You must come in! You can't leave now!\" He tugged frantically at Musashi's sleeve." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Keep your voice down,\" said Musashi, \"and listen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't listen! I won't! You promised to come with me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And I did come, didn't I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't invite you to look at the gate. I asked you to visit Otsū.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Calm down... For all I know, I may be dead in a very short time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's nothing new. You're always saying a samurai must be prepared to die at any time.\"\n\n\"That's true, and I think it's a good lesson for me to hear you repeat my words. But this time isn't like the others. I already know I don't have one chance in ten of surviving. That's why I don't think I should see Otsū.\"\n\n\"That doesn't make sense.\"\n\n\"You wouldn't understand now if I explained. When you grow older, though, you will.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you telling the truth? Do you really think you're going to die?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do. But you can't tell Otsū that, not while she's sick. Tell her to be strong, to choose a path that will lead to her future happiness. That's the message I want you to give her. You mustn't mention anything about my being killed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will tell her! I'll tell her everything! How can I lie to Otsū? Oh, please, please come with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi pushed him away. \"You're not listening.\"\n\nJōtarō couldn't hold back the tears. \"But... but I feel so sorry for her. If I tell her you refused to see her, she'll get worse. I know she will.\"\n\n\"That's why you have to give her my message. Tell her it won't do either of us any good to see each other as long as I'm still training to be a warrior. The way I've chosen is one of discipline. It requires me to overcome my sentiments, lead a stoic life, immerse myself in hardship. If I don't, the light I seek will escape me. Think, Jōtarō. You yourself are going to have to follow the same path, or you'll never become a self-respecting warrior.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boy was quiet, except for his weeping." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi put his arm around him and hugged him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Way of the Samurai—one never knows when it will end. When I'm gone, you must find yourself a good teacher. I can't see Otsū now, because I know that in the long run she'll be happier if we don't meet. And when she finds happiness, she'll understand how I feel now. That light—are you sure it's coming from her room? She must be lonely. You must go and get some sleep.\"\n\nJōtarō was beginning to understand Musashi's dilemma, but there was a trace of sullenness in his attitude as he stood with his back to his teacher. He realized he could press Musashi no further.\n\nLifting his tearful face, he grasped at the last faint ray of hope." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When your studies are finished, will you see Otsū and make up with her? You will, won't you? When you think you've studied long enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, when that day comes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When will that be?\"\n\n\"It's difficult to say.\"\n\n\"Two years, maybe?\"\n\nMusashi did not answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Three years?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no end to the path of discipline.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aren't you ever going to see Otsū again, for the rest of your life?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If the talents I was born with are the right ones, I may someday achieve my goal. If not, I may go through life being as stupid as I am now. But now I'm faced with the possibility of dying soon. How can a man with that prospect make vows for the future to a woman as young as Otsū?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had said more than he'd intended to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō looked bewildered, but then said triumphantly, \"You don't have to promise Otsū anything. All I'm asking is that you see her.\"\n\n\"It's not as simple as that. Otsū's a young woman. I'm a young man. I dislike admitting this to you, but if I met her, I'm afraid her tears would defeat me. I wouldn't be able to stick to my decision.\"\n\nMusashi was no longer the impetuous youth who had spurned Otsū at Hanada Bridge. He was less self-centered and reckless, more patient and much more gentle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshino's charm might have reawakened the fires of passion, had he not rejected love in much the same way that fire repels water. Still, when the woman was Otsū, he lacked confidence in his ability to practice self-control. He knew that he must not think of her without considering the effect he might have on her life.\n\nJōtarō heard Musashi's voice close to his ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you understand now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy wiped the tears from his eyes, but when he took his hand away from his face and looked around, he saw nothing but thick black mist.\n\n\"Sensei!\" he cried.\n\nEven as he ran to the corner of the long earthen wall, he knew his cries would never bring Musashi back. He pressed his face to the wall; the tears came afresh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt utterly defeated, again by adult reasoning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wept until his throat tightened and no sound came out, but his shoulders went on shaking with convulsive sobs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Noticing a woman outside the servants' gate, he thought it must be one of the kitchen girls returning from a late errand and wondered if she had heard him crying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shadowy figure raised her veil and walked slowly toward him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jōtarō? Jōtarō, is that you?\"\n\n\"Otsū! What are you doing out here? You're sick.\"\n\n\"I was worried about you. Why did you leave without saying anything to anyone? Where have you been all this time? The lamps were lit and the gate closed and still you didn't return. I can't tell you how worried I was.\"\n\n\"You're crazy. What if your fever goes up again? Go back to bed, right now!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why were you crying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll tell you later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to know now. There must have been something to upset you so. You went chasing after Takuan, didn't you?\"\n\n\"Hmm. Yes.\"\n\n\"Did you find out where Musashi is?\"\n\n\"Takuan's evil. I hate him!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't tell you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh, no.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're hiding something from me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, you're both impossible!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "wailed Jōtarō. \"You and that stupid teacher of mine. I can't tell you anything before you lie down and I put a cold towel on your head. If you don't go back to the house now, I'm going to drag you there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seizing her wrist with one hand and beating on the gate with the other, he called furiously, \"Open up! The sick girl's out here. If you don't hurry up, she'll freeze!\"\n\nA Toast to the Morrow\n\nMatahachi paused on the pebbled road and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He had run all the way from Gojō Avenue to Sannen Hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face was quite red, but this was due more to the sake he'd drunk than to the rare physical exertion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ducking through the dilapidated gate, he trotted round to the little house beyond the vegetable garden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mother!\" he called urgently. Then he glanced into the house and muttered, \"Is she sleeping again?\"\n\nAfter stopping by the well to wash his hands and feet, he entered the house.\n\nOsugi stopped snoring, opened one eye and roused herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are you making such a racket?\" she asked grumpily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, are you finally awake?\"\n\n\"What do you mean by that?\"\n\n\"All I have to do is sit down for a minute and you start griping about how lazy I am, nagging at me to search for Musashi.\"\n\n\"Well, pardon me,\" Osugi said indignantly, \"for being old. I have to sleep for my health, but nothing's wrong with my spirit. I haven't felt well since the night Otsū got away. And my wrist, where Takuan grabbed it, is still sore.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why is it every time I feel good, you start complaining about something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Osugi glared. \"You don't often hear me complain, in spite of my age. Have you found out anything about Otsū or Musashi?\"\n\n\"The only people in town who haven't heard the news are old women who sleep all day.\"\n\n\"News! What news?\" Osugi was immediately on her knees, crawling closer to her son.\n\n\"Musashi's going to have a third bout with the Yoshioka School.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When? Where?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's a sign at Yanagimachi with all the details. It's going to be in Ichijōji Village early tomorrow morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yanagimachi! That's the licensed quarter.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Osugi's eyes narrowed. \"What were you doing loafing in the middle of the day in a place like that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wasn't loafing,\" Matahachi said defensively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You always take things the wrong way. I was there because it's a good place to pick up news.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never mind; I was just teasing. I'm satisfied you've settled down and won't go back to the wicked life you were leading. But did I hear you right? Did you say tomorrow morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, at five o'clock.\"\n\nOsugi thought. \"Didn't you tell me you knew somebody at the Yoshioka School?\"\n\n\"Yes, but I didn't meet them under very favorable circumstances. Why?\"\n\n\"I want you to take me to the school, right now. Get yourself ready.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Matahachi was again struck by the impetuousness of the aged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without making a move, he said coolly, \"Why get excited? Anybody would think the house was on fire. What do you expect to accomplish by going to the Yoshioka School?\"\n\n\"Volunteer our services, of course.\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"They're going out to kill Musashi tomorrow. I'll ask them to let us join them. We may not be much help, but we can probably get in at least one good blow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother, you must be joking!\" Matahachi laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you find so funny?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're so simple-minded.\"\n\n\"How dare you speak that way! You're the one who's simple-minded.\"\n\n\"Instead of arguing, go out and look around. The Yoshiokas are out for blood; this is their last chance. The rules of fighting aren't going to mean anything to them. The only way they can possibly save the House of Yoshioka is by killing Musashi—any way they can. It's no secret they're going to attack in force.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\" Osugi purred." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then Musashi's bound to be killed... Isn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not so sure. He may bring men to help him. And if he does, it'll be quite a battle. That's what a lot of people think will happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They may be right, but it's still annoying. We can't just sit on our hands and let somebody else kill him after searching for him all this time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree, and I've got a plan,\" Matahachi said excitedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If we get there before the battle, we can present ourselves to the Yoshiokas and tell them why we're after Musashi. I'm sure they'll let us strike a blow at the corpse. Then we can take some of his hair, or a sleeve, or something like that, and use it to prove to the people back home that we killed him. That would restore our standing, wouldn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a good plan, my son. I doubt if there's any better way.\" Apparently forgetting that she had once suggested the same thing to him, she sat straight and squared her shoulders. \"Not only would it clear our name, but with Musashi dead, Otsū would be like a fish out of water.\"\n\nHis mother's calm restored, Matahachi felt relieved—but also thirsty again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that's settled. We have a few hours to wait. Don't you think we should have some sake before dinner?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hmm; all right. Have some brought out here. I'll have a little myself to celebrate our approaching victory.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he put his hands on his knees and started to get up, he glanced to one side, blinked and stared.\n\n\"Akemi!\" he cried, and ran to the small window.\n\nShe was cowering under a tree just outside, like a guilty cat that had not quite managed to flee in time. Staring with disbelieving eyes, she gasped, \"Matahachi, is that you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What brought you here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I've been staying here for some time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had no idea. Are you with Okō?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you live with her anymore?\"\n\n\"No. You know Gion Tōji, don't you?\"\n\n\"I've heard of him.\"\n\n\"He and Mother ran away together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her little bell tinkled as she raised her sleeve to hide her tears.\n\nThe light in the shade of the tree had a bluish tinge; the nape of her neck, her delicate hand, everything about her looked very different from the Akemi he remembered. The girlish glow that had so enchanted him at Ibuki and relieved his gloom at the Yomogi was no longer in evidence.\n\n\"Matahachi,\" said Osugi suspiciously, \"who's that you're talking to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the girl I told you about before. Okō's daughter.\"\n\n\"Her? What was she doing, eavesdropping?\"\n\nMatahachi turned, saying heatedly, \"Why do you always jump to conclusions? She's staying here too. She just happened to be passing by. Right, Akemi?\"\n\n\"Yes, I didn't dream you were here, though I saw that girl named Otsū here once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you talk to her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not really, but later I got to wondering. Isn't she the girl you were engaged to?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I thought so. My mother caused you a lot of trouble, didn't she?\"\n\nMatahachi ignored the question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you still single? You look different somehow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mother made life miserable for me after you left. I put up with it as long as I could, because she is my mother. But last year, when we were in Sumiyoshi, I ran away.\"\n\n\"She messed up both our lives, didn't she? But you just wait and see. In the end, she'll get what she deserves.\"\n\n\"I don't even care if she doesn't. I just wish I knew what I'm going to do from now on.\"\n\n\"Me too. The future doesn't look very bright. I'd like to get even with Okō, but I suppose all I'll ever do is think about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While they were complaining about their difficulties, Osugi had busied herself with her travel preparations. Now, with a click of her tongue, she said sharply, \"Matahachi! Why are you standing there grumbling to somebody who has nothing to do with us? Come help me pack!\"\n\n\"Yes, Mother.\"\n\n\"Good-bye, Matahachi. See you again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking dejected and ill at ease, Akemi hurried away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Presently a lamp was lit, and the maid appeared with dinner trays and sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mother and son exchanged cups without looking at the bill, which lay on the tray between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The servants, who came one by one to pay their respects, were followed by the innkeeper himself.\n\n\"So you're leaving tonight?\" he said. \"It's been good having you with us for so long. I'm sorry we haven't been able to give you the special treatment you deserve. We hope to see you again when you're next in Kyoto.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" replied Osugi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I may very well come again. Let's see, it's been three months, hasn't it—since the end of the year?\"\n\n\"Yes, about that. We'll miss you.\"\n\n\"Won't you have a little sake with us?\"\n\n\"That's very kind of you. It's quite unusual to be leaving at night. What made you decide to do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To tell the truth, some important business came up very suddenly. By the way, do you happen to have a map of Ichijōji Village?\"\n\n\"Let's see, that's a little place on the other side of Shirakawa, near the top of Mount Hiei. I don't think you'd better be going there in the middle of the night. It's quite deserted and—\"\n\n\"That doesn't matter,\" interrupted Matahachi. \"Would you please just draw us a map?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll be glad to. One of my servants comes from there. He can furnish me with the information I need. Ichijōji, you know, doesn't have many people, but it's spread out over quite a large area.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Matahachi, a little drunk, said curtly, \"Don't worry about where we're going. We just want to know how to get there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, forgive me. Take your time with your preparations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rubbing his hands together obsequiously, he bowed his way out onto the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he was about to step down into the garden, three or four of his employees came running up, the chief clerk saying excitedly, \"Didn't she come this way?\"\n\n\"Who?\"\n\n\"That girl, the one who was staying in the back room.\"\n\n\"Well, what about her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure I saw her earlier in the evening, but then I looked in her room, and—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get to the point!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can't find her.\"\n\n\"You idiot!\" shouted the innkeeper, his outraged face devoid of the oily servility he had shown a few moments ago. \"What's the use of running around like this after she's gone? You should have known from her looks there was something wrong. You let a week go by without making sure she had money? How can I stay in business with you doing stupid things like that?\"\n\n\"I'm sorry, sir. She seemed decent.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, it's too late now. You'd better see whether anything's missing from the other guest rooms. Oh, what a pack of dunces!\" He stormed off toward the front of the inn.\n\nOsugi and Matahachi drank a little more sake, then the old woman switched to tea and advised her son to do likewise.\n\n\"I'll just finish what's here,\" he said, pouring himself another cup." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want anything to eat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not good for you not to eat. Have a little rice and some pickles at least.\"\n\nClerks and servants were running about in the garden and passageways, waving their lanterns.\n\n\"They don't seem to have caught her,\" said Osugi. \"I don't want to get involved, so I kept quiet in front of the innkeeper, but don't you think the girl they're looking for is the one you were talking to earlier?\n\n\"I wouldn't be surprised.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you couldn't expect much from somebody with a mother like hers. Why on earth were you so friendly with her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I feel kind of sorry for her. She's had a hard life.\"\n\n\"Well, be careful and don't let on that you know her. If the innkeeper thinks she has some connection with us, he'll demand that we pay her bill.\"\n\nMatahachi had other things on his mind. Clutching the back of his head, he lay back and grumbled, \"I could kill that whore! I can see her face now. Musashi's not the one who led me astray. It was Okō!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Osugi rebuked him sharply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be stupid! Supposing you killed Okō— what good would it do our reputation? Nobody in the village knows or cares about her.\"\n\nAt two o'clock the innkeeper came to the veranda with a lantern and announced the time.\n\nMatahachi stretched and asked, \"Did you catch the girl?\"\n\n\"No; no sign of her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sighed. \"She was pretty, so the clerks thought that even if she couldn't pay her bill, we could get back the money by having her live here for a while, if you see what I mean. Unfortunately, she was a bit too fast for us.\"\n\nSitting on the edge of the veranda, Matahachi tied his sandals. After waiting a minute or so, he called irritably, \"Mother, what are you doing in there? You're always hurrying me up, but at the last minute you're never ready!\"\n\n\"Just hold on. Matahachi, did I give you the money pouch I carry in my traveling bag? I paid the bill with some cash from my stomach wrapper, but our travel money was in the pouch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I haven't seen it.\"\n\n\"Come here a minute. Here's a scrap of paper with your name on it. What!... Why, of all the nerve! It says... it says that because of her long acquaintance with you, she hopes you'll pardon her for borrowing the money. Borrowing... borrowing!\"\n\n\"That's Akemi's writing.\"\n\nOsugi turned on the innkeeper." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Story collab\nMe: Opening\nYou: 8 sentences more, Eiji Yoshikawa-style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait for me, Matahachi. Why do you have to walk so fast?\" Osugi, far behind and completely winded, had forfeited both patience and pride.\n\nMatahachi, in a voice calculated to be heard, grumbled, \"She was in such a hurry when we left the inn, but listen to her now. She talks better than she walks.\"\n\nAs far as the foot of Mount Daimonji, they had been on the road to Ichijōji, but now, deep in the mountains, they were lost.\n\nOsugi would not give up. \"The way you keep picking on me,\" she rasped, \"anybody would think you had a terrible grudge against your own mother.\" By the time she had wiped the sweat from her wrinkled face, Matahachi was off again.\n\n\"Won't you slow down?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she cried. \"Let's sit here for a while.\"\n\n\"If you keep stopping every ten feet to rest, we won't be there before sunrise.\"\n\n\"The sun won't be up for a long time yet. Ordinarily I wouldn't have any trouble on a mountain road like this, but I'm coming down with a cold.\"\n\n\"You'll never admit you're wrong, will you? Back there, when I woke up the innkeeper so you could rest, you couldn't sit still for a minute. You didn't want anything to drink, so you started carrying on about how we'd be late. I hadn't had two sips before you dragged me out of the place. I know you're my mother, but you're a hard woman to get along with.\"\n\n\"Ha! Still peeved because I wouldn't let you drink yourself silly. Is that it? Why can't you exercise a little restraint? We have important things to do today.\"\n\n\"It's not as if we're going to whip out our swords and do the job ourselves. All we have to do is get a lock of Musashi's hair or something off the body. There's nothing so hard about that.\"\n\n\"Have it your way! No use fighting with each other like this. Let's go.\"\n\nAs they started walking again, Matahachi resumed his disgruntled soliloquy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The whole thing's stupid. We take a lock of hair back to the village and offer it as proof that our great mission in life had been accomplished. Those bumpkins have never been out of the mountains, so they'll be impressed. Oh, how I hate that village!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not only had he not lost his fondness for the good sake of Nada, the pretty girls of Kyoto and a number of other things, he still believed the city was where he would get his lucky break. Who could deny that one morning he mightn't wake up with everything he'd ever wanted? \"I'll never go back to that piddling village,\" he vowed silently.\n\nOsugi, again lagging a good distance behind, cast dignity to the winds. \"Matahachi,\" she wheedled, \"carry me on your back, won't you? Please. Just for a short while?\"\n\nHe frowned, said nothing, but stopped to let her catch up. Just as she reached him, their ears were assaulted by the shriek of terror that had jolted Otsū and Jōtarō. Faces blankly curious, they stood still, listening keenly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A moment later, Osugi uttered a cry of dismay, as Matahachi ran abruptly to the edge of the cliff.\n\n\"Wh-where are you going?\"\n\n\"It must be down there!\" he said, and disappeared over the edge of the cliff. \"Stay there. I'll see who it is.\"\n\nOsugi recovered in no time. \"Fool!\" she shouted. \"Where are you going?\"\n\n\"You deaf? Didn't you hear that scream?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's that got to do with you? Come back! Come back here!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ignoring her, he rapidly made his way from tree root to tree root to the bottom of the little ravine.\n\n\"Fool! Numskull!\" she cried. She might as well have been barking at the moon.\n\nMatahachi again shouted to her to stay where she was, but he was so far down that Osugi barely heard him. \"Now what?\" he thought, beginning to regret his impulsiveness. If he was wrong about where the cry had come from, he was wasting time and energy.\n\nThough no moonlight penetrated the foliage, his eyes gradually became accustomed to the dark. He came upon one of the many shortcuts crisscrossing the mountains east of Kyoto and leading to Sakamoto and Ōtsu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Walking alongside a brook with tiny waterfalls and rapids, he found a hut, probably a shelter for men who came to spear mountain trout." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was too small to hold more than one person, and obviously empty, but behind it he spotted a crouching figure, face and hands starkly white.\n\n\"It's a woman,\" he thought with satisfaction, and concealed himself behind a large rock.\n\nAfter a couple of minutes, the woman crept from behind the hut, went to the edge of the stream and scooped up some water to drink. He took a step forward. As though warned by animal instinct, the girl looked around furtively and started to flee.\n\n\"Akemi!\"\n\n\"Oh, you frightened me!\" But there was relief in her voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She swallowed the water that had caught in her throat and heaved a deep sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After eyeing her up and down, Matahachi asked, \"What happened? What are you doing here at this hour of the night dressed in traveling clothes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's your mother?\"\n\n\"She's up there.\" He waved his arm.\n\n\"I bet she's furious.\"\n\n\"About the money?\"\n\n\"Yes. I'm really sorry, Matahachi. I had to leave in a hurry, and I didn't have enough to pay my bill, and nothing to travel on. I know it was wrong, but I panicked. Please forgive me! Don't make me go back! I promise I'll return the money someday.\" She melted into tears.\n\n\"Why all the apologies? Oh, I see. You think we came up here to catch you!\"\n\n\"Oh, I don't blame you. Even if it was just a wild impulse, I did run away with the money. If I'm caught and treated like a thief, I guess I can't really complain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the way Mother would look at it, but I'm not like that. Anyway, it wasn't very much. If you really needed it, I'd have been glad to give it to you. I'm not angry. I'm much more interested in why you left so suddenly and what you're doing up here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I overheard you and your mother talking tonight.\"\n\n\"Oh? About Musashi?\"\n\n\"Uh, yes.\"\n\n\"And you decided all of a sudden to go to Ichijōji?\"\n\nShe didn't answer.\n\n\"Oh, I forgot!\" he exclaimed, recalling his purpose in coming down into the ravine. \"Were you the one who screamed a few minutes ago?\"\n\nShe nodded, then quickly stole a frightened glance at the slope above them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Satisfied that nothing was there, she told him how she had crossed the stream and was climbing a steep crag when she looked up and saw an incredibly evil-looking ghost sitting on a high rock, staring at the moon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had the body of a midget, but the face, that of a woman, was an eerie color, whiter than white, with a mouth that slashed up on one side to the ear. It seemed to be laughing grotesquely at her and had frightened her out of her wits. Before she came to her senses, she had already slid back down into the ravine.\n\nThough the tale sounded absurd, she told it with deadly seriousness. Matahachi tried to listen politely, but was soon overcome with laughter.\n\n\"Ha, ha! You're making it all up! You probably frightened the ghost. Why, you used to roam the battlefields and didn't even wait for the dead spirits to leave before you started stripping the corpses.\"\n\n\"I was only a child then. I didn't know enough to be afraid.\"\n\n\"You weren't all that young... I gather you're still pining over Musashi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No... He was my first love, but—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why go to Ichijōji?\"\n\n\"I don't really know myself. I just thought that if I went, I might see him.\"\n\n\"You're wasting your time,\" he said emphatically, then told her Musashi didn't have a chance in a thousand of coming out of the battle alive.\n\nAfter what had happened to her at the hands of Seijūrō and Kojirō, thoughts of Musashi could no longer conjure up images of the bliss she had once imagined sharing with him. Having neither died nor found a life that appealed to her, she felt like a soul in limbo—a goose separated from the flock and lost.\n\nAs he stared at her profile, Matahachi was struck by the similarity between her situation and his. They had both been cut adrift from their moorings. Something in her powdered face suggested that she was looking for a companion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He put his arm around her, brushed his cheek against hers and whispered, \"Akemi, let's go to Edo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To... to Edo? You must be joking,\" she said, but the idea shook her out of her trance.\n\nTightening his hold on her shoulders, he said, \"It doesn't necessarily have to be Edo, but everybody says it's the city of the future. Osaka and Kyoto are old now. Maybe that's why the shōgun's building a new capital in the east. If we go there now, there should still be lots of good jobs, even for a couple of stray geese like you and me. Come on, Akemi, say you'll go.\" Encouraged by the growing spark of interest in her face, he went on more fervently.\n\n\"We could have fun, Akemi. We could do the things we want to do. Why live if you can't do that? We're young. We've got to learn to be bold and clever. Neither of us will get anywhere acting like weaklings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The more you try to be good and honest and conscientious, the harder fate kicks you in the teeth and laughs at you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You end up crying your heart out, and where does that get you?\n\n\"Look, that's the way it's always been for you, isn't it? You've done nothing but let yourself be devoured by that mother of yours and some brutal men. From now on, you've got to be the one who eats, rather than the one who gets gobbled up.\"\n\nShe was beginning to be swayed. Her mother's teahouse had been a cage from which they had both fled. Since then the world had shown her nothing but cruelty. She sensed that Matahachi was stronger and better able to cope with life than she. After all, he was a man.\n\n\"Will you go?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even though she knew it was as if the house had burned down and she was trying to rebuild it with the ashes, it took some effort to shake off her fantasy, the rapturous daydream in which Musashi was hers and hers alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But finally she nodded without speaking.\n\n\"Then it's settled. Let's go, now!\"\n\n\"What about your mother?\"\n\n\"Oh, her?\" He sniffed. He glanced up at the cliff. \"If she manages to lay hands on something to prove that Musashi's dead, she'll go back to the village. No doubt she'll be mad as a hornet when she finds I'm not around. I can hear her now, telling everybody how I left her on the mountain to die, the way they used to throw away old women in some parts of the country. But if I make a success of myself, that'll make up for everything. Anyway, we've made up our minds. Let's go!\"\n\nHe strode off ahead, but she hung back.\n\n\"Matahachi, not that way!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll have to pass that rock again.\"\n\n\"Ha, ha! And see the midget with a woman's face? Forget it! I'm with you now. Oh, listen—isn't that my mother calling? Hurry up, before she comes looking for me. She's a lot worse than a small ghost with a scary face.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "same energy as Eiji Yoshikawa, keep writing" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the man had completed his business and left, Musashi dried himself and put on his clothes, thinking the coast was clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when he walked out onto the highroad, he almost bumped into him.\n\nThe samurai bowed and, looking intently into his face, said, \"Aren't you Miyamoto Musashi?\"\n\nMusashi nodded, and the samurai, ignoring the suspicion written on his face, said, \"I knew it.\" After a short paean to his own perspicacity, he continued familiarly, \"You can't know how happy I am to meet you at last. I've had the feeling I'd run into you somewhere along the way.\" Without pausing to give Musashi a chance to speak, he urged him to spend the night at the same inn with him. \"Let me assure you,\" he added, \"you don't have to worry about me. My status, if you'll forgive me for saying so, is such that I usually travel with a dozen attendants and a change of horses. I'm a retainer of Date Masamune, the lord of Aoba Castle in Mutsu. My name is Ishimoda Geki.\"\n\nWhen Musashi passively accepted the invitation, Geki decided they would stay at the inn for daimyō and led him into the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How about a bath?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. \"But of course, you've just had one. Well, make yourself comfortable while I take one. I'll be back shortly.\" He took off his traveling clothes, picked up a towel and left the room.\n\nThough the man had a winning way about him, Musashi's head was full of questions. Why would this well-placed warrior be looking for him? Why was he being so friendly?\n\n\"Wouldn't you like to change into something more comfortable?\" asked the maid, proffering one of the cotton-stuffed kimonos furnished to guests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, thank you. I'm not sure I'll be staying.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi stepped out onto the veranda. Behind him he heard the maid quietly setting the dinner trays. As he watched the ripples on the lake change from deep indigo to black, the image of Otsū's sad eyes formed in his mind. \"I suppose I'm not looking in the right place,\" he thought. \"Anyone evil enough to kidnap a woman certainly has the instinct to avoid towns.\" He seemed to hear Otsū calling for help. Was it really all right to take the philosophic view that all things happen as a result of heaven's will?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Standing there doing nothing, he felt guilty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Coming back from his bath, Ishimoda Geki apologized for having left him alone and sat down before his dinner tray. Noticing that Musashi still wore his own kimono, he asked, \"Why don't you change?\"\n\n\"I'm comfortable in what I have on. I wear this all the time—on the road, inside the house, when I sleep on the ground under the trees.\"\n\nGeki was favorably impressed. \"I might have known,\" he said. \"You want to be ready for action at any time, no matter where you are. Lord Date would admire that.\" He stared with unconcealed fascination at Musashi's face, which was lit from the side by the lamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remembering himself after a moment, he said, \"Come. Sit down and have some sake.\" He rinsed off a cup in a bowl of water and offered it to Musashi.\n\nMusashi seated himself and bowed. Resting his hands on his knees, he asked, \"Could you tell me, sir, why you're treating me in such a friendly manner? And if you don't mind, why you were inquiring about me out on the highroad.\"\n\n\"I suppose it's only natural for you to wonder, but there's really very little to explain. Perhaps the simplest way to put it is that I have a sort of crush on you.\" He paused for a moment, laughed and went on: \"Yes, it's a matter of infatuation, a case of one man being attracted to another.\"\n\nGeki seemed to feel this was sufficient explanation, but Musashi was more mystified than ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While it did not seem impossible for one man to be enamored of another, he himself had never experienced such an attachment. Takuan was too severe to inspire strong affection. Kōetsu lived in an entirely different world. Sekishūsai occupied a plane so far above Musashi's that either liking or disliking was inconceivable. Though it could be Geki's way of flattering him, a man who made such statements opened himself to the charge of insincerity. Still, Musashi doubted that this samurai was a sycophant; he was too solid, too manly in appearance, for that.\n\n\"Precisely what do you mean,\" Musashi asked with a sober air, \"when you say you are attracted to me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps I'm being presumptuous, but ever since I heard of your feat at Ichijōji, I've been convinced that you're a man I would like, and like very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Were you in Kyoto then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I arrived during the first month of the year and was staying at Lord Date's residence on Sanjō Avenue. When I happened to drop in on Lord Karasumaru Mitsuhiro the day after the fight, I heard quite a bit about you. He said he'd met you and remarked on your youth and what you'd been doing in the past. Feeling this strong attraction, I resolved that I must make an effort to meet you. On my way from Kyoto, I saw the sign you put up at Shiojiri Pass.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, you saw that?\" Ironic, thought Musashi, that instead of bringing him Jōtarō, the sign had brought him someone of whose existence he had never dreamed.\n\nBut the more he considered the matter, the less he felt he deserved the esteem in which Geki seemed to hold him. Painfully conscious of his own mistakes and failures, he found Geki's adulation embarrassing.\n\nWith perfect honesty, he said, \"I think you're rating me too highly.\"\n\n\"There are a number of outstanding samurai serving under Lord Date—his fief has an income of five million bushels, you know—and in time I've met many a skilled swordsman. But from what I've heard, it would seem that few can be compared with you. What's more, you're still very young. You have your whole future before you. And that, I suppose, is why you appeal to me. Anyway, now that I've found you, let's be friends. Have a drink, and talk about anything that interests you.\"\n\nMusashi accepted the sake cup in good humor and began matching his host drink for drink." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before long, his face was bright red." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Geki, still going strong, said, \"We samurai from the north can drink a lot. We do it to stay warm. Lord Date can outdrink any of us. With a strong general in the lead, it wouldn't do for the troops to fall behind.\"\n\nThe maid kept bringing more sake. Even after she'd trimmed the lamp wick several times, Geki showed no inclination to stop. \"Let's drink all night,\" he suggested. \"That way, we can talk all night.\"\n\n\"Fine,\" agreed Musashi. Then, with a smile: \"You said you'd talked to Lord Karasumaru. Do you know him well?\"\n\n\"You couldn't say we're close friends, but over the years I've been to his house any number of times on errands. He's very friendly, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I met him on the introduction of Hon'ami Kōetsu. For a nobleman, he seemed remarkably full of life.\"\n\nLooking somewhat dissatisfied, Geki asked, \"Is that your only impression? If you'd talked with him at any length, I'd think you'd have been struck by his intelligence and sincerity.\"\n\n\"Well, we were in the licensed quarter at the time.\"\n\n\"In that case, I suppose he refrained from revealing his true self.\"\n\n\"What's he really like?\"\n\nGeki settled himself in more formal fashion and in a rather grave tone said, \"He's a troubled man. A man of sorrows, if you will. The shogunate's dictatorial ways disturb him greatly.\"\n\nFor a moment, Musashi was conscious of a lilting sound coming from the lake and the shadows cast by the white light of the lamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly Geki asked, \"Musashi, my friend, for whose sake are you trying to perfect your swordsmanship?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never having considered the question, Musashi replied with guileless candor, \"For my own.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's all right as far as it goes, but for whose sake are you trying to improve yourself? Surely your aim is not merely personal honor and glory. That's hardly sufficient for a man of your stature.\" By accident or design, Geki had come around to the subject he really wanted to talk about. \"Now that the whole country's under Ieyasu's control,\" he declared, \"we have a semblance of peace and prosperity. But is it real? Can the people actually live happily under the present system?\n\n\"Over the centuries, we've had the Hōjōs, the Ashikagas, Oda Nobunaga, Hideyoshi—a long string of military rulers consistently oppressing not only the people but the Emperor and the court as well. The imperial government has been taken advantage of, and the people mercilessly exploited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All the benefits have gone to the military class. This has been going on since Minamoto no Yoritomo, hasn't it? And the situation today is unchanged.\n\n\"Nobunaga seems to have had some idea of the injustice involved; at least he built a new palace for the Emperor. Hideyoshi not only honored the Emperor Go-Yōzei by requiring all the daimyō to pay obeisance to him, but even tried to provide a measure of welfare and happiness for the common people. But what of Ieyasu? To all intents and purposes, he has no interest beyond the fortunes of his own clan. So again, the happiness of the people and the well-being of the imperial family are being sacrificed to create wealth and power for a military dictatorship. We seem to be at the threshold of another age of tyranny. No one worries about this state of affairs more than Lord Date Masamune or, among the nobility, Lord Karasumaru.\"\n\nGeki paused, waiting for a response, but none was forthcoming except for a barely articulate, \"I see.\"\n\nLike anyone else, Musashi was aware of the drastic political changes that had occurred since the Battle of Sekigahara. Yet he had never paid any attention to activities of the daimyō in the Osaka faction, or the ulterior motives of the Tokugawas, or the stands taken by powerful outside lords like Date and Shimazu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All he knew about Date was that his fief officially had an income of three million bushels per year but in fact probably yielded five million, as Geki had mentioned.\n\n\"Twice every year,\" Geki went on, \"Lord Date sends produce from our fief to Lord Konoe in Kyoto for presentation to the Emperor. He's never failed to do this, even in times of war. That's why I was in Kyoto.\n\n\"Aoba Castle is the only one in the country to have a special room reserved for the Emperor. It's unlikely, of course, that it'll ever be used, but Lord Date set it aside for him anyway, built it out of wood taken from the old Imperial Palace when that was rebuilt. He had the wood brought from Kyoto to Sendai by boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And let me tell you about the war in Korea. During the campaigns there, Katō, Konishi and other generals were competing for personal fame and triumph. Not Lord Date. Instead of his own family crest, he wore the crest of the rising sun and told everyone he'd never have led his men to Korea for the glory of his own clan or for that of Hideyoshi. He went out of love for Japan itself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Musashi listened attentively, Geki became absorbed in his monologue, describing his master in glowing terms and assuring Musashi that he was unexcelled in his single-minded devotion to the nation and the Emperor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a time he forgot about drinking but then suddenly looked down and said, \"The sake's cold.\" Clapping his hands for the maid, he was about to order more.\n\nMusashi hurriedly interrupted. \"I've had more than enough. If you don't mind, I'd rather have some rice and tea now.\"\n\n\"Already?\" mumbled Geki. He was obviously disappointed but, out of deference to his guest, told the girl to bring the rice.\n\nGeki continued to talk as they ate. The impression Musashi formed of the spirit that seemed to prevail among the samurai of Lord Date's fief was that, as individuals and as a group, they were vitally concerned with the Way of the Samurai and with the problem of disciplining themselves in accordance with the Way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This Way had existed since ancient times, when the warrior class had come into being, but its moral values and obligations were now little more than a vague memory. During the chaotic domestic strife of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the ethics of the military man had been distorted, if not totally ignored, and now almost anyone who could wield a sword or shoot an arrow from a bow was regarded as a samurai, regardless of the attention—or lack of it—given to the deeper meaning of the Way.\n\nThe self-styled samurai of the day were often men of lower character and baser instincts than common peasants or townsmen. Having nothing but brawn and technique to command the respect of those beneath them, they were in the long run doomed to destruction. There were few daimyō capable of seeing this, and only a handful of the higher vassals of the Tokugawas and the Toyotomis gave any thought to establishing a new Way of the Samurai, which could become the foundation of the nation's strength and prosperity.\n\nMusashi's thoughts returned to the years when he had been confined in Himeji Castle. Takuan, remembering that Lord Ikeda had in his library a handwritten copy of Nichiyō Shūshin-kan by Fushikian, had taken it out for Musashi to study." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fushikian was the literary name of the celebrated general Uesugi Kenshin; in his book, he recorded points of daily ethical training for the guidance of his chief vassals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From this, Musashi had not only learned about Kenshin's personal activities but also gained an understanding of why Kenshin's fief in Echigo had come to be known throughout the country for its wealth and military prowess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Swayed by Geki's enthusiastic descriptions, he began to feel that Lord Date, besides equaling Kenshin in integrity, had created in his domain an atmosphere in which samurai were encouraged to develop a new Way, one that would enable them to resist even the shogunate, should that become necessary.\n\n\"You must forgive me for going on and on about matters of personal interest,\" said Geki. \"What do you think, Musashi? Wouldn't you like to come to Sendai, see for yourself? His lordship is honest and straightforward. If you're striving to find the Way, your present status doesn't matter to him. You can talk with him as you would with any other man.\n\n\"There's a great need for samurai who will devote their lives to their country. I'll be more than happy to recommend you. If it's all right with you, we can go to Sendai together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By this time the dinner trays had been removed, but Geki's ardor was in no way diminished. Impressed, but still cautious, Musashi replied, \"I'll have to give it some thought before I can reply.\"\n\nAfter they had said good night, Musashi went to his room, where he lay awake in the dark, his eyes glistening.\n\nThe Way of the Samurai. He concentrated on this concept as it applied to himself and to his sword.\n\nSuddenly he saw the truth: the techniques of a swordsman were not his goal; he sought an all-embracing Way of the Sword. The sword was to be far more than a simple weapon; it had to be an answer to life's questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Way of Uesugi Kenshin and Date Masamune was too narrowly military, too hidebound." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would be up to him to add to its human aspect, to give it greater profundity, greater loftiness.\n\nFor the first time, he asked whether it was possible for an insignificant human being to become one with the universe." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "i'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next five sentences in the distinctive voice of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi's first waking thought was of Otsū and Jōtarō, and though he and Geki carried on a convivial conversation over breakfast, the problem of how to find them was very much on his mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After emerging from the inn, he unconsciously scrutinized every face he encountered on the highroad. Once or twice he thought he saw Otsū ahead, only to find he was mistaken.\n\n\"You seem to be looking for someone,\" said Geki.\n\n\"I am. My companions and I got separated along the way, and I'm worried about them. I think I'd better give up the idea of going to Edo with you and search some of the other roads.\"\n\nDisappointed, Geki said, \"That's too bad. I was looking forward to traveling with you. I hope the fact that I talked too much last night won't change your mind about visiting Sendai.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Geki's manner, straightforward and masculine, appealed to Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's very kind of you,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope I have the chance someday.\"\n\n\"I want you to see for yourself how our samurai conduct themselves. And if you're not interested in that, then just regard it as a sightseeing trip. You can listen to the local songs and visit Matsushima. It's famous for its scenery, you know.\" Geki took his leave and headed briskly for Wada Pass.\n\nMusashi turned around and went back to where the Kōshū highroad branched off from the Nakasendō. As he stood there mapping out his strategy, a group of day laborers from Suwa came up to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their dress suggested they were porters or grooms or bearers of the primitive palanquins used in these parts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They approached slowly, arms folded, looking like an army of crabs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As their eyes rudely sized him up, one of them said, \"Sir, you seem to be looking for someone. A beautiful lady, is it, or only a servant?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi shook his head, waved them off with a slightly disdainful gesture and turned away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not know whether to go east or west, but finally made up his mind to spend the day seeing what he could find out in the neighborhood. If his inquiries led nowhere, he could then proceed to the shōgun's capital with a clear conscience.\n\nOne of the laborers broke in upon his thoughts. \"If you're looking for somebody, we could help you,\" he said. \"It's better than standing around under the hot sun. What does your friend look like?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another added, \"We won't even set a rate for our services. We'll leave it up to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi relented to the extent of describing Otsū and Jōtarō in detail.\n\nAfter consulting with his fellows, the first man said, \"We haven't seen them, but if we split up we're sure to find them. The kidnappers must've taken one of the three roads between Suwa and Shiojiri. You don't know this area, but we do.\"\n\nNone too optimistic about his chances of success in such difficult terrain, Musashi said, \"All right, go look for them.\"\n\n\"Done,\" shouted the men.\n\nAgain they huddled, ostensibly deciding who was to go where." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then the ringleader came forward, rubbing his hands together deferentially. \"There's just one little thing, sir. You see... I don't like to mention it, but we're just penniless laborers. Why, not one of us has had anything to eat yet today. Wonder if you couldn't advance us half a day's pay and, say, a little something extra. I guarantee we'll find your companions before sundown.\"\n\n\"Of course. I was planning to give you something.\"\n\nThe man named a figure, which Musashi found, after counting his money, was more than he had. He was not unmindful of the value of money, but being alone, with no one to support, his attitude was on the whole indifferent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Friends and admirers sometimes donated travel funds, and there were temples where he could often obtain free lodging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At other times, he slept in the open or went without ordinary food. One way or another, he had always managed to get by.\n\nOn this trip, he had left the finances to Otsū, who had received a sizable gift of travel money from Lord Karasumaru. She had been paying the bills and giving him a certain amount of spending money each morning, as any ordinary housewife might do.\n\nKeeping only a little for himself, he distributed the rest of his money among the men, and though they'd expected more, they agreed to undertake the search as a \"special favor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait for us by the two-story gate of the Suwa Myōjin Shrine,\" the spokesman advised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"By evening we'll be back with some news.\" They made off in several directions.\n\nRather than waste the day doing nothing, Musashi went to see Takashima Castle and the town of Shimosuwa, stopping here and there to note features of the local topography, which might come in handy at some future date, and to observe the methods of irrigation. He asked several times whether there were any outstanding military experts in the area, but heard nothing of interest.\n\nAs sundown drew near, he went to the shrine and sat down, tired and dispirited, on the stone stairway leading up to the two-story gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one showed up, so he took a turn around the spacious shrine grounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he returned to the gate, there was still no one there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though not loud, the sound of horses stamping the ground began to get on his nerves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Descending the steps, he came upon a shed, obscured by the trees, where an ancient horsekeeper was feeding the shrine's sacred white horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glanced at Musashi accusingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can I help you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked brusquely. \"Do you have some business with the shrine?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Upon hearing why Musashi was there, he broke out in uncontrollable laughter. Musashi, seeing nothing at all funny about his predicament, made no attempt to conceal a scowl. Before he spoke, however, the old man said, \"You've no business being on the road by yourself. You're too innocent. Did you really believe roadside vermin would spend the whole day looking for your friends? If you paid them in advance, you'll never see them again.\"\n\n\"You mean you think they were just putting on an act when they divided up and left?\"\n\nThe horsekeeper's expression changed to one of sympathy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been robbed!\" he said. \"I heard there were about ten vagrants drinking and gambling in the grove on the other side of the mountain all day today. They're most likely the ones. These things happen all the time.\" He went on to tell some stories of travelers being cheated out of their money by unscrupulous laborers, but concluded mildly, \"That's the way the world is. You'd better be more careful from now on.\"\n\nWith this sage advice, he picked up his empty pail and departed, leaving Musashi feeling foolish. \"It's too late to do anything now,\" he sighed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I pride myself on my ability not to give my opponent any opening, and then get taken in by a gang of illiterate workmen!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This evidence of his gullibility came like a slap in the face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Such lapses could easily muddy his practice of the Art of War. How could a man so easily deceived by his inferiors effectively command an army? As he climbed slowly toward the gate, he resolved to henceforth pay more attention to the ways of the world about him.\n\nOne of the laborers was peering around in the dark, and as soon as he caught sight of Musashi, he called to him and ran partway down the steps.\n\n\"Glad I found you, sir,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've got news about one of the people you're looking for.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" Musashi, having just reprimanded himself for his naiveté, was astonished but gratified to know that not everyone in the world was a swindler. \"By one of them, do you mean the boy or the woman?\"\n\n\"The boy. He's with Daizō of Narai, and I've found out where Daizō is, or at least where he's headed.\"\n\n\"Where might that be?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I didn't think that bunch I was with this morning would do what they promised. They took the day off to gamble, but I felt sorry for you. I went from Shiojiri to Seba, asking everybody I ran into. Nobody knew anything about the girl, but I heard from the maid at the inn where I ate that Daizō passed through Suwa about noon today on his way to Wada Pass. She said he had a young boy with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Embarrassed, Musashi said rather formally, \"It was good of you to let me know.\" He took out his money pouch, knowing it contained only enough for his own meal. He hesitated a moment, but reflecting that honesty should not go unrewarded, gave the laborer his last bit of cash.\n\nPleased with the tip, the man raised the money to his forehead in a gesture of thanks and went happily on his way.\n\nWatching his money go down the road, Musashi felt he had used it for a purpose worthier than that of filling his stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the laborer, having learned that right conduct can be profitable, would go out on the road the next day and help another traveler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was already dark, but he decided that instead of sleeping under the eaves of some peasant's house, he would cross Wada Pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By traveling all night, he should be able to catch up with Daizō. He started off, savoring once again the satisfaction of being on a deserted road at night. Something about it appealed to his nature. Counting his footsteps, listening to the silent voice of the heavens above, he could forget everything and rejoice in his own being. When he was surrounded by crowds of busy people, his spirit often seemed sad and isolated, but now he felt alive and buoyant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could think about life coolly and objectively, even appraise himself as he might appraise a total stranger.\n\nA little after midnight, his musings were distracted by a light in the distance. He had been climbing steadily since crossing the bridge over the Ochiai River. One pass was behind him; the next one, at Wada, loomed up in the starry sky ahead, and beyond that the even higher crossing at Daimon. The light was in a hollow that ran parallel to the two ridges." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It looks like a bonfire,\" he thought, feeling pangs of hunger for the first time in hours." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe they'll let me dry off my sleeves, give me a bit of gruel or something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he drew near, he saw that it wasn't an outdoor fire but the light from a small roadside teahouse. There were four or five stakes for tying horses, but no horses. It seemed incredible that there would be anyone in such a place at this hour, yet he could hear the sound of raucous voices mingling with the crackling of the fire. He stood hesitantly under the eaves for a few minutes. If it had been a farmer's or a woodcutter's hut, he would have had no qualms about asking for shelter and some leftovers, but this was a place of business." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smell of food made him hungrier than ever. The warm smoke enveloped him; he could not tear himself away. \"Well, if I explain my situation to them, maybe they'll accept the statue as payment.\" The \"statue\" was the small image of Kannon he had carved from the wood of an ancient plum tree.\n\nWhen he barged into the shop, the startled customers stopped talking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The interior was simple, a dirt floor with a hearth and fire hood in the middle, around which huddled three men on stools." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stewing in a pot was a mixture of boar's meat and giant radish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A jar of sake was warming in the ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Standing with his back to them, slicing pickles and chatting good-naturedly, was the proprietor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "asked one of the customers, a keen-eyed man with long sideburns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too hungry to hear, Musashi passed by the men and, seating himself on the edge of a stool, said to the proprietor, \"Give me something to eat, quick. Rice and pickles'll do. Anything.\"\n\nThe man poured some of the stew over a bowl of cold rice and set it before him. \"Are you planning to cross the pass tonight?\" he asked.\n\n\"Um,\" mumbled Musashi, who had already seized some chopsticks and was attacking the food with gusto. After his second mouthful, he asked, \"Do you know if a man named Daizō—he comes from Narai—passed here this after noon, going toward the pass? He has a young boy with him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid I can't help you.\" Then, to the other men, \"Tōji, did you or your friends see an older man traveling with a boy?\"\n\nAfter a bit of whispering, the three replied in the negative, shaking their heads in unison.\n\nMusashi, filled and warmed by the hot food, began to worry about the bill. He'd hesitated discussing it with the proprietor first, due to the presence of the other men, but he didn't for a moment feel he was begging." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had simply seemed more important to tend to his stomach's needs first. He made up his mind that if the shopkeeper would not accept the statue, he'd offer him his dagger.\n\n\"I'm sorry to have to tell you this,\" he began, \"but I don't have any cash at all. I'm not asking for a free meal, mind you. I have something here to offer in payment, if you'll take it.\"\n\nWith unexpected amiability, the proprietor replied, \"I'm sure that'll be all right. What is it?\"\n\n\"A statue of Kannon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A real statue?\"\n\n\"Oh, it's not the work of a famous sculptor—just something I carved myself. It may not be worth even the price of a bowl of rice, but take a look at it anyway.\"\n\nAs he began untying the cords of his bag, the one he had carried for years, the three men left off drinking and focused their attention on his hands. Besides the statue, the bag contained a single change of underwear and a writing set. When he emptied out the contents, something fell with a clunk to the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others gasped, for the object that lay at Musashi's feet was a money pouch, from which several gold and silver coins had spilled out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi himself stared in speechless amazement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did that come from?\" he wondered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other men craned their necks to gape at the treasure.\n\nFeeling something else in the bag, Musashi pulled out a letter. It consisted of a single line, saying, \"This should take care of your travel expenses for the time being,\" and was signed \"Geki.\"\n\nMusashi had a pretty clear idea of what it meant: it was Geki's way of trying to buy his services for Lord Date Masamune of Sendai and Aoba Castle. The increasing probability of a final clash between the Tokugawas and the Toyotomis made it imperative for the great daimyō to maintain sizable numbers of able fighters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A favorite method used in the cutthroat competition for the few really outstanding samurai was to attempt to get such men in debt, even for a small sum, and then forge a tacit agreement for future cooperation.\n\nIt was common knowledge that Toyotomi Hideyori was providing large sums of money to Gotō Matabei and Sanada Yukimura. Though Yukimura was ostensibly in retirement on Mount Kudo, so much gold and silver was being sent to him from Osaka Castle that Ieyasu had undertaken a full-scale investigation. Since the personal requirements of a retired general living in a hermitage were fairly modest, it was all but certain that the money was being passed on to several thousand indigent rōnin, who were idling away their time in nearby towns and cities waiting for the outbreak of hostilities.\n\nFinding an able warrior, as Geki believed he had, and somehow enticing him into his lord's service was one of the most valuable services a retainer could perform." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And it was for just this reason that Musashi had no interest in Geki's money: using it would incur an unwanted obligation. In a matter of seconds, he decided to ignore the gift, to pretend it did not exist.\n\nWithout a word he reached down, picked up the pouch and restored it to his bag. Addressing the proprietor as though nothing had happened, he said, \"All right then, I'll leave the statue here in payment.\"\n\nBut the man balked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't accept that now, sir!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there something wrong with it? I don't claim to be a sculptor, but—\"\n\n\"Oh, it's not bad, and I would have taken it if you didn't have any money, like you said, but you've got plenty. Why do you throw your cash around for people to see if you want them to think you're broke?\"\n\nThe other customers, sobered and thrilled by the sight of the gold, vigorously nodded their agreement. Musashi, recognizing the futility of arguing that the money was not his, took out a piece of silver and handed it to the man.\n\n\"This is far too much, sir,\" complained the proprietor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you have anything smaller?\"\n\nA cursory examination revealed some variation in the worth of the pieces, but nothing less valuable. \"Don't worry about the change,\" Musashi said. \"You can keep it.\"\n\nNo longer able to maintain the fiction that the money didn't exist, Musashi tucked the pouch into his stomach wrapper for safekeeping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, despite urgings to linger awhile, he shouldered his pack and went out into the night. Having eaten and restored his strength, he calculated that he could make it to Daimon Pass by sunrise. By day, he would have seen around him an abundance of highland flowers—rhododendrons, gentians, wild chrysanthemums—but at night there in the immense sea of darkness he could see only a cottonlike mist clinging to the earth.\n\nHe was about two miles from the teahouse when one of the men he'd seen there hailed him, saying, \"Wait! You forgot something.\" Catching up with Musashi, the man puffed, \"My, you walk fast! After you left, I found this money, so I brought it to you. It must be yours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He held out a piece of silver, which Musashi refused, saying it certainly wasn't his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man insisted that it was. \"It must have rolled into the corner when you dropped your money pouch.\"\n\nNot having counted the money, Musashi was in no position to prove the man wrong. With a word of thanks, he took the silver and put it in his kimono sleeve. Yet for some reason he found himself unmoved by this display of honesty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though the man's errand had been completed, he fell in alongside Musashi and began making small talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps I shouldn't ask, but are you studying swordsmanship under a well-known teacher?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. I use my own style.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The perfunctory answer failed to discourage the man, who declared that he had been a samurai himself, adding, \"But for the time being I'm reduced to living here in the mountains.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Um. Those two back there too. We were all samurai. Now we make our living cutting trees and gathering herbs. We're like the proverbial dragon biding its time in a pond. I can't pretend to be Sano Genzaemon, but when the time comes, I'll grab my old sword and put on my threadbare armor and go fight for some famous daimyō. I'm just waiting for that day to come!\"\n\n\"Are you for Osaka or Edo?\"\n\n\"Doesn't matter. The main thing is to be on somebody's side, or else I'll waste my life hanging around here.\"\n\nMusashi laughed politely. \"Thanks for bringing the money.\"\n\nThen, in an effort to lose the man, he started taking long, rapid strides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The man stayed right beside him, step for step." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He also kept pressing in on Musashi's left side, an encroachment that any experienced swordsman would regard as suspicious. Rather than reveal his wariness, however, Musashi did nothing to protect his left side, leaving it wide open.\n\nThe man became increasingly friendly. \"May I make a suggestion? If you'd like, why don't you come spend the night at our place? After Wada Pass, you've still got Daimon ahead of you. You might make it by morning, but it's very steep—a difficult road for a man not familiar with these parts.\"\n\n\"Thanks. I think I'll take you up on that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You should, you should. Only thing is, we don't have anything to offer in the way of food or entertainment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd be happy to have a place to lie down. Where is your house?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About a half mile off to the left and a little higher up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You really are deep in the mountains, aren't you?\"\n\n\"As I said, until the proper time comes, we're lying low, gathering herbs, hunting, doing things like that. I share a house with the other two men.\"\n\n\"Now that you mention it, what became of them?\"\n\n\"They're probably still drinking. Every time we go there, they get drunk, and I wind up lugging them home. Tonight I decided to just leave them... Watch out! There's a sharp drop there—stream down below. It's dangerous.\"\n\n\"Do we cross the stream?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. It's narrow here, and there's a log across it just below us. After we cross, we turn right and climb up along the riverbank.\"\n\nMusashi sensed that the man had stopped walking, but he did not look back. He found the log and started across. A moment later, the man leaped forward and lifted the end of the log in an attempt to throw Musashi into the stream.\n\n\"What are you up to?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shout came from below, but the man jerked his head upward in astonishment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi, having anticipated his treacherous move, had already jumped from the log and lit as lightly as a wagtail on a large rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His startled attacker dropped the log into the stream. Before the curtain of flying water had fallen back to earth, Musashi had jumped back onto the bank, sword unsheathed, and cut his assailant down. It all happened so quickly that the man did not even see Musashi draw.\n\nThe corpse wriggled for a moment or two before subsiding into stillness. Musashi did not deign to give it a glance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had already taken a new stance in preparation for the next attack, for he was sure there would be one. As he steeled himself for it, his hair stood up like an eagle's crown feathers.\n\nA short silence ensued, followed by a boom loud enough to split the gorge asunder. The gunshot seemed to have come from somewhere on the other side. Musashi dodged, and the well-aimed slug hissed through the space he had been occupying, burying itself in the embankment behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Falling as though wounded, Musashi looked across to the opposite side, where he saw red sparks flying through the air like so many fireflies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could just make out two figures creeping cautiously forward.\n\nA Cleansing Fire\n\nClenching his teeth tightly on the sputtering fuse, the man made ready to fire his musket again. His confederate crouched down, and squinting into the distance, whispered, \"Do you think it's safe?\"\n\n\"I'm sure I got him with the first shot,\" came the confident reply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two crept cautiously forward, but no sooner had they reached the edge of the bank than Musashi jumped up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The musketeer gasped and fired but lost his balance, sending the bullet uselessly skyward. As the echo reverberated through the ravine, both men, the other two from the teahouse, fled up the path.\n\nSuddenly one of them stopped in his tracks and roared, \"Wait! What are we running for? There's two of us and only one of him. I'll take him on and you can back me up.\"\n\n\"I'm with you!\" shouted the musketeer, letting go of the fuse and aiming the butt of his weapon at Musashi.\n\nThey were definitely a cut above ordinary hoodlums." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man Musashi took to be the leader wielded his sword with genuine finesse; nonetheless, he was a poor match for Musashi, who sent them both flying through the air with a single sword stroke. The musketeer, sliced from shoulder to waist, fell dead to the ground, his upper torso hanging over the bank as if by a thread. The other man sped up the slope, clutching a wounded forearm, with Musashi in hot pursuit. Showers of dirt and gravel rose and fell in his wake.\n\nThe ravine, Buna Valley, lay midway between Wada and Daimon passes and took its name from the beech trees that seemed to fill it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On its highest point stood an exceptionally large mountaineer's cabin surrounded by trees and itself crudely fashioned of beech logs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Scrambling rapidly toward the tiny flame of a torch, the bandit shouted, \"Douse the lights!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Protecting the flame with an outstretched sleeve, a woman exclaimed, \"Why, you— Oh! You're covered with blood!\"\n\n\"Sh-shut up, you fool! Put out the lights—the ones inside too.\" He could hardly get the words out from panting, and with a last look behind him, he hurtled past her. The woman blew out the torch and rushed after him.\n\nBy the time Musashi arrived at the cabin, not a trace of light was visible anywhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Open up!\" he bellowed. He was indignant, not for being taken to be a fool, nor because of the cowardly attack, but because men like these daily inflicted great harm on innocent travelers.\n\nHe might have broken open the wooden rain shutters, but rather than make a frontal attack, which would have left his back dangerously exposed, he cautiously kept at a distance of four or five feet.\n\n\"Open up!\"\n\nGetting no answer, he picked up the largest rock he could handle and hurled it at the shutters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It struck the crack between the two panels, sending both the man and the woman reeling into the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sword flew out from beneath them and was followed by the man crawling on his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He quickly regained his feet and retreated into the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi bounded forward and seized him by the back of his kimono.\n\n\"Don't kill me! I'm sorry!\" pleaded Gion Tōji, his whining tone exactly that of a petty crook.\n\nHe was soon back on his feet again, trying to find Musashi's weak point. Musashi parried each of his moves, but when he pressed forward to hem in his opponent, Tōji, mustering all his strength, pulled his short sword and made a powerful thrust." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dodging adroitly, Musashi swept him up in his arms and with a cry of contempt sent him crashing into the next room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Either an arm or a leg struck the pot hanger, for the bamboo pole from which it hung broke with a loud crack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "White ashes billowed up from the hearth like a volcanic cloud.\n\nA barrage of missiles coming through the smoke and ashes kept Musashi at bay. As the ashes settled, he saw that his adversary was no longer the bandits' chief, who was flat on his back near the wall. The woman, between curses, was throwing everything she could lay her hands on—pot lids, kindling, metal chopsticks, tea bowls.\n\nMusashi leapt forward and quickly pinned her to the floor, but she managed to pull a bodkin from her hair and take a stab at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he brought his foot down on her wrist, she gnashed her teeth, then cried out in anger and disgust at the unconscious Tōji, \"Haven't you any pride? How can you lose to a nobody like this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hearing the voice, Musashi abruptly drew in his breath and let her go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She jumped to her feet, grabbed up the short sword and lunged at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop it, ma'am,\" said Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Startled by the oddly courteous tone, she paused and gaped at him. \"Why, it's... it's Takezō!\"\n\nHis hunch was right. Apart from Osugi, the only woman who would still call him by his childhood name was Okō.\n\n\"It is Takezō,\" she exclaimed, her voice growing syrupy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your name's Musashi now, isn't it? You've become quite a swordsman, haven't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing in a place like this?\"\n\n\"I'm ashamed to say.\"\n\n\"Is that man lying over there your husband?\"\n\n\"You must know him. He's what's left of Gion Tōji.\"\n\n\"That's Tōji?\" murmured Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had heard in Kyoto what a reprobate Tōji was, and how he had pocketed the money collected to enlarge the school and absconded with Okō. Still, as he looked at the human wreck by the wall, he couldn't help feeling sorry for him. \"You'd better tend to him,\" he said. \"If I'd known he was your husband, I wouldn't have been so rough with him.\"\n\n\"Oh, I want to crawl in a hole and hide,\" simpered Okō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She went to Tōji's side, gave him some water, bound his wounds, and when he had begun to come around, told him who Musashi was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" he croaked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Miyamoto Musashi? The one who... Oh, this is awful!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Placing his hands over his face, he doubled up abjectly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Forgetting his anger, Musashi allowed himself to be treated as an honored guest. Okō swept the floor, tidied up the hearth, put on new kindling and heated some sake.\n\nHanding him a cup, she said, in accordance with the accepted rules of etiquette, \"We haven't a thing to offer, but... \"\n\n\"I had quite enough at the teahouse,\" Musashi replied politely. \"Please don't go to any trouble.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I hope you can eat the food I've prepared. It's been such a long time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having hung a pot of stew on the pot hanger, she sat down beside him and poured his sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It reminds me of old times at Mount Ibuki,\" said Musashi amiably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A strong wind had come up, and though the shutters were again securely in place, it came in through various cracks and teased the smoke from the hearth as it rose to the ceiling.\n\n\"Please don't remind me of that,\" said Okō. \"But tell me, have you heard anything of Akemi? Do you have any idea where she is?\"\n\n\"I heard she spent several days at the inn on Mount Hiei. She and Matahachi were planning to go to Edo. Seems she ran away with all his money.\"\n\n\"Oh?\" said Okō disappointedly. \"Her too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gazed at the floor, sadly comparing her daughter's life with her own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Tōji had recovered sufficiently, he joined them and begged Musashi's forgiveness. He had, he avowed, acted on a sudden impulse, which he now deplored. There would come a day, he assured his guest, when he would reenter society as the Gion Tōji the world had known before.\n\nMusashi kept quiet, but he would have liked to say that there didn't seem to be much to choose from between Tōji the samurai and Tōji the bandit, but if he did return to the life of a warrior, the roads would be that much safer for travelers.\n\nSomewhat mellowed by the sake, he said to Okō, \"I think you'd be wise to give up this dangerous way of life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're quite right, but of course, it's not as though I'm living this way out of choice. When we left Kyoto, we were going to try our luck in Edo. But in Suwa, Tōji got to gambling and lost everything we had—travel money, everything. I thought of the moxa business, so we started gathering herbs and selling them in the town. Oh, I've had enough of his get-rich-quick schemes to last a lifetime. After tonight, I'm through.\" As always, a few drinks had introduced a coquettish note into her speech. She was beginning to turn on the charm.\n\nOkō was one of those women of indeterminate age, and she was still dangerous. A house cat will romp coyly on its master's knees so long as it is well fed and cared for, but turn it loose in the mountains, and in no time it will be prowling the night with flaming eyes, ready to feast off a corpse or tear the living flesh off travelers who have fallen sick by the wayside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okō was very much like that.\n\n\"Tōji,\" she said lovingly, \"according to Takezō, Akemi was headed for Edo. Couldn't we go there too and live more like human beings again? If we found Akemi, I'm sure we'd think of some profitable business to go into.\"\n\n\"Well, maybe,\" was the unenthusiastic reply. His arms were wrapped pensively around his knees; perhaps the implied idea—peddling Akemi's body—was a little raw even for him. Tōji, after living with this predatory woman, was beginning to have the same regrets as Matahachi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Musashi, the expression on Tōji's face seemed pathetic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It reminded him of Matahachi. With a shudder, he recalled how he himself had once been enticed by her charms.\n\n\"Okō,\" said Tōji, lifting his head. \"It won't be long till daylight. Musashi's probably tired. Why don't you fix a place for him in the back room, so he can get some rest?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course.\" With a tipsy sidelong glance at Musashi, she said, \"You'll have to be careful, Takezō. It's dark back there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks. I could use some sleep.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He followed her down a dark corridor to the back of the house. The room seemed to be an addition to the cabin. It was supported by logs and projected out over the valley, with a drop of about seventy feet from the outer wall to the river. The air was damp from the mist and the spray blowing in from a waterfall. Each time the groaning of the wind rose a trifle, the little room rocked like a boat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okō's white feet retreated across the slatted floor of the outdoor hallway to the hearth room.\n\n\"Has he gone to sleep?\" asked Tōji.\n\n\"I think so,\" she replied, kneeling by his side. She whispered in his ear, \"What are you going to do?\"\n\n\"Go call the others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're going through with it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Absolutely! It's not just a matter of money. If I kill the bastard, I'll have taken revenge for the House of Yoshioka.\"\n\nTucking up the skirt of her kimono, she went outside, Under the starless sky, deep in the mountains, she sped through the black wind like a feline demon, her long hair streaming out behind.\n\nThe nooks and crevices on the mountainside were not inhabited solely by birds and beasts. As Okō raced along, she made contact with more than twenty men, all members of Tōji's band. Trained for night forays, they moved more quietly than floating leaves to a spot just in front of the cabin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Only one man?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A samurai?\"\n\n\"Does he have money?\"\n\nThe whispered exchanges were accompanied by explanatory gestures and eye movements. Carrying muskets and daggers and the type of lances used by boar hunters, a few of them surrounded the back room. About half went down into the valley, while a couple stopped halfway down, directly below the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The floor of the room was covered with reed mats. Along one wall were neat little piles of dried herbs and a collection of mortars and other tools used to make medicine. Musashi found the pleasant aroma of the herbs soothing; it seemed to beckon him to close his eyes and sleep. His body felt dull and swollen to the tips of his extremities. But he knew better than to give in to the sweet temptation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was aware there was something afoot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The herb gatherers of Mimasaka never had storage sheds like this; theirs were never located where dampness accumulated and were always at some distance from dense foliage. By the dim light of a small lamp resting on a mortar stand beside his pillow, he could see something else that disturbed him. The metal brackets holding the room together at the corners were surrounded by numerous nail holes. He could also discern fresh wooden surfaces that must previously have been covered by joinery. The implication was unmistakable: the room had been rebuilt, probably a number of times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tiny smile came to his lips, but he did not stir." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takezō,\" Okō called softly. \"Are you asleep?\" Gently sliding the shoji aside, she tiptoed to his pallet and placed a tray near his head. \"I'll put some water here for you,\" she said. He gave no sign of being awake.\n\nWhen she was back in the cabin itself, Tōji whispered, \"Is everything all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Closing her eyes for emphasis, she replied, \"He's sound asleep.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a satisfied look, Tōji hurried outside, went to the back of the cabin and waved a lighted musket fuse, whereupon the men below pulled the supports out from under the room, sending it crashing down into the valley—walls, frame, ridgepole and all.\n\nWith a triumphant roar, the others sprang from their hiding places, like hunters from behind portable blinds, and rushed down to the riverbank. The next step was to extricate the corpse and the victim's belongings from the debris. After that, it would be a simple matter to gather up the pieces and rebuild the room.\n\nThe bandits jumped into the pile of planks and posts like dogs falling on bones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Arriving from above, others asked, \"Have you found the body?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not yet.\"\n\n\"It's got to be here somewhere.\"\n\nTōji shouted raucously, \"Maybe he struck a rock or something on the way down and bounced off to the side. Look all around.\"\n\nRocks, water, the trees and plants of the valley, were taking on a bright reddish cast. With startled exclamations, Tōji and his henchmen looked toward the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seventy feet above, bright flames spouted from the doors, windows, walls and roof of the cabin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had turned into a huge ball of fire.\n\n\"Quick! Hur-r-ry! Get back up here!\" The piercing summons came from Okō, and sounded like the howl of a woman gone mad.\n\nBy the time the men had made their way up the cliff, the flames were dancing wildly in the wind. Unprotected from the shower of sparks and embers, Okō stood tied securely to a tree trunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To a man, they were dumbfounded. Musashi gone? How?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How could he conceivably have outwitted them all?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tōji lost heart; he did not even send his men in pursuit. He had heard enough about Musashi to know they'd never catch him. On their own, however, the bandits quickly organized search parties and flew off in all directions.\n\nThey found no trace of Musashi.\n\nPlaying with Fire" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unlike the other principal routes, there were no trees lining the Kōshū highroad, which joined Shiojiri and Edo by way of Kai Province." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Used for military transport during the sixteenth century, it lacked the Nakasendō's network of back roads and had only recently been upgraded to the status of a main artery." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For travelers coming from Kyoto or Osaka, its least agreeable feature was a dearth of good inns and eating places." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A request for a box lunch was likely to bring forth nothing more appetizing than flat rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves or, even less appealing, balls of plain rice done up in dried oak leaves. Despite the primitive fare—probably not much different from that of the Fujiwara period, hundreds of years earlier—the rustic hostelries swarmed with guests, most of them bound for Edo.\n\nA group of travelers was taking a rest above Kobotoke Pass. One of them exclaimed, \"Look, there's another batch,\" referring to a sight he and his companions had been enjoying almost daily—a group of prostitutes on their way from Kyoto to Edo.\n\nThe girls numbered about thirty, some old, some in their twenties or early thirties, at least five in their middle teens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Together with about ten men who managed or served them, they resembled a large patriarchal family. There were in addition several packhorses loaded down with everything from small wicker baskets to man-sized wooden chests.\n\nThe head of the \"family,\" a man of about forty, was addressing his girls. \"If your straw sandals are giving you blisters, change into zōri, but tie them tight so they don't slip around. And stop complaining that you can't walk any farther. Just look at the children on the road, the children!\" It was clear from his acid tone that he was having a hard time forcing his usually sedentary charges to keep moving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man, whose name was Shōji Jinnai, was a native of Fushimi, a samurai by birth, who had for reasons of his own abandoned the military life to become a brothel keeper. Being both quick-witted and resourceful, he had succeeded in gaining the support of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who often took up residence at Fushimi Castle, and had not only obtained permission to move his own business to Edo but had also persuaded many of his colleagues in the trade to do likewise.\n\nNear the crest of Kobotoke, Jinnai brought his procession to a halt, saying, \"It's still a little early, but we can have our lunch now.\" Turning to Onao, an old woman who functioned as a sort of mother hen, he ordered her to pass out the food.\n\nThe basket containing the box lunches was duly unloaded from one of the horses and a leaf-wrapped ball of rice dealt out to each of the women, who scattered themselves about and relaxed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dust that had yellowed their skin had also turned their black hair nearly white, though they wore broad-brimmed traveling hats or had tied hand towels around their heads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There being no tea, eating entailed a good deal of lip smacking and tooth sucking. There was no suggestion of sexual wiles or amorous thrills. \"Whose arms will embrace this red, red blossom tonight?\" seemed utterly beside the point.\n\n\"Oh, this is delicious!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "cried one of Jinnai's younger charges ecstatically. Her tone of voice would have brought tears to her mother's eyes.\n\nThe attention of two or three others wandered from their lunch to focus on a young samurai passing by.\n\n\"Isn't he handsome?\" whispered one.\n\n\"Umm, not bad,\" replied another, of more worldly outlook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A third volunteered, \"Oh, I know him. He used to come to our place with men from the Yoshioka School.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which one are you talking about?\" asked one lustful-eyed creature.\n\n\"The young one, strutting along there with the long sword on his back.\"\n\nUnaware of the admiration, Sasaki Kojirō was pushing his way through a throng of porters and packhorses.\n\nA high, flirtatious voice called, \"Mr. Sasaki! Over here, Mr. Sasaki!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since there were lots of people named Sasaki, he didn't even turn.\n\n\"You with the forelock!\"\n\nKojirō's eyebrows shot up, and he spun around.\n\n\"Watch your tongues!\" Jinnai shouted angrily. \"You're being rude.\" Then, glancing up from his lunch, he recognized Kojirō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, well,\" he said, rising quickly. \"If it isn't our friend Sasaki! Where are you headed, if I may ask?\"\n\n\"Why, hello. You're the master of the Sumiya, aren't you? I'm going to Edo. And what about you? You seem to be engaged in a full-scale move.\"\n\n\"That we are. We're moving to the new capital.\"\n\n\"Really? Do you think you can make a go of it there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing grows in stagnant waters.\"\n\n\"The way Edo's growing, I imagine there's plenty of work for construction workers and gunsmiths. But elegant entertainment? It seems doubtful there's much demand for it yet.\"\n\n\"You're wrong, though. Women made a city out of Osaka before Hideyoshi got around to taking any notice of it.\"\n\n\"Maybe, but in a place as new as Edo, you probably won't even be able to find a suitable house.\"\n\n\"Wrong again. The government's set aside some marshland in a place called Yoshiwara for people in my business. My associates have already started filling it in, putting in streets and building houses. From all reports, I should be able to find a good street-front location fairly easily.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You mean the Tokugawas are giving the land away? For free?\"\n\n\"Of course. Who'd pay for marshland? The government's even providing some of the construction materials.\"\n\n\"I see. No wonder you're all abandoning the Kyoto area.\"\n\n\"And what about you? Or do you have some prospect of a position with a daimyō?\"\n\n\"Oh, no; nothing like that. I wouldn't take one if it was offered. I just thought I'd see what's going on up there, since it's the shōgun's residence and the place where orders are going to come from in the future. Of course, if I were asked to be one of the shōgun's instructors, I might accept.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though no judge of swordsmanship, Jinnai had a good eye for people. Thinking it just as well not to comment on Kojirō's unbridled egotism, he averted his eyes and began prodding his troop into movement. \"Everybody up now! It's time we were going.\"\n\nOnao, who had been counting heads, said, \"We seem to be missing one girl. Which one is it, now? Kichō? Or maybe Sumizome? No; they're both over there. This is strange. Who could it be?\"\n\nKojirō, disinclined to have a party of prostitutes for traveling companions, went on his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A couple of the girls who had gone back down the road to search returned to where Onao was.\n\nJinnai joined them, \"Here, here, Onao, which one is it?\"\n\n\"Ah, I know now. It was that girl named Akemi,\" she replied contritely, as if the fault were hers. \"The one you picked up on the road in Kiso.\"\n\n\"She must be around here somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We've looked everywhere. I think she must have run away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I didn't have a written commitment from her, and I didn't lend her any 'body money.' She said she was willing, and since she was good-looking enough to be marketable, I took her on. I suppose she's cost me a bit in traveling expenses, but not enough to worry about. Never mind her. Let's get moving.\"\n\nHe began hustling his group along. Even if it meant traveling after sundown, he wanted to reach Hachiōji within the day. If they could get that far before stopping, they could be in Edo the next day.\n\nA short way down the road, Akemi reappeared and fell in with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where have you been?\" Onao demanded angrily. \"You can't just wander off without telling anyone where you're going. Unless, of course, you're planning to leave us.\" The old woman went on to explain self-righteously how they had all been so worried about her.\n\n\"You don't understand,\" said Akemi, from whom the scolding brought nothing but giggles. \"There was a man I know on the road, and I didn't want him to see me. I ran into a clump of bamboo, not knowing there was a sudden drop-off there. I slid all the way down to the bottom.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She corroborated this by holding up her torn kimono and a skinned elbow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But all the time she was begging forgiveness, her face showed not the slightest sign of contrition.\n\nFrom his position near the front, Jinnai caught wind of what had happened and summoned her. Sternly he said, \"Your name's Akemi, isn't it? Akemi—that's hard to remember. If you're really going to succeed in this business, you'll have to find a better name. Tell me, have you really resolved to go through with this?\"\n\n\"Does it require resolution to become a whore?\"\n\n\"It's not something you can take up for a month or so and then quit. And if you become one of my girls, you'll have to give the customers what they ask for, like it or not. Don't make any mistake about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What difference does it make now? Men have already made a mess of my life.\"\n\n\"That's not the right attitude at all. Now, you give this some careful thought. If you change your mind before we reach Edo, that's all right. I won't ask you to pay me back for your food and lodging.\"\n\nThat same day, at the Yakuōin in Takao, an older man, apparently free of the pressures of business, was about to resume his leisurely journey. He, his servant and a boy of about fifteen had arrived the previous evening and requested overnight accommodations. He and the boy had been touring the temple grounds since early morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was now about noon.\n\n\"Use this for roof repairs, or whatever is necessary,\" he said, offering one of the priests three large gold coins.\n\nThe head priest, immediately apprised of the gift, was so overwhelmed by the donor's generosity that he personally hastened out to exchange greetings. \"Perhaps you would like to leave your name,\" he said.\n\nAnother priest, saying this had already been done, showed him the entry in the temple registry, which read: \"Daizō of Narai, dealer in herbs, resident at the foot of Mount Ontake in Kiso.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The head priest apologized profusely for the poor quality of the fare served by the temple, for Daizō of Narai was known throughout the country as a lavish contributor to shrines and temples. His gifts always took the form of gold coins—in some cases, it was said, as many as several dozen. Only he himself knew whether he did this for amusement, to acquire a reputation, or out of piety.\n\nThe priest, eager to have him stay longer, begged him to inspect the temple's treasures, a privilege accorded to few.\n\n\"I'll be in Edo awhile,\" said Daizō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll come see them another time.\"\n\n\"By all means, but at least let me accompany you to the outer gate,\" insisted the priest. \"Are you planning to stop in Fuchū tonight?\"\n\n\"No; Hachiōji.\"\n\n\"In that case, it'll be an easy trip.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me, who's the lord of Hachiōji now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's recently been put under the administration of Ōkubo Nagayasu.\"\n\n\"He was magistrate of Nara, wasn't he?\"\n\n\"Yes, that's the man. The gold mines on Sado Island are also under his control. He's very rich.\"\n\n\"A very able man, it would appear.\"\n\nIt was still daylight when they came to the foot of the mountains and stood on the busy main street of Hachiōji, where reportedly there were no fewer than twenty-five inns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, Jōtarō, where shall we stay?\"\n\nJōtarō, who had stuck to Daizō's side like a shadow, let it be known in no uncertain terms that he preferred \"anywhere—as long as it's not a temple.\"\n\nChoosing the largest and most imposing inn, Daizō entered and requested a room. His distinguished appearance, together with the elegant lacquered traveling case his servant carried on his back, made a dazzling impression on the head clerk, who said fawningly, \"You're stopping quite early, aren't you?\" Inns along the highroads were accustomed to having hordes of travelers tumble in at dinnertime or even later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Daizō was shown to a large room on the first floor, but shortly after sundown, both the innkeeper and the head clerk came to Daizō's room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure it's a great inconvenience,\" the innkeeper began abjectly, \"but a large party of guests has come in very suddenly. I'm afraid it'll be terribly noisy here. If you wouldn't mind moving to a room on the second floor... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, that's perfectly all right,\" replied Daizō good-naturedly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Glad to see your business is thriving.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Signaling Sukeichi, his servant, to take care of the luggage, Daizō proceeded upstairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had no sooner left the room than it was overrun by women from the Sumiya." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The inn wasn't just busy; it was frenetic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What with the hubbub downstairs, the servants did not come when called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dinner was late, and when they had eaten, no one came to clear away the dishes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On top of that, there was the constant tramping of feet on both floors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only Daizō's sympathy for the hired help kept him from losing his temper. Ignoring the litter in the room, he stretched out to take a nap, using his arm for a pillow. After only a few minutes, a sudden thought came to him, and he called Sukeichi.\n\nWhen Sukeichi failed to materialize, Daizō opened his eyes, sat up and shouted, \"Jōtarō, come here!\"\n\nBut he, too, had disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Daizō got up and went to the veranda, which he saw was lined with guests, excitedly gaping with delight at the prostitutes on the first floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Spying Jōtarō among the spectators, Daizō swiftly yanked him back into the room. With a forbidding eye, he demanded, \"What were you staring at?\"\n\nThe boy's long wooden sword, which he did not take off even indoors, scraped the tatami as he sat down. \"Well,\" he said, \"everyone else is looking.\"\n\n\"And just what are they looking at?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, there're a lot of women in the back room downstairs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"What's so entertaining about that?\" The presence of the whores didn't bother Daizō, but for some reason he found the intense interest of the men gawking at them annoying.\n\n\"I don't know,\" replied Jōtarō honestly.\n\n\"I'm going for a walk around town,\" Daizō said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You stay here while I'm gone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can't I go with you?\"\n\n\"Not at night.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"\n\n\"As I told you before, when I go for a walk, it's not simply to amuse myself.\"\n\n\"Well, what's the idea, then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It has to do with my religion.\"\n\n\"Don't you get enough of shrines and temples during the daytime? Even priests have to sleep at night.\"\n\n\"Religion has to do with more than shrines and temples, young man. Now go find Sukeichi for me. He has the key to my traveling case.\"\n\n\"He went downstairs a few minutes ago. I saw him peeking into the room where the women are.\"\n\n\"Him too?\" exclaimed Daizō with a click of his tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go get him, and be quick about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After Jōtarō had left, Daizō began retying his obi.\n\nHaving heard the women were Kyoto prostitutes, famous for their beauty and savoir faire, the male guests were unable to leave off feasting their eyes. Sukeichi was so absorbed with the sight that his mouth was still hanging open when Jōtarō located him.\n\n\"Come on, you've seen enough,\" snapped the boy, giving the servant's ear a tug.\n\n\"Ouch!\" squealed Sukeichi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your master's calling you.\"\n\n\"That's not true.\"\n\n\"It is too. He said he was going for a walk. He's always taking walks, isn't he?\"\n\n\"Eh? Oh, all right,\" said Sukeichi, tearing his eyes away reluctantly.\n\nThe boy had turned to follow him when a voice called, \"Jōtarō? You're Jōtarō, aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voice was that of a young woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked around searchingly. The hope that he would find his lost teacher and Otsū never left him. Could it be? He peered tensely through the branches of a large evergreen shrub.\n\n\"Who is it?\"\n\n\"Me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The face that emerged from the foliage was familiar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, it's only you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akemi slapped him roughly on the back. \"You little monster! And it's been such a long time since I saw you. What are you doing here?\"\n\n\"I could ask you the same question.\"\n\n\"Well, I... Oh, it wouldn't mean anything to you anyway.\"\n\n\"Are you traveling with those women?