Back at the inn where Tamamo was staying, Musashi flopped straight onto the floor as soon as she entered.
"Ah, Samurai Sis and Samurai Uncle! Welcome back!"
"Yeah, I'm back. Thanks for welcoming me, O-Nui."
Musashi barely had the strength to raise a hand.
"Where are Master and Kotarou?"
Sakumura glanced at the back of his hand, then smiled and patted O-Nui on the head.
Though O-Nui called him Uncle, she really was an adorable child.
"They haven't come back yet. It seems they went to collect supplies."
"I see."
Sakumura nodded to show that he understood.
A long silence followed.
Musashi suddenly turned her head.
"Sir Sakumura, that strike of yours—how did you make it?"
Musashi asked Sakumura.
"...I can't explain something like that."
Sakumura gently shook his head.
"That strike... was truly beautiful."
Musashi sighed in admiration.
"I could feel it, Sir Sakumura. That strike of yours... had already touched upon Lady Tomoe Gozen's Karma."
"In other words, even without me and the Myojin-giri Muramasa in my hand, you still would have been able to kill Tomoe Gozen."
"I was merely someone who took advantage of the weapon's convenience to deliver the final blow."
"There is no need to belittle yourself, Shinmen Musashi."
Sakumura drew Crane Feather and used its blade to reflect his own eyes.
"You are merely still somewhat lost."
"Every warrior goes through a time when they cannot see their own path. I am already dead; I can no longer continue to improve—but you are alive."
"Remember that."
Crane Feather returned to its sheath, and Sakumura met Miyamoto Musashi's gaze with an icy look.
"Before you die, find your own path."
"After that, even if you die without regret, that is fine."
Musashi smiled.
"Haha—I know."
"I'll definitely find it."
"Though you came later than