"Then, do you want to become a samurai?"
Mifune answered without hesitation. "Of course I want to become a samurai. Once I'm a little older, I'll go to the capital and study the way of the samurai."
Tobirama nodded and said nothing more. After all, he was only a traveler.
"Come on. I'll take you to my home, where you can rest for the night. You'll have to leave here early tomorrow morning."
The two weren't offended by Mifune's attitude. They were strangers who had only just met, and being allowed to stay the night was already very kind of him.
Besides, even if Mifune hadn't said anything, Tobirama and Torifu would have left the next day anyway.
On the way from the village entrance to Mifune's home, they passed a few villagers who watched Tobirama and Torifu warily.
Mifune explained who they were, and the villagers finally relaxed.
The village was populated by the elderly, women, and children. Even those who had learned a little of the samurai's art when they were young could barely manage a few moves now.
The rudimentary samurai techniques Mifune knew were what the villagers had taught him.
They were basic, but they had given him a solid foundation.
Mifune led Tobirama and Torifu to a small courtyard, where a few fowl wandered about.
"This is my home. It might be a little messy, so don't mind it."
Tobirama nodded to show that it was fine, then followed Mifune into the courtyard.
Torifu looked at the chickens in the yard and thought of the hen back home that was sitting on her eggs.
He had asked Aunt Kato to look after her before he left. I wonder if they've hatched yet.
Once inside, Torifu put his bundle on the table and sat down to