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am, but I haven't made up my mind yet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Made up your mind about what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whether to become one of them or not,\" she replied with a sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a long pause, she asked, \"What's Musashi doing these days?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This, Jōtarō perceived, was what she really wanted to know. He only wished he could answer the question.\n\n\"Otsū and Musashi and I... we got separated on the highroad.\"\n\n\"Otsū? Who's she?\" She had hardly spoken before she remembered. \"Oh, never mind; I know. Is she still chasing after Musashi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi was in the habit of thinking of Musashi as a dashing shugyōsha, wandering about as the mood suited him, living in the forest, sleeping on bare rocks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even if she succeeded in catching him, he'd see right away how dissolute her life had become and shun her. She had long since resigned herself to the idea that her love would go unrequited.\n\nBut the mention of another woman awoke feelings of jealousy and rekindled the dying embers of her amorous instinct.\n\n\"Jōtarō,\" she said, \"there're too many curious eyes around here. Let's go out somewhere.\"\n\nThey left via the garden gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Out in the street, their eyes were regaled by the lights of Hachiōji and its twenty-five hostelries. It was the liveliest town either had seen since leaving Kyoto. To the northwest rose the dark, silent forms of the Chichibu Range and the mountains marking the boundary of Kai Province, but here the atmosphere was replete with the aroma of sake, noisy with the clicking of weavers' reeds, the shouts of market officials, the excited voices of gamblers and the dispirited whining songs of local street singers.\n\n\"I often heard Matahachi mention Otsū,\" Akemi lied. \"What kind of person is she?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's a very good person,\" Jōtarō said soberly. \"Sweet and gentle and considerate and pretty. I really like her.\"\n\nThe threat Akemi felt hanging over her grew heavier, but she cloaked her feelings with a benign smile. \"Is she really so wonderful?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. And she can do anything. She sings; she writes well. And she's good at playing the flute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now visibly ruffled, Akemi said, \"I don't see what good it does a woman to be able to play the flute.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you don't, you don't, but everybody, even Lord Yagyū Sekishūsai, speaks highly of Otsū. There's only one little thing I don't like about her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All women have their faults. It's just a question of whether they honestly admit to them, the way I do, or try to hide them behind a ladylike pose.\"\n\n\"Otsū's not like that. It's just this one weakness of hers.\"\n\n\"What's that?\"\n\n\"She's always breaking into tears. She's a regular crybaby.\"\n\n\"Oh? Why is that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She cries whenever she thinks of Musashi. That makes being around her pretty gloomy, and I don't like it.\" Jōtarō expressed himself with youthful abandon, heedless of the effect this might have.\n\nAkemi's heart, her whole body, was afire with raging jealousy. It showed in the depths of her eyes, even in the color of her skin. But she continued her interrogation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me, how old is she?\"\n\n\"About the same.\"\n\n\"You mean the same age as me?\"\n\n\"Um. But she looks younger and prettier.\"\n\nAkemi plunged on, hoping to turn Jōtarō against Otsū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Musashi's more masculine than most men. He must hate having to watch a woman carry on all the time. Otsū probably thinks tears will win a man's sympathy. She's like the girls working for the Sumiya.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jōtarō, very much irked, retorted, \"That's not true at all. In the first place, Musashi likes Otsū. He never shows his feelings, but he's in love with her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Akemi's flushed face grew bright crimson. She longed to throw herself into a river to quench the flames that were consuming her.\n\n\"Jōtarō, let's go this way.\" She pulled him toward a red light in a side street.\n\n\"That's a drinking place.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, what of it?\"\n\n\"Women have no business in a place like that. You can't go in there.\"\n\n\"All of a sudden I have the urge to drink, and I can't go in alone. I'd be embarrassed.\"\n\n\"You'd be embarrassed. What about me?\"\n\n\"They'll have things to eat. You can have anything you want.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first glance, the shop seemed empty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi walked right in, then, facing the wall rather than the counter, said, \"Bring me some sake!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One cup after another went down as fast as was humanly possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jōtarō, frightened by the quantity, tried to slow her down, but she elbowed him out of the way.\n\n\"Quiet!\" she yelped. \"What a nuisance you are! Bring some more sake! Sake!\"\n\nJōtarō, insinuating himself between her and the sake jar, pleaded, \"You've got to stop. You can't go on drinking here like this.\"\n\n\"Don't worry about me,\" she slurred." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're a friend of Otsō's, aren't you? I can't stand women who try to win a man with tears!\"\n\n\"Well, I dislike women who get drunk.\"\n\n\"I'm so sorry, but how could a runt like you understand why I drink?\"\n\n\"Come on, just pay the bill.\"\n\n\"You think I've got money?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Maybe he can collect from the Sumiya. I've already sold myself to the master anyway.\" Tears flooded her eyes. \"I'm sorry... I'm really sorry.\"\n\n\"Weren't you the one who was making fun of Otsū for crying? Look at yourself.\"\n\n\"My tears aren't the same as hers. Oh, life's too much trouble. I might as well be dead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With that, she stood up and lurched out into the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shopkeeper, having had other female customers like this in his time, merely laughed it off, but a rōnin who had until then been sleeping quietly in a corner opened his bleary eyes and stared at her retreating back.\n\nJōtarō darted after her and grabbed her around the waist, but he lost his hold. She started running down the darkened street, Jōtarō close behind.\n\n\"Stop!\" he cried with alarm. \"You mustn't even think of it. Come back!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though she seemed not to care whether she ran into something in the dark or fell into a swamp, she was fully conscious of Jōtarō's pleading." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she had plunged into the sea at Sumiyoshi, she had wanted to kill herself, but she was no longer so lacking in guile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She got a certain thrill from having Jōtarō so worried about her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watch out!\" he screamed, seeing that she was headed straight toward the murky water of a moat. \"Stop it! Why do you want to die? It's crazy.\"\n\nAs he caught her around the waist again, she wailed, \"Why shouldn't I die? You think I'm wicked. So does Musashi. Everybody does. There's nothing I can do but die, embracing Musashi in my heart. Never will I let him be taken from me by a woman like that!\"\n\n\"You're pretty mixed up. How did you get this way?\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter. All you have to do is push me into the moat. Go ahead, Jōtarō, push.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Covering her face with her hands, she burst into frenzied tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This awakened a strange fear in Jōtarō. He, too, felt the urge to cry.\n\n\"Come on, Akemi. Let's go back.\"\n\n\"Oh, I yearn so to see him. Find him for me, Jōtarō. Please find Musashi for me.\"\n\n\"Stand still! Don't move; it's dangerous.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Musashi!\"\n\n\"Watch out!\"\n\nAt that moment the rōnin from the sake shop stepped out of the darkness. \"Go away, boy,\" he commanded. \"I'll take her back to the inn.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He put his hands under Jōtarō's arms and roughly lifted him aside.\n\nHe was a tall man, thirty-four or -five years old, with deep-set eyes and a heavy beard. A crooked scar, no doubt left by a sword, ran from below his right ear to his chin. It looked like the jagged tear that appears when a peach is broken open.\n\nSwallowing hard to overcome his fear, Jōtarō tried coaxing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Akemi, please come with me. Everything'll be all right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi's head was now resting on the samurai's chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look,\" the man said, \"she's gone to sleep. Off with you! I'll take her home later.\"\n\n\"No! Let go of her!\"\n\nWhen the boy refused to budge, the rōnin slowly reached out with one hand and grabbed his collar.\n\n\"Hands off!\" screamed Jōtarō, resisting with all his strength.\n\n\"You little bastard! How'd you like to get thrown into the moat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's going to do it?\" He wriggled loose, and as soon as he was free, his hand found the end of his wooden sword. He swung it at the man's side, but his own body did a somersault and landed on a rock by the roadside. He moaned once, then remained still.\n\nJōtarō had been out for some time before he began hearing voices around him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wake up, there.\"\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\nOpening his eyes, he vaguely took in a small crowd of people.\n\n\"Are you awake?\"\n\n\"Are you all right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Embarrassed by the attention he was attracting, he picked up his wooden sword and was trying to get away when a clerk from the inn grabbed his arm. \"Wait a minute,\" he barked. \"What happened to the woman you were with?\"\n\nLooking around, Jōtarō got the impression that the others were also from the inn, guests as well as employees. Some of the men were carrying sticks; others were holding round paper lanterns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A man came and said you'd been attacked and a rōnin had carried the woman off. Do you know which way they went?\"\n\nJōtarō, still dazed, shook his head.\n\n\"That's impossible. You must have some idea.\"\n\nJōtarō pointed in the first direction that came to hand. \"Now I remember. It was that way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was reluctant to say what really happened, fearing a scolding from Daizō for getting involved, but also dreading to admit in front of these people that the rōnin had thrown him.\n\nDespite the vagueness of his reply, the crowd rushed off, and presently a cry went up: \"Here she is. Over here.\"\n\nThe lanterns gathered in a circle around Akemi, whose disheveled form lay where she had been abandoned, on a stack of hay in a farmer's shed. Prodded back to reality by the clatter of running feet, she dragged herself to her feet. The front of her kimono was open; her obi lay on the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hay clung to her hair and clothing.\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\nWhile the word \"rape\" was on the tip of everyone's tongue, no one said it. Nor did it even cross their minds to chase the villain. Whatever had happened to Akemi, they felt, she had brought on herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on, let's go back,\" said one of the men, taking her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi pulled away quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Resting her face forlornly against the wall, she broke down in bitter tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Seems to be drunk.\"\n\n\"How'd she get that way?\"\n\nJōtarō had been watching the scene from a distance. What had befallen Akemi was not clear to him in detail, but somehow he was reminded of an experience that had nothing to do with her. The titillation of lying in the fodder shed in Koyagyū with Kocha came back to him, along with the strangely exciting fear of approaching footsteps." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But his pleasure quickly evaporated. \"I better get back,\" he said decisively.\n\nAs his pace quickened, his spirit, back from its trip to the unknown, moved him to break into song.\n\nOld metal Buddha, standing in the field,\n\nHave you seen a girl of sixteen?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Don't you know a girl who's strayed?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When asked, you say \"Clang.\"\n\nWhen struck, you say \"Bong.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\nfive sentences\n\nStyle:\nEiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not so long ago, this road had been a mere footpath through the rice paddies between the villages of Hibiya and Chiyoda. Had Osugi gone a little to the west, nearer Edo Castle, she would have found an older and more sedate district, where daimyō and vassals of the shōgun had begun building residences soon after Tokugawa Ieyasu occupied Edo in 1590.\n\nAs it was, absolutely nothing appealed to her. She felt ancient. Everyone she saw—shopkeepers, officials on horseback, samurai striding by in basket hats—all were young, as were laborers, craftsmen, vendors, soldiers, even generals.\n\nThe front of one house, where plasterers were still at work, bore a shop sign, behind which sat a heavily powdered woman, brushing her eyebrows as she awaited customers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In other half-finished buildings, people were selling sake, setting up displays of dry goods, laying in supplies of dried fish. One man was hanging out a sign advertising medicine.\n\n\"If I weren't looking for someone,\" Osugi mumbled sourly, \"I wouldn't stay in this garbage dump a single night.\"\n\nComing to a hill of excavated dirt blocking the road, she halted. At the foot of a bridge crossing the as yet waterless moat stood a shanty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its walls consisted of reed matting held in place by strips of bamboo, but a banner proclaimed that this was a public bath. Osugi handed over a copper coin and went in to wash her kimono. After cleaning it as well as she could, she borrowed a drying pole and hung the garment up by the side of the shanty. Clothed in her underwear, with a light bathrobe draped over her back, she squatted in the shadow of the bathhouse and gazed absently at the road.\n\nAcross the street, half a dozen men stood in a circle, haggling in voices loud enough for Osugi to hear what they were saying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many square feet is it? I wouldn't mind considering it if the price is right.\"\n\n\"There's two thirds of an acre. The price is what I mentioned before. I can't come down from that.\"\n\n\"It's too much. You must know that yourself.\"\n\n\"Not at all. It costs a lot of money to fill in land. And don't forget, there's no more available around here.\"\n\n\"Oh, there must be. They're filling in everywhere.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Already sold. People are snatching it up as it is, swamp and all. You won't find three hundred square feet for sale. Of course, if you're willing to go way over toward the Sumida River, you might be able to get something cheaper.\"\n\n\"Do you guarantee there's two thirds of an acre?\"\n\n\"You don't have to take my word for it. Get a rope and measure it off yourself.\"\n\nOsugi was astounded; the figure quoted for a hundred square feet would have been sufficient for tens of acres of good rice land. But essentially the same conversation was taking place all over the city, for many a merchant speculated in land." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Osugi was also mystified." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why would anybody want land here? It's no good for rice, and you can't call this place a city.\"\n\nBy and by the deal across the street was sealed with a ritual hand clapping intended to bring good luck to all concerned." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with 3 sentences in the style of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not at all. But being so busy, I haven't had a chance to go out to Shimōsa.\"\n\n\"If you think you've found someone, you should take the time. I'm surprised at you, Sado, letting something so important wait until you've got other business to take you out there. It's not like you.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry. There're always too many men looking for positions. I thought you'd forgotten about it. I suppose I should have brought it up again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indeed you should have. I don't necessarily accept other people's recommendations, but I'm eager to see anyone old Sado considers suitable. Understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sado apologized again before taking his leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went directly to his own house and without further ado had a fresh horse saddled and set out for Hōtengahara." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isn't this Hōtengahara?\"\n\nSatō Genzō, Sado's attendant, said, \"That's what I thought, but this is no wilderness. There're rice fields all over. The place they were trying to develop must be nearer the mountains.\"\n\nThey had already gone a good distance beyond the Tokuganji and would soon be on the highroad to Hitachi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was late afternoon, and the white herons splashing about in the paddies made the water seem like powder. Along the riverbank and in the shadows of hillocks grew patches of hemp and waving stalks of barley.\n\n\"Look over there, sir,\" said Genzō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is it?\"\n\n\"There's a group of farmers.\"\n\n\"So there is. They seem to be bowing to the ground, one by one, don't they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It looks like some sort of religious ceremony.\"\n\nWith a snap of the reins, Genzō forded the river first, making sure it was safe for Sado to follow.\n\n\"You, there!\" called Genzō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The farmers, looking surprised, spread out from their circle to face the visitors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were standing in front of a small cabin, and Sado could see that the object they'd been bowing before was a tiny wooden shrine, no larger than a birdcage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were about fifty of them, on their way home from work, it appeared, for their tools had all been washed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A priest came forward, saying, \"Why, it's Nagaoka Sado, isn't it? What a pleasant surprise!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you're from the Tokuganji, aren't you? I believe you're the one who guided me to the village after the bandit raid.\"\n\n\"That's right. Have you come to pay a call at the temple?\"\n\n\"No, not this time. I'll be going back right away. Could you tell me where I might find that rōnin named Miyamoto Musashi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's not here anymore. He left very suddenly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Left suddenly? Why should he do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One day last month, the villagers decided to take a day off and celebrate the progress that's been made here. You can see for yourself how green it is now. Well, the morning after that, Musashi and the boy, Iori, were gone.\" The priest looked around, as though half expecting Musashi to materialize out of the air.\n\nIn response to Sado's prompting, the priest filled in the details of his story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the village had strengthened its defenses under Musashi's leadership, the farmers were so thankful for the prospect of living in peace that they practically deified him. Even the ones who had ridiculed him most cruelly had come forward to help with the development project.\n\nMusashi treated them all fairly and equally, first convincing them that it was pointless to live like animals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then tried to impress upon them the importance of exerting a little extra effort so as to give their children a chance for a better life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To be real human beings, he told them, they must work for the sake of posterity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With forty or fifty villagers pitching in to help each day, by fall they were able to keep the floodwaters under control. When winter came, they plowed. And in the spring, they drew water from the new irrigation ditches and transplanted the rice seedlings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By early summer the rice was thriving, while in the dry fields, hemp and barley were already a foot high. In another year, the crop would double; the year after that, triple.\n\nVillagers began to drop in at the cabin to pay their respects, thanking Musashi from the bottom of their hearts, the women bearing gifts of vegetables." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the day of the celebration, the men arrived with great jars of sake, and all took part in performing a sacred dance, accompanied by drums and flutes.\n\nWith the villagers gathered around him, Musashi had assured them that it was not his strength, but theirs. \"All I did was show you how to use the energy you possess.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he had taken the priest aside to tell him that he was concerned about their relying on a vagabond like him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even without me,\" he said, \"they should have confidence in themselves and maintain solidarity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had then taken out a statue of Kannon he'd carved and given it to the priest.\n\nThe morning after the celebration, the village was in an uproar.\n\n\"He's gone!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He can't be.\"\n\n\"Yes, he's disappeared. The cabin's empty.\"\n\nGrief-stricken, none of the farmers went near the fields that day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he heard about it, the priest reproached them sharply for their ingratitude, urging them to remember what they'd been taught and subtly coaxing them to carry on the work that had been started." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Later, the villagers had built the tiny shrine and placed the treasured image of Kannon in it. They paid their respects to Musashi morning and evening, on their way to and from the fields.\n\nSado thanked the priest for the information, concealing the fact that he was disconsolate as only a man of his position could do.\n\nAs his horse made its way back through the evening mist of late spring, he thought uneasily: \"I shouldn't have put off coming. I was derelict in my duty, and now I've failed my lord.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~one sentence more. copy Eiji Yoshikawa's style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hour was late, and there was no one around from whom he could ask directions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet the idea of spending the night in these unfamiliar surroundings made him uneasy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had to complete his errand and return to the inn before daybreak, even if it meant waking up one of the workers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he approached the nearest shack where a light showed, he saw a woman with a strip of matting tied over her head like a shawl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good evening, auntie,\" he said innocently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mistaking him for the helper at a nearby sake shop, the woman glared and sniffed, \"You, is it? You threw a rock at me and ran away, didn't you, you little brat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not me,\" protested Iori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never seen you before!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The woman came hesitantly toward him, then burst out laughing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" she said, \"you're not the one. What's a cute little boy like you doing wandering around here at this time of night?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was sent on an errand, but I can't find the house I'm looking for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whose house is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lord Yagyū of Tajima's.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you joking?\" She laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Yagyū is a daimyō, and a teacher to the shōgun. Do you think he'd open his gate to you?\" She laughed again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know somebody in the servants' quarters perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've brought a letter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A samurai named Kimura Sukekurō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Must be one of his retainers. But you, you're so funny—throwing Lord Yagyū's name around like you knew him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just want to deliver this letter. If you know where the house is, tell me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's on the other side of the moat. If you cross that bridge over there, you'll be in front of Lord Kii's house. The next one is Lord Kyōgoku, then Lord Katō, then Lord Matsudaira of Suō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Holding up her fingers, she counted off the sturdy storehouses on the opposite bank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure the one after that is the one you want.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I cross the moat, will I still be in Kobikichō?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of all the stupid—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here now, that's no way to talk. Hmm, you seem such a nice boy, I'll come along and show you Lord Yagyū's place.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Walking in front of him with the matting on her head, she looked to Iori rather like a ghost." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were in the middle of the bridge when a man coming toward them brushed against her sleeve and whistled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He reeked of sake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before Iori knew what was going on, the woman turned and made for the drunk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know you,\" she warbled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't just pass me by like that. It isn't nice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She grabbed his sleeve and started toward a place from which they could go below the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let go,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wouldn't you like to go with me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I don't care.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Latching on to him like a leech, she looked back at Iori's startled face and said, \"Run along now. I've got business with this gentleman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori watched in bewilderment as the two of them tugged back and forth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few moments, the woman appeared to get the upper hand, and they disappeared below the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still puzzled, Iori went to the railing and looked over at the grassy riverbank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Glancing up, the woman shouted, \"Nitwit!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and picked up a rock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Swallowing hard, Iori dodged the missile and made for the far end of the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In all his years on the barren plain of Hōtengahara, he had never seen anything so frightening as the woman's angry white face in the dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the other side of the river, he found himself before a storehouse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next to that was a fence, then another storehouse, then another fence, and so on down the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This must be it,\" he said when he came to the fifth building." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the gleaming white plaster wall was a crest in the form of a two-tiered woman's hat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This, Iori knew from the words of a popular song, was the Yagyū family crest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who's there?\" demanded a voice from inside the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Speaking as loudly as he dared, Iori announced, \"I'm the pupil of Miyamoto Musashi. I've brought a letter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sentry said a few words Iori could not catch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the gate was a small door, through which people could be let in and out without opening the great gate itself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a few seconds, the door slowly opened, and the man asked suspiciously, \"What are you doing here at this hour?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori thrust the letter at the guard's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please deliver this for me. If there's an answer, I'll take it back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hmm,\" mused the man, taking the letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is for Kimura Sukekurō, is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's not here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's at the house in Higakubo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh? Everybody told me Lord Yagyū's house was in Kobikichō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"People say that, but there're only storehouses here—rice, lumber and a few other things.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Yagyū doesn't live here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How far is it to the other place—Higakubo?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pretty far.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just where is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the hills outside the city, in Azabu Village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never heard of it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori sighed disappointedly, but his sense of responsibility prevented him from giving up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir, would you draw me a map?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be silly. Even if you knew the way, it'd take you all night to get there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lot of foxes in Azabu. You don't want to be bewitched by a fox, do you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know Sukekurō well?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My teacher does.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll tell you what. Since it's so late, why don't you catch some sleep over there in the granary, and go in the morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where am I?\" exclaimed Iori, rubbing his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He jumped up and ran outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The afternoon sun made him dizzy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Squinting his eyes against the glare, he went to the gatehouse, where the guard was eating his lunch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you're finally up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir. Could you draw me that map now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You in a hurry, Sleepyhead? Here, you'd better have something to eat first. There's enough for both of us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the boy chewed and gulped, the guard sketched a rough map and explained how to get to Higakubo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They finished simultaneously, and Iori, fired up with the importance of his mission, set off at a run, never thinking that Musashi might be worried about his failure to return to the inn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made good time through the busy thoroughfares until he reached the vicinity of Edo Castle, where the imposing houses of the leading daimyō stood on the land built up between the crisscross system of moats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he looked around, his pace slowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The waterways were jammed with cargo boats." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The stone ramparts of the castle itself were half covered with log scaffolding, which from a distance resembled the bamboo trellises used for growing morning glories." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dawdled again in a broad, flat area called Hibiya, where the scraping of chisels and the thud of axes raised a dissonant hymn to the power of the new shogunate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori stopped. He was mesmerized by the spectacle of the construction work: the laborers hauling huge rocks, the carpenters with their planes and saws and the samurai, the dashing samurai, who stood proudly supervising it all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How he wanted to grow up and be like them!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lusty song rose from the throats of the men hauling rocks:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'll pluck the flowers" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the fields of Musashi—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gentians, the bellflowers," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wild blossoms splashed" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In confusing disarray." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And that lovely girl," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flower unpluckable," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moistened by the dew—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Twill only dampen your sleeve, like falling tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood enchanted. Before he realized it, the water in the moats was taking on a reddish cast and the evening voices of crows reached his ears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, it's nearly sundown,\" he chastised himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sped away and for a time moved along at full speed, paying attention to nothing save the map the guard had drawn for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before he knew it, he was climbing the path up Azabu Hill, which was so thickly overhung with trees it might as well have been midnight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once he reached the top, however, he could see the sun was still in the sky, though low on the horizon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were almost no houses on the hill itself, Azabu Village being a mere scattering of fields and farm dwellings in the valley below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Standing in a sea of grass and ancient trees, listening to the brooks gurgling down the hillside, Iori felt his fatigue give way to a strange refreshment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was vaguely aware that the spot where he was standing was historic, although he didn't know why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact it was the very place that had given birth to the great warrior clans of the past, both the Taira and the Minamoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He heard the loud booming of a drum being beaten, the kind often used at Shinto festivals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Down the hill, visible in the forest, were the sturdy cross-logs atop the ridgepole of a religious sanctuary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had Iori but known, it was the Great Shrine of Iigura he'd studied about, the famous edifice sacred to the sun goddess of Ise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The shrine was a far cry from the enormous castle he had just seen, even from the stately gates of the daimyō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In its simplicity it was almost indistinguishable from the farmhouses around it, and Iori thought it puzzling that people talked more reverently about the Tokugawa family than they did about the most sacred of deities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did that mean the Tokugawas were greater than the sun goddess?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he wondered. \"I'll have to ask Musashi about that when I get back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking out his map, he pored over it, looked about him and stared at it again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still there was no sign of the Yagyū mansion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The evening mist spreading over the ground gave him an eerie feeling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd felt something similar before, when in a room with the shoji shut the setting sun's light played on the rice paper so that the interior seemed to grow lighter as the outside darkened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, such a twilight illusion is just that, but he felt it so strongly, in several flashes, that he rubbed his eyes as if to erase his light-headedness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew he wasn't dreaming and looked around suspiciously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, you sneaky bastard,\" he cried, jumping forward and whipping out his sword." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the same motion he cut through a clump of tall grass in front of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a yelp of pain, a fox leapt from its hiding place and streaked off, its tail glistening with blood from a cut on its hindquarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Devilish beast!\" Iori set off in hot pursuit, and though the fox was fast, Iori was too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the limping creature stumbled, Iori lunged, confident of victory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fox, however, slipped nimbly away, to surge ahead several yards, and no matter how fast Iori attacked, the animal managed to get away each time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his mother's knee, Iori had heard countless tales proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that foxes had the power to bewitch and possess human beings." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was fond of most other animals, even wild boar and noisome possums, but foxes he hated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was also afraid of them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To his way of thinking, coming across this wily creature lurking in the grass could mean only one thing—it was to blame for his not finding his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was convinced it was a treacherous and evil being that had been following him since the night before and had, just moments before, cast its malevolent spell over him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he didn't slay it now, it was sure to hex him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori was prepared to pursue his quarry to the end of the earth, but the fox, bounding over the edge of a drop, was lost to sight in a thicket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dew glistened on the flowers of the dog nettle and spiderwort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Exhausted and parched, Iori sank down and licked the moisture from a mint leaf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shoulders heaving, he finally caught his breath, whereupon sweat poured copiously from his forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His heart thumped violently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did it go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked, his voice halfway between a scream and a choke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the fox had really gone, so much the better, but Iori didn't know what to believe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since he had injured the animal, he felt it was certain to take revenge, one way or another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Resigning himself, he sat still and waited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as he was beginning to feel calmer, an eerie sound floated to his ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wide-eyed, he looked around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's the fox, for sure,\" he said, steeling himself against being bewitched." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rising quickly, he moistened his eyebrows with saliva—a trick thought to ward off the influence of foxes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A short distance away, a woman came floating through the evening mist, her face half hidden by a veil of silk gauze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was riding a horse sidesaddle, the reins lying loosely across the low pommel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The saddle was made of lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl inlay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's changed into a woman,\" thought Iori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This vision in a veil, playing a flute and silhouetted against the thin rays of the evening sun, could by no stretch of the imagination be a creature of this world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he squatted in the grass like a frog, Iori heard an otherworldly voice call, \"Otsū!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and was sure it had come from one of the fox's companions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rider had nearly reached a turnoff, where a road diverged to the south, and the upper part of her body glowed reddish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun, sinking behind the hills of Shibuya, was fringed by clouds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he killed her, he could expose her true fox form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori tightened his grip on the sword and braced himself, thinking: \"Lucky it doesn't know I'm hiding here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like all those acquainted with the truth about foxes, he knew the animal's spirit would be situated a few feet behind its human form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He swallowed hard in anticipation, while waiting for the vision to proceed and make the turn to the south." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when the horse reached the turnoff, the woman stopped playing, put her flute in a cloth wrapper and tucked it into her obi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lifting her veil, she peered about with searching eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Otsū!\" the voice called again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A pleasant smile came to her face as she called back, \"Here I am, Hyōgo. Up here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori watched as a samurai came up the road from the valley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, oh!\" he gasped when he noticed that the man walked with a slight limp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was the fox he had wounded; no doubt about it!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Disguised not as a beautiful temptress but as a handsome samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The apparition terrified Iori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shivered violently and wet himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the woman and the samurai had exchanged a few words, the samurai took hold of the horse's bit and led it right past the place where Iori was hiding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now's the time,\" he decided, but his body would not respond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The samurai noticed a slight motion and looked around, his gaze falling squarely on Iori's petrified face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The light from the samurai's eyes seemed more brilliant than the edge of the setting sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori prostrated himself and buried his face in the grass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never in his entire fourteen years had he experienced such terror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hyōgo, seeing nothing alarming about the boy, walked on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The slope was steep, and he had to lean back to keep the horse in check." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking over his shoulder at Otsū, he asked gently, \"Why are you so late? You've been gone a long time just to have ridden to the shrine and back. My uncle got worried and sent me to look for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without answering, Otsū jumped down from the horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hyōgo stopped. \"Why are you getting off? Something wrong?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, but it's not fitting for a woman to ride when a man's walking. Let's walk together. We can both hold the bit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She took her place on the other side of the horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They descended into the darkening valley and passed a sign reading: \"Sendan'en Academy for Priests of the Sōdō Zen Sect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sky was filling with stars, and the Shibuya River could be heard in the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The river divided the valley into North Higakubo and South Higakubo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since the school, established by the monk Rintatsu, lay on the north slope, the priests were casually referred to as the \"fellows of the north.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The \"fellows of the south\" were the men studying swordsmanship under Yagyū Munenori, whose establishment was directly across the valley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Yagyū Sekishūsai's favorite among his sons and grandsons, Yagyū Hyōgo enjoyed a special status among the \"fellows of the south.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had also distinguished himself in his own right." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the age of twenty, he had been summoned by the famous general Katō Kiyomasa and given a position at Kumamoto Castle in Higo Province at a stipend of fifteen thousand bushels." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was unheard of for a man so young, but after the Battle of Sekigahara, Hyōgo began to have second thoughts about his status, because of the danger inherent in having to side with either the Tokugawas or the Osaka faction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three years earlier, using his grandfather's illness as a pretext, he had taken a leave of absence from Kumamoto and returned to Yamato." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that, saying he needed more training, he had traveled about the countryside for a time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He and Otsū had been thrown together by chance the previous year, when he had come to stay with his uncle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For more than three years prior to that, Otsū had led a precarious existence, never quite able to escape from Matahachi, who had dragged her along everywhere, glibly telling prospective employers that she was his wife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had he been willing to work as an apprentice to a carpenter or a plasterer or a stonemason, he could have found employment on the day they arrived in Edo, but he preferred to imagine they could work together at softer jobs, she as a domestic servant perhaps, he as a clerk or accountant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finding no takers for his services, they had managed to survive by doing odd jobs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And as the months passed, Otsū, hoping to lull her tormentor into complacency, had given in to him in every way short of surrendering her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then one day they had been walking along the street when they encountered a daimyō's procession." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along with everyone else, they moved to the side of the road and assumed a properly respectful attitude." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The palanquins and lacquered strongboxes bore the Yagyū crest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū had raised her eyes enough to see this, and memories of Sekishūsai and the happy days at Koyagyū Castle flooded her heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If only she were back in that peaceful land of Yamato now!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Matahachi at her side, she could only stare blankly after the passing retinue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Otsū, isn't that you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The conical sedge hat came low over the samurai's face, but as he drew closer, Otsū had seen that it was Kimura Sukekurō, a man she remembered with affection and respect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She couldn't have been more amazed or thankful if he had been the Buddha himself, surrounded by the wondrous light of infinite compassion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slipping away from Matahachi's side, she had hurried to Sukekurō, who promptly offered to take her home with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Matahachi had opened his mouth to protest, Sukekurō said peremptorily, \"If you have anything to say, come to Higakubo and say it there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Powerless before the prestigious House of Yagyū, Matahachi held his tongue, biting his lower lip in angry frustration as he sullenly watched his precious treasure escape from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An Urgent Letter" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At thirty-eight, Yagyū Munenori was regarded as the best swordsman of them all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This hadn't kept his father from constantly worrying about his fifth son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If only he can control that little quirk of his,\" he often said to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or: \"Can anybody that self-willed manage to keep a high position?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was now fourteen years since Tokugawa Ieyasu had commanded Sekishūsai to provide a tutor for Hidetada." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sekishūsai had passed over his other sons, grandsons and nephews." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Munenori was neither particularly brilliant nor heroically masculine, but he was a man of good, solid judgment, a practical man not likely to get lost in the clouds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He possessed neither his father's towering stature nor Hyōgo's genius, but he was reliable, and most important, he understood the cardinal principle of the Yagyū Style, namely that the true value of the Art of War lay in its application to government." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sekishūsai had not misinterpreted Ieyasu's wishes; the conquering general had no use for a swordsman to teach his heir only technical skills." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some years before Sekigahara, Ieyasu himself had studied under a master swordsman named Okuyama, his objective being, as he himself frequently expressed it, \"to acquire the eye needed to oversee the country.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, Hidetada was now shōgun, and it would not do for the shōgun's instructor to be a man who lost in actual combat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A samurai in Munenori's position was expected to excel over all challengers and to demonstrate that Yagyū swordsmanship was second to none." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Munenori felt he was constantly being scrutinized and tested, and while others might regard him as lucky to have been singled out for this distinguished appointment, he himself often envied Hyōgo and wished he could live the way his nephew did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hyōgo, as it happened, was now walking down the outside passageway leading to his uncle's room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The house, though large and sprawling, was neither stately in appearance nor lavish in its appointments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of employing carpenters from Kyoto to create an elegant, graceful dwelling, Munenori had deliberately entrusted the work to local builders, men accustomed to the sturdy, spartan warrior style of Kamakura." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though the trees were relatively sparse, and the hills of no great height, Munenori had chosen the solid rustic style of architecture exemplified by the old Main House at Koyagyū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uncle,\" called Hyōgo softly and politely, as he knelt on the veranda outside Munenori's room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that you, Hyōgo?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "asked Munenori without removing his eyes from the garden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I come in?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having received permission to enter, Hyōgo made his way into the room on his knees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had taken quite a few liberties with his grandfather, who was inclined to spoil him, but he knew better than to do that with his uncle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Munenori, though no martinet, was a stickler for etiquette." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, as always, he was seated in strict formal fashion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At times Hyōgo felt sorry for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Otsū?\" asked Munenori, as though reminded of her by Hyōgo's arrival." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's back. She'd only gone to Hikawa Shrine, the way she often does. On the way back, she let her horse wander around for a while.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You went looking for her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Munenori remained silent for a few moments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lamplight accented his tight-lipped profile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It worries me to have a young woman living here indefinitely. You never know what might happen. I've told Sukekurō to look for an opportunity to suggest she go elsewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His tone slightly plaintive, Hyōgo said, \"I'm told she has no place to go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His uncle's change of attitude surprised him, for when Sukekurō had brought Otsū home and introduced her as a woman who had served Sekishūsai well, Munenori had welcomed her cordially and said she was free to stay as long as she wished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't you feel sorry for her?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, but there's a limit to what you can do for people.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought you yourself thought well of her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It has nothing to do with that. When a young woman comes to live in a house full of young men, tongues are apt to wag. And it's difficult for the men. One of them might do something rash.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time Hyōgo was silent, but not because he took his uncle's remarks personally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was thirty and, like the other young samurai, single, but he firmly believed his own feelings toward Otsū were too pure to raise doubts about his intentions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had been careful to allay his uncle's misgivings by making no secret of his fondness for her, while at the same time not once letting on that his feeling went beyond friendship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hyōgo felt that the problem might lie with his uncle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Munenori's wife came from a highly respected and well-placed family, of the sort whose daughters were delivered to their husbands on their wedding day in curtained palanquins lest they be seen by outsiders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her chambers, together with those of the other women, were well removed from the more public parts of the house, so virtually no one knew whether relations between the master and his wife were harmonious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not difficult to imagine that the lady of the house might take a dim view of beautiful and eligible young women in such proximity to her husband." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hyōgo broke the silence, saying, \"Leave the matter to Sukekurō and me. We'll work out some solution that won't be too hard on Otsū.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Munenori nodded, saying, \"The sooner the better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sukekurō entered the anteroom just then, and placing a letter box on the tatami, knelt and bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your lordship,\" he said respectfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Turning his eyes toward the anteroom, Munenori asked, \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sukekurō moved forward on his knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A courier from Koyagyū has just arrived by fast horse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fast horse?\" said Munenori quickly, but without surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hyōgo accepted the box from Sukekurō and handed it to his uncle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Munenori opened the letter, which was from Shōda Kizaemon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Written in haste, it said: \"The Old Lord has had another spell, worse than any previous. We fear he may not last long. He stoutly insists his illness is not sufficient reason for you to leave your duties. However, after discussing the matter among ourselves, we retainers decided to write and inform you of the situation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His condition is critical,\" said Munenori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hyōgo admired his uncle's ability to remain calm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He surmised that Munenori knew exactly what was to be done and had already made the necessary decisions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After some minutes of silence, Munenori said, \"Hyōgo, will you go to Koyagyū in my stead?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want you to assure my father there's nothing to worry about in Edo. And I want you to look after him personally.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suppose it's all in the hands of the gods and the Buddha now. All you can do is hurry and try to get there before it's too late.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll leave tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From Lord Munenori's room, Hyōgo went immediately to his own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the short time it took him to lay out the few things he would need, the bad news spread to every corner of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū quietly went to Hyōgo's room, dressed, to his surprise, for traveling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes were moist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please take me with you,\" she pleaded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can never hope to repay Lord Sekishūsai for taking me into his home, but I'd like to be with him and see if I can be of some assistance. I hope you won't refuse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hyōgo considered it possible that his uncle might have refused her, but he himself did not have the heart to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps it was a blessing that this opportunity to take her away from the house in Edo had presented itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right,\" he agreed, \"but it'll have to be a fast journey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promise I won't slow you down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Drying her tears, she helped him finish packing and then went to pay her respects to Lord Munenori." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, are you going to accompany Hyōgo?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said, mildly surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's very kind of you. I'm sure my father will be pleased to see you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made a point of giving her ample travel money and a new kimono as a going-away present." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite his conviction that it was for the best, her departure saddened him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bowed herself out of his presence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take good care of yourself,\" he said with feeling, as she reached the anteroom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vassals and servants lined up along the path to the gate to see them off, and with a simple \"Farewell\" from Hyōgo, they were on their way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū had folded her kimono up under her obi, so the hem reached only five or six inches below her knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On her head was a broad-brimmed lacquered traveling hat and in her right hand she carried a stick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had her shoulders been draped with blossoms, she would have been the image of the Wisteria Girl so often seen in woodblock prints." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since Hyōgo had decided to hire conveyances at the stations along the highroad, their goal tonight was the inn town of Sangen'ya, south of Shibuya." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From there, his plan was to proceed along the Ōyama highroad to the Tama River, take the ferry across, and follow the Tōkaidō to Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the night mist, it was not long before Otsū's lacquered hat glistened with moisture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After walking through a grassy river valley, they came to a rather wide road, which since the Kamakura period had been one of the most important in the Kantō district." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At night it was lonely and deserted, with trees growing thickly on both sides." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gloomy, isn't it?\" said Hyōgo with a smile, again slowing down his naturally long strides to let Otsū catch up with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is Dōgen Slope. There used to be bandits around here,\" he added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bandits?\" There was just enough alarm in her voice to make him laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was a long time ago, though. A man by the name of Dōgen Tarō, who was related to the rebel Wada Yoshimori, is supposed to have been the head of a band of thieves who lived in the caves around here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let's not talk about things like that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hyōgo's laughter echoed through the dark, and hearing it made him feel guilty for acting frivolous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He couldn't help himself, however." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though sad, he looked forward with pleasure to being with Otsū these next few days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh!\" cried Otsū, taking a couple of steps backward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter?\" Instinctively, Hyōgo's arm went around her shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's somebody over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a child, sitting there by the side of the road, talking to himself and crying. The poor thing!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Hyōgo got close enough, he recognized the boy he had seen earlier that evening, hiding in the grass in Azabu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori leaped to his feet with a gasp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An instant later, he uttered an oath and pointed his sword at Hyōgo. \"Fox!\" he cried." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what you are, a fox!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū caught her breath and stifled a scream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The look on Iori's face was wild, almost demonic, as if he were possessed by an evil spirit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even Hyōgo drew back cautiously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Foxes!\" Iori shouted again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll take care of you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice cracked hoarsely, like an old woman's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hyōgo stared at him in puzzlement but was careful to steer clear of his blade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How's this?\" shouted Iori, whacking off the top of a tall shrub not far from Hyōgo's side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he sank to the ground, exhausted by his effort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Breathing hard, he asked, \"What did you think of that, fox?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turning to Otsū, Hyōgo said with a grin, \"Poor little fellow. He seems to be possessed by a fox.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe you're right. His eyes are ferocious.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just like a fox's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't there something we can do to help him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, they say there's no cure for either madness or stupidity, but I suspect there's a remedy for his ailment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked up to Iori and glared sternly at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Glancing up, the boy hastily gripped his sword again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Still here, are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he cried. But before he could get to his feet, his ears were assailed by a fierce roar coming from the pit of Hyōgo's stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Y-a-a-w-r!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori was scared witless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hyōgo picked him up by the waist, and holding him horizontally, strode back down the hill to the bridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned the boy upside down, grasped him by the ankles and held him out over the railing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Help! Mother! Help, help! Sensei! Save me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The screams gradually changed to a wail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Otsū hastened to the rescue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stop that, Hyōgo. Let him go. You shouldn't be so cruel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess that's enough,\" said Hyōgo, setting the boy down gently on the bridge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori was in a terrible state, bawling and choking, convinced there was not a soul on earth who could help him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū went to his side and put her arm affectionately around his drooping shoulders." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where do you live, child?\" she asked softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Between sobs, Iori stammered, \"O-over th-th-that way,\" and pointed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you mean, 'that way'?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ba-ba-bakurōchō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, that's miles away. How did you get all the way out here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I came on an errand. I got lost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When was that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I left Bakurōchō yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you've been wandering around all night and all day?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori half shook his head, but didn't say anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why, that's terrible. Tell me, where were you supposed to go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A little calmer now, he replied promptly, as though he'd been waiting for the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To the residence of Lord Yagyū Munenori of Tajima.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After feeling around under his obi, he clutched the crumpled letter and waved it proudly in front of his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bringing it close to his eyes, he said, \"It's for Kimura Sukekurō. I'm to deliver it and wait for an answer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Otsū saw that Iori took his mission very seriously and was ready to guard the missive with his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori, for his part, was determined to show the letter to no one before he reached his destination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Neither had any inkling of the irony of the situation—a missed chance, a happening rarer than the coming together across the River of Heaven of the Herdboy and the Spinning Maiden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Turning to Hyōgo, Otsū said, \"He seems to have a letter for Sukekurō.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's wandered off in the wrong direction, hasn't he? Fortunately, it's not very far.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Calling Iori to him, he gave him directions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go along this river to the first crossroads, then go left and up the hill. When you get to a place where three roads come together, you'll see a pair of large pine trees off to your right. The house is to the left, across the road.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And watch out you don't get possessed by a fox again,\" added Otsū." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori had regained his confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks,\" he called back, already running along the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he reached the crossroads, he half turned and shouted, \"To the left here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's it,\" answered Hyōgo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The road's dark, so be careful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He and Otsū stood watching from the bridge for a minute or two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a strange child,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, but he seems rather bright.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In her mind she was comparing him with Jōtarō, who had been only a little bigger than Iori when she had last seen him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jōtarō, she reflected, must be seventeen now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wondered what he was like and felt an inevitable pang of yearning for Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So many years since she'd had any word of him!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though now accustomed to living with the suffering that love entails, she dared hope that leaving Edo might bring her closer to him, that she might even meet him somewhere along the road." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's get on,\" Hyōgo said brusquely, to himself as much as to Otsū. \"There's nothing to be done about tonight, but we'll have to be careful not to waste any more time.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write eight sentences sentences in the style of Eiji Yoshikawa spawning from what the user wrote." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Isn't Yajibei here?\" Kojirō asked loudly.\n\nThe gamblers were so absorbed in their play, and the weepers in their memories of childhood, that no one replied.\n\nGoing over to Jūrō, who was lying on his back with his arms over his eyes, Kojirō said, \"May I ask what's going on?\"\n\n\"Oh, I didn't know it was you, sir.\" There was a hasty wiping of eyes and blowing of noses as Jūrō and the others pulled themselves to their feet and bowed sheepishly to their sword instructor.\n\n\"Are you crying?\" he asked.\n\n\"Unh, yes. I mean, no.\"\n\n\"You're an odd one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the others drifted off, Jūrō began telling about his chance encounter with Musashi, happy to have a subject that might distract Kojirō's attention from the state of the young men's room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since the boss is away,\" he said, \"we didn't know what to do, so Osugi decided to go and talk to you.\"\n\nKojirō's eyes flared brightly. \"Musashi's putting up at an inn in Bakurōchō?\"\n\n\"He was, but now he's staying at Zushino Kōsuke's house.\"\n\n\"That's an interesting coincidence.\"\n\n\"Is it?\"\n\n\"It just happens I sent my Drying Pole to Zushino to work on. As a matter of fact, it should be ready now. I came this way today to pick it up.\"\n\n\"You've been there already?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet. I thought I'd drop in here for a few minutes first.\"\n\n\"That's lucky. If you'd showed up suddenly, Musashi might have attacked you.\"\n\n\"I'm not afraid of him. But how can I confer with the old lady when she's not here?\"\n\n\"I don't imagine she's reached Isarago yet. I'll send a good runner to bring her back.\"\n\nAt the council of war held that evening, Kojirō expressed the opinion that there was no reason to wait for Yajibei's return. He himself would serve as Osugi's second, so that she might, at long last, take her proper revenge. Jūrō and Koroku asked to go along too, more for the honor than to help. Though aware of Musashi's reputation as a fighter, they never imagined he might be a match for their brilliant instructor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing could be done tonight, however. For all her enthusiasm, Osugi was dead tired and complained of a backache. They decided they would carry out their plan the following night.\n\nThe next afternoon, Osugi bathed under cold water, blackened her teeth and dyed her hair. At twilight, she made her preparations for battle, first donning a white underrobe she had bought to be buried in and had carried around with her for years. She had had it stamped for good luck at every shrine and temple she visited—Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osaka, Oyama Hachiman Shrine and Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, the Kannon Temple in Asakusa, and dozens of less prominent religious establishments in various parts of the country. The sacred imprints made the robe resemble a tie-dyed kimono; Osugi felt safer than she would have in a suit of mail.\n\nShe carefully tucked a letter to Matahachi into the sash under her obi, together with a copy of the Sutra on the Great Love of Parents." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was also a second letter, which she always carried in a small money pouch; this said: \"Though I am old, it has become my lot to wander about the country in an effort to realize one great hope. There is no way of knowing but that I may be slain by my sworn enemy or die of illness by the wayside. Should this be my fate, I ask the officials and people of goodwill to use the money in this purse to send my body home. Sugi, widow of Hon'iden, Yoshino Village, Mimasaka Province.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With her sword in place, her shins wrapped in white leggings, fingerless gloves on her hands and a blind-stitched obi snugly holding her sleeveless kimono in place, her preparations were nearly complete." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Placing a bowl of water on her writing table, she knelt before it and said, \"I'm going now.\" She then closed her eyes and sat motionless, addressing her thoughts to Uncle Gon.\n\nJūrō opened the shoji a crack and peeked in. \"Are you ready?\" he asked. \"It's about time we were leaving. Kojirō's waiting.\"\n\n\"I'm ready.\"\n\nJoining the others, she went to the place of honor they had left open for her before the alcove. The Acolyte took a cup from the table, put it in Osugi's hand and carefully poured her a cupful of sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he did the same for Kojirō and Jūrō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When each of the four had drunk, they extinguished the lamp and set forth.\n\nQuite a few of the Hangawara men clamored to be taken along, but Kojirō refused, since a large group would not only attract attention but encumber them in a fight.\n\nAs they were going out the gate, one young man called to them to wait. He then struck sparks from a flint to wish them luck. Outside, under a sky murky with rain clouds, nightingales were singing.\n\nAs they made their way through the dark, silent streets, dogs started barking, set off, perhaps, by some instinctive sense that these four human beings were on a sinister mission.\n\n\"What's that?\" Koroku asked, staring back along a narrow lane. \"Did you see something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Somebody's following us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Probably one of the fellows from the house,\" said Kojirō. \"They were all so eager to come with us.\"\n\n\"They'd rather brawl than eat.\"\n\nThey turned a corner, and Kojirō stopped under the eaves of a house, saying, \"Kōsuke's shop's around here, isn't it?\" Their voices dropped to whispers.\n\n\"Down the street, there, on the other side.\"\n\n\"What do we do now?\" asked Koroku.\n\n\"Proceed according to plan. The three of you hide in the shadows. I'll go to the shop.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What if Musashi tries to sneak out the back door?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry. He's no more likely to run away from me than I am from him. If he ran away, he'd be finished as a swordsman.\"\n\n\"Maybe we should position ourselves on opposite sides of the house anyway—just in case.\"\n\n\"All right. Now, as we agreed, I'll bring Musashi outside and walk along with him. When we get near Osugi, I'll draw my sword and take him by surprise. That's the time for her to come out and strike.\"\n\nOsugi was beside herself with gratitude. \"Thank you, Kojirō. You're so good to me. You must be an incarnation of the great Hachiman.\" She clasped her hands and bowed, as if before the god of war himself.\n\nIn his heart, Kojirō was thoroughly convinced that he was doing the right thing. Indeed, it is doubtful that ordinary mortals could imagine the vastness of his self-righteousness at the moment he stepped up to Kōsuke's door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the beginning, when Musashi and Kojirō had been very young, full of spirit and eager to demonstrate their superiority, there had existed no deep-seated cause for enmity between them. There had been rivalry, to be sure, but only the friction that normally arose between two strong and almost equally matched fighters. What had subsequently rankled with Kojirō was seeing Musashi gradually gaining fame as a swordsman. Musashi, for his part, respected Kojirō's extraordinary skill, if not his character, and always treated him with a certain amount of caution. As the years passed, however, they found themselves at odds over various matters—the House of Yoshioka, the fate of Akemi, the affair of the Hon'iden dowager. Conciliation was by now out of the question.\n\nAnd now that Kojirō had taken it upon himself to become Osugi's protector, the trend of events bore the unmistakable seal of fate.\n\n\"Kōsuke!\" Kojirō rapped lightly on the door. \"Are you awake?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Light seeped through a crack, but there was no other sign of life inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few moments, a voice asked, \"Who's there?\"\n\n\"Iwama Kakubei gave you my sword to work on. I've come for it.\"\n\n\"The great long one—is that the one?\"\n\n\"Open up and let me in.\"\n\n\"Just a moment.\"\n\nThe door slid open, and the two men eyed each other. Blocking the way, Kōsuke said curtly, \"The sword's not ready yet.\"\n\n\"I see.\" Kojirō brushed past Kōsuke and seated himself on the step leading up to the shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When will it be ready?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, let's see... \" Kōsuke rubbed his chin, pulling the corners of his eyes down and making his long face seem even longer.\n\nKojirō had the feeling he was being made fun of. \"Don't you think it's taking an awful long time?\"\n\n\"I told Kakubei very clearly I couldn't promise when I'd finish.\"\n\n\"I can't do without it much longer.\"\n\n\"In that case, take it back.\"\n\n\"What's this?\" Kojirō was taken aback. Artisans didn't talk that way to samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But instead of trying to ascertain what might be behind the man's attitude, he jumped to the conclusion that his visit had been anticipated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thinking it best to act quickly, he said, \"By the way, I heard Miyamoto Musashi, from Mimasaka, is staying here with you.\"\n\n\"Where did you hear that?\" Kōsuke said, looking anxious. \"As it happens, he is staying with us.\"\n\n\"Would you mind calling him? I haven't seen him for a long time, since we were both in Kyoto.\"\n\n\"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Sasaki Kojirō. He'll know who I am.\"\n\n\"I'll tell him you're here, but I don't know whether he can see you or not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just a moment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\"\n\n\"Perhaps I'd better explain. I happened to hear at Lord Hosokawa's house that a man of Musashi's description was living here. I came with the idea of inviting Musashi out to drink a little and talk a little.\"\n\n\"I see.\" Kōsuke turned and went toward the back of the house.\n\nKojirō mulled over what to do if Musashi smelled a rat and refused to see him. Two or three stratagems came to mind, but before he had come to a decision, he was startled by a horrendous howling scream.\n\nHe jumped like a man who had been savagely kicked. He had miscalculated. His strategy had been seen through—not only seen through but turned against him. Musashi must have sneaked out the back door, gone around to the front and attacked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But who had screamed? Osugi?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jūrō? Koroku?\n\n\"If that's the way it is... \" thought Kojirō grimly, as he ran out into the street. Muscles taut, blood racing, in an instant he was ready for anything. \"I have to fight him sooner or later anyway,\" he thought. He had known this since that day at the pass on Mount Hiei. The time had come! If Osugi had already been struck down, Kojirō swore that Musashi's blood would become an offering for the eternal peace of her soul." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had covered about ten paces when he heard his name called from the side of the road. The painfully forced voice seemed to clutch at his running footsteps.\n\n\"Koroku, is that you?\"\n\n\"I-I-I've b-been h-h-hit.\"\n\n\"Jūrō! Where's Jūrō?\"\n\n\"H-him too.\"\n\n\"Where is he?\" Before the answer came, Kojirō spotted Jūrō's blood-soaked form about thirty feet away. His entire body bristling with vigilance for his own safety, he thundered, \"Koroku! Which way did Musashi go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No... not... Musashi.\" Koroku, unable to lift his head, rolled it from side to side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you saying? Are you telling me it wasn't Musashi who attacked you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not... not... Musa—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who was it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a question Koroku would never answer.\n\nHis thoughts in a turmoil, Kojirō ran to Jūrō and pulled him up by the red, sticky collar of his kimono. \"Jūrō, tell me. Who did it? Which way did he go?\"\n\nBut Jūrō, instead of answering, used his last tearful breath to say, \"Mother... sorry... shouldn't have... \"\n\n\"What are you talking about?\" snorted Kojirō, letting go of the bloody garment.\n\n\"Kojirō! Kojirō, is that you?\"\n\nRunning in the direction of Osugi's voice, he saw the old woman lying helpless in a ditch, straw and vegetable peelings clinging to her face and hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Get me out of here,\" she pleaded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing in that filthy water?\"\n\nKojirō, sounding more angry than sympathetic, yanked her unceremoniously out onto the road, where she collapsed like a rag.\n\n\"Where did the man go?\" she asked, taking the words out of his mouth. \"What man? Who attacked you?\"\n\n\"I don't know exactly what happened, but I'm sure it was the man who was following us.\"\n\n\"Did he attack suddenly?\"\n\n\"Yes! Out of nowhere, like a gust of wind. There was no time to speak. He jumped out of the shadows and got Jūrō first. By the time Koroku drew his sword, he was wounded too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which way did he go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He shoved me aside, so I didn't even see him, but the footsteps went that way.\" She pointed toward the river.\n\nRunning across a vacant lot where the horse market was held, Kojirō came to the dike at Yanagihara and stopped to look around. Some distance away, he could see piles of lumber, lights and people.\n\nWhen he got closer, he saw they were palanquin bearers. \"My two companions have been struck down in a side street near here,\" he said. \"I want you to pick them up and take them to the house of Hangawara Yajibei in the carpenters' district. You'll find an old woman with them. Take her too.\"\n\n\"Were they attacked by robbers?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are there robbers around here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Packs of them. Even we have to be careful.\"\n\n\"Whoever it was must have come running out from that corner over there. Didn't you see anyone?\"\n\n\"Just now, you mean?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I'm leaving,\" said the bearer. He and the others picked up three palanquins and prepared to depart.\n\n\"What about the fare?\" asked one.\n\n\"Collect it when you get there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō made a quick search of the riverbank and around the stacks of lumber, deciding as he did so that he'd do just as well to go back to Yajibei's house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was little point in meeting Musashi without Osugi; it also seemed unwise to face the man in his present state of mind.\n\nStarting back, he came to a firebreak, along one side of which grew a row of paulownia trees. He looked at it for a minute, then as he turned away, he saw the glint of a blade among the trees. Before he knew it, half a dozen leaves fell. The sword had been aimed at his head.\n\n\"Yellow-livered coward!\" he shouted.\n\n\"Not me!\" came the reply as the sword struck out a second time from the darkness.\n\nKojirō whirled and jumped back a full seven feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're Musashi, why don't you use the proper—\" Before he could finish, the sword was at him again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you?\" he shouted. \"Aren't you making a mistake?\"\n\nHe dodged a third stroke successfully, and the attacker, badly winded, realized before attempting a fourth that he was wasting his effort. Changing tactics, he began inching forward with his blade extended before him. His eyes were shooting fire. \"Silence,\" he growled. \"There's no mistake at all. Perhaps it'll refresh your memory if you know my name. I'm Hōjō Shinzō.\"\n\n\"You're one of Obata's students, aren't you?\"\n\n\"You insulted my master and killed several of my comrades.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By the warrior's code, you're free to challenge me openly at any time. Sasaki Kojirō doesn't play hide-and-seek.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll kill you.\"\n\n\"Go ahead and try.\"\n\nAs Kojirō watched him close the distance—twelve feet, eleven, ten—he quietly loosened the upper part of his kimono and placed his right hand on his sword. \"Come on!\" he cried.\n\nThe challenge caused an involuntary hesitation on Shinzō's part, a momentary wavering. Kojirō's body bent forward, his arm snapped like a bow, and there was a metallic ring. The next instant, his sword clicked sharply back into its scabbard. There had been only a thin flashing thread of light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shinzō was still standing, his legs spread apart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no sign of blood yet, but it was plain that he'd been wounded. Though his sword was still stretched out at eye level, his left hand had gone reflexively to his neck.\n\n\"Oh!\" Gasps went up on both sides of Shinzō at the same time—from Kojirō and from a man running up behind Shinzō. The sound of footsteps, together with the voice, sent Kojirō off into the darkness.\n\n\"What happened?\" cried Kōsuke. He reached out to support Shinzō, only to have the full weight of the other man's body fall into his arms. \"Oh, this looks bad!\" cried Kōsuke. \"Help! Help, somebody!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A piece of flesh no larger than a clamshell fell from Shinzō's neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blood gushing out soaked first Shinzō's arm, then the skirts of his kimono all the way to his feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Block of Wood\n\nPlunk. Another green plum fell from the tree in the dark garden outside. Musashi ignored it, if he heard it at all. In the bright but unsteady lamplight, his disheveled hair appeared heavy and bristly, lacking in natural oil and reddish in color.\n\n\"What a difficult child!\" his mother had often complained. The stubborn disposition that had so often reduced her to tears was still with him, as enduring as the scar on his head left by a large carbuncle during childhood.\n\nMemories of his mother now floated through his mind; at times the face he was carving closely resembled hers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few minutes earlier Kōsuke had come to the door, hesitated and called in: \"Are you still working? A man named Sasaki Kojirō says he'd like to see you. He's waiting downstairs. Do you want to speak to him, or shall I tell him you've already gone to bed?\"\n\nMusashi had the vague impression Kōsuke had repeated his message but wasn't sure whether he himself had answered.\n\nThe small table, Musashi's knees and the floor immediately around him were littered with wood chips. He was trying to finish the image of Kannon he had promised Kōsuke in exchange for the sword. His task had been made even more challenging because of a special request by Kōsuke, a man of pronounced likes and dislikes.\n\nWhen Kōsuke had first taken the ten-inch block out of a cupboard and very gently handed it to him, Musashi saw that it must have been six or seven hundred years old. Kōsuke treated it like an heirloom, for it had come from an eighth-century temple at the tomb of Prince Shōtoku in Shinaga. \"I was on a trip there,\" he explained, \"and they were repairing the old buildings. Some stupid priests and carpenters were axing up the old beams for firewood. I couldn't stand seeing the wood wasted that way, so I got them to cut off this block for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The grain was good, as was the feel of the wood to the knife, but thinking of how highly Kōsuke valued his treasure made Musashi nervous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he made a slip, he would ruin an irreplaceable piece of material.\n\nHe heard a bang, which sounded like the wind blowing open the gate in the garden hedge. Looking up from his work, for almost the first time since he had begun carving, he thought: \"Could that be Iori?\" and cocked his head, waiting for confirmation.\n\n\"What're you standing there gaping for?\" Kōsuke shouted at his wife. \"Can't you see the man's badly wounded? It doesn't make any difference which room!\"\n\nBehind Kōsuke, the men carrying Shinzō excitedly offered to help." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Any spirits to wash the wound with? If there aren't, I'll go home for some.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll fetch the doctor.\"\n\nAfter the commotion died down a bit, Kōsuke said, \"I want to thank all of you. I think we saved his life; no more need to worry.\" He bowed deeply to each man as he left the house.\n\nFinally it penetrated Musashi's consciousness that something had happened and Kōsuke was involved. Brushing the chips from his knees, he descended the staircase formed by the tops of tiered storage chests and went to the room where Kōsuke and his wife stood staring down at the wounded man.\n\n\"Oh, are you still awake?\" asked the sword polisher, moving over to make a place for Musashi.\n\nSitting down near the man's pillow, Musashi looked closely at his face and inquired, \"Who is he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I couldn't have been more surprised. I didn't recognize him until we got him back here, but it's Hōjō Shinzō, the son of Lord Hōjō of Awa. He's a very dedicated young man who's been studying under Obata Kagenori for several years.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi carefully lifted the edge of the white bandage around Shinzō's neck and examined the wound, which had been cauterized, then washed with alcohol. The clam-sized piece of flesh had been sliced out cleanly, exposing the pulsating carotid artery. Death had come that close. \"Who?\" Musashi wondered. From the shape of the wound, it seemed probable the sword had been on the upswing of a swallow-flight stroke.\n\nSwallow-flight stroke? Kojirō's specialty.\n\n\"Do you know what happened?\" Musashi asked.\n\n\"Not yet.\"\n\n\"Neither do I, of course, but I can tell you this much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nodded his head confidently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's the work of Sasaki Kojirō.\"\n\nBack in his own room, Musashi lay down on the tatami with his hands under his head, ignoring the mess around him. His pallet had been spread, but he ignored that too, despite his fatigue.\n\nHe had been working on the statue for nearly forty-eight hours straight.\n\nNot being a sculptor, he lacked the technical skills necessary to solve difficult problems, nor could he execute the deft strokes that would cover up a mistake. He had nothing to go on but the image of Kannon he carried in his heart, and his sole technique was to clear his mind of extraneous thoughts and do his best to faithfully transfer this image to the wood.\n\nHe would think for a time that the sculpture was taking form, but then somehow it would go wrong, some slip would occur between the image in his mind and the hand working with the dagger. Just as he felt he was making progress again, the carving would get out of hand again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After many false starts, the ancient piece of wood had shrunk to a length of no more than four inches." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He heard a nightingale call twice, then dropped off to sleep for perhaps an hour." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he awoke, his strong body was surging with energy, his mind perfectly clear. As he arose, he thought: \"I'll make it this time.\" Going to the well behind the house, he washed his face and swilled water through his teeth. Refreshed, he sat down by the lamp again and took up his work with renewed vigor.\n\nThe knife had a different feel to it now. In the grain of the wood he sensed the centuries of history contained within the block. He knew that if he did not carve skillfully this time, there would be nothing left but a pile of useless chips. For the next few hours, he concentrated with feverish intensity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not once did his back unbend, nor did he stop for a drink of water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sky grew light, the birds began to sing, all the doors in the house save his were thrown open for the morning's cleaning. Still, his attention remained focused on the tip of his knife.\n\n\"Musashi, are you all right?\" asked his host in a worried tone, as he slid open the shoji and entered the room.\n\n\"It's no good,\" Musashi sighed. He straightened up and tossed his dagger aside. The block of wood was no larger than a man's thumb. The wood around his legs lay like fallen snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No good?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No good.\"\n\n\"How about the wood?\"\n\n\"Gone... I couldn't get the bodhisattva's form to emerge.\" Placing his hands behind his head, he felt himself returning to earth after having been suspended for an indeterminate length of time between delusion and enlightenment. \"No good at all. It's time to forget and to meditate.\"\n\nHe lay on his back. When he closed his eyes, distractions seemed to fade away, to be replaced by a blinding mist. Gradually, his mind filled with the single idea of the infinite void." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most of the guests leaving the inn that morning were horse traders, going home after the four-day market that had ended the day before. For the next few weeks, the inn would see few customers.\n\nCatching sight of Iori going up the stairs, the proprietress called out to him from the office.\n\n\"What do you want?\" asked Iori. From his vantage point, he could see the woman's artfully disguised bald spot. \"Where do you think you're going?\"\n\n\"Upstairs, where my teacher is. Something wrong?\"\n\n\"More than you know,\" replied the woman with an exasperated glance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just when did you leave here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Counting on his fingers, Iori answered, \"The day before the day before yesterday, I think.\"\n\n\"Three days ago, wasn't it?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"\n\n\"You certainly took your time, didn't you? What happened? Did a fox bewitch you or something?\"\n\n\"How'd you know? You must be a fox yourself.\" Giggling at his own riposte, he started for the top of the stairs again.\n\n\"Your teacher's not here anymore.\"\n\n\"I don't believe you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ran up the stairs, but soon came back with a dismayed look on his face. \"Has he changed rooms?\"\n\n\"What's the matter with you? I told you he left.\"\n\n\"Really gone?\" There was alarm in the boy's voice.\n\n\"If you don't believe me, look at the account book. See?\"\n\n\"But why? Why would he leave before I got back?\"\n\n\"Because you were gone too long.\"\n\n\"But... but... \" Iori burst into tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where did he go? Please tell me.\"\n\n\"He didn't tell me where he was going. I imagine he left you behind because you're so useless.\"\n\nHis color changing, Iori charged out into the street. He looked east, west, then he gazed up at the sky. Tears poured down his cheeks.\n\nScratching the bald spot with a comb, the woman broke into raucous laughter. \"Stop your bawling,\" she called. \"I was only fooling. Your teacher's staying at the sword polisher's, over there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had barely finished speaking when a straw horseshoe came sailing into the office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meekly, Iori sat down in formal fashion at Musashi's feet and in a subdued voice announced, \"I'm back.\"\n\nHe'd already noticed the atmosphere of gloom hanging over the house. The wood chips had not been cleaned up, and the burned-out lamp was still sitting where it had been the night before.\n\n\"I'm back,\" Iori repeated, no more loudly than before.\n\n\"Who is it?\" mumbled Musashi, slowly opening his eyes.\n\n\"Iori.\"\n\nMusashi sat up quickly. Although relieved to see the boy back safe, his only greeting was: \"Oh, it's you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry I took so long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This met with silence. \"Forgive me.\" Neither his apology nor a polite bow elicited a response.\n\nMusashi tightened his obi and said, \"Open the windows and tidy up the room.\"\n\nHe was out the door before Iori had time to say, \"Yes, sir.\"\n\nMusashi went to the room downstairs at the back and asked Kōsuke how the invalid was this morning.\n\n\"He seems to be resting better.\"\n\n\"You must be tired. Shall I come back after breakfast so you can have a rest?\"\n\nKōsuke answered that there was no need." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is one thing I would like to see done,\" he added." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think we should let the Obata School know about this, but I don't have anybody to send.\"\n\nHaving offered to either go himself or send Iori, Musashi went back to his own room, which was now in good order. As he sat down, he said, \"Iori, was there an answer to my letter?\"\n\nRelieved at not being scolded, the boy broke into a smile. \"Yes, I brought a reply. It's right here.\" With a look of triumph, he fished the letter from his kimono.\n\n\"Let me have it.\"\n\nIori advanced on his knees and placed the folded paper in Musashi's outstretched hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am sorry to say,\" Sukekurō had written, \"that Lord Munenori, as tutor to the shōgun, cannot engage in a bout with you, as you requested. If, however, you should visit us for some other purpose, there is a possibility that his lordship may greet you in the dōjō. If you still feel strongly about trying your hand against the Yagyū Style, the best plan, I think, would be for you to confront Yagyū Hyōgo. I regret to say, however, that he left yesterday for Yamato to be at the bedside of Lord Sekishūsai, who is gravely ill. Such being the case, I must ask you to postpone your visit until a later day. I shall be happy to make arrangements at that time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he slowly refolded the lengthy scroll, Musashi smiled. Iori, feeling more secure, extended his legs comfortably and said, \"The house is not in Kobikichō; it's at a place called Higakubo. It's very large, very splendid, and Kimura Sukekurō gave me lots of good things to eat—\"\n\nHis eyebrows arching in disapproval at this display of familiarity, Musashi said gravely, \"Iori.\"\n\nThe boy's legs quickly shot back to their proper place under him. \"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"Even if you did get lost, don't you think three days is a rather long time? What happened?\"\n\n\"I was bewitched by a fox.\"\n\n\"A fox?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir, a fox.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How could a boy like you, born and raised in the country, be bewitched by a fox?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know, but afterward I couldn't remember where I'd been for half a day and half a night.\"\n\n\"Hmm. Very strange.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I thought so myself. Maybe foxes in Edo have it in for people more than the ones in the country do.\"\n\n\"I suspect that's true.\" Taking into account the boy's seriousness, Musashi did not have the heart to scold him, but he did feel it necessary to pursue his point. \"I also suspect,\" he continued, \"you were up to something you shouldn't have been up to.\"\n\n\"Well, the fox was following me, and to keep it from bewitching me, I cut it with my sword. Then the fox punished me for that.\"\n\n\"No, it didn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Didn't it?\"\n\n\"No. It wasn't the fox punishing you; it was your own conscience, which is invisible. Now, you sit there and think about that for a while. When I come back, you can tell me what you think it means.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. Are you going somewhere?\"\n\n\"Yes; to a place near the Hirakawa Shrine in Kōjimachi.\"\n\n\"You'll be back by evening, won't you?\"\n\n\"Ha, ha. I should be, unless a fox gets me.\"\n\nMusashi departed, leaving Iori to ponder his conscience. Outside, the sky was obscured by the dull, sullen clouds of the summer rainy season." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Deserted Prophet" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The forest around the Hirakawa Tenjin Shrine was alive with the hum of cicadas. An owl hooted as Musashi walked from the gate to the entrance hall of the Obata house.\n\n\"Good day!\" he called, but his greeting echoed back as though from an empty cavern.\n\nAfter a time, he heard footsteps. The young samurai who emerged wearing his two swords was clearly no mere underling assigned to answer the door.\n\nWithout bothering to kneel, he said, \"May I ask your name?\" Though no more than twenty-four or -five, he gave the impression of being someone to be reckoned with.\n\n\"My name is Miyamoto Musashi. Am I correct in thinking this is Obata Kagenori's academy of military science?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right,\" came the reply, in clipped tones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the samurai's manner, it was evident he expected Musashi to explain how he was traveling around to perfect his knowledge of the martial arts, and so on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of the students from your school has been wounded in a fight,\" said Musashi. \"He's now being cared for by the sword polisher Zushino Kōsuke, whom I believe you know. I came at Kōsuke's request.\"\n\n\"It must be Shinzō!\" There were fleeting signs of severe shock, but the youth recovered immediately. \"Forgive me. I'm Kagenori's only son, Yogorō. Thank you for taking the trouble to come and tell us. Is Shinzō's life in danger?\"\n\n\"He seemed better this morning, but it's still too early for him to be moved. I think it'd be wise to let him stay at Kōsuke's house for the time being.\"\n\n\"I hope you'll convey our thanks to Kōsuke.\"\n\n\"I'd be happy to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To tell the truth, since my father is bedridden, Shinzō was lecturing in his stead, until last fall when he suddenly left. As you can see, there's almost nobody here now. I regret we're not able to receive you properly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course; but tell me, is there a feud going on between your school and Sasaki Kojirō?\"\n\n\"Yes. I was away when it started, so I don't know all the details, but apparently Kojirō insulted my father, which of course incited the students. They took it upon themselves to punish Kojirō, but he killed several of them. As I understand it, Shinzō left because he finally came to the conclusion that he himself should take revenge.\"\n\n\"I see. It's beginning to make sense. I'd like to give you a bit of advice. Don't fight Kojirō. He can't be beaten by ordinary sword techniques, and he's even less vulnerable to clever strategy. As a fighter, as a speaker, as a strategist, he's without rival, even among the greatest masters alive today.\"\n\nThis assessment brought a burst of angry fire to Yogorō's eyes. Observing this, Musashi felt it prudent to repeat his warning. \"Let the proud have their day,\" he added. \"It's senseless to risk disaster over a trivial grievance. Don't entertain the idea that Shinzō's defeat makes it necessary for you to settle the score. If you do, you'll simply follow in his footsteps. That would be foolish, very foolish.\"\n\nAfter Musashi was out of sight, Yogorō leaned against the wall with his arms folded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Softly, in a faintly tremulous voice, he muttered, \"To think it's come to this. Even Shinzō has failed!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gazing vacantly at the ceiling, he thought of the letter Shinzō had left for him, in which he'd said that his purpose in leaving was to kill Kojirō and that if he did not succeed, Yogorō would probably never see him alive again.\n\nThat Shinzō was not dead did not make his defeat any less humiliating. With the school forced to suspend operations, the public in general had concluded that Kojirō was right: the Obata Academy was a school for cowards, or at best for theoreticians devoid of practical ability. This had led to the desertion of some of the students. Others, apprehensive over Kagenori's illness or the apparent decline of the Kōshū Style, had switched to the rival Naganuma Style. Only two or three were still in residence.