Influenced by Tang dynasty culture, before the rise of the samurai class, Japan's favorite flower had been the plum blossom.
The plum blossom's symbolism of unyielding resolve and proud integrity was the emblem most beloved by the aristocracy.
But after the samurai class flourished, Japan's national flower became the cherry blossom.
There was a widely circulated saying: "Among flowers, the cherry blossom; among men, the samurai."
It meant that the cherry blossom was king among flowers, and samurai were kings among men.
Mu Yu had not expected that Jubei, who could not even withstand a single strike from him, would find his "blade" at the moment of death and unleash such a powerful Blood Demon Art as Cherry Blossom Fall.
The longer Mu Yu practiced the sword, the more he yearned for superb swordsmanship.
He had to admit, this truly delighted him!
What Mu Yu did not know was that, at the instant Jubei found his blade, he also recovered his memories from when he had been human.
He remembered. Jubei remembered everything.
In life, he had indeed been a samurai, but not a particularly strong one.
If he had to describe himself, he had been a slacker samurai!
He had inherited his samurai status from his father.
He knew some swordsmanship, but only enough to barely pass.
Yet because of his samurai status, he received a monthly stipend and lived a fairly decent life.
Not only that, he had married a virtuous wife named Riko and had an adorable son, Ryota.
Riko usually did not like to talk much, but she was exceptionally capable and kept their home in perfect order, making his friends jealous to death.
What left the deepest impression on him were Riko's eyes. They were bright and watery, as though they could speak.
Whenever those