\n\nYogorō decided not to tell his father about Shinzō. It seemed that the only course open to him was to nurse the old man as best he could, although the doctor's opinion was that recovery was out of the question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yogorō, where are you?\"\n\nIt was a source of constant amazement to Yogorō that although Kagenori was at death's door, when an impulse moved him to summon his son, his voice became that of a perfectly healthy man.\n\n\"Coming.\" He ran to the sickroom, fell to his knees and said, \"You called?\"\n\nAs he often did when he was tired of lying flat on his back, Kagenori had propped himself up by the window, using his pillow as an armrest. \"Who was the samurai who just went out the gate?\" he asked.\n\n\"Huh,\" said Yogorō, somewhat flustered. \"Oh, him. Nobody in particular. He was just a messenger.\"\n\n\"Messenger from where?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, it seems Shinzō has had an accident. The samurai came to tell us. He gave his name as Miyamoto Musashi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mm. He wasn't born in Edo, was he?\"\n\n\"No. I've heard he's from Mimasaka. He's a rōnin. Did you think you recognized him?\"\n\n\"No,\" Kagenori replied with a vigorous shake of his thin gray beard. \"I don't recall ever having seen or heard of him. But there's something about him... I've met a lot of people during my lifetime, you know, on the battlefield as well as in ordinary life. Some were very good people, people I valued greatly. But the ones I could consider to be genuine samurai, in every sense of the term, were very few. This man—Musashi, did you say?—appealed to me. I'd like to meet him, talk to him a little. Go bring him back.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" Yogorō answered obediently, but before getting to his feet, he continued in a slightly puzzled tone: \"What was it you noticed about him? You only saw him from a distance.\"\n\n\"You wouldn't understand. When you do, you'll be old and withered like me.\"\n\n\"But there must have been something.\"\n\n\"I admired his alertness. He wasn't taking any chances, even on a sick old man like me. When he came through the gate, he paused and looked around—at the layout of the house, at the windows, whether they were open or closed, at the path to the garden—everything. He took it all in at a single glance. There was nothing unnatural about it. Anyone would have assumed he was simply halting for a moment as a sign of deference. I was amazed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you believe he's a samurai of real merit?\"\n\n\"Perhaps. I'm sure he'd be a fascinating man to talk to. Call him back.\"\n\n\"Aren't you afraid it'll be bad for you?\" Kagenori had become quite excited, and Yogorō was reminded of the doctor's warning that his father shouldn't talk for any length of time.\n\n\"Don't worry your head about my health. I've been waiting for years to meet a man like that. I didn't study military science all this time to teach it to children. I grant that my theories of military science are called the ōshū Style, but they're not simply an extension of the formulas used by the famous Kōshū warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My ideas differ from those of Takeda Shingen, or Uesugi Kenshin, or Oda Nobunaga, or the other generals who were fighting for control of the country." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The purpose of military science has changed since then.\n\nMy theory is directed toward the achievement of peace and stability. You know some of these things, but the question is, whom can I entrust my ideas to?\"\n\nYogorō was silent.\n\n\"My son, while there are many things I want to pass on to you, you're still immature, too immature to recognize the remarkable qualities of the man you just met.\"\n\nYogorō dropped his eyes but endured the criticism in silence.\n\n\"If even I, inclined as I am to look favorably on everything you do, see you as immature, then there's no doubt in my mind. You're not yet the person who can carry on my work, so I must find the right man and entrust your future to him. I've been waiting for the right person to come along. Remember, when the cherry blossom falls, it must rely on the wind to spread its pollen.\"\n\n\"You mustn't fall, Father. You must try to live.\"\n\nThe old man glared and raised his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Talk like that proves you're still a child! Now go quickly and find the samurai!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't push him. Just tell him roughly what I've told you, and bring him back with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right away, Father.\"\n\nYogorō departed on the run. Once outside, he first tried the direction he'd seen Musashi take. Then he looked all over the shrine grounds, even went out to the main street running through Kōjimachi, but to no avail.\n\nHe was not unduly disturbed, for he was not as thoroughly convinced as his father of Musashi's superiority, nor was he grateful for Musashi's warning. The talk about Kojirō's unusual ability, about the folly of \"risking disaster over a trivial grievance\" had stuck in his craw. It was as though Musashi's visit had been for the express purpose of singing Kojirō's praises.\n\nEven while listening submissively to his father, he had been thinking to himself: \"I'm not as young and immature as you say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the truth was that just then, he really couldn't have cared less what Musashi thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were about the same age. Even if Musashi's talent was exceptional, there were limits to what he could know and what he could do. In the past, Yogorō had gone away for a year, two years, even three, to lead the life of the ascetic shugyōsha. He had lived and studied for a while at the school of another military expert, and he had studied Zen under a strict master. Yet his father, after merely catching a glimpse of the man, had not only formed what Yogorō suspected was an exaggerated opinion of the unknown rōnin's worth but had gone so far as to suggest that Yogorō take Musashi as a model.\n\n\"May as well go back,\" he thought sadly. \"I suppose there's no way to convince a parent that his son is no longer a child.\" He longed desperately for the day when Kagenori would look at him and suddenly see that he was both a grown man and a brave samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It pained him to think that his father might die before that day arrived." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Yogorō! It is Yogorō, isn't it?\"\n\nYogorō turned on his heel and saw that the voice belonged to Nakatogawa Handayū, a samurai from the House of Hosokawa. They had not seen each other recently, but there had been a time when Handayū had attended Kagenori's lectures regularly.\n\n\"How's our revered teacher's health? Official duties keep me so busy I haven't had time to call.\"\n\n\"He's about the same, thanks.\"\n\n\"Say, I hear Hōjō Shinzō attacked Sasaki Kojirō and was beaten.\"\n\n\"You've heard that already?\"\n\n\"Yes; they were talking about it at Lord Hosokawa's this morning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It only happened last night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kojirō's a guest of Iwama Kakubei. Kakubei must have passed the word around. Even Lord Tadatoshi knew about it.\"\n\nYogorō was too young to listen with detachment, yet he was loath to reveal his anger by some involuntary twitch. Taking leave of Handayū as quickly as possible, he hurried home.\n\nHis mind was made up.\n\nThe Talk of the Town\n\nKōsuke's wife was in the kitchen making gruel for Shinzō when Iori came in.\n\n\"The plums are turning yellow,\" he said.\n\n\"If they're almost ripe, that means the cicadas will be singing soon,\" she answered absently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't you pickle the plums?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. There aren't many of us here, and pickling all those plums would take several pounds of salt.\"\n\n\"The salt wouldn't go to waste, but the plums will if you don't pickle them. And if there was a war or a flood, they'd come in handy, wouldn't they? Since you're busy taking care of the wounded man, I'll be happy to pickle them for you.\"\n\n\"My, what a funny child you are, worrying about floods and such. You think like an old man.\"\n\nIori was already getting an empty wooden bucket out of the closet. With this in hand, he sauntered out into the garden and looked up at the plum tree. Alas, though sufficiently grown up to worry about the future, he was still young enough to be easily distracted by the sight of a buzzing cicada. Sneak ing closer, he captured it and held it in his cupped hands, making it screech like a terrified hag.\n\nPeeking between his thumbs, Iori experienced a strange sensation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Insects were supposed to be bloodless, he thought, but the cicada felt warm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps even cicadas when faced with the peril of death gave off body heat. Suddenly he was seized by a mixture of fear and pity. Spreading his palms, he tossed the cicada into the air and watched it fly off toward the street.\n\nThe plum tree, which was quite large, was the home of a sizable community—fat caterpillars with surprisingly beautiful fur, ladybirds, tiny blue frogs clinging to the undersides of leaves, small sleeping butterflies, dancing gadflies. Gazing in fascination at this little corner of the animal kingdom, he thought it would be inhuman to throw these ladies and gentlemen into consternation by shaking a branch. Carefully, he reached out, picked a plum and bit into it. Then he shook the nearest branch gently and was surprised when the fruit did not fall off. Reaching out, he picked a few plums and dropped them into the bucket below." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Son of a bitch!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "shouted Iori, abruptly firing three or four plums into the narrow lane next to the house. The clothes-drying pole between the house and the fence fell to the ground with a clatter, and footsteps hastily retreated from the lane into the street.\n\nKōsuke's face appeared at the bamboo grille of his workroom window. \"What was that noise?\" he asked, his eyes wide with astonishment.\n\nJumping down from the tree, Iori cried, \"Another strange man was hiding in the shadows, squatting right there in the lane. I threw some plums at him, and he ran away.\"\n\nThe sword polisher came outside, wiping his hands on a towel. \"What sort of man?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A thug.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"One of Hangawara's men?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. Why do those men come snooping around here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're looking for a chance to get back at Shinzō.\"\n\nIori looked toward the back room, where the injured man was just finishing his gruel. His wound had healed to the extent that the bandage was no longer necessary.\n\n\"Kōsuke,\" called Shinzō.\n\nThe craftsman walked to the edge of the veranda and asked, \"How are you feeling?\"\n\nPushing his tray aside, Shinzō reseated himself more formally. \"I want to apologize for causing you so much trouble.\"\n\n\"Don't mention it. I'm sorry I've been too busy to do more for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I notice that besides worrying about me, you're being annoyed by those Hangawara hoodlums. The longer I stay, the more danger there is that they'll come to regard you as an enemy too. I think I should be leaving.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't give it a thought.\"\n\n\"I'm much better now, as you can see. I'm ready to go home.\"\n\n\"Today?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Don't be in such a hurry. At least wait until Musashi comes back.\"\n\n\"I'd rather not, but please thank him for me. He's been very kind to me too. I can walk all right now.\"\n\n\"You don't seem to understand. Hangawara's men are watching this house day and night. They'll pounce on you the minute you step outside. I can't possibly let you leave alone.\"\n\n\"I had a good reason for killing Jūrō and Koroku. Kojirō started all this, not me. But if they want to attack me, let them attack.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shinzō was on his feet and ready to go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sensing there was no way of holding him back, Kōsuke and his wife went to the front of the shop to see him off.\n\nMusashi appeared at the door just then, his sunburned forehead moist with sweat. \"Going out?\" he asked. \"Going home?... Well, I'm glad to see you feel well enough, but it'd be dangerous to go alone. I'll go with you.\"\n\nShinzō tried to refuse, but Musashi insisted. Minutes later, they set off together.\n\n\"It must be difficult to walk after being in bed so long.\"\n\n\"Somehow the ground seems higher than it really is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a long way to Hirakawa Tenjin. Why don't we hire a palanquin for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suppose I ought to have mentioned it before. I'm not going back to the school.\"\n\n\"Oh? Where then?\"\n\nCasting his eyes downward, Shinzō answered, \"It's rather humiliating, but I think I'll go to my father's house for a while. It's in Ushigome.\"\n\nMusashi stopped a palanquin and virtually forced Shinzō into it. Despite the insistence of the bearers, Musashi refused one for himself—to the disappointment of the Hangawara men watching from around the next corner.\n\n\"Look, he put Shinzō into a palanquin.\"\n\n\"I saw him glance this way.\"\n\n\"It's too early to do anything yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After the palanquin turned right by the outer moat, they hitched up their skirts, pulled back their sleeves, and followed along behind, their glittering eyes seemingly ready to pop out and shoot toward Musashi's back.\n\nMusashi and Shinzō had reached the neighborhood of Ushigafuchi when a small rock glanced off the palanquin pole. At the same time, the gang started shouting and moved in to surround its prey.\n\n\"Wait!\" called one of them.\n\n\"Just stay where you are, you bastard!\"\n\nThe bearers, terrified, dropped the palanquin and fled. Shinzō crawled out of the palanquin, hand on sword. Pulling himself to his feet, he assumed a stance and cried, \"Is it me you're telling to wait?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi jumped in front of him and shouted, \"State your business!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hoodlums inched closer, cautiously, as though feeling their way through shallow water.\n\n\"You know what we want!\" spat one of them. \"Turn over that yellowbelly you're protecting. And don't try anything funny, or you'll be dead too.\"\n\nEncouraged by this bravado, they seethed with bloodthirsty fury, but none advanced to strike with his sword. The fire in Musashi's eyes was sufficient to hold them at bay. They howled and cursed, from a safe distance.\n\nMusashi and Shinzō glared at them in silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moments passed before Musashi took them unawares by shouting, \"If Hangawara Yajibei is among you, let him come forward.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The boss isn't here. But if you have anything to say, speak to me, Nembutsu Tazaemon, and I'll do you the favor of listening.\" The elderly man who stepped forward wore a white hemp kimono and had Buddhist prayer beads hung around his neck.\n\n\"What do you have against Hōjō Shinzō?\"\n\nSquaring his shoulders, Tazaemon replied, \"He slaughtered two of our men.\"\n\n\"According to Shinzō, your two louts helped Kojirō kill a number of Obata's students.\"\n\n\"That was one thing. This is another. If we don't settle our score with Shinzō, we'll be laughed off the streets.\"\n\n\"That may be the way things are done in the world you live in,\" Musashi said in a conciliatory tone. \"But it's different in the world of the samurai. Among warriors, you can't fault a man for seeking and taking his proper revenge. A samurai may take revenge for the sake of justice or to defend his honor, but not to satisfy a personal grudge. It's not manly. And what you're trying to do right now isn't manly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not manly? You're accusing us of being unmanly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If Kojirō came forward and challenged us in his own name, that'd be all right. But we can't get involved in a squabble raised by Kojirō's minions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There you go, preaching self-righteously, just like any other samurai. Say what you please. We still have to protect our name.\"\n\n\"If samurai and outlaws fight over whose rules are to prevail, the streets will be filled with blood. The only place to settle this is at the magistrate's office. How about it, Nembutsu?\"\n\n\"Horse manure. If it was something the magistrate could settle, we wouldn't be here to begin with.\"\n\n\"Listen, how old are you?\"\n\n\"What business is it of yours?\"\n\n\"I'd say you look old enough to know you shouldn't be leading a group of young men to a meaningless death.\"\n\n\"Ah, keep your smart talk to yourself. I'm not too old for a fight!\" Tazaemon drew his sword, and the hoodlums moved forward, jostling and shouting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi dodged Tazaemon's thrust and grabbed him by the back of his gray head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Covering the ten paces or so to the moat in great strides, he summarily dumped him over the edge. Then, as the mob closed in, he dashed back, picked Shinzō up by the waist and made off with him.\n\nHe ran across a field, toward the middle reaches of a hill. Below them a stream flowed into the moat and a bluish marsh was visible at the bottom of the slope. Halfway up, Musashi stopped and stood Shinzō on his feet. \"Now,\" he said, \"let's run.\" Shinzō hesitated, but Musashi prodded him into motion.\n\nThe hoodlums, having recovered from their shock, were giving chase." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Catch him!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No pride!\"\n\n\"That's a samurai?\"\n\n\"He can't throw Tazaemon in the moat and get away with it!\"\n\nIgnoring the taunts and slurs, Musashi said to Shinzō, \"Don't even consider getting involved with them. Run! It's the only thing to do in a case like this.\" With a grin, he added, \"It's not so easy to make good time on this terrain, is it?\" They were passing through what would someday be known as Ushigafuchi and Kudan Hill, but now the area was heavily wooded.\n\nBy the time they lost their pursuers, Shinzō's face was deathly pale.\n\n\"Worn out?\" Musashi asked solicitously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's... it's not so bad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I suppose you don't like the idea of letting them insult us like that without fighting back.\"\n\n\"Well... \"\n\n\"Ha, ha! Think about it quietly and calmly, and you'll see why. There're times when it makes you feel better to run away. There's a stream over there. Rinse your mouth out, and then I'll take you to your father's house.\"\n\nIn a few minutes, the forest around the Akagi Myōjin Shrine came into view. Lord Hōjō's house was just below.\n\n\"I hope you'll come in and meet my father,\" Shinzō said when they came to the earthen wall surrounding the house.\n\n\"Some other time. Get plenty of rest and take care of yourself.\" With that, he was off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After this incident, Musashi's name was heard quite frequently in the streets of Edo, far more frequently than he would have wished." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People were calling him \"a fake,\" \"the coward to end all cowards,\" and saying, \"shameless... a disgrace to the samurai class. If a fraud like that defeated the Yoshiokas in Kyoto, they must have been hopelessly weak. He must have challenged them knowing they couldn't protect themselves. And then he probably ran away before he was in any real danger. All that phony wants to do is sell his name to people who don't know swordsmanship.\" Before long, it was impossible to find anyone who would put in a good word for him.\n\nThe crowning insult was signs posted all over Edo: \"Here's a word to Miyamoto Musashi, who turned tail and ran. The Hon'iden dowager is eager for revenge. We, too, would like to see your face instead of your back for a change. If you are a samurai, come out and fight. The Hangawara Association.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going six sentences at a time, also im going for a Eiji Yoshikawa sorta thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the dog days after the summer rainy season, the land crabs crawled sluggishly in the parched street, and the signs taunting Musashi to \"come out and fight\" were no longer visible. The few that hadn't fallen in the rain-softened earth or been stolen for firewood were obscured by weeds and tall grass.\n\n\"There must be something somewhere,\" thought Kojirō, looking around for a place to eat. But this was Edo, not Kyoto, and the cheap rice-and-tea shops so common in the older city had not yet made their appearance here. The only likely place stood in a vacant lot, screened off with reed blinds. Smoke rose lazily from behind the blinds, and on a vertical banner was the word \"Donjiki.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The word immediately reminded him of tonjiki, which in the distant past had meant the rice balls used as military rations.\n\nAs he approached, he heard a masculine voice ask for a cup of tea. Inside, two samurai were energetically gobbling rice, one from an ordinary rice bowl, the other from a sake bowl.\n\nKojirō seated himself on the edge of a bench across from them and asked the proprietor, \"What do you have?\"\n\n\"Rice dishes. I also have sake.\"\n\n\"On the banner it says 'Donjiki.' What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As a matter of fact, I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Didn't you write it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. It was written by a retired merchant who stopped in to rest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see. Good calligraphy, I must say.\"\n\n\"He said he was on a religious pilgrimage, said he'd visited Hirakawa Tenjin Shrine, Hikawa Shrine, Kanda Myōjin, all sorts of places, making big contributions to each of them. Very pious and generous, he seemed.\"\n\n\"Do you know his name?\"\n\n\"He told me it was Daizō of Narai.\"\n\n\"I've heard the name.\"\n\n\"Donjiki—well, I don't understand it. But I figured if a fine man like him wrote it, it might help keep the god of poverty away.\" He laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a look into several large china bowls, Kojirō took some rice and fish, poured tea over the rice, brushed a fly away with his chopsticks and began eating.\n\nOne of the other customers stood up and peered through a broken slat in the blind. \"Take a look out there, Hamada,\" he said to his companion. \"Isn't that the watermelon vendor?\"\n\nThe other man went quickly to the blind and looked out. \"Yeah, that's him all right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vendor, shouldering a pole with baskets at either end, was walking languidly past the Donjiki. The two samurai ran out of the shop and caught up with him. Drawing their swords, they cut the ropes supporting the baskets. The vendor stumbled forward, along with the melons.\n\nHamada yanked him up by the scruff of his neck. \"Where did you take her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he demanded angrily. \"Don't lie. You must be hiding her somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The other samurai thrust the tip of his sword under the captive's nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Out with it! Where is she?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sword blade tapped menacingly against the man's cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How could anybody with a face like yours think of going off with somebody else's woman?\"\n\nThe vendor, cheeks flushed with anger and fear, shook his head, but then, seeing an opening, shoved one of his captors out of the way, picked up his pole and took a swing at the other one.\n\n\"So you want to fight, do you? Careful, Hamada, this guy's not just an ordinary melon vendor.\"\n\n\"What can this ass do?\" sneered Hamada, snatching the pole and knocking the vendor to the ground. Straddling him, he used the ropes to tie him to the pole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A cry like that of a stuck pig went up behind him. Hamada turned his face around, right into a spray of fine red mist. Looking totally dumbfounded, he jumped up, screaming, \"Who are you? What—\"\n\nThe adderlike blade moved directly toward him. Kojirō laughed, and as Hamada shrank back, followed him relentlessly. The two moved in a circle through the grass." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Hamada moved back a foot, Kojirō moved forward the same distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Hamada leapt to one side, the Drying Pole followed, pointing unwaveringly at its prospective victim.\n\nThe melon vendor cried out in astonishment, \"Kojirō! It's me. Save me!\"\n\nHamada blanched with terror and gasped, \"Koο-ji-rō!\" Then he wheeled around and tried to flee.\n\n\"Where do you think you're going?\" barked Kojirō. The Drying Pole flashed through the sultry stillness, lopping off Hamada's ear and lodging deep in the flesh under the shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He died on the spot.\n\nKojirō promptly cut the melon vendor's bonds. Rearranging himself into a proper sitting posture, the man bowed, and stayed bowed, too embarrassed to show his face.\n\nKojirō wiped and resheathed his sword. Amusement playing faintly around his lips, he said, \"What's the matter with you, Matahachi? Don't look so miserable. You're still alive.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None of this 'yes, sir' business. Look at me. It's been a long time, hasn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm glad you're well.\"\n\n\"Why wouldn't I be? But I must say you've taken to an unusual trade.\"\n\n\"Let's not talk about it.\"\n\n\"All right. Pick up your melons. Then—I know, why don't you leave them at the Donjiki?\" With a loud shout, he summoned the proprietor, who helped them stack the melons behind the blinds.\n\nKojirō took out his brush and ink and wrote on one of the shoji: \"To whom it may concern: I certify that the person who killed the two men lying on this vacant lot was myself, Sasaki Kojirō, a rōnin residing at Tsukinomisaki.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the proprietor, he said, \"This should fix it so no one'll bother you about the killings.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think nothing of it. If friends or relatives of the dead men should come around, please deliver this message for me. Tell them I won't run away. If they want to see me, I'm ready to greet them anytime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside again, he said to Matahachi, \"Let's go.\"\n\nMatahachi walked beside him but would not take his eyes off the ground. Not once since coming to Edo had he held a steady job. Whatever his intention—to become a shugyōsha or to go into business—when he found the going rough, he changed jobs. And after Otsū slipped away from him, he felt less and less like working. He'd slept in first one place, then another, sometimes at flophouses populated by hoodlums." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The past few weeks, he had been making his living as a common peddler, trudging from one part of the castle wall to another, hawking watermelons.\n\nKojirō wasn't particularly interested in what Matahachi had been doing, but he had written the sign at the Donjiki and he might later be questioned about the incident. \"Why did those samurai have it in for you?\" he asked.\n\n\"To tell the truth, it had to do with a woman... \"\n\nKojirō smiled, thinking wherever Matahachi went, there soon arose some difficulty connected with women. Perhaps this was his karma." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mm,\" he mumbled. \"The great lover in action again, eh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, more loudly, \"Who is the woman, and what exactly happened?\"\n\nIt took some prodding, but eventually Matahachi gave in and told his tale, or part of it. Near the moat, there were dozens of tiny tea shops catering to construction workers and passersby. In one of these there had been a waitress who caught everybody's eyes, enticing men who did not want tea to step in for a cup and men who were not hungry to order bowls of sweet jelly. One regular customer had been Hamada; Matahachi, too, dropped in occasionally.\n\nOne day this waitress whispered to him that she needed his help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That rōnin,\" she had said. \"I don't like him, but every night after the shop closes, the master orders me to go home with him. Won't you let me come and hide in your house? I won't be a burden. I'll cook for you, and mend your clothes.\"\n\nSince her plea seemed reasonable, Matahachi had agreed. That was all there was to it, he insisted.\n\nKojirō was unconvinced. \"It sounds fishy to me.\"\n\n\"Why?\" Matahachi asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō could not decide whether Matahachi was trying to make himself appear innocent or whether he was bragging about an amorous conquest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without even smiling, he said, \"Never mind. It's hot out here under the sun. Let's go to your house, and you can tell me about it in more detail.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Matahachi stopped in his tracks.\n\n\"Is there anything wrong with that?\" asked Kojirō.\n\n\"Well, my place is—it's not the sort of place I'd want to take you to.\"\n\nSeeing the distressed look in Matahachi's eyes, Kojirō said lightly, \"Never mind. But one of these days soon you must come to see me. I'm staying with Iwama Kakubei, about halfway up Isarago Hill.\"\n\n\"I'd like that.\"\n\n\"By the way, did you see the signs posted around the city recently, the ones addressed to Musashi?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They said your mother was looking for him too. Why don't you go to see her?\"\n\n\"Not the way I am now!\"\n\n\"Idiot. You don't have to put on a great show for your own mother. There's no way of knowing just when she might find Musashi, and if you're not there at the time, you'll lose the chance of a lifetime. You'd regret that, wouldn't you?\"\n\n\"Yes, I'll have to do something about that soon,\" Matahachi said noncommittally, thinking resentfully that other people, including the man who had just saved his life, did not understand the feelings between mothers and their offspring.\n\nThey parted, Matahachi ambling down a grassy lane, Kojirō ostensibly setting out in the opposite direction. Kojirō soon doubled back and followed Matahachi, taking care to stay out of sight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Matahachi arrived presently at a motley collection of \"long houses,\" one-story tenements, each containing three or four small apartments under a single roof." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since Edo had grown rapidly and not everybody could be choosy about where he lived, people cleared land as the necessity arose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Streets came into existence afterward, developing naturally from pathways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Drainage, too, came about by accident, as waste water cut its own path to the nearest stream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had it not been for these jerry-built slums, the influx of newcomers could not have been absorbed. The majority of the inhabitants of such places were, of course, workmen.\n\nNear his home, Matahachi was greeted by a neighbor named Umpei, the boss of a crew of well diggers. Umpei was seated cross-legged in a large wooden tub, only his face showing above the rain shutter placed sideways in front of the tub for privacy.\n\n\"Good evening,\" said Matahachi. \"I see you're having your bath.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm about to get out,\" replied the boss genially." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you like to use it next?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, but I think Akemi's probably heated water for me.\"\n\n\"You two are very fond of each other, aren't you? Nobody around here seems to know whether you're brother and sister or husband and wife. Which is it?\"\n\nMatahachi giggled sheepishly. The appearance of Akemi saved him from having to answer.\n\nShe placed a tub under a persimmon tree and brought pailfuls of hot water from the house to fill it. When she was done, she said, \"Feel it, Matahachi. See if it's hot enough.\"\n\n\"It's a little too hot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was the squeaking of the well pulley, and Matahachi, stripped to his loincloth, brought up a bucket of cold water and poured it into the bath before climbing in himself. \"Ah-h-h,\" he sighed contentedly. \"This feels good.\"\n\nUmpei, wearing a cotton summer kimono, placed a bamboo stool under a gourd trellis and sat down. \"Did you sell lots of melons?\" he inquired.\n\n\"Not many. I never sell very many.\" Noticing dried blood between his fingers, he hastily wiped it off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't imagine you would. I still think your life would be easier if you went to work on a well-digging gang.\"\n\n\"You're always saying that. Don't think I'm ungrateful, but if I did that, they wouldn't let me off the castle grounds, would they? That's why Akemi doesn't want me to take the job. She says she'd be lonesome without me.\"\n\n\"Happily married couple, eh? Well, well.\"\n\n\"Ouch!\"\n\n\"What's the matter?\"\n\n\"Something fell on my head.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A green persimmon landed on the ground just behind Matahachi.\n\n\"Ha, ha! Punishment for bragging about your wife's devotion, that's what it is.\" Still laughing, Umpei rapped his tannin-coated fan on his knee.\n\nOver sixty years old, with a shaggy, hemplike mane of white hair, Umpei was a man who enjoyed the respect of his neighbors and the admiration of the young people, whom he bigheartedly treated as his own children. Each morning he could be heard chanting Namu Myōhō Rengekyō, the sacred invocation of the Nichiren sect.\n\nA native of Itō in Izu Province, he had a sign in front of his house saying: \"Idohori no Umpei, Well Digger for the Shōgun's Castle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To build the many wells necessary for the castle involved technical skills beyond those of ordinary laborers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Umpei had been hired as a consultant and recruiter of workers because of his long experience in the gold mines of Izu Peninsula." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He enjoyed nothing more than sitting under his beloved gourd trellis, spinning yarns and drinking his nightly cup of cheap but potent shōchū, the poor man's sake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Matahachi emerged from the bath, Akemi surrounded the washtub with rain shutters and had hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Later, the matter of Umpei's proposal came up once again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides having to stay on the castle grounds, the workers were watched very closely, and their families were virtually hostages of the bosses of the areas where they lived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the other hand, the work was easier than on the outside and paid at least twice as much." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leaning over a tray on which there was a dish of cold bean curd, garnished with fresh, fragrant basil leaf, Matahachi said, \"I don't want to become a prisoner just to earn a little money. I'm not going to sell melons all my life, but bear with me a little longer, Akemi.\"\n\n\"Umm,\" she replied between mouthfuls of tea-and-rice gruel. \"I'd rather you tried just once to do something really worthwhile, something that would make people take notice.\"\n\nThough nothing was ever said or done to discourage the idea that she was Matahachi's legal wife, she wasn't about to marry anyone who shilly-shallied the way he did. Fleeing the world of play at Sakaimachi with Matahachi had been only an expedient; he was the perch from which she intended, at the first opportunity, to fly once more into the open sky. But it did not suit her purposes for Matahachi to go off to the castle to work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt being left alone would be dangerous; specifically, she was afraid Hamada might find her and force her to live with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, I forgot,\" said Matahachi, as they finished their frugal meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then told her about his experiences that day, adjusting the details in a fashion calculated to please her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time he had finished, her face was ashen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking a deep breath, she said, \"You saw Kojirō? Did you tell him I was here? You didn't, did you?\"\n\nMatahachi took her hand and placed it on his knee. \"Of course not. Do you think I'd let that bastard know where you are? He's the kind that never gives up. He'd be after you—\"\n\nHe broke off with an inarticulate shout and pressed his hand to the side of his face. The green persimmon that smashed against his cheek broke and spattered its whitish meat in Akemi's face.\n\nOutside, in the shadows of a moonlit bamboo grove, a form not unlike that of Kojirō could be seen walking nonchalantly away in the direction of town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eyes\n\n\"Sensei!\" called Iori, who was not yet tall enough to see over the tall grass. They were on Musashino Plain, which was said to cover ten counties.\n\n\"I'm right here,\" replied Musashi. \"What's taking you so long?\"\n\n\"I guess there's a path, but I keep losing it. How much farther do we have to go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Till we find a good place to live.\"\n\n\"Live? We're going to stay around here?\"\n\n\"Why shouldn't we?\"\n\nIori gazed up at the sky, thought of its vastness and the emptiness of the land around him and said, \"I wonder.\"\n\n\"Think what it'll be like in the fall. Clear, beautiful skies, fresh dew on the grass. Doesn't it make you feel cleaner just thinking about it?\"\n\n\"Well, maybe, but I'm not against living in the city, like you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not, really. In a way, it's nice to be among people, but even with my thick skin I couldn't stand being there when those signs were put up. You saw what they said.\"\n\nIori grimaced. \"I get mad just thinking about it.\"\n\n\"Why let yourself get angry over that?\"\n\n\"I couldn't help it. No matter where I went, there wasn't anybody who'd say anything good about you.\"\n\n\"Nothing I could do about that.\"\n\n\"You could have cut down the men spreading the rumors. You could have put up your own signs challenging them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's no point in starting fights you can't win.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wouldn't have lost to that scum. You couldn't have.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you're wrong. I would have.\"\n\n\"How?\"\n\n\"Sheer numbers. If I beat ten, there'd be a hundred more. If I defeated a hundred, there'd be a thousand. There's no possibility of winning in that kind of situation.\"\n\n\"But does that mean you're going to be laughed at for the rest of your life?\"\n\n\"Of course not. I'm as determined as the next person to have a good name. I owe it to my ancestors. And I intend to become a man who's never laughed at. That's what I came out here to learn.\"\n\n\"We can walk all we want, but I don't think we're going to find any houses. Shouldn't we try to find a temple to stay in again?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not a bad idea, but what I really want is to find someplace with a lot of trees and build a house of our own.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It'll be like Hōtengahara again, won't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. This time we're not going to farm. I think maybe I'll practice Zen meditation every day. You can read books, and I'll give you some lessons in the sword.\"\n\nEntering the plain at the village of Kashiwagi, the Kōshū entrance to Edo, they had come down the long slope from Jūnisho Gongen and followed a narrow path that repeatedly threatened to disappear among the waving summer grasses. When they finally reached a pine-covered knoll, Musashi made a quick survey of the terrain and said, \"This'll do fine.\" To him, any place could serve as home—more than that: wherever he happened to be was the universe.\n\nThey borrowed tools and hired a laborer at the nearest farmhouse. Musashi's approach to building a house was not at all sophisticated; in fact, he could have learned quite a bit from watching birds build a nest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The result, finished a few days later, was an oddity, less substantial than a hermit's mountain retreat but not so crude as to be described as a shed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The posts were logs with the bark left on, the remainder a rough alliance of boards, bark, bamboo and miscanthus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Standing back to take a good look, Musashi remarked thoughtfully, \"This must be like the houses people lived in back in the age of the gods.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only relief from the primitiveness were scraps of paper lovingly fashioned to make small shoji.\n\nIn the days following, the sound of Iori's voice, floating from behind a reed blind as he recited his lessons, rose above the buzz of the cicadas. His training had become very strict in every respect.\n\nWith Jōtarō, Musashi had not insisted on discipline, thinking at the time that it was best to let growing boys grow naturally. But with the passage of time, he had observed that, if anything, bad traits tended to develop and good ones to be repressed. Similarly, he had noticed that trees and plants he wanted to grow would not grow, while weeds and brush flourished no matter how often he cut them down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During the hundred years after the Ōnin War, the nation had been like a tangled mass of overgrown hemp plants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then Nobunaga had cut the plants down, Hideyoshi had bundled them up, and Ieyasu had broken and smoothed the ground to build a new world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Musashi saw it, warriors who placed a high value only on martial practices and whose most noticeable characteristic was unbounded ambition were no longer the dominant element in society. Sekigahara had put an end to that.\n\nHe had come to believe that whether the nation remained in the hands of the Tokugawas or reverted to the Toyotomis, people in general already knew the direction they wanted to move in: from chaos toward order, from destruction toward construction.\n\nAt times, he'd had the feeling he had been born too late. No sooner had Hideyoshi's glory penetrated into remote rural areas and fired the hearts of boys like Musashi than the possibility of following in Hideyoshi's footsteps evaporated.\n\nSo it was his own experience that led to his decision to emphasize discipline in Iori's upbringing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he was going to create a samurai, he should create one for the coming era, not for the past.\n\n\"Iori.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" The boy was kneeling before Musashi almost before the words were out.\n\n\"It's almost sunset. Time for our practice. Bring the swords.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" When he placed them in front of Musashi, he knelt and formally requested a lesson.\n\nMusashi's sword was long, Iori's short, both wooden practice weapons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Teacher and pupil faced each other in tense silence, swords held at eye level." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A rim of sunlight hovered on the horizon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cryptomeria grove behind the cabin was already sunk in gloom, but if one looked toward the voices of the cicadas, a sliver of moon was visible through the branches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eyes,\" said Musashi.\n\nIori opened his eyes wide.\n\n\"My eyes. Look at them.\"\n\nIori did his best, but his eyes seemed to literally bounce away from Musashi's. Instead of glaring, he was being defeated by his opponent's eyes. When he tried again, he was seized by giddiness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His head began to feel as if it were no longer his own. His hands, his feet, his whole body felt wobbly.\n\n\"Look at my eyes!\" Musashi commanded with great sternness. Iori's look had strayed again. Then, concentrating on his master's eyes, he forgot the sword in his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The short length of curved wood seemed to become as heavy as a bar of steel.\n\n\"Eyes, eyes!\" said Musashi, advancing slightly.\n\nIori checked the urge to fall back, for which he had been scolded dozens of times. But when he attempted to follow his opponent's lead and move forward, his feet were nailed to the ground. Unable either to advance or to retreat, he could feel his body temperature rise. \"What's the matter with me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The thought exploded like fireworks inside him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sensing this burst of mental energy, Musashi yelled, \"Charge!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the same time he lowered his shoulders, dropped back and dodged with the agility of a fish.\n\nWith a gasp, Iori sprang forward, spun around—and saw Musashi standing where he himself had been.\n\nThen the confrontation began again, just as before, both teacher and pupil maintaining strict silence.\n\nBefore long the grass was soaked with dew, and the eyebrow of a moon hung above the cryptomerias. Each time the wind gusted, the insects stopped singing momentarily. Autumn had come, and the wild flowers, though not spectacular in the daytime, now quivered gracefully, like the feathered robe of a dancing deity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Enough,\" said Musashi, lowering his sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he handed it to Iori, they became conscious of a voice coming from the direction of the grove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wonder who that is,\" said Musashi.\n\n\"Probably a lost traveler wanting to put up for the night.\"\n\n\"Run and see.\"\n\nAs Iori sped around to the other side of the building, Musashi seated himself on the bamboo veranda and gazed out over the plain. The eulalias were tall, their tops fluffy; the light bathing the grass had a peculiar autumn sheen.\n\nWhen Iori returned, Musashi asked, \"A traveler?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, a guest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Guest? Here?\"\n\n\"It's Hōjō Shinzō. He tied his horse up and he's waiting for you in back.\"\n\n\"This house doesn't really have any back or front, but I think it'd be better to receive him here.\"\n\nIori ran round the side of the cabin, shouting, \"Please come this way.\"\n\n\"This is a pleasure,\" said Musashi, his eyes expressing his delight at seeing Shinzō completely recovered.\n\n\"Sorry to have been out of touch so long. I suppose you live out here to get away from people. I hope you'll forgive me for dropping in unexpectedly like this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Greetings having been exchanged, Musashi invited Shinzō to join him on the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you find me? I haven't told anyone where I am.\"\n\n\"Zushino Kōsuke. He said you'd finished the Kannon you promised him and sent Iori to deliver it.\"\n\n\"Ha, ha. I suppose Iori let the secret out. It doesn't matter. I'm not old enough to abandon the world and retire. I did think, though, that if I left the scene for a couple of months, the malicious gossip would quiet down. Then there'd be less danger of reprisals against Kōsuke and my other friends.\"\n\nShinzō lowered his head. \"I owe you an apology—all this trouble because of me.\"\n\n\"Not really. That was a minor thing. The real root of the matter has to do with the relationship between Kojirō and me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you know he killed Obata Yogorō?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"Yogorō, when he heard about me, decided to take revenge himself. He was no match for Kojirō.\"\n\n\"I warned him... \" The image of the youthful Yogorō standing in the entrance of his father's house was still vivid in Musashi's mind. \"What a pity,\" he thought to himself.\n\n\"I can understand how he felt,\" continued Shinzō. \"The students had all left, and his father had died. He must have thought he was the only one who could do it. In any case, he appears to have gone to Kojirō's house. Still, no one saw them together; there's no real proof.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mm. Maybe my warning had the opposite effect from what I intended—stirred up his pride so he felt he had to fight. It's a shame.\"\n\n\"It is. Yogorō was Sensei's only blood relation. With his death the House of Obata ceased to exist. However, my father discussed the matter with Lord Munenori, who somehow managed to institute adoption proceedings. I'm to become Kagenori's heir and successor and carry on the Obata name... I'm not sure I'm mature enough yet. I'm afraid I may end up bringing further disgrace to the man. After all, he was the greatest proponent of the Kōshū military tradition.\"\n\n\"Your father's the Lord of Awa. Isn't the Hōjō military tradition considered to be on a par with the Kōshū School? And your father as great a master as Kagenori?\"\n\n\"That's what they say. Our ancestors came from Tōtōmi Province. My grandfather served Hōjō Ujitsuna and Hōjō Ujiyasu of Odawara, and my father was selected by Ieyasu himself to succeed them as head of the family.\"\n\n\"Coming from a famous military family, isn't it unusual for you to have become a disciple of Kagenori's?\"\n\n\"My father has his disciples, and he's given lectures before the shōgun on military science. But instead of teaching me anything, he told me to go out and learn from somebody else. Find out the hard way! That's the kind of man he is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi sensed an element of intrinsic decency, even nobility, in Shinzō's demeanor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And it was probably natural, he thought, for his father, Ujikatsu, was an outstanding general, and his mother was the daughter of Hōjō Ujiyasu.\n\n\"I'm afraid I've been talking too much,\" said Shinzō. \"Actually, my father sent me out here. Of course, it would have been only proper for him to come and express his gratitude to you in person, but just now he has a guest, who's quite eager to see you. My father told me to bring you back with me. Will you come?\" He peered inquiringly into Musashi's face.\n\n\"A guest of your father's wants to see me?\"\n\n\"That's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who could it be? I know almost no one in Edo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A person you've known since you were a boy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi couldn't imagine who it might be. Matahachi, perhaps? A samurai from Takeyama Castle? A friend of his father's?\n\nMaybe even Otsū... But Shinzō refused to divulge his secret. \"I was instructed not to tell you who it is. The guest said it would be better to surprise you. Will you come?\"\n\nMusashi's curiosity was piqued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He told himself it couldn't be Otsū, but in his heart hoped it was.\n\n\"Let's go,\" he said, rising to his feet. \"Iori, don't wait up for me.\"\n\nShinzō, pleased that his mission was successful, went behind the house and brought his horse. Saddle and stirrups were dripping with dew. Holding the bit, he offered the horse to Musashi, who proceeded without further ado to mount it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they left, Musashi said to Iori, \"Take care of yourself. I may not be back until tomorrow.\" It was not long before he was swallowed up by the evening mist.\n\nIori sat quietly on the veranda, lost in thought.\n\n\"Eyes,\" he thought. \"Eyes.\" Innumerable times he had been ordered to keep his eyes on his opponent's, but as yet he could neither understand the import of the instruction nor get the idea out of his mind. He gazed vacantly up at the River of Heaven." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What was wrong with him? Why was it that when Musashi stared at him, he couldn't stare straight back? More vexed by his failure than an adult would have been, he was trying very hard to find the explanation when he became conscious of a pair of eyes. They were aimed at him from the branches of a wild grapevine, which twined around a tree in front of the cabin.\n\n\"What's that?\" he thought.\n\nThe brightly shining eyes reminded him strongly of Musashi's eyes during practice sessions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Must be a possum.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had seen one several times, eating the wild grapes. The eyes were like agate, the eyes of a fierce hobgoblin.\n\n\"Beast!\" cried Iori. \"You think I don't have any courage, think even you can outstare me. Well, I'll show you! I'm not about to lose to you.\"\n\nWith grim determination, he tensed his elbows and glared back. The possum, whether out of stubbornness or curiosity, made no move to flee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Its eyes took on an even more lustrous brilliance.\n\nThe effort so absorbed Iori that he forgot to breathe. He swore again not to lose, not to this lowly beast. After what seemed like hours, he realized with a flash that he had triumphed. The leaves of the grapevine shook and the possum vanished.\n\n\"That'll show you!\" exulted Iori." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was drenched with sweat, but he felt relieved and refreshed. He only hoped he would be able to repeat the performance the next time he confronted Musashi.\n\nHaving lowered a reed blind on the window and snuffed out the lamp, he went to bed. A bluish-white light reflected from the grass outside. He dozed off, but inside his head he seemed to see a tiny spot, shining like a jewel. In time, the spot grew into the vague outline of the possum's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tossing and moaning, he was suddenly overwhelmed by the conviction that there were eyes at the foot of his pallet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He roused himself with difficulty. \"Bastard,\" he cried, reaching for his sword. He took a murderous swing but ended up doing a somersault. The shadow of the possum was a moving spot on the blind. He slashed at it wildly, then ran outside and hacked fiercely at the grapevine. His eyes rose skyward in search of the eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There came into focus, slowly, two large, bluish stars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four Sages with a Single Light\n\n\"Here we are,\" Shinzō said as they reached the foot of Akagi Hill.\n\nFrom the flute music, which sounded like the accompaniment to a sacred shrine dance, and the bonfire visible through the woods, Musashi thought a night festival must be in progress. The trip to Ushigome had taken two hours.\n\nOn one side was the spacious compound of Akagi Shrine; across the sloping street stood the earthen wall of a large private residence and a gate of magnificent proportions. When they reached the gate, Musashi dismounted and handed the reins to Shinzō, thanking him as he did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shinzō led the horse inside and handed the reins to one of a group of samurai waiting near the entrance with paper lanterns in their hands. They all came forward, welcomed him back and led the way through the trees to a clearing in front of the imposing entrance hall. Inside, servants holding lanterns were lined up on both sides of the hallway.\n\nThe chief steward greeted them, saying, \"Come in. His lordship is expecting you. I'll show you the way.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" replied Musashi. He followed the steward up a stairway and into a waiting room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The design of the house was unusual; one stairway after another led to a series of apartments, which gave the impression of being stacked one above another all the way up Akagi Hill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he seated himself, Musashi noted that the room was well up the slope. Beyond a drop at the edge of the garden, he could just make out the northern part of the castle moat and the woods framing the escarpment. He found himself thinking that the view from the room in the daytime must be breathtaking.\n\nNoiselessly, the door in an arched doorway slid open. A beautiful serving girl came gracefully in and placed a tray bearing cakes, tea and tobacco in front of him. Then she slipped out as quietly as she had entered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed as if her colorful kimono and obi had emerged from and melted into the wall itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A faint fragrance lingered after her, and suddenly Musashi was reminded of the existence of women.\n\nThe master of the house appeared shortly after that, attended by a young samurai. Dispensing with formalities, he said, \"Good of you to come.\" In good soldierly fashion, he seated himself cross-legged on a cushion spread by the attendant and said, \"From what I hear, my son is much indebted to you. I hope you'll pardon my asking you to come here rather than visiting your house to express my thanks.\" With his hands resting lightly on the fan in his lap, he inclined his prominent forehead ever so slightly.\n\n\"I'm honored to be invited to meet you,\" said Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not easy to estimate Hōjō Ujikatsu's age." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three front teeth were missing, but his smooth, shiny skin testified to a determination never to grow old. The heavy black mustache, streaked with only a few white hairs, had been allowed to grow out on both sides to conceal any wrinkles resulting from the lack of teeth. Musashi's first impression was of a man who had many children and got along well with young people.\n\nSensing that his host wouldn't object, Musashi went straight to the point. \"Your son tells me that you have a guest who knows me. Who might that be?\"\n\n\"Not one but two. You'll see them by and by.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Two people?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. They know each other very well, and both are good friends of mine. I happened to meet them at the castle today. They came back with me, and when Shinzō came in to greet them, we started chatting about you. One of them said he hadn't seen you for a long time and would like to. The other, who knows you only by reputation, expressed the desire to be introduced.\"\n\nSmiling broadly, Musashi said, \"I think I know. One is Takuan Sōhō, isn't it?\"\n\n\"That's right,\" exclaimed Lord Ujikatsu, slapping his knee in surprise.\n\n\"I haven't seen him since I came east several years ago.\"\n\nBefore Musashi had time to make a guess at who the other man was, his lordship said, \"Come with me,\" and went out into the corridor.\n\nThey climbed a short stairway and walked down a long, dark corridor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rain shutters were in place on one side. Suddenly Musashi lost sight of Lord Ujikatsu. He stopped and listened.\n\nAfter a few moments, Ujikatsu called, \"I'm down here.\" His voice seemed to come from a well-lit room that was situated across an open space from the corridor.\n\n\"I understand,'\" Musashi called back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of heading directly for the light, he stood where he was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The space outside the corridor was openly inviting, but something told him danger lurked in that stretch of darkness.\n\n\"What are you waiting for, Musashi? We're over here.\"\n\n\"Coming,\" answered Musashi. He was in no position to reply otherwise, but his sixth sense had warned him to be on the alert. Stealthily, he turned and walked back about ten paces to a small door, which let out onto the garden. Slipping on a pair of sandals, he made his way around the garden to the veranda of Lord Ujikatsu's parlor.\n\n\"Oh, you came that way, did you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "said his lordship, looking around from the other end of the room. He sounded disappointed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Takuan!\" called Musashi as he entered the room, a radiant smile on his face. The priest, seated in front of the alcove, stood up to greet him. To meet again—and under the roof of Lord Hōjō Ujikatsu—seemed almost too fortuitous. Musashi had trouble convincing himself that it was really happening.\n\n\"We'll have to bring each other up to date,\" said Takuan. \"Shall I begin?\" He was clad in the plain robes he always wore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No finery, not so much as prayer beads." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet he seemed mellower than before, more soft-spoken. Just as Musashi's rural upbringing had been leached out of him by strenuous attempts at self-discipline, Takuan, too, seemed to have had the sharper corners rounded off and to have become more deeply endowed with the wisdom of Zen. To be sure, he was no longer a youth. Eleven years older than Musashi, he was now approaching forty.\n\n\"Let's see. Kyoto, wasn't it? Ah, I remember. It was shortly before I went back to Tajima. After my mother died, I spent a year in mourning. Then I traveled for a while, spent some time at the Nansōji in Izumi, then at the Daitokuji. Later, I saw a good deal of Lord Karasumaru—composed poetry with him, had tea ceremonies, fended off the cares of this world. Before I knew it, I'd spent three years in Kyoto. Recently I became friendly with Lord Koide of Kishiwada Castle and came with him to have a look at Edo.\"\n\n\"Then you've been here only a short time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Although I've met Hidetada twice at the Daitokuji and been summoned into Ieyasu's presence a number of times, this is my first trip to Edo. And what about you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been here only since the beginning of this summer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems you've made quite a name for yourself in this part of the country.\"\n\nMusashi didn't try to justify himself. He hung his head and said, \"I suppose you've heard about that.\"\n\nTakuan stared at him for a few moments, seemingly comparing him with the Takezō of old. \"Why worry about that? It'd be strange if a man your age had too good a reputation. So long as you haven't done anything disloyal or ignoble or rebellious, what does it matter? I'm more interested in hearing about your training.\"\n\nMusashi gave a brief account of his recent experiences and ended by saying, \"I'm afraid I'm still immature, imprudent—far from being truly enlightened. The more I travel, the longer the road becomes. I have the feeling I'm climbing an endless mountain path.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the way it has to be,\" said Takuan, clearly pleased with the youth's integrity and humility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If a man not yet thirty claims to know the least bit about the Way, it's an unmistakable sign his growth has stopped. Even I still shudder with embarrassment when anyone suggests that an uncouth priest like me could know the ultimate meaning of Zen. It's disconcerting, the way people are always asking me to tell them about the Buddhist Law or explain the true teachings. People try to look up to a priest as a living Buddha. Be thankful that others don't overestimate you, that you don't have to pay attention to appearances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the two men happily renewed their friendship, servants arrived with food and drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Presently Takuan said, \"Forgive me, your lordship. I'm afraid we're forgetting something. Why don't you call your other guest in?\"\n\nMusashi was certain now that he knew who the fourth person was, but elected to remain silent.\n\nHesitating slightly, Ujikatsu said, \"Shall I call him?\" Then, to Musashi, \"I'll have to admit you saw through our little trick. As the one who planned it, I feel rather ashamed.\"\n\nTakuan laughed. \"Good for you! I'm glad to see you're up to admitting defeat. But why not? It was only a game to amuse everybody anyway, wasn't it? Certainly nothing for the master of the Hōjō Style to lose face over.\"\n\n\"Well, no doubt I was defeated,\" murmured Ujikatsu, reluctance still in his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The truth is that although I've heard what sort of man you are, I had no way of knowing just how well trained and disciplined you are. I thought I'd see for myself, and my other guest agreed to cooperate. When you stopped in the passageway, he was waiting in ambush, ready to draw his sword.\" His lordship seemed to regret having had to put Musashi to the test. \"But you perceived you were being lured into a trap and came across the garden.\" Looking directly at Musashi, he asked, \"May I ask why you did that?\"\n\nMusashi merely grinned.\n\nTakuan spoke up. \"It's the difference, your lordship, between the military strategist and the swordsman.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it, now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a matter of instinctive responses—that of a military scholar, based on intellectual principles, versus that of a man who follows the Way of the Sword, based on the heart. You reasoned that if you led Musashi on, he'd follow. Yet without being able to actually see, or to put his finger on anything definite, Musashi sensed danger and moved to protect himself. His reaction was spontaneous, instinctive.\"\n\n\"Instinctive?\"\n\n\"Like a Zen revelation.\"\n\n\"Do you have premonitions like that?\"\n\n\"I can't really say.\"\n\n\"In any case, I've learned a lesson. The average samurai, sensing danger, might have lost his head, or perhaps seized upon the trap as an excuse to display his prowess with the sword. When I saw Musashi go back, put on the sandals and cross the garden, I was deeply impressed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Musashi kept his silence, his face revealing no special pleasure at Lord Uji katsu's words of praise. His thoughts turned to the man still standing outside in the dark, stranded by the victim's failure to fall into the trap.\n\nAddressing his host, he said, \"May I request that the Lord of Tajima take his place among us now?\"\n\n\"What's that?\" Ujikatsu was astonished, as was Takuan. \"How did you know?\"\n\nMoving back to give Yagyū Munenori the place of honor, Musashi said, \"Despite the darkness, I felt the presence of peerless swordsmanship. Taking into consideration the other faces present, I don't see how it could be anyone else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've done it again!\" Ujikatsu was amazed.\n\nAt a nod from him, Takuan said, \"The Lord of Tajima. Quite right.\" Turning to the door, he called, \"Your secret is out, Lord Munenori. Won't you join us?\"\n\nThere was a loud laugh, and Munenori appeared in the doorway. Instead of arranging himself comfortably in front of the alcove, he knelt in front of Musashi and greeted him as an equal, saying, \"My name is Mataemon Munenori. I hope you will remember me.\"\n\n\"It is an honor to meet you. I am a rōnin from Mimasaka, Miyamoto Musashi by name. I pray for your guidance in the future.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kimura Sukekurō mentioned you to me some months ago, but at the time I was busy because of my father's illness.\"\n\n\"How is Lord Sekishūsai?\"\n\n\"Well, he's very old. There's no way of knowing... \" After a brief pause, he continued with warm cordiality: \"My father told me about you in a letter, and I've heard Takuan speak of you several times. I must say your reaction a few minutes ago was admirable. If you don't mind, I think we should regard the bout you requested as having taken place. I hope you're not offended by my unorthodox way of carrying it out.\"\n\nMusashi's impression was of intelligence and maturity quite in accordance with the daimyō's reputation.\n\n\"I'm embarrassed by your thoughtfulness,\" he replied, bowing very low. His show of deference was natural, for Lord Munenori's status was so far above Musashi's as to put him virtually in another world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though his fief amounted to only fifty thousand bushels, his family had been famous as provincial magistrates since the tenth century." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To most people, it would have seemed odd to find one of the shōgun's tutors in the same room with Musashi, let alone talking to him in a friendly, informal fashion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a relief to Musashi to note that neither Ujikatsu, a scholar and member of the shōgun's banner guard, nor Takuan, a country priest by origin, felt any constraint because of Munenori's rank.\n\nWarm sake was brought, cups were exchanged, talk and laughter ensued. Differences in age and class were forgotten. Musashi knew he was being accepted in this select circle not because of who he was. He was seeking the Way, just as they were. It was the Way that permitted such free camaraderie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At one point, Takuan set down his cup and asked Musashi, \"What's become of Otsū.\"\n\nReddening slightly, Musashi said he hadn't seen or heard anything of her for some time.\n\n\"Nothing at all?\"\n\n\"Nothing.\"\n\n\"That's unfortunate. You can't leave her in the lurch forever, you know. It's not good for you, either.\"\n\n\"By Otsū,\" asked Munenori, \"do you mean the girl who once stayed with my father in Koyagyū?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" replied Takuan on Musashi's behalf." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know where she is. She went to Koyagyū with my nephew Hyōgo to help nurse my father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a noted military scientist and Takuan present, thought Musashi, they could be talking about strategy or discussing Zen. With both Munenori and Musashi present, the subject could have been swords.\n\nWith a nod of apology to Musashi, Takuan told the others about Otsū and her relationship with Musashi. \"Sooner or later,\" he concluded, \"someone will have to bring the two of you together again, but I fear it's no task for a priest. I ask the assistance of you two gentlemen.\" What he was actually suggesting was that Ujikatsu and Munenori act as Musashi's guardians.\n\nThey seemed willing to accept this role, Munenori observing that Musashi was old enough to have a family and Ujikatsu saying that he had reached a satisfactorily high level of training." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Munenori suggested that one of these days Otsū should be summoned back from Koyagyū and given in marriage to Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Musashi could set himself up in Edo, where his house, along with those of Ono Tadaaki and Yagyū Munenori, would form a triumvirate of the sword and usher in a golden age of swordsmanship in the new capital. Both Takuan and Ujikatsu concurred.\n\nSpecifically, Lord Ujikatsu, eager to reward Musashi for his kindness to Shinzō, wanted to recommend him as a tutor to the shōgun, an idea the three of them had explored before sending Shinzō for Musashi. And having seen how Musashi reacted to their test, Munenori himself was now ready to give his approval to the plan.\n\nThere were difficulties to be overcome, one being that a teacher in the shōgun's household also had to be a member of the honor guard. Since many of its members were faithful vassals of the Tokugawas from the days when Ieyasu had held the Mikawa fief, there was a reluctance to appoint new people, and all candidates were investigated with great thoroughness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, it was felt that with recommendations from Ujikatsu and Munenori, together with a letter of guarantee from Takuan, Musashi would get by.\n\nThe sticky point was his ancestry. There was no written record tracing his ancestry back to Hirata Shōgen of the Akamatsu clan, nor even a genealogical chart to prove he was of good samurai stock. He assuredly had no family connections with the Tokugawas. On the contrary, it was an undeniable fact that as a callow youth of seventeen he had fought against the Tokugawa forces at Sekigahara. Still, there was a chance; other rōnin from former enemy clans had joined the House of Tokugawa after Sekigahara." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even Ono Tadaaki, a rōnin from the Kitabatake clan, which was at present in hiding in Ise Matsuzaka, held an appointment as tutor to the shōgun despite his undesirable connections." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the three men had again gone over the pros and cons, Takuan said, \"All right then, let's recommend him. But perhaps we should find out what he himself thinks about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The question was put to Musashi, who replied mildly, \"It's kind and generous of you to suggest this, but I'm nothing but an immature young man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't think of it in that way,\" said Takuan with an air of candor. \"What we're advising you to do is become mature. Will you establish a house of your own, or do you plan to make Otsū go on indefinitely living as she is now?\"\n\nMusashi felt hemmed in. Otsū had said she was willing to bear any hardship, but this would in no way lessen Musashi's responsibility for any grief that might befall her. While it was acceptable for a woman to act in accordance with her own feelings, if the outcome was not a happy one, the man would be blamed.\n\nNot that Musashi was unwilling to accept the responsibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the whole, he yearned to accept. Otsū had been guided by love, and the onus of that love belonged to him as much as to her. Nevertheless, he felt it was still too early to marry and have a family. The long, hard Way of the Sword stretched before him yet; his desire to follow it was undiminished.\n\nIt did not simplify matters that his attitude toward the sword had changed. Since Hōtengahara, the sword of the conqueror and the sword of the killer were things of the past, no longer of any use or meaning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor did being a technician, even one who gave instruction to men of the shōgun's retinue, excite his interest. The Way of the Sword, as he had come to see it, must have specific objectives: to establish order, to protect and refine the spirit. The Way had to be one men could cherish as they did their lives, until their dying day. If such a Way existed, could it not be employed to bring peace to the world and happiness to all?\n\nWhen he had answered Sukekurō's letter with a challenge to Lord Munenori, his motive had not been the shallow urge to score a victory that had led him to challenge Sekishūsai. Now his wish was to be engaged in the business of governing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not on any grand scale, of course; a small, insignificant fief would suffice for the activities he imagined would promote the cause of good government.\n\nBut he lacked the confidence to express these ideas, feeling that other swordsmen would dismiss his youthful ambitions as being absurd. Or, if they took him seriously, they would feel compelled to warn him: politics leads to destruction; by going into government he would sully his beloved sword. They would do this out of genuine concern for his soul.\n\nHe even believed that if he spoke his mind truthfully, the two warriors and the priest would react either with laughter or with alarm.\n\nWhen he did get around to speaking, it was to protest—he was too young, too immature, his training was inadequate..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length, Takuan cut him off, saying, \"Leave it to us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Ujikatsu added, \"We'll see that it turns out all right for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The matter was decided.\n\nComing in periodically to trim the lamp, Shinzō had caught the gist of the conversation. He quietly let his father and the guests know that what he had heard pleased him immensely.\n\nThe Locust Tree\n\nMatahachi opened his eyes and looked around, got up and poked his head out the back door.\n\n\"Akemi!\" he called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something prompted him to open the closet. She had recently finished making a new kimono. It was gone.\n\nGoing next door first, to Umpei's, he then walked through the alley toward the street, anxiously asking everyone he met if they'd seen her.\n\n\"I saw her this morning,\" said the charcoal vendor's wife.\n\n\"You did? Where?\"\n\n\"She was all dressed up. I asked her where she was off to, and she said to see relatives in Shinagawa.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shinagawa?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Doesn't she have relatives there?\" she asked skeptically.\n\nHe started to say no, but caught himself. \"Uh, yes, of course. That's where she's gone.\"\n\nRun after her? In truth, his attachment to her was not particularly strong, and he was more annoyed than anything else. Her disappearance left a bittersweet taste.\n\nHe spat and gave vent to an oath or two, then strolled down to the beach, just on the other side of the Shibaura highroad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A little back from the water stood a scattering of fishermen's houses. It was his habit to come here every morning while Akemi was cooking rice and look for fish. Usually at least five or six had fallen from the nets, and he would return just in time to have them cooked for breakfast. Today he ignored the fish.\n\n\"What's the matter, Matahachi?\" The pawnbroker from the main street tapped him on the shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good morning,\" said Matahachi.\n\n\"It's nice to be out early, isn't it? I'm glad to see you come out for a walk every morning. Great for your health!\"\n\n\"You're joking, I suppose. Maybe if I was rich like you, I'd be walking for my health. For me, walking's work.\"\n\n\"You don't look too well. Something happen?\"\n\nMatahachi picked up a handful of sand and cast it bit by bit into the wind. Both he and Akemi were well acquainted with the pawnbroker, who had tided them over several emergencies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Undaunted, the man continued: \"You know, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about, but I never seem to have the chance. Are you going out to work today?\"\n\n\"Why bother? It's not much of a living, selling watermelons.\"\n\n\"Come fishing with me.\"\n\nMatahachi scratched his head and looked apologetic. \"Thanks, but I really don't like to fish.\"\n\n\"Well, you don't have to fish if you don't want to. But come along anyway. It'll make you feel better. That's my boat over there. You can scull a boat, can't you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I guess so.\"\n\n\"Come along. I'm going to tell you how to make a lot of money—maybe a thousand pieces of gold. How would you like that?\"\n\nSuddenly Matahachi had a great interest in going fishing.\n\nAbout a thousand yards offshore, the water was still shallow enough to touch bottom with the scull. Letting the boat drift, Matahachi asked, \"Just how do I go about making this money?\"\n\n\"I'll tell you soon enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pawnbroker readjusted his bulky frame on the seat at the waist of the boat. \"I'd appreciate it if you'd hold a fishing pole out over the water.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"It's better if people think we're fishing. Two people rowing out this far just to talk would look suspicious.\"\n\n\"How's this?\"\n\n\"Fine.\" He took out a pipe with a ceramic bowl, packed it with expensive tobacco and lit it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Before I tell you what I have in mind, let me ask you a question. What do your neighbors say about me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About you?\"\n\n\"Yes, about Daizō of Narai.\"\n\n\"Well, pawnbrokers are supposed to be skinflints, but everybody says you're very good about lending money. They say you're a man who understands life.\"\n\n\"I don't mean my business practices. I want to know their opinion of me personally.\"\n\n\"They think you're a good man, a man with a heart. I'm not just flattering you. That's really what they say.\"\n\n\"Don't they ever comment on what a religious man I am?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, yes, of course. Everybody's amazed at how charitable you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have men from the magistrate's office ever come around inquiring about me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. Why should they?\"\n\nDaizō gave a little laugh. \"I suppose you think my questions are foolish, but the truth of the matter is that I'm not really a pawnbroker.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Matahachi, you may never have another chance to make so much money all at once.\"\n\n\"You're probably right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you want to catch hold?\"\n\n\"Of what?\"\n\n\"The money vine.\"\n\n\"Wh-what do I have to do?\"\n\n\"Make a promise to me and carry it out.\"\n\n\"That's all?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's all, but if you change your mind later, you're as good as dead. I know the money interests you, but think hard before you give your final answer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just what do I have to do?\" Matahachi asked suspiciously.\n\n\"You have to become a well digger. There's nothing to it.\"\n\n\"At Edo Castle?\"\n\nDaizō gazed out over the bay. Cargo boats loaded with building materials and bearing the flags of several great clans—Tōdō, Arima, Katō, Date, Hosokawa—were lined up almost prow to stern.\n\n\"You catch on quick, Matahachi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pawnbroker refilled his pipe. \"Edo Castle is precisely what I have in mind. If I'm not mistaken, Umpei's been trying to persuade you to dig wells for him. It'd be perfectly natural for you to decide to take him up on the offer.\"\n\n\"That's all I have to do?... How is becoming a well digger going to bring me that much money?\"\n\n\"Be patient. I'll tell you all about it.\"\n\nWhen they returned to shore, Matahachi was euphoric. They parted with a promise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That evening he was to slip away unobserved and go to Daizō's house to receive an advance payment of thirty pieces of gold.\n\nHe went home, took a nap and awoke a few hours later with the image of the vast sum that would soon be his dancing before his eyes.\n\nMoney, a fantastic amount, enough to compensate for all the bad luck he had had up till then. Enough to last him for the rest of his life. Even more exciting was the prospect of being able to show people that they were wrong, that he had what it took after all.\n\nWith the money fever upon him, he could not calm down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth still felt dry, even a little numb." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Going outside, he stood in the deserted alleyway facing the bamboo grove behind the house and thought: \"Who is he, anyway? Just what is he up to?\" Then he began to go over the conversation with Daizō.\n\nThe well diggers were presently working at the Goshinjō, the new castle in the western encirclement. Daizō had told him, \"You're to bide your time until the chance presents itself, and then you're to shoot the new shōgun with a musket.\" The gun and ammunition would be on the castle grounds, under a huge, centuries-old locust tree near the back gate at the bottom of Momiji Hill.\n\nNeedless to say, the laborers were under close surveillance, but Hidetada liked going around with his attendants to inspect the work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would be simple enough to accomplish the objective." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the ensuing uproar, Matahachi could escape by jumping into the outer moat, from which Daizō's accomplices would rescue him—\"without fail,\" he had said.\n\nBack in his room, Matahachi stared at the ceiling. He seemed to hear Daizō's voice whispering certain words over and over and recalled how his own lips had trembled when he'd said, \"Yes, I'll do it.\" His skin covered with goose pimples, he jumped to his feet. \"This is awful! I'm going over there right now and tell him I don't want any part of it.\"\n\nThen he remembered something else Daizō had said: \"Now that I've told you all this, you're committed. I'd hate to see anything happen to you, but if you try to back out, my friends will have your head within—oh, three days at the outside.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daizō's piercing stare as he had said this flashed before Matahachi's eyes.\n\nMatahachi walked the short distance down Nishikubo Lane to the corner of the Takanawa highroad, where the pawnshop stood. The bay, cloaked in darkness, was at the end of a side street. He entered the alley alongside the familiar storehouse, went to the inconspicuous back door of the shop and knocked softly.\n\n\"It's not locked,\" came the immediate response.\n\n\"Daizō?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Glad you came. Let's go into the storehouse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A rain shutter had been left open. Matahachi went into the outer corridor and followed the pawnbroker.\n\n\"Sit down,\" said Daizō, placing a candle on a long wooden clothes chest. Sitting down himself and crossing his arms, he asked, \"Did you see Umpei?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"When will he take you to the castle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The day after tomorrow, when he has to bring ten new laborers. He said he'd include me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then everything's set?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, we still have to get the district headman and the five-man neighborhood association to put their seals on the documents.\"\n\n\"No problem. It so happens I'm a member of the association.\"\n\n\"Really? You?\"\n\n\"What's so surprising about that? I'm one of the more influential businessmen in the neighborhood. Last spring, the headman insisted I join.\"\n\n\"Oh, I wasn't surprised. I... I just didn't know, that's all.\"\n\n\"Ha, ha. I know exactly what you thought. You thought it was scandalous for a man like me to be on the committee that looks after neighborhood affairs. Well, let me tell you, if you have money, everybody'll say you're a fine man. You can't avoid becoming a local leader even if you try. Think, Matahachi. Before long you're going to have lots of money too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Y-y-yes,\" stammered Matahachi, unable to suppress a shiver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"W-w-will you give me the advance now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait a minute.\"\n\nPicking up the candle, he went to the rear of the storehouse. From a casket on the shelf, he counted out thirty pieces of gold. He came back and said, \"Do you have anything to wrap them in?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"Use this.\" He snatched a cotton rag from the floor and threw it to Matahachi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'd better put it in your stomach wrapper and make sure it's done up tight.\"\n\n\"Should I give you a receipt?\"\n\n\"Receipt?\" echoed Daizō with an involuntary laugh. \"My, aren't you the honest one! But no, I don't need one. If you make a mistake, I'll confiscate your head.\"\n\nMatahachi blinked and said, \"I suppose I'd better be going now.\"\n\n\"Not so fast. Some obligations go with that money. Do you remember everything I told you this morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Well, there is one thing. You said the musket would be under the locust tree. Who's going to put it there?\" Considering how difficult it was for ordinary workers to enter the castle grounds, he wondered how anyone could possibly manage to sneak in a musket and ammunition. And how could anyone without supernatural powers bury them so they'd be ready and waiting half a month from now?\n\n\"That doesn't concern you. You just do what you've agreed to do. You're nervous now because you're not used to the idea. After you've been there a couple of weeks, you'll be all right.\"\n\n\"I hope so.\"\n\n\"First you have to make up your mind you're going through with it. Then you have to be on the lookout for the right moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now, I don't want any slipups. Hide that money where no one can find it. And leave it there until after you've carried out your mission. When projects like this fall through, it's always because of money.\"\n\n\"Don't worry. I've thought about that already. But let me ask you this: How can I be sure that after I've done my job you won't refuse to pay me the rest?\"\n\n\"Hmph! It may seem like bragging, but money's the least of my worries. Feast your eyes on those boxes.\" He held the candle up so Matahachi could see better. All over the room were boxes—for lacquered trays, for armor, for many other purposes. \"Every one of them contains a thousand pieces of gold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without looking very closely, Matahachi said apologetically, \"I don't doubt your word, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The secret conversation went on for another hour or so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Matahachi, feeling somewhat more confident, left by the back way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daizō went to a nearby room and looked in. \"Akemi, are you there?\" he called. \"I think he'll go straight from here to hide the money. You'd better follow him.\"\n\nAfter a few visits to the pawnshop, Akemi, enthralled with Daizō's personality, had unburdened herself, complaining about her present circumstances and expressing her desire to move on to something better. A couple of days earlier, Daizō had remarked that he was in need of a woman to run his house. Akemi had shown up at his door very early this morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he'd let her in, he'd told her not to worry, he'd \"take care of\" Matahachi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The prospective assassin, serenely unaware he was being followed, returned home. Hoe in hand, he then climbed through the dark grove behind the house to the top of Nishikubo Hill and buried his treasure.\n\nHaving observed all this, Akemi reported to Daizō, who immediately set out for Nishikubo Hill. It was almost dawn when he returned to the storehouse and counted the gold pieces he had dug up. He counted them a second time, and a third, but there was no mistake. Only twenty-eight.\n\nDaizō cocked his head and frowned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He profoundly disliked people who stole his money.\n\nTadaaki's Madness\n\nOsugi was not one to be driven to despair by the sorrows and bitter disappointments of unrequited maternal devotion, but here, with the insects singing amid the lespedeza and eulalia plants, with the great river flowing slowly by, she was not unmoved by feelings of nostalgia and the impermanence of life.\n\n\"Are you home?\" The rough voice sounded harsh in the still evening air.\n\n\"Who is it?\" she called.\n\n\"I'm from Hangawara's. A lot of fresh vegetables came in from Katsushika. The boss told me to bring you some.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yajibei's always so thoughtful.\"\n\nShe was seated at a low table, candle beside her and writing brush in hand, copying the Sutra on the Great Love of Parents. She had moved into a small rented house in the sparsely populated district of Hamachō and was making a reasonably comfortable living treating other people's aches and pains with moxa. She had no physical complaints to speak of. Since the beginning of autumn, she had felt quite young again.\n\n\"Say, Granny, did a young man come to see you earlier this evening?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For a moxa treatment, you mean?\"\n\n\"Unh-unh. He came to Yajibei's, seemed to have something important on his mind. He asked where you were living now, and we told him.\"\n\n\"How old was he?\"\n\n\"Twenty-seven or -eight, I guess.\"\n\n\"What did he look like?\"\n\n\"Sort of round-faced. Not very tall.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mm, I wonder... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He had an accent like yours. I thought maybe he came from the same place. Well, I'll be going. Good night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the footsteps faded, the voices of the insects rose again like the sound of drizzling rain. Putting down her brush, Osugi gazed at the candle, thinking of the days when she was young and people had read portents in the halo of the candlelight. Those left behind had no way of knowing how husbands, sons and brothers who'd gone off to war were faring, or what fate might lie in their own uncertain futures. A bright halo was taken as a sign of good fortune, purplish shadows as an indication that someone had died. When the flame crackled like pine needles, a person they were expecting was sure to come.\n\nOsugi had forgotten how to interpret the omens, but tonight the cheerful halo, as colorfully beautiful as a rainbow, suggested something splendid in the offing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could it have been Matahachi?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hand reached toward the brush once but drew back. As though entranced, she forgot herself and her surroundings and for the next hour or two thought only of her son's face, which seemed to float about in the darkness of the room.\n\nA rustling noise at the back entrance brought her out of her reverie. Wondering if a weasel was playing havoc with her kitchen, she took the candle and went to investigate.\n\nThe sack of vegetables was by the sink; on top of the sack was a white object. Picking it up, she found it was heavy—as heavy as two pieces of gold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the white paper in which they were wrapped, Matahachi had written: \"I still don't have the heart to face you. Please forgive me if I neglect you for another six months. I'll just leave this note, without coming in.\"\n\nA samurai with murder in his eyes was crashing through the tall grass to reach two men standing on the riverbank. Gasping for breath, he called, \"Hamada, was it him?\"\n\n\"No,\" groaned Hamada. \"Wrong man.\" But his eyes sparkled as he continued to survey the surroundings.\n\n\"I'm sure it was.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It wasn't. It was a boatman.\"\n\n\"Are you sure?\"\n\n\"When I ran after him, he climbed into that boat over there.\"\n\n\"That doesn't make him a boatman.\"\n\n\"I checked.\"\n\n\"I must say, he's fast on his feet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turning away from the river, they started back through the fields of Hamachō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matahachi... Matahachi!\"\n\nAt first, the sound barely rose above the murmuring of the river, but as it was repeated and became unmistakable, they stopped and looked at one another in astonishment.\n\n\"Somebody's calling him! How could that be?\"\n\n\"Sounds like an old woman.\"\n\nWith Hamada in the lead, they quickly traced the sound to its source, and when Osugi heard their footsteps, she ran toward them.\n\n\"Matahachi? Is one of you—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They surrounded her and pinioned her arms behind her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing to me?\" Puffing up like an enraged blowfish, she shouted, \"Who are you anyway?\"\n\n\"We're students of the Ono School.\"\n\n\"I don't know anybody named Ono.\"\n\n\"You never heard of Ono Tadaaki, tutor to the shōgun?\"\n\n\"Never.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why, you old—\"\n\n\"Wait. Let's see what she knows about Matahachi.\"\n\n\"I'm his mother.\"\n\n\"You're the mother of Matahachi, the melon vendor?\"\n\n\"What do you mean, you pig! Melon vendor! Matahachi is a descendant of the House of Hon'iden, and that's an important family in the province of Mimasaka. I'll have you know the Hon'idens are high-ranking retainers of Shimmen Munetsura, lord of Takeyama Castle in Yoshino.\"\n\n\"Enough of this,\" said one man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What should we do?\"\n\n\"Pick her up and carry her.\"\n\n\"Hostage? Do you think it'll work?\"\n\n\"If she's his mother, he'll have to come for her.\"\n\nOsugi pulled her scrawny body together and fought like a cornered tigress, but to no avail.\n\nBored and dissatisfied these past several weeks, Kojirō had fallen into the habit of sleeping a lot, in the daytime as well as at night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the moment, he was lying on his back, grumbling to himself, hugging his sword to his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's enough to make my Drying Pole weep. A sword like this, a swordsman like myself—rotting away in another man's house!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a loud click and a metallic flash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stupid fool!\"\n\nStriking in a great arc above him, the weapon slithered back into its scabbard like a living creature.\n\n\"Splendid!\" cried a servant from the edge of the veranda. \"Are you practicing a technique for striking from a supine position?\"\n\n\"Don't be silly,\" sniffed Kojirō. He turned over onto his stomach, picked up two specks and flicked them toward the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was making a nuisance of itself.\"\n\nThe servant's eyes widened. The insect, resembling a moth, had had both its soft wings and tiny body sliced neatly in two.\n\n\"Are you here to lay out my bedding?\" asked Kojirō.\n\n\"Oh, no! Sorry! There's a letter for you.\"\n\nKojirō unhurriedly unfolded the letter and began to read." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he read, a touch of excitement came to his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to Yajibei, Osugi had been missing since the night before. Kojirō was requested to come at once and confer on a course of action.\n\nThe letter explained in some detail how they had learned where she was. Yajibei had had all his men out searching for her all day long, but the crux of the matter was the message Kojirō had left at the Donjiki. It had been crossed out and beside it was written: \"To Sasaki Kojirō: The person holding Matahachi's mother in custody is Hamada Toranosuke of the House of Ono.\"\n\n\"Finally,\" said Kojirō, the words coming from deep in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the time he'd rescued Matahachi, he'd suspected that the two samurai he cut down had some connection with the Ono School.\n\nHe chuckled and said, \"Just what I was waiting for.\" Standing on the veranda, he glanced up at the night sky. There were clouds, but it didn't look like rain.\n\nVery shortly afterward, he was seen riding up the Takanawa highroad on a rented packhorse. It was late when he reached the Hangawara house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After questioning Yajibei in detail, he made up his mind to spend the night there and move into action the next morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ono Tadaaki had received his new name not long after the Battle of Sekigahara." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as Mikogami Tenzen that he'd been summoned to Hidetada's encampment to lecture on swordsmanship, which he did with distinction. Along with bestowal of the name came his appointment as a direct vassal of the Tokugawas and the granting of a new residence on Kanda Hill in Edo.\n\nSince the hill afforded an excellent view of Mount Fuji, the shogunate designated it as a residential district for retainers from Suruga, the province in which Fuji was situated.\n\n\"I was told the house is on Saikachi Slope,\" said Kojirō.\n\nHe and one of Hangawara's men were at the top of the hill. In the deep valley below them, they could see Ochanomizu, a section of river from which water for the shōgun's tea was said to be drawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait here,\" said Kojirō's guide. \"I'll see where it is.\" He returned shortly with the information that they had already passed it.\n\n\"I don't remember any place that looked as though it might belong to the shōgun's tutor.\"\n\n\"Neither did I. I thought he'd have a big mansion, like Yagyū Munenori. But his house is that old one we saw on the right. I've heard it used to belong to the shōgun's stable keeper.\"\n\n\"I suppose it's nothing to be surprised about. Ono's only worth fifteen hundred bushels. Most of Munenori's income was earned by his ancestors.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is it,\" said the guide, pointing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō stopped to inspect the general layout of the buildings. The old earthen wall extended back from the middle section of the slope to a thicket on a hill beyond. The compound appeared to be quite large. From the doorless gate he could see, beyond the main house, a building he took to be the dōjō and an annex, apparently of more recent construction.\n\n\"You can go back now,\" said Kojirō. \"And tell Yajibei if I don't return with the old lady by evening, he can assume I've been killed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\" The man ran swiftly down Saikachi Slope, stopping several times to look back.\n\nKojirō hadn't wasted any time trying to get near Yagyū Munenori. There was no way to defeat him and thereby take for himself the other man's glory, for the Yagyū Style was the one actually employed by the Tokugawas. That in itself was sufficient excuse for Munenori to refuse to take on ambitious rōnin. Tadaaki was inclined to take on all comers.\n\nCompared with the Yagyū Style, Ono's was more practical, the aim being not to make a great display of skill but to actually kill." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō had heard of no one who had succeeded in attacking the House of Ono and putting it to shame. While Munenori was in general the more highly respected, Tadaaki was considered the stronger.\n\nEver since coming to Edo and learning of this situation, Kojirō had told himself that one of these days he would be knocking on the Ono gate.\n\nNumata Kajūrō glanced out the window of the dōjō's dressing room. He did a double take and his eyes swept the room, looking for Toranosuke. Spotting him in the middle of the room, giving a lesson to a younger student, he ran to his side and, in a low voice, sputtered, \"He's here! Out there, in the front yard!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranosuke, his wooden sword poised in front of him, shouted to the student, \"On guard.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he pressed forward, his footsteps resounding sharply on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as the two reached the north corner, the student did a somersault and his wooden sword went sailing through the air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranosuke turned and said, \"Who are you talking about? Kojirō?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, he's just inside the gate. He'll be here any minute.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Much sooner than I expected. Taking the old lady hostage was a good idea.\"\n\n\"What do you plan to do now? Who's going to greet him? It should be someone who's prepared for anything. If he has the nerve to come here alone, he may try a surprise move.\"\n\n\"Have him brought to the dōjō. I'll greet him myself. The rest of you stay in the background and keep quiet.\"\n\n\"At least there're plenty of us here,\" said Kajūrō. Looking around, he was encouraged to see the faces of stalwarts like Kamei Hyōsuke, Negoro Hachikurō and Itō Magobei. There were also about twenty others; they had no idea of Kojirō's way of thinking, but they all knew why Toranosuke wanted him here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the two men Kojirō had killed near the Donjiki was Toranosuke's elder brother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though he was a good-for-nothing, not well thought of at school, his death nevertheless had to be avenged because of the blood relationship.\n\nDespite his youth and his modest income, Toranosuke was a samurai to be reckoned with in Edo. Like the Tokugawas, he came originally from Mikawa Province, and his family was numbered among the oldest of the shōgun's hereditary vassals. He was also one of the \"four generals of Saikachi Slope,\" the others being Kamei, Negoro and Itō.\n\nWhen Toranosuke had come home the night before with Osugi, the consensus was that he had scored a noteworthy coup. Now it would be difficult for Kojirō not to show his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The men vowed that if he did appear, they would beat him within an inch of his life, cut off his nose and hang him on a tree by the Kanda River for all to see." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they were by no means certain he'd show up; in fact, they had placed wagers on it, the majority betting that he wouldn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Assembling in the main room of the dōjō, they left the floor space open in the middle and waited anxiously.\n\nAfter a time, one man asked Kajūrō, \"Are you sure it was Kojirō you saw?\"\n\n\"Absolutely sure.\"\n\nThey sat in formidable array. Their faces, woodenly stiff at first, were now showing signs of strain. Some feared that if this kept up much longer, they would fall victim to their own tenseness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as the breaking point seemed near, the rapid patter of sandals came to a halt outside the dressing room, and the face of another student, standing on tiptoe, appeared in the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Listen! There's no sense in waiting here. Kojirō's not coming.\"\n\n\"What do you mean? Kajūrō just saw him.\"\n\n\"Yes, but he went straight to the house. How he got admitted, I don't know, but he's in the guest room talking with the master.\"\n\n\"The master?\" echoed the group with a collective gasp.\n\n\"Are you telling the truth?\" demanded Toranosuke, the look on his face close to consternation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He strongly suspected that if the circumstances of his brother's death were investigated, it would turn out that he'd been up to no good, but he'd glossed over this in relating the incident to Tadaaki. And if his master knew he'd abducted Osugi, it wasn't because he himself had told him.\n\n\"If you don't believe me, go look.\"\n\n\"What a mess!\" groaned Toranosuke.\n\nFar from sympathizing with him, his fellow students were annoyed by his lack of decisiveness.\n\nAdvising the others to keep cool while they went to see what the situation was, Kamei and Negoro were just stepping into their zōri when an attractive, light-complexioned girl came running out of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Recognizing Omitsu, they stopped where they were and the others rushed to the doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All of you,\" she cried in an excited, shrill voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come right away! Uncle and the guest have drawn swords. In the garden. They're fighting!\"\n\nThough Omitsu was officially regarded as Tadaaki's niece, it had been whispered about that she was really the daughter of Itō Ittōsai by a mistress. Rumor had it that since Ittōsai was Tadaaki's teacher, Tadaaki must have agreed to rear the girl.\n\nThe look of fear in her eyes was most unusual. \"I heard Uncle and the guest talking—their voices got louder and louder—and the next thing I knew... I don't suppose Uncle's in danger, but—\"\n\nThe four generals emitted a collective yelp and lit out for the garden, which was set off from the outer compound by a shrub fence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The others caught up with them at the woven-bamboo gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The gate's locked.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can't you force it?\"\n\nThis proved unnecessary. The gate gave way under the weight of the samurai pressing against it. As it fell, a spacious area backed by a hill came into view. Tadaaki, his faithful Yukihira sword held at eye level, stood in the middle. Beyond him, at a fair distance, was Kojirō, the great Drying Pole rising above his head, fire shooting from his eyes.\n\nThe charged atmosphere seemed to create an invisible barrier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For men raised in the strict tradition of the samurai class, the awe-inspiring solemnity surrounding the combatants, the dignity of the deadly unsheathed swords, was inviolable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite their agitation, the spectacle momentarily deprived the students both of their mobility and of their emotions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then two or three of them started toward Kojirō's rear.\n\n\"Stay back!\" cried Tadaaki angrily. His voice, harsh and chilling, not at all the fatherly voice they were accustomed to, arrested all movement on the part of his students.\n\nPeople were apt to guess Tadaaki's age to be as much as ten years less than his fifty-four or -five years and take his height for average, whereas actually it was somewhat less than that. His hair was still black, his body small but solidly built. There was nothing stiff or awkward in the movements of his long limbs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō had not yet made one strike—had not, in fact, been able to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet Tadaaki had had to face one fact instantly: he was up against a terrific swordsman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's another Zenki!\" he thought with an imperceptible shudder.\n\nZenki was the last fighter he had encountered to have such scope and driving ambition. And that had been long ago, in his youth, when he traveled with Ittōsai, living the life of a shugyōsha. Zenki, the son of a boatman in Kuwana Province, had been Ittōsai's senior disciple. As Ittōsai aged, Zenki began to look down on him, even proclaiming that the Ittō Style was his own invention.\n\nZenki had caused Ittōsai much grief, for the more adept he became with the sword, the more harm he caused other people." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Zenki,\" Ittōsai had lamented, \"is the greatest mistake in my life. When I look at him, I see a monster embodying all the bad qualities I ever had. It makes me hate myself to watch him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ironically, Zenki served the youthful Tadaaki well—as a bad example—spurring him to higher achievements than might otherwise have been possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Eventually, Tadaaki clashed with the evil prodigy at Koganegahara in Shimōsa and killed him, whereupon Ittōsai awarded him his certificate in the Ittō Style and gave him the book of secret instructions.\n\nZenki's one flaw had been that his technical capability was marred by a lack of breeding. Not so Kojirō. His intelligence and education were evident in his swordsmanship.\n\n\"I can't win this fight,\" thought Tadaaki, who felt himself in no way inferior to Munenori. In fact, his assessment of Munenori's skill was not very high.\n\nWhile he stared at his awesome opponent, another truth came home to rest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Time appears to have passed me by,\" he thought ruefully.\n\nThey stood motionless; not the slightest change was evident. But both Tadaaki and Kojirō were expending vital energy at a fearful rate. The physiological toll took the form of sweat pouring copiously from their foreheads, air rushing through flaring nostrils, skin turning white, then bluish. Though a move seemed imminent, the swords remained poised and unwavering.\n\n\"I give up,\" said Tadaaki, abruptly dropping back several paces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had agreed it was not to be a fight to the finish. Either man could withdraw by acknowledging defeat.\n\nSpringing like a beast of prey, Kojirō brought the Drying Pole into action with a downward stroke of whirlwind force and speed. Though Tadaaki ducked just in time, his topknot flew up and was lopped off. Tadaaki himself, while dodging, executed a brilliant reprisal, slicing off some six inches of Kojirō's sleeve.\n\n\"Coward!\" rose the cry from the students, whose faces burned with rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By seizing on his opponent's capitulation as the opening for an attack, Kojirō had violated the samurai's code of ethics.\n\nEvery one of the students started for Kojirō.\n\nHe responded by flying with the speed of a cormorant to a large jujube tree at one end of the garden and half hiding himself behind the trunk. His eyes shifted with intimidating rapidity.\n\n\"Did you see it?\" he shouted. \"Did you see who won?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They saw it,\" said Tadaaki. \"Hold off!\" he told his men, sheathing his sword and returning to the veranda of his study.\n\nSummoning Omitsu, he told her to tie up his hair. While she was doing this, he caught his breath. His chest glistened with rivulets of sweat.\n\nAn old saying came back to his mind: it is easy to surpass a predecessor, but difficult to avoid being surpassed by a successor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd been enjoying the fruits of hard training in his youth, complacent in the knowledge that his Ittō Style was no less flourishing than the Yagyū Style." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meanwhile society was giving birth to new geniuses like Kojirō. The realization came as a bitter shock, but he was not the sort of man to ignore it.\n\nWhen Omitsu was finished, he said, \"Give our young guest some water to rinse his mouth out with and show him back to the guest room.\"\n\nThe faces of the students around him were white with shock. Some were forcing back tears; others stared resentfully at their master.\n\n\"We'll assemble in the dōjō,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now.\" He himself led the way.\n\nTadaaki took his place on the raised seat in front and silently contemplated the three rows of his followers sitting facing him.\n\nAt length he lowered his eyes and said quietly, \"I fear that I, too, have become old. As I look back, it seems to me my best days as a swordsman were when I defeated that devil Zenki. By the time this school was opened and people began talking about the Ono group on Saikachi Slope, calling the Ittō Style unbeatable, I'd already passed my peak as a swordsman.\"\n\nThe meaning of the words was so alien to their customary way of thinking that the students could not believe their ears.\n\nHis voice became firmer, and he looked directly at their doubting, discontented faces. \"In my opinion, this is something that happens to all men. Age creeps up on us while we're not looking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Times change. The followers surpass their leaders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A younger generation opens up a new way... This is the way it ought to be, for the world advances only through change. Yet this is inadmissible in the field of swordsmanship. The Way of the Sword must be a way that does not permit a man to age.\n\n\"Ittōsai... I don't know if he's still alive. I've had no word from my master for years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Koganegahara, he took the tonsure and retreated to the mountains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His aim, he said, was to study the sword, to practice Zen, to search for the Way of Life and Death, to climb the great peak of perfect enlightenment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now it's my turn. After today, I could no longer hold my head up before my master... I regret I haven't lived a better life.\"\n\n\"M-m-master!\" broke in Negoro Hachikurō. \"You say you lost, but we don't believe you'd lose to a man like Kojirō under normal circumstances, even if he is young. There must have been something wrong today.\"\n\n\"Something wrong?\" Tadaaki shook his head and chuckled. \"Nothing wrong. Kojirō's young. But that's not why I lost. I lost because the times have changed.\"\n\n\"What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen and see.\" He looked from Hachikurō to the other silent faces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll try to make it brief, because Kojirō is waiting for me. I want you to listen carefully to my thoughts and my hopes for the future.\"\n\nHe then informed them that as of this day, he was retiring from the dōjō. His intention was not to retire in the ordinary sense but to follow in the footsteps of Ittōsai and go out in search of great enlightenment.\n\n\"That is my first great hope,\" he told them.\n\nNext, he requested Itō Magobei, his nephew, to take charge of his only son, Tadanari. Magobei was also enjoined to report the day's happenings to the shogunate and explain that Tadaaki had decided to become a Buddhist priest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he said, \"I have no deep regrets over my defeat by a younger man. What does trouble and shame me is this: new fighters like Sasaki are appearing in other quarters, but not a single swordsman of his caliber has come out of the Ono School. I think I know why. A lot of you are hereditary vassals of the shōgun. You've let your status go to your heads. After a bit of training, you begin congratulating yourselves on being masters of the 'invincible Ittō Style.' You're too self-satisfied.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait, sir,\" Hyōsuke protested in a trembling voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not fair. Not all of us are lazy and arrogant. We don't all neglect our studies.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shut up!\" Tadaaki glared at him fiercely. \"Laxness on the part of students is a reflection of laxness on the part of the teacher. I'm confessing my own shame now, passing judgment on myself.\n\n\"The task ahead of you is to eliminate laxness, to make the Ono School a center where youthful talent can develop correctly. It must become a training ground for the future. Unless it does, my leaving and making way for a reform will accomplish nothing.\"\n\nAt last, the sincerity of his statement began to take effect. His students hung their heads, pondering his words, each reflecting on his own shortcomings.\n\n\"Hamada,\" said Tadaaki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toranosuke replied, \"Yes, sir,\" but he was obviously taken by surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under Tadaaki's cold stare, his own eyes dropped to the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stand up.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" he said, without rising.\n\n\"Stand up! This instant.\"\n\nToranosuke rose to his feet. The others looked on mutely.\n\n\"I'm expelling you from the school.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused to let this sink in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But in doing so, I hope there will come a day when you'll have mended your ways, learned discipline and grasped the meaning of the Art of War. Perhaps at that time we can be together again as teacher and student. Now get out!\"\n\n\"M-master, why? I don't remember doing anything to deserve this.\"\n\n\"You don't remember because you don't understand the Art of War. If you think about it long and carefully, you'll see.\"\n\n\"Tell me, please. I can't leave until you do.\" The veins stood out on his forehead.\n\n\"All right. Cowardice is the most shameful weakness a samurai can be accused of." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Art of War admonishes strictly against it. It is an ironclad rule at this school that any man guilty of a cowardly act must be expelled.\n\n\"Nevertheless, you, Hamada Toranosuke, let several weeks pass after your brother's death before challenging Sasaki Kojirō. In the meantime, you ran around trying to take revenge on some insignificant melon vendor. And yesterday you took this man's aged mother captive and brought her here. Do you call that conduct becoming a samurai?\"\n\n\"But, sir, you don't understand. I did it to draw Kojirō out.\" He was about to launch into a spirited defense, but Tadaaki cut him short.\n\n\"That's precisely what I mean by cowardice. If you wanted to fight Kojirō, why didn't you go directly to his house? Why didn't you send him a message challenging him? Why didn't you declare your name and your purpose?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"W-w-well, I did consider those things, but—\"\n\n\"Consider? There was nothing to stop you from doing that. But you adopted the cowardly ruse of getting others to help you lure Kojirō here so you could attack him en masse. By comparison, Kojirō's attitude was admirable.\" Tadaaki paused. \"He came alone, to see me personally. Refusing to have anything to do with a coward, he challenged me, on the grounds that a student's misconduct is his teacher's misconduct.\n\n\"The result of the confrontation between his sword and mine revealed a shameful crime. I now humbly confess that crime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room was deathly quiet.\n\n\"Now, Toranosuke, upon reflection, do you still believe yourself to be a samurai without shame?\"\n\n\"Forgive me.\"\n\n\"Get out.\"\n\nEyes downcast, Toranosuke walked backward ten paces and knelt on the floor with his arms before him, preparatory to bowing.\n\n\"I wish you the best of health, sir... And the same to the rest of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice was dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rose and walked sadly from the dōjō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tadaaki stood up. \"I, too, must take my leave of the world.\" Suppressed sobs were audible. His final words were stern, yet full of affection. \"Why mourn? Your day has come. It's up to you to see that this school advances into a new age with honor. Beginning now, be humble, work hard and try with all your might to cultivate your spirit.\"\n\nReturning to the guest room, Tadaaki appeared quite unperturbed as he quietly took a seat and addressed Kojirō.\n\nAfter apologizing for keeping him waiting, he said, \"I've just expelled Hamada. I advised him to change his ways, to try to understand the real meaning of the samurai's discipline. I intend, of course, to release the old woman. Would you like to take her back with you, or should I arrange for her to go later?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm satisfied with what you've done. She can go with me.\" Kojirō moved as though to rise. The bout had completely drained him, and the subsequent wait had seemed very, very long.\n\n\"Don't go yet,\" said Tadaaki. \"Now that it's all over, let's have a cup together and let bygones be bygones.\" Clapping his hands, he called, \"Omitsu! Bring some sake.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you,\" said Kojirō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's kind of you to ask me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled and said hypocritically, \"I know now why Ono Tadaaki and the Ittō Style are so famous.\" He had no respect whatsoever for Tadaaki.\n\n\"If his natural talents are developed in the right way,\" thought Tadaaki, \"the world will bow at his feet. But if he takes the wrong turn, there's another Zenki in the making.\"\n\n\"If you were my student—\" The words were on the tip of Tadaaki's tongue. Instead of saying them, he laughed and replied modestly to Kojirō's flattery.\n\nIn the course of their conversation, Musashi's name came up and Kojirō learned he was under consideration to become one of the select group of men who gave lessons to the shōgun." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō merely said, \"Oh?\" But his expression betrayed his displeasure. Turning his eyes quickly toward the setting sun, he insisted it was time for him to go.\n\nNot many days after that, Tadaaki vanished from Edo. He had the reputation of being a simple, straightforward warrior, the embodiment of honesty and selflessness, but a man who lacked Munenori's knack for politics. Not understanding why a man who could apparently accomplish anything he set his mind to would flee the world, people were consumed with curiosity and read all sorts of meanings into his disappearance.\n\nAs a result of his failure, Tadaaki, it was said, had lost his mind." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Eiji Yoshikawa" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori was bored after only a few days at the Hōjō residence. There was nothing to do but play.\n\n\"When's Takuan coming back?\" he asked Shinzō one morning, really wanting to know what had happened to Musashi.\n\n\"My father is still at the castle, so I suppose Takuan is too,\" said Shinzō. \"They'll be back sooner or later. Why don't you amuse yourself with the horses?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori raced to the stable and threw a lacquer and mother-of-pearl saddle on his favorite steed. He had ridden the horse both the day before and the day before that without telling Shinzō. Receiving permission made him feel proud. He mounted and tore out the back gate at full gallop.\n\nThe houses of daimyō, the paths through the fields, the rice paddies, the forests—the sights came at him in rapid succession and were left behind just as rapidly. Bright red snake gourds and russet grass proclaimed that autumn was at its height." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Chichibu Range rose beyond Musashino Plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's in those mountains somewhere,\" thought Iori. He envisioned his beloved master in jail, and the tears on his cheeks made the wind feel soothingly cool.\n\nWhy not go see Musashi? Without giving the matter further thought, he whipped the horse, and horse and rider surged through the silvery sea of fluffy eulalia.\n\nAfter covering a mile at breakneck speed, he reined in the horse, thinking: \"Maybe he's gone back to the house.\"\n\nHe found the new house finished but unlived in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the nearest paddy, he called out to the farmers harvesting their rice, \"Has anyone seen my teacher?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They shook their heads sadly in reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then it had to be Chichibu. On horseback, he could make the journey in a day.\n\nAfter a time he came to the village of Nobidome. The entrance to the village was virtually blocked by samurai's mounts, packhorses, traveling chests, palanquins and between forty and fifty samurai having their lunch. He turned around to look for a way around the village.\n\nThree or four samurai's attendants came running after him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, you rascal, wait!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What're you calling me?\" Iori asked angrily.\n\n\"Off the horse!\" They were on either side of him now.\n\n\"Why? I don't even know you.\"\n\n\"Just keep your mouth shut and get off.\"\n\n\"No! You can't make me!\"\n\nBefore he knew what was happening, one of the men lifted Iori's right leg high in the air, tumbling him off the other side of the horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone wants to see you. Come along with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took hold of Iori's collar and pulled him toward a roadside teahouse.\n\nOsugi stood outside, a cane in one hand. With a wave of her other hand, she dismissed the attendants. She was dressed for traveling and in the company of all those samurai. Iori didn't know what to make of it, nor did he have time to give it much thought.\n\n\"Brat!\" said Osugi, then she whacked him across the shoulder with her cane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He went through the motions of taking a stance, though he knew he was hopelessly outnumbered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Musashi has only the best of disciples. Ha! I hear you're one of them.\"\n\n\"I... I wouldn't say things like that if I were you.\"\n\n\"Oh, wouldn't you now?\"\n\n\"I... I don't have any business with you.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes you do. You're going to tell us a few things. Who sent you to follow us?\"\n\n\"Follow you?\" Iori asked with a snort of disdain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How dare you talk that way!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the old woman screeched. \"Hasn't Musashi taught you any manners?\"\n\n\"I don't need any lessons from you. I'm leaving.\"\n\n\"No you aren't!\" cried Osugi as she caught him on the shin with her cane.\n\n\"O-w-w!\" Iori collapsed to the ground.\n\nAttendants grabbed the boy and marched him over to the miller's shop by the village gate, where sat a samurai of obviously high rank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had finished eating and was sipping hot water. Seeing Iori's predicament, he broke into a grin.\n\n\"Dangerous,\" thought the boy, as his eyes met Kojirō's.\n\nWith a look of triumph, Osugi thrust out her chin and said, \"See! Just as I thought—it was Iori. What's Musashi got up his sleeve now? Who else could have sent him to follow us?\"\n\n\"Umm,\" mumbled Kojirō, nodding and dismissing his attendants, one of whom asked if he wanted the boy tied up.\n\nKojirō smiled and shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Held by Kojirō's eyes, Iori was unable to stand straight, let alone run away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō said, \"You heard what she said. Is it true?\"\n\n\"No; I just came out for a ride. I wasn't following you or anybody else.\"\n\n\"Hmm, could be. If Musashi's any kind of a samurai, he wouldn't resort to cheap tricks.\" Then he began thinking out loud. \"On the other hand, if he heard we'd suddenly left on a trip with a contingent of Hosokawa samurai, he might get suspicious and send someone to check on our movements. It would only be natural.\"\n\nThe change in Kojirō's circumstances was striking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of the forelock, his head was shaved in proper samurai fashion. And in place of the loud clothing he used to wear, he had on a solid black kimono, which together with his rustic hakama made a most conservative impression. The Drying Pole he now carried at his side. His hope of becoming a vassal in the House of Hosokawa had been realized—not for the five thousand bushels he had wanted but for a stipend about half that large.\n\nThe present entourage, under the command of Kakubei, was an advance party on the way to Buzen to make things ready for Hosokawa Tadatoshi's return. With his father's age foremost in his mind, he had submitted his request to the shogunate quite some time earlier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Permission had finally been granted, an indication that the shogunate had no qualms about the Hosokawas' loyalty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Osugi had asked to come along because she felt it imperative to return home. She had not relinquished her position as head of the family, yet she had been absent for nearly ten years. Uncle Gon might have looked after things for her if he were still alive. As it was, she suspected there were a number of family matters awaiting her attention.\n\nThey would be going through Osaka, where she had left Uncle Gon's ashes. She would be able to carry them to Mimasaka and hold a memorial service." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been a long time, too, since she'd held a service for her neglected ancestors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could return to her quest after she had straightened out affairs at home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recently she'd felt pleased with herself, believing she had struck a strong blow against Musashi. On first hearing of his recommendation from Kojirō, she had fallen into a state of extreme depression. If Musashi were to receive the appointment, he would be that much farther from her reach.\n\nShe'd taken it upon herself to prevent this disaster to the shogunate and the nation from happening. She hadn't seen Takuan, but she visited the House of Yagyū as well as the House of Hōjō, denouncing Musashi, claiming that it would be a dangerous folly to raise him to a high station. Not content with that, she reiterated her calumnies at the house of every government minister whose servants allowed her through the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kojirō, of course, made no effort to stop her, but he offered no special encouragement either, knowing that she wouldn't rest until she had done a thorough job." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And thorough it was: she even wrote malicious letters about Musashi's past and threw them into the compounds of the Commissioner of Edo and the members of the Council of Elders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before she was done, even Kojirō wondered if she hadn't gone too far.\n\nKojirō encouraged Osugi to make the journey, believing it would be better for him if she was back in the country where she could do a minimum of harm. If Osugi had any regret, it was only that Matahachi was not going with her, for she was still convinced that someday he would see the light and return to her.\n\nIori had no way of knowing the circumstances. Unable to flee, loath to cry for fear it would discredit Musashi, he felt trapped among enemies.\n\nDeliberately, Kojirō stared directly into the boy's eyes and to his surprise found his stare returned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not once did Iori's eyes waver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you have brush and ink?\" Kojirō asked Osugi.\n\n\"Yes, but the ink's all dried up. Why?\"\n\n\"I want to write a letter. The signs Yajibei's men put up didn't draw Musashi out, and I don't know where he is. Iori is the best messenger one could ask for. I think I should send Musashi a note on the occasion of my departure from Edo.\"\n\n\"What are you going to write?\"\n\n\"Nothing elaborate. I'll tell him to practice his swordsmanship and visit me in Buzen one of these days. I'll let him know I'm willing to wait the rest of my life. He can come whenever he has the necessary confidence.\"\n\nOsugi threw up her hands in horror." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can you talk like that? The rest of your life, indeed! I haven't got that much time to wait. I must see Musashi dead within the next two or three years at most.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Leave it to me. I'll take care of your problem at the same time I take care of mine.\"\n\n\"Can't you see I'm getting old? It has to be done while I'm still alive.\"\n\n\"If you look after yourself, you'll be around when my invincible sword does its work.\"\n\nKojirō took the writing kit and walked to a nearby stream, where he wet his finger to moisten the ink stick. Still standing, he took some paper from his kimono. He wrote quickly, but both his calligraphy and his composition were those of an expert." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You can use this for paste,\" said Osugi, taking a few grains of cooked rice and placing them on a leaf." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kojirō mashed them between his fingers, spread the stuff along the edge of the letter and sealed it. On the back, he wrote: \"From Sasaki Ganryū, Retainer to the House of Hosokawa.\"\n\n\"Come here, you. I'm not going to hurt you. I want you to take this letter to Musashi. Make sure he gets it, because it's important.\"\n\nIori hung back a minute but then grunted his assent and snatched the letter from Kojirō's hand. \"What's written in it?\"\n\n\"Just what I told the old lady.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I look at it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You aren't to break the seal.\"\n\n\"If you wrote something insulting, I won't take it.\"\n\n\"There's nothing rude in it. I asked him to remember our promise for the future and told him I look forward to seeing him again, perhaps in Buzen, if he should happen to come there.\"\n\n\"What do you mean by 'seeing him again'?\"\n\n\"I mean meeting him on the boundary between life and death.\" Kojirō's cheeks reddened slightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stuffing the letter into his kimono, Iori said, \"All right, I'll deliver it,\" and ran off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "About thirty yards away, he stopped, turned and stuck out his tongue at Osugi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Crazy old witch!\" he shouted.\n\n\"Wh-what?\" She was ready to go after him, but Kojirō took her arm and held her back.\n\n\"Let it pass,\" he said with a rueful smile. \"He's only a child.\" Then to Iori he shouted, \"Don't you have anything better to say?\"\n\n\"No... \" Tears of anger rose from his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll be sorry, though. There isn't any way Musashi could lose to the likes of you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just like him, aren't you? Never say die. But I like the way you stick up for him. If he ever dies, come to me. I'll put you to work sweeping the garden or something.\"\n\nNot knowing Kojirō was only teasing, Iori was insulted to the marrow. He picked up a rock. When he raised his arm to throw it, Kojirō fixed his eyes on him.\n\n\"Don't do that,\" he said in a calm but forceful voice.\n\nIori, feeling the eyes had hit him like two bullets, dropped the stone and ran." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ran on and on until, completely exhausted, he collapsed in the middle of Musashino Plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat there for two hours thinking about the man he looked up to as his teacher. Though he knew Musashi had many enemies, he thought of him as a great man and wanted to become a great man himself. Believing he had to do something to fulfill his obligations to his master and ensure his safety, he resolved to develop his own strength as quickly as possible.\n\nThen the memory of the terrifying light in Kojirō's eyes came back to haunt him. Wondering whether Musashi could defeat a man that strong, he pessimistically decided even his master would have to study and practice harder. He got to his feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The white mist rolling down from the mountains spread over the plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deciding he should go on to Chichibu and deliver Kojirō's letter, he suddenly remembered the horse. Fearing bandits might have got hold of it, he searched frantically, calling and whistling at every other step.\n\nHe seemed to hear the sound of hooves coming from the direction of what he took to be a pond. He ran toward it. But there was no horse, no pond. The shimmering mist receded into the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing a moving black object, he approached it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A wild boar stopped rooting for food and charged dangerously close to him. The boar was swallowed up in the reeds and in its wake the mist formed a white line, looking as if it had been spread by a magician's wand. As he gazed at it, he became conscious of gurgling water. Going closer, he saw the reflection of the moon in a rocky brook.\n\nHe had always been sensitive to the mysteries of the open plain. He firmly believed that the tiniest ladybird possessed the spiritual power of the gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In his eyes, nothing was without a soul, neither fluttering leaves nor beckoning water nor driving wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surrounded now by nature, he experienced the tremulous loneliness of autumn nearly gone, the sad wistfulness that must be felt by grasses and insects and water.\n\nHe sobbed so hard his shoulders shook—sweet tears, not bitter ones. If some being other than a human—a star perhaps, or the spirit of the plain—had asked him why he was weeping, he wouldn't have been able to say. If the inquiring spirit had persisted, soothing and coaxing him, he might finally have said, \"I often cry when I'm out in the open. I always have the feeling the house in Hōtengahara is somewhere near.\"\n\nCrying was refreshment for his soul. After he had cried to his heart's content, heaven and earth would comfort him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the tears were dry, his spirit would come forth from the clouds clean and fresh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's Iori, isn't it?\"\n\n\"I believe it is.\"\n\nIori turned toward the voices and the two human figures standing out blackly against the evening sky.\n\n\"Sensei!\" cried Iori, stumbling as he ran toward the man on horseback. \"It's you!\" Beside himself with joy, he clung to the stirrup and looked up to make sure he wasn't dreaming.\n\n\"What happened?\" asked Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing out here alone?\" Musashi's face seemed to be very thin—was it the moonlight?—but the warmth of the voice was what Iori had hungered for weeks to hear.\n\n\"I thought I'd go to Chichibu—\" The saddle caught Iori's eye. \"Why, this is the horse I was riding!\"\n\nGonnosuke, laughing, said, \"Is it yours?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We didn't know who it belonged to. It was wandering around near the Iruma River, so I regarded it as a gift from heaven to Musashi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The god of the plain must have sent the horse to meet you,\" said Iori with perfect sincerity.\n\n\"Your horse, you say? That saddle couldn't belong to a samurai getting less than five thousand bushels.\"\n\n\"Well, it's really Shinzō's.\"\n\nDismounting, Musashi asked, \"You've been staying at his house, then?\"\n\n\"Yes. Takuan took me there.\"\n\n\"What about our new house?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's finished.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. We can go back there.\"\n\n\"Sensei... \"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"You're so thin. Why's that?\"\n\n\"I've spent quite a bit of time meditating.\"\n\n\"How did you get out of prison?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You can hear about it from Gonnosuke later. For now, let's say the gods were on my side.\"\n\n\"You don't have to worry anymore, Iori,\" said Gonnosuke. \"No one has any doubts about his innocence.\"\n\nRelieved, Iori became quite talkative, telling them about his meeting with Jōtarō and Jōtarō's going to Edo. When he came to the \"repulsive old woman\" who had showed up at the Hōjō mansion, he remembered Kojirō's letter.\n\n\"Oh, I forgot something important,\" he exclaimed, and handed the letter to Musashi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A letter from Kojirō?\" Surprised, he held it in his hand for a moment as though it were a missive from a long-lost friend. \"Where did you see him?\" he asked.\n\n\"At the village of Nobidome. That mean old woman was with him. He said he was going to Buzen.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"He was with a lot of Hosokawa samurai... Sensei, you better be on your toes and not take any chances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi stuffed the unopened letter into his kimono and nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not certain his meaning had got through, Iori said, \"That Kojirō's very strong, isn't he? Has he got something against you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He related to Musashi every detail of his encounter with the enemy.\n\nWhen they reached the cabin, Iori went down to the bottom of the hill to get food, and Gonnosuke gathered wood and fetched water.\n\nThey sat down around the fire burning brightly in the hearth, and savored the pleasure of seeing each other safe and sound again. It was then that Iori noticed the fresh scars and bruises on Musashi's arms and neck.\n\n\"How did you get all those marks?\" he asked. \"You're covered with them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's nothing important. Did you feed the horse?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow you must return it.\"\n\nEarly the next morning, Iori mounted the horse and galloped off for a short ride before breakfast. When the sun was above the horizon, he brought the horse to a halt and gaped in awe.\n\nRacing back to the cabin, he yelled, \"Sensei, get up. Quick! It's like when we saw it from the mountain in Chichibu. The sun—it's huge, and it looks like it's going to roll over the plain. Get up, Gonnosuke.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good morning,\" said Musashi from the grove, where he was taking a stroll." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Too excited to think about breakfast, Iori said, \"I'm going now,\" and rode off.\n\nMusashi watched as boy and horse took on the semblance of a crow at the very center of the sun. The black spot grew smaller and smaller, until at last it was absorbed by the great flaming orb." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding four sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before sitting down to breakfast, the gateman raked the garden, set fire to the leaves and opened the gate. Shinzō had been up for some time too. He started his day as he always did, by reading a selection from the Chinese classics. This was followed by sword practice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From the well, where he'd gone to wash, he walked to the stable to have a look at the horses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Groom,\" he called.\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"Isn't the chestnut roan back yet?\"\n\n\"No, but it isn't the horse I'm worried about so much as the boy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't worry about Iori. He grew up in the country. He can take care of himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The elderly gateman came up to Shinzō and informed him that some men had come to see him and were waiting in the garden.\n\nWalking toward the house, Shinzō waved, and as he came up to them, one man said, \"It's been a long time.\"\n\n\"It's good to see you all together again,\" said Shinzō.\n\n\"How's your health?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Splendid, as you can see.\"\n\n\"We heard you'd been wounded.\"\n\n\"It didn't amount to much. What brings you here at this early hour?\"\n\n\"There's a little matter we'd like to talk over with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The five former students of Obata Kagenori, all handsome sons of banner guards or Confucian scholars, exchanged significant glances." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let's go over there,\" said Shinzō, indicating a maple-covered hillock in one corner of the garden.\n\nComing to the gateman's fire, they stopped and stood around it.\n\nShinzō put his hand to his neck, then noticing the others were looking at him, said, \"When it's cold, it does ache a little.\" They took turns examining the scar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard that was the work of Sasaki Kojirō.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a short, tense silence.\n\n\"As it happens, our purpose in coming today was to talk about Kojirō. Yesterday we learned he was the man who killed Yogorō.\"\n\n\"I suspected that. Do you have any proof?\"\n\n\"Circumstantial, but convincing. Yogorō's body was found at the bottom of Isarago Hill, behind the temple. Kakubei's house is halfway up the hill. Kojirō was living there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hmm. I wouldn't be surprised if Yogorō went alone to see Kojirō.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're pretty sure that's what happened. Three or four nights before the body was found, a florist saw a man answering to Yogorō's description climbing the hill. Kojirō must've killed him and carried the body down the hill.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The six men stared solemnly at each other, their eyes reflecting their silent anger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shinzō, his face reddened by the fire, asked, \"Is that all?\"\n\n\"No. We wanted to talk about the future of the House of Obata and how we're going to take care of Kojirō.\"\n\nShinzō stood lost in thought. The man who had spoken first said, \"You may have heard this already. Kojirō's become a vassal of Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi. He's on his way to Buzen now, and he hasn't paid for what he did—ruin our master's reputation, kill his only son and heir and slaughter our comrades.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shinzō,\" urged a third man, \"as disciples of Obata Kagenori, we have to do something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bits of white ash drifted up from the fire. One man caught a whiff of smoke and coughed.\n\nAfter listening to them for a few minutes, as they expressed their bitter indignation, Shinzō said, \"I'm one of the victims, of course, and I have a plan of my own. But tell me just what you have in mind.\"\n\n\"We're thinking of lodging a protest with Lord Hosokawa. We'll tell him the whole story and ask that Kojirō be turned over to us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll see his head up on a pike in front of the graves of our teacher and his son.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You might be able to do that if he were turned over to you tied up. But the Hosokawas aren't likely to do that. Even though he's only recently been engaged, he is their vassal, and it's his skill they're interested in. Your complaint would only be taken as further proof of his ability. What daimyō is going to turn over one of his vassals to anyone without compelling reasons?\"\n\n\"Then we'll have to take extreme measures.\"\n\n\"Such as?\"\n\n\"The group he's traveling with is fairly large. We could easily catch up with them. With you as our leader, the six of us and other loyal disciples—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you suggesting attacking him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Go with us, Shinzō.\"\n\n\"I don't like it.\"\n\n\"Aren't you the one who's been chosen to carry on the Obata name?\"\n\n\"Admitting an enemy is better than we are is difficult,\" Shinzō said thoughtfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Still, objectively, Kojirō's the better swordsman. Even with dozens of men, I'm afraid we'd only end up adding to our shame.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're going to stand by and do nothing?\" asked one man indignantly.\n\n\"No, I resent Kojirō's getting away with what he's done as much as any of you. But I'm willing to wait until the time is right.\"\n\n\"You're awfully patient,\" one man said sarcastically." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aren't you evading your responsibility?\" asked another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Shinzō made no reply, the five men decided further talk was useless and departed in haste.\n\nOn the way they passed Iori, who had dismounted at the gate and was leading the horse to the stable. After tying the animal up, he saw Shinzō by the fire and went to join him.\n\n\"Oh, so you're back,\" said Shinzō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" said Iori. \"Say, did you have a quarrel?\"\n\n\"Why do you ask?\"\n\n\"When I came in just now, I passed some samurai. They seemed angry. They were saying strange things, like 'I overestimated him,' and 'He's a weakling.'\"\n\n\"That doesn't mean anything,\" said Shinzō with a little laugh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come closer and warm yourself.\"\n\n\"Who needs a fire? I rode all the way from Musashino without stopping.\"\n\n\"You seem in good spirits. Where did you stay last night?\"\n\n\"At the house. Sensei's back!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard he was or soon would be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You already knew?\"\n\n\"Takuan told me. Iori, have you heard the news?\"\n\n\"What news?\"\n\n\"Your teacher's going to be a great man. It's a wonderful stroke of luck for him. He's going to be one of the shōgun's teachers. He'll be the founder of his own school of swordsmanship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you mean that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Does it make you happy?\"\n\n\"Of course—happier than anything. Can I borrow the horse?\"\n\n\"Now? You just came back.\"\n\n\"I'll go and tell him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't have to do that. Before the day's out, the Council of Elders will issue a formal summons. As soon as we receive word, I'll go myself and tell Musashi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will he come here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" Shinzō assured him. With a last look at the dying fire, he started toward the house, cheered a bit by Iori but worried about the fate of his angry friends.\n\nThe summons was not long in coming. A messenger arrived about two hours later with a letter for Takuan and an order for Musashi to appear the following day at the Reception Pavilion just outside Wadakura Gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After his appointment was confirmed, he would be received in audience by the shōgun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Shinzō, with an attendant, reached the house on Musashino Plain, he found Musashi sitting in the sun with a kitten on his lap, talking with Gonnosuke.\n\nWords were few. Shinzo said only, \"I've come for you.\"\n\n\"Thanks,\" said Musashi. \"I was about to call you to thank you for looking after Iori.\"\n\nWithout further ado, he mounted the horse Shinzō had brought along for him and they returned to Ushigome." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That evening, as he sat with Takuan and Lord Ujikatsu, he felt immensely fortunate to be able to regard these men, as well as Shinzō, as true friends." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the morning, Musashi awoke to find clothes suitable to the occasion already laid out for him, together with such things as a fan and tissue paper. And at breakfast, Lord Ujikatsu said to him, \"It's a great day. You should rejoice.\" The meal included rice with red beans, a whole sea bream for each person and other dishes served only on festive occasions. The menu was very much as it would have been for a coming-of-age ceremony in the Hōjō family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi wanted to refuse the appointment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Chichibu, he had reconsidered his two years in Hōtengahara and his ambition to put his swordsmanship to work in the interest of good government. Now the belief that Edo, not to speak of the rest of the country, was ready for the type of ideal government he envisioned seemed less tenable. The sanctity of the Way and the application of the principles of swordsmanship for the sake of peace seemed no more than lofty ideals, at least until either Edo or Osaka succeeded in consolidating its rule over the whole country. And he hadn't made up his mind on another point: if the final battle were to come tomorrow, should he support the Eastern Army or the Western Army?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or should he leave the world behind and survive on mountain grasses until peace was restored?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even on this morning, he could not escape the feeling that if he contented himself with a high position, his pursuit of the Way would be aborted.\n\nBut he couldn't refuse. What finally swayed him was the trust in him shown by his supporters. There was no way to say no; he could not break faith with Takuan, his old friend and stern mentor, and Lord Ujikatsu, now a valued acquaintance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dressed in formal attire and riding a splendid horse with a beautiful saddle, he set forth on a brilliantly sunlit road for the castle, each step supposedly carrying him closer to the gateway to glory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In front of the Reception Pavilion was a graveled courtyard and, on a high post, a sign saying: \"Dismount.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Musashi got off the horse, an official and one of the stablemen came forward.\n\n\"My name is Miyamoto Musashi,\" he announced in a formal tone of voice. \"I have come in response to a summons issued yesterday by the Council of Elders. May I request that you show me to the official in charge of the waiting room?\" He had come alone, as was expected of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another official came and escorted him to the waiting room, where he was advised to stay \"until there is word from within.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a large room, more than twenty mats in size, known as the \"Orchid Room,\" after the paintings of birds and spring orchids on the walls and door panels. Before long, a servant came with tea and cakes, but that was Musashi's only contact with human beings for nearly half a day. The little birds in the pictures did not sing, the orchids gave off no fragrance. Musashi began to yawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He assumed that the ruddy-faced, white-haired man who eventually appeared was one of the ministers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps in his prime he had been a distinguished warrior.\n\n\"You're Musashi, are you?\" Lord Sakai Tadakatsu said lightly as he sat down. \"Forgive us for making you wait so long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though Lord of Kawagoe and a well-known daimyō, in the shōgun's castle he was merely another official, attended by only one samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His manner suggested he cared little about pomp or protocol.\n\nMusashi bowed to the floor and remained in this position as he announced in stiffly formal language: \"My name is Miyamoto Musashi. I am a rōnin from Mimasaka, the son of Munisai, who was descended from the Shimmen family. I have come to the castle gate in compliance with the shōgun's will, as stated in the summons sent to me.\"\n\nTadakatsu nodded several times, causing his double chin to shake. \"Many thanks for your trouble,\" he said, but then went on in an apologetic vein: \"With regard to your appointment to official position, for which you were recommended by the priest Takuan and Lord Hōjō of Awa, there was, last evening, a sudden change in the shōgun's plans. As a result, you will not be engaged. Since several of us were not satisfied with this decision, the Council of Elders reviewed this matter today. In fact, we have been discussing it until just now. We took the question to the shōgun again. I am sorry to say that we were unable to alter this latest decision.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was sympathy in his eyes, and he seemed for a moment to be searching for words of consolation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In our fleeting world,\" he went on, \"this sort of thing happens all the time. You mustn't let yourself be annoyed by what people say about you. In matters having to do with official appointments, it is often difficult to tell whether one has been fortunate or unfortunate.\"\n\nMusashi, still bowing, said, \"Yes, sir.\"\n\nTadakatsu's words were music to his ears. Gratitude swelled from the bottom of his heart, filling his whole body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand the decision, sir. I am grateful to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The words came out naturally. Musashi was not concerned with face, nor was he being ironic. He felt that a being greater than the shōgun had just bestowed on him an appointment much higher than that of official tutor. The word of the gods had been vouchsafed to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He took it well,\" thought Tadakatsu, gazing rather pointedly at Musashi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aloud he said, \"Perhaps it is presumptuous of me, but I've been told you have artistic interests unusual in a samurai. I would like to show an example of your work to the shōgun. Replying to the malicious gossip of ordinary people is unimportant. I think it would be more befitting a noble samurai to rise above the babble of the crowd and leave behind a wordless testimony to the purity of his heart. A work of art would be appropriate, don't you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While Musashi was still pondering the meaning of this, Tadakatsu said, \"I hope I will see you again,\" and left the room.\n\nMusashi raised his head and sat up straight. It was a couple of minutes before he grasped the meaning of Tadakatsu's words—that is, there was no need to answer malicious gossip, but he had to give evidence of his character. If he could do this, his honor would be unsullied, and the men who had recommended him would suffer no loss of face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi's eye fell on a six-panel screen in one corner of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was invitingly blank. Summoning a young samurai from the guard room, he explained that Lord Sakai had asked him to draw a picture and requested materials with which to comply—brushes, ink of good quality, some aged cinnabar and a bit of blue pigment.\n\nIt occurred to Musashi what an odd fact it was that most children could draw—and sing, for that matter—but that they forgot how to as they grew older. Perhaps the little bit of wisdom they acquired inhibited them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He himself was no exception." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a child he had often drawn pictures, this having been one of his favorite ways of overcoming loneliness. But from the age of thirteen or fourteen until he was past twenty, he gave up drawing almost entirely.\n\nIn the course of his travels he had often stopped over at temples or the houses of the wealthy, where he had the opportunity to see good paintings—murals, or scrolls hanging in alcoves—and this had given him a lively interest in art.\n\nThe aristocratic simplicity and subtle profundity of Liang-k'ai's painting of chestnuts had made an especially deep impression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After seeing that work at Kōetsu's house, he had availed himself of every opportunity to view rare Chinese paintings of the Sung dynasty, the works of the fifteenth-century Japanese Zen masters and the paintings of contemporary masters of the Kanō School, particularly Kanō Sanraku and Kaihō Yūshō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Naturally, he had his likes and dislikes. Liang-k'ai's bold, virile brushwork, as seen by a swordsman's eye, struck him as revealing the prodigious strength of a giant. Kaihō Yūshō, possibly because he was of samurai origin, had in his old age achieved such a high degree of purity that Musashi considered him a worthy man to take as a model. He was also attracted by the light impromptu effects in the works of the hermit priest and aesthete Shōkadō Shōjō, whom he liked all the more because he was reputed to be a close friend of Takuan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Painting, which seemed far removed from the path he had chosen, was hardly an art for a person who rarely spent a full month in any one place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet he did paint from time to time.\n\nAs in the case of other adults who have forgotten how to draw, his mind would work, but not his spirit. Intent upon drawing skillfully, he was unable to express himself naturally. Many had been the times he'd become discouraged and quit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then, sooner or later, some impulse invariably moved him to pick up the brush again—in secret." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being ashamed of his paintings, he never showed them to others, though he allowed people to inspect his sculpture.\n\nUntil now, that is. To commemorate this fateful day, he resolved to paint a picture fit for the shōgun, or anyone else, to see.\n\nHe worked rapidly and without interruption until it was finished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he quietly put the brush in a jar of water and left, without a single backward glance at his work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the courtyard, he did turn around for one last look at the imposing gate, one question filling his mind: Did glory lie inside or outside the gate?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sakai Tadakatsu returned to the waiting room and sat for some time gazing at the still damp painting. The picture was of Musashino Plain. In the middle, appearing very large, was the rising sun. This, symbolizing Musashi's confidence in his own integrity, was vermilion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rest of the work was executed in ink to capture the feeling of autumn on the plain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tadakatsu said to himself, \"We've lost a tiger to the wilds.\"\n\nThe Sound of Heaven\n\n\"Back already?\" asked Gonnosuke, blinking his eyes at the sight of Musashi in stiffly starched formal dress.\n\nMusashi went inside the house and sat down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke knelt at the edge of the reed matting and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Congratulations,\" he said warmly. \"Will you have to go to work right away?\"\n\n\"The appointment was canceled,\" Musashi said with a laugh.\n\n\"Canceled? Are you joking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. And I consider it a good thing, too.\"\n\n\"I don't understand. Do you know what went wrong?\"\n\n\"I saw no reason to ask. I'm grateful to heaven for the way it turned out.\"\n\n\"But it seems a pity.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are even you of the opinion I can find glory only within the walls of Edo Castle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gonnosuke did not answer.\n\n\"For a time, I had such an ambition. I dreamed of applying my understanding of the sword to the problem of providing peace and happiness for the people, making the Way of the Sword the Way of Government. I thought being an official would give me a chance to test my idea.\"\n\n\"Somebody slandered you. Is that it?\"\n\n\"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.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"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.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"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.\"\n\n\"Then you think the truth you and I are searching for is of no use in the real world.\"\n\n\"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.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He concluded with a laugh but abruptly stopped and asked Gonnosuke if he had an ink box or a writing kit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\"\n\n\"To the Hōjō residence?\"\n\n\"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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With an anxious look on his face, Gonnosuke moved forward on his knees and said, \"Why are you returning this to Iori now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm going to the mountains.\"\n\n\"Mountains or city, wherever you go, Iori and I want to be with you as your disciples.\"\n\n\"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.\"\n\n\"What? Are you going into retirement?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Musashi laughed, uncrossed his legs and leaned back on his arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"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:\"\n\nWhile yearning to gain\n\nThe depths of the mountains,\n\nI'm drawn against my will" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To the places" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where people reside.\n\nGonnosuke 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.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. Please return the horse, and tell Lord Ujikatsu that since the clothes are soiled from travel, I'll keep them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course.\"\n\n\"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.\"\n\n\"I understand. I'll be back before morning.\"\n\nThe sun was rapidly setting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke took the horse's bit and led the animal down the path." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since it had been lent to Musashi, the idea of riding it never crossed his mind.\n\nIt 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." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An official had already been there to inform them of unfavorable reports on Musashi's character and past activities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of all the points against him, the most damaging was that he had an enemy who had sworn vengeance. According to the rumors, Musashi was in the wrong.\n\nAfter the official left, Shinzō had told his father and Takuan about Osugi's visit. \"She even tried to sell her wares here,\" was the way he put it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was left unexplained was why people accepted so unquestioningly what they were told." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not just ordinary people—women gossiping around the well or laborers drinking in cheap sake shops—but men who had the intelligence to sift fact from fabrication. The shōgun's ministers had discussed the matter for many long hours, but even they had ended up giving credence to Osugi's calumnies.\n\nTakuan and the others half expected Musashi's letter to express his discontent, but in fact it said little beyond giving his reason for going away. He began by saying that he had asked Gonnosuke to tell them how he felt. Then came the song he had sung for Gonnosuke. The short letter ended: \"Indulging my chronic wanderlust, I am setting out on another aimless journey. On this occasion, I offer the following poem, which may amuse you:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the universe" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is indeed my garden,\n\nWhen I look at it,\n\nI stand at the exit of\n\nThe house called the Floating World.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "user starts, u write ~3 sentences more. copy Eiji Yoshikawa's style" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Iori came in, he asked, \"Did you want me?\" His eyes went immediately to the pouch in Gonnosuke's hand.\n\n\"Musashi said you were to take good care of this,\" said Gonnosuke, \"since it's the only keepsake you have from your father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He then explained that the two of them would be together until Musashi's return.\n\nIori couldn't hide his disappointment, but not wanting to appear weak, he nodded halfheartedly.\n\nIn answer to Takuan's inquiries, Iori told all he knew about his parents." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When there were no more questions, he said, \"One thing I've never known is what became of my sister. My father didn't say much about her, and my mother died without telling me anything I can remember. I don't know where she lives, or whether she's alive or dead.\"\n\nTakuan placed the pouch on his knee and took out a crumpled piece of paper. As he read the cryptic message Iori's father had written, his eyebrows shot up in surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Staring hard at Iori, he said, \"This tells us something about your sister.\"\n\n\"I thought maybe it did, but I didn't understand it and neither did the priest at the Tokuganji.\"\n\nSkipping over the first part, Takuan read aloud: \"'Since I had resolved to die of starvation before serving a second lord, my wife and I wandered around for many years, living in the humblest circumstances." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One year we had to abandon our daughter at a temple in the central provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We put 'one sound of heaven' in her baby clothes and entrusted her future to the threshold of compassion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then we went on to another province." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Later, I acquired my thatched house in the fields of Shimōsa. I thought back to that earlier time, but the place was far away and we had had no word, so I feared it might not be in the girl's interest to try to find her. I consequently left matters as they were." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"'How cruel parents can be!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am reproved by the words of Minamoto no Sanetomo:" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the animals," }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which cannot speak their feelings," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Are not bereft of\n\nThe tender generous love\n\nOf parents for their offspring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'\"May my ancestors take pity on me for refusing to sully my honor as a samurai by taking a second lord. You are my son. No matter how much you crave success, do not eat dishonorable millet!'\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he placed the paper back in the pouch, Takuan said, \"You'll be able to see your sister. I've known her since I was a young man. Musashi knows her too. Come with us, Iori.\" He gave no hint as to why he said this, nor did he mention Otsū or the \"sound of heaven,\" which he recognized to be her flute.\n\nThey all left together and hurried to the cabin, arriving shortly after the first rays of the rising sun touched it. It stood empty. On the edge of the plain was one white cloud." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point, and You'll continue with seven sentences in the style of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cherry blossoms were pale, past their prime, and the thistle blossoms were wilting, hinting nostalgically of the time centuries ago when Nara had been the capital. It was a little warm for walking, but neither Gonnosuke nor Iori tired of the road.\n\nIori tugged at Gonnosuke's sleeve and said worriedly, \"That man's still following us.\"\n\nKeeping his eyes straight ahead, Gonnosuke said, \"Pretend you don't see him.\"\n\n\"He's been behind us ever since we left the Kōfukuji.\"\n\n\"Umm.\"\n\n\"And he was at the inn where we stayed, wasn't he?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't let it worry you. We don't have anything worth stealing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have our lives! They're not nothing.\"\n\n\"Ha, ha. I keep my life locked up. Don't you?\"\n\n\"I can take care of myself.\" Iori tightened the grip of his left hand on his scabbard.\n\nGonnosuke knew the man was the mountain priest who had challenged Nankōbō the previous day, but couldn't imagine why he'd be tailing them.\n\nIori looked around again and said, \"He's not there anymore.\"\n\nGonnosuke looked back too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He probably got tired.\" He took a deep breath and added, \"But it does make me feel better.\"\n\nThey put up at a farmer's house that night and early the next morning reached Amano in Kawachi. This was a small village of low-eaved houses, behind which ran a stream of pristine mountain water. Gonnosuke had come to have the memorial tablet to his mother placed in the Kongōji, the so-called Women's Mount Kōya. But first he wanted to look up a woman named Oan, whom he had known since childhood, so there would be someone to burn incense before the tablet from time to time. If she could not be found, he intended to go on to Mount Kōya, the burial place of the rich and the mighty." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hoped he wouldn't have to; going there would make him feel like a beggar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asking directions from a shopkeeper's wife, he was told that Oan was the wife of a brewer named Tōroku and their house was the fourth one on the right inside the temple gate.\n\nAs he went through the gate, Gonnosuke wondered if the woman knew what she was talking about, for there was a sign saying that bringing sake and leeks into the sacred compound was prohibited. How could there be a brewery there?\n\nThis little mystery was cleared up that evening by Tōroku, who had made them feel welcome and readily agreed to talk to the abbot about the memorial tablet. Tōroku said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had once tasted and expressed admiration for the sake made for use by the temple. The priests had then established the brewery to make sake for Hideyoshi and the other daimyō who contributed to the temple's support. Production had fallen off somewhat after Hideyoshi's death, but the temple still supplied a number of special patrons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Gonnosuke and Iori awoke the next morning, Tōroku was already gone. He returned a little past noon and said that arrangements had been made.\n\nThe Kongōji was situated in the Amano River valley, amid peaks the color of jade. Gonnosuke, Iori and Tōroku stopped for a minute on the bridge leading to the main gate. Cherry blossoms floated in the water beneath the bridge. Gonnosuke straightened his shoulders and an air of reverence seemed to settle over him. Iori rearranged his collar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Approaching the main hall, they were greeted by the abbot, a tall, rather stout man wearing an ordinary priest's robe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A torn basket hat and a long staff would not have seemed unnatural.\n\n\"Is this the man who wants to have a service said for his mother?\" he asked in a friendly voice.\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" replied Tōroku, prostrating himself on the ground.\n\nHaving expected a stern-visaged cleric in gold brocade, Gonnosuke was somewhat confused in his greeting. He bowed and watched as the abbot came down from the porch, slipped his big feet into dirty straw sandals and came to a halt in front of him. Prayer beads in hand, the abbot directed them to follow him and a young priest fell in behind them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They passed the Hall of Yakushi, the refectory, the one-story treasure pagoda and the priests' living quarters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they reached the Hall of Dainichi, the young priest came forward and spoke to the abbot. The latter nodded and the priest opened the door with an enormous key.\n\nEntering the large hall together, Gonnosuke and Iori knelt before the priests' dais. Fully ten feet above this was a huge golden statue of Dainichi, the universal Buddha of the esoteric sects. After a few moments, the abbot appeared from behind the altar, attired in his cassock, and arranged himself on the dais. The chanting of the sutra began, and he seemed to be subtly transformed into a dignified high priest, his authority evident in the set of his shoulders.\n\nGonnosuke clasped his hands in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A small cloud seemed to pass before his eyes and from it emerged an image of Shiojiri Pass, where he and Musashi had tested each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mother was sitting to one side, straight as a board, looking worried, just as she had been when she called out the word that saved him in that fight.\n\n\"Mother,\" he thought, \"you don't have to worry about my future. Musashi has consented to be my teacher. The day is not far off when I'll be able to establish my own school. The world may be in turmoil, but I won't stray from the Way. Nor will I neglect my duties as a son... \"\n\nBy the time Gonnosuke came out of his reverie, the chanting had stopped and the abbot was gone. Beside him, Iori sat transfixed, his eyes glued to the face of Dainichi, a miracle of sculptural sensitivity carved by the great Unkei in the thirteenth century.\n\n\"Why are you staring so, Iori?\"\n\nWithout moving his eyes, the boy said, \"It's my sister. That Buddha looks like my sister.\"\n\nGonnosuke burst out laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you talking about? You've never even seen her. Anyway, no human could ever have the compassion and serenity of Dainichi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Iori shook his head vigorously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have seen her. Near Lord Yagyū's residence in Edo. And talked to her. I didn't know she was my sister then, but just now, while the abbot was chanting, the Buddha's face turned into hers. She seemed to be saying something to me.\"\n\nThey went out and sat down on the porch, reluctant to break the spell of the visions they had experienced.\n\n\"The memorial service was for my mother,\" said Gonnosuke pensively. \"But it's been a good day for the living too. Sitting here like this, it's hard to believe fighting and bloodshed exist.\"\n\nThe metal spire of the treasure pagoda glistened like a jeweled sword in the rays of the setting sun; all the other buildings stood in deep shadow. Stone lanterns lined the darkened path leading up the steep hill to a Muromachi-style teahouse and a small mausoleum.\n\nNear the teahouse, an old nun, her head covered with a white silk bandanna, and a plump man of about fifty were sweeping leaves with straw brooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The nun sighed and said, \"I guess it's better than it was.\" Few people came to this part of the temple, even to clear away the winter's accumulation of leaves and bird skeletons.\n\n\"You must be tired, Mother,\" said the man. \"Why don't you sit down and rest? I'll finish up.\" He was dressed in a simple cotton kimono, sleeveless cloak, straw sandals, and leather socks with a cherry blossom design, and carried a short sword with an unadorned hilt made of sharkskin.\n\n\"I'm not tired,\" she replied with a little laugh. \"But what about you? You're not used to this. Aren't your hands chapped?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, not chapped, but they're covered with blisters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman laughed again, saying, \"Now, isn't that a nice reminder to take home with you?\"\n\n\"I don't mind. I feel my heart's been purified. I hope that means our little offering of labor has pleased the gods.\"\n\n\"Oh, it's getting so dark. Let's leave the rest for tomorrow morning.\"\n\nGonnosuke and Iori were standing by the porch now. Kōetsu and Myōshū came down the path slowly, hand in hand. When they got near the Dainichi Hall, both started and cried, \"Who's there?\"\n\nThen Myōshū said, \"It's been a lovely day, hasn't it? Have you come for sightseeing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke bowed and said, \"No, I've had a sutra read for my mother.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's nice to meet young people who are grateful to their parents.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gave Iori a maternal pat on the head. \"Kōetsu, do you have any of those wheat cakes left?\"\n\nTaking a small package from his sleeve, Kōetsu offered it to Iori, saying, \"Forgive me for offering you leftovers.\"\n\n\"Gonnosuke, may I accept it?\" asked Iori.\n\n\"Yes,\" said Gonnosuke, thanking Kōetsu on Iori's behalf.\n\n\"From the way you talk, you seem to be from the east,\" said Myōshū. \"May I ask where you're going?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems to be on an endless journey on a never-ending road. This boy and I are fellow disciples in the Way of the Sword.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's an arduous path you've chosen. Who is your teacher?\"\n\n\"His name is Miyamoto Musashi.\"\n\n\"Musashi? You don't say!\" Myōshū gazed into space, as though conjuring up a pleasant memory.\n\n\"Where is Musashi now?\" asked Kōetsu. \"It's been a long time since last we saw him.\"\n\nGonnosuke told them of Musashi's fortunes during the past couple of years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he listened, Kōetsu nodded and smiled, as if to say: \"That's what I'd expect of him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he finished, Gonnosuke asked, \"May I inquire who you are?\"\n\n\"Oh, forgive me for not telling you before.\" Kōetsu introduced himself and his mother. \"Musashi stayed with us for a while, several years ago. We're very fond of him and often talk about him even now.\" He then told Gonnosuke about two or three incidents that had occurred when Musashi was in Kyoto.\n\nGonnosuke had long known of Kōetsu's reputation as a sword polisher, and more recently he had heard of Musashi's relationship with the man. But he'd never expected to run into this wealthy townsman tidying up neglected temple grounds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is there a grave of someone close to you here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked. \"Or perhaps you've come for an outing?\"\n\n\"No, nothing so frivolous as an outing,\" exclaimed Kōetsu. \"Not in a holy place like this... Have you heard from the priests something of the history of the Kongōji?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"In that case allow me, in the priests' stead, to tell you a little about it. Please understand, however, that I'm merely repeating what I've heard.\" Kōetsu paused and looked around slowly, then said, \"We have just the right moon tonight,\" and pointed out the landmarks: above them the mausoleum, Mieidō and Kangetsutei; below, the Taishidō, Shinto shrine, treasure pagoda, refectory and two-story gate.\n\n\"Look carefully,\" he said, seemingly under the spell of the lonely setting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That pine tree, those rocks, every tree, every blade of grass here, partake of the invisible constancy, the elegant tradition of our country.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went on in this vein, solemnly telling how in the fourteenth century, during a conflict between southern and northern courts, the mountain had been a stronghold of the southern court. How Prince Morinaga, known also as Daitō no Miya, had held secret conferences to plan the overthrow of the Hōjō regents. How Kusunoki Masashige and other loyalists had fought the armies of the northern court. Later the Ashikagas had come to power, and Emperor Go-Murakami, driven from Mount Otoko, had been forced to flee from place to place. Finally he took refuge at the temple and for many years lived the same sort of life as the mountain priests, suffering the same deprivations. Using the refectory as his seat of government, he had worked tirelessly to recover the imperial prerogatives seized by the military.\n\nAt an earlier time, when samurai and courtiers had gathered around the ex-emperors Kōgon, Kōmyō and Sukō, the monk Zen'e had written poignantly: \"The priests' quarters and mountain temples were all swept away. The loss is indescribable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke listened humbly, respectfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori, awed by the gravity of Kōetsu's voice, could not take his eyes from the man's face.\n\nKōetsu took a deep breath and went on: \"Everything here is a relic of that age. The mausoleum is the last resting place of the Emperor Kōgon. Since the decline of the Ashikagas, nothing's been properly taken care of. That's why my mother and I decided to do a little cleaning up, as a gesture of reverence.\"\n\nPleased by the attentiveness of his audience, Kōetsu searched diligently for words to express his heartfelt emotions.\n\n\"While we were sweeping, we found a stone with a poem carved on it, perhaps by a soldier-priest of that age. It said:\n\nThough the war goes on,\n\nEven for a hundred years,\n\nSpring will return." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Live with a song in your hearts," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You, the Emperor's people.\n\n\"Think of the bravery, the largeness of spirit it took for a simple soldier, after fighting for years, perhaps decades, to protect the emperor, to be able to rejoice and sing. I'm sure it's because the spirit of Masashige communicated itself to him. Though a hundred years of fighting have passed, this place remains a monument to the imperial dignity. Isn't this something for which we should be very grateful?\"\n\n\"I didn't know this was the site of a sacred battle,\" said Gonnosuke. \"I hope you'll forgive my ignorance.\"\n\n\"I'm glad I had a chance to share with you some of my thoughts on the history of our country.\"\n\nThe four of them strolled down the hill together. In the moonlight, their shadows seemed thin and unsubstantial." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they passed the refectory, Kōetsu said, \"We've been here seven days. We'll be leaving tomorrow. If you see Musashi, please tell him to come see us again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke assured him that he would." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shallow, swift-flowing stream along the outer temple wall was like a natural moat and was crossed by a dirt-floored bridge.\n\nGonnosuke and Iori had hardly set foot on the bridge when a large white figure armed with a staff emerged from the shadows and flew at Gonnosuke's back. Gonnosuke evaded the attack by sliding to one side, but Iori was knocked off the bridge.\n\nThe man plunged on past Gonnosuke to the road on the other side of the bridge. Turning around, he took a solid stance, his legs resembling small tree trunks. Gonnosuke saw it was the priest who had been following him the previous day.\n\n\"Who are you?\" shouted Gonnosuke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The priest said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gonnosuke moved his staff into striking position and shouted, \"Who are you? What reason do you have for attacking Muso Gonnosuke?\"\n\nThe priest acted as if he hadn't heard. His eyes spat fire as his toes, protruding from heavy straw sandals, inched forward like a centipede in motion.\n\nGonnosuke growled and cursed under his breath. His short, heavy limbs bursting with the will to fight, he too inched forward.\n\nThe priest's staff broke in two with a resounding crack. One part flew through the air; the other the priest hurled with all his might at Gonnosuke's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It missed, but while Gonnosuke was recovering his balance, his opponent drew his sword and stomped out onto the bridge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You bastard!\" shouted Iori.\n\nThe priest gasped and put his hand to his face. The small stones Iori had thrown had found their mark, one hitting him squarely in the eye. He spun around and ran down the road.\n\n\"Stop!\" shouted Iori, scrambling up the bank with a handful of stones.\n\n\"Never mind,\" said Gonnosuke, putting his hand on Iori's arm.\n\n\"I guess that'll show him,\" gloated Iori, casting the stones toward the moon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon after they returned to Tōroku's house and went to bed, a squall came up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind roared through the trees, threatening to tear the roof off the house, but this was not the only thing that kept them from falling asleep right away.\n\nGonnosuke lay awake thinking about past and present, wondering if the world was really better off now than it had been in bygone ages. Nobunaga, Hideyoshi and Ieyasu had won the hearts of the people, as well as the authority to govern, but, he wondered, hadn't the true sovereign been virtually forgotten, the people led to worship false gods? The age of the Hōjōs and Ashikagas had been a hateful one, blatantly contradicting the very principle on which the country was founded. Still, even then, great warriors, like Masashige and his son, and loyalists from many provinces had followed the true warrior's code. What had become of the Way of the Samurai? Gonnosuke asked himself. Like the Way of the Townsman and the Way of the Farmer, it seemed to exist now only for the sake of the military ruler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke's thoughts made his body feel warm all over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The peaks of Kawachi, the woods around the Kongōji, the howling storm, seemed to become living beings, calling to him in a dream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Iori could not get the unknown priest out of his mind. He was still thinking of the ghostly white figure much later when the storm intensified. He pulled the covers over his eyes and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.\n\nWhen they set out the next day, the clouds above the mountains were rainbow-colored. Just outside the village, a traveling merchant materialized from the morning mist and wished them a jovial good morning.\n\nGonnosuke replied perfunctorily. Iori, absorbed in the thoughts that had kept him awake the night before, was no more talkative.\n\nThe man tried to strike up a conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You stayed at Tōroku's house last night, didn't you? I've known him for years. Fine people, him and his wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This elicited only a mild grunt from Gonnosuke.\n\n\"I also call at Koyagyū Castle from time to time,\" said the merchant. \"Kimura Sukekurō had done me a lot of favors.\" This met with another grunt.\n\n\"I see you've been to the 'Women's Mount Kōya.' I suppose now you'll be going to Mount Kōya itself. It's just the right time of the year. The snow's gone, and all the roads have been repaired. You can take your time crossing Amami and Kiimi passes, spend the night at Hashimoto or Kamuro—\"\n\nThe man's probing about their itinerary made Gonnosuke suspicious. \"What business are you in?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I sell braided cord,\" said the man, pointing to the small bundle on his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The cord's made of flat-braided cotton. It was only invented recently, but it's getting popular fast.\"\n\n\"I see,\" said Gonnosuke.\n\n\"Tōroku's helped me a lot, telling worshipers at the Kongōji about my cord. As a matter of fact, I was planning to stay at his house last night, but he said he already had two guests. That was sort of a disappointment. When I stay with him, he always fills me up with good sake.\" He laughed.\n\nRelaxing a bit, Gonnosuke began asking questions about places along the way, for the merchant was quite familiar with the local countryside. By the time they reached Amami plateau, the conversation had grown fairly friendly.\n\n\"Hey, Sugizō!\"\n\nA man came trotting along the road to catch up with them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you go off and leave me? I was waiting at Amano Village. You said you'd stop by for me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry, Gensuke,\" said Sugizō. \"I fell in with these two and we got to talking. I forgot all about you.\" He laughed and scratched his head.\n\nGensuke, who was dressed like Sugizō, turned out to be a cord salesman too. As they walked, the two merchants fell to discussing business.\n\nComing to a gully about twenty feet deep, Sugizō suddenly stopped talking and pointed.\n\n\"Oh, that's dangerous,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gonnosuke stopped and looked at the gully, which might have been a gap left by an earthquake, perhaps one that happened a very long time ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What seems to be the trouble?\" he asked.\n\n\"Those logs, they're not safe to cross. See, there—some of the rocks supporting them have been washed away. We'll fix it so the logs are steady.\" Then he added, \"We should do that for the sake of other travelers.\"\n\nGonnosuke watched as they squatted at the edge of the cliff and began packing rocks and dirt under the logs. While thinking that these two merchants traveled a great deal, and thus knew the difficulties of travel as well as anybody, he was a little surprised. It was unusual for men like them to care enough about others to go to the trouble of repairing a bridge.\n\nIori didn't give the matter any thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impressed by their show of concern, he contributed by gathering rocks for them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That should do it,\" said Gensuke. He took a step on the bridge, decided it was safe and said to Gonnosuke, \"I'll go first.\" Holding his arms out for balance, he crossed quickly to the other side, then beckoned for the others to follow.\n\nAt Sugizō's urging, Gonnosuke went next, Iori just behind him. They were not quite to the middle when they let out a shout of surprise. Ahead of them, Gensuke had a lance pointed at them. Gonnosuke looked back and saw Sugizō had also acquired a lance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where did the lances come from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "thought Gonnosuke. He swore, bit his lip angrily and considered the awkwardness of his position.\n\n\"Gonnosuke, Gonnosuke... \" Taken off guard, Iori clung to Gonnosuke's waist, while Gonnosuke, holding his arm around the boy, shut his eyes for an instant, entrusting his life to the will of heaven.\n\n\"You bastards!\"\n\n\"Shut up!\" shouted the priest, who stood higher up on the road, behind Gensuke, his left eye swollen and black.\n\n\"Keep calm,\" Gonnosuke told Iori in a soothing voice. Then he shouted. \"So you're behind this! Well, watch out, you thieving bastards! You've tangled with the wrong man this time!\"\n\nThe priest stared coldly at Gonnosuke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not worth robbing. We know that. If you're no smarter than that, what are you doing trying to be a spy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You calling me a spy?\"\n\n\"Tokugawa dog! Throw that staff away. Put your hands behind your back. And don't try anything funny.\"\n\n\"Ah!\" sighed Gonnosuke, as though the will to fight was deserting him. \"Look, you're making a mistake. I did come from Edo, but I'm not a spy. My name is Musō Gonnosuke. I'm a shūgyosha.\"\n\n\"Never mind the lies.\"\n\n\"What makes you think I'm a spy?\"\n\n\"Our friends in the east told us some time ago to be on the lookout for a man traveling with a young boy. You were sent down here by Lord Hōjō of Awa, weren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Drop the staff and come along peacefully.\"\n\n\"I'm not going anywhere with you.\"\n\n\"Then you'll die right here.\"\n\nGensuke and Sugizō began to close in from front and back, lances ready for action.\n\nTo keep Iori out of harm's way, Gonnosuke slapped him on the back. With a loud shriek, Iori dived into the bushes covering the bottom of the gully.\n\nThundering \"Y-a-a-h!\" Gonnosuke rushed Sugizō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lance requires some space and good timing to be effective." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sugizō extended his arm to thrust his weapon forward but missed the exact moment. A loud croak came from his throat as the blade cut through thin air. Gonnosuke slammed into him, and he fell backward, with Gonnosuke on top of him. When Sugizō attempted to rise, Gonnosuke rammed his right fist into his face. Sugizō bared his teeth but the effect was ludicrous, for his face was already a bloody mess. Gonnosuke stood up, used Sugizō's head for a springboard and cleared the distance to the end of the bridge.\n\nStaff poised, he shouted, \"I'm here waiting, you cowards!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even as he shouted, three ropes came slithering across the top of the grass, one weighted with a sword guard, another with a short sword in its scabbard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One rope looped around Gonnosuke's arm, another around his legs and the third around his neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a moment, still another rope wound around his staff.\n\nGonnosuke wriggled like an insect caught in a spiderweb, but not for long. Half a dozen men ran out of the woods behind him. By the time they were finished, he lay helpless on the ground, trussed up tighter than a bundle of straw. With the exception of the surly priest, all his captors were dressed as cord salesmen.\n\n\"No horses?\" asked the priest. \"I don't want to walk him all the way to Mount Kudo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can probably hire a horse in Amami Village.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Pear Blossom\n\nIn the dark, solemn forest of cryptomerias, the voices of the lowly shrike, mingling with those of the celestial bulbul, sounded like the jeweled tones of the mythical Kalavinka bird.\n\nTwo men, coming down from the top of Mount Kōya, where they had visited the halls and pagodas of the Kongōbuji and paid their respects at the inner shrine, stopped on a small arched bridge between the inner and outer temple precincts.\n\n\"Nuinosuke,\" said the older man pensively, \"the world is indeed fragile and impermanent, isn't it?\" From his heavy homespun cloak and utilitarian hakama, he might have been taken for a country samurai, were it not for his swords, which were of outstanding quality, and the fact that his companion was far too suave and well-groomed for a provincial samurai's attendant.\n\n\"You saw them, didn't you?\" he continued. \"The graves of Oda Nobunaga, Akechi Mitsuhide, Ishida Mitsunari, Kobayakawa Kingo—all brilliant, famous generals only a few years ago. And over there, those moss-covered stones mark the burial places of great members of the Minamoto and Taira clans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Friend and foe... all together here, aren't they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All of them nothing more than lonely stones. Were names like Uesugi and Takeda really great, or were we only dreaming?\"\n\n\"It gives me an odd feeling. Somehow it seems the world we live in is unreal.\"\n\n\"Is it that? Or is it this place that's unreal?\"\n\n\"Umm. Who knows?\"\n\n\"Who do you suppose thought of calling this the Bridge of Illusions?\"\n\n\"It's a well-chosen name, isn't it?\"\n\n\"I think illusion is truth, just as enlightenment is reality. If illusion were unreal, the world couldn't exist. A samurai who devotes his life to his master cannot—not for an instant—allow himself to be nihilistic. That's why the Zen I practice is living Zen. It's the Zen of the tainted world, the Zen of hell. A samurai who trembles at the thought of impermanence or despises the world cannot perform his duties... Enough of this place. Let's go back to the other world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He walked quickly, with a remarkably firm step for a man of his age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Catching sight of priests from the Seiganji, he frowned and grumbled, \"Why did they have to do that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd stayed at the temple the night before; now about twenty young priests were lined up along the pathway, waiting to see him off, though he had said his farewells that morning with the intention of avoiding a display of this sort.\n\nHe ran the gauntlet, saying polite good-byes, and hurried on down the road overlooking the patchwork of valleys known as Kujūkutani. Only when he regained the ordinary world did he relax. Conscious as he was of his own fallible human heart, the odor of this world came as relief.\n\n\"Hello, who are you?\" The question came at him like a shot as they rounded a bend in the road.\n\n\"Who are you?\" asked Nuinosuke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The well-built, light-complexioned samurai standing in the middle of the road said politely, \"Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but aren't you Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi's senior retainer, Nagaoka Sado?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm Nagaoka, to be sure. Who are you, and how did you know I was in the vicinity?\"\n\n\"My name is Daisuke. I'm the only son of Gessō, who lives in retirement on Mount Kudo.\"\n\nSeeing the name did not ring a bell, Daisuke said, \"My father has long since discarded his former name, but until the Battle of Sekigahara he was known as Sanada Saemonnosuke.\"\n\n\"Do you mean Sanada Yukimura?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" With a bashfulness seemingly at odds with his appearance, Daisuke said, \"A priest from the Seiganji dropped in at my father's house this morning. He said you'd come to Mount Kōya for a short visit. Though we heard you were traveling incognito, my father thought it'd be a pity not to invite you to have a cup of tea with him.\"\n\n\"That's very kind of him,\" replied Sado. He squinted for a minute, then said to Nuinosuke, \"I think we ought to accept, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir,\" replied Nuinosuke without enthusiasm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daisuke said, \"It's still fairly early in the day, but my father would be honored if you'd spend the night with us.\"\n\nSado hesitated a moment, wondering if it was wise to accept the hospitality of a man regarded as an enemy of the Tokugawas, then nodded and said, \"We can decide about that later, but I'll be delighted to join your father for a cup of tea. Don't you agree, Nuinosuke?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\nNuinosuke seemed a bit on edge, but as they started down the road behind Daisuke, master and attendant exchanged knowing glances.\n\nFrom the village of Mount Kudo, they climbed a little farther up the mountain to a residence set apart from the other houses. The enclosure, surrounded by a low stone wall topped by a fence of woven grass, resembled the semi-fortified house of a lesser provincial warlord, but all in all one got the impression of refinement rather than military preparedness.\n\n\"My father's over there, by that thatched building,\" said Daisuke as they went through the gate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a small vegetable garden, sufficient to provide onions and greens for the morning and evening soup." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The main house stood in front of a cliff; near the side veranda was a bamboo grove, beyond which two more houses were just visible.\n\nNuinosuke knelt on the veranda outside the room Sado was shown to.\n\nSado sat down and remarked, \"It's very quiet here.\"\n\nA few minutes later, a young woman who appeared to be Daisuke's wife quietly served tea and left.\n\nWhile Sado waited for his host, he took in the view—the garden and the valley. Below was the village, and in the distance the inn town of Kamuro. Tiny flowers bloomed on the moss clinging to the overhanging thatched roof, and there was the pleasant fragrance of a rare incense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though he could not see it, he could hear the stream running through the bamboo grove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The room itself evoked a feeling of quiet elegance, a gentle reminder that the owner of this unpretentious dwelling was the second son of Sanada Masayuki, lord of Ueda Castle and recipient of an income of 190,000 bushels.\n\nThe posts and beams were thin, the ceiling low. The wall behind the small, rustic alcove was of roughly finished red clay. The flower arrangement in the alcove consisted of a single sprig of pear blossoms in a slender yellow and light green ceramic vase. Sado thought of Po Chü-i's \"solitary pear blossom bathed by the spring rain\" and of the love that united the Chinese emperor and Yang Kuei-fei, as described in the Chang He Ke. He seemed to hear a voiceless sob.\n\nHis eye moved to the hanging scroll above the flower arrangement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The characters, large and naive, spelled out \"Hōkoku Daimyōjin,\" the name Hideyoshi was given when he was elevated to the rank of a god after his death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To one side, a notation in much smaller characters said that this was the work of Hideyoshi's son Hideyori at the age of eight. Feeling it discourteous to Hideyoshi's memory to have his back turned to the scroll, Sado shifted a little to the side. As he did so, he realized suddenly that the pleasant smell came not from incense burning right then but from the walls and shoji, which must have absorbed the fragrance when incense was placed there morning and evening to purify the room in Hideyoshi's honor. Presumably an offering of sake was also made daily, as to established Shinto deities.\n\n\"Ah,\" he thought, \"Yukimura's as devoted to Hideyoshi as they say.\" What he could not fathom was why Yukimura did not hide the scroll. He had the reputation of being an unpredictable man, a man of the shadows, lurking and waiting for a propitious moment to return to the center of the country's affairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took no stretch of the imagination to conceive of guests later reporting his sentiments to the Tokugawa government." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Footsteps approached along the outside corridor. The small, thin man who entered the room wore a sleeveless cloak, with only a short sword in the front of his obi. There was an air of modesty about him.\n\nDropping to his knees and bowing to the floor, Yukimura said, \"Forgive me for sending my son to bring you and for interrupting your journey.\"\n\nThis show of humility made Sado uncomfortable. From the legal viewpoint, Yukimura had given up his status. He was now only a rōnin who had taken the Buddhist name Denshin Gessō." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, he was the son of Sanada Masayuki, and his older brother, Nobuyuki, was a daimyō and had close connections with the Tokugawas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being only a retainer, Sado was of much lower rank.\n\n\"You shouldn't bow to me that way,\" he said, returning the greeting. \"It's an unexpected honor and pleasure to meet you again. I'm glad to see you're in good health.\"\n\n\"You seem to be too,\" replied Yukimura, relaxing while Sado was still bowing. \"I'm pleased to hear Lord Tadatoshi has returned to Buzen safely.\"\n\n\"Thank you. This is the third year since Lord Yūsai passed away, so he thought it was time.\"\n\n\"Has it been that long?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. I've been in Buzen myself, though I have no idea what use Lord Tadatoshi might have for a relic like myself. I served his father and grandfather too, as you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the formalities were over and they began talking of this and that, Yukimura asked, \"Have you seen our Zen master recently?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I've seen or heard nothing of Gudō for some time. That reminds me, it was in his meditation room that I first saw you. You were only a boy then, and you were with your father.\" Sado smiled happily as he reminisced about the time he had been put in charge of constructing the Shumpoin, a building the Hosokawas had donated to the Myōshinji.\n\n\"A lot of hellions came to Gudō to get the rough edges smoothed off,\" said Yukimura. \"He accepted them all, not caring whether they were old or young, daimyō or rōnin.\"\n\n\"Actually, I think he particularly liked young rōnin,\" mused Sado. \"He used to say that a true rōnin did not seek fame or profit, did not curry favor with the powerful, did not attempt to use political power for his own ends, did not exempt himself from moral judgments. Rather he was as broad-minded as floating clouds, as quick to act as the rain and quite content in the midst of poverty. He never set himself any targets and never harbored any grudges.\"\n\n\"You remember that after all these years?\" asked Yukimura." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sado nodded ever so slightly. \"He also maintained that a true samurai was as hard to find as a pearl in the vast blue sea. The buried bones of the innumerable rōnin who sacrificed their lives for the good of the country he likened to pillars supporting the nation.\" Sado looked straight into Yukimura's eyes as he said this, but the latter did not seem to notice the allusion to men of his own adopted status.\n\n\"That reminds me,\" he said. \"One of the rōnin who sat at Gudō's feet in those days was a young man from Mimasaka named Miyamoto... \"\n\n\"Miyamoto Musashi?\"\n\n\"That's it, Musashi. He impressed me as being a man of great depth, even though he was only about twenty at the time, and his kimono was always filthy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It must be the same man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then you do remember him?\"\n\n\"No; I didn't hear of him until recently, when I was in Edo.\"\n\n\"He's a man to watch. Gudō said that his approach to Zen was promising, so I kept an eye on him. Then he suddenly disappeared. A year or two later, I heard he'd won a brilliant victory against the House of Yoshioka. I remember thinking at the time that Gudō must have a very good eye for people.\"\n\n\"I came across him quite by accident. He was in Shimōsa and gave some villagers a lesson in how to protect themselves from bandits. Later he helped them turn a tract of wasteland into paddy.\"\n\n\"I think he may be the true rōnin Gudō had in mind—the pearl in the vast blue sea.\"\n\n\"Do you really think so? I recommended him to Lord Tadatoshi, but I'm afraid finding him is as hard as discovering a pearl. One thing you can be sure of. If a samurai like that took an official position, it wouldn't be for the sake of the income. He'd be concerned with how his work measured up to his ideals. It may be that Musashi would prefer Mount Kudo to the House of Hosokawa.\"\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sado brushed off his remark with a short laugh, as if it were a slip of the tongue.\n\n\"You're joking, of course,\" said Yukimura. \"In my present circumstances, I can hardly afford to hire a servant, let alone a well-known rōnin. I doubt whether Musashi would come even if I did invite him.\"\n\n\"There's no need to deny it,\" said Sado. \"It's no secret the Hosokawas are on the side of the Tokugawas. And everybody knows you are the support on which Hideyori leans most heavily. Looking at the scroll in the alcove, I was impressed by your loyalty.\"\n\nSeemingly offended, Yukimura said, \"The scroll was given to me by a certain person at Osaka Castle in lieu of a memorial portrait of Hideyoshi. I try to take good care of it. But Hideyoshi is dead.\" He swallowed and went on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Times change, of course. It doesn't take an expert to see that Osaka has fallen on bad days, while the power of the Tokugawas continues to grow. But I'm not able by nature to change my loyalty and serve a second lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wonder if people will believe it's that simple. If I may speak candidly, everybody says Hideyori and his mother furnish you great sums every year and at a wave of the hand you could muster five or six thousand rōnin.\"\n\nYukimura laughed deprecatingly. \"Not a word of truth in it. I tell you, Sado, there's nothing worse than having people make you out to be more than you are.\"\n\n\"You can't blame them. You went to Hideyoshi when you were young, and he liked you better than anyone else. I understand your father's been heard to say you're the Kusunoki Masashige or the K'ung-ming of our times.\"\n\n\"You embarrass me.\"\n\n\"Isn't it true?\"\n\n\"I want to spend the rest of my days here, quietly, in the shadow of the mountain where the Buddha's Law is preserved. That's all. I'm not a man of refinement. It's enough for me if I can expand my fields a little, live to see my son's child born, have freshly made buckwheat noodles in the fall, eat fresh greens in the spring. Beyond that, I'd like to live a long life, far removed from wars or rumors of war.\"\n\n\"Is that really all there is to it?\" Sado asked mildly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Laugh if you will, but I've been spending my free time reading Lao-tsu and Chuang-tsu. The conclusion I've come to is that life is enjoyment. Without enjoyment, what use is there in living?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, well,\" exclaimed Sado, feigning surprise.\n\nThey talked for another hour or so, over cups of fresh tea served by Daisuke's wife.\n\nEventually Sado said, \"I fear I've stayed too long, wasting your time with my chatter. Nuinosuke, shall we be going?\"\n\n\"Don't hurry off,\" said Yukimura. \"My son and his wife have made some noodles. Poor country food, but I wish you'd have some with us. If you're planning to stop over at Kamuro, you have plenty of time.\"\n\nDaisuke appeared just then to ask his father if he was ready to have the meal served. Yukimura stood up and led the way down a corridor to the back part of the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they were seated, Daisuke offered Sado a pair of chopsticks, saying, \"I'm afraid the food isn't too good, but try some anyway.\"\n\nHis wife, not accustomed to having strangers around, diffidently held out a sake cup, which Sado politely refused. Daisuke and his wife lingered a moment longer before excusing themselves.\n\n\"What's that noise I can hear?\" asked Sado. It sounded rather like a loom, though louder and with a slightly different quality.\n\n\"Oh, that? It's a wooden wheel for making cord. I'm sorry to say, I've had to put the family and servants to work braiding cord, which we sell to help with the finances.\" Then he added, \"We're all used to it, but I suppose it might be annoying to anyone who's not. I'll send word to have it stopped.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, that's all right. It doesn't bother me. I'd hate to think I was holding up your work.\"\n\nAs he started to eat, Sado thought about the food, which sometimes provides insight into a man's condition. But he found nothing revealing there. Yukimura was not at all like the young samurai he had known years before, but he seemed to have shrouded his present circumstances in ambiguity.\n\nSado then thought about the sounds he heard—kitchen noises, people coming and going, and a couple of times the clink of money being counted. The dispossessed daimyō were not accustomed to physical labor, and sooner or later they would run out of treasures to sell. It was conceivable that Osaka Castle had ceased to be a source of funds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, the idea of Yukimura in tight straits was oddly disturbing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been aware that his host might be trying to piece together bits of conversation to form a picture of how things were going with the House of Hosokawa, but there was no indication of this. What stood out about his recollections of their meeting was that Yukimura had not asked about his visit to Mount Kōya. Sado would have answered readily, for there was nothing mysterious about it. Many years ago, Hosokawa Yūsai had been sent by Hideyoshi to the Seiganji and had stayed for quite some time. He had left behind books, some writings and some personal effects, which had become important keepsakes. Sado had gone through them, sorted them out and arranged for the temple to turn them over to Tadatoshi.\n\nNuinosuke, who hadn't moved from the veranda, cast an anxious look toward the back of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Relations between Edo and Osaka were strained, to say the least." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why was Sado taking a risk like this? He didn't imagine Sado to be in any immediate danger, but he'd heard that the lord of Kii Province, Asano Nagaakira, had instructions to keep a strict watch on Mount Kudo. If one of Asano's men reported that Sado had paid a secret visit to Yukimura, the shogunate would become suspicious of the House of Hosokawa.\n\n\"Now's my chance,\" he thought, as the wind suddenly swept through the forsythia and kerria blossoms in the garden. Black clouds were forming rapidly, and it began to sprinkle.\n\nHe hurried down the corridor and announced, \"It's starting to rain, sir. If we're going to leave, I think now is the time.\"\n\nGrateful for the opportunity to break away, Sado stood up immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, Nuinosuke,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By all means, let's be on our way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yukimura refrained from urging Sado to stay overnight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He called Daisuke and his wife and said, \"Give our guests some straw rain capes. And you, Daisuke, go with them to Kamuro.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the gate, after expressing thanks for Yukimura's hospitality, Sado said, \"I'm sure we'll meet again one of these days. Maybe it'll be another day of rain, or maybe there'll be a strong wind blowing. Until then, I wish you the best of health.\"\n\nYukimura grinned and nodded. Yes, one of these days... For an instant each man saw the other in his mind's eye, mounted on horseback and carrying a lance. But for the present there was only the host bowing amidst falling apricot petals and the departing guest in a straw cape streaked with rain.\n\nAs they walked slowly down the road, Daisuke said, \"It won't rain much. At this time of year, we have a little shower like this every day.\"\n\nStill, the clouds above Senjō Valley and the peaks of Kōya looked threatening, and they unconsciously quickened their pace.\n\nEntering Kamuro, they were greeted by the sight of a man sharing the back of a horse with bundles of firewood and tied so tightly he couldn't move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leading the horse was a white-robed priest, who called Daisuke's name and ran toward him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Daisuke pretended not to notice.\n\n\"Someone's calling you,\" said Sado, exchanging glances with Nuinosuke.\n\nForced to take notice of the priest, Daisuke said, \"Oh, Rinshōbō. Sorry, I didn't see you.\"\n\n\"I've come straight from Kiimi Pass,\" said the priest in a loud, excited voice. \"The man from Edo—the one we were told to watch for—I spotted him in Nara. He put up quite a fight, but we took him alive. Now, if we take him to Gessō and force him to talk, we'll find out—\"\n\n\"'What are you talking about?\" broke in Daisuke.\n\n\"The man on the horse. He's a spy from Edo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can't you shut up, you fool!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "hissed Daisuke. \"Do you know who the man with me is? Nagaoka Sado of the House of Hosokawa. We rarely have the privilege of seeing him, and I'll not have you disturbing us with your silly joke.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rinshōbō's eyes, turning to the two travelers, betrayed his shock, and he barely caught himself before blurting out, \"House of Hosokawa?\"\n\nSado and Nuinosuke were trying to look poised and indifferent, but the wind whipped at their rain capes, making them flap out like the wings of a crane and rather spoiling their efforts.\n\n\"Why?\" asked Rinshōbō in a low voice.\n\nDaisuke drew him a little to one side and spoke in a whisper. When he returned to his guests, Sado said, \"Why don't you go back now? I'd hate to put you to any more trouble.\"\n\nAfter watching them until they were out of sight, Daisuke said to the priest, \"How could you be so stupid? Don't you know enough to open your eyes before you open your mouth? My father wouldn't be pleased to hear about this.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I didn't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Despite his robes, the man was no priest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was Toriumi Benzō, one of Yukimura's leading retainers." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Story collab\nMe: Opening\nYou: 8 sentences more, Eiji Yoshikawa-style" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The light of the evening sun, reflected from the river, danced on Matahachi's face, making it seem bathed in tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was deaf to the bustle of traffic moving along the street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Akemi was walking slowly down by the river." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He started after her, waving his arms and shouting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kōetsu and Gonnosuke followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Matahachi, where are you going?\"\n\nHe had forgotten all about the two men. He stopped and waited for them to catch up. \"I'm sorry,\" he mumbled. \"To tell the truth... \" Truth? How could he explain to them what he was going to do when he couldn't explain it to himself? Sorting out his emotions was beyond him at the moment, but finally he blurted out, \"I've decided not to be a priest—to return to ordinary life. I haven't been ordained yet.\"\n\n\"Returning to ordinary life?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "exclaimed Kōetsu. \"So suddenly? Hmm. You look strange.\"\n\n\"I can't explain it now. Even if I did, it'd probably sound crazy. I just saw the woman I used to live with. And she's carrying a baby on her back. I think it must be mine.\"\n\n\"Are you sure?\"\n\n\"Yes, well... \"\n\n\"Now calm down and think. Is it really your child?\"\n\n\"Yes! I'm a father!... I'm sorry. I didn't know... I'm ashamed. I can't let her go through life like that—selling things out of a basket like a common tramp. I've got to go to work and help my child.\"\n\nKōetsu and Gonnosuke looked at each other in dismay. Though not quite sure whether Matahachi was still in his right mind, Kōetsu said, \"I suppose you know what you're doing.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Matahachi took off the priest's robe covering his ordinary kimono and handed it to Kōetsu, together with his prayer beads. \"I'm sorry to trouble you, but will you give these to Gudō at the Myōshinji? I'd appreciate it if you'd tell him I'm going to stay here in Osaka, get a job and be a good father.\"\n\n\"Are you sure you want to do this? Give up the priesthood, just like that?\"\n\n\"Yes. Anyway, the master told me I could go back to ordinary life anytime I wanted to.\"\n\n\"Hmm.\"\n\n\"He said you don't have to be in a temple to practice religious discipline. It's more difficult, but he said it's more praiseworthy to be able to control yourself and keep your faith in the midst of lies and filth and conflict—all the ugly things in the outside world—than in the clean, pure surroundings of a temple.\"\n\n\"I'm sure he's right.\"\n\n\"I've been with him more than a year now, but he hasn't given me a priestly name. Always just calls me Matahachi. Maybe something'll come up in the future I don't understand. Then I'll go to him immediately. Tell him that for me, won't you?\"\n\nAnd with that, Matahachi was gone." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene, and you will continue the story with seven sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Add six sentences to continue story" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A hard cold rain fell. The brazier was dead. The room, totally dark. Chilly.\n\n\"Mother wants to see me?\" Yamabuki mumbled, still half-wrapped in the bedding.\n\n\"Hai,\" Tomoko answered through the closed panel door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rei's standing right here... to accompany you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A crack in the door let in a sliver of flickering light. Tomoko must have brought a soya-oil lamp with her. Its distinctive odor insinuated itself throughout the room.\n\n\"What time is it?\"\n\n\"First Watch. Hour of the Dog,\" Hanaye answered.\n\nBoth of my handmaids?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Rei here to escort me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This must be important.\n\n\"Isn't this late for an audience?\" Yamabuki complained, knowing that there was nothing to do about it but to get ready. \"Where does she wish to see me?\"\n\n\"Her audience chamber.\" Tomoko paused, then asked, \"May we enter?\"\n\n\"Hai!\" Yamabuki's tone was more filled with resignation than invitation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomoko slid the door aside but the two handmaids remained standing at the threshold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomoko raised the lamp in one hand and peered in. Hanaye stood right behind her.\n\n\"Maybe you were having good dreams?\" Tomoko giggled. \"Sorry if I interrupted them.\"\n\n\"I don't think I was dreaming,\" Yamabuki muttered, still too sleepy to appreciate the sly humor. She swept her arm, indicating that the handmaids were to enter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomoko and Hanaye slipped into the room. The lamplight lit up the chamber, throwing shadows into the corners.\n\nYamabuki, still in her bed, asked, \"Did Rei say why my mother needs to see me?\"\n\nTomoko shook her head. \"Rei didn't seem very worried if that's what you mean. The compound's completely quiet. But you know your mother—she doesn't sleep when she has something on her mind.\"\n\n\"How cold is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki kicked the quilts aside and slowly stood up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rainy spring night. Three kimono, no more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please help me,\" Yamabuki said.\n\nHanaye already carried three formal kimono layers for the occasion. She and Tomoko immediately helped Yamabuki out of her bedclothes and into the garments.\n\n\"Full make-up?\" Yamabuki asked, already knowing the answer.\n\n\"Yes,\" Tomoko answered. \"So I am told.\"\n\nYamabuki exhaled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within a quarter hour, Yamabuki followed Rei, who walked with a raised soya-oil lamp down the long mizmaze hallways that led to the easternmost estate house.\n\nYamabuki knew this route well. It took her from her westernmost estate house, through a few interior hallways, but mostly outside along covered wooden walkways open to the air. She passed ten other large houses before reaching the largest estate house, where her parents lived.\n\nThe spring rains drummed on the roofs. Water gurgled as it entered the garden pools." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A fog heavy with the scent of the sea wandered across the grounds of the compound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The night air invigorated and brought her fully awake.\n\nWhen she arrived at her mother's audience chamber, Rei slid the panels apart. Inside, under the light of at least ten braziers, Yamabuki's mother, wearing formal but festive spring robes, sat on a small dais.\n\nYamabuki stepped through the doorway and kowtowed. \"Denka,\" she said—Your majesty—her forehead touching the floor planks. Rei, just outside the doors, pulled the panels closed with a clunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mother and daughter were alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she came before her mother, who was still young, the orange flickering fires made her look like a Buddha.\n\n\"Get up,\" her mother said with a small wave of the hand. \"We can dispense with formalities now that it's just us.\"\n\nYamabuki slid into a sitting posture.\n\nWithout any of the usual pleasantries, her mother began, \"Your father tells me that you are to embark on a period of musha shugyō.\"\n\nYamabuki's heart leapt. \"I was not aware of this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" her mother continued, \"and he is also aware that I might not be too happy about the idea of exposing you to the dangers of traveling by yourself for a year, maybe even two. You have hardly seen sixteen springs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It will be seventeen years by Sōkō,\" Yamabuki said with contained excitement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The time of the Descent of Frost?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mother took in a deep breath and shook her head. \"That is seven months from now!\" She hardly hid her exasperation. \"Right now it's barely the time of the Grain Rain. The crops are not even in the ground and you are speaking as if the coming winter was almost upon us.\"\n\nHer mother held her mouth tight and was talking fast, all at the same time. Yamabuki knew to tread lightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must say I am surprised... and not surprised,\" Lady Taka continued, absentmindedly drumming her fingers against the floor. \"I knew that if you persisted in these\"—she paused, almost faltering—\"martial studies that it would come to this though I didn't expect it this soon. Not for another two years. Foolish me. Foolish me to think that maybe by now you'd have the wisdom to find a husband and settle down and have some children like the daughter of a daimyō that you are.\"\n\n\"But mother,\" said Yamabuki, trying not to sound plaintive, \"you were a whole year younger than I am now when you rode out on your musha shugyō.\"\n\nLady Taka's eyes flashed and not in a good way. \"Those were different times, and even then, it changed me... and not necessarily for the better.\"\n\n\"I shall return alive. I'm well trained. I shall come back alive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ha!\" Lady Taka let out a deep sigh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That you will return alive I have little doubt, nor does your father, or he would not be sending you on this journey. But you do not understand what musha shugyō means. Those two years, it's what they take away from you. It's meant to change you and it changes you in ways that you cannot know nor can it be undone. It's only afterward—\" She broke off, shaking her head, her mouth closed tight.\n\nYamabuki, still sitting, bowed and nodded.\n\nHer mother continued, \"You are now truly of marriageable age. Most men of standing do not want to marry warriors, even female ones.\"\n\n\"Father married you.\"\n\n\"I said most men, and besides, it was an arranged marriage that would seal a peace between our clans—a seal of common blood. You.\" Though she did not point, she might as well have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's as much Itō blood—four hundred years of a noble lineage that flows from the Fujiwara, the most royal of blood, my blood—that's in your veins. As much Itō blood as Taka blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka pointed to the two distinct roundel mon that graced her own kimono. \"The crossed twin-arrow feathers and the sign of the crescent moon are your heritage. You represent the union of two houses.\" She raised her arm with a sweep. The kimono fluttered. The roundels almost trembled.\n\n\"But there are others who can be married off,\" Yamabuki answered softly.\n\n\"Married off, is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stared straight at her daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki shifted uneasily at her mother's displeasure.\n\nHer mother said, \"Indeed, and of all the children, including the boys, you are the only one who has taken it into her head to follow this path. Prince Tachibana is always pushing Atsumichi forward, trying to get his son a good marital match—a politically astute one.\"\n\nYamabuki smirked. \"Tongue boy.\"\n\n\"Don't laugh. This is serious.\"\n\n\"I know, mother,\" Yamabuki said with contrition.\n\n\"I should hope you do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I marry, I can never do as I please. If I have babies, then I'll have to stay here to supervise their care. I shall never make my journey to Kara, or visit the lands of the Sòng Dynasty.\"\n\n\"Travel across the Leeward Sea! Are these the kinds of insanities that Nakagawa is putting into your head?\"\n\n\"No! It's my idea and one which I shall fulfill,\" Yamabuki insisted, unable to keep from raising her nose.\n\nLady Taka looked heavenward, then back at Yamabuki. \"We need someone to produce an heir and not some willful wanderer who thinks nothing of her obligations.\"\n\nYamabuki bowed, her forehead briefly touching the planking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can see I made a mistake to let you grow up so free.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gomen nasai.\" Yamabuki bowed yet again.\n\n\"No. No. You should not be sorry. It is I who should be sorry. Your father always gets his way.\" She paused as she brought up a calm from deep within herself and sighed. \"A daimyō always gets his way, even if he is also a husband,\" she whispered to herself.\n\n\"Gomen nasai,\" Yamabuki said crisply so there could be no mistake about her sincerity, deeply apologizing, her face against the floor.\n\n\"Sit up,\" her mother commanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tell me why you are so set against marriage. You're a woman. You do like men... or is it, with all your warrior inclinations, that you happen to like...\" She bit her lip, leaving the rest unsaid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. No. I do. I like men. I like them well enough.\"\n\n\"Well, it would not matter if you didn't. It is always better when you love the man, but even if you did not, there is more to think about than yourself. All the rest of that can come after.\" She sighed again, visibly trying to contain her exasperation.\n\n\"I'm afraid of what is to become of me if I stay here,\" Yamabuki said softly.\n\n\"It's not a bad life.\"\n\n\"I know. Nakagawa once said that, and when he did, I knew he was repeating what you think.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki continued, \"But life here makes me no more than a bird in a cage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You consider me a caged bird, daughter?\"\n\nYamabuki looked down. \"No, mother,\" she whispered very softly.\n\nLady Taka shook her head and again drummed the floor with her fingers. \"You know: I hear myself in you. I said the very same things to my mother... and my father.\"\n\n\"Then you know that I am right.\"\n\n\"No. I know that you are young. You do not know where you are right and where you are wrong. Alas, you cannot understand where you are wrong until after it is too late. After it is finished. Such is the nature of life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But in the end the Itō clan let you go on musha shugyō, did they not?\"\n\nLady Taka nodded without a word. Then, her voice soft, she said, \"I don't have to remind you for what a warrior trains, do I?\"\n\nYamabuki shook her head in agreement. \"I understand very well.\"\n\n\"Once again, you do and you don't. It is to fight. And fighting in the world is as real as real can be. You say you will return from your journey alive, so chances are that someone else will not, and they will pay the price of blood.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki nodded. \"Nakagawa and I have talked of this.\"\n\n\"Yes, but you and I have not.\" Lady Taka continued softly. \"Everyone is different. Men and women are different.\"\n\nYamabuki nodded.\n\n\"In matters of the heart, a man is different from a woman, no?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki slowly nodded. What is she saying?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The body has only one heart. Love springs from the same heart as does fighting spirit. And men, for the most part, take matters of the heart less seriously. For them, it's all dyed in glory. They brag. This goes for matters of love as much as matters of battle. All for show.\n\n\"A woman, on the other hand, may experience matters of the heart—the passion of love or the heat of a fight—quite differently than most men. If it comes to combat on the road, I say that you must do your best. You must prevail. That is the only allowable outcome. And once you have fought, you will find yourself alone. Neither your father, Nakagawa, nor I, nor anyone who you can truly trust will be there to offer you solace. Afterward, it is something you will bear alone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Actually you do not, but there is no way around it. For all your training and for all you have been taught, you have also been sheltered. All girls are sheltered, even tough ones.\" Her mother smiled wistfully and sadly, all at the same time. \"No Taka boy would dare start in with you. They know who you are.\"\n\n\"I can handle them.\" Yamabuki's eyes flashed.\n\n\"Indeed you can and could. And you know them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of you grew up together, even though most were not of your station." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Out on the road, a stranger comes along: A beggar might turn out to be a master of weapons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A samurai may whimper like a coward if you stand up to him. A pretty woman might put a dagger in your back when you look the other way. You needn't be unduly frightened, but you should not let your woman's heart always see the best in others.\n\n\"You know that I have tried to carry seven babies into this world.\"\n\nSeven?\n\n\"You were the third and the only one who lived past four springs. You had two older brothers, you know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She paused. \"The others? I think there were two girls and a boy and one so soon it could not be determined. And you, the third child to whom I gave birth, have grown up tall and strong and quite bright for your age.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gave her daughter a small smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Everyone said that since you were a girl you would not amount to much. Imagine, telling a mother that!\" She laughed softly. \"You do know the karmic burden I have carried and now that karma has been passed to you.\"\n\nYamabuki looked at her mother, questioningly.\n\n\"Meaning,\" she continued, \"if you do not have a brother, then you must be the one to bear a male heir to carry on the Taka-Itō lineage. But by going through musha shugyō, you are putting not only yourself at risk but staking the destiny of the Taka, and tangling all of it in your quest.\"\n\nYamabuki started to protest, wanting to say that all would be well, but her mother would not let her interrupt. \"No. No. I do not need to hear from you. You need to hear from me. For all my protestations, I am resigned, for I have sat in the same sort of place as where you now sit. I too heard my mother's words float to my ears but not touch them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Taka took a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will leave four days from now. That should give you enough time to prepare.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki was taken aback, trying not to show any hesitation that might be interpreted as reluctance and, therefore, a reason to abandon the plans altogether. \"I will be ready,\" she said with confidence.\n\n\"I am told you will be asked to carry a dispatch from your father to the Taka Palace in Heian-kyō. Now,\" she said, putting a hand into her sleeve, \"I also have something I want you to take with you.\" She produced something the size of a dagger that was wrapped in rough silk that was the indigo color of the Taka clan. Quickly she splayed it open, taking off the silk in the way a mother might undo the clothing of her baby, revealing a scroll whose edge was sealed with dark-red wax bearing the Taka emblem.\n\nHer mother lifted the rolled scroll as if it were an object of devotion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its paper was wound tightly around a white jade spool." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The scroll was husked by a magnificent stiff silk wrap of vivid colors—red, dark blue, but mostly golden yellow.\n\nShe exhaled. \"This is to be delivered to my brother at the Itō Palace.\"\n\nYamabuki, still sitting before the dais, leaned forward, bowing to acknowledge that she understood the gravity of the undertaking.\n\n\"If you cannot deliver it, burn it.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write three sentences sentences spawning from what the user wrote, within the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is said that for the Gods time passes differently. There is a story that has been handed down from one of the dynasties of the Yellow River: A farmer, while walking over a windy mountain pass, happened upon two ancient-looking men who sat before a game board, playing Wéi‑Qí. He paused for a moment to watch them make but a few moves of the black stones and white stones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Realizing it was impolite to stare, and having much to do, the farmer hastily moved on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the farmer arrived at his settlement, somehow everything seemed just a bit different." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He quickly realized the settlement was filled with strangers. Where had they come from? He asked for his wife by name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He called each of his children's names aloud.\n\nAt last a very old woman, with the help of a walking stick, came out of one of the houses and drew close. \"Grandfather!\" she gasped.\n\nHis misfortune was that he had stayed with the Immortals for what only seemed moments." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ill start, then u do seven sentences in Katherine M. Lawrence's voice ok?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Saburo had reached into the basket for the pike, it was the culmination of a long journey that was supposed to lead to the death of a comely young woman. A princess, at that. His fingers had been stretched out, not quite touching the steel. How unsettling it was when his weapon ended up out of reach, down the trail, as if the Gods had intervened!\n\nA large warrior angrily stomped through the crabs, deliberately crushing them under foot.\n\nSaburo almost dared not look up, for he knew who it was, yet he had no choice but to look long and hard.\n\nTheir eyes locked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And in but one instant that felt like a lifetime, he indeed recognized the man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The warrior. His teacher. His friend.\n\nShima.\n\nAnd even as the name rang in Saburo's ears, Shima's expression flashed at him as he marched by. Saburo could not name what he had seen. Yet he had seen all.\n\nDespite years. Despite all that had happened—the camaraderie, struggles, love loss, disappointments, murders, and the ten years of stony separation—the two men instantly recognized that nothing had changed between them, both good and bad.\n\nAnd yet at the same time, Shima looked completely different, even though in so many ways he had not changed at all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shima had always taken great pride in his hair that flowed thick and black like a mane, but he had shaven both his beard and his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it even he? Of course it was. The eyes. The mouth. The stature. Bodies, even with years, do not change—at least not until they whither. This man's body was anything but withered. Saburo would never, and could never, forget Shima's. He remained tall and broad across the shoulders and obviously as strong as ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stronger, maybe, for he carried a nodachi over his shoulder. Too long to wear it across the hip, he shouldered the field sword in the manner of a spear.\n\nIn the next moment, Shima was gone.\n\nYamabuki, too, headed down Foot Trail, disappearing around a switchback. Getting away. But Saburo's only remaining weapon was the tantō he had in his sleeve—useless now.\n\nSaburo leapt up, scrambled directly up the hill to a place in the line of sight of the beach. He unfurled a yellow silk scarf, the signal to the monks that he had not killed the Taka samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moments later, a mirrored glint flashed back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They acknowledged. It was now up to them.\n\nHe waited for some time, and then saw the kobune slipping out of the cove under sail. The green of Yamabuki's armor was unmistakable. Her black colt was in a horse blind next to a merchant cart. The two white-and-orange-robed ninja sat near the bow. Shima sat at the stern near the senchou. The remaining passengers, six in bright-green tunics, and one in white, sat in the middle of the boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo looked further into the channel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boats from the opposite shore approached." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then the ōgane temple bells boomed out. All along the hillsides, the bells of the various temples began to toll their warning.\n\nSaburo turned and ran headlong toward the docks.\n\nBy the time he reached the shore below, several boats had hurriedly landed.\n\nA wave of new passengers wanted to cross, but instead of boarding, they milled about. Saburo was told that with a storm coming in, the captains were loath to risk the channel until what the priests had seen from the hilltops blew through.\n\nSaburo seethed. Yamabuki would make it to Honshu while he remained marooned on the southern isle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once she started inland, finding her would become ever harder, and the longer he waited, the further inland she would go, with any number of roads, paths, and trails to take." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The air felt damp. Gulls riding air currents headed inland.\n\nSaburo was not going anywhere. He looked skyward. Were the Gods laughing at him?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Katherine M. Lawrence and use whatever i write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tetsu, a shout boat's senchou, sat completely relaxed on the gangway that led to a particularly sturdy-looking kobune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo strode up to the captain, and without so much as an exchange of words, thrust something into the captain's hand.\n\nThe senchou looked at what he had been given." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Six kaiki shoho rested in his calloused hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A slight grin came to his lips. Silently he mouthed, Gold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes shot up, and he carefully studied the simply dressed man who had just given him several times more money than Tetsu would have made in a good month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo muttered, \"Leave now. Just me... and make all speed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tetsu casually turned his head to look west. The sky was darkening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked to the eastern horizon and the bright cloudless sea. The ōgane continued to toll." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He slowly shook his head.\n\nSaburo added quietly, \"If you make extra speed, I'll double it... when we get there, that is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hm,\" Tetsu sighed. Merely an advance for a half-hour dash across the Barrier Strait." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indeed, if they left now, they just might well get the boat across before the storm hit.\n\nFingering the money, this time he nodded and almost absentmindedly slipped the gold into his sleeve pocket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tetsu indicated the gangplank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Saburo boarded at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tetsu then screwed his face into a scowl, almost bolting up, now glaring at the waiting crowd, and bellowed, \"No room! Go elsewhere!\"\n\nA collective gasp arose from the passengers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He waved them away.\n\n\"We're casting off! We're heading out!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The crew, also dumbfounded, looked at the senchou. Tetsu pointed to his own sleeve pocket, where he always kept passengers' payments, and nodded hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He then gestured toward the incoming front.\n\nThe crew, getting his drift, immediately joined in, waving their arms as if they were chasing off flies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Next boat! Go away! We're casting off! We're heading out!\"\n\nThe other boatmen had seen nothing like it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They craned their necks as the lone passenger sat down near the bow of the shout. What could possibly motivate the senchou to take his craft across the Barrier when there was the possibility of a gale?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant, your partner will send something and you will write the next 1 sentence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saburo hurriedly shaved his beard and moustache, and trimmed his wild mane before rinsing away the remnants of the lampblack-and-lard compound that the morning's rains had not already washed out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even after applying a \"special oil\" that he carried with him specifically for removing the coloring, his hair still held a dark, silver-gray cast instead of its natural pure white." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, towel dried, oiled, and combed, his fresh hair gave him a distinguished look. Almost regal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He emerged from the armor shop wearing the all-black yoroi with the well-sharpened personal sword in its black scabbard tucked into his sash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had also obtained a set of straw boots, a straw rain cloak, and straw umbrella hat—the clothing of a traveling warrior—thrown in for another piece of silver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He regretted that there were no riding horses available in Akamagaseki, but he did not regret taking the time to put on a new disguise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only those with the most sensitive discernment would ever have suspected that he was the same man who, within the same hour, had entered the town, looking like a hapless, disheveled, and lowly crab fisherman." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He now blended in as a typical warrior on his way home to Sagami Prefecture, home of the Hayakawa, which was in the same direction that Yamabuki traveled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It helped that Saburo been to Sagami." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was what had first attracted him to the armor, for he knew enough of the province so that if he were questioned at any of the Prefecture crossings, he would have a solid story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A perfect guise to travel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Also, with his hair back to its natural silver and his beard shaved, he looked nothing like the crabber he had made himself out to be that morning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And the eye patch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Always good! It's what people saw first and remembered the most, forgetting the details of the rest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But for all his nobility, as Saburo headed along the street he had to step around an assortment of animal manure and human excrement piles typical of all cities and settlements—even in the capital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He casually tossed the tattered eye patch into one particularly fresh heap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man was still tying his pants up as Saburo walked by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without the patch, Saburo's depth perception returned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki certainly would not recognize him now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she had a significant head start." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hopefully, his two accomplices had already killed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, he had to hurry." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He started walking at a brisk pace. Yes. It would all be good." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "im ur writing buddy. i set scene, u do 6 sentences like Katherine M. Lawrence" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oji-san blew his breath out. It steamed. \"Walk faster. It's starting to get colder.\" The old man cast a worried look at the old woman, then nodded encouragingly at the three young people that the elders led. \"No good getting to the docks only to wave farewell. They're here to trade. But once they sail west, they won't be back for another year.\"\n\n\"Listen to Oji‑san,\" Obā‑san said solemnly. \"We don't want to return without coins—just with five unsold baskets of cloth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sa-ye, along with her husband to be, Maho, and her older brother, Karasu, followed behind old Oji‑san and old Obā‑san, who knew the way to the southern-most isle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two gray elders had made the trip since their grandparents led them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hah!\" Oji‑san grunted confidently. \"We're close to the Strait. Can you smell the sea?\"\n\nSa-ye took a deep breath and smiled in return. \"Yes.\"\n\n\"You of all people should know the sea smell,\" said Obā‑san. \"Your mother gave birth to you on a fishing skiff.\"\n\nSa-ye laughed at the familiar story, adding, \"and then went right back to diving for awabi while the boat rocked me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone laughed. It was a good story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oji‑san said, \"Your nose sometimes helps more on the trail than your eyes. If the Gods favor us, we'll soon be at the channel and in Kita by the Hour of the Sheep.\"\n\nAll five walked slightly stooped over to better heft the covered baskets slung across their backs.\n\nCarrying walking sticks that could double as makeshift spears, the two young men had been told by their settlement's headman to escort the others. Besides being of help to the two elders, Maho was glad to come along, for it also meant that instead of working in the fields he could spend four days, in each direction, talking with Sa-ye—something he enjoyed above all else.\n\nAs for Karasu, he wanted to see the strange foreign people and their giant ships. Now there would be stories to tell for the rest of his days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had never been more than a day's walk from Home Settlement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact, none of the younger ones had been this far from home. Today would be one of great excitement. They would hire a boat and sail across the famous Barrier Strait to the Isle of Unknown Fires.\n\nOji‑san cleared his throat. \"We'll need to get a good boat captain, but one we can afford. The bigger haul boats, like the mifune, are for carts, horses, and cargo. All we need to carry is ourselves and our packs, so a kobune, or even a shout boat, will be enough.\" He added with a whisper, \"And cheaper. Let me do the talking with the senchou. I've met a few of them and I remember those who are good boat captains, and I remember the cheats.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's midday, but it's getting darker,\" said Maho." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thunder rolled through the forest. Hail started to fall. \"You think the Gods are sending us a warning?\" Sa-ye asked.\n\n\"We can't let the cloth get wet!\" Karasu cried.\n\nEveryone broke into a run. Rounding a bend they saw a cliff with a natural overhang." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was large enough for them and their five packs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hail fell rapidly as the farmers scurried under the shelter.\n\n\"Huddle together,\" Obā‑san instructed. \"Stay warm.\"\n\nThe hail fell harder yet, but beneath the outcropped cliff they were dry.\n\n\"You think it still might snow?\" Sa-ye asked.\n\n\"Such a strange storm,\" said Maho.\n\nThe hail finally turned to rain before coming to a stop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silence fell over the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I did not think it could be so loud,\" said Karasu.\n\nThe five farmers got up off the dirt and brushed their bottoms.\n\nObā‑san said, \"Turn. Brush the hail off your baskets, too.\"\n\n\"Yes!\" Oji‑san cackled. \"Yes. Listen to Obā‑san.\" Turning their backs, they went to clearing hail and rain from one another's packs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The clouds began to break and the sky turned blue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun shone on the ice pebbles.\n\n\"It's so beautiful,\" said Sa-ye, looking up and down the forest road.\n\n\"You sound like you've never seen hail before,\" Maho laughed.\n\n\"The ground's covered with pearls,\" Sa-ye said. \"It's like the Sea Goddess dropped them to remind us of home.\"\n\n\"You think the oddest things, Sa-ye,\" Maho teased, obviously delighted by everything she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've got to agree with Sa-ye, though. It's pretty,\" said Karasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maho sniffed and wiped his nose with his sleeve to push back the chill.\n\n\"Ha!\" Oji‑san snorted to see if his breath steamed. \"See? Not so cold. It'll warm up soon.\" Everyone listened respectfully. \"Back when I was a boy, the summers were hotter and the winters warmer. Now? The summers are cooler and the winters are longer.\" Oji‑san scowled. \"Colder these days.\"\n\n\"Cold,\" Obā‑san repeated, nodding her agreement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Karasu and Maho smirked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be so sure of yourselves,\" Obā‑san chided. \"You boys think, like I did when I was your age, that every elder feels the cold more with every year.\" She sniffed. \"And maybe we do, but I also remember like yesterday that the cherries blossomed by the first day of spring. Now it's always later than that.\" She turned away.\n\n\"Forests and fields change with time, like the color of hair.\" Oji‑san ran his palm across his face. \"But cliffs and hills are slow to change. Study them and learn the land's face so that when we go home, or you come back some other time, leading youngsters of your own...\" he said, laughing and pointing at Sa-ye's belly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maho laughed. Sa-ye giggled and blushed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oji‑san continued, \"... you'll recognize the land like an old friend. Remember how the road looks over your shoulder. It'll be the face it shows us on our way back. Did I tell you that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've told them. I've told them.\" Obā‑san sniggered. \"We should make them tell us, like the old ones made us do when we were young.\"\n\nOji‑san said, \"Let's all sing. It's downhill all the way to the shore.\"\n\nAll five broke into broad smiles of anticipation and let their song fill the noonday as they quickly picked up their pace:\n\nThe road is high,\n\nThe road is low," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let the road rise and fall,\n\nOur loads are light,\n\nCarry, carry,\n\nWe will get there,\n\nJourney on with smiles and song.\n\n\"I remember this bend,\" Oji‑san said, pointing toward a high clay cliff on one side of the road and a steep drop-off on the other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a Shintō shrine there. We're almost at Akamagaseki now.\" He rubbed his hands together. \"Let's keep singing so the shrine God hears us coming and is pleased.\"\n\nThey continued in song, smiling and singing with a spring in their steps. But as they rounded the bend, the five stopped in their tracks and fell totally quiet.\n\nA samurai, sword high, blocked the road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sa-ye gasped. A woman samurai?\n\nSa-ye had trouble making sense of what her eyes were showing her: a woman with long, long hair, but wearing armor. It was this very strangeness that kept her from becoming terrified. She looked to the others. Maybe they could explain what they had come upon, but they did not exchange glances with Sa-ye. Instead, like four ashen statues, they stood frozen, their unblinking eyes fixed on the warrior holding a drawn sword." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warrior's back was to them, and her sword was pointed away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She seemed lost in thought, gazing into the blade's edge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three men lay at her feet, perfectly still, as if they were asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why are they on the ground when it's so wet?\n\nThe warrior stood next to a jet-black horse. Like the samurai, it was geared for battle, bedecked with dark-red braid, cords, tassels, and lacing. A sword-tipped lance, attached to the tack through a series of leather straps, poked upright into the sky. A quiver brimming with arrows hung down just behind the saddle. A bow was attached next to it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The warrior's helmet rested on the saddle pommel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A glint of light flashed off the blade edge and into Sa-ye's eyes.\n\nThe warrior turned on her heel, smartly, but without seeming to be startled. She did not brandish the weapon. She merely stood there, looking at them in puzzlement, then lowered the sword to her side.\n\nSa-ye breathed a bit more easily.\n\nThe warrior's armor was colorful—cobalt-blue silk interlacing dark-green-lacquered iron platelets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was not just an ordinary warrior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What warrior could be called \"ordinary\"? This one was very wealthy. In fact, Sa-ye suspected that the warrior was someone highborn. Only a noblewoman would have hair that fell past her waist. She had tied it with dark-green ribbons that looked striking against her tresses as black as her colt. Like all nobles, she was beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her features were fair and free, though a fresh gash marred her cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The armor, too, was gashed just below the warrior's breasts.\n\nThough Sa-ye knew little of weapons and swords—just enough to know to stay away from the people who carried them—she knew cloth and silk. After all, they carried colorfully dyed cloth and silk in the baskets on their backs.\n\nEven at this distance, Sa-ye realized the warrior's split riding-skirt was a man's cut—blanched rough-hewn silk with some sort of pale-green print pattern. Such a hakama would cost an ordinary farmer five year's earnings—maybe even more. And though it was beautifully made, the riding-skirt was mud spattered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sa-ye looked closer. Blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And not just on the split-skirt, but on the woman's armor as well. The dark-green color had hidden the stains, but once she recognized what it was, Sa-ye saw that it covered everything, including the samurai's blade.\n\nIt was then that she allowed herself to look closer at the three \"sleeping\" men. They were even more bloody than the woman. They were dead.\n\nSa-ye suddenly couldn't breathe. \"Oji‑san,\" she moaned.\n\n\"Say nothing,\" Obā‑san whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give no offense,\" Oji‑san muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could she give offense? They had done nothing to the samurai. The farmers were merely walking along the road. What offense was there in that? And yet the warrior stood over three dead bodies. The noblewoman, for all her beauty, status, and wealth, was a killer if she was nothing else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With growing dread, Sa-ye recalled tales told at Home Settlement. It was said that there were those who committed skill-testing murders for the pleasure of it. She had only half believed, thinking that the stories were repeated on hot nights to send chills down everyone's backs.\n\nTwo of the dead were Buddhist monks. Did they give offense? How could they be a threat to anyone?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hardly more than beggars with holiness in their eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh mother,\" she stammered. She felt her knees grow weak.\n\n\"Brace up,\" Oji‑san muttered.\n\n\"Hai!\" she whispered with resolve, but then realized Oji‑san was addressing Maho, who, unable to stand, had started to lean on the old man.\n\nSuddenly the samurai raised her free arm over her head. Her voice filled the clearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Calm yourselves!\" It was a young woman's voice—a strange accent—though she spoke in the manner of commoners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These men are brigands!\" The warrior swept her blade downward as though it were part of her hand, pointing in the direction of the dead as if there might be some confusion about whom she spoke. She then used lofty High Court words: \"These miscreants were pretending to be what they were not.\"\n\nSa-ye could not quite follow.\n\nOji‑san muttered. \"I think she's saying those are robbers in disguise.\"\n\n\"It is good I happened along,\" the warrior said calmly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With types such as these, there is no telling what they might have done had they found you first. Those two?\" The samurai indicated the monks. \"Assassins who kill for money.\" The warrior pointed her sword at the large dead man in armor. \"Him?\" The noblewoman looked directly at Sa-ye, exchanging a look that women share when they wish to convey a special meaning to another. \"I carry a sword, and yet he tried to force himself. He wanted to have his way with me.\"\n\nShe held Sa-ye's gaze for a moment, then sheathed her sword." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write in the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre and use whatever I write as a jumping off point?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mochizuki snorted nervously, but with ease Yamabuki calmed the colt, then in one motion swung up into the saddle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She grew thoughtful. \"I would not touch those bodies,\" she said to the farmers. \"The monks tipped their blades with fugu poison. If it gets on you, you will die in moments. Not pretty.\"\n\nYamabuki could see that these farmers wanted nothing to do with any of the dead, or her. Good.\n\n\"Grandfather,\" she said. \"Can you tell me where this road leads?\"\n\n\"Hai,\" the older farmer said nervously. \"It goes to Nagato.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it the way to the Pass of the Setting Sun?\" she asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded.\n\n\"Any towns before I get to the pass?\"\n\nThe old man hesitated, as if trying to think. \"Minezaki,\" he said at last.\n\n\"Peninsula Ridge,\" she repeated, and pointed at the break in her armor. \"Is there an armorer there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farmers looked at each other. Finally the old man said, \"I've never needed an armorer.\"\n\nYamabuki scowled. \"Did I ask you if you needed an armorer? Isn't it obvious that it is I who is in need?\" she said, tapping the corselet.\n\nAs one, all five of the farmers bowed, trembling.\n\n\"I am not looking for your obedience. Answer me, or say you don't know!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hai!\" the old man's voice creaked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They did, last time I heard.\"\n\n\"And how long ago was last time?\"\n\n\"Ah?\" The old man looked worried.\n\nNow it seemed it was old woman's turn to speak. \"We don't know. We've never been there. They say there's some fancy armorer from the capital there. We don't go there. Bad town. There's a war going on. Best stay away.\"\n\n\"Any other towns between there and the pass?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" said the old woman. \"Minezaki's the last town. The road goes up to the summit. Once you're on it, they say you either go through the mountains or turn back.\"\n\nYamabuki grinned. \"Thank you for the advice, Grandmother.\" She nodded to them—they were excused. They could leave. They could move on.\n\nYet they did not move." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They stood mute, the heavy loads strapped to their shoulders giving them the appearance of humpbacks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What strength these farmers had! It was obvious in their naked calves. Even the girl had the legs of a soldier. Back at the Taka compound, no female, except a woman warrior, had anything but spindly legs. Lithe limbs. All of which said that women of nobility never worked in any real capacity, except to bear the young. Maybe it was as they said: their one duty was to make sure the lineage continued." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant in the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre. Your partner will send something and you will write the next two sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Raised in the household of a warlord father, Yamabuki's earliest memories were of warriors. She was surrounded by them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though she was always under the watchful eyes of her nursemaids and bodyguards, Yamabuki was accustomed to continual activities involving swords, bow and arrow, and feats of horsemanship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she could first hold a bamboo rod, her father's retainers taught her to wield it as a sword. Sometimes as a spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her small hands grew familiar with how to tightly grip the shaft without at the same time tightening her arms too much or locking the rest of her body." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She learned to stay fluid." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around the same time, she was taught to read and write." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when she held a calligraphy brush, she likewise held it firmly, yet moved it gracefully. Almost without effort.\n\nThe girl of barely four springs copied the first pictograms of the things that were around her, and one of the first kanji she drew was a simple one: three strokes for bushi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a while, her tutor in all things, Nakagawa, pointed out that she was not being careful when she drew the pictogram for \"warrior.\" At times, it looked like she made the symbol for \"soil\" because the lines were not precisely the right lengths." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kouma,\" he said to her, \"your father's retainers might not like being compared to 'soil.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed, but she did not join in. It offended her young sensibilities that the people of the Yellow River Delta could not make the two calligraphies sufficiently different to tell soil apart from warrior." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not long after, she learned to refine her strokes so that she could unambiguously distinguish between bushi and tsuchi.\n\nYet it still bothered her.\n\nWhat did the soil have to do with warriors?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write seven sentences more sentences? kinda like Katherine M. Lawrence but in historical fiction, Japan, adventure style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki rode for some time up the mountain highway toward the Pass of the Setting Sun. She looked behind, hoping from this elevation to glimpse the Isle of Unknown Fires across the faraway Strait, but storm clouds crept through the valley below, shrouding everything.\n\nAlthough she was alone on the road, everywhere the terraced fields swarmed with farmers at work. She pulled back Mochizuki's reins. He snorted to a stop. She patted his mane, letting him rest and drink from a clear water rill. The trickle fed one of the rice basins near the road." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Between lapping the water, he proceeded to rip a few tender green grasses that had sprung up near the runoff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not much is it? Sorry.\" Though Mochizuki was well fed while stabled at the Wakatake Inn, she had been wise to also feed him just before crossing the Strait, and once again after they arrived in Akamagaseki. They were on the move and he was always hungry. His teeth tore at the meagre shoots. His chewing started her stomach to growl. She unstoppered her bamboo canteen and drained down the last of her saké.\n\nLooking out across the rice basins, the day's events ran through her mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was hardly more than ten days from home and she had killed. Men had died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It still did not seem completely real. Yet nothing could be more real: The fresh cut to her cheek that still oozed blood. The gash across her corselet. The fencing master's blood spattered all over her. Her scored blade edge.\n\nIs this what being a warrior means? But it was exactly as her mother had prophesized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was alone in her thoughts and had no one to talk to about the emotional cost of killing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She watched the farmers going about their work, oblivious to her. She might as well have been a cloud drifting by. No matter what happened, the farmers always worked on, through floods, droughts, blight, heat, and cold. Like soldiers, they did what it was given to them to do.\n\nBack down the road, the five traveling farmers certainly had not asked what had led up to the duel. All they wanted was to get away. What happened in the day-to-day lives of the buke did not matter to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Likewise, the rulers did not care about the farmers so long as the rice crop was plentiful and the rice tax was paid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The farmers worked the dried-mud basins, which had not been touched since last year's harvest. They beat the hardpan with staves, turning the drudgery into a celebration called ta no kami matsuri, the rite of soil breaking. The goal was to re-soften the earth to make it ready for re-flooding, to be followed by the planting of young rice shoots, just in time for the Plum Rains hardly a month away.\n\nThe farmers meticulously pounded the caked clumps of dirt, their staves striking the soil to a rhythm that merged into a collective thub-thub-thub pulse.\n\n\"Hear that, Mochizuki?\" She smiled. \"Even when they pound the dirt, they turn it into music.\"\n\nAnd though most of the farmers were working the soil within the shadow of levee walls, some placed large sunflower stalks bundled together, standing as tall as a man, to guard each field corner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Others danced on top of the embankments. Hands moving. Imploring." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She clearly heard the words of their song sung in the local midlander dialect. Would that the Gods of Harm and Misfortune please move on to plague some other fields! Some other settlement! Some other place. Please, bad luck, go to another place to bring woe!\n\nThen the melody changed. The thumping mixed with voices of a melancholy workers' song—happy, yet with an air of lament borne out of resignation.\n\nRise and rise and rise and fall," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do not cry,\n\nThe mountains surround us,\n\nThe sun ascends,\n\nAs we toil at the soil.\n\nDance and dance and dance and fall,\n\nCarry your crying child to bed,\n\nAre the stars fireflies," }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gleaming tears at night-fall?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hush now for tomorrow we rise to toil yet again.\n\nThe song was strangely soothing. And though the singers were but commoners, Yamabuki was swept up in its spell. She grasped that she shared karma with them—with all living things. As the song suggested, one's work was something that had to be endured until destiny ran its course. Swinging a stave, swinging a sword, it was all the same: theirs as workers of the soil, hers as a bushi. The things of life were not just done once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indeed, her travails were not over, at least not if she heeded the fencing master's words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before their blades ever crossed, he said there would be more ninja. Maybe he was merely trying to unnerve her, but he predicted they would keep coming until they had the dispatches she carried.\n\nStrange.\n\nThey kept talking about two scrolls when in fact she carried three. How was it that they did not know about the third scroll? And which one was the third scroll?\n\nShe shook her head, feeling dazed—she supposed, in part, because the wine had gone straight to her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did not like it that her senses were affected.\n\nIf there are other assassins, I have to keep my head clear.\n\nShe had only eaten a handful of cold mochi gome since arriving on the Main Isle. The sticky, cold rice in Akamagaseki and the five oysters prior to boarding the shout boat were all she had eaten since leaving the Wakatake Inn. Not all that much. She should have eaten more that morning, but prior to the crossing she had been too excited to have much of an appetite.\n\nInnkeeper Inu had prepared some raw buri preserved in rice, likely the last fish she would taste for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dug into her saddlebag, where she found the yellowtail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inu had pressed the morsel into her hand as she had mounted up to leave, and said to her, \"Your favorite,\" and suggested she save it for an evening celebration after her first day on the Main Isle.\n\nShe would not wait until evening. I'm still alive. That's worth celebrating. As she began to chew, the taste told her that the fish was already going bad. It was marginal at best, but she needed to clear her head and needed the food to overcome her dizziness. She forced it down.\n\nShe looked at the distant mountain range." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was headed inland and any fish she would eat there would make what she just ate seem like a delicacy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She estimated Heian-kyō lay another eighteen days ahead. She was already two days ahead of schedule. If she cut another two days off this part of the journey, she would arrive at the Taka Palace just that much sooner with the dispatches.\n\nShe always carried them either in her saddlebag or on her person. And last night, when Ryuma came to her bedchamber, the scrolls were just in reach, same as her sword. Certainly Ryuma and she had other things on their minds in the darkness of the chamber.\n\nBut there had been an odd occurrence just prior to that which Yamabuki had dismissed at the time, but which no longer seemed so random: A man traveling by kago arrived long after dark, though she could not see him clearly from her window." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The kago carriers practically demanded that they be allowed to enter the inn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inu had told them the inn was full for the night. Only after Ryuma all but dismissed them in his manly samurai voice did the kago and its passenger depart.\n\nWho was this stranger who demanded entrance? What did he really want? Was he the man that the fencing master had referred to as the master assassin? Was this the same man who went by the name Saburo?\n\nWaiting by the roadside, speculating, would not bring her any answers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Minezaki lay at the end of this road." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she hurried, she could make the town before the sun set.\n\nShe was a samurai. If there were more assassins, she would deal with them, just as she had done earlier.\n\nShe urged Mochizuki forward to whatever unique karma she as a warrior was destined." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got a bit of writer's block. I'm gonna send you something then keep it going 3 sentences at a time, also I'm going for a Katherine M. Lawrence sorta thing in the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Riding toward the armorer's, Yamabuki noticed two young women. They stood near the front of a building that flew a rustic, dark-green banner with a calligraphy, which even the illiterate could read: saké.\n\nBoth women held three-stringed musical instruments, some sort of local versions of the samisen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They hummed as they plucked out an unfamiliar tune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's no one nearby. Who are they playing for?\n\nThe women appeared quite pretty, wearing the tunics of the Ancient Religion, the Jingi Faith, whose female practitioners were fast fading away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two women had taken the time to brush their hair and tie their tresses with colorful ribbons which peeked from bright, hood-like scarves that were draped over their shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They wore leggings and half cloaks made of bear fur, like the people of the Barbarian Isle.\n\nThe two women looked up from their music and beamed.\n\nThey are wearing make-up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Entertainers in a town as small as this?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How can they make a living just by singing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Yamabuki rode closer, she realized exactly how the two women made their living. They were yahochi. Though carefully costumed, the cut of their upper bodices revealed more womanliness than any holy woman would allow herself. Shamanesses fallen on hard times, they would smile and sing to help men pass the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What better place to ply their trade than where lonely men flocked to grow drunk, happy, and brave?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw from their surprise that only now did the two women grasp that the samurai was female. One of the two entertainers, with flagging interest, looked away. It was unlikely that a female warrior would want to share a bed with either of the young women." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, the other of the two continued smiling, holding Yamabuki's eyes for just a bit longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps for her it did not matter whether a patron was a woman, so long as there was money to be made. She might even have had that leaning. But when the second girl finally noticed Yamabuki's bleeding cheek, torn armor, and blood-spattered riding-skirt, she instantly lowered her gaze and turned her head toward the strings of the samisen, mimicking that she had returned to rehearsing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, though she plucked the strings, she no longer hummed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ledge Road?\" Yamabuki asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The second woman suddenly looked back up and stammered, \"A cursed road. You're in danger.\" She looked back down. \"You'll meet the undead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without another word, the two women hurried into the saké establishment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki rode on, releasing her own thoughts of carnal love to purge the darkness the shamaness had untethered. Yamabuki's thoughts wandered back to the Inn of Young Bamboo the previous evening. She pictured herself in the bedchamber, Ryuma's body over hers, his arms enfolding her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The throes of passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could almost smell the room, and definitely she recalled Ryuma's scent for it still lingered on her, but so then, too, did the smell of blood from this morning's combat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had the yahochi been able to smell it too? Perhaps.\n\nShe ran two naked fingers across her cheek. The gash still smarted, but at least it had finally stopped bleeding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It only oozed now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wiped her fingertips clean by running them over her riding-skirt, leaving blots of whatever that pale liquid was that trickled from healing cuts.\n\nDirty weather had started to wander into the higher mountains, pushing dark clouds whose color usually portended snow. If it snowed, she could find herself more or less marooned for days in some shack waiting for the weather to clear—an easy mark for assassins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She of course could skirt the pass and take the coastal road, but that route added six days." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even more opportunity for the assassins.\n\nThere were those who might have advised Yamabuki to lay out charms and burn special herbs while chanting prayers for good weather.\n\nYamabuki took in a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No! The snows would come whether she chanted or not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever would happen, would happen. As for the undead, they were no threat compared to the living—that she had learned this very day. The dead merely lay there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were no threat once they had fallen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Forgetting any warnings, she rode on toward the armory." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 3 sentences continuing directly from the user's text.\n\nGenre: historical fiction, Japan, adventure" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Right near the top of the saddlebags, her fingers found the green-gray ink stone. Though made of granite, it was quite thin and therefore not overly heavy, yet its surface proved hard enough to crush and grind even the sturdiest of ink sticks. The stone's edges were framed in thin-lacquered bamboo the same green as her armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She poured a small measure of water onto the tray, after which she began to grind the sumi against the smooth surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tiny pieces of ink dissolved, turning the water black." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened a tightly sealed wooden box that bore the Taka mon. The box was filled with parchment that had been cut into almost perfect rectangles.\n\nShe removed the top sheet of rice paper and placed it in front of her, then looked over at the half-finished bowl of kibi, and the barely touched cup of kushi, before finally lifting her dry brush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blank parchment looked yellow by lamplight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dipped her brush into the stone tray and swirled its bristles. She suspected that today she would need as many as ten sheets. She stared into the parchment's emptiness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where to begin?\n\nShe would start with the date. Even without Nakagawa's incessant admonitions about this, she knew that unless she recorded things right after they happened, she would begin to forget the precise flow of events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By her celestial calculations, today was the fifteenth day of New Life Month, the Day of the Tiger, a day said to be one of coldness and cruelty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It certainly had been that. Special numbers. Lucky days. Well-aspected directions. What rubbish!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as Nakagawa said, \"We make our own luck.\"\n\nUnable to gather herself to write, perhaps she would start with something trivial. She began to sketch a bird." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A taka. It started off well enough until it came to the beak and ended up looking more like a pelican." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She crumpled the paper in her fist. She tossed it into the fire pit. The coals turned the edges dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They curled as they smoldered, red, then burst into yellow flame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe she needed to translate a poem before starting something as formidable as setting this particular day's events down in her pillow book.\n\nYamabuki understood the writing of people of the Sòng Dynasty—the people who lived across the Leeward Sea, in the delta, tributaries, and lands along the Yellow River—the Yangzi. She was always calmed when she converted their ancient pictograms into her own native tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a puzzle as much as anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The written language of Akitsushima strung letters together to form words. The pictograms of the Sòng Dynasty assembled ideas. This subtle difference was the challenge to the translator, and solving such puzzles centered her as much as any meditation could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened her collection of pictogram poems that Nakagawa had given her. Many of them predated the Sòng Dynasty, going back to a time those lands were known as Qin.\n\nShe found an ancient poem by an anonymous writer, meaning it likely was written by a woman, for men's names were always remembered, while women's were always hard to recall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Yamabuki didn't care." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whoever wrote it captured the mood of the day.\n\nShe set down a few lines, as always adjusting the setting to suit her purposes.\n\nTall cliffs look down on the narrow lane of greening trees" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun slips behind the mountain as a cold breeze floats across the hill" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A small girl stands in the road\n\nBoys run through the village and urge one another on\n\nI hear them calling, but I do not understand their words" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She paused. Hearing a word was not enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To truly understand a word, one had to see how it was written, and once written, a word might take on an entirely different meaning than was at first suspected.\n\nShe thought of her handmaid. Before Yamabuki saw her thirteenth spring, she was permitted to take one personal handmaid into her service." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Exactly who, was to be her choice. And to almost everyone's amazement, Yamabuki chose a younger girl named Tomoko.\n\nSo, at first, everyone took the name to mean \"handmaid,\" an appropriate name for a servant girl, even if Tomoko was of the aristocratic kuge, the class of the highest position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "arrow" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "mouth\n\nand sun\n\n... thus together they meant: The \"knowing sun,\" or \"she who speaks directly every day.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The \"one who speaks with brilliant directness.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In short, the calligraphy for \"wisdom.\"\n\nThe two girls, princess and handmaid, were not symbolized by two pale masculine moons. They were girls of the sun, and the sun was a Goddess, perhaps the greatest of them, and despite their supposed differences within the strict ranks of the kuge hierarchy, the two girls immediately bonded, for Tomoko shared the same flashing eyes, infectious smile, and quick mind as Yamabuki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Some years later, when she learned that the Court elders at the time had strongly opposed Tomoko, Yamabuki was aghast and appalled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did the Council care who would attended to her personal needs?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What business of theirs was it who would help dress and undress her? But care they did.\n\nYamabuki was also later told that the Council had gone to the daimyō to suggest Yamabuki's selection was rash and unschooled and should be rescinded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They urged Tomoko be replaced as quickly as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They went so far as to say Yamabuki should be assigned an older handmaid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone not too old, but nevertheless more mature than Tomoko and much wiser in the wiles of womanhood. Someone like Lady Taka's youngest and newest handmaid, Rei, who, though marked by the pox, had the time, talent, and charm to guide Yamabuki in laying out the enticements needed to win a husband of promise and importance. And if she were lucky, Yamabuki might even gain the attentions of a man from a neighboring clan whose babies she would bear." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sons! An alliance through marriage which would produce the future ruler of not just Ō‑Utsumi Prefecture but a combination of three or maybe even four of the provinces of the southern-most isle.\n\nLord Taka listened, nodded thoughtfully, and told the Council that he appreciated what they had to say, and then let Yamabuki's choice stand. How could the warlord countermand his soon-to-be adult daughter's first decision?\n\nLooking back, Yamabuki now appreciated how things were far more complicated than she ever knew." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll kick things off by writing a bit, then you'll take over and write the next two sentences, keeping within the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the privacy of their bedchamber, the daimyō shared his innermost thoughts with his only wife, Yamabuki's birth mother, Lady Taka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the truest sense, she was his most trusted, loyal, and honest advisor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Throughout their twenty years of marriage, they had always spoken frankly to one another. And now she would be the first to hear of his plans for their daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began, \"I've been thinking about the succession of the Taka lineage.\"\n\nLady Taka smiled politely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Moroto paced around the chamber as though he was rallying his troops. \"The counselors have again been reminding me that we've no male heir and no male successor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth drawn, he said, \"The Council is pressing me to take a second wife.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment, Lady Taka looked shocked. \"That never works!\" She sounded stunned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It becomes a contest of lineages and will rip the clan apart. It'll unknot the alliance between the Taka and the Itō. You yourself have said why it would not work even in the best of circumstances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Taka's voice grew stronger, with an edge of annoyance that she rarely let herself reveal in front of the daimyō, even in private." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've given you male children. It was the Gods who took them.\"\n\n\"I do not wish an additional wife,\" the daimyō said firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And even if I were to take such a one, and if she were fertile, and if the child was male, and if the child was perfect born, and if the child survived, it would be years before such a child could rule in his own right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't suppose you pointed that out to the Council.\"\n\nThe daimyō frowned. \"They've argued that a regent could rule. But I've no use for such fictions—a mere pretense that a kugutsu rules when actually someone else moves the puppet's arms, eyes, and mouth. On the other hand, some have suggested that if something happened to me, you could step into the role of warlord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A dowager warlord, like up in the north of Honshu?\" Lady Taka folded her hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That sounds to me like Nakagawa talking. I think he's the only one who would think that way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Empress Jingū led an army across the Great Sea—and she personally led troops in battle while carrying Hachiman, the War God, in her womb.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was a millennium ago. Jingū was half my age when she went into battle. I hope you'll outlive me, husband, but if not, I only hope I do not live long afterward. Besides, I only have Itō blood and you know that that would be immediately denounced. Whoever rules after you must be someone with Taka blood.\"\n\nThe daimyō smiled sadly and sweetly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I married you because I knew you would not be an ornament.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Taka hummed softly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well.\" She looked at him directly with an equally small smile, but one that was coy. \"It was... an arranged marriage, was it not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before we met, I already knew you were an accomplished warrior in your own right. The Itō sent me a drawing of your likeness.\"\n\nLady Taka nodded slowly as if remembering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And when I saw you,\" he said, \"I instantly realized that the drawing didn't do you the slightest justice. Our daughter carries your beauty. It's why she's sure to find a husband. But,\" he said, \"I have to say something to the Council, even if I refuse. Otherwise, the Council will simmer and maybe even plan in secret about what to do when I am no more.\"\n\n\"You suspect they plan a coup?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" The daimyō pulled in a deep breath. \"At least not at the moment. However, Atsumichi's name's been brought up.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The boy's a fool!\"\n\n\"Fool or not, he's my brother's son.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If Atsumichi were to become the next in line, it would make Tachibana the father of the next daimyō. My stomach turns at the thought.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some say it's the logical choice. Some believe, the only choice.\"\n\n\"We could try again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka looked into her husband's eyes. \"Maybe we could have another boy. This time the Gods may help him survive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The daimyō stopped pacing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We can't wait, hoping for luck. We must act now. I have a strategy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka brightened.\n\n\"I want to raise Yamabuki to majority at the vernal equinox.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The daimyō's words were more of a pronouncement than the expression of a wish.\n\n\"In two months? She's barely twelve.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Boys can be elevated to adulthood at twelve.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But girls have to wait until they are at least fourteen before they're recognized as grown. Mature enough to be able to have children—\" She nodded, finishing her sentence without saying the obvious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is not our purpose here, is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "General Moroto offered. \"Atsumichi's slightly younger than Yamabuki, yes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka nodded. \"Yes, though not by much. He was born in the late summer after Yamabuki.\"\n\n\"Nine months, to be exact. And yet, this coming year, Atsumichi will be twelve and by any reckoning can rightfully be raised to adulthood. What we have to do is establish our own daughter as an adult before that happens.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At the equinox she will have seen her thirteenth spring. And adding the pre-birth year makes her fourteen. You just said girls can be raised to majority at fourteen.\"\n\nLady Taka pursed her lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Boys can come of age at twelve years old because they can shoulder a spear,\" she said. \"But a girl? It's all about having the rhythm with the moon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A girl can begin her flow as early as twelve,\" the daimyō whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Taka stopped to look carefully at her husband." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there something you know that I do not? Has she begun to—\" Lady Taka broke off, her hand slowly moving to her mouth.\n\nThe daimyō set his jaw, a sign everyone knew meant the warlord wanted something and that he would not be turned aside, irrespective of any facts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the absence of a male heir, a female heir could succeed me... us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka looked worried. \"Mark my words, if you make our daughter the heir, once we're gone someone will put a knife into her the moment she turns her back. Maybe sooner.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then we must make sure she learns how not to leave her back exposed. Besides, if someone thinks she's in the way of their aims, they'll kill her, no matter. She'll stand a better chance in her battle gear than in kimono.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No woman, no matter how much battle gear she wears, will be perceived as a ruler. They'll sneer. They'll say she wears the armor for show. A costume. A charade. Nothing more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka continued darkly, \"The household guard might follow her in defending the castle while the army is away. Or she might lead a detachment in a larger battle commanded by her husband. But men rarely, and never readily, follow women. That does not come to a woman simply by putting on yoroi.\"\n\n\"You do not need to tell me that,\" said Lord Taka, irritation in his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It goes the same for men. You think my troops follow me because I put on armor?\"\n\nThe daimyō drew in a breath to calm himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was not cross with his wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indeed, she was not saying anything he had not already considered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was that she gave voice to the words he had not even dared whisper to himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He continued, \"If we let Yamabuki grow, become independent, then, as a ruler in her own right, we'll find her a husband. A good match, not some adventurer who'll throw her aside the moment he's finished adding the Taka lands by bedding her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka looked deeply into the daimyō's eyes. \"Will she listen?\" She pondered, taking a long breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we start grooming her to be more than a bride, we may well get more than we bargained for. You may well get a female warlord out of it. She's already headstrong. Too headstrong. She may well decide to go her own way. Though you may get what you ask for, you may not get what you think.\"\n\n\"Girls always do the right thing. They always listen to their parents,\" said General Moroto with a smile of reassurance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Taka's eyebrows shot up, unreassured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They do, do they?\"\n\n\"In the end, yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're so certain of our daughter.\"\n\n\"It's now you who sounds quite certain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ought to. I was once just like her. Young. I didn't know anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Taka let out a deep sigh and shook her head slowly and thoughtfully. \"Well. I suppose she'll be better off training than preening. You're my husband and I'll do as asked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moroto brightened. He had his way as always, and yet he could not help but see the apprehension in her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The daimyō assembled the Council, bringing the high-ranking warriors and the important Court nobles together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a commanding voice, he informed them that their attendance would be required for a momentous ceremony to be held on the first day of the fourth solar stem. In the Great Audience Hall, before all those assembled, the warlord's last surviving child would be lifted to majority." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would undertake mogi, one of the most colorful rites of passage.\n\nNot long after, Yamabuki was told that, by tradition, at mogi a Taka Princess sings the epic poem, The Tale of the Taka." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once, Tomoko pledged to help Yamabuki memorize the poem that took almost a half hour to recite in full.\n\nThough coming of age was supposed to be a day of great import and joy, in reality Yamabuki felt anxious about going through a rite reserved for girls who were considerably older than she." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed that everyone had an opinion about the sudden onrush of events. These musings were mostly repeated in private." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having a cheerful handmaid who knew when to listen and when to speak, who could funnel information, gave Yamabuki insight that she otherwise might never have had.\n\nTomoko repeated all the whispers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your uncle is not saying much, but his wives have a lot to say, and little of it good, especially Yoma, who calls you the 'girl whose breasts have not budded,' and that you are too young to have mogi because you can't have babies yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki let out a huge sigh and looked heavenward. \"She's Tachibana's first wife and never has anything kind to say about anyone except Atsumichi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki frowned. \"If my uncle had been first-born, instead of my father, wouldn't Yoma be happy now!\"\n\n\"Of course, because then she'd be the great Lady Taka instead of it being your mother.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The girls laughed and tried to forget the churlish whispers as best they could. The mogi was going to happen, regardless. The daimyō had spoken." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write one sentence more sentences? kinda like Katherine M. Lawrence but in historical fiction, Japan, adventure style" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the chamber doors swept aside again, Lady Taka stepped out into the corridor and, accompanied by two of the eight handmaids who had waited just outside, disappeared into the corridor that led to the Great Audience Hall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki stepped into the hallway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She walked in as stately a manner as a child of twelve years could manage while wearing the heavy karaginumo." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But no matter. The six remaining nyōbō of Lady Taka walked close by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The nyōbō formed around her like a guard, gently leading her forward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They all but ignored Tomoko, who followed Yamabuki's long, colorful kimono train, the shitagasane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As it slid across the floor, its silk hissed like far away ocean waves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The party made their way through the stuffy, sinuous halls where the scent of pine and bamboo-paneled walls mingled with the smell of dye and silk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki turned her head quickly, catching Tomoko's gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look ahead or you might stumble,\" Rei admonished." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki complied, but not before, through blackened teeth and crimson lips, she silently mouthed words to Tomoko: Come beside me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomoko stepped to the edge of the hallway, trying to slip by, but with Lady Taka's handmaids on all sides, Tomoko found no way to get closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as if there had been an unvoiced agreement amongst the nyōbō not to relinquish any space to the young handmaid, the one person in the party who had not whitened her face, nor blackened her teeth, nor reddened her lips or cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The nyōbō actually seemed to take pleasure in peering down their noses at the out-of-place girl in their midst." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So young, even younger than the not-yet-adult woman, Yamabuki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the party paused at the closed entry door panels to the Great Audience Hall, Tomoko still trailed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Yamabuki beckoned her forth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tomoko started to press past Rei, but Rei shifted and, in what could only have been a deliberate move, subtle though it was, nudged Tomoko against the corridor wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stand aside, child!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki whirled around in her royal regalia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Enough, Rei!\" Yamabuki snapped. \"You stand aside!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki pushed Rei's shoulder, shoving her into two other nyōbō." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki's make-up did not hide her flashing temper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aghast, all six of her mother's attendants retreated a half step, which was remarkable given there was hardly any room to move anywhere in the corridor's confines." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki seized Tomoko's arm and drew her alongside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And she's no child! Not after today! She's my nyōbō! And when I become an adult, she becomes an adult!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though Yamabuki was not yet an adult, everyone knew she would be within the hour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And all knew, without having to be told, the daimyō's daughter had just made her first royal pronouncement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whether Tomoko had her mogi or not, Yamabuki had proclaimed Tomoko an adult." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The rest was mere formality and would happen soon enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rei sputtered, looking down, trying to hide that she had started to glare back at the young princess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yamabuki remembered herself. She was supposed to be a great Lady, like her mother, who did not need to raise her voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Yamabuki was not finished with Rei either. Not yet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly unseen hands slid the entry doors open. The midday light from the Great Audience Hall flooded the corridor where Yamabuki and the handmaids stood." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant in the historical fiction, Japan, adventure genre. Your partner will send something and you will write the next two sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thick clouds rolled over the full moon, turning the sky all but black. She walked along the trail from Ledge Road into town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A biting mountain wind wailed up, rustling the barely leafing trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It blew against her kimono hem and tried to snuff out the flickering brazier. The orange kimono proved surprisingly warm, but nevertheless Yamabuki still felt enough of the cold to shiver." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon she arrived at the head of the main street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was deserted. There was hardly a street torch anywhere. How squalid.\n\nA forsaken brazier sputtered in front of the building with the rustic, dark-green banner with the saké calligraphy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Light seeped from cracks in the entry door and windows of the establishment. The two yahochi were long gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps they were inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What did she care?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face stinging with the cold, she moved gingerly to the door and entered.\n\nThe place was almost as deserted as the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dim, lit only by five braziers. One attendant—wiry, with silver hair and a well-worn white-and-brown-striped kimono—mumbled something she was intended to overhear, but not quite, something about it not being worth the coal to light and wood to heat the place with so few customers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The only customer was a man of her years seated by himself at a small table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His only company was an earthen saké flask." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His tachi sword, in its scabbard, stood leaned up against the wall within easy reach. The sword sheath displayed the same gentian-flower-and-bamboo-leaf clan crest as she had seen at Taro's shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So. That's him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced toward her.\n\nShe met his eyes briefly in self-assurance, not in challenge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even though she was dressed as anything but a warrior, she returned the gaze of confidence that samurai exchange.\n\nHe shot back a small smile—something not done among samurai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For only the briefest of moments, his eyes said something more, a hint of comprehension from him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But comprehension of what?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes flickered innocently." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. Something more there than plain innocence. And just as quickly, the two strangers looked away as she seated herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She chose a spot some distance across the room, her back to a wall where she could see who entered and who left through the main or side doorways." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She figured that in a town like this, with the riff-raff that passed through, anyone with any experience would sit strategically.\n\nShe put Tiger Cub—still in its dark-green scabbard, its Taka insignia face down—on the table next to her and within easy reach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Saké House Man,\" she called out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A flask of your best saké.\"\n\nThe Gentian Samurai chuntered, \"There's no best. It's all the same saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice was young, smooth, manly, yet with a silk-like quality. She immediately detected a dialect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The years she had spent living in the capital had developed her ear for accents, since they revealed things about people." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His seemed to be the open accent of the western part of the central mountains: the Jōmō district. It also had traces of High Court speech." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She again, though circumspectly, looked in his direction, and noticed that he, too, sat strategically so that he could keep eyes on the doors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed handsome enough, just as Kōno had said. Like many a young man, he was too young to have yet developed a beard or moustache, though he had an impressive mane of hair that hung far down his back and which he had bunched with a ribbon at the base of his scalp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hm. Almost as long as mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's pretty, too, enough so that a girl might envy him.\n\nThe wiry attendant ambled over with the flask she had ordered and with a thump set the bottle down in front of her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A copper,\" he muttered as if put-upon by having to serve her at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In advance,\" he added sullenly.\n\nYamabuki's eyes flashed darkly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A bowl...?\" she hissed.\n\n\"Humph,\" he grumbled, retrieving the untouched saké bottle from the table, and then walked to the back of the shop, returning with the same bottle and a slightly chipped but clean-looking saké cup-bowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He placed both before her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a flick of her thumb, she flipped him the asked-for coin, which the man was a little too slow in catching, fumbling, almost intercepting it but not quite. It clinked somewhere in the dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The proprietor looked around in the dim light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Open your eyes. It's at your feet, if it's worth stooping for,\" she said peevishly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grunted as he bent down, picking the coin that had glanced off his instep.\n\nThe Gentian Warrior stared away at nothing in particular, acting as if he had missed the whole exchange, though he seemed to be smiling with slight amusement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She also noticed he drank without the nicety of a cup, straight out of the bottle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What manner of place was this? Of course she knew the answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A place with yahochi.\n\nThe Gentian Samurai, innocent though he might look, was probably hoping for a tryst." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Since she carried a medium sword, it would be plain to anyone that she was not there for anything else but drinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He likely knew not to bother her.\n\nShe went back to disregarding him and took her first taste of the saké. Dreadful!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She must have grimaced, for the Gentian Samurai muttered, \"Wait 'til you go further into the mountains. The saké's even worse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Worse? She paused to consider." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Of course it would be worse. Why would she be surprised?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still in no mood for conversation, Yamabuki continued to pretend not to hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All she desired was to be alone with her thoughts and to drink the saké, even if it was second rate. Third rate.\n\nWhen she was on her third bottle, an odd thought crossed her mind: third-rate saké tasted better by the third bottle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked in the samurai's direction again, hoping their eyes would meet a second time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Commoners were excluded from the Taka compound. No commoner, thus, could look at a High Born person, especially a female." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the road, women did not hide behind veils and screens, so there was more eye contact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she was traveling as a buke, and so far most commoners had avoided looking directly at her.\n\nNow in her commoner's kimono, she recollected some of the advice her mother had offered her: If you are interested in a man, meet his eyes twice over the course of the evening, and only twice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After that, you will find out if he is interested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he did not meet her eyes. He was listening intently." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "hey can u write 2 sentences more sentences? kinda like Katherine M. Lawrence but in historical fiction, Japan, adventure style" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki looked over her shoulder. The five sakimori hobbled away in the opposite direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Gentian Samurai followed her at least ten paces behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Samurai-sama?\" The Gentian Samurai approached her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Am I going to have trouble with this one, too?\n\nHer hand crept even closer to the short sword's hilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please stop so that I do not look like a Sòng Dynasty wife following several paces behind her husband.\"\n\nShe turned fully to look at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time, they were face-to-face and not just exchanging fleeting glances." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed good-naturedly. The single street torch flickered in the almost totally dark night, its light glistening against his long black hair and shining teeth. A cold gust of mountain wind kicked up the dust, nearly putting out the torch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lifted her sword hand to shield the feeble flame of her own lamp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's blowing down through the pass,\" the Gentian Samurai ventured. \"We could get snow.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She nodded in agreement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want to drink more saké so we can forget home?\" he asked.\n\nShe inclined her head, questioning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like the poem you finished back there,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know the language of the people of the Yellow River Delta?\"\n\n\"Ha-ha,\" he laughed. \"It's the only poem I know. Want to get drunker?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not with that saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That place was not so good, was it? Putrid saké.\"\n\n\"It seems it's the only place,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The House of Red Banners has saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She cast a sideways glance. \"Red Banners?\"\n\n\"Hai. The best saké in this town. It's right there,\" he said, pointing no more than three doors away down a short alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesn't say saké,\" she said in a low tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's why it's the best. Not available to the commoners. Come.\"\n\n\"Why should I come with you?\" She studied him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If for nothing else, then the saké.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dropped the grin and spoke quietly, \"Because I suspect you might like to talk to someone other than oafs. Maybe someone who might know a bit about what you have gone through.\"\n\n\"And pray tell, what do you know what I have gone through?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled crookedly. \"It was good that you came to the saké house. Not much of anything to do in this town anyway. You ran off five men without ever drawing your blade. Besting five is something to be remembered.\"\n\n\"They were drunk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So were you.\" When she darkened, he quickly added, \"and so am I. Would you like to come inside? I am telling the truth. The saké's good.\"\n\n\"And what would happen should I get drunk with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever you like.\"\n\n\"What if it's nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then nothing it shall be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked toward the small house. The red banners fluttered in the cold night wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said, \"We have both been through much the same. I saw your armor at Kōno's. That cut tells a story.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, a diviner.\"\n\n\"No,\" he went on thoughtfully, \"but I did hear the sakimori's accounts of a robbery, none of which I believe. Someone robbing monks? Since when do robbers want something of monks? And if these robbers were so skilled that they killed a sword master, why did they leave swords and armor. Old Kōno there would have given them something in trade. And it was not just because the sakimori happened onto the scene and the robbers ran off.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lowered his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know what I think? I think those three dead men on that road had decided, for whatever reason, to take on someone else—a fourth person. And I also think that they underestimated their opponent and ended up like cormorants, unable to swallow what was in their throats.\" He looked at her impassively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think they picked a fight and they lost. Does that sound logical to you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yamabuki said nothing.\n\n\"Ever kill a man?\" he asked quietly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She did not answer, her eyes growing dark, meeting his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can see you have,\" he said. \"And it was not luck that you survived. It was skill. Great skill. Nodachi? I've never had to face that.\" He nodded slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wind picked up. The tall red banners began to flap harder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mountain winds.\" He sniffed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will get colder tonight, but it's warm inside.\"\n\nFinally, she said softly, \"I will drink saké with you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at him long and hard. \"That is, if you have a clean cup.\"\n\n\"Very clean,\" he said, turning to the outer door, which now rumbled open." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around one sentence continuing directly from the user's text. Try to mimic the style of Eiji Yoshikawa in the historical fiction genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The following year, the house was visited by a great change: Yaemon fell sick and died." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Looking upon his dead father's face, Hiyoshi did not cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the funeral, he hopped and jumped around playfully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the autumn of Hiyoshi's eighth year, crowds of guests came to the house again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They spent the night making rice cakes, drinking sake, and singing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of his relatives told Hiyoshi, \"The groom is going to become your new father. He was once a friend of Yaemon's and also served the Oda clan. His name is Chikuami. You must be a good son to him, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eating his rice cake, Hiyoshi went and peeked inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mother had made up her face and looked unusually pretty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was with an older man he did not know, her eyes cast down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he saw this, he became happy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hachiman! Hachiman! Throw flowers!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "shouted Hiyoshi, who enjoyed himself more than anyone else that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Summer came around again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The corn grew high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every day Hiyoshi and the other village children would swim naked in the river, and catch and eat the little red frogs in the fields." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The meat of the red frog was even tastier than the honey sac of the Korean bee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi's mother had taught him about eating the frogs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said they were a medicine for children's disorders, and ever since then they had become his favorite food." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed that every time he was playing, Chikuami would come looking for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Monkey! Monkey!\" called his stepfather." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami was a hard worker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In less than a year he had put the family finances in order, and the days of hunger had gone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Hiyoshi was in the house, he was always given chores to do from morning till night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If he was lazy or naughty, Chikuami's huge hand soon landed on his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi hated this beyond endurance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not mind the work, but he tried to avoid attracting his stepfather's eye, even for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every day, without fail, Chikuami would take an afternoon nap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he could, Hiyoshi slipped out of the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But before long Chikuami would go to fetch him back, shouting, \"Monkey! Where's our monkey gone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his stepfather came looking for him, Hiyoshi dropped whatever he was doing and slipped in between the rows of millet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami would get tired of looking for him and start back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi would then jump out and let out a victorious shout." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He never considered that when he returned home that night he would be given no dinner and punished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carried away with his game, he couldn't help himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On this particular day, Chikuami was walking nervously through the millet, his eyes darting this way and that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where is the little devil?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi ran up the embankment toward the river." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Chikuami got to the embankment, Ofuku was standing there alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was the only one who wore clothes in the summertime, and he neither swam nor ate red frogs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, aren't you the boy from the pottery shop? Do you know where our monkey is hiding?\" Chikuami asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't,\" Ofuku said, shaking his head a number of times. Chikuami intimidated him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you lie to me, I'll go to your house and tell your father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The cowardly Ofuku turned pale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's hiding in that boat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed to a small river craft pulled up onto the bank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When his stepfather ran up to it, Hiyoshi leaped out like a river imp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami sprang forward and knocked him down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Hiyoshi fell forward, he hit his mouth against a stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood ran between his teeth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ow! That hurt!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Serves you right!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After slapping Hiyoshi two or three times, Chikuami hoisted him up at arm's length and hurried back home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although Chikuami called Hiyoshi \"monkey,\" he did not dislike him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because he was in a hurry to do away with their poverty, he felt he had to be strict with everyone, and he also wanted to improve Hiyoshi's character—by force if necessary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're already nine years old, you little good-for-nothing,\" Chikuami scolded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once back home, he grabbed the boy by the arm and hit him several times more with his fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi's mother tried to stop him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You shouldn't be so easy on him,\" he barked at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she started to cry, he gave the boy another beating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you crying about? I'm beating this twisted little monkey because I think it'll do him some good. He's nothing but trouble!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first, every time he was beaten, Hiyoshi would bury his head in his hands and beg for forgiveness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now he just cried and cried—almost in delirium—and used abusive language." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why? Tell me why? You appear out of nowhere and pretend to be my father and swagger around. But my... my real father...\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How can you say such a thing!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His mother turned pale, gasped, and put her hand over her mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami redoubled his rage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Smartass little good-for-nothing!\" He threw Hiyoshi into the storage shed and ordered Onaka not to give him any dinner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From then until it got dark, Hiyoshi's shrieking could be heard coming from the shed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me out! You fool! Stonehead! Is everybody deaf? If you don't let me out, I'll burn the place down!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He went on crying, sounding like a howling dog, but around midnight he finally cried himself to sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he heard a voice calling his name from somewhere near his head. \"Hiyoshi, Hiyoshi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was dreaming of his dead father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half-awake, he called out, \"Father!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he realized that the form standing in front of him was that of his mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had slipped out of the house and brought him some food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eat this and calm down. Come morning, I'll apologize to your father for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head and clung to his mother's clothes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a lie. He's not my father. Didn't my father die?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now, now, why do you say such things? Why be unreasonable? I'm always telling you to be a good son to your father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To his mother, it was like being cut by a knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Hiyoshi could not understand why she cried until her body shook." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next day, Chikuami started yelling at Onaka from the time the sun came up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You went behind my back and gave him food in the middle of the night, didn't you? Because you're so soft, his character will never improve. Otsumi is not to go anywhere near the storage shed today either.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trouble between husband and wife lasted almost half a day, until finally Hiyoshi's mother went off alone, crying again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the sun was about to set, she returned, accompanied by a priest from the Komyoji Temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami did not ask his wife where she'd been." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sitting outside with Otsumi and working on a straw mat, he frowned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Chikuami,\" the priest said, \"your wife came to the temple to ask us if we'd take your son in as an acolyte. Do I have your consent?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami looked silently at Onaka, who stood outside the back gate, sobbing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hm, I suppose it might be all right. But doesn't he need a sponsor?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Happily, the wife of Kato Danjo, who lives at the foot of Yabuyama Hill, has agreed. She and your wife are sisters, I believe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, so she went to Kato's?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chikuami's expression was bitter, although he did not object to Hiyoshi entering the temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tacitly agreed to the proposal, answering questions in monosyllables." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Giving an order to Otsumi, Chikuami went to put away his farm equipment, and worked for the rest of the day with a preoccupied air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After he was let out of the storage shed, Hiyoshi received repeated warnings from his mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All night long he'd been eaten up by mosquitoes, and his face was swollen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When told he was going to serve at a temple, he burst into tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he quickly recovered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The temple'll be better,\" he declared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While it was still light, the priest made the necessary preparations for Hiyoshi, and as the time for departure drew near, even Chikuami seemed a little sad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Monkey, when you enter the temple, you must have a change of heart and discipline yourself,\" he told the boy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Learn to read and write a bit, and let us see you become a full-fledged priest soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi mumbled a short word of assent and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once on the other side of the fence, he looked back time after time at the figure of his mother, who watched him disappear into the distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The small temple was on the top of a rise called Yabuyama, a bit removed from the village." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect, its head priest was of advanced years and bedridden." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two young priests maintained the buildings and grounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because of the many years of civil war, the village was impoverished, and the temple had few parishioners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi, responding quickly to his new surroundings, worked hard, as if he were a different person." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was quick-witted and energetic, and the priests treated him with affection, avowing that they would train him well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every night they made him practice calligraphy and gave him elementary schooling, during which he displayed an unusual talent for memorization." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One day a priest told him, \"I met your mother on the road yesterday. I told her you're doing fine.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi did not understand his mother's sorrow very well, but whatever made her happy made him happy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when the autumn of his tenth year came around, he began to find the temple too confining." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The two younger priests had gone to neighboring villages to beg for alms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In their absence, Hiyoshi got out a wooden sword he had hidden away, and a handmade staff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he stood at the top of the hill, yelling down to his friends, who were getting ready to play war games." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You enemy troops, you're stupid. Come on, attack me from any direction you like!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although it was not at all the usual time, the huge bell suddenly rang out from the bell tower." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People at the foot of the hill were taken by surprise and wondered what was going on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A stone went flying down the hill, then a tile, which hit and injured a girl working in a vegetable patch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's that kid up at the temple. He's rounded up the village boys and they're playing at war again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Three or four people climbed the hill and stood before the main hall of the temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doors were wide open and the interior was covered with ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both the transept and the sanctum were in a shambles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The incense burner had been broken." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It looked as though the banners had been put to some questionable use, the gold brocade curtain had been ripped and tossed aside, and the drumhead was ripped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shobo!\" \"Yosaku!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "called parents looking for the children." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi was nowhere to be seen; the other youngsters, too, had suddenly disappeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time the parents got back to the foot of the hill, there was some sort of tremor in the temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thickets rustled, stones flew, and the bell rang again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sun went down, and the children, bruised and bloodied, limped down the hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every night when the priests came back from begging for alms, the villagers would go to the temple and complain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when the priests returned that evening, they could only stare at each other in shock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The incense burner in front of the altar had been split perfectly in two." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The donor of this precious vessel was a man by the name of Sutejiro, who was a pottery merchant from the village of Shinkawa and one of the temple's few remaining parishioners." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the time he had made the gift to the temple, three or four years earlier, he had said, \"This incense burner was fired by my master, the late Gorodayu. I have cherished it as a keepsake. He decorated it from memory, and he took particular care in applying the blue pigment. In offering it to this temple, I assume it will be treated as a treasured article until the end of time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ordinarily it was kept in a box, but just a week earlier Sutejiro's wife had visited the temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The incense burner had been taken out and used, but had not been put away again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The color drained from the priests' faces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Added to their worries was the possibility that if they reported this to the old head priest, his illness would worsen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was probably Monkey,\" said one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Right,\" another agreed. \"None of those other little devils could do this kind of evil.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What can we do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They dragged Hiyoshi in and thrust the pieces of the broken vessel in his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi could not remember breaking the incense burner, but said, \"I'm sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The apology made the priests even angrier, because the boy spoke calmly and seemed to be without a trace of remorse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Heathen!\" they called him, and tied his hands behind his back and bound him to one of the large pillars of the temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're going to leave you here for a few days. Maybe you'll get eaten by rats,\" the priests said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This sort of thing happened to Hiyoshi all the time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his friends came the next day, he thought bitterly, he would not be able to play with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when they did come, they saw he was being punished and ran off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Untie me,\" he called out after them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you don't, I'm going to beat you up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elderly pilgrims and the village women who made their way up to the temple made fun of him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Say, isn't that a monkey?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At one point he was calm enough to mutter to himself, \"I'll show you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His small body, pressed against the great temple pillar, was suddenly filled with a feeling of great power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He kept his lips shut about such things and, well aware of his predicament, put on a defiant face, cursing his fate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He fell into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by his own drooling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day was frightfully long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thoroughly bored, he gazed at the broken incense burner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The potter had written an inscription in small characters on the bottom of the vessel: \"Made with good omen, Gorodayu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The nearby village of Seto and, in fact, the entire province was famous for pottery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This had never interested him before, but looking at the painted landscape on the incense burner, his imagination took off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where is that, I wonder?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mountains and stone bridges, towers and people, clothing and boats, the like of which he had never seen before, were painted in indigo on the white porcelain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It all left him deeply puzzled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What country is that? he wondered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not guess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a young boy's cleverness and thirst for knowledge and, desperate for an answer, he strained his imagination for an answer that would fill this emptiness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could there really be such a country?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While he was thinking hard about this, something flashed in his head—something he had been taught or had heard, but had forgotten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He racked his brains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "China! That's it!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a picture of China!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was pleased with himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he looked at the glazed porcelain, he flew to China in his imagination." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At long last the day came to an end." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The priests returned from their begging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of finding Hiyoshi in tears, as they had expected, they saw that he was grinning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even punishment is useless. He's beyond our help. We'd better send him back to his parents.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That evening, one of the priests gave Hiyoshi some supper and took him down the hill to the house of Kato Danjo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kato Danjo lay down next to the lamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was a samurai, used to being exposed to battle morning and night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On those rare days when he could relax, he found staying at home much too peaceful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tranquillity and relaxation were things to be feared—he might become used to them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oetsu!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes?\" Her voice came from the direction of the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Somebody's knocking at the gate.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's not the squirrels again?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, somebody's out there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Wiping her hands, she went to the gate and came back right away, saying, \"It's a priest from the Komyoji. He's brought Hiyoshi.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A look of distress swept over her young face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aha!\" Danjo, who had expected this, said, laughing, \"It seems that Monkey has gotten a leave of absence.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Danjo listened to the priest's recital of recent events." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having sponsored Hiyoshi's entrance into the temple, he now apologized to all concerned and took charge of Hiyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he is unfit to be a priest, there's nothing to be done. We'll send him back home to Nakamura. You should no longer feel under any obligation to keep him. I'm sorry he's been nothing but trouble.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please explain the matter to his parents,\" the priest said, and as he turned to go, his step became lighter, as if a heavy load had been lifted from his shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi cut a lonely figure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked around curiously, wondering whose house he had come to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had not stopped here on his way to the temple, nor had he been told that relatives lived close by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, little boy, have you had anything to eat?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Danjo asked with a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have some cakes, then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "While he was munching on the cakes, Hiyoshi eyed the spear suspended over the door, and the crest on the armor chest, then looked hard at Danjo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is there really something wrong with this boy?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Danjo asked himself. He had his doubts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He stared back, but Hiyoshi neither turned his eyes away nor looked down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no trace of the imbecile in him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled rather charmingly at Danjo." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Danjo laughed as he gave in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've gotten quite big, haven't you? Hiyoshi, do you remember me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This focused a hazy memory in Hiyoshi's mind of a man who had patted him on the head when he was six." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As was the custom with samurai, Danjo almost always slept at the castle at Kiyosu, or on the battlefield." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The days he was able to stay at home with his wife had been few." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had returned unexpectedly the day before, and would go back to Kiyosu the next day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oetsu wondered how many months would pass before they spent another day together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A troublesome child! Oetsu thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi's arrival was inopportune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked up, embarrassed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What would her in-laws think?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could this really be her sister's child?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She could hear Hiyoshi's screechy voice from her husband's sitting room: \"It was you with all those samurai on the riverbank that day, riding a horse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You remember, do you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure.\" He went on in a familiar tone of voice, \"If that's the case, you're a relative of mine. You and my mother's younger sister are engaged.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oetsu and the maid went to the living room to get out serving trays." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oetsu felt uncomfortably cold, listening to Hiyoshi's language and his loud country boy's voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Opening the sliding door, she called to her husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinner's ready.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She saw that her husband was arm-wrestling with Hiyoshi, whose face was bright red, his buttocks raised like a hornet's tail." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Danjo, too, was acting like a child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dinner?\" he said absently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The soup is going to get cold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go ahead and eat by yourself. This kid is playing for keeps. We're having a good time. Ha, ha! He's a strange one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Danjo, totally absorbed, seemed to be taken in completely by Hiyoshi's artlessness." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy, always quick to make friends, was almost leading his uncle by the nose. From arm-wrestling they went to finger puppets, then mimicry, playing children's games until Danjo was holding his sides with laughter." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! gimme 8 sentences more. stick to historical fiction pls" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day, as he was about to leave, Danjo said to his wife, who seemed depressed, \"If his parents allow it, how about keeping him here? I doubt he'd be much use, but I suppose it'd be better than keeping a real monkey.\"\n\nOetsu was less than pleased with the idea. Going with her husband as far as the garden gate, she said, \"No. He would annoy your mother. That would never do.\"\n\n\"Whatever you say.\"\n\nOetsu knew that whenever Danjo was away from home, his mind dwelt on his lord and on battles. Would he come back alive? she wondered. Was it such a big thing for a man to make a name for himself? Oetsu watched his retreating figure and thought of the many months of loneliness ahead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then she finished her housework and set off with Hiyoshi for Nakamura." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good morning, madam,\" said a man coming from the opposite direction. He seemed to be a merchant, probably the master of a large establishment. He wore a resplendent half coat, a short sword, and, on his feet, leather socks with a design of small cherry blossoms. He was about forty and genial-looking.\n\n\"Aren't you Master Kato's wife? Where are you off to?\"\n\n\"To my sister's house in Nakamura, to take this child home.\" She held Hiyoshi's hand a little tighter.\n\n\"Ah, this little gentleman. This is the lad expelled from the Komyoji.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've heard already?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, yes. As a matter of fact, I've just come from the temple.\"\n\nHiyoshi looked around restlessly. Never before had he been called a \"little gentleman.\" Ashamed, he felt himself blush.\n\n\"Oh, my, you've been to the temple because of him?\"\n\n\"Yes, the priests came to my house to apologize. I was told that an incense burner I had donated to the temple was broken in two.\"\n\n\"This little devil did that!\" said Oetsu.\n\n\"Come now, you shouldn't say such things. These things happen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I heard it was a very rare, famous piece.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Most regrettably, it was the work of Gorodayu, whom I served during his travels to the country of the Ming.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Doesn't he also use the name Shonzui?\"\n\n\"Yes, but he fell ill and passed away some time ago. In recent years, many pieces of blue-and-white porcelain bearing the seal 'Made by Shonzui Gorodayu' have been made, but they are fakes. The only man who has ever been to the country of the Ming and brought back their pottery-making techniques is now in the next world.\"\n\n\"I've heard that you've adopted Master Shonzui's son, Ofuku.\"\n\n\"That's right. Children tease him by calling him 'the Chinese kid.' Lately he's been refusing to go outside at all.\" The merchant gazed down at Hiyoshi. The boy, unexpectedly hearing Ofuku's name, wondered about the man's business.\n\n\"You know,\" the merchant continued, \"it turns out that Hiyoshi here is the only one who ever defended Ofuku. So when Ofuku heard about this latest incident, he asked me to intercede. Many other things are supposed to have happened. The priests told me about his bad behavior, and I couldn't persuade them to take him back again.\" His chest puffed up with laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"His parents must have ideas about what to do with him,\" the man said, \"but when he's to be placed somewhere else again, if his parents think an establishment like mine would be appropriate, I'd like to be of assistance. Somehow, he seems to hold promise.\"\n\nWith a polite farewell, he took his leave. Holding on to Oetsu's sleeve, Hiyoshi looked back at him several times.\n\n\"Tell me, Auntie, who was that man?\"\n\n\"His name is Sutejiro. He's a wholesaler who handles pottery from many countries.\"\n\nHiyoshi was silent for a while as they trudged along.\n\n\"The country of the Ming, where is that?\" he asked suddenly, thinking of what he had just heard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That means China.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is it? How big is it? Are there castles and samurai and battles there, too?\"\n\n\"Don't be such a nuisance. Be quiet, won't you?\" Oetsu shook her sleeve irritably, but a scolding by his aunt had no more effect on Hiyoshi than a gentle breeze. He craned his neck upward and gazed fixedly at the blue sky. It was so wondrous he could hardly stand it. Why was it so incredibly blue? Why were human beings earthbound? If people were able to fly like birds, he himself could probably travel to the country of the Ming." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Indeed, the birds depicted on the incense burner were the same as those in Owari." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The people's clothes were different, he remembered, as were the shapes of the ships, but the birds were the same. It must be that birds had no countries; heaven and earth were all one country to them.\n\nI'd like to visit different countries, he mused.\n\nHiyoshi had never noticed how small and poor a house he was returning to. But when he and Oetsu peered inside, he realized for the first time that even at midday it was as dark as a cellar. Chikuami was nowhere to be seen; maybe he was out attending to some business.\n\n\"Nothing but trouble,\" Onaka said, after hearing of Hiyoshi's latest escapades. She let out a deep sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His expression was nonchalant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As she looked at him, there was no blame in her eyes. Rather, she was impressed by how much he had grown in two years. Suspiciously, Hiyoshi eyed the infant sucking at his mother's breast. At some point his family had increased by one member. Without warning, he took the child's head, wresting it from the nipple, and peered at it.\n\n\"When was this baby born?\" he asked.\n\nInstead of answering, his mother said, \"You've become a big brother. You'll have to behave.\"\n\n\"What's his name?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kochiku.\"\n\n\"That's a strange name,\" he said excitedly, at the same time experiencing a feeling of power over the small child: the will of an older brother could be imposed on a younger brother.\n\n\"Starting tomorrow, I'll carry you on my back, Kochiku,\" he promised. But he was handling the baby clumsily, and Kochiku began to cry.\n\nHis stepfather appeared just as Oetsu was leaving. Onaka had told her sister that Chikuami had grown tired of trying to wipe out their poverty. He sat around drinking sake, and his face was flushed now as he entered the house. Spying Hiyoshi, he let out a yell.\n\n\"You scoundrel! You were expelled from the temple and you come back here?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding two sentences." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi had been back home for more than a year." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was eleven. Whenever Chikuami lost sight of him, even for a moment, he'd charge around looking for him and roar at the top of his voice, \"Monkey? Have you chopped the firewood yet? Why not? Why did you leave the pail in the field?\" If Hiyoshi so much as started to talk back, the rough, hard hollow of his stepfather's hand would quickly ring against the side of the boy's head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At such times his mother, the baby strapped to her back while she trod barley or cooked, would force herself to look away and remain silent. Still, her face looked pained, as if she herself had been slapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's natural for any eleven-year-old brat to help with the work. If you think you can slip away and play all the time, I'll break your ass!\"\n\nThe foulmouthed Chikuami drove Hiyoshi hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But after being sent home from the temple, he worked hard, as if he had come back a different person. On those occasions when his mother unwisely tried to shield him, Chikuami's rough hands and voice lashed out with severity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was better, she decided, to pretend to ignore her son. Now Chikuami rarely went into the fields, but he was often away from the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would go into town, return drunk, and yell at his wife and children." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No matter how much I work, the poverty of this house won't ever be eased,\" he complained." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are too many parasites, and the land tax keeps going up. If it weren't for these kids, I'd become a masterless samurai—a ronin! And I'd drink delicious sake. Ah, these chains on my hands and feet!\"\n\nAfter one of these fits of abusiveness, he would make his wife count out what little money they had, then send Otsumi or Hiyoshi out to buy sake, even in the middle of the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If his stepfather wasn't around, Hiyoshi would sometimes give vent to his feelings." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Onaka hugged him close and comforted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother, I want to go out and work again,\" he said one day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please stay here. If it weren't for your being around...\" The rest of what she said was unintelligible through her tears. As each tear appeared, she turned her head to the side and wiped her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Seeing his mother's tears, Hiyoshi couldn't say anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wanted to run away, but he knew he would have to stay where he was and bear the unhappiness and bitterness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he felt sorry for his mother, the natural desires of youth—to play, to eat, to learn, to run away—would grow within him like so many weeds. All these were pitted against the angry words Chikuami hurled at his mother and the fists that rained down on his own head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Eat shit!\" he muttered, his defiant soul a flame within his small body. Finally he pushed himself to the point of confronting his fearsome stepfather." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Send me out to work again,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd rather be in service than stay in this house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami didn't argue. \"Fine,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go wherever you like, and eat someone else's rice. But the next time you get driven away, don't come back to this house.\" He meant what he said, and although he realized Hiyoshi was only an eleven-year-old boy, he found himself arguing with him as an equal, which made him even madder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi's next job was at the village dyer's shop.\n\n\"He's all mouth, and sassy to boot. Just looking for a sunny place to pick the dirt from his navel,\" said one of the workmen operating the dye press." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon after that, word came from the go-between: \"I'm afraid he's of no use.\" And back home he went." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chikuami glared at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, how about it, Monkey? Is society going to feed an idler like you? Don't you yet understand the value of parents?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted to say, I'm not bad! but instead he said, \"You're the one who no longer farms, and it'd be better if you didn't just gamble and drink at the horse market. Everybody's sorry for my mother.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How dare you talk that way to your father!\" Chikuami's thundering roar shut the boy up, but now he was beginning to see Hiyoshi in a different light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thought, Bit by bit, he's growing up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each time Hiyoshi went out into the world and came back again, he was noticeably bigger. The eyes that judged his parents and his home were maturing quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the fact that Hiyoshi was looking at him with the eyes of an adult deeply annoyed, frightened, and displeased the errant stepfather." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go on, hurry and find work,\" he ordered.\n\nThe following day, Hiyoshi went to his next employer, the village cooper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was back home within a month, the mistress of the shop having complained, \"I can't have a disturbing child like this in my house.\"\n\nHiyoshi's mother could not understand what she meant by \"disturbing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other places where Hiyoshi began apprenticeships were the plasterer's shop, the lunch counter at the horse market, and the blacksmith's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each time he stayed no longer than three to six months." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His comings and goings gradually became known, and his reputation got so bad that no one would act as his go-between." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, that boy at Chikuami's house. He's a foulmouthed good-for-nothing.\"\n\nNaturally, Hiyoshi's mother felt embarrassed around people." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She felt awkward about her son, and in response to the gossip she would quickly deprecate him, as if his growing delinquency were incurable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know what can be done with him,\" she'd say. \"He hates farming, and he just won't settle down at home.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the spring of his fourteenth year, Hiyoshi's mother told him, \"This time you absolutely must stick with it. If the same thing happens one more time, my sister isn't going to be able to look Master Kato in the face, and everybody's going to laugh and say, 'Again?' Mind you, if you fail this time, I won't forgive you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next day his aunt took him to Shinkawa for an interview. The large, imposing mansion they went to belonged to Sutejiro, the pottery merchant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ofuku was now a pale youth of sixteen; from helping his adoptive father, the boy had learned the pottery business himself.\n\nIn the pottery store, the distinction between superior and subordinate was rigidly applied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During his first interview, Hiyoshi knelt respectfully on the wooden veranda while Ofuku sat inside, eating cakes, chatting happily with his parents.\n\n\"Well, it's Yaemon's little monkey. Your father died, and Chikuami from the village became your stepfather. And now you want to serve in this house? You'll have to work hard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was said in such a grown-up tone of voice that no one who had known the younger Ofuku would have believed it was the same person speaking.\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" Hiyoshi replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was taken to the servants' quarters, from which he could hear the laughter of the master's family in the living room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That his friend had not shown him the least bit of friendliness made him feel even lonelier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Monkey!\" Ofuku did not mince his words. \"Tomorrow, get up early and go to Kiyosu. Since you'll be taking goods to an official, load the packages onto the regular handcart. On your way back, stop in at the shipping agent's and check whether the pottery has arrived from Hizen. If you loiter along the way or get back too late, as you did the other day, you won't be let into the house.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi's answer was not a simple \"yes\" or \"yes, sir.\" Like the clerks who had served much longer in the shop, he said, \"Most certainly, sir, and with the greatest respect, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi was often sent on errands to Nagoya and Kiyosu. That day he took note of the white walls and high stone ramparts of Kiyosu Castle and mused, What kind of people live inside?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can I get to live there myself?\n\nFeeling as small and wretched as a worm, he was frustrated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he made his way through town, pushing the heavy handcart piled high with pottery wrapped in straw, he heard the familiar words:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, well, there goes a monkey!\"\n\n\"A monkey pushing a handcart!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Veiled courtesans, fashionably dressed townswomen, and the pretty young wives of good families all whispered, pointed, and stared at him as he went by. He himself had already become proficient at spotting the pretty ones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What annoyed him most was the staring, as though he were some kind of freak." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The governor of Kiyosu Castle was Shiba Yoshimune, and one of his principal retainers was Oda Nobutomo. At the spot where the castle moat and the Gojo River met, one still sensed the presence of the declining grandeur of the old Ashikaga shogunate, and the prosperity that lingered here, even in the midst of the many disturbances going on in the world, upheld Kiyosu's reputation as the most glamorous town in any of the provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For sake, go to the sake shop.\n\nFor good tea, go to the tea shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But for courtesans, it's Sugaguchi in Kiyosu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the pleasure quarter of Sugaguchi, the eaves of brothels and teahouses lined the streets." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the daytime, the young girls who served in the brothels sang as they played catch. Hiyoshi pushed his handcart through their game, dreaming, How can I become great?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unable to come up with an answer, he kept thinking, Someday... someday... He spun out one fantasy after another as he walked along." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The town was full of all the things that were denied to him: delicious food, opulent houses, gaudy military gear and saddlery, rich clothing and precious stones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thinking of his skinny sister with her pale face in Nakamura, he watched the steam rising from dumpling steamers in the sweet shops and wished he could buy some for her. Or passing an old apothecary, he would gaze in ecstasy at the bags of medicinal herbs and say to himself, Mother, if I could give you medicine like that, I bet you'd soon get much better." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ever present in his dreams was the wish to improve the wretched lives of his mother and Otsumi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The one person he gave no thought to at all was Chikuami.\n\nAs he approached the castle town, his mind was dazzled by his usual daydreams." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Someday... someday... but how?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "was his only thought as he walked along.\n\n\"Fool!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On his way across a busy crossroads, he abruptly found himself in the center of a noisy mob. He had run his cart into a mounted samurai, followed by ten retainers carrying spears and leading a horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Straw-wrapped bowls and plates fell all over the road, breaking into pieces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi tottered uncertainly among the wreckage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you blind?\"\n\n\"You idiot!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While scolding Hiyoshi, the attendants trampled on the broken dishes. Not a single passerby drew near to offer him help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He collected the broken pieces, tossed them into the handcart, and began pushing again, his blood boiling in indignation for having been treated this way in public. And within his childish fantasies, he struck a serious note: How will I ever be able to make people like that prostrate themselves in front of me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A little later, he thought of the scolding he would get when he got back to his master's house, and the cold look on Ofuku's face loomed large in his imagination. His great fantasy, like a soaring phoenix, vanished in a host of worries, as if he had been swallowed up in a cloud of poppy seeds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Night had fallen. Hiyoshi had put the handcart away in the shed and was washing his feet by the well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sutejiro's establishment, which was called the Pottery Mansion, was like the residence of a great provincial warrior clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The imposing main house was linked to many outbuildings, and rows of warehouses stood nearby.\n\n\"Little Monkey! Little Monkey!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Ofuku drew near, Hiyoshi got up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ofuku struck Hiyoshi's shoulder with the thin bamboo cane he always carried when looking around the employees' quarters or giving orders to the warehouse workers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was not the first time he had struck Hiyoshi. Hiyoshi stumbled, and was immediately covered with mud again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When addressing the master, do you say 'yeah'? No matter how many times I tell you, your manners don't improve. This is not a farmer's house!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi made no reply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you say something? Don't you understand? Say yes, sir.'\"\n\nAfraid of being hit again, Hiyoshi said, \"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When did you get back from Kiyosu?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're lying. I asked the people in the kitchen, and they told me you'd already eaten.\"\n\n\"I felt dizzy. I was afraid I was going to faint.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I was hungry after walking all that way.\"\n\n\"Hungry! When you got back, why didn't you go to the master to make your report right away?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was going to, after washing my feet.\"\n\n\"Excuses, excuses! From what the kitchen workers told me, a lot of the pottery you were supposed to deliver in Kiyosu was broken on the way. Is it true?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose you felt it was all right not to apologize to me directly. You thought you'd make up some kind of lie, make a joke of it, or ask the kitchen workers to cover for you. This time I'm not going to put up with it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ofuku grabbed Hiyoshi's ear and pulled. \"Well, come on. Speak up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is getting to be a habit. We're going to get to the bottom of this. Come along, we'll talk to my father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Please forgive me.\" Hiyoshi's voice sounded just like the cry of a monkey.\n\nOfuku did not loosen his grip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He started to go around the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The path that led from the warehouse to the garden entrance of the house was screened by a thicket of tall Chinese bamboos." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Suddenly, Hiyoshi stopped in his tracks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Listen,\" he said, glaring at Ofuku and knocking away his hand, \"I've got something to tell you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are you up to now? I'm the master here, remember?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ofuku said, turning pale and beginning to tremble.\n\n\"That's why I'm always obedient, but there's something I want to say to you. Ofuku, have you forgotten our childhood days? You and I were friends, weren't we?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That belongs to the past.\"\n\n\"All right, it belongs to the past, but you shouldn't forget it. When they teased you and called you 'the Chinese kid,' do you remember who always stuck up for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember.\"\n\n\"Don't you think you owe me something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi asked, scowling. He was much smaller than Ofuku, but he had such an air of dignity about him that it was impossible to tell who was the elder. \"The other workers are all talking, too,\" Hiyoshi went on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They say the master is good, but the young master is conceited and hasn't got a heart. A boy like you, who's never known poverty or hardship, should try working in someone else's house. If you bully me and the other employees again, I don't know what I'll do. But remember that I have a relative who's a ronin in Mikuriya. He has over a thousand men under his command. If he came here on my account, he could wipe out a house like this in a single night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi's threatening stream of nonsense, combined with the fire in his eyes, terrified the hapless Ofuku.\n\n\"Master Ofuku!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Master Ofuku! Where's Master Ofuku?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The servants from the main house had been searching for Ofuku for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ofuku, held prisoner by Hiyoshi's stare, had lost the courage to answer them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're calling you,\" Hiyoshi muttered. And he added, making it sound like an order, \"You can go now, but don't forget what I told you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With this parting remark, he turned away and walked toward the back entrance to the house. Later, his heart beating wildly, he wondered if they were going to punish him. But nothing happened. The incident was forgotten." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with eight sentences more. historical fiction genre k?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The year drew to a close." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Among farmers and townspeople, a boy turning fifteen usually had a coming-of-age ceremony. In Hiyoshi's case, there was no one to give him a single ceremonial fan, much less a feast. Since it was New Year's, he sat on the corner of a wooden platform with the other servants, sniffling and eating millet cakes cooked with vegetables—a rare treat.\n\nHe wondered grimly, Are my mother and Otsumi eating millet cakes this New Year's? Although they were millet farmers, he could recall many a New Year's when there had been no cakes to eat. The other men around him were grumbling.\n\n\"Tonight the master will have visitors, so we'll have to sit up straight and listen to his stories again.\"\n\n\"I'll have to pretend to have a stomachache and stay in bed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hate that. Especially at New Year's.\"\n\nThere were similar occasions two or three times a year, at the New Year and at the festival of the god of wealth. Whatever the pretext, Sutejiro invited a great many guests: the potters of Seto, the families of favored customers in Nagoya and Kiyosu, members of samurai clans, even the acquaintances of relatives. From that evening on, there would be a horrendous crush of people.\n\nToday, Sutejiro was in an especially good mood. Bowing low, he welcomed his guests in person, apologizing for having neglected them that past year. In the tearoom, which was decorated with one exquisite, carefully chosen flower, Sutejiro's beautiful wife served tea to her guests. The utensils she used were all rare and precious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa who, late in the previous century, had first practiced the tea ceremony as an aesthetic exercise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had spread to the common people, and before long, without anyone consciously realizing it, tea had become a central part of people's daily lives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Within the confines of the narrow little tearoom with its single flower and single cup of tea, the turbulence of the world and human suffering could be forgotten. Even in the midst of a corrupt world, the tea ceremony could teach one the cultivation of the spirit.\n\n\"Do I have the honor of addressing the lady of the house?\" The speaker was a big-boned warrior, who had come in with the other guests. \"My name is Watanabe Tenzo. I am a friend of your kinsman Shichirobei. He promised to bring me tonight, but unfortunately he's been taken ill, so I came alone.\" He bowed politely. He was gentle in demeanor, and although he had the rustic appearance of a country samurai, he asked for a bowl of tea. Sutejiro's wife served it in a yellow Seto bowl.\n\n\"I am not acquainted with the etiquette of the tea ceremony,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tenzo looked around him while contentedly sipping the tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As might be expected of such a famous, wealthy man, the tea implements here are certainly well crafted. While it is rude of me to ask, isn't the porcelain pitcher you are using a piece of akae ware?\"\n\n\"Did you notice that?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Tenzo looked at the pitcher, deeply impressed. \"If this were to fall into the hands of a Sakai merchant, I daresay it would fetch about a thousand gold pieces. Quite apart from its value, it's a beautiful piece.\"\n\nAs they were chatting, they were called inside for dinner. Sutejiro's wife led the way, and together they went into the hall. The place settings had been arranged in a circle around the room. As host, Sutejiro sat in the very center, greeting his guests." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his wife and the maids had finished serving the sake, he took his own seat at one of the tables. He picked up his cup and started to tell stories about the Ming, among whom he had spent many years. It was so that he might talk about his adventures in China, a country he knew well, but one that was still relatively unknown in Japan, that he would invite his guests and treat them to such lavish entertainments.\n\n\"Well, this was a real feast. And again tonight I've heard a number of rather interesting stories,\" said one guest.\n\n\"I've certainly had my fill. But it's getting late. I'd better be on my way,\" said another.\n\n\"Me too. I really should be taking my leave.\"\n\nThe guests departed one by one, and the evening came to a close.\n\n\"Ah, it's over!\" said a servant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The stories may be a great treat for the guests, but we hear about the Chinese all year round.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not hiding their yawns, the servants, Hiyoshi among them, worked frantically to clean up. The lamps in the large kitchen, in the hall, and in Sutejiro's and Ofuku's rooms were finally blown out, and the stout bar on the gate in the earthen wall was set in place. As a matter of course, samurai mansions, and also the homes of merchants—if they were at all substantial—were enclosed by an earthen wall or surrounded by a moat, which would be backed up by two or three tiers of fortifications. When night fell, people in the cities and the countryside felt uneasy. This had been the case ever since the civil wars of the previous century, and nobody thought it strange anymore.\n\nAs soon as the sun went down, people slept. When the workers, whose only pleasure was sleeping, crawled into their beds, they slumbered like cattle. Covered by a thin straw mat, Hiyoshi lay in a corner of the male servants' room, his head on a wooden pillow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along with the other servants, he had listened to his master's stories about the great country of the Ming. But unlike them, he had listened avidly. And he was so prone to fantasizing that he was too excited to sleep, almost as though he had a fever.\n\nWhat's that? he wondered, sitting up. He strained his ears, sure he had just heard a sound like a tree branch breaking and, just before that, the sound of muffled footsteps. He got up, went through the kitchen, and stealthily peeked outdoors. On this cold, clear night, the water in the large barrel was frozen, and icicles hung like swords from the wooden eaves. Looking up, he saw a man climbing the huge tree at the back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi guessed that the sound he had heard earlier was the cracking of a branch the man had stepped on. He observed the strange behavior of the figure in the tree. The man was swinging a light no bigger than a firefly around and around. A fuse cord? Hiyoshi wondered. The red swirl threw faint, smoky sparks into the wind. It seemed likely that the man was sending a signal to someone outside the walls.\n\nHe's coming down, Hiyoshi thought, as he hid like a weasel in the shadows. The man slid down the tree and set off with long strides toward the back of the grounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi let him pass and then trailed after him.\n\n\"Ah! He was one of the guests this evening,\" he muttered in disbelief. It was the one who had introduced himself as Watanabe Tenzo, the man who had been served tea by the master's wife, and who had listened raptly to Sutejiro's stories from beginning to end. All the other guests had gone home, so where had Tenzo been until now? And why? He was dressed differently from before. He wore straw sandals, the hems of his baggy trousers were rolled up and tied back, and a large sword was belted at his side. His eyes took in the surroundings with a fierce, hawklike expression. Anyone seeing him would instantly realize that he was out for someone's blood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tenzo approached the gate, and just at that moment, the men waiting outside crashed against it.\n\n\"Wait! I'll loosen the bar. Be quiet!\"\n\nIt must be a raid by bandits! Their leader had indeed been signaling to his followers, come to pillage the house like a swarm of locusts. Hidden in the shadows, Hiyoshi thought, Robbers! Instantly his blood surged, and he forgot all about himself. Although he did not think it through, he no longer cared about his own safety because he was concerned solely about his master's house. Even so, what he did next could only be described as foolhardy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, you!\" he called out, walking brazenly out of the shadows with who knew what in mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood behind Tenzo just as he was about to open the gate. A shudder of fear ran up Tenzo's spine. How could he have guessed that he was being challenged by a fifteen-year-old boy who worked for the pottery shop? When he looked around, he was puzzled by what he saw: an odd-looking youth with the face of a monkey, eyeing him with a strange expression. Tenzo stared very hard at him for a moment.\n\n\"Who are you?\" he demanded, perplexed.\n\nHiyoshi had completely forgotten the danger of the situation. His expression was unsmiling and blank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, you, what's going on here?\" he asked.\n\n\"What?\" said Tenzo, now thoroughly confused. Is he crazy? he wondered. Hiyoshi's unforgiving expression, so unlike a child's, overwhelmed him. He felt he had to stare the boy down.\n\n\"We are the ronin of Mikuriya. Raise a cry and I'll cut you down. We didn't come here to take the lives of children. Get out of here. Go lose yourself in the woodshed.\" Supposing the gesture would intimidate the boy, he tapped the hilt of his long sword. Hiyoshi grinned, showing his white teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you are a robber, eh? If you're a robber, you want to leave with what you came here for, right?\"\n\n\"Don't be a nuisance. Get lost!\"\n\n\"I'm going. But if you open that gate, not one of you will leave here alive.\"\n\n\"What do you mean by that?\"\n\n\"You don't know, do you? Nobody knows but me.\"\n\n\"You're a bit crazy, aren't you?\"\n\n\"Speak for yourself. You're the one whose head isn't right—coming to rob a house like this.\"\n\nTenzo's men, tired of waiting, knocked on the gate and called out, \"What's going on?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hold on a minute,\" said Tenzo. Then he said to Hiyoshi, \"You said if we go into this mansion, we won't go home alive. Why should I believe you?\"\n\n\"It's true.\"\n\n\"If I find out you're playing games, I'll cut off your head.\"\n\n\"You aren't going to find out for nothing. You'll have to give me something in return.\"\n\n\"Huh?\" Grumbling to himself, Tenzo was suspicious of this boy. Overhead, the starry sky was getting brighter, but the mansion, surrounded by its earthen wall, was still sunk in total darkness.\n\n\"What do you want?\" Tenzo asked tentatively." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want a thing, only that you let me become a member of your gang.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want to become one of us?\"\n\n\"Yes, that's right.\"\n\n\"You want to become a thief?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"How old are you?\"\n\n\"Fifteen.\"\n\n\"Why do you want to become a thief?\"\n\n\"The master drives me like a horse. The people here bully me, they call me 'monkey' all the time, so I'd like to become a bandit like you and get even with them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, I'll let you join us, but only after you prove yourself. Now explain what you said before.\"\n\n\"About you all being killed?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Well, your plan's no good. This evening you disguised yourself as a guest and mixed with a large group of people.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Someone recognized you.\"\n\n\"That's impossible.\"\n\n\"Think what you like, but the master clearly knew who you were. So, earlier this evening, on his instructions, I ran to the house of Kato of Yabuyama and let him know we would surely be attacked in the middle of the night and would appreciate his help.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kato of Yabuyama... that would be the Oda retainer Kato Danjo.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because Danjo and my master are relatives, he got hold of a dozen samurai who live around here, and they all came in during the evening, dressed as guests. They're on watch for you at the house right now, and that's no lie.\"\n\nHiyoshi could see from the pallor of his face that Tenzo believed him.\n\n\"Is that so?\" he said. \"Where are they? What are they doing?\"\n\n\"They were sitting in a circle, drinking sake and waiting. Then they decided you probably wouldn't attack this late, so they went to sleep. They made me stand watch out in the cold.\"\n\nTenzo grabbed Hiyoshi, saying, \"It's your life if you cry out.\" With the huge palm of his hand, he covered Hiyoshi's mouth.\n\nStruggling, Hiyoshi managed to say, \"Mister, this isn't what you promised. I won't make any noise. Take your hand away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sank his fingernails into the robber's hand.\n\nTenzo shook his head.\n\n\"Nothing doing. I am, after all, Watanabe Tenzo of Mikuriya. You want me to believe this house is prepared. Even if that's true, if I left empty-handed I wouldn't be able to face my men.\"\n\n\"But...\"\n\n\"What can you do?\"\n\n\"I'll bring out anything you want.\"\n\n\"You'll bring it out?\"\n\n\"Yeah. That's the way to do it. That way you can finish this thing without the danger of cutting people down or being cut down yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Without fail?\" He tightened his grip on Hiyoshi's throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gate was still closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Afraid and suspicious, his men kept calling out in loud whispers and rattling the gate.\n\n\"Hey, boss, are you in there?\"\n\n\"What's going on?\"\n\n\"What's the matter with the gate?\"\n\nTenzo loosened the bar halfway and whispered through the gap, \"Something's wrong here, so keep quiet. And don't stay in a group. Split up and hide.\"\n\nGoing for what Tenzo had asked for, Hiyoshi crawled quietly from the entrance of the male servants' quarters into the main house. Once there, he saw that a lamp was lit in Sutejiro's room.\n\n\"Master?\" Hiyoshi called out as he seated himself respectfully on the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no answer, but he sensed that both Sutejiro and his wife were awake.\n\n\"Madam?\"\n\n\"Who is it?\" asked Sutejiro's wife, her voice trembling. Either she or her husband had awakened and shaken the other awake because just a moment ago there had been a vague rustling and the sound of voices. Thinking it might be an attack by bandits, both had shut their eyes in fear. Hiyoshi opened the sliding door and moved forward on his knees. Both Sutejiro and his wife opened their eyes wide.\n\n\"There are bandits outside. A lot of them,\" Hiyoshi said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Husband and wife swallowed hard, but said nothing. They looked incapable of speech.\n\n\"It'd be terrible if they came rushing in. They'd tie you two up and leave five or six dead or injured. I've thought of a plan, and I've got their leader waiting for your answer.\"\n\nHiyoshi told them of his conversation with Tenzo, and ended by saying, \"Master, please let the robbers have what they want. I'll take it to Tenzo, and he'll go away.\"\n\nThere was a slight pause before the merchant asked, \"Hiyoshi, what in the world does he want?\"\n\n\"He said he came for the akae water pitcher.\"\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"He said that if I handed it over, he'd go away. Since it's not worth anything, won't you let him have it? It was all my idea,\" Hiyoshi explained proudly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll pretend I'm stealing it for him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the despair and fear hovering around the faces of Sutejiro and his wife were almost palpable. \"The akae pitcher was taken out of storage for the tea ceremony earlier today, wasn't it? The man must be a fool to tell me to bring that worthless thing to him!\" Hiyoshi said, looking as if he found the whole matter hilarious.\n\nSutejiro's wife was extremely quiet, as though she had been turned to stone. With a deep sigh, Sutejiro said, \"This is awful.\" Lost in thought, he too became quiet.\n\n\"Master, why look at it that way? One piece of pottery can finish all this without bloodshed.\"\n\n\"It's not just any piece of pottery. Even in the country of the Ming there are few pieces like it. I brought it back from China after considerable hardship. What's more, it is a keepsake from Master Shonzui.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the pottery shops of Sakai,\" said his wife, \"it would fetch over a thousand gold pieces.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the robbers were more to be feared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If they resisted them, there would be a massacre, and there had been cases of mansions being burned to the ground. Neither event was unusual in these unsettled times.\n\nIn such a situation, a man did not have much time to make up his mind. For a moment, Sutejiro seemed to be unable to break free from his past attachment to the pitcher. But finally he said, \"It can't be helped.\" He felt a little better after that. He took the key to the storehouse from a small drawer of a lacquer cabinet.\n\n\"Take it to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He threw the key down in front of Hiyoshi. Vexed at the loss of the precious water pitcher, Sutejiro could not bring himself to praise Hiyoshi at all, even though he thought the scheme was well devised for a boy of his age.\n\nHiyoshi went alone to the storehouse. He came out holding a wooden box and returned the key to the hand of his master, saying, \"It would be best if you put out the light and quietly went back to bed. You needn't worry.\"\n\nWhen he brought the box to Tenzo, the bandit, only half believing what was happening, opened it and examined the contents carefully. \"Hm, this is it,\" he said. The lines on his face softened.\n\n\"You and your men should get out of here fast. When I was searching for this in the storehouse just now, I lit a candle. Kato and his samurai are probably waking up at this very moment, and will soon start to make their rounds.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tenzo made hastily for the gate." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You come and call on me in Mikuriya anytime. I'll take you on.\" With these words he disappeared into the darkness." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Extension Protocol:\nQuantity: 3 sentences\nAuthor Emulation: Eiji Yoshikawa\nGenre Classification: historical fiction" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kato Danjo had fought at the battle of Azukizaka in the autumn of the preceding year." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Impatient to distinguish himself, he had dashed into the midst of the Imagawa forces and had been so badly injured that he had been forced to come home for good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nowadays he slept all the time in the house at Yabuyama. As the days became colder toward the end of the year, the spear wound in his stomach gave him constant trouble. He was always groaning with pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oetsu took good care of her husband, and that day she was washing his pus-stained undergarments in a stream that ran through their compound. She heard a carefree voice singing, and wondered who it might be. Annoyed, she stood up and looked around." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although the house was only halfway up Komyoji Hill, from inside the earthen wall it was possible to see the road at the foot of the hill, and beyond it the farmland of Nakamura, the Shonai River, and the wide Owari Plain.\n\nIt was bitterly cold. The New Year's sun was sinking hazily toward the horizon, bringing an end to another day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The singer's voice was loud, as if he had experienced neither the harshness of the world nor any human suffering." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The song was a popular tune from the end of the last century, but here in Owari, farmers' daughters had corrupted it into a spinning song.\n\nWell, can that be Hiyoshi? she asked herself as the figure reached the foot of the hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He carried a dirty cloth bundle on his back, and a bag hung from the end of a bamboo rod over his shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was surprised at how big he had gotten in such a short time, and that, although he had grown so much, he was still as happy-go-lucky as ever.\n\n\"Auntie! What are you doing standing out here?\" Hiyoshi bobbed his head in salutation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His song gave a certain cadence to his step, and his voice, so totally unaffected, gave his greeting a certain humorous tone. His aunt's expression was clouded; she looked like someone who had forgotten how to laugh.\n\n\"What are you doing here? Have you come with a message for the priests at the Komyoji?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hard put to answer, Hiyoshi scratched his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The pottery shop let me go. I came here thinking I'd better let my uncle know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? Again?\" Oetsu said, frowning. \"You came here after being sent away again?\"\n\nHiyoshi thought about telling her the reason, but somehow it did not seem to be worth the trouble." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a sweeter tone he said, \"Is my uncle at home? If he is, would you let me talk with him, please?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Absolutely not! My husband was badly wounded in battle. We don't know whether today or tomorrow will be his last day. You're not to go near him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spoke bluntly, her tone severe. \"I really feel sorry for my sister, having a child like you.\"\n\nWhen he heard his aunt's news, he was dispirited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I wanted to ask my uncle a favor, but I guess it's useless, isn't it?\"\n\n\"What kind of favor?\"\n\n\"Since he's a samurai, I thought he could find me a place in a samurai household.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What in the world! How old are you now?\"\n\n\"Fifteen.\"\n\n\"At fifteen, you should know a bit about the world.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why I don't want to work in any old boring place. Auntie, do you suppose there's an opening somewhere?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How should I know?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oetsu glared at him, her eyes full of reproach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A samurai household doesn't accept a man if he doesn't fit in with the family traditions. What are they going to do with a wild, carefree boy like you?\"\n\nJust then, a maidservant approached and said, \"Madam, please come quickly. Your husband's pain is worse again.\"\n\nWithout another word, Oetsu ran to the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abandoned, Hiyoshi gazed at the darkening clouds over Owari and Mino." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After a while he went through the gate in the earthen wall and hung around outside the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What he wanted most was to go home to Nakamura and see his mother, but he was held back by the thought of his stepfather, who made him feel that the fence around his own house was made of thorns." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He decided that his first priority was to find an employer. He had come to Yabuyama out of prudence, thinking it proper to inform his benefactor, but with Danjo in so serious a condition, he was at a loss as to what to do next—and he was hungry.\n\nWhile he was wondering where he would sleep from that night on, something soft wrapped itself around his cold leg." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked down to see a little kitten. Hiyoshi picked it up and sat next to the kitchen door. The waning sun cast a cold light over them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is your stomach empty too?\" he asked. The cat shivered as he held it to his chest. Feeling the warmth of Hiyoshi's body, it began to lick his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There, there,\" he said, turning his head away. He did not particularly like cats, but on that day the kitten was the only living creature to show him any affection.\n\nSuddenly Hiyoshi pricked up his ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cat's eyes, too, widened with surprise. From a room next to the veranda had come the shrill cry of a man in pain. Presently, Oetsu came into the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes were swollen with tears, which she dried on her sleeve while stirring a medicinal concoction on the stove.\n\n\"Auntie,\" Hiyoshi began cautiously while petting the cat, \"this kitten's stomach is empty and it's shivering. If you don't give it some food, it'll die.\" He avoided mentioning his own stomach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oetsu ignored the remark.\n\n\"Are you still here?\" she asked. \"It'll soon be night, but I'm not letting you stay in this house.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hid her tears with her sleeve. The beauty of the samurai's young wife, who had been so happy just two or three years before, had faded like a flower beaten by the rain. Hiyoshi, still holding the kitten, thought about his hunger and the bed that was beyond his reach." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he looked at his aunt, he suddenly noticed there was something different in her appearance.\n\n\"Auntie! Your belly is big. Are you pregnant?\"\n\nOetsu raised her head with a start as though her cheek had been slapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sudden question was completely out of place.\n\n\"Just like a little boy!\" she said. \"You shouldn't ask such forward questions. You're disgusting!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Exasperated, she added, \"Go home quickly while there's still some light. Go to Nakamura or anywhere! Right now I don't care what you do.\" Swallowing her own choked voice, she disappeared into the house.\n\n\"I'll go,\" Hiyoshi muttered, and stood up to go, but the cat was not willing to surrender the warmth of his chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment a maidservant brought out a little bowl of cold rice in bean paste soup, showed it to the cat, and called it outside. It promptly abandoned Hiyoshi to follow after the food. Hiyoshi watched the cat and its food with his mouth watering, but it seemed no one was going to offer him anything to eat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made up his mind to go home. But when he got to the entrance of the garden, he was challenged by someone with a keen sense of hearing.\n\n\"Who's out there?\" asked a voice from the sickroom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rooted to the spot, Hiyoshi knew it was Danjo and promptly answered. Then, thinking the time had come, he told Danjo that he had been dismissed from the pottery shop.\n\n\"Oetsu, open the door!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oetsu tried to change his mind, arguing that the evening wind would make him cold and that his wounds would ache. She made no move to open the sliding door, until Danjo lost his temper.\n\n\"Fool!\" he shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What difference does it make if I live another ten or twenty days? Open it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Weeping, Oetsu did as she was told and said to Hiyoshi, \"You'll only make him worse. Pay your respects and then leave.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi stood facing the sickroom and bowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Danjo was leaning against some piled-up bedding.\n\n\"Hiyoshi, you've been dismissed from the pottery shop?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hm. That's all right.\"\n\n\"What?\" Hiyoshi said, puzzled.\n\n\"There isn't the least bit of shame in being dismissed, as long as you haven't been disloyal or unjust.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see.\"\n\n\"Your house, too, was formerly a samurai house. Samurai, Hiyoshi.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"A samurai does not work just for the sake of a meal. He is not a slave to food. He lives for his calling, for duty and service. Food is something extra, a blessing from heaven. Don't become the kind of man who, in pursuit of his next meal, spends his life in confusion.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 5 sentences as a continuation." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even when he had returned to Hachisuka, Koroku was not about to let Tenzo get away unpunished. He had sent assassins after him and had written to clans in distant provinces to ask his whereabouts. Autumn came, and he still had nothing to show for his efforts. Rumor had it that Tenzo had found refuge with the Takeda clan of Kai. He had presented them with the stolen gun and had entered their service as one of the army of spies and agitators working for the province." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If he's reached Kai...\" Koroku muttered bitterly, but for the time being he could do nothing but resign himself to waiting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon after, he was visited by a messenger from the retainer of the Oda clan who had invited him to the tea ceremony. The man brought with him the akae water pitcher.\n\n\"We know that this has been the cause of considerable trouble in your family. Although we bought this famous piece in good faith, we feel that we can no longer keep it. We believe that if you return it to the pottery shop, you will restore the honor of your name.\"\n\nKoroku took the pitcher, promising he would pay a return visit. In the end he did not go in person, but sent a messenger with gifts: a splendid saddle and gold worth twice as much as the pitcher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That same day he summoned Matsubara Takumi and told him to get ready to go on a short trip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he went out onto the veranda.\n\n\"Monkey!\" he called.\n\nHiyoshi came skipping out from the trees and knelt before Koroku. He had first gone to Futatsudera, but he had come back directly to Hachisuka and settled into his new life. He was quick-witted and would do anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People made jokes at his expense, but he refrained from doing the same. He was talkative but never insincere. Koroku put him to work in the garden and became quite fond of him. Although Hiyoshi was a servant, he did more than just sweep the grounds. His work kept him close to Koroku, so he was under his master's eye day and night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After sunset he became a guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naturally, this kind of assignment was only given to the most trusted men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're to go with Takumi and show him the way to the pottery shop in Shinkawa.\"\n\n\"To Shinkawa?\"\n\n\"What are you making such a long face for?\"\n\n\"But—\"\n\n\"I can see you don't want to go, but Takumi is to return the water pitcher to its rightful owner. I thought it would be a good idea if you went along too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi prostrated himself and touched his forehead to the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since he had come along as an attendant, when they arrived at Sutejiro's Hiyoshi waited outside. Not knowing what to make of this, his former co-workers came up and stared. He himself seemed to have completely forgotten that some of them had laughed at him and beaten him before he had been sent home. Smiling at everyone, he squatted in the sunshine, waiting for Takumi. Presently, Takumi came out of the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The unexpected return of the stolen pitcher made Sutejiro and his wife so happy they were not sure they weren't dreaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They hastened to arrange their visitor's sandals so he could slip them on easily, then hurried on ahead of him to the gate, where they bowed repeatedly. Ofuku, too, was there, and he was startled to see Hiyoshi.\n\n\"We'll try to find the time to come to Hachisuka and pay our respects in person,\" said Sutejiro. \"Please give His Lordship our very best regards. Thank you again for taking the trouble to come all this way.\" Husband, wife, Ofuku, and all the employees bowed low." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi followed Takumi out and waved to them as he left." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they walked past the Komyo hills, he wondered sadly, How's my aunt in Yabuyama? And my poor sick uncle? He may be dead already. They were close to Nakamura, and naturally he thought of his mother and sister. He would have liked nothing better than to run over for a moment and see them, but the vow he had made on that frosty night stopped him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He still had done nothing to make his mother happy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he turned reluctantly away from Nakamura, he met a man in the uniform of a foot soldier.\n\n\"Say, aren't you Yaemon's son?\"\n\n\"And who are you, may I ask?\"\n\n\"You're Hiyoshi, aren't you?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My, you've gotten big! My name is Otowaka. I was a friend of your father. We served in the same regiment under Lord Oda Nobuhide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember you now! Have I really gotten that big?\"\n\n\"Ah, I wish your poor dead father could see you now.\"\n\nTears came to Hiyoshi's eyes. \"Have you seen my mother lately?\" he asked.\n\n\"I haven't been to the house, but I go to Nakamura from time to time and hear news. She seems to be working as hard as usual.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's not sick, is she?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why don't you go see for yourself?\"\n\n\"I can't go home until I become a great man.\"\n\n\"Just go and show your face. She's your mother, after all.\"\n\nHiyoshi wanted to cry. He looked away. When he felt all right again, Otowaka was already walking away in the opposite direction. Takumi had moved on, and was some distance ahead." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep going for 4 sentences more. add these things: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lingering summer heat had finally faded; the mornings and evenings felt like autumn, and the leaves of the taro plants were lush and full-grown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This moat hasn't been dredged for five years at least,\" Hiyoshi muttered. \"We're forever practicing horsemanship and learning spear techniques, and we let mud pile up at our very feet! That's no good.\" Having returned from the bamboo cutter's house, he was inspecting the mansion's old moat. \"What's a moat for, anyway? I'll have to bring this the master's attention.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi tested the depth of the water with a bamboo pole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The surface of the water was covered by water plants, so no one took much notice; but because fallen leaves and mud had accumulated over the years, the moat was not really very deep anymore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After testing the depth in two or three places, he threw away the pole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was about to cross the bridge to the side gate when someone called out, \"Master Half-pint.\" This was not a reference to his height, but the customary way to address a servant of a provincial clan.\n\n\"Who are you?\" Hiyoshi asked of a hungry-looking man sitting under an oak tree, hugging his knees. He wore a dirty gray kimono with a bamboo flute stuck in the sash." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come here a moment.\" The man waved him over. He was a komuso, one of the mendicant flute-playing monks who came to the village now and then. Like the rest, this one was dirty and unshaven, and carried a bamboo flute in a reed mat slung over his shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some of them went from village to village like Zen monks, attracting people's attention by ringing a hand bell.\n\n\"Alms for a monk? Or are you too busy thinking of your next meal?\"\n\n\"No.\" Hiyoshi was about to make fun of him, but knowing how tough the life of a traveler could be, he offered instead to bring him food if he was hungry and medicine if he was sick.\n\nShaking his head, the man looked up at Hiyoshi and laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, won't you sit down?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I prefer to stand, thanks. What's on your mind?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you in service here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not really.\" Hiyoshi shook his head. \"I get my meals but I'm not a member of the household.\"\n\n\"Hm... Do you work in the back, or in the main house?\"\n\n\"I sweep the garden.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A guard of the inner garden, eh? You must be one of Master Koroku's favorites?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wouldn't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is he at home now?\"\n\n\"He's out.\"\n\n\"That's a shame,\" the monk mumbled. He looked disappointed. \"Will he be back today?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi thought there was something suspicious about the man and he hesitated, thinking it best to choose his answers carefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is he coming back?\" the man asked again.\n\nHiyoshi said, \"I'll bet you're a samurai. If you're nothing but a monk, you must be a real novice.\"\n\nStartled, the man stared intently at Hiyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At length he asked, \"Why do you think I'm either a samurai or a novice?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi answered casually, \"It's obvious. Although your skin is tanned, the underside of your fingers are white, and your ears are fairly clean. As for proof that you're a samurai, you're sitting cross-legged on the mat, warrior-style, as if you were still wearing armor. A beggar or monk would bend his back and slump forward. Simple, isn't it?\"\n\n\"Hm... you're right.\" The man got up off the mat without taking his eyes off Hiyoshi for even a second. \"You have very keen eyes. I've gone through many border posts and checkpoints in enemy territory, and no one's caught on to me yet.\"\n\n\"There are as many fools as wise men in the world, wouldn't you say? Anyway, what do you want with my master?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The man lowered his voice. \"The truth is, I've come from Mino.\"\n\n\"Mino?\"\n\n\"If you were to mention Namba Naiki, a retainer to Saito Dosan, Master Koroku would understand. I wanted to see him and leave quickly without anyone knowing, but if he's not here, there's nothing to be done. I'd better keep to the village during the day and come back this evening. If he returns, tell him what I said privately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Naiki started to walk away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Hiyoshi called him back, saying, \"It was a lie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Huh?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That he's away. I said that because I didn't know who you were. He's at the riding grounds.\"\n\n\"Ah, so he is here.\"\n\n\"Yes. I'll take you to him.\"\n\n\"You're pretty sharp, aren't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In a military household, it's only natural to be cautious. Should I assume that the men in Mino are impressed by this sort of thing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, you should not!\" Naiki said, annoyed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Following the moat, they crossed the vegetable patch, and taking the path that went behind the wood, they came to the wide riding grounds.\n\nThe earth was dry, and dust rose into the sky. The men of Hachisuka were training hard. They were not just practicing riding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In one maneuver, they drew up stirrup-to-stirrup and exchanged blows with staves just as if they were fighting in a real battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wait here,\" Hiyoshi instructed Naiki." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Having observed the training session, Koroku wiped the sweat from his brow and went to the rest hut for a drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some hot water, sir?\" Hiyoshi ladled out some hot water and diluted it a bit to cool it. He took the cup and, kneeling, placed it before Koroku's camp stool. Hiyoshi drew nearer and whispered, \"A messenger has come from Mino in secret. Shall I bring him here? Or will you go to him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From Mino?\" Koroku immediately got up. \"Monkey, lead the way. Just where did you leave him?\"\n\n\"On the other side of the forest.\"\n\nThere was no official treaty between the Saito of Mino and the Hachisuka, but for many years they had been bound by a secret alliance to help one another in emergencies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In return, the Hachisuka received a handsome annual stipend from Mino.\n\nKoroku was surrounded by powerful neighbors—the Oda of Owari, the Tokugawa of Mikawa, and the Imagawa of Suruga—but he had never sworn allegiance to any of them. He owed his independence to the watchful eyes of the lord of Inabayama Castle, Saito Dosan. Their territories being separated by some distance, the reason the Hachisuka and the Saito had entered into such an alliance was not clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One story was that Masatoshi, Koroku's predecessor, had rescued a man close to death in front of the Hachisuka mansion. He seemed to be a wandering swordsman following the rigorous discipline of the martial arts. Feeling sorry for him, Masatoshi had taken him in and given him the best medical care. After the man had recovered, Masatoshi had even given him some traveling money." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I won't forget this,\" the man swore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the day of his departure he pledged, \"When I've made my fortune, I will send you word and repay you for your kindness.\" The name that he left with them was Matsunami Sokuro.\n\nSeveral years later a letter had arrived, bearing the signature Lord Saito Dosan. To their surprise, it was from the man whom they had known as Sokuro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The alliance was an old one, passed on from one generation to the next. So, as soon as Koroku knew that the secret messenger was from Saito Dosan, he hurried out to meet him.\n\nThere in the shadows of the forest, the two men exchanged greetings, then, looking each other in the eye, each man raised his open palm to his chest, as if in prayer.\n\n\"I am Hachisuka Koroku.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am Namba Naiki of Inabayama.\"\n\nAs a young man, Dosan had studied Buddhism at Myokakuji Temple. This experience had led him to use the secret Buddhist terms and signs he had learned in temples and monasteries as passwords among his men.\n\nOnce they had finished these formalities and authenticated their identities, the two men felt more at their ease and talked freely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Koroku ordered Hiyoshi to stand guard and to let absolutely no one pass, and he and Naiki walked deeper into the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever the two men talked about, or whatever secret documents Naiki might have brought with him, were, of course, not revealed to Hiyoshi, nor did he want to know. He stood faithfully at the edge of the forest, keeping watch. When he had a task to perform, he did it: if he was to sweep the garden, he swept it; if he was to stand guard, he stood guard. He did a thorough job, whatever it was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unlike other men, he was able to find pleasure in any job that he was given, but this was not simply because he was born poor. Rather, he saw the work at hand as a preparation for the next task. He was convinced that this was the way he would one day realize his ambitions.\n\nWhat do I have to do to become somebody in the world?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a question he often asked himself. Some had pedigree and lineage, but not he. Others had money and power, but Hiyoshi did not have these, either. Well, how am I going to make my fortune?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The question depressed him because he was so short, and no healthier than the next man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had no learning to speak of, and his intelligence was only average. What in the world did he have going for him? Faithfulness—that was all he could come up with. He wasn't going to be faithful in some things and not in others, he was determined to be faithful in all things." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would hold on to his faithfulness because he had nothing else to give.\n\nAll or nothing! That was how far he had to go. He would pursue any job to the end, just as though the gods themselves had given him a mission. Whether it was sweeping the garden, being a sandal bearer, or cleaning out the stables, he would put everything he had into it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the sake of his ambitions, he resolved not to be idle now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To try to separate himself from the present was nonsense in terms of the future." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The small birds of the forest chirped and twittered above Hiyoshi's head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he did not see the fruit in the trees at which the birds were pecking. When Koroku finally emerged from the forest, he was in high spirits. His eyes were fired by ambition. And his face, which would become strained when he heard about problems, was still flushed by some important news." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is the monk?\" asked Hiyoshi.\n\n\"He took another path out of the forest.\" Koroku looked hard at Hiyoshi and said, \"Keep this to yourself.\"\n\n\"Of course, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"By the way, Namba Naiki praised you to the skies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Someday I'm going to promote you. I hope you decide to stay with us forever!\"\n\nNight fell, and the principal members of the clan met in Koroku's residence. The secret council lasted into the small hours. That night, too, Hiyoshi stood beneath the stars in the role of faithful guard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The strictest secrecy was maintained about the contents of the message from Saito Dosan, the substance being revealed only to the key men. But in the days following the nighttime council, several of Koroku's retainers began to disappear from Hachisuka. They were a select group, the ablest and shrewdest, and they left the village in disguise—bound for Inabayama, it was whispered.\n\nKoroku's younger brother, Shichinai, was one of those chosen to go undercover in Inabayama." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi was ordered to accompany him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are we going on a scouting mission? Is there going to be a battle?\" he asked.\n\n\"Never mind,\" was the curt reply. \"Just keep quiet and come along with me.\" Shichinai would say nothing more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lower-ranking members of the household, even the kitchen workers, called him \"Master Pockmark,\" but only behind his back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He made them feel ill at ease, and they detested him. He drank heavily, was arrogant, and had none of the warmheartedness of his elder brother. Hiyoshi quite frankly felt the man was disgusting, but he did not complain about the assignment. He had been chosen because Koroku trusted him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi had not yet asked to become a member of the clan, but he had agreed to follow orders faithfully. He was ready and willing to serve Shichinai—even this Master Pockmark—to the end, if need be.\n\nOn the day of their departure, Shichinai changed his appearance right down to the way he tied his hair. He would be traveling incognito, disguised as an oil merchant from Kiyosu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi changed back into the itinerant needle peddler of the previous summer. The two of them were going to be chance traveling companions on the road to Mino.\n\n\"Monkey, when we come to the checkpoints, we'd better go through separately.\"\n\n\"All right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a blabbermouth, so try to keep your mouth shut, whatever they ask you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"If you give yourself away, I'll pretend I don't know you and leave you there.\"\n\nThere were many checkpoints along the road. Despite the close ties of kinship that should have made the Oda and the Saito allies, in reality they were exactly the opposite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a result, both sides were particularly vigilant at their common border. But even when they had crossed into Mino proper, the atmosphere of suspicion did not dissipate, and Hiyoshi asked Shichinai why.\n\n\"You're always asking the obvious! Lord Saito Dosan and his son Yoshitatsu have been at odds for years.\" Shichinai did not seem to be surprised by the enmity between two factions within a single family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi was tempted to question Shichinai's intelligence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not as though examples were lacking, even in ancient times, of fathers and sons in the warrior class taking up arms against one another, but there had to be good reasons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why is there a bad relationship between Lord Dosan and Lord Yoshitatsu?\" Hiyoshi asked again.\n\n\"Don't be a nuisance! If you want to know, ask somebody else.\" Shichinai clucked his tongue and refused to say anything more. Before arriving in Mino, Hiyoshi had worried that he would be forced to do something against his better judgment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inabayama was a picturesque castle town nestling among small mountains. The autumn tints of Mount Inabayama were misty under a fine rain, but there was a hint of sunlight shining through. Autumn was deepening, and one could look at the mountain from morning till night and never tire of it. It looked as if the cliff had been covered with a golden brocade, a phenomenon that had given Inabayama its second name: the Mountain of the Golden Flower." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It soared up from the Nagara River, a splendid backdrop for the town and fields, and Hiyoshi's eyes grew wide when he saw on its peak the white walls of the castle, small in the distance, crouching like a solitary white bird." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only way up from the town below was by a tortuous path, and the castle had a plentiful supply of water. Hiyoshi was impressed. It was the kind of stronghold that was difficult to attack and unlikely to fall. Then he reminded himself that a province was not held by castles alone.\n\nShichinai took a room in a merchants' inn on a street in the prosperous part of town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave Hiyoshi only a little money and told him to stay at one of the cheap lodging houses in the back streets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"After a while I'll give you your orders,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"People are going to be suspicious if you're idle, so until I'm ready for you, go out every day with your needles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi gave a respectful bow, took the money, and did as he was told. The lodging house was not very clean, but he was more at ease being on his own. He still could not imagine what he was going to be ordered to do. There were many different kinds of travelers staying at the lodging house: actors, mirror polishers, and loggers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was familiar with their unique smell and with the fleas and lice they boarded with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi went out every day to sell needles, and on his return he brought back salted vegetables and rice, for everyone did his own cooking. The stoves were available to those who paid for the firewood. Seven days passed. Still no word from Shichinai. And wasn't Shichinai himself idle every day?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi felt as though he had been abandoned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then one day, while Hiyoshi was walking down a side street in a residential area, plying his trade, a man with a leather quiver at his side and a couple of old bows on his shoulder came walking toward him, calling out in a voice far louder than Hiyoshi's, \"Old bows repaired! Old bows repaired!\"\n\nWhen he got up close, the bow mender stopped, his eyes widening with surprise. \"Why, it's Monkey, isn't it? When did you get here, and who are you with?\"\n\nHiyoshi was no less surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bow mender was Nitta Hikoju, another of Koroku's men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Master Hikoju, what are you doing mending bows in Inabayama?\"\n\n\"Hm, I'm not the only one. There are at least thirty or forty of us. But I didn't expect to find you here.\"\n\n\"I came seven days ago with Master Shichinai, but all he told me to do was go out and sell my needles, so that's what I've been doing. What's it all about, anyway?\"\n\n\"Don't you know yet?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He wouldn't tell me a thing. And there's nothing worse for a man than to have to do something without knowing why.\"\n\n\"Yes, I can imagine.\"\n\n\"Surely you know what's going on.\"\n\n\"If I didn't, would I be walking around mending bows?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please, can't you tell me anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hm, Shichinai's unkind. You go around without knowing why your life is at risk. But we can't stand and talk in the middle of the street.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Our lives are in danger?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you were caught, there'd be a risk of the plan being exposed, but for all our sakes, maybe I should explain so you'll have some idea of what it's all about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'd appreciate that very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But we're too conspicuous standing out here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How about behind that shrine?\"\n\n\"Yeah, and I'm hungry. Why don't we have lunch?\"\n\nHikoju walked ahead, and Hiyoshi followed. The shrine was surrounded by woods, and very quiet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They opened their lunches wrapped in bamboo leaves, and started to eat. The ginkgo leaves above them danced in the sunlight. As they looked through the bright yellow foliage, they saw Mount Inabayama clad in the flaming red leaves of departing autumn. The castle on the peak soared into the blue sky above: the pride of the Saito clan and the symbol of its power." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is our objective.\" Hikoju pointed at Inabayama Castle with his chopsticks, their tips sticky with rice. They were both looking at the same castle, but each saw it quite differently. Hiyoshi's mouth fell open as he stared blankly at the tips of the chopsticks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are the Hachisuka going to storm the castle?\"\n\n\"Don't be stupid!\" Hikoju snapped his chopsticks in two and threw them on the ground. \"Lord Dosan's son, Yoshitatsu, holds the castle, and from there he controls the neighborhood and the roads to Kyoto and the east. Within its walls he drills his troops and stores new weapons. The Oda, Imagawa, and Hojo are no match for him. So what could the Hachisuka do? Don't ask such stupid questions. I was going to let you in on our plans, but now I don't know whether I should.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry. I won't say anything else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Scolded, Hiyoshi fell meekly silent.\n\n\"There isn't anybody around here, is there?\" The bow mender looked around and then licked his lips. \"I suppose you've heard about the alliance between our clan and Lord Dosan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi limited his reply to a nod." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Father and son have been at odds for years.\" Hikoju told Hiyoshi about the feud and the resulting chaos in Mino.\n\nDosan had once traveled under other names, one of which was Matsunami Sokuro. He was an experienced man: he had been an oil merchant, a wandering swordsman, and even a novice in a temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eventually he had risen from the lowly position of oil merchant and seized the province of Mino with his bare hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To do this, he had killed his lord, Toki Masayori, and driven his heir, Yorinari, into exile. He had later taken one of Toki's concubines. There were countless stories about his brutality and the atrocities he had committed. If more proof were needed of his astuteness, once he had become master of Mino, he had not ceded a single inch of land to his enemies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the workings of fate are terrifying. Could it be that what happened next was divine retribution? He adopted Yoshitatsu, the son of his former lord's concubine. But he worried about whether the child was his own or Lord Toki's." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Yoshitatsu grew up, Dosan's doubts became stronger with each passing day.\n\nYoshitatsu was an imposing man, who stood over six feet tall. When he was made lord of Inabayama, his father moved into Sagiyama Castle, on the other side of the Nagara River. On opposite banks of the river, the destinies of father and son were in the lap of the gods." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshitatsu was in his prime and he ignored the man he assumed to be his father." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The aging Dosan, ever more suspicious, cursed Yoshitatsu and finally disinherited him, with the idea of putting his second son, Magoshiro, in Yoshitatsu's place. Yoshitatsu, however, was quick to catch on to the plan.\n\nBut then Yoshitatsu contracted leprosy and became known as \"the Leper Lord.\" He was a child of fate and eccentric, but also resourceful and brave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshitatsu set up forts to guard against attack from Sagiyama, and never turned down an opportunity to fight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Determined to rid himself of this despicable \"Leper Lord\"—his own son—Dosan resigned himself to spill blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hikoju took a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dosan's retainers are, of course, well known hereabouts. We were asked to set fire to the castle town.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fire the town!\"\n\n\"It wouldn't do any good just to suddenly set fires. Before doing that, we're to spread rumors, and when Yoshitatsu and his retainers at Inabayama are unsettled, we pick a windy night and turn the castle town into a sea of flame. Then Dosan's forces will cross the river and attack.\"\n\n\"I see.\" Hiyoshi nodded with a grown-up look. He showed neither admiration nor disapproval." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So we've been sent here to spread rumors and commit arson.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Correct.\"\n\n\"So in the end, we're just agitators, aren't we? We're here to stir up the people.\"\n\n\"Well, yes, you could put it that way.\"\n\n\"Isn't being an agitator the work of the lowest outcasts?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing we can do about it. We Hachisuka have been dependent on Lord Dosan for many years now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hikoju saw things very simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi looked at him. A ronin was always a ronin, but he had trouble getting used to the idea. Although he got his rice from the table of a ronin, he considered his own life to be precious, and he did not intend to throw it away heedlessly.\n\n\"Why did Master Shichinai come?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's here to direct operations. With thirty or forty men entering the area separately, you need someone to coordinate and supervise them.\"\n\n\"I see.\"\n\n\"So now you know what it's all about.\"\n\n\"Uh-huh. But there's one more thing I don't understand. What about me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hm. You?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you suppose I'll have to do? I've had no orders from Master Shichinai so far.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps because you're small and agile, you'll be given the job of setting the fires on the night when there's a wind.\"\n\n\"I see. An arsonist.\"\n\n\"Since we've come to this town on secret orders, we can't afford to be careless. When we pose as bow menders and needle sellers we have to be careful and watch what we say.\"\n\n\"If they learn about our plan, will they start looking for us right away?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. If Yoshitatsu's samurai get even a hint of our plans, there'll be a massacre. If we're caught, it'll be horrible, whether it's just you or all of us.\" At first, Hikoju had thought it too bad that Hiyoshi knew nothing; now he seemed suddenly uneasy about the possibility that the secret might leak from Monkey's mouth. Hiyoshi read this in his face. \"Don't worry. I've gotten used to this sort of thing in my travels.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You won't let anything slip?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hikoju asked tensely. \"This is enemy territory, you know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\"\n\n\"Well, we should avoid looking suspicious.\" His back had gotten stiff, and he slapped it two or three times as he stood up. \"Monkey, where are you staying?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the alley just behind the inn where Master Shichinai has a room.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that so? Well, I'll drop by there one of these nights. Be especially careful around the other lodgers.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shouldering his bows, Nitta Hikoju headed off in the direction of the town.\n\nSitting in the shrine grounds, Hiyoshi gazed at the faraway white walls of the castle above the ginkgo trees. Now that he knew more about the conflict within the Saito family and the evil it had bred, neither the ironlike walls nor the commanding position of the escarpment seemed to have any power at all in his eyes. Who will be the next lord of the castle?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he wondered. Dosan won't come to a happy end, either, that's for sure. What kind of strength can there be in a land where master and retainers are enemies? How can the people have confidence when the lords of the province, father and son, distrust and plot against each other?\n\nMino was a fertile area backed by mountains, at a major crossroads between the capital and the provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was blessed with natural resources, agriculture and industry thrived, the water was clean, and the women beautiful. But it was rotten! He did not have time to think about the worm that was wriggling at its rotten core. His mind jumped to the question of who would be the next lord of Mino." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What troubled Hiyoshi most was the part being played by Hachisuka Koroku, the man from whom he received his meals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ronin did not have a good reputation, but from serving Koroku, he knew he was an upright man; he had lineage, albeit distant, and one could say his character was superior. Hiyoshi had felt there was nothing to be ashamed of in bowing to this man daily and obeying his orders, but now he had second thoughts.\n\nDosan had long aided the Hachisuka financially, and their friendship was a strong one. It was unthinkable that Koroku would not know of Dosan's character, or that he could be unaware of his treachery and atrocities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, he was an agitator in the struggle between father and son. No matter how many times he went over the matter in his mind, Hiyoshi could not agree to take part in this. There were thousands of blind men in this world. Could Koroku be one of the blindest?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As his feelings of disgust grew stronger, all he wanted to do was run away.\n\nToward the end of the tenth month, Hiyoshi left the lodging house to go out and peddle his wares. On a corner of one of the back streets, he ran into Hikoju, whose nose was bright red from the dry wind. The bow mender drew up to him and pressed a letter into his hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"After you read this, chew it up and spit it into the river,\" he warned. Then, pretending not to know him, Hikoju turned right, while Hiyoshi walked off in the opposite direction. Hiyoshi knew it was a letter from Shichinai. His anxiety hadn't left him, and his heart began to pound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've got to get away from these people, he realized. He had been over the problem any number of times, but running away was, in the long run, more dangerous than staying put. He was alone in the boardinghouse, but he took it for granted that his comings and goings and all his actions were continually watched. Probably the spies themselves were being observed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were all tied to one another like links in a chain. It looks like they're really going ahead with it, he concluded, his mood darkening. Perhaps his reluctance came from timidity, but he could not convince himself he should become a brutal agitator who would confuse people, stir up trouble, and turn the town into an inferno.\n\nHe had lost all respect for Koroku." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not want to serve Dosan, nor did he want anything to do with Yoshitatsu. If he was going to be anyone's ally, he would be the townspeople's. His sympathies lay very much with them, and especially with the parents and their children. They were always the main victims of war." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was too anxious to read the letter immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he walked along, giving his usual cry, \"Needles! Needles from the capital!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he purposely wound his way toward a side street in a residential area where he would not be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There he stopped by a small river.\n\n\"Oh, damn, I can't get through here!\" he said in a deliberately loud voice. He looked around. Luck was with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one was in sight. But just to be sure, he faced the small river and while relieving himself, looked around, checking out the area. Then he quietly took out the letter from the folds of his clothing and read:\n\nTonight, at the Hour of the Dog, if the wind is from the south or west, come to the woods behind the Jozaiji Temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the wind is from the north or stops altogether, stay away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He finished reading, tore the letter into small pieces, and rolled them into a small ball, which he then chewed into a wad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Needle seller!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Startled, he had no time to spit the thing into the river. He palmed the paper wad in his clenched fist.\n\n\"Who is it?\"\n\n\"Over here. We'd like to buy some needles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was nobody in sight, and Hiyoshi couldn't tell where the voice came from.\n\n\"Needle seller, over here!\"\n\nOn the other side of the road was an embankment and, atop it, double mud walls. A small wicker gate in the wall opened and a young servant stuck his head out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi answered hesitantly. Any samurai residence in this neighborhood must be that of a retainer of the Saito clan. But of which side? There would be nothing to worry about if this one belonged to a retainer of Dosan, but if it belonged to Yoshitatsu's faction, things could turn nasty.\n\n\"There's a person here who'd like some needles.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi's uneasiness intensified, but he had no choice. \"Thank you,\" he said distractedly. Following the servant, he went in through the wicker gate and walked around an artificial hill in what seemed to be a rear garden. The mansion probably belonged to an important retainer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The main house was separated from a number of annexes. Slowing down, Hiyoshi took in the grandeur of the buildings and the neatness of the rocks and artificial streams. Who could want to buy needles from him in a place like this? The servant's words suggested that it was a member of the owner's family, but that did not make sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a mansion this imposing, the lady of the house or her daughter wouldn't be buying needles for herself. And, in any case, there would be no reason at all to call in a peddler who hawked his wares in the street.\n\n\"Wait here a moment,\" the servant said, leaving him in a corner of the garden. A two-story building with rough plaster walls, well removed from the main house, caught Hiyoshi's attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The first floor seemed to be a study, the top floor a library." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The young servant called up, \"Master Mitsuhide, I brought the man in.\"\n\nMitsuhide appeared at a square window much like an opening in a battlement. He was a young man of twenty-four or twenty-five, with a fair complexion and intelligent eyes. Holding some books in his hand, he stuck his head out of the window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll come down. Take him to the veranda,\" he said, and disappeared inside.\n\nHiyoshi looked up and noticed for the first time that someone could have seen him over the wall while he was standing at the river reading the letter. He was sure he must have been observed, and that this Mitsuhide had become suspicious and was about to question him. Hiyoshi thought that if he did not make up some story, he would be in trouble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just as he was preparing an explanation, the young servant waved him over and said, \"The master's nephew is coming, so wait by the veranda. And mind your manners.\"\n\nHiyoshi knelt down a little way from the veranda, his eyes downcast. After a while, when nobody came out, he looked up. The number of books inside the house amazed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were everywhere, on and around the desk and the bookshelves, and in the other rooms on the first and second floors. Whether it's the master or his nephew, he thought, someone seems to be quite a scholar. Books were a rare sight for Hiyoshi. Looking around, he noticed a couple of other things: between the horizontal timbers of the house frame hung a fine spear, and a musket was propped against the wall in an alcove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Finally the man entered the room and quietly sat down in front of the desk. Resting his chin on his hands, he looked fixedly at Hiyoshi, as though he were concentrating on some Chinese characters in a book. \"Hello, there.\"\n\nHiyoshi said, \"I'm a needle seller. Are you interested in buying some needles, sir?\"\n\nMitsuhide nodded. \"Yes, I am. But first there's something I'd like to ask you. Are you here to sell needles or to spy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To sell needles, of course.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, then, what brought you into an alleyway in a residential area like this?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought it was a shortcut.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're lying.\" Mitsuhide turned his body a little to the side. \"When I saw you, I could tell you were a seasoned traveler and peddler. So you should have sense enough to know whether or not you could sell needles at a samurai residence.\"\n\n\"I have sold them, though rarely—\"\n\n\"I can imagine it's rarely.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it can be done.\"\n\n\"Well, let's put that aside for the moment. What were you reading in a deserted place like this?\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"You furtively took out a piece of paper, thinking that no one was around. But anywhere there is life, there are eyes. And things, too, speak to those who have ears to hear. What were you reading?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was reading a letter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some sort of secret correspondence?\"\n\n\"I was reading a letter from my mother,\" he said very matter-of-factly. Mitsuhide looked searchingly at him. \"Is that so? A letter from your mother?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In that case, let me see it. According to the laws of the castle, when you come across a suspicious person, he's to be arrested and taken to the castle. As evidence, let me see the letter from your mother, or I'll have to hand you over to the authorities.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ate it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did what?\"\n\n\"Unfortunately, after I read it, I ate it, sir.\"\n\n\"You ate it?\"\n\n\"Yes, that's what I did,\" Hiyoshi continued earnestly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To me, just by my being alive, my mother is to be more respected than the gods or Buddhas. Therefore—\"\n\nMitsuhide let out a thundering cry, \"Hold your tongue! I suppose you chewed it up because it was a secret communication. That alone makes you a suspicious character!\"\n\n\"No! No! You're mistaken!\" Hiyoshi said, waving his hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To carry a letter from my mother, to whom I'm more grateful than to the gods and Buddhas, and in the end blow my nose on it and toss it away in the street, where it would be trampled under people's feet, would be impious and a crime. This is the way I think, and it's a habit of mine always to eat them. I'm not lying. It's natural for someone to miss his mother so much that he'd want to eat the letters, coming from so far away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide was sure it was all a lie, but even so, here was a boy who lied much better than the common run. And he sympathized with him because he himself had left his mother behind at home.\n\nAlthough it's a lie, it's not a base lie. And though it's nonsense to talk about eating a letter from one's mother, there's no mistaking that even this little monkey-faced lad must have parents, thought Mitsuhide, at the same time feeling sorry for his unpolished and uneducated adversary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nevertheless, if this ignorant, naïve youth were the tool of an agitator, he could be as dangerous as a wild animal. He wasn't the kind of person to send off to the castle, and it would be a shame just to kill him on the spot. He thought about just letting Hiyoshi go, but he kept a sharp eye on him while trying to decide how to handle the matter.\n\n\"Mataichi!\" he called. \"Is Mitsuharu around?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think so, sir.\"\n\n\"Tell him I don't want to be a bother, but please ask if he can come here for a minute.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" Mataichi ran off.\n\nShortly after, Mitsuharu came from the house, walking with great strides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was younger than Mitsuhide, perhaps eighteen or nineteen. He was the heir to the master of the house, the lay priest Akechi Mitsuyasu, and he and Mitsuhide were cousins. Mitsuhide's family name was also Akechi. He lived with his uncle and spent his days in study." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not that he was financially dependent on his uncle; he had come to Inabayama because his home in provincial Ena was far removed from the centers of culture and politics. His uncle often said to his son, \"Look at Mitsuhide and study a little.\"\n\nMitsuhide was a serious scholar. Even before he had come to Inabayama, he had already traveled extensively, touring the country from the capital to the western provinces." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had kept company with traveling swordsmen and sought out knowledge, studied current events, and willingly accepted life's hardships." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he got around to studying firearms, he made a special trip to the free city of Sakai and eventually made so great a contribution to the defenses and military organization of Mino that everyone, beginning with his uncle, respected him as a genius of the new learning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can I be of assistance, Mitsuhide?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, it's nothing really.\" His tone was deferential.\n\n\"What is it?\"\n\n\"I want you to do something for me, if you think it's right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men went outside and, standing right next to Hiyoshi, discussed what to do with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After hearing the details from Mitsuhide, Mitsuharu said, \"You mean this nobody?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked Hiyoshi over casually. \"If you think he's suspicious, turn him over to Mataichi. If he's tortured a bit, beaten with a broken bow, say, he'll talk soon enough. It should be easy.\"\n\n\"No.\" Mitsuhide took another look at Hiyoshi. \"I don't think he's the type who'll talk with that sort of treatment. And I feel sorry for him, somehow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he's taken you in and made you feel sorry for him, you're not likely to get him to talk. Give him to me for four or five days. I'll lock him up in the storage shed. He'll soon be spitting out the truth when he gets hungry.\"\n\n\"Sorry to trouble you with this,\" Mitsuhide said.\n\n\"Shall I tie him up?\" Mataichi said, twisting Hiyoshi's arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait!\" said Hiyoshi, trying to free himself from Mataichi's grip. He looked up at Mitsuhide and Mitsuharu. \"You just said that even if I was beaten, I wouldn't tell the truth. All you have to do is ask me and I'll tell you everything. Even if you don't ask! I can't stand being shut up in a dark place.\"\n\n\"You're ready to talk?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. I'll do the questioning,\" said Mitsuharu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go ahead.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What about—\" But Hiyoshi's composure seemed to unnerve Mitsuharu, and he stopped in mid-sentence, muttering, \"It's no good! He's a strange one. I wonder if he's quite right in the head. He must be playing a game with us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Glancing at Mitsuhide, he gave a bitter laugh. But Mitsuhide was not laughing. He was looking at Hiyoshi with an anxious look on his face. Mitsuhide and Mitsuharu took turns questioning him, as though they were humoring a spoiled child." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi said, \"Well, then, I'll tell you what's being planned for tonight, but since I'm not part of their gang and don't have anything to do with them, can you guarantee my life?\"\n\n\"Fair enough. Taking your life wouldn't be much of an accomplishment. Something's up, eh?\"\n\n\"There's going to be a big fire tonight, if the wind is right.\"\n\n\"Where?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know exactly, but the ronin staying at the lodging house discussed it in secret. Tonight, if the wind comes from the south or west, they're going to meet in the woods near the Jozaiji, split up, and set fire to the town.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" Mitsuharu's mouth fell open. Mitsuhide swallowed hard, finding it difficult to believe what he had just heard.\n\nHiyoshi, ignoring their reaction to what he had just said, swore that he didn't know any more, just what he had heard whispered by ronin who happened to be his fellow lodgers. All he wanted to do was sell his stock of needles and return to his hometown of Nakamura as soon as possible, to see his mother's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After the color had returned to their faces, Mitsuhide and Mitsuharu stood aghast for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last, Mitsuhide gave an order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, we'll let this one go, but not before nightfall. Mataichi, take him and give him some food.\"\n\nThe wind that had been blowing all day began to freshen. It was coming from the southwest.\n\n\"Mitsuhide, what do you suppose they'll do? The wind's blowing from the west.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuharu's eyes were filled with worry as he looked up at the clouds scudding past." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide silently sat down on the veranda of the library. Gazing off into space, he seemed to be concentrating on some complicated problem. \"Mitsuharu,\" he said finally, \"has my uncle said anything strange in the past four or five days?\"\n\n\"Well, nothing that Father's said has struck me as particularly strange.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Now that you mention it, before he left for Sagiyama Castle this morning, he did say that because relations between Lord Dosan and Lord Yoshitatsu had worsened recently, we might be in for some trouble, though it was difficult to say when. He said that while one should always be prepared, just in case something unexpected happens, the men should prepare their armor and horses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He said that this morning?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"That's it!\" Mitsuhide slapped his knee. \"He was warning you indirectly that there's going to be a battle tonight. It's common practice for military plots of this kind to be kept secret even from close kin. He must be in on it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will there be a battle tonight?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The men meeting tonight at the Jozaiji are probably agents brought in from the outside by Lord Dosan, most likely from Hachisuka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So Lord Dosan's made up his mind to drive Lord Yoshitatsu from the castle.\"\n\n\"That's what I think.\" Mitsuhide, confident that he had guessed right, nodded vigorously, but then he gloomily bit his lip. \"I suspect Lord Dosan's plan is not going to work. Lord Yoshitatsu is well prepared. More than that, for father and son to take up arms and spill blood runs contrary to any code of behavior. The gods will punish them! No matter who wins or loses, the blood of kinsmen will flow freely. And it won't increase the Saito clan's territory by one inch. On the contrary, the neighboring provinces will be watching for an opportunity to intervene, and the province will be on the brink of collapse.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He let out a long sigh.\n\nMitsuharu was sunk in silence, pensively studying the dark swirling clouds in the sky. In a fight between two of one's lords, there was nothing a retainer could do. They knew that Mitsuharu's father, Mitsuyasu, a trusted retainer of Dosan, was in the vanguard of the movement to bring about Yoshitatsu's fall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have to stop this unnatural battle by any means at our disposal. That is our duty as loyal retainers. Mitsuharu, you must go immediately to Sagiyama and find your father. And you two together must dissuade Lord Dosan from carrying out his plans.\"\n\n\"Yes, I understand.\"\n\n\"I'll wait until evening, go to Jozaiji, and somehow thwart their schemes. I'm going to stop them, no matter what!\"\n\nIn the kitchen, three large stoves stood in a row." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Huge cauldrons holding several bagfuls of rice sat on the stoves. When the lids were lifted, the starchy water boiled over in clouds of steam. Hiyoshi had worked out that for this amount of rice to be consumed in one sitting, there had to be over a hundred people in the mansion, including the master's family, and his retainers and their dependents. \"With all this rice, why can't my mother and sister have enough to fill their stomachs?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He thought of his mother; he thought of rice. The rice made him think of his mother's hunger.\n\n\"It's awfully windy tonight.\" The old man in charge came over and checked the fires in the stoves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said to the kitchen helpers who were cooking the rice, \"The wind won't let up even after sunset. Watch the fires. And as soon as one pot of rice is ready, start making rice balls.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was on his way out when he noticed Hiyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at him curiously and summoned a servant, \"Who's that townsman with a face like a monkey?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked. \"I haven't seen him around before.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's in Master Mitsuhide's charge. Mataichi is guarding him so he won't run away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old man then noticed Mataichi seated on the kindling bin.\n\n\"Good work!\" he said to Mataichi, without a clue as to what was going on. \"Is he under arrest for suspicious behavior?\"\n\n\"No. I don't know why. Only that the orders came from Master Mitsuhide.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mataichi said as little as he could get away with.\n\nThe old man seemed to forget about Hiyoshi and said, \"The truth is, Master Mitsuhide has sense and discrimination well beyond his years.\" The old man admired Mitsuhide and began to sing his praises. \"He's much above average, don't you think? Master Mitsuhide's not one of those men who despise learning and brag about how heavy a staff they use, how well they wield a spear on horseback, or how many people they cut down on what battlefield. Whenever I peek into the library, he's lost in study. And he's a great swordsman and strategist too. He'll go far, that's for sure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mataichi, proud to hear his master spoken of so highly, chimed in, \"It's just as you say. I've been his servant since he was a boy, and there's no kinder master than he. He's also a good son to his mother, and whether he's studying here or traveling around the provinces, he never neglects to write to her.\"\n\n\"It's often the case that by the age of twenty-four or twenty-five, if a man has great courage, he's also a braggart, and if he's gentle, he's a fop,\" the old man said. \"As if he'd been born in a stable, he soon forgets what he owes to his parents and leads a selfish life.\"\n\n\"Well, remember he's not just a gentleman,\" said Mataichi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's got a fierce temper too, despite appearances to the contrary. Although it rarely comes to the surface, when he gets mad, there's no holding him back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So even though he appears to be gentle, when he gets angry...\"\n\n\"Precisely. Like what happened today.\"\n\n\"Today?\"\n\n\"In an emergency, when he's thinking over what's right or wrong, he thinks things through to the end. But when he's made his decision, it's like a dam breaking, and he immediately gives orders to his cousin, Master Mitsuharu.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's a leader, all right—a born general.\"\n\n\"Master Mitsuharu is devoted to Master Mitsuhide, and so he willingly follows his orders. Today he galloped off to Sagiyama castle.\"\n\n\"What do you suppose is going on?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"'Cook a lot of rice. Make some rice balls for the troops. There might be a battle in the middle of the night.' That's what Master Mitsuharu said when he left.\"\n\n\"Preparations for an emergency, huh?\"\n\n\"I'd be happy if it stops with the preparations, because in a battle between Sagiyama and Inabayama, which side should we fight for? Whichever it is, we'll be shooting our bows at friends and relatives.\"\n\n\"Well, it may not come to that. It seems as though Master Mitsuhide has devised a plan to prevent a battle.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The gods know I'll pray for his success. If the neighboring clans attack us, I'm ready to fight them right away.\"\n\nOutside, night had fallen. The sky was pitch black. Gusts of wind came in, and the fire in the mouths of the huge stoves made a slight roaring noise and grew brighter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi, still squatting in front of the stoves, smelled burnt rice.\n\n\"Hey! The rice is burning! You're letting the rice burn!\"\n\n\"Out of the way, you!\" the servants said without a word of thanks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After they had dampened the fires in the stoves, one of them climbed a ladder and transferred the rice into a tub." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All those who were not busy with something else began making rice balls by the score. Hiyoshi worked with them, pressing the rice into balls. He helped himself to a couple of mouthfuls, but nobody seemed to mind. Almost in a trance, they went on making rice ball after rice ball, talking as they did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I guess there'll be a battle, eh?\"\n\n\"Can't they end it without a fight?\"\n\nThey were making provisions for the troops, but most of them hoped that the stores would not be needed.\n\nAt the Hour of the Dog, Mitsuhide called for Mataichi, who went outside but soon came back calling, \"Needle seller! Where's the needle seller!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi jumped up, licking rice grains off of his fingers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He only had to take one step out of the building to gauge the strength of the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come along with me. Master Mitsuhide's waiting. And be quick about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi followed Mataichi, noticing that he had put on light armor as if he were ready to go off to battle. Hiyoshi had no idea where they were going. At length they went out the central gate and he understood. Going around the rear garden, they came to the front." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outside the gate, a mounted figure was waiting for them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mataichi?\" Mitsuhide had on the clothes he had worn that day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held the reins in his hands and carried a long spear under one arm.\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"The needle seller?\"\n\n\"He's right here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The two of you run on ahead.\"\n\nTurning to Hiyoshi, Mataichi ordered, \"Come on, needle seller, let's go.\"\n\nThe two men on foot ran into the pitch black night. Matching their pace, Mitsuhide followed on horseback." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They came to a crossroads, and Mitsuhide instructed them to turn right, then left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, Hiyoshi realized that they had reached the gate of the Jozaiji, the meeting place of the Hachisuka men. Mitsuhide dismounted nimbly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mataichi, stay here with the horse,\" he said, handing him the reins." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mitsuharu is supposed to come here from Sagiyama Castle in the last half of the Hour of the Dog. If he doesn't make it by the agreed hour, our plan is canceled.\" Then, with a tragic look on his face, he said, \"The town has become the home of warring demons. How can a mere man guess the outcome?\" The last of his words were swallowed up by the enveloping gloom.\n\n\"Needle seller! You show the way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The way to where?\" Hiyoshi braced himself against the wind.\n\n\"The woods where the scoundrels from Hachisuka are having their meeting.\"\n\n\"Uh, well, I don't know where the place is either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even if this is your first time here, I think they know your face well enough.\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"Don't play the innocent.\"\n\nThis is no good, thought Hiyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't fool him at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide had seen through his lies, and he made no more excuses.\n\nThere were no lights in the wood. The wind swept through the leaves, which beat against the great temple roof like spray scouring the gunwales of a ship. The woods behind the temple were like a raging ocean—the trees groaned and the grasses roared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Needle seller!\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\"\n\n\"Are your comrades here yet?\"\n\n\"How should I know?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide sat down on a small stone pagoda at the rear of the temple." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's nearing the second half of the Hour of the Dog. If you're the only person not accounted for, they'll be on the alert.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His spear, caught by the full force of the wind, was right in front of Hiyoshi's feet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go show yourself!\" Hiyoshi had to admit to himself that Mitsuhide was a step ahead of him from the very start." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go tell them that Akechi Mitsuhide is waiting here, and that he would like to talk with the leader of the men of Hachisuka.\"\n\n\"Yes, sir.\" Hiyoshi bowed his head but did not move. \"Is it all right if I say this in front of everyone?\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And that's why you brought me here with you?\"\n\n\"Yes. Now get going.\"\n\n\"I'll go, but since we may not meet again, I'd like to tell you something.\"\n\n\"Yes?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be a shame to leave without saying this, because you see me only as an agent of the Hachisuka.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's true.\"\n\n\"You're very clever, but your eyes are too sharp, and they go right through the thing they're looking at. When a man hits a nail, he stops where he's supposed to, because going too far is just as bad as not going far enough. Your intelligence is like that. I admit I came to Inabayama with the men from Hachisuka. But my heart's not in it—not at all. I was born in a farming family in Nakamura, and I've done things like selling needles, but I haven't reached my goal. I don't intend to spend my life eating cold rice from a ronin's table. Neither am I going to work as an agitator for some worthless reward. If, by some chance, we meet again, I'll prove to you what I said about you looking too hard at things. For now, I'll go to Hachisuka Shichinai, give him your message, and leave immediately. So good luck! Take good care of yourself, and study hard.\"\n\nMitsuhide listened in silence, then suddenly came out of his reverie. \"Needle seller! Wait!\" he called." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi had already vanished into the storm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ran into the black woods without hearing Mitsuhide's call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He ran until he got to a small, level bit of land sheltered from the wind by trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could see men all about him, scattered like wild horses in a pasture, some sprawling, some sitting, some standing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's there?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's me.\"\n\n\"Hiyoshi?\"\n\n\"Yeah.\"\n\n\"Where have you been? You're the last. Everyone's been worried,\" scolded one man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry I'm late,\" he said as he came up to the group." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was trembling. \"Where's Master Shichinai?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's over there. Go and apologize. He's real angry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four or five members of the gang stood talking around Shichinai.\n\n\"Is that Monkey?\" Shichinai asked, looking around. Hiyoshi went over to him and made his excuses for being late.\n\n\"What were you up to?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"During the day I was held prisoner by a retainer of the Saito clan,\" Hiyoshi admitted.\n\n\"What?\" Shichinai and all the others stared at him nervously, afraid that their plot had been exposed. \"You simpleton!\" Without warning, he grabbed Hiyoshi by the collar, yanked him forward, and asked roughly, \"Where and by whom were you being held? And did you say anything?\"\n\n\"I talked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I hadn't talked, I wouldn't be alive. I wouldn't be here now.\"\n\n\"You little bastard!\" Shichinai gave Hiyoshi a good shaking. \"You fool! You blabbed to save your miserable skin. For that, you're going to be the first victim of tonight's bloodbath!\"\n\nShichinai let go and tried to kick him, but Hiyoshi jumped back agilely and Shichinai missed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two men closest to Hiyoshi grabbed his arms and twisted them behind his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Struggling to free his arms, Hiyoshi said in one breath, \"Don't lose your heads. Hear me out, even though I was caught and talked. They're retainers of Lord Dosan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They looked relieved, but also still a little doubtful.\n\n\"All right, who were they?\"\n\n\"It was Akechi Mitsuyasu's house. I wasn't being held by him but by his nephew Mitsuhide.\"\n\n\"Ah, the Akechi hanger-on,\" someone muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi looked at the man, then moved his eyes over the whole group." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This Master Mitsuhide wants to meet with our leader. He came here with me. He's over there. Master Shichinai, won't you go and meet him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Akechi Mitsuyasu's nephew came here with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Did you tell Mitsuhide everything about tonight's plan?\"\n\n\"Even if I hadn't, he would have guessed. He's a genius.\"\n\n\"Why did he come?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know. He said only that I should guide him here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And so you did?\"\n\n\"There was nothing else I could do.\"\n\nAs Hiyoshi and Shichinai talked, the men around them swallowed hard as they listened. Finally, Shichinai wound things up with a click of his tongue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped forward and asked, \"All right, where is he, this Akechi Mitsuhide?\"\n\nEveryone talked at once. It was dangerous for Shichinai to meet the man alone. Someone should go with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or they should surround the meeting place and stay hidden.\n\nJust then a voice came from behind: \"Men of Hachisuka! I have come to you. I should like to meet with Master Shichinai.\"\n\nThey turned toward the voice in stunned surprise. Mitsuhide had approached unnoticed and was calmly observing them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shichinai felt a little confused, but being the leader, he stepped forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you Hachisuka Shichinai?\" asked Mitsuhide.\n\n\"I am,\" Shichinai replied, his head held high. He was in front of his men, but it was common for ronin not to be humble before samurai who served a lord or warriors of even higher status.\n\nAlthough Mitsuhide was armed with a spear, he bowed and spoke politely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a pleasure to meet you. I have heard your name before, as well as the respected name of Master Koroku. I am Akechi Mitsuhide, a retainer of Lord Saito Dosan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The politeness of the greeting left Shichinai feeling slightly paralyzed. \"Well, what do you want?\" he asked.\n\n\"Tonight's plan.\"\n\n\"What about tonight's plan?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shichinai asked with feigned indifference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has to do with the particulars I learned from the needle seller, which shocked me into coming here with great speed. Tonight's outrage—it is, perhaps, impolite to call it an outrage—but from the standpoint of military strategy it is very poorly conceived. I can't believe this is Lord Dosan's idea. I would like you to drop it immediately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never!\" Shichinai shouted arrogantly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is not being done on my orders. The orders come from Master Koroku, at Lord Dosan's request.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's what I assumed to be the case,\" Mitsuhide said in an ordinary tone of voice.\n\n\"Naturally, you wouldn't call it off on your own authority. My cousin Mitsuharu has gone to Sagiyama to remonstrate with Lord Dosan. He's to meet with us here. My request is that you all stay here until he comes.\"\n\nMitsuhide was always polite to everyone, while also being resolute and courageous. But the effect of courtesy varies with the sensibility of the person spoken to, and there are times when it may lead one party to become arrogant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Huh! An insignificant youth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He nibbles a little bit of learning, but he's nothing more than a greenhorn, making excuses, thought Shichinai. \"We're not waiting!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he shouted, and then said bluntly, \"Master Mitsuhide, don't stick your nose in where it doesn't belong. You're just a useless hanger-on. Aren't you one of your uncle's dependents?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't have time to think about my duty. And this is an emergency for my lord's house.\"\n\n\"If you thought so, you would prepare yourself with armor and provisions, hold the torch as we do, and be at the very vanguard of the attack on Inabayama.\"\n\n\"No, I couldn't do that. There's a certain difficulty in being a retainer.\"\n\n\"How's that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't Lord Yoshitatsu the heir of Lord Dosan? If Lord Dosan is our master, so is Lord Yoshitatsu.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if he becomes an enemy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's despicable. Is it right for father and son to draw bows and shoot at each other? In this world, there are no examples even of birds and beasts doing such a dishonorable thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a lot of trouble. Why don't you just go home and leave us alone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't do that.\"\n\n\"Huh?\"\n\n\"I will not leave before Mitsuharu gets here.\"\n\nShichinai perceived for the first time a resolute strength in the voice of the young man in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He also saw serious intent in the spear Mitsuhide held at his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mitsuhide! Are you there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuharu rushed up gasping for breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Over here. What happened at the castle?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's no good.\" Mitsuharu, his shoulders heaving, grasped his cousin's hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Dosan will not hear of calling it off, no matter what. Not only he, but also my father, said this is not something that we, as dependents, should be involved in.\"\n\n\"Even my uncle?\"\n\n\"Yes, he was furious. I was willing to stake my life on it and did the best I could. It's a desperate situation. The troops seemed to be getting ready to leave Sagiyama. I was afraid the town might already be put to the torch, so I came as fast as I could. Mitsuhide, what are we going to do?\"\n\n\"Is Lord Dosan intent on burning down Inabayama, no matter what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's no way out. It seems that all we can do is our duty, and die in his service.\"\n\n\"I don't like it one bit! No matter if he is our lord and master, it would be too bad for a man to die in such an unworthy cause. It would be no better than a dog's death.\"\n\n\"Yes, but what can we do?\"\n\n\"If they don't fire the town, the Sagiyama forces are not likely to move. We must take care of the source of the fire before it gets started.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mitsuhide sounded like a different person." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned back to face Shichinai and the others, his spear at the ready." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shichinai and his men spread out into a circle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you think you're doing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shichinai barked at Mitsuhide." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pointing a spear at us? And a poor one, at that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's exactly what I'm doing.\" Mitsuhide's voice was firm. \"No one is leaving this place. But if you'll think this through, obey me and give up the idea of tonight's outrage, and if you'll go back to Hachisuka village, we'll spare your lives and I'll compensate you as best I can. What do you say?\"\n\n\"Do you seriously think we can leave now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a crisis. It could bring about the collapse of the entire Saito clan. I'm acting to prevent an incident that could bring down both Inabayama and Sagiyama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fool!\" a man yelled angrily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're still wet behind the ears. Do you think you can stop us? If you try, you'll be the first to be killed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was prepared to die from the first.\" Mitsuhide's eyebrows were arched like those of a demon. \"Mitsuharu!\" called Mitsuhide, without changing his stance. \"It's a fight to the death! Are you with me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course! Don't worry about me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuharu had already unsheathed his long sword, and stood back-to-back with Mitsuhide. Keeping alive a ray of hope, Mitsuhide made one more appeal to Shichinai. \"If you're concerned about losing face when you return to Hachisuka, how about taking me along as a hostage, as unworthy as I am? I'll go to Master Koroku and discuss the rights and wrongs of this affair with him. That way we can finish this business without spilling blood.\"\n\nPatient and reasonable though his words were, they were heard only as whining." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were more than twenty Hachisuka men arrayed against only two.\n\n\"Shut up! Don't listen to him! It's almost past the Hour of the Dog already!\"\n\nA couple of men let out war cries, and Mitsuhide and Mitsuharu were engulfed in the fangs of a wolfpack—halberds, spears, and swords on every side. The yelling of men and the clashing of weapons mingled with the roaring of the wind, and the scene was rapidly turned into the horrible maelstrom of war." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Swords broke and the pieces went flying. Spears chased fleeing sprays of blood. Hiyoshi thought it was too dangerous to be in the midst of this carnage, so he hurriedly climbed a tree. He had seen drawn swords before, but it was the first time he had been in a real battle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would Inabayama be transformed into a sea of flames?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Would there be a battle between Dosan and Yoshitatsu?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he understood that this was life or death, he became more excited than ever in his life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took only two or three dead bodies to prompt the Hachisuka men to flee into the woods.\n\nYa! They're running away! Hiyoshi thought, and just in case they came back, he prudently stayed put in his tree. It was probably a chestnut tree, because something pricked his hands and the back of his neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A scattering of nuts and twigs fell to the ground, for the tree was being shaken by the storm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He despised the men of Hachisuka as a bunch of loudmouthed cowards who had been routed by only two men. He listened hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's that?\" He became flustered. It was a rain of cinders like volcanic ash. He looked up through the branches." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men of Hachisuka had set their fires as they fled. Two or three parts of the woods were beginning to burn fiercely, and several of the buildings behind the Jozaiji had caught fire.\n\nHiyoshi jumped down from the tree and started to run. If he lost even a moment, he would be burned to death in the wood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In a daze, he ran to the burning town. The sky was filled with sparks of flame—birds of fire, butterflies of fire. The white walls of Inabayama Castle, now shining red, looked closer than during the day. Red clouds of war were swirling around them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's war!\" Hiyoshi yelled as he ran on through the streets. \"It's war! It's the end! Sagiyama and Inabayama will fall! But in the burnt ruins, the grass will grow again. This time the grass will grow straight!\"\n\nHe ran into people.\n\nA riderless horse galloped by." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At a crossroads, refugees clustered together, shuddering in terror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hiyoshi, carried away by the excitement, ran at full speed, screaming like a prophet of doom. Where to? He had no destination. He could not go back to Hachisuka village, that was for sure. In any event, he left without regret what he disliked most: a gloomy people, a dark lord, civil war, and a tainted culture, all within the rotting earth of a single province." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He spent the winter in his thin cotton clothes, selling needles under a cold sky, wandering wherever his feet took him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next year, the twenty-second year of Temmon, when the peach blossoms were everywhere, he was still calling out, \"Won't you buy needles? Needles from the capital! Sewing needles from the capital!\"\n\nHe approached the outskirts of Hamamatsu, walking along as carefree as ever." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going six sentences at a time, also im going for a Eiji Yoshikawa sorta thing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the evening Shohaku and his men brought their horses to a halt in front of the gate and brushed the dust off their clothes. Senior and junior retainers came out to meet them, and gave them an elaborate ceremonial welcome. There were lengthy words of greeting from the hosts, and no less respectful and eloquent a reply from Shohaku, a man of about thirty. Once the formalities were over, servants took charge of the packhorses and baggage, and the guests, led by Shohaku, entered the mansion compound.\n\nHiyoshi had enjoyed watching the elaborate show. Its formality made him realize how much the prestige of warriors had risen with the growing importance of military matters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lately the term \"martial arts\" was on everyone's lips, along with other new expressions like \"sword technique\" and \"spear technique.\" Martial artists like Kamiizumi of Ogo and Tsukahara of Hitachi were household names. The travels of some of these men were far more rigorous than the pilgrimages of wandering Buddhist monks. But men like Tsukahara were always accompanied by sixty or seventy followers. Their retainers carried hawks and traveled in grand style.\n\nThe number of Shohaku's party did not surprise Hiyoshi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But since they were going to be there for six months, he suspected rightly that he was going to be ordered around until his head spun. No more than four or five days had passed before he was being worked as hard as one of their own servants.\n\n\"Hey, Monkey! My underwear is dirty. Wash it.\"\n\n\"Lord Matsushita's monkey! Go and buy me some ointment.\"\n\nThe summer nights were short, and the extra work cut into his sleeping time, so at noon one day he was fast asleep in the shade of a paulownia tree. He was leaning against the trunk, his head dangling to one side and his arms folded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the parched earth, the only thing that moved was a procession of ants." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A couple of young samurai, who disliked him, walked past carrying practice spears.\n\n\"Well, look here. It's Monkey.\"\n\n\"Having a good sleep, isn't he?\"\n\n\"He's just a lazy good-for-nothing. How come he's the master and mistress's pet? They wouldn't like it if they saw him like this.\"\n\n\"Wake him up. Let's teach him a lesson.\"\n\n\"What do you have in mind?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't Monkey the only one who hasn't once gone to martial-arts practice?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's probably because he knows he's not well liked. He's afraid of getting hit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not right. It's the duty of all the servants of a warrior house to train hard in the martial arts. That's what it says in the household regulations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't have to tell me. Tell Monkey.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I say we wake him up and take him to the practice field.\"\n\n\"Yeah, that'd be interesting.\"\n\nOne of the men struck Hiyoshi's shoulder with the point of his spear.\n\n\"Hey, wake up!\"\n\nHiyoshi's eyes stayed shut.\n\n\"Wake up!\" The man lifted Hiyoshi's feet with his spear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi slipped down the tree trunk and awoke with a start." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing?\" he asked.\n\n\"What do you think you're doing, snoring away in the garden in broad daylight?\"\n\n\"Me, sleeping?\"\n\n\"Well, weren't you?\"\n\n\"Maybe I fell asleep without meaning to. I'm awake now though.\"\n\n\"Impertinent little ass! I've heard that you haven't spent one single day at martial-arts practice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's because I'm no good.\"\n\n\"If you never practice, how do you know? Even though you're a servant, the household regulations say you have to practice the martial arts. From today on, we'll see that you practice.\"\n\n\"No, thanks.\"\n\n\"Are you refusing to obey the household regulations?\"\n\n\"No, but—\"\n\n\"Come on, let's go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Allowing no further protest, they dragged Hiyoshi forcibly to the field in front of the storehouse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were going to teach him a lesson for disobeying the household regulations.\n\nUnder the burning sky, the visiting martial artists and the Matsushita retainers were training hard.\n\nThe young samurai who had brought Hiyoshi urged him forward with hard blows to the back.\n\n\"Get yourself a wooden sword or spear and fight!\"\n\nHiyoshi tottered forward, barely able to stand, but he did not pick up a weapon.\n\n\"What are you waiting for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One man gave him a sharp rap on the chest with his spear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're going to give you some practice, so get a weapon!\" Hiyoshi staggered forward again but still would not fight. He just chewed his lip obstinately.\n\nTwo of Shohaku's men, Jingo Gorokuro and Sakaki Ichinojo, were having a trial of strength with real spears in response to a request from the Matsushita men. Gorokuro, who wore a headband, was spearing two-hundred-pound rice bags and flinging them in the air in a show of apparently superhuman strength.\n\n\"With that kind of skill, it must be easy to fly at a man on the battlefield. His strength is astonishing!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "said one of the spectators." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gorokuro corrected him. \"If you men think this is a technique of strength, you're badly mistaken. If you put strength into this technique, the shaft of the spear will break and your arms will quickly get tired.\" He put his spear aside and explained, \"The principles of the sword and the spear are the same. The secret of all the martial arts is in the ch'i, the subtle energy of the tan t'ien, the area two inches below the navel. This is strength without strength. One must have the mental power to transcend the need for strength and regulate the flow of ch'i.\" He lectured with enthusiasm and at length.\n\nDeeply impressed, his audience listened attentively, until they were disturbed by a noise behind them.\n\n\"You obstinate monkey!\" The young samurai swung the handle of his spear, hitting Hiyoshi in the hip.\n\n\"Ow!\" yelled Hiyoshi in a tearful voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blow had obviously hurt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He screwed up his face and doubled over, rubbing his hip. The group broke up and re-formed around Hiyoshi.\n\n\"Lazy good-for-nothing!\" yelled the man who had struck Hiyoshi. \"He says he's no good and doesn't want to come to practice.\"\n\nHiyoshi found himself the center of a grumbling crowd, accused of being unrepentant and insolent.\n\n\"Well, well,\" said Shohaku, coming forward and calming them down. \"Judging from appearances, he's still just a suckling, at an age when impertinence blooms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flouting the household regulations while in the employ of a warrior house and having no taste for the martial arts is this fellow's misfortune. I'll do the questioning. The rest of you be quiet.\n\n\"Young man,\" he said to Hiyoshi.\n\n\"Yes.\" Hiyoshi looked straight at Shohaku as he answered. But his tone of voice had changed, for the look in his questioner's eyes said that Shohaku was the kind of man to whom he could speak freely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems you dislike the martial arts, even though you're employed in a warrior house. Is this true?\"\n\n\"No.\" Hiyoshi shook his head.\n\n\"Then why, when these retainers kindly offer to drill you in the martial arts, do you not take them up on it?\"\n\n\"Yes, well, there's a reason for that. If I were to discipline myself in the way of the spear or sword and became an expert, it would probably take up my entire life.\"\n\n\"Yes, you must have that kind of spirit.\"\n\n\"It isn't that I dislike either spear or sword, but when I consider that I won't be able to live more than one normal lifespan, I think it's probably enough to know only the spirit of these things. The reason is that there are so many other things that I would like to study and do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What would you like to study?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Learning.\"\n\n\"What would you like to learn?\"\n\n\"About the whole world.\"\n\n\"What are the things you'd like to do?\"\n\nHiyoshi smiled. \"That I won't say.\"\n\n\"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to do things, but unless I do them, talking about them will only sound like boasting. And if I talked about them out loud, you'd all just laugh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shohaku stared at Hiyoshi, thinking how unusual he was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think I understand a little of what you say, but you're mistaken about the martial arts being the practice of small techniques.\"\n\n\"What are they, then?\"\n\n\"According to one school of thought, when a person has learned a single skill, he will have mastered all the arts. The martial arts are not simply techniques—they are of the mind. If one cultivates the mind deeply, one is able to penetrate everything, including the arts of learning and government, see the world for what it is, and judge people.\"\n\n\"But I'll bet the people here consider striking and piercing their opponents as the best art of all. That should be useful for a foot soldier or the ordinary rank and file, but would it be essential for a great general who—\"\n\n\"Watch your mouth!\" scolded one of the samurai, landing a solid punch on Hiyoshi's cheek.\n\n\"Ow!\" Hiyoshi put both hands over his mouth as though his jaw had been broken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These insulting remarks cannot be ignored. This is getting to be a habit. Master Shohaku, please withdraw. We'll take care of this.\"\n\nThe resentment was widespread. Almost all those who had heard Hiyoshi had something to say.\n\n\"He insulted us!\"\n\n\"It's the same as mocking the household regulations!\"\n\n\"Inexcusable ass!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cut him down! The master won't blame us for it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In their anger, it seemed they might carry out their threat, dragging him into the thicket and cutting his head off there and then. It was difficult for Shohaku to stop them. It took all his strength to calm them down and save Hiyoshi's life.\n\nThat evening, Nohachiro came to the servants' quarters and called softly to Hiyoshi, who was sitting all alone in a corner, making a face as though he had a toothache.\n\n\"Yes. What is it?\" His face was badly swollen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does it hurt?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not much,\" he lied. He pressed the damp towel to his face.\n\n\"The master has asked for you. Go through the rear garden so that you won't be seen.\"\n\n\"Huh? The master? Well, I suppose he's heard about what happened today.\"\n\n\"The disrespectful things you said were bound to reach his ears. And Master Hitta came to see him a little while ago, so he must have. He may carry out the execution himself.\"\n\n\"Do you think so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's an iron rule of the Matsushita clan that servants should not be slack in their practice of the martial arts, day or night. When the master has to make a special effort to uphold the dignity of the household regulations, you should consider your head already lost.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, then, I'll run away from here. I don't want to die over something like this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're talking nonsense!\" He grabbed Hiyoshi's wrists. \"If you ran away, I'd have to commit seppuku. I've been ordered to bring you along.\"\n\n\"I can't even run away?\" Hiyoshi asked artlessly.\n\n\"Your mouth is really too much. Think a little bit before you open it. Hearing what you said today, even I thought you nothing but a boastful monkey.\"\n\nNohachiro made Hiyoshi walk ahead of him, and he kept a firm grip on the hilt of the sword. White gnats swarmed in the gathering darkness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The light from lamps inside spilled out onto the veranda of the library, which had just been sprinkled with water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've brought Monkey.\" Nohachiro knelt as he spoke.\n\nKahei appeared on the veranda. \"He's here, is he?\"\n\nHearing the voice above his head, Hiyoshi bowed so low that his forehead touched the garden moss.\n\n\"Monkey.\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It seems that a new type of armor is being made in Owari. It's called domaru. Go buy a set. It's your home province, so I presume you'll have no trouble moving around freely.\"\n\n\"My lord?\"\n\n\"Leave tonight.\"\n\n\"Where to?\"\n\n\"To where you can buy domaru armor.\" Kahei took some money from a box, wrapped it, and tossed it in front of Hiyoshi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi looked back and forth between Kahei and the money." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes filled with tears that rolled off his cheeks and onto the backs of his hands.\n\n\"It would be best if you left without delay, but you don't have to be in a hurry to bring back the armor. Even if it takes several years, find me the best possible set.\" Then he said to Nohachiro, \"Let him out by the rear gate quietly, and before the night is over.\"\n\nWhat an abrupt turnabout! Hiyoshi felt a chill creep over him. Here he had expected to be killed for running afoul of the household regulations, and now... the chill came from his reaction to Kahei's sympathy—his sense of gratitude—and it penetrated to the very marrow of his bones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you very much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While Kahei had not spelled out what he had in mind, Hiyoshi already understood.\n\nHis quickness bewilders the people around him, Kahei thought. It's only natural that this breeds resentment and jealousy. He smiled bitterly and asked aloud, \"Why are you thanking me?\"\n\n\"For letting me go.\"\n\n\"That's right. But, Monkey...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, my lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you don't hide that intelligence of yours, you'll never succeed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\"\n\n\"If you knew, why did you speak abusively like today, making everybody angry?\"\n\n\"I'm inexperienced... I hit my head with my own fist after I said it.\"\n\n\"I'm not going to say any more. Because your intelligence is valuable, I'm going to help you. I can tell you now that those who resented you and were jealous of you accused you of theft on the slightest pretext. If a pin was lost, or a dirk or a pillbox was misplaced, they'd point their fingers at you and say, 'It was Monkey' There was no end to their spiteful talk. You easily provoke the resentment of others. You should understand that about yourself.\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\n\"There was no reason for me to help you today. My retainers' point was well taken. As I was informed about this matter in private by Master Shohaku, it's as if I hadn't heard about it yet and were sending you off on a mission. Do you understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand very well. I have engraved it on my heart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hiyoshi's nose was stopped up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bowed to Kahei again and again.\n\nThat night he left the Matsushita house.\n\nTurning to look back, he vowed, I won't forget. I won't forget.\n\nWrapped up in this man's great kindness, Hiyoshi wondered how he could best repay him. Only one who was always surrounded by brutality and ridicule could feel another's sympathy so intensely.\n\nSomeday... someday. Whenever impressed by something or overwhelmed by events, he repeated this word like a pilgrim's prayer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once again he was wandering like a homeless dog, without aim and without work." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Tenryu was in flood, and when he was far away from human habitation, he felt like crying out at his loneliness, at the unknown fate that awaited him. Neither the universe nor the stars nor the waters could give him any kind of sign." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you use whatever I write as a jumping off point? Also, stick to these genres: historical fiction, and try to work in these themes: samurai, Japan." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga turned twenty-one in the first year of Koji. In May he found a pretext to make war on Oda Hikogoro, the nominal head of the Oda clan. He attacked his castle in Kiyosu and, after taking it, moved there from Nagoya.\n\nTokichiro observed his master's progress with satisfaction. The isolated Nobunaga was surrounded by hostile kinsmen—uncles and brothers among them—and the task of clearing them from his path was far more pressing than dealing with other enemies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has to be watched,\" Hikogoro had warned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Putting pressure on him wherever he could, he planned Nobunaga's destruction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The governor of Kiyosu Castle, Shiba Yoshimune, and his son, Yoshikane, were supporters of Nobunaga. When Higokoro discovered this, he exclaimed angrily, \"What a lesson in ingratitude!\" and he ordered the governor's execution. Yoshikane fled to Nobunaga, who hid him in Nagoya Castle. On that same day Nobunaga led his troops in an attack on Kiyosu Castle, rallying his men with the battle cry, \"To avenge the Provincial Governor!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "To attack the head of the clan, Nobunaga had to have right on his side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was also an opportunity to clear away some of the obstacles in his path. He put his uncle, Nobu-mitsu, in charge of Nagoya Castle, but he soon fell victim to an assassin.\n\n\"You go, Sado. You're the only one who can govern Nagoya Castle in my place.\" When Hayashi Sado took up his appointment, some of Nobunaga's retainers sighed, \"He's a fool after all. Just when you think he's shown a spark of talent, he goes and does something stupid, like trusting Hayashi!\"\n\nThere was good cause to be suspicious of Hayashi Sado." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While Nobunaga's father lived, there had been no more loyal retainer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for that reason, Nobuhide had appointed him and Hirate Nakatsukasa as his son's guardians after his death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But because Nobunaga had shown himself to be spoiled and unmanageable, Hayashi had given up on him. Thus he conspired with Nobunaga's younger brother, Nobuyuki, and his mother, in Suemori Castle, to overthrow Nobunaga.\n\n\"Lord Nobunaga must not know of Hayashi's treason,\" Tokichiro overheard troubled retainers whisper on more than one occasion. \"If he did, he wouldn't have made him governor of Nagoya.\" But Tokichiro himself had no worries for his master." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He asked himself how his master would deal with the problem. It seemed that the only ones with happy faces at Kiyosu were Nobunaga and one of his young sandal bearers.\n\nOne group among Nobunaga's senior retainers, including Hayashi Sado, his younger brother Mimasaka, and Shibata Katsuie, continued to see their lord as a hopeless fool.\n\n\"I'll admit the way Lord Nobunaga handled his first meeting with his father-in-law was different from his usual vacuous behavior. But that's what I call fool's luck. And during their formal interview, he behaved so disgracefully and shamelessly that even his father-in-law was appalled. As the saying goes, 'There's no cure for fools.' And there's no excusing his later conduct, no matter how you look at it.\" Shibata Katsuie and the others had convinced themselves that there was no hope for the future, and their views gradually became public knowledge. When Hayashi Sado became governor of Nagoya, he was often visited by Shibata Katsuie, and the castle soon became the seedbed of a treasonous plot." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative storytelling\nMy role: Provide a brief opening\nYour role: Expand upon my opening with two sentences, emulating the writing style of Eiji Yoshikawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nazuka Castle was a vital point in Nobunaga's defenses, held by one of his kinsmen, Sakuma Daigaku." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a day in early fall, before dawn, when the men in the castle were awakened by the unexpected arrival of soldiers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They jumped up. Was it the enemy? No, the men were their allies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the mist, a scout yelled out from the watchtower, \"The men of Nagoya are in revolt! Shibata Katsuie has a thousand men, Hayashi Mimasaka over seven hundred!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nazuka Castle was shorthanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Riders rode into the mist to report to Kiyosu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga was still asleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he heard the news, he quickly put on his armor, grabbed a spear, and ran out without a single attendant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then, ahead of Nobunaga stood a single ordinary soldier waiting with a horse by the Karabashi Gate.\n\n\"Your horse, my lord,\" he said, offering the reins to Nobunaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga's face wore an unusual expression, as though he were surprised that someone had been faster than he." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are you?\" he asked.\n\nRemoving his helmet, the soldier was about to kneel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga was already in the saddle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's not necessary. Who are you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your sandal bearer, Tokichiro.\"\n\n\"Monkey?\" Nobunaga was amazed again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why was his sandal bearer, whose duties were in the garden, the first to appear ready for battle?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His equipment was simple, but he did have a breastplate, shin guards, and a helmet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga was delighted by Tokichiro's fighting figure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you ready to fight?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Give me the word to follow you, my lord.\"\n\n\"Good! Come along!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga and Tokichiro had gone two or three hundred yards through the thinning morning mist when they heard the roar of twenty, thirty, then fifty mounted men, followed by four or five hundred foot soldiers, turning the mist black. The men at Nazuka had fought desperately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga, a single horseman, dashed into the enemy ranks.\n\n\"Who dares raise his hand against me? Here I am, Sado, Mimasaka, Katsuie! How many men do you have? Why did you rebel against me? Come out and fight, man to man!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The booming of his angry voice silenced the war cries of the rebels. \"Traitors! I've come to punish you! Running away is disloyal too!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mimasaka was so frightened that he fled. Nobunaga's voice pursued him like thunder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even for these men, on whom Mimasaka counted, Nobunaga was their natural lord. When Nobunaga in person rode among them and spoke to them, they were incapable of turning their spears against him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait! Traitor!\" Nobunaga caught up with the fleeing Mimasaka and ran him through with his spear. Shaking off the blood, he turned to Mimasaka's men and proclaimed, \"Even though he struck at his lord, he will never become the ruler of a province. Rather than be the tools of traitors and leave a dishonored name to your children's children, apologize now! Repent!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he heard that the left flank of the rebel forces had collapsed and that Mimasaka was dead, Katsuie sought refuge with Nobunaga's mother and brother in Suemori Castle.\n\nNobunaga's mother cried and trembled when she heard of the defeat of their army; Nobuyuki shuddered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Katsuie, the defeated general of the rebel forces, said, \"It would be best if I renounced the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shaved his head, took off his armor, and put on the robes of a Buddhist priest. The next day, in the company of Hayashi Sado, and Nobuyuki and his mother, he went to Kiyosu to beg forgiveness for his crimes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga's mother's apology was especially effective." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rehearsed by Sado and Katsuie, she begged him to spare the three men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Contrary to their expectations, Nobunaga was not angry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I forgive them,\" he said simply to his mother, and turning to Katsuie, whose back was soaked with sweat, he continued, \"Priest, why have you shaved your head? What a confused wretch you are!\" He gave a forced smile and then spoke sharply to Hayashi Sado." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You too. This is unbecoming for a man of your age. After Hirate Nakatsukasa died, I relied on you as my righthand man. I regret causing Nakatsukasa's death.\" Tears came to Nobunaga's eyes and he was silent for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, no. It was because of my unworthiness that Nakatsukasa committed suicide and you turned traitor. From now on, I am going to reflect on things more deeply. And you will serve me, giving me your hearts fully. Otherwise there is no point in being a warrior. Should a samurai follow one lord or be a masterless ronin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hayashi Sado's eyes were opened. He saw what Nobunaga was really like, and finally understood his natural genius." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He firmly pledged his loyalty and withdrew without lifting his head.\n\nBut it seemed as though Nobunaga's own brother did not understand this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobuyuki had rather a low opinion of Nobunaga's magnanimity and thought, My violent older brother can't do anything to me because my mother's here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blind, and protected by a mother's love, Nobuyuki continued his plotting. Nobunaga deplored this, thinking, I would gladly overlook Nobuyuki's behavior." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But because of him, many of my retainers may rebel and err in their duty as samurai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although he is my brother, he must die for the good of the clan. Finding a pretext, Nobunaga arrested Nobuyuki and ran him through." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobody considered Nobunaga a fool any longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the contrary, everyone crouched in fear of his intelligence and the keenness of his eye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The medicine was a little too effective,\" Nobunaga occasionally remarked with a sardonic grin. But Nobunaga had made his preparations." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had not been his intention to play the fool to deceive his retainers and relatives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With the death of his father, it had become his responsibility to defend the province from enemies on all sides. He had adopted this camouflage for safety's sake, even to the point of appearing to be a fool." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had convinced his relatives and retainers in order to deceive his enemies and their many spies. But all the while, Nobunaga studied human nature and the inner workings of society. Because he was still young, if he had shown himself to be an able ruler, his enemies would have taken countermeasures." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "STORY CONTINUATION PROTOCOL:\nSENTENCES=2 sentences\nGENRES=historical fiction\nTAGS=samurai, Japan\nEXECUTE" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few days later, Tokichiro dropped in on Mataemon's house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Regarding what we talked about the other day,\" Tokichiro said formally. \"I met with Master Inuchiyo and carefully explained your distress to him. He said that if your daughter had no intention of becoming his wife, and if there was already a promise between the two of us, there was really nothing to be done. He seemed to be resigned to the situation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Tokichiro told his story matter-of-factly, Mataemon's face showed that he didn't know quite what to make of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokichiro continued, \"Which is to say that Master Inuchiyo did have some regrets, so it would be unacceptable to him if she were given in marriage to anyone else. If she and I were engaged to be married, he would be disappointed but would resign himself. He would take it like a man and congratulate me. Still, he would be highly displeased if you were to give Nene to someone else.\"\n\n\"Hold on, Kinoshita. If I heard you right, Master Inuchiyo says it's all right if Nene marries you, but no one else?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's correct.\"\n\n\"Incredible! Who told you that you could marry Nene? And when?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No one, I'm ashamed to say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is this? Did you think that I asked you to lie to Master Inuchiyo?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But what kind of nonsense have you told Master Inuchiyo? And to say that you and Nene are engaged is nothing more than a joke. This is outrageous!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mataemon, who was ordinarily a gentle man, was getting upset." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because it was you who came up with this, people will think that it's probably a joke. But even as a joke, it's terribly embarrassing for an unmarried girl. Do you find it funny?\"\n\n\"Of course not.\" Tokichiro hung his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm the one who made this mistake. I never meant for it to come to this. I'm sorry.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mataemon looked disgusted. \"I don't want you saying how sorry you are. It was my mistake, opening up to someone I thought had a little more common sense.\"\n\n\"Really, I—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, go home. What are you waiting for? Having said what you have, you're no longer welcome in this house.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, I'll be discreet until the day the wedding is announced.\"\n\n\"Fool!\" Mataemon's store of geniality was finally exhausted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He yelled at Tokichiro, \"Do you think that someone is going to give Nene to a man like you? She wouldn't give her consent even if I ordered her to.\"\n\n\"Well, that's the issue, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"There's nothing as mysterious as love. Nene probably conceals it in her heart that she won't have anyone else for a husband but me. It's rude of me to say so, but I haven't proposed to you; I've proposed to your daughter. Nene is the one who is hoping that I'd ask her to become my wife.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mataemon looked at him dumbstruck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This had to be the pushiest man he had ever met! No matter what kind of man he was, maybe Tokichiro would go home if he made a sour face and remained silent and sullen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Tokichiro sat there without a hint of getting up to leave.\n\nTo make matters worse, Tokichiro spoke up coolly, \"I'm not lying. I'd like you to ask Nene once what is really in her heart.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mataemon had had enough. Turning around as though he was unable to take any more, he yelled out to his wife in the next room, \"Okoi! Okoi!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Okoi looked anxiously at her husband through the open doorway but didn't get up. \"Why don't you call Nene?\" he asked her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she tried to calm him down, Mataemon yelled past his wife: \"Nene! Nene!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nene, afraid that something had happened, came and knelt behind her mother.\n\n\"Come here!\" Mataemon said severely, \"Surely, you have not made some promise to Master Kinoshita here without your parents' consent.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This came as an unmistakable shock for Nene." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wide-eyed, she looked back and forth at her father and Tokichiro, who was sitting with his head hung low.\n\n\"Well, Nene? Our family honor is at stake. It's also for the sake of your own honor when you do get married. You had better speak up clearly. Surely nothing like that has happened.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nene was silent for a moment, but finally she spoke clearly and modestly: \"It has not, Father.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing, right?\" With a look of victory combined with a sigh of relief, Mataemon stuck out his chest.\n\n\"But, Father—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's something I'd like to say while Mother is here, too.\"\n\n\"Go ahead.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have a request. If Master Kinoshita will have an unworthy person like myself as his wife, please give your consent.\"\n\n\"Wha-what?\" Mataemon stuttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you lost your senses?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One doesn't speak lightly of such an important subject. I feel very embarrassed to speak of such things, even to my parents, but this is so important for all of us that I must speak about it openly.\"\n\nMataemon let out a groan and stared openmouthed at his daughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Extraordinary! Tokichiro silently praised Nene's splendid speech, and his entire body thrilled with excitement. But more than this, he could not understand why this carefree, unaffected girl had given him her confidence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was evening. Tokichiro was walking along absentmindedly. Having left Mataemon's house, he was on his way to his own home in the paulownia grove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If her parents would give their permission, she would like to become Master Kinoshita's wife, Nene had said. Even though he was putting one foot in front of another, he was so wrapped up in his happiness that he was barely conscious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nene had spoken seriously, but he still had some doubts. Does she really love me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she loves me that much, why didn't she tell me sooner? he wondered. He had secretly sent her letters and gifts, but until now Nene had not sent him a single answer that might be interpreted as favorable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From this he had naturally thought that Nene did not like him. And what about the way he had dealt with Inuchiyo and Mataemon?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was just being his normal pushy self. Win or lose, he had persisted in his own hopes without asking himself what Nene really felt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He should marry her. He had to marry her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nevertheless, for her to say in front of her father and mother that she wanted to marry him—and when he himself was present—required a great deal of courage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her admission astonished Tokichiro more than it surprised her father.\n\nUntil Tokichiro left, Mataemon had sat with a sour and disappointed look on his face, without consenting to his daughter's request." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather, he had sat silently sighing, confused, pitying and disdaining his daughter's frame of mind, saying, \"There's no accounting for taste.\"\n\nTokichiro was also uneasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll come back another day and ask again,\" he had said as he prepared to leave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mataemon replied, \"I'll try to think about it. I'll think about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which was an implicit refusal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Tokichiro found some hope in these words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until then, he had not understood Nene's feelings at all. But if Nene's heart was set, he was confident that he would be able to change Mataemon's mind somehow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll think about it\" was not an outright no." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Tokichiro felt that he had already made Nene his wife.\n\nTokichiro was still lost in thought as he entered his house and sat down in the main room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was thinking about his own self-confidence, Nene's feelings, and the right time for their marriage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's a letter for you from Nakamura.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as Tokichiro had sat down, the servant put the letter and a package of millet flour in front of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A feeling of homesickness told him that the letter was from his mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are no words to express our gratitude for the gifts you always send: the dumplings and the clothes for Otsumi. We only have tears to thank you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had written to her several times, telling her about his house, and asking her to come and live with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although his stipend of thirty kan would not allow him to discharge his filial duties fully, she would not lack food or clothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He also had several servants, so that her hands, which had become rough from years of work on the soil, would not have to scrub and clean again. He would also find a husband for Otsumi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he would buy some good sake for his stepfather." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He himself enjoyed a drink, and nothing would please him more than if the whole family could live together, talking about their former poverty over their evening meal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Onaka's letter went on:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although we would be happy to live with you, I am sure that this would get in the way of your work. Certainly, your mother understands that a samurai's duty is to be ready to die at any time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is still too early to think of my happiness. When I think about former times and your present position, I thank the gods, the Buddhas, and His Lordship for their favors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do not worry about me. Rather, work harder. There is nothing that will make your mother happier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have not forgotten what you said at the gate that frosty night, and think of it often." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tokichiro cried and read the letter over and over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The master of the house was not supposed to let his servants see him cry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Moreover, it was the upbringing of a samurai not to let anyone see his tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Tokichiro was not like that. And there were so many tears that the servant felt awkward and fidgety." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah, I was wrong. What she said is perfectly correct. My mother is so smart. It's still not the time to think about myself and my family,\" he said aloud to himself as he folded the letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His tears would not stop, and he rubbed his eyes with his sleeve like a small child.\n\nThat's right! he realized." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There haven't been any wars here for a while, but there's no telling when war might erupt in a castle town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The people who live in Nakamura are safe. No, she's saying that that kind of selfish thinking is wrong to begin with." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Service to one's lord should come first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Raising the letter to his forehead reverently, Tokichiro addressed his mother as though she were in the room with him, \"No, I understand what you've said, and I'll abide by it absolutely. When my position is secure, and I have the confidence of my lord and others, I'll visit you again, so please come to live with me then.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He then took the package of millet flour and gave it to the servant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Take this to the kitchen. What are you looking at? Is there something strange about crying when you're supposed to? This is millet flour my mother ground at night with her own hands. Give it to the maidservant. Tell her not to waste it, but to make it into dumplings for me from time to time. I've liked them since I was a child. I guess my mother remembered that.\"\n\nHe completely forgot about Nene, and continued thinking about his mother while he ate his solitary evening meal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What does Mother eat? Even if I sent her money, she'd use it to buy sweets for her child or sake for her husband and eat unseasoned vegetables herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If my mother does not live a long life, I don't know how I'll carry on.\n\nWhen he went to bed, he was still lost in thought." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can I get married before my mother comes to live with me? It's too soon, much too soon. It would be better to marry Nene later." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Format:\nCo-author\nAmount:1 sentence\nVoice:Eiji Yoshikawa\nConcepts:samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The people of Suruga Province did not call their capital Sumpu; to them it was simply the Place of Government, and its castle was the Palace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The citizens, from Yoshimoto and the members of the Imagawa clan down to the townsfolk, believed that Sumpu was the capital of the greatest province along the eastern seaboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The city was imbued with an aristocratic air, and even commoners followed the fashions of imperial Kyoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Compared to Kiyosu, Sumpu was another world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The atmosphere of its streets and the manners of its citizens, even the speed at which the people walked, and the way they looked at one another and talked; the citizens of Sumpu were relaxed and confident." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One could tell their rank from the opulence of their clothes, and when they went out, they held fans over their mouths." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The arts of music, dance, and poetry flourished." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The serenity visible on every face hearkened back to some halcyon spring of ancient times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sumpu was blessed. If the weather was fine, one could see Mount Fuji; if misty, the peaceful waves of the sea were visible beyond the pine grove of Kiyomidera Temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Imagawa soldiers were strong, and Mikawa, the domain of the Tokugawa clan, was little more than a subordinate province." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My veins run with the blood of the Tokugawa, and yet I am here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My retainers in Okazaki somehow maintain my castle; the province of Mikawa continues to exist, but its lord and its retainers are separated... Tokugawa Ieyasu meditated on these things day and night, but he could never speak of them openly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pitied his retainers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But when he reflected on his own situation, he was thankful to be alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu was only seventeen, but he was already a father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two years before, after his coming-of-age ceremony, Imagawa Yoshimoto had arranged his marriage to the daughter of one of his own kinsmen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu's son had been born the previous spring, so he was not yet six months old, and he often heard the baby's cries from the room in which he had set up his desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His wife had not fully recovered from the birth and was still in the delivery room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When this seventeen-year-old father heard his baby son crying, he was listening to his own flesh and blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he rarely went to see his family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did not understand the feelings of tenderness toward children that other people talked about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he searched his own heart for this emotion, he found it not just diminished, but totally lacking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knowing that he was this kind of man and father, he felt sorry for his wife and child." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Every time he felt this way, however, his compassion was not for his own family, but rather for his impoverished, humiliated retainers in Okazaki." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he forced himself to think about his child, he was always sad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Soon he will set out on a journey through this bitter life and suffer the same privations I have." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At the age of five, Ieyasu had been sent as a hostage to the Oda clan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he looked back over the trials he had suffered, he could not help but sympathize with his newborn son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sorrow and tragedy of human life were certain to be his, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right now, however, on the surface, people saw that he and his family lived in a mansion no less splendid than those of the Imagawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What was that? Ieyasu went out onto the veranda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone outside had pulled on the vines that grew from the trees in the garden and wound up the mud walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Recoiling from the torn vines, the twigs trembled faintly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who is it?\" Ieyasu called out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If it was a mischief-maker, the man would probably run away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could hear no footsteps, however." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Putting on a pair of sandals, he went out through the back gate in the mud wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A man had prostrated himself as though waiting for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A large wicker basket and staff lay by the man's side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jinshichi?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's been a long time, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four years before, when he had finally received Yoshimoto's permission, Ieyasu had returned to Okazaki to visit his family graves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Along the way one of his retainers, Udono Jinshichi, had disappeared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu was moved to pity when he saw the basket and staff and the changed figure of Jinshichi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've become an itinerant priest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, it's a convenient disguise for traveling around the country.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When did you get here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just now. I wanted to see you in secret before setting off again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's been four years, hasn't it? I've received your detailed reports, but not having heard from you after you went to Mino, I feared the worse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I ran into the civil war in Mino, and security at the border checkpoints and relay stations was tight for a while.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were in Mino? It must have been a good time to be there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I stayed in Inabayama for a year during the civil war. As you know, Saito Dosan's castle was destroyed, and Yoshitatsu is now lord of all Mino. When the situation had settled down, I moved on to Kyoto and Echizen, passed through the northern provinces, and went on to Owari.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you go to Kiyosu?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I spent some time there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me about it. Even though I am in Sumpu, I can guess what will happen to Mino, but the Oda clan's situation isn't very easily surmised.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shall I write a report and bring it to you this evening?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, not in writing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu turned to the rear entrance of the mud wall, but he seemed to be having second thoughts about something." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jinshichi was his eyes and ears to the outside world." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the time he was five, Ieyasu had lived first with the Oda and then with the Imagawa, a wandering exile in enemy provinces." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Living as a hostage, he had never known freedom, and this had not changed even now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The eyes, ears, and mind of a hostage are closed, and if he himself made no effort, there was no one to scold or to encourage him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In spite of this, or perhaps because of the restraint that had been imposed on him since childhood, Ieyasu had become extremely ambitious." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Four years before, he had sent Jinshichi to the other provinces so that he would be able to know what was going on—an early sign of Ieyasu's burgeoning ambition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll be seen here, and if we talk in the mansion, my retainers will be suspicious. Let's go over there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu walked away from the mansion with long strides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu's residence was in one of the quietest quarters of Sumpu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Walking a little way from the mud wall, they came to the bank of the Abe River." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Ieyasu was a child still carried on the backs of his retainers, it was to the Abe River that he was taken when he said that he wanted to go outside to play." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The water in the river seemed to flow on eternally, and the riverbank never seemed to change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It brought back memories for Ieyasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jinshichi, untie the boat,\" Ieyasu said as he quickly stepped into the small fishing boat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Jinshichi got into the boat with him and pushed on the pole, the boat floated away from the shallows like a bamboo leaf in the current." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Master and retainer talked, knowing that they were hidden from the eyes of others for the first time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the space of an hour, Ieyasu absorbed the information that Jinshichi had collected by traveling around for four years." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yet, more than what he had learned from Jinshichi, there was some distant, great thing hidden in Ieyasu's heart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If the Oda haven't attacked other provinces so much in the past few years—unlike in Nobuhide's time—it must be to put their house in order,\" Ieyasu said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It didn't matter whether the people against him were relatives or retainers, Nobunaga resigned himself completely to the task. He struck down the people he had to strike down and ran off the people he had to run off. He's nearly swept Kiyosu clean of them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Imagawa laughed at Nobunaga for a time, and it was rumored that he was just a spoiled, stupid brat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is nothing of the fool about him,\" Jinshichi said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've long thought that it was only malicious gossip. But when Lord Yoshimoto speaks of Nobunaga, he believes the gossip and doesn't see him as a threat at all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The martial spirit of the men of Owari is completely different from what it was a few years ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who are his good retainers?\" Ieyasu asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hirate Nakatsukasa is dead, but he has a number of able men like Shibata Katsuie, Hayashi Sado, Ikeda Shonyu, Sakuma Daigaku, and Mori Yoshinari. Just recently he's been joined by an extraordinary man by the name of Kinoshita Tokichiro. He's very low-ranking, but for some reason his name is often on the lips of the townspeople.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do the people feel about Nobunaga?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's the most extraordinary thing. It's common for the ruler of a province to devote himself to governing his people. And people obey their masters as a rule. But in Owari, it's different.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In what way?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jinshichi thought about this for a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How can I put it? He doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, but as long as Nobunaga's there, the people are confident of the future—and while they know that Owari is a small, poor province with a penniless lord, the strange thing is that, like the people of a powerful province, they are not afraid of war or worried about their future.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hm. I wonder why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe because of Nobunaga himself. He tells them what is going on today and what will happen tomorrow, and he sets the goals toward which they all work.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Deep down, without really meaning to, Jinshichi was comparing the twenty-five-year-old Nobunaga with the seventeen-year-old Ieyasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In some ways, Ieyasu was far more mature than Nobunaga—there was nothing of the child in him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both men had grown up under difficult circumstances, but there was really no comparison between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu had been handed over to enemies at the age of five, and the cruelty of the world had chilled him to the very marrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The little boat carried Jinshichi and Ieyasu down the center of the river, the time passing during their secret conversation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When their talk was over, Jinshichi guided them back to the bank." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jinshichi quickly shouldered his basket and took up his staff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bidding Ieyasu farewell, he said, \"I will pass on your words to your retainers. Is there anything else, my lord?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu stood on the bank, immediately anxious about being seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's nothing more. Go quickly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Motioning Jinshichi off with a nod, he suddenly said, \"Tell them that I am well—I haven't been sick once.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he walked back to his mansion alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His wife's attendants were looking for him everywhere, and when they saw him coming back from the riverbank, one of them said, \"Her ladyship is waiting anxiously, and sent us to look for you several times. She's extremely worried about you, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, is that so?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu said. \"Calm her down and tell her I'm coming right away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he went to his own room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he sat down, he found another retainer, Sakakibara Heishichi, waiting for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you take a walk to the riverbank?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes... just to kill time. What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There was a messenger.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"From whom?\" Without answering, Heishichi handed him a letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was from Sessai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before cutting open the envelope, Ieyasu raised it reverently to his forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sessai was a monk of the Zen sect who acted as a military adviser to the Imagawa clan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Ieyasu, he was the teacher from whom he had received instructions in both booklearning and the martial arts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His letter was concise:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The customary lecture will be given to His Lordship and his guests tonight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I will wait for you at the Northwest Gate of the Palace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was all. But the word \"customary\" was a codeword well known to Ieyasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It meant a meeting of Yoshimoto and his generals to discuss the march on the capital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is the messenger?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He left already. Will you go to the Palace, my lord?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" Ieyasu replied, preoccupied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think the proclamation of Lord Yoshimoto's march on the capital is near at hand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heishichi had overheard the important war councils that had touched on that subject a number of times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He studied Ieyasu's face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu mumbled a reply, seeming to be uninterested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Imagawa clan's evaluations of Owari's strength and of Nobunaga were very different from what Jinshichi had just reported." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshimoto planned to lead a huge army, made up of the forces of the provinces of Suruga, Totomi, and Mikawa, to the capital, and they expected to meet resistance in Owari." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If we advance with a large army, Nobunaga will surrender without bloodshed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the superficial view expressed by some of the members of the war council, but although Yoshimoto and his advisers, including Sessai, did not have such a low estimate of Nobunaga, none of them took Owari as seriously as Ieyasu did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had offered an opinion on this once before, but he had been laughed down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu was, after all, a hostage and young; and among the field staff he counted for very little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is this something I should bring up or not?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even if I press the point..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu was deep in thought, with Sessai's letter in front of him, when an old lady-in-waiting who served his wife spoke to him with a worried look on her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His wife was in a terrible mood, she said, and she urged him to visit her for just a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu's wife was a woman who thought of nothing but herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was completely indifferent both to affairs of state and to her husband's situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing entered her head other than her own daily life and the attentions of her husband." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The old lady-in-waiting understood this well, and when she saw that he was still talking with his retainer, she waited uneasily and silently, until another maid came in and whispered in her ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was nothing else the old lady-in-waiting could do." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She interrupted them again, saying, \"Excuse me, my lord... I'm terribly sorry, but Her Ladyship is very fretful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bowing to Ieyasu, she timidly urged him once more to hurry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu knew that his wife's servants were troubled more than anyone else by this situation, and he himself was a patient man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, yes,\" he said, turning, and then, to Heishichi: \"Well, make the necessary arrangements, and come and tell me when it's time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood up. The women ran in front of him with small steps, looking as though they had been saved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The inner part of the house was some way off, so it was not unreasonable that his wife often longed to see him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Passing through the many turns of the central and bridged corridors, he finally got to his wife's private apartments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On their wedding day, the clothes of the poor hostage husband from Mikawa could not compare with the luxury and brilliance of the dress of Lady Tsukiyama, an adopted daughter of Imagawa Yoshimoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The man from Mikawa\"—known by this epithet, he was an object of contempt for the Imagawa clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And living with such pride in her secluded quarters, she despised the retainers from Mikawa but showered her husband with all the devotion of her selfish, blind love." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was also older than Ieyasu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Considered within the limits of their shallow married life, Lady Tsukiyama saw Ieyasu as little more than a submissive youth who owed his existence to the Imagawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After giving birth in the spring following their wedding, she had become even more selfish and unreasonable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His wife taught him perseverance every day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, you're up. Are you feeling a little better?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu looked at his wife and, as he spoke, was about to open the sliding doors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He thought that if his sick wife could see the beauty of the autumn colors and the autumn sky, her mood might brighten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Tsukiyama had left the sickroom and was sitting in the middle of the reception room with a frigid look on her livid face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She narrowed her eyebrows as she spoke. \"Leave them closed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was not exactly a beauty, but, as might be expected of a woman brought up in the privileged environment of a wealthy family, her complexion had a fine sheen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Beyond that, both her face and her fingertips were almost translucently white, perhaps because of her first delivery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She held her hands neatly folded on her lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit down, my lord. There is something I'd like to ask you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As she spoke, her words and eyes were as cold as ashes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Ieyasu did not act at all as a young husband would be expected to behave—such mellow-spirited handling of one's spouse was more appropriate for a mature man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or perhaps he held a certain opinion of women, and he was looking objectively at the person whom he should have loved the most." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" he asked, sitting down in front of her as she had requested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But the more obedient her husband was, the more unreasonable she became." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's something I'd like to ask you. Did you go out somewhere a moment ago? Alone, without attendants?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes filled with tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The blood was rising to her face, still thin from childbirth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu knew both the state of her health and her character, and he smiled at her as if he were humoring a baby." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just now? I was tired of reading, so I took a leisurely walk along the riverbank. You should try taking a walk there. The autumn colors and the chirping of the insects—it's pleasant at the riverbank this time of year.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Tsukiyama was not listening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was staring at her husband, rebuking him for his lie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sat rigidly straight, with an air of indifference, but without her usual self-involvement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's strange. If you went out for a walk to listen to insects and look at the autumn colors, why would you go out into the middle of the river in a small boat, hiding from people for such a long time?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aha... you knew.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I may be confined indoors, but I know everything you do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that so?\" Ieyasu forced a smile, but did not speak of his meeting with Jinshichi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although this woman had become his bride, Ieyasu was never able to believe that she was really his wife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If retainers or relatives of her adoptive father called on her, she would tell them everything, and she was always exchanging letters with Yoshimoto's household." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu had to be far more careful of his wife's unintentional carelessness than of the eyes of Yoshimoto's spies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, I got into that boat on the riverbank without thinking much about it, and tried to ply the oar with the flow of the water. I thought I could handle the boat, but when I got out into the current, I couldn't do a thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He laughed. \"Just like a child. Where were you when you saw me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're lying. You weren't alone, were you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, a servant ran after me later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no. There's no reason for you to have a secret meeting in a boat, with someone who appears to be a servant.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who in the world has told you such a thing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even though I'm stuck inside, there are loyal people who think of me. You're hiding a woman somewhere, aren't you? Or if that's not it, perhaps you've grown tired of me and are planning to run away to Mikawa. There's a rumor going around that you've taken another woman as your wife in Okazaki. Why are you hiding that from me? I know that you only married me out of fear of the Imagawa clan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just as her sobbing voice, driven by illness and distrust, finally found expression, Sakakibara Heishichi appeared at the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My lord, your horse is ready. It's almost time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you going out?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before Ieyasu could respond, Lady Tsukiyama cut him off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've been absent more and more at night recently, so where in the world are you going now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To the Palace.\" Paying her no heed, Ieyasu was beginning to stand up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she was not satisfied with his brief explanation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why was he going to the Palace so late?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And was it going to take until midnight, like the other night?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who was going with him?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She asked innumerable questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sakakibara Heishichi was waiting for his master on the other side of the door, and although he was only a retainer, he was getting a little impatient with all of this." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu, however, cheerfully comforted his wife and finally took his leave." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lady Tsukiyama, unchecked by Ieyasu's admonition that she might catch cold again, came to the entrance and saw him off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come back quickly,\" she begged, putting all her love and fidelity into these parting words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu walked in silence to the main entrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But as he started out under the stars, cooled by the evening breeze, he tousled his horse's mane, and his mood changed completely—proof that youthful, animated blood coursed through his veins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Heishichi, we're a little late, aren't we?\" Ieyasu asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. There was no hour clearly indicated on the note, so how can we be late?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not it. Even though Sessai is old, he's never been late. It would pain me, as a young man and a hostage, to be late for an appointment when the senior retainers and Sessai were already there. Let's hurry,\" he said, spurring his horse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Besides a groom and three servants, Heishichi was the only retainer escorting Ieyasu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Heishichi hurried along to keep up with the horse, he was moved to tears for his master, whose patient endurance with his wife and his submissive loyalty to the Palace—that is, to Imagawa Yoshimoto—must clearly cause him great anguish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a retainer, it was his sworn duty to free his lord from his shackles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must remove him from his subordinate position and restore him to his rightful place as lord of Mikawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And to Heishichi, every day that went by without attaining his goal was another day of disloyalty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ran along, chewing his lip as he made his vow, his eyes moist with tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The castle moat came into view." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they crossed the bridge, there were no longer any shops or commoners' houses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Among the pines stood the white walls and imposing gates of the mansions of the Imagawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't that the lord of Mikawa? Lord Ieyasu!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sessai called from the shadow of the pines." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The broad pine grove that meandered around the castle was a military assembly field during wartime, but its long, broad pathways were used as a riding ground in peacetime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu quickly dismounted, giving Sessai a respectful bow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for taking the time to come here tonight, Your Reverence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These messages are always sudden. It certainly must be troublesome for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not at all.\" Sessai was alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked along in old straw sandals the size of which matched the huge proportions of body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ieyasu began to walk along with him and, as a courtesy to his teacher, one step behind him, handing the reins of his horse to Heishichi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Listening to his teacher, Ieyasu suddenly felt a gratitude to this man that he could not express in words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one could argue that being a hostage in another province was anything but a misfortune, but when he thought about it, he realized that receiving an education from Sessai was more good fortune than bad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is difficult to find a good teacher." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had he stayed in Mikawa, he would never have had the opportunity to study under Sessai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So he would not have had the classical and military education he had now—or the training in Zen, which he regarded as the most precious thing he had learned from Sessai." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why Sessai, a Zen monk, had entered the service of the lord of the Imagawa and become his military adviser was not understood in other provinces, and they considered it rather strange." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus there were people who called Sessai a \"military monk\" or a \"worldly monk,\" but if his lineage had been investigated, they would have discovered that Sessai was Yoshimoto's kinsman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still, Yoshimoto was only Yoshimoto of Suruga, Totomi, and Mikawa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sessai's fame, however, knew no boundaries; he was Sessai of all the universe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Sessai had used his talents for the Imagawa." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As soon as he had seen the signs of defeat for the Imagawa in a war against the Hojo, the monk had helped Suruga to negotiate a peace treaty without disadvantage to Yoshimoto." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when he had arranged the marriage of Hojo Ujimasa to a daughter of Takeda Shingen, lord of Kai, the powerful province on their northern border, and the marriage of Yoshimoto's daughter with Shingen's son, he had demonstrated great political skill by tying the three provinces into an alliance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was not the kind of monk who went about in splendid isolation with a staff and a tattered hat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was not a \"pure\" Zen monk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It could be said that he was a political monk, a military monk, or even an unmonkish monk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But whatever he was called, it did not affect his greatness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sessai spoke sparingly, but something he had told Ieyasu on the veranda of the Rinzai Temple had stuck in Ieyasu's mind: \"Hiding in a cave, roaming about alone like the wandering clouds and the flowing water—being a great monk is not in these things alone. A monk's mission changes with the times. In today's world, to think only of my own enlightenment and live like one who 'steals the tranquillity of the mountains and fields,' as if I despised the world, is a self-indulgent kind of Zen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They crossed the Chinese Bridge and passed through the northwestern gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was difficult to believe that they were inside the walls of a castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was as though the palace of the shogun had been transported here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Toward Atago and Kiyomizu, the majestic cone of Mount Fuji was darkening in the evening." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lamps were lit in the niches along the corridors that stretched as far as the eye could see. Women so lovely they could have been mistaken for court ladies passed by, cradling koto or carrying flasks of sake." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce one sentence using the user's text as a seed. Stick to the historical fiction genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noon. Not a single bird could be heard in the hushed mountains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind had died, and the burning sun seemed to scorch everything under the sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The leaves were either tightly closed or withered like dried tobacco." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Over there!\" Leading a small group of men, a warrior was running up a grassy slope." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Put up the curtain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In one area, soldiers were clearing away the undergrowth with scythes; others unfurled curtains and tied them to the branches of the nearby pines and silk trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In moments they had put together a curtained enclosure that would serve as Yoshimoto's temporary headquarters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whew! It's scorching!\" said one of the men." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They say it doesn't often get this hot!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men wiped away their sweat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, the sweat's pouring off me. Even the leather and metal of my armor are too hot to touch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I took off my armor and let a little breeze in I'd feel better. But I think the general staff will be here soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, let's take just a little rest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were few trees on the grass-covered hill, so the soldiers sat down together under the shade of a large camphor tree." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a short rest, they felt cooler." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hill of Dengakuhazama was lower than the surrounding mountains, no more than a knoll in the center of a circular valley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From time to time, the white undersides of the leaves all over the hill would suddenly be rustled by a cool summer breeze descending from Taishigadake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the soldiers looked up to the sky while applying ointment to his blistered toes, and muttered something to himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What's the matter?\" asked another soldier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Storm clouds are gathering. It'll probably rain in the evening.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A good rain would be nice. But I tell you, for those of us who do nothing but repair roads and carry the baggage, rain can be worse than an attack by the enemy. I hope it'll just be a light shower.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The wind incessantly ruffled the curtained enclosure they had just set up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The officer in charge looked around and told his men, \"Well, let's get up. His Lordship will be staying at Odaka Castle tonight. He's deliberately led the enemy into thinking that he'll be advancing from Kutsukake to Odaka, but with this shortcut through Okehazama, he plans to arrive this evening. It's our job to go on ahead and look for problems with the bridges, cliffs, and gullies along the way. Well, let's go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The voices and men were gone, and the mountain returned to its former peace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The grasshoppers were making their shrill cries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But not long afterward, horses were heard in the distance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No conches were blown, no drums beaten, and they passed between the mountain peaks as quietly as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yet despite their efforts, there was no way to conceal the dust and clatter of so many horses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sound of the horses' hooves on the stones and roots quickly filled the air, and the main forces of the great Imagawa Yoshimoto soon buried the grassy knoll and the surroundings of Dengakuhazama in soldiers, horses, banners, and curtained enclosures." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshimoto was sweating more than anyone else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had grown accustomed to the good life and, after passing the age of forty, had become grotesquely fat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was obvious that he found these maneuvers a trial." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Over his corpulent body with its long torso he wore a red brocade kimono and a white breastplate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His outsized helmet had five neck-plates and was crowned with eight dragons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In addition, he wore the long sword called Matsukurago that had been in the Imagawa family for generations, a short sword—also the work of a famous swordsmith—gloves, shin guards, and boots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The entire outfit probably weighed more than eighty pounds, and lacked the smallest vent where the breeze might enter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Covered with sweat, Yoshimoto rode on through the blazing heat, as the sun scorched even the leather and the lacquered feathering on his armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally he arrived at Dengakuhazama." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is this place called?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshimoto asked as soon as he was seated behind his headquarters' curtain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All around him were the men charged with his protection: attendants, generals, senior retainers, physicians, and others." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the generals replied, \"This is Dengakuhazama. It's about half a league from Okehazama.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yoshimoto nodded and handed his helmet to an attendant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a page unlaced his armor, he stepped out of his sweat-soaked undergarments and into a spotlessly clean white robe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A gentle breeze filtered in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How refreshing, Yoshimoto thought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the waistband of his armor had been retied, his camp stool was moved to a leopard-skin mat spread out on the grassy knoll." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The extravagant camp supplies that followed him everywhere were now unpacked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's that sound?\" Yoshimoto took a gulp of tea, startled by something that sounded like a cannon's roar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His attendants also pricked up their ears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of them raised an edge of the curtain and looked around outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was struck by a sight of awesome beauty: the scorching sun toyed with the shredded clouds and painted a maelstrom of light in the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Distant thunder. Just the sound of distant thunder,\" the retainer reported." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thunder?\" Yoshimoto forced a smile, lightly patting his lower back with his left hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His attendants noticed this but purposely refrained from asking the reason." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That morning, when they had departed from the castle at Kutsukake, Yoshimoto had fallen off his horse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To inquire about his injury yet again would only have embarrassed Yoshimoto further." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something was stirring. Suddenly there seemed to be a clamorous rush of horses and men from the foot of the hill, coming in the direction of the enclosure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshimoto immediately turned to one of his retainers, asking anxiously, \"What is it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Without waiting for his order to go and look, two or three men dashed outside the curtain, letting in the wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time it was not the sound of distant thunder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The clatter of horses' hooves and men's footsteps had already reached the top of the hill." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a corps of about two hundred men, carrying in an enormous number of enemy heads taken at Narumi—graphic demonstration of how the war was going." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The heads were now brought in for Yoshimoto's inspection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The heads of the Oda samurai from Narumi. Line them up! Let's take a look!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshimoto was in good spirits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Set up my camp stool!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Adjusting his position and holding his fan over his face, he examined the seventy-odd heads being submitted to him one after another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Yoshimoto had finished his inspection, he exclaimed, \"What a bloody mess!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and turned away, ordering the curtain to be closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Scattered rain clouds filled the clear noon sky." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, well. A cool breeze is coming up the ravine. It'll soon be noon, won't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, my lord, it's already past the Hour of the Horse,\" answered an attendant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No wonder I'm hungry. Get lunch ready, and let the troops eat and rest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "An attendant went outside to transmit his orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside the enclosure, his generals, pages, and cooks moved about, but the atmosphere was one of calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now and again, the representatives from local shrines, temples, and villages came to present sake and local delicacies." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshimoto studied these people from afar, and decided, \"We'll reward them when we return from the capital.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the local people had gone, Yoshimoto ordered sake and made himself comfortable on the leopard-skin mat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The commanders outside the curtain each presented themselves, congratulating him on his victory at Narumi, which had followed the capture of Marune and Washizu." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're probably all unhappy with the little bit of resistance we've encountered so far,\" Yoshimoto said with a playful look on his face as he offered cups of sake to all his retainers and attendants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was becoming progressively more and more expansive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's Your Lordship's power that has brought us to this happy situation. But as Your Lordship has said, if we continue on like this, with no enemy to fight, our soldiers will complain that all our discipline and training were for nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have patience. Tomorrow night we'll take Kiyosu Castle, and no matter how badly beaten these Oda are, I imagine they have some fight left in them yet. Each of you will have his share of daring exploits.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well then, Your Lordship can stay in Kiyosu for two or three days, and will be able to enjoy both moon-viewing and entertainment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At some point the sun vanished behind the clouds, but with all the sake, no one noticed the darkening of the sky." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a gust of wind lifted the edge of the curtain, rain started to fall in big drops, and intermittent thunder rumbled in the distance. But Yoshimoto and his generals were laughing and talking, arguing about who would be first to reach Kiyosu Castle the next day, and making fun of Nobunaga." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Eiji Yoshikawa in the historical fiction genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had they won or lost, Tokichiro asked himself, breathing hard.\n\n\"Hey! Where are we?\" he yelled to anybody who might be within earshot, but nobody knew exactly where they were. Only about half of his men were still alive, and they were all in a daze.\n\nThe rain had let up and the wind had abated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The intense rays of the sun spilled through the scattering clouds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the storm had spent itself, the hell of Dengakuhazama faded away with the retreating lightning, and now nothing remained but the cries of the cicadas.\n\n\"Line up!\" Tokichiro ordered.\n\nThe soldiers lined up as best they could. Counting his men, Tokichiro found that his command had been reduced from thirty to seventeen, four of whom he did not recognize at all.\n\n\"Whose unit are you from?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked one of the men.\n\n\"Toyama Jintaro's, sir. But when we were fighting at the western edge of the hill, I slipped over the bluff and lost my unit. Then I found your men chasing the enemy, so I fell in with them.\"\n\n\"All right. What about you?\"\n\n\"It's the same with me, sir. I thought I was fighting alongside my own comrades, but when I looked around, I was here in Your Honor's group.\"\n\nTokichiro did not bother to question the others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was probable that some of his men had been killed in battle, while others had got mixed up with other units." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it wasn't just the individual soldiers who had lost their bearings in the middle of the battle. Tokichiro's unit had become separated from the main body of the army and Mataemon's regiment, and he had no idea where he was.\n\n\"It looks like the battle is over,\" Tokichiro muttered as he led his men back the way they had come.\n\nThe muddy water running from the surrounding mountains into the marsh had increased since the sky had cleared. When he saw how many corpses were lying in the streams and piled up on the slopes, Tokichiro was filled with a sense of wonder that he was still alive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We must have won. Look! All the dead around here are Imagawa samurai.\" Tokichiro pointed here and there. From the way the enemy corpses were sprawled along the road, he could see the route the defeated army had taken.\n\nHis men, however, just grunted in their stupefied state, and were too tired even to sing a victory song.\n\nThey were only a few and they were lost." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The battlefield was suddenly very quiet, and this could mean that Nobunaga's army had been completely wiped out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fear that they might be surrounded by the enemy and massacred at any moment was very real.\n\nThen they heard it. From Dengakuhazama rose three victory cheers that were loud enough to shake heaven and earth. Shouts in their own Owari dialect.\n\n\"We won! We won! Let's go!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tokichiro ran ahead. The soldiers, who up until now had been barely conscious, somehow recovered completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not wanting to be left behind, they stumbled and tripped after Tokichiro toward the cheering.\n\nMagomeyama was a low, circular hill a little beyond Dengakuhazama. A black mass of soldiers stained with blood, mud, and rain now covered the area from the hill to the village. The battle was over and the men had regrouped. The rain had stopped, the sun had come out, and now a hazy white steam rose from the closely packed assembly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where's Master Asano's regiment?\" Threading his way through the mass of warriors, Tokichiro rejoined his original regiment. Wherever he turned, he bumped and scraped someone's bloody armor. Although he had fully intended to fight bravely, he now felt ashamed. Certainly he had done nothing to make people notice him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he found his regiment and stood among the press of soldiers, he finally realized that they had won." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking out from the hill, it struck him as odd that the vanquished enemy was nowhere to be seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Still spattered with mud and blood, Nobunaga stood on the hillock. Just a few steps from his camp stool, a number of soldiers were digging a large hole. Each of the enemy heads was inspected and then tossed into the hole. Nobunaga looked on, his palms pressed together, while the warriors around him stood by in silence.\n\nNo one said a prayer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But this was the highest etiquette followed when warriors buried fellow warriors." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heads buried in the hole would serve as a lesson to those who were alive and would fight again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even the head of the most insignificant enemy was treated with the utmost solemnity.\n\nWith the mysterious boundary between life and death at his very feet, a samurai could not help thinking about what it meant to live as a warrior. Everyone stood reverently, hands joined in prayer. When the hole had been filled in and a mound built over it, they looked up to a beautiful rainbow that arched across a clear sky.\n\nAs the men stood looking at this scene, a party of scouts who had been reconnoitering the area around Odaka pulled into camp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tokugawa Ieyasu commanded Yoshimoto's vanguard in Odaka." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Considering the skill with which Ieyasu had demolished the fortresses of Washizu and Marune, Nobunaga could not afford to underestimate him.\n\n\"When the Tokugawa heard that Yoshimoto had been killed, the camp at Odaka seemed to have panicked. They sent out scouts a number of times, however, and as they learned the facts, they quickly calmed down. At this point they are preparing to retreat to Mikawa by nightfall, and they don't seem to be inclined to fight.\"\n\nNobunaga listened to the reports and, in his own way, announced their triumphal return. \"Well, then,\" he said, \"let's go home.\"\n\nThe sun had still not set, and now the rainbow, which had begun to fade, stood out clearly once again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A single head was fastened to the side of Nobunaga's saddle, as a memento. It was, of course, the head of the great Imagawa Yoshimoto.\n\nWhen they reached the gate of Atsuta Shrine, Nobunaga swung off his horse and went into the sanctum, while his officers and men pressed in as far as the central gate and prostrated themselves. A hand bell was ringing somewhere in the distance, and bonfires filled the forest of the shrine with a red glow.\n\nNobunaga presented a sacred horse to the shrine stable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This done, he was once again ready to hurry on his way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His armor had become increasingly heavy, and he was exhausted. Leaving the moonlit path to his horse, however, his spirits seemed as light as if he were wearing a thin summer kimono.\n\nCompared with Atsuta, Kiyosu was in an uproar. Every door was festooned with lanterns, bonfires burned at the crossroads, and old folks, children, and even young girls stood excitedly in the streets, looking at the triumphant soldiers and shouting their congratulations.\n\nDense crowds pushed together at the roadside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Women watched to see if their husbands were among the men marching solemnly toward the castle gate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Old people called out their sons' names, and girls searched for the faces of their sweethearts. But all of them raised a cheer when they caught sight of the mounted Nobunaga, silhouetted against the night sky.\n\n\"Lord Nobunaga!\"\n\nNobunaga meant more to them than their own children, husbands, and lovers.\n\n\"Take a look at the head of the great lord of the Imagawa!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga announced to the crowd from horseback." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the souvenir I have brought back for you. From tomorrow on, the troubles at the border will be over. Be diligent and work hard. Work hard and enjoy yourselves!\"\n\nOnce inside the castle, Nobunaga called for his lady-in-waiting, \"Sai! Sai! Before anything else, a bath! And some rice gruel.\"\n\nAs he emerged from his bath, he proclaimed the rewards for more than one hundred twenty men who had fought in the battle that day. Even the deeds of the lowest-ranking soldiers had not escaped Nobunaga's eyes. Last of all he said, \"Inuchiyo is granted permission to return.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This news was transmitted to Inuchiyo that very night, for when the entire army had entered the castle gates, he alone had stopped outside, waiting for word from Nobunaga." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tokichiro received no praise whatsoever. And, of course, he expected none. Nevertheless, he had received something far more precious than a stipend of a thousand kan: for the first time in his life, he had straddled the line between life and death, he had lived through a battle, and he had seen firsthand Nobunaga's grasp of human nature and his great capacity for leadership.\n\nI have a good master, he thought. I'm the luckiest man alive, after Lord Nobunaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From that time on, Tokichiro did not just look up to Nobunaga as his lord and master." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He became Nobunaga's apprentice, studying his master's strong points and concentrating his whole mind on the task of improving himself." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\n\nLength:\n8 sentences\n\nGenre:\nhistorical fiction" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mount Kurihara, situated next to Mount Nangu, was not very high, and looked almost like a child snuggling against its parent.\n\nAh, it's beautiful! When they approached the peak, even Hideyoshi, who was no poet, was in ecstasy, struck by the sublime beauty of the autumn sun sinking below the horizon. But now his mind turned to a single thought: How can I get Hanbei to become my ally? And this was quickly followed by another: No, to confront a master strategist by means of strategy would be the worst strategy of all. I can only meet him as a blank sheet of paper. I'll just talk to him candidly, and speak with all my power. Thus he rallied his spirits. Nevertheless, he still did not even know where Hanbei lived, and they had been unable to find his isolated residence by the time the sun went down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi, however, was not in a hurry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When it got dark, a lamp would naturally be lit somewhere. Rather than walking around uselessly, taking all the wrong turns, it would be more pleasant and quicker to stay where they were. At least he seemed to be thinking this way, because he sat resting until the sun had set. Finally they spotted the tiny dot of a lamp off in the distance, beyond a swampy hollow. Following a narrow, meandering path that wound its way up and down, they at last reached the place.\n\nIt was a level plot of land surrounded by red pines, halfway up the mountain. They had expected to encounter a small thatched cottage surrounded by a broken-down fence, but they now found themselves approaching a crude mud wall encircling a large compound. As they came closer, they could see three or four lanterns burning farther within." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of a formal gate, only a bamboo shutter flapped loosely in the wind.\n\nThis is so big, Hideyoshi thought as he entered silently. Inside was a pine wood. A narrow path led from the entrance into the pines, and except for the pine needles covering the ground, one was not aware of a single speck of dirt. Walking on, for about fifty yards, they came to the house. A cow was lowing in its stall in a nearby shed. They could hear a fire crackling in the wind, and its smoke filled the air. Hideyoshi stood still. He rubbed his sharp eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a gust of wind from the mountain, however, the place was suddenly swept clear of smoke; and when he looked, he saw a child putting twigs under the stove in a cooking hut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you?\" the boy asked suspiciously." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you a servant?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"Me? Yes,\" the boy replied.\n\n\"I am a retainer of the Oda clan. My name is Kinoshita Hideyoshi. Could you pass on a message?\"\n\n\"To whom?\"\n\n\"To your master.\"\n\n\"He's not here.\"\n\n\"He's out?\"\n\n\"I'm telling you, he's really out. Go away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Turning his back on the visitor, the child sat in front of the stove, and once again began stoking the fire. The night mist on the mountain was chill, and Hideyoshi squatted in front of the stove, next to the child.\n\n\"Let me warm myself up a bit.\"\n\nThe child said nothing, but gave him a quick glance out of the corner of his eye.\n\n\"It's cold at night, isn't it?\"\n\n\"This is a mountain. Of course it's cold,\" the boy said.\n\n\"Little monk, this—\"\n\n\"This is not a temple! I'm Master Hanbei's disciple, not a monk!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ha, ha, ha, ha!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why are you laughing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"Go away! If my master finds out some stranger has crept into the cooking hut, I'll get scolded for it later.\"\n\n\"No. It'll be all right. I'll apologize to your master later.\"\n\n\"You really want to meet him?\"\n\n\"That's right. Do you think I'm going to go back down the mountain without meeting him, after coming all this way?\"\n\n\"People from Owari are rude, aren't they? You're from Owari, right?\"\n\n\"What's wrong with that?\"\n\n\"My master hates people from Owari. I hate them too. Owari's an enemy province, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's right, I guess.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've come looking for something in Mino, haven't you? If you're just on a journey, you'd better go right on by. Or you'll lose your head.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't intend to go any farther than this. My only plan was to come to this house.\"\n\n\"What did you come here for?\"\n\n\"I came to seek admission.\"\n\n\"Seek admission? You want to become a disciple of my teacher, like me?\"\n\n\"Uh-huh. I guess I want to become a brother disciple with you. At any rate, we should get along well. Now go talk to the master. I'll look after stoking the oven. Don't worry, the rice won't burn.\"\n\n\"That's all right. I don't want to.\"\n\n\"Don't be bad-tempered. There, isn't that your master coughing inside?\"\n\n\"My master coughs a lot at night. He's not strong.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So you lied to me when you said he was out.\"\n\n\"It's all the same whether he's here or not. He won't meet with anyone who calls, no matter who they are or what province they come from.\"\n\n\"Well, I'll wait for the right time.\"\n\n\"Yeah, come again.\"\n\n\"No. This hut is nice and warm. Just let me stay here for a while.\"\n\n\"You're joking! Go away!\" The boy jumped up as if to attack the intruder, but when he glared at Hideyoshi's smiling face in the flickering red light of the oven, he was unable to stay angry no matter how hard he tried. As the child stared hard at this man's face, his initial feelings of hostility gradually lessened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kokuma! Kokuma!\" called a voice from the house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy reacted instantly. Leaving Hideyoshi where he was, he dashed from the hut into the house, and he didn't come back for quite some time. In the meantime, the smell of scorched food drifted out of the large cauldron that sat on top of the stove. Unable to think of it as just someone else's meal, Hideyoshi quickly picked up the ladle on top of the lid and stirred the contents of the cauldron—brown rice gruel mixed with dried chestnuts and dried vegetables. Others might have laughed at this pauper's food, but Hideyoshi had been born on a poor farm, and when he looked at a single grain of rice, he saw his mother's tears. To him, this was no trifling matter.\n\n\"That boy! This is going to burn. What a waster.\"\n\nTaking a cloth, he grabbed the handles of the pot and lifted it up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, thank you, mister.\"\n\n\"Ah, Kokuma? It was just beginning to burn, so I took the cauldron off. It seems to have boiled just enough.\"\n\n\"You already know my name, huh?\"\n\n\"That's what Master Hanbei called from inside just now. Did you talk to the master for me while you were there?\"\n\n\"He called me for something else. As for interceding for you, if I talked to my teacher about some useless thing, he'd only get mad. So I didn't say anything.\"\n\n\"Well, well. You're strict about following your teacher's orders, aren't you? I'm really impressed.\"\n\n\"Huh! You're just talking for the sake of your own pride now.\"\n\n\"No, it's true. I'm impatient, but if I were your teacher, I'd praise you like this. That's no lie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Just then, someone came out of the nearby kitchen, holding a paper lantern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A female voice called repeatedly for Kokuma, and as Hideyoshi turned and looked, he could dimly see a sixteen-or seventeen-year-old girl wearing a kimono with a pattern of mountain cherry blossoms and mist, tied with a plum-colored sash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her figure was illuminated in the sooty darkness by the light of the paper lantern she held in her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it, Oyu?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kokuma stepped toward her and listened to what she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she finished speaking with him, the cherry-blossomed sleeve glided down the dark entrance hall together with the lamp and disappeared behind the wall.\n\n\"Who was that?\" Hideyoshi asked.\n\n\"My teacher's sister,\" Kokuma said simply and in a gentle voice, as though he were speaking of the beauty of the flowers in his master's garden.\n\n\"Listen, I'm asking you. Just to make sure, won't you please go inside just once and ask him to see me? If he says no, I'll leave.\"\n\n\"You'll really leave?\"\n\n\"I will.\"\n\n\"For sure, now.\" Kokuma spoke emphatically, but finally he went inside. He returned right away and said abruptly, \"He says no, and that he detests receiving guests... and I got scolded, sure enough. So please go away, mister. I'm going to serve my teacher his meal now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, I'll leave tonight. Then I'll call again sometime.\" Submitting meekly, Hideyoshi stood up and started to go.\n\nKokuma said, \"It won't do any good to come back!\"\n\nHideyoshi retraced his steps in silence. Unmindful of the darkness, he descended to the foot of the mountain and slept.\n\nWhen he got up the following day, he made some preparations and once again climbed the mountain. Then, just as he had done the day before, he visited the mountain residence of Hanbei at sundown. The day before, he had spent too much time with the boy, so today he tried going up to the door that appeared to be the main entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The person who responded and came out to his call was the same Kokuma of the day before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What! Mister, you've come again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wondered if I could ask to meet him today. Do me the favor of asking your teacher again.\" Kokuma went inside, and whether he really talked to Hanbei or not, he quickly returned and gave him the same blank refusal.\n\n\"If that's the case, I'll inquire again when he's in a better mood,\" Hideyoshi said politely and left. Two days later he climbed the mountain again.\n\n\"Will he meet me today?\" Kokuma made a round trip inside the house in his usual fashion, and once again refused him plainly. \"He says it's annoying that you come so often.\"\n\nThat day Hideyoshi returned in silence again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He visited the house this way any number of times. In the end, whenever Kokuma saw his face, he did nothing but laugh.\n\n\"You've got a lot of patience, haven't you, mister? But coming here is useless, no matter how patient you are. These days, when I go in to tell my teacher you're here, he just laughs instead of getting mad.\"\n\nYoung boys will easily become friendly with people, and a familiarity had already started to develop between Kokuma and Hideyoshi.\n\nHideyoshi climbed the mountain again on the following day. Waiting at the foot of the mountain, Saya had no idea of his master's frame of mind, and finally starting to get angry, he said, \"Who does Takenaka Hanbei think he is? This time I'm going to go up there and call his rudeness into account.\"\n\nThe day of Hideyoshi's tenth visit was a day of violent wind and rain, and both Saya and the people who owned the farmhouse where they stayed did their best to stop Hideyoshi from going, but he stubbornly put on a straw raincoat and hat, and made the ascent. Arriving at dusk, he stood at the entrance and called in as usual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Who is it, please?\" That night, for the first time, the young woman, Oyu, who Kokuma had said was Hanbei's sister stepped out.\n\n\"I know I'm bothering Master Hanbei by calling, and I regret that I'm doing so against his wishes, but I've come as my own master's envoy, and it will be difficult for me to return home until I have met him. It is part of a samurai's service to deliver his master's messages, so I'm resolved to call here until Master Hanbei agrees to see me, even if it takes two or three years. And if Master Hanbei refuses to meet me, I have decided to disembowel myself. Alas, I'm sure that Master Hanbei knows the hardships of the warrior class better than any man. Please... if you could put in a good word for me.\"\n\nBeneath the spray of the rain gushing violently from the leaking roof, Hideyoshi kneeled and made his petition. It seemed that the impressionable young lady was moved by that alone.\n\n\"Please wait for a moment,\" she said gently, and disappeared into the house. When she appeared again, however, she told him, evidently with some pity, that Hanbei's answer had not changed. \"I'm sorry that my elder brother is so stubborn, but would you kindly withdraw? He says that no matter how often you come here, he won't see you. He dislikes speaking with people and refuses to do so now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that so?\" Hideyoshi looked down in apparent disappointment but did not persist. The rain from the eaves battered against his shoulders. \"There's nothing else to be done. Well, I'll wait until he's in a good mood.\" Putting on his hat, he walked out, dejected, into the rain. Following the path through the pine forest as he always did, he had just come out on the other side of the mud wall when he heard Kokuma chasing him from behind.\n\n\"Mister! He'll meet you! He said he'll meet you! He said to come back!\"\n\n\"Huh? Master Hanbei said he would meet me?\" Hideyoshi hastily returned with Kokuma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But only Oyu, Hanbei's sister, was waiting for them.\n\n\"My brother was so impressed with your sincerity that he said he would be at fault if he didn't meet you. But not tonight. He's in bed today because of the rain, but he asked you to come on another day, when he sends a message to you.\" It suddenly occurred to Hideyoshi that perhaps this woman had felt sorry for him and that, after he had left, she had appealed to her elder brother, Hanbei, on his behalf.\n\n\"Whenever you send word, I'll be ready.\"\n\n\"Where are you staying?\"\n\n\"I'm staying at the foot of the mountain, at Moemon's house, a farmhouse near a large zelkova tree in the village of Nangu.\"\n\n\"Well, when the weather clears.\"\n\n\"I'll be waiting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It must be cold, and you're getting wet in the rain. At least dry your clothes by the fire in the cooking hut and have something to eat before you go.\"\n\n\"No, I'll save it for another day. I'll take my leave now.\" Striding through the rain, Hideyoshi went down the mountain.\n\nThe rain continued to fall the next day. The day after that, Mount Kurihara remained wrapped in white clouds, and no tidings came from a messenger. Finally the weather cleared, and the colors of the mountain were entirely renewed. The early autumn leaves of the sumac and lacquer trees had turned bright red.\n\nThat morning Kokuma arrived at Moemon's gate leading a cow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey, mister!\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've come to invite you up! My teacher told me to guide you to the house. And since you're a guest today, I've brought a mount for you.\" With that, he handed him an invitation from Hanbei. Hideyoshi opened it and read:\n\nCuriously, you have often come to visit this weakened man who has retired to the country. Although it is difficult for me to grant your request, please come for a bowl of plain tea.\n\nThe words seemed a bit haughty. Hideyoshi could see that Hanbei was a rather unsociable man, even before he met him face to face. Hideyoshi sat astride the cow's back, saying to Kokuma, \"Well, since you brought me a ride, shall we go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kokuma turned toward the mountain and began walking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The autumn sky around Mount Kurihara and Mount Nangu was clear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the first time since he had come to the foothills that Hideyoshi was able to look up and see the mountains so clearly.\n\nWhen they finally approached the entrance to the mud wall, they could see a beautiful woman standing there with an expectant expression. It was Oyu, who had dressed and made herself up more carefully than usual.\n\n\"Ah, you shouldn't have taken the trouble,\" Hideyoshi said, hastily jumping down from the cow's back.\n\nHaving passed inside, he was left alone in a room. The babbling of water cleansed his ears. The bamboo in the wind brushed against the window. This truly seemed to be a quiet retreat in the mountains." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In an alcove with rough clay walls and pine pillars was hung a scroll on which a Zen priest had written the Chinese character for the word \"dream.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How can he be here without being completely bored? Hideyoshi wondered, marveling at the thoughts of the man who lived in such a place. And he thought that he himself would be unable to stay for more than three days. He didn't know what to do with himself, even for the time he was there. Even though he was being soothed by the songs of the birds and the soughing of the pines, his mind had dashed off to Sunomata and then gone on to Mount Komaki, while his blood seethed in the winds and clouds of the times. Hideyoshi was definitely a stranger to this sort of peace.\n\n\"Well, I've made you wait.\" The voice of a young man came from behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Hanbei. Hideyoshi had known he was young, but hearing the man's voice, he was impressed with this fact all the more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His host sat down, leaving him the seat of honor.\n\nHideyoshi spoke hastily, beginning with a formal greeting. \"I am a retainer of the Oda clan. My name is Kinoshita Hideyoshi.\"\n\nHanbei gently stopped him. \"Don't you think we can omit stiff formalities? That certainly wasn't my intention in inviting you here today.\"\n\nHideyoshi felt that he had already been put at a disadvantage by this reply. The opening gambit that he had always taken with others had already been taken by his host with him.\n\n\"I am Takenaka Hanbei, the master of this mountain cottage. I'm honored by your coming here today.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I'm afraid I've rather obstinately presented myself at your gate and been quite troublesome.\"\n\nHanbei laughed. \"To be honest, you've been a real annoyance. But now that I meet you, I must say it's quite a relief to have a guest from time to time. Please make yourself at home. By the way, my honored guest, what is it that you're looking for by climbing up to my mountain cottage? People say there's nothing in the mountains but the sounds of birds.\"\n\nHe had taken a seat lower than his guest's, but his eyes seemed to wear a smile, and he seemed amused by this man who had shown up from nowhere. At this point, Hideyoshi studied him frankly. Hanbei's frame truly did not seem very robust. His skin was flaccid, his face pale. But he was a handsome man, and the red of his mouth was especially striking.\n\nAll in all, his demeanor must have been the result of good upbringing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was serene and spoke quietly, and with a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was some doubt as to whether the surface of this human being really manifested the underlying truth, just as, for example, the mountain today seemed peaceful enough for happy wandering, but the other day a storm had roared out of the valley, blowing enough to make the trees howl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, in fact...\" For an instant Hideyoshi smiled, and he straightened his shoulders a little. \"I have come to meet you at Lord Nobunaga's order. Won't you come down from this mountain? The world is not going to allow a man of your ability to live a leisurely life in the mountains from such an early age. Sooner or later you're bound to serve as a samurai. And if that's so, who are you going to serve, if not Lord Oda Nobunaga? So I've come to encourage you to serve the Oda clan. Don't you feel like standing among the clouds of war one more time?\"\n\nHanbei only listened and grinned mysteriously. Even with his quick tongue, Hideyoshi found his zeal considerably diminished by this kind of opponent. The man was like a willow in the wind. You couldn't tell whether he was listening or not. Holding his tongue for a while, he waited meekly for Hanbei to respond, and to the very end he carried himself like a blank sheet of paper, facing this man without stratagem or affectation.\n\nDuring this time, a light breeze was fluttering from a fan in Hanbei's hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had previously placed three chunks of charcoal into a small brazier, and putting down the tongs, he fanned the brazier just enough to ignite the fire without raising the ashes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The water in the kettle started to boil." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the meantime, he took up the napkin used for the tea ceremony and wiped the small tea bowls for both host and guest. It seemed as though he might be judging the temperature of the water by the sound of its boiling. The man was graceful and seemingly without a fault, but very deliberate.\n\nHideyoshi could feel his feet beginning to fall asleep, but he was unable to find an opening for his next words. And before he noticed it, the things he had talked about in such detail had flown off in the direction of the wind in the pines. It seemed that nothing remained in Hanbei's ears.\n\n\"Well now, I wonder if you have anything to say concerning the things I spoke about just now. I'm sure that making some statement about how you will be repaid in terms of stipend and rank, and trying to entice you with money, is not the way to quicken your return from retirement, so I'm not going to mention such things at all. Now, it's true that Owari is a small province, but it's going to control the nation in the future because no one other than my lord has the capacity. So it's wasteful for you to live in seclusion in the mountains in the midst of this chaotic world. You should come down for the sake of the nation.\" His host suddenly turned to him as he spoke, and Hideyoshi unconsciously held his breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Hanbei quietly offered him a tea bowl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have some tea,\" he said. Then, taking a small tea bowl for himself, Hanbei sipped the tea almost as though he were licking the bowl. He tasted the tea a number of times, as though there were absolutely nothing else in his heart.\n\n\"Honored guest... \"\n\n\"Yes?\"\n\n\"Do you like orchids? In the spring they are beautiful, but they're quite nice in the fall, too.\"\n\n\"Orchids! What do you mean, orchids?\"\n\n\"The flowers. When you go about three or four leagues deeper into the mountain, on the precipices and cliffs there are orchids that hold the dew of ancient times. I had my servant, Kokuma, pick one and then put it into a pot. Would you like to see it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"N-no.\" Hideyoshi stopped hesitantly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have no use for looking at orchids.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\"\n\n\"I hope to one day, but the fact that my dreams run off to the battleground even when I'm at home shows that I'm still a hot-blooded youth. I'm nothing more than a humble servant of the Oda clan. I don't understand the feelings of such men of leisure.\"\n\n\"Well, that's not unreasonable. But don't you think it's a personal waste for a man like you to be so busily worn out by the search for fame and profit? There's a rather profound significance to a life lived in the mountains. Why don't you leave Sunomata and come build a hut on this mountain?\"\n\nIsn't honesty the same as foolishness? And in the end doesn't being without strategy mean being without wisdom? Perhaps sincerity alone is not sufficient to knock at the human heart. I don't understand, Hideyoshi thought as he silently went down the mountain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been in vain. His visit to Hanbei's house had been for nothing. Burning with indignation, he turned around and looked back. Now nothing remained but resentment. No regrets. He had been politely sent away after today's first encounter. Perhaps I'll never meet him again, Hideyoshi thought. No. The next time I'll examine his head after they place it in front of my camp stool on the battlefield. He promised this to himself as he chewed his lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How many times had he walked this road and lowered his head, being perfectly courteous and hiding his shame? This road was now an irritation. He turned around once again.\n\n\"You worm!\" he shouted impotently. Perhaps he was recalling Hanbei's pale face and worn body. In his anger, he quickened his pace. Then, taking a turn in the road that looked out over a cliff on one side, he suddenly seemed to remember something he had been suppressing ever since leaving Hanbei's house. Standing on the cliff, he relieved himself into the valley below." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The arcing stream became a rustling mist halfway down. Hideyoshi became abstracted and took care of his business, but when he finished he exclaimed, \"That's enough of grumbling!\" With that, he quickened his pace even more, and dashed down to the foothills of the mountain.\n\nWhen he got to Moemon's house he said, \"Saya, this has unexpectedly turned out to be a long trip. Let's get up early tomorrow and go home.\" With his master wearing such an energetic look, Saya thought that the meeting with Takenaka Hanbei must have gone well, and he felt happy for his master. Hideyoshi and Saya passed the evening with Moemon and his family, and then dropped off to sleep. Hideyoshi slept with an empty mind. Saya was so surprised at his master's snoring that he opened his eyes from time to time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But when he thought about it, he realized that the worry and physical fatigue of going up Mount Kurihara every day must have been considerable. With this knowledge, even Saya became teary-eyed.\n\nTrying to triumph, even just a little, must be something, he told himself, but he had no idea that his master's efforts had ended in failure. Hideyoshi was already finishing his travel preparations before dawn. Stepping out into the dew, they left the village. No doubt many of the families there were still sound asleep.\n\n\"Wait, Saya.\"\n\nHideyoshi suddenly stopped and stood up straight, facing the rising sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mount Kurihara was still black above the sea of morning mist. Behind the mountain, the glowing clouds were moving with the colors of the brilliantly ascending sun.\n\n\"No, I was wrong,\" Hideyoshi muttered. \"I came to get a person who is hard to get. So that he is hard to get is natural. Maybe my own sincerity is still insufficient. How can I accomplish great things with such smallness of mind?\"\n\nHe turned completely around. \"Saya, I'm going up Mount Kurihara one more time. You go back before me.\" With that, he abruptly turned and went back up the road, piercing the morning mist on the slopes of the mountain, going steadily on. So today, again, he climbed the mountain, and before long he was already halfway up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he came to the edge of a broad, grassy swamp that was close to Hanbei's house, he heard a voice addressing him in the distance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was Oyu, and with her was Kokuma." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had an herb basket at her elbow and was riding the cow. Kokuma was holding the reins.\n\n\"Well, I'm surprised. You're amazing, aren't you, mister? Even my teacher said you'd had enough and probably wouldn't come back today.\"\n\nDismounting from the cow's back, Oyu made her salutations as always. But Kokuma beseeched him.\n\n\"Mister, please don't go on, just for today. He said he had had a fever in the night because he talked with you for a long time. Even this morning his mood was horrible, and I got scolded.\"\n\n\"Don't be rude,\" Oyu reprimanded him, and apologized to Hideyoshi, asking him in a roundabout way not to visit. \"It's not that my brother became ill from talking to you, but he seems to have a bit of a cold. He's in bed today, so I'll tell him that you wanted to come. But, please, not today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose it would be an annoyance. I'll drop the idea and go back, but... \"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a brush and an ink case from his kimono, and wrote a poem on a piece of paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is no leisure in a life of indolence.\n\nThat should be left to the birds and beasts.\n\nThere is seclusion even in a crowd,\n\nTranquillity in the streets of a town.\n\nThe mountain clouds are free from worldly attachments,\n\nThey come and go of themselves.\n\nHow can the place to bury one's bones\n\nBe limited to the green mountains?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He knew very well that it was a poor poem, but it expressed what he felt. He added one more thing:\n\nWhere is the destination of the clouds that leave the peaks?\n\nTo the west? To the east?\n\n\"I'm sure he's going to laugh at me and call me impudent and shameless, but this is the last time I'll bother him. I'll wait here for an answer. And if I see that it will be impossible to complete my lord's order, I'll commit seppuku right here by this swamp. So please go speak to him for me one more time.\" He was even more earnest today than he had been yesterday. And there was no falseness in his use of the word seppuku. It had slipped out almost unconsciously, from his own zeal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather than despising him, Oyu felt a deep sympathy and returned to her brother's sickbed with the letter. Hanbei read the letter once and said absolutely nothing. He kept his eyes closed for almost half a day. Evening came, and the day turned into a moonlit night.\n\n\"Kokuma, fetch the cow,\" Hanbei said suddenly.\n\nSince he was obviously going to go out, Oyu became alarmed and dressed her brother warmly in padded cotton clothes and a heavy kimono. Then he left, riding on the cow. With Kokuma as his guide, they went down the mountain slope toward the swamp." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On a grassy knoll in the distance, he could see the figure of someone who had had neither food nor drink, sitting cross-legged like a Zen priest under the moon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had a hunter discovered him from afar, he would have thought that Hideyoshi made a perfect target. Hanbei got down from the cow and approached him directly. Then he knelt down in front of Hideyoshi and bowed.\n\n\"Master guest, I was discourteous today. I'm not sure what promise you've set your heart on, from a person who is nothing more than a worn-out man living in the mountains, but your manners were more than I deserved. It is said that a samurai will die for someone who truly knows him. I don't want you to die in vain, and I will carve this into my heart. And yet, at one time I served the Saito clan. I'm not saying that I will serve Nobunaga. I am going to serve you, and devote this sickly body to your cause. I came here simply to say this. Please forgive my rudeness of the last several days.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Collaborative writing exercise:\n1. User provides opening\n2. AI continues with 3 sentences sentences\n3. Mimic Eiji Yoshikawa's style\n4. Incorporate genres: historical fiction\n5. Include elements: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the seventh day of the Tenth Month in the ninth year of Eiroku. One might, perhaps, call it a fateful day. Mori had interceded for Mitsuhide, and the details of the situation had reached Nobunaga." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was the day that Mitsuhide entered Gifu Castle and met Nobunaga for the first time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mitsuhide was thirty-eight, six years older than Nobunaga.\n\n\"I have carefully looked over the letters from Lord Hosokawa and the shogun,\" Nobunaga said, \"and I see that they have requested assistance from me. Unworthy as I am, I will give them whatever strength I can.\"\n\nMitsuhide bowed and responded to Nobunaga's words." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Risking my insignificant life for the nation has been a mission far exceeding my own low status.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was nothing false in Mitsuhide's words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sincerity impressed Nobunaga, as did his bearing and conduct, his perceptive use of words, his admirable intelligence. The more Nobunaga watched him, the more he was impressed. This man should prove to be of service, he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thus Akechi Mitsuhide came under the wing of the Oda clan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon, he was granted a domain in Mino of four thousand kan. Moreover, as the shogun and his followers were now with the Asai clan, Nobunaga sent a number of men under Mitsuhide's command to escort them to Gifu Castle. Nobunaga went to the provincial border himself to greet the shogun, who had been treated as such a troublesome man in the other provinces." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING ASSISTANT ENGAGED\nCONTINUE USER INPUT\nOUTPUT: 7 sentences SENTENCES\nSTYLE: Eiji Yoshikawa\nGENRES: historical fiction\nINCORPORATE: samurai, Japan" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Nobunaga had settled the situation in the capital and returned to Gifu, he turned away from the matters that had preoccupied him and found that Mikawa was no longer the weak, poverty-stricken province it had once been." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could not help marveling secretly at Ieyasu's vigilance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lord of Mikawa had not simply been content to be a guard dog at the back gate of Owari and Mino while his ally, Nobunaga, marched off to the center of the field. Rather than let the opportunity go by, he had expelled the forces of Imagawa Yoshimoto's successor, Ujizane, from the two provinces of Suruga and Totomi. This, of course, was not through his own strength alone. Connected with the Oda clan on the one hand, he was also in collusion with Takeda Shingen of Kai, and he had a pact with the latter to divide and share the two remaining provinces of the Imagawa. Ujizane had been a fool and had given both the Tokugawa and Takeda clans a number of good excuses to attack him.\n\nEven though the country was in chaos, every military commander understood that he could not start a war without some reason, and that if he did, the battle would be lost in the end. Ujizane was operating an administration against which the enemy could take just such a moral stand, and was weak-minded enough to be unable to see what the future held." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Everyone knew he was an unworthy successor to Yoshimoto." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The province of Suruga became the possession of the Takeda clan, while Totomi became the Tokugawa clan's domain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On New Year's Day of the thirteenth year of Eiroku, Ieyasu left his son in charge of the castle at Okazaki, and he himself moved to Hamamatsu in Totomi. In the Second Month, a message of congratulations came from Nobunaga:\n\nLast year, I myself mentioned my long-cherished desire and had some small success, but nothing could be more felicitous than adding the fertile land of Totomi to your own domains. Collectively, we have become all the stronger.\n\nIn early spring, Ieyasu went to Kyoto in the company of Nobunaga. Of course the purpose of the trip was to enjoy the capital in the springtime and to relax beneath the cherry blossoms, or so it appeared. From a political perspective, however, the rest of the world looked at the two leaders meeting in Kyoto and wondered what it was really about." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Nobunaga's trip this time was really just a magnificent and leisurely progress. Alone, the two of them would spend the entire day hawking in the fields. At night Nobunaga held banquets and had the popular songs and dances of the villagers performed at their inn. All in all, it looked like nothing more than an outing. On the day Nobunaga and Ieyasu were to arrive at the capital, Hideyoshi, who was in charge of the defense of Kyoto, had gone out as far as Otsu to greet them. Nobunaga had introduced him to Ieyasu.\n\n\"Yes, I've known him for a long time. The first time I met him was when I visited Kiyosu, and he was among the samurai stationed at the entrance to greet me. That was a year after the battle of Okehazama, so it was quite a while ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ieyasu looked directly at Hideyoshi and smiled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi was surprised at how good the man's memory was. Ieyasu was now twenty-eight years old. Lord Nobunaga was thirty-six. Hideyoshi was going to be thirty-four. The battle of Okehazama had taken place a good ten years before.\n\nWhen they had settled down in Kyoto, Nobunaga first went to inspect the repairs being done on the Imperial Palace.\n\n\"We anticipate that the Imperial Palace will be finished by next year,\" the two construction overseers informed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be stingy with the expenses,\" Nobunaga replied. \"The Imperial Palace has lain in ruins for years.\"\n\nIeyasu heard Nobunaga's comments and said, \"I truly envy your position. You have been able to demonstrate your loyalty to the Emperor in actual fact.\"\n\n\"That's so,\" Nobunaga answered without modesty, and nodded as though he approved of himself.\n\nThus, Nobunaga not only rebuilt the Imperial Palace, but he also revised the finances of the court. The Emperor was pleased, of course, and Nobunaga's loyalty impressed the people. Seeing that the nobles were at ease and that the lower classes were at peace and in harmony, Nobunaga truly enjoyed the time spent with Ieyasu during the Second Month, viewing the cherry blossoms, and attending tea ceremonies and concerts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who would have known that, during that time, his mind was preparing to strike through the next set of difficulties?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobunaga initiated his actions as new situations developed, and moved ahead with the outlines of his plans and their execution even as he lay sleeping. Suddenly, on the second day of the Fourth Month, all of his generals received summonses to meet at the residence of the shogun.\n\nThe large conference room was full.\n\n\"This concerns the Asakura clan of Echizen,\" Nobunaga began, revealing what he had been planning since the Second Month. \"Lord Asakura has ignored the numerous requests of the shogun and has not offered a single piece of lumber for the construction of the Imperial Palace. Lord Asakura was appointed by the shogun and holds the position of retainer to the Emperor, but he thinks of nothing but the luxury and indolence of his own clan. I would like to investigate this crime myself, and assemble a punitive force of soldiers. What are your opinions?\"\n\nAmong those under direct control of the shogunate, there were a number of men who had old friendships with the Asakura clan and who supported the clan indirectly; but no one disagreed. And as a large number of men voiced frank approval quite readily, no one spoke under the added pressure of the large group." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To attack the Asakura would mean a campaign to the northern provinces. It was a major undertaking, but the plan was approved in a very short time. On the very same day a proclamation went out that an army would be assembled, and by the twentieth day of that month it had already been mustered at Sakamoto. Added to the troops of Owari and Mino, were eight thousand Mikawa warriors under Tokugawa Ieyasu. A force of close to one hundred thousand men now stretched along the lakeshore at Niodori, in the bright Fourth Month of late spring.\n\nReviewing the troops, Nobunaga pointed toward the mountain range to the north. \"Look! The snow covering the mountains of the northern provinces has melted. We'll have the flowering of spring!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi had been included in this army, and led a contingent of troops.\n\nHe nodded to himself, thinking, \"Well, while Lord Nobunaga was entertaining himself in the capital with Lord Ieyasu this spring, he was also waiting for the snows to melt in the mountain passes leading to the northern provinces.\"\n\nBut more than that, he considered how Nobunaga's real skill had been in inviting Ieyasu to the capital. Indirectly he had displayed his own strength and achievements so that Ieyasu would not begrudge the forces he would be sending. This was Nobunaga's skill. Even with the chaos the world is in, it's going to be united by his ability. Hideyoshi believed this was true, and understood more than anyone else that the significance of this battle was in its absolute necessity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The army advanced from Takashima, passed Kumagawa in Wakasa, and marched toward Tsuruga in Echizen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On and on it went, burning the enemy's fortresses and border posts, crossing mountain after mountain, and attacking Tsuruga within the month." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Asakura, who had been making light of the enemy troops, were astonished that they were already there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just half a month earlier, Nobunaga had been reveling in the spring flowers of the capital. The Asakura could not believe, even in their dreams, that they were looking at his banners here in their own province, even if he had been able to make his military preparations so quickly.\n\nThe ancient Asakura clan, descended from the imperial line, had risen to prominence for helping the first shogun, and later had been granted the entire province of Echizen.\n\nThe clan was the strongest in all the northern provinces; this was acknowledged by itself and others. The Asakura ranked as participants in the shogunate, they were rich in natural resources, and they could depend on great military strength.\n\nWhen he heard that Nobunaga had already reached Tsuruga, Yoshikage almost chided the man who had informed him. \"Don't lose your head. You're probably mistaken.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Oda army that fell upon Tsuruga made its base camp there and sent out battalions to attack the castles at Kanegasaki and Tezutsugamine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where's Mitsuhide?\" Nobunaga asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"General Mitsuhide is in command of the vanguard,\" a retainer replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Call him back!\" Nobunaga ordered.\n\n\"What is it, my lord?\" Mitsuhide asked, hurrying back from the front lines.\n\n\"You lived in Echizen for a long time, so you should be especially familiar with the geography between this area and the Asakura's main castle at Ichijogadani. Why are you fighting out there for some tiny achievement with the vanguard, without devising some greater strategy?\" Nobunaga inquired.\n\n\"I'm sorry.\" Mitsuhide bowed as though Nobunaga had somehow struck him deep inside. \"If you will give me your order, I will draw you a map and submit it for your observation.\"\n\n\"Well then, I'll give you a formal order. The maps I have at hand are rather crude, and there seem to be places where they might be totally incorrect. Check them with the maps you have, correct them, and give them back to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Mitsuhide's possession were finely detailed maps with which Nobunaga's could not compare. Mitsuhide withdrew and then returned with his own maps, which he presented to Nobunaga.\n\n\"I think you should look over the lay of the land. And I think I'd better make you an officer on my field staff.\" After that, Nobunaga would not let Mitsuhide stray far from headquarters.\n\nTezutsugamine, the castle defended by Hitta Ukon, soon surrendered. But the castle at Kanegasaki was not so quick to fall. In this latter castle, Asakura Kagetsune, a twenty-six-year-old general, stood his ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he had been a monk in his youth, there were those who said it would be a pity for a warrior of his physique and disposition to enter holy orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus he was forced back into secular life and quickly put in charge of a castle, distinguishing himself even within the Asakura clan. Surrounded by more than forty thousand troops commanded by such veteran generals as Sakuma Nobumori, Ikeda Shonyu, and Mori Yoshinari, Kagetsune looked down from the castle watchtower with an unperturbed expression, and broke into a smile.\n\n\"How ostentatious.\"\n\nYoshinari, Nobumori, and Shonyu staged a general attack, staining the walls with blood and holding fast like ants for the entire day. When they counted the bodies at the end of the day, the enemy had lost over three hundred men, but the corpses of their own forces exceeded eight hundred. That night, however, the castle at Kanegasaki stood majestic and indomitable under a huge summer moon.\n\n\"This castle is not going to fall. And even if it does, it will not be a victory for us,\" Hideyoshi told Nobunaga that evening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nobunaga looked a bit impatient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why won't it be a victory for us if the castle falls?\" There was, on such occasions, no reason for Nobunaga to be in a good mood.\n\n\"With the fall of this one castle, Echizen will not necessarily be overthrown. With the capture of this one castle, my lord, your military power will not necessarily increase.\"\n\nNobunaga interrupted him, asking, \"But how can we advance without overcoming Kanegasaki?\"\n\nHideyoshi suddenly turned to the side. Ieyasu had come in and was just standing there. Seeing Ieyasu, Hideyoshi hurriedly withdrew with a bow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He then brought in some matting and offered the lord of Mikawa a seat next to Nobunaga.\n\n\"Am I intruding?\" Ieyasu asked, and then sat down on the seat Hideyoshi had provided. To Hideyoshi, however, he gave not the slightest recognition. \"It seems as though you were in the middle of some discussion.\"\n\n\"No.\" Motioning toward Hideyoshi with his chin and softening his mood a bit, Nobunaga explained to Ieyasu exactly what they had been discussing.\n\nIeyasu nodded and stared fixedly at Hideyoshi. Ieyasu was eight years younger than Nobunaga, but to Hideyoshi it seemed the other way around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Ieyasu looked at him, Hideyoshi could not imagine that his manner and expression were those of a man in his twenties." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree with what Hideyoshi has said. To waste further time and injure more men with this one castle is not a sound policy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think we should call off the attack and press on to the enemy's main stronghold?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First let's hear what Hideyoshi has to say. It seems he has something in mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hideyoshi.\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord.\"\n\n\"Tell us your plan.\"\n\n\"I don't have a plan.\"\n\n\"What?\" Nobunaga was not the only one whose eyes showed surprise. The expression on Ieyasu's face was a little perplexed, too.\n\n\"There are three thousand soldiers inside that castle, and its walls are hardened with their will to take on an army of ten thousand men and fight to the death. Even though it's small, there's no reason why the castle should fall easily. I doubt that it would be shaken even if we did have a plan. Those soldiers are men, too, so I imagine they must be susceptible to true human emotions and sincerity... \"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're starting up again, eh?\" Nobunaga said. He did not want Hideyoshi's tongue to wag any more than it had already. Ieyasu was his most powerful ally, and he treated him with extreme courtesy; but the man was, after all, lord of the two provinces of Mikawa and Totomi, and was not a member of the Oda clan's inner circle. More than that, Nobunaga was well enough attuned to Hideyoshi's mind that he didn't have to hear his thoughts in detail in order to trust him.\n\n\"Fine. That's fine,\" Nobunaga said. \"I give you the authority for whatever you have in mind. Go ahead and carry it through.\"\n\n\"Thank you, my lord.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi withdrew as though the matter were of no particular consequence. But that night he entered the enemy castle alone and met with its commander, Asakura Kagetsune. Hideyoshi opened his heart and spoke to the young master of this castle.\n\n\"You come from a samurai family, too, so you're probably looking at the end result of this battle. Further resistance will only result in the deaths of valuable soldiers. I, in particular, do not want to see you die a useless death. Rather than that, why don't you open up the castle and retreat properly, join forces with Lord Yoshikage, and meet us again, on a different battlefield? I will personally guarantee the security of all the treasures, weapons, and women and children inside the castle, and send them to you without trouble.\"\n\n\"Changing the field of battle and meeting you on another day would be interesting.\" Kagetsune replied, and went to prepare the retreat. With the full courtesy of a samurai, Hideyoshi allowed the retreating enemy all accommodations, and saw them off to a league beyond the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took a day and a half to settle the matter of Kanegasaki, but when Hideyoshi informed Nobunaga of what he had done, his lord's only response was, \"Is that so?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "and he added no great praise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The look on Nobunaga's face, however, indicated that he seemed to be thinking, You did too well—there is a limit to meritorious deeds. But Hideyoshi's great achievement could hardly be denied, regardless of who judged the matter.\n\nIf Nobunaga had praised him to the skies, however, it would have created a situation in which the generals Shonyu, Nobumori, and Yoshinari would have been too ashamed to face their lord again. After all, they had sent eight hundred soldiers to their deaths and had been unable to defeat the enemy even with an overwhelming number of men. Hideyoshi was even more sensitive to the feelings of these generals, and when he made his report, he did not credit his own idea as the source of his efforts. He simply said that he had been following Nobunaga's orders.\n\n\"It was my intention to carry out everything according to orders. I hope you'll overlook my unskillful performance and the suddenness and secrecy of it all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thus apologizing, he withdrew.\n\nIeyasu happened to be with the other generals at Nobunaga's side at this time. Grunting to himself, he watched Hideyoshi depart. From this point on, he realized that there was a formidable man not much older than he who had been born into this period as well. Meanwhile, having abandoned Kanegasaki and now in full retreat, Asakura Kagetsune hurried along, thinking that he would join his forces with those at the main castle at Ichijogadani, and measure his strength against Nobunaga's army once again, at another place. Still on the way, he met the twenty thousand troops that Asakura Yoshikage had sent running to relieve Kanegasaki.\n\n\"Now I've done it!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kagetsune said, regretting that he had followed the counsel of the enemy, but it was too late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why did you leave the castle without a fight?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yoshikage shouted, enraged, but he was obliged to unite the two armies and return to Ichijogadani.\n\nNobunaga's men pushed on as far as Kinome Pass. If he could break through that strategic position, the very headquarters of the Asakura clan would be right before him. But an urgent message shocked the invading Oda troops.\n\nA dispatch informed them that Asai Nagamasa of Omi, whose clan had been allied with the Asakura for several generations, had taken his army from north of Lake Biwa and cut off Nobunaga's retreat. Additionally, Sasaki Rokkaku, who had already tasted defeat at the hands of Nobunaga, was acting in concert with the Asai and coming from the mountainous area of Koga. One after another, they had led their armies to strike at Nobunaga's flank." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The enemy was now before and behind the invading army. Perhaps because of this change of events, the morale of the Asakura forces was high, and they were ready to sally from Ichijogadani and mount a furious counterattack.\n\n\"We've entered the jaws of death,\" Nobunaga said. He realized it was as if they had been looking for their own graves in enemy territory. What he suddenly feared was not just that Sasaki Rokkaku and Asai Nagamasa obstructed his retreat; what Nobunaga feared to the very marrow of his bones was the likelihood that the warrior-monks of the Honganji, whose fortress was in this area, would raise a war cry against the invader and unfold the banner opposing him. The weather had suddenly changed, and the invading army was a boat heading into the storm.\n\nBut where was an opening large enough for the retreat of ten thousand soldiers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strategists warn that, by nature, an advance is easy and a retreat difficult. If a general makes one mistake, he may suffer the misfortune of the annihilation of his entire army.\n\n\"Please allow me to take charge of the rear guard. Then my lord can take the shortcut through Kuchikidani, unencumbered by too many men, and under cover of night, slip out of this land of death. By dawn the rest of the troops could retreat directly toward the capital,\" Hideyoshi offered.\n\nWith each moment that passed, the danger became greater. That evening, accompanied by a few retainers and a force of only three hundred men, Nobunaga followed the pathless valleys and ravines and rode all night toward Kuchikidani. They were attacked countless times by the warrior-monks of the Ikko sect and local bandits, and for two days and nights they went without food, drink, or sleep. They finally reached Kyoto on the evening of the fourth day, but by that time, many of them were so tired that they were almost invalids." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they were the lucky ones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The one more to be pitied was the man who had taken responsibility for the rear guard on his own and, after the main army had made its escape, stayed behind with a tiny force in the lone fortress of Kanegasaki.\n\nThis was Hideyoshi. The other generals, who until now had envied his successes and secretly called him a quibbler and an upstart, now parted from him with heartfelt praise, calling him \"the pillar of the Oda clan\" and \"a true warrior,\" and bringing firearms, gunpowder, and provisions to his camp as they left. As they laid the supplies down and left, it was as if they were leaving wreaths at a grave.\n\nThen, from dawn until midday on the morning after Nobunaga's night escape, the nine thousand troops under Katsuie, Nobumori, and Shonyu made good their escape. When the Asakura forces saw this and pursued to attack them, Hideyoshi struck their flank and threatened them from behind. And when the Oda force had finally been able to slip away from disaster, Hideyoshi and his troops shut themselves up in the castle at Kanegasaki, vowing, \"This is where we'll leave this world.\"\n\nDemonstrating their will to die fighting, they barred the castle gate tightly, eating what there was to eat, sleeping whenever there was time to sleep, and said their farewells to the world." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The commander of the attacking Asakura forces was the brave general Keya Shichizaemon." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather than injure many of his own men by dashing against troops who were ready to die, he besieged the fortress, cutting off Hideyoshi's retreat." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "INPUT: user text\nOUTPUT: 2 sentences sentences\nGENRES: historical fiction\nTAGS: samurai, Japan\nCONTINUE STORY" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Night attack!\" When this warning was given in the middle of the second night, all the preparations made beforehand were deployed without the least confusion. Keya's army rushed out against the enemy moving in the dark and completely routed Hideyoshi's small force, which fled quickly back into the castle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The enemy is resigned to die, and is shouting its own death cry! Take this opportunity, and we'll capture the castle by dawn!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Keya ordered. They rushed to the edge of the moat, assembled rafts, and crossed the water. In no time at all, thousands of soldiers took possession of the stone walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, just as Shichizaemon had vowed, Kanegasaki fell with the coming of the dawn. But what did his forces find?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not one of Hideyoshi's men was in the castle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their banners were standing. Smoke already curled toward the sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Horses were neighing. Hideyoshi, however, was not there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The attack the night before had not been an attack at all.\n\nLed by Hideyoshi, his small army had only pretended to flee back into the castle, while in fact it searched like the wind for a way of escape from certain death." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By dawn, Hideyoshi's men were already at the base of the mountains that wound their way along the provincial border, making good their escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Keya Shichizaemon and his troops did not, of course, watch them go in mute amazement. \"Make ready for pursuit!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he ordered. \"After them!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hideyoshi's troops took the path of retreat deep into the mountains, continuing their flight throughout the night without pausing to eat or drink.\n\n\"We're not out of the tiger's den yet!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi warned them. \"Don't slacken up. Don't rest. Don't think about thirst. Just keep your will to live!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On they marched to Hideyoshi's admonishments. As expected, Keya began to catch up with them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When he heard the enemy's battle cries behind them, Hideyoshi first ordered a short rest and then spoke to his soldiers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't be alarmed. Our enemies are fools. They're raising their war cries as they climb up the valley while we're on high ground. We're all tired, but the enemy is chasing after us in anger, and many of them are going to be exhausted. When they're in range, shower them with rocks and stones, and thrust your spears at them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His men were tired, but they regained their confidence at his reason and clarity.\n\n\"Come and get us!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "they yelled as they stood ready for the attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Keya's chastisement of Hideyoshi's troops was returned to him in a miserable defeat. Innumerable corpses piled up beneath the rocks and spears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Retreat!\" The voices that screamed the order finally grew hoarse in the valleys into which the Asakura retreated.\n\n\"Now's our chance! Pull back! Retreat!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hideyoshi seemed almost to mimic the enemy, and his men turned and fled toward the southern lowlands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leading his surviving soldiers, Keya once again went in pursuit. Keya's men were truly implacable, and though the remaining strength of the punitive force had already weakened considerably, the warrior-monks of the Honganji joined the attack, blocking the road as Hideyoshi's men tried to pass through the mountains leading down into Omi." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the men tried to turn from the road, arrows and stones flew from the swamps and forests to the right and left, accompanied by screams of \"Don't let them pass!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even Hideyoshi started to think that his time had come. But now was the moment to summon the will to live and to resist the temptation to succumb." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let heaven decide whether our luck is good or bad and whether we live or die! Run down through the marsh to the west. Escape along the mountain streams. Their waters flow into Lake Biwa. Run as fast as the water itself. Your escape from death is speed!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not tell them to fight. This was the Hideyoshi who knew so well how to employ men, but even he did not think of ordering his starving troops, who had gone two days and two nights without sleep or rest, to repel an ambush by unknown numbers of warrior-monks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All he wanted was to help every last soldier in his pitiful force to return to the capital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And there was nothing stronger than the will to live.\n\nUnder Hideyoshi's orders, the tired and hungry troops struck their way into the marsh in a downhill rush of almost uncanny force." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a reckless move that could have been called neither strategy nor even self-abandonment, for the warrior-monks hidden in the depths of the forest were like mosquitoes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, on they ran, right through the enemy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And this, in fact, opened up a fissure in the enemy ranks, and they were able to rend the carefully laid ambush into pieces. As they ran, order turned to chaos, and all the men scrambled to the south, following the mountain streams." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lake Biwa!\"\n\n\"We're saved!\" They shouted for joy." } ]