The Unexpected

The cup is before us. You look for the tea, but note with delight my sake bottle.

Expect the Unexpected.

I pour sake for you.

A young samurai swordsman had bee making quite a name for himself in the provinces, and after defeating a particularly renowned opponent, he felt confident enough to journey to Edo. He sought a duel with Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi, the kenjutsu instructor to the Shogun.

Jubei was a fearsome sight for the young man. He looked a bit wild, and sported an eye patch to mask a dueling injury. Jubei inspected the young man and called for his servant, Gentatsu. Gentatsu hobbled into the courtyard on a crutch.

"If you can defeat Gentatsu with your sword," Jubei said to the young samurai, "Then I will fight you."

"You want me to fight this cripple? Don't be ridiculous."

"I have taught Gentatsu all the rudiments of martial art," said Jubei, "You will find him a worthy opponent."

The samurai drew his sword and took up an aggressive posture. Gentatsu bowed and shuffled into position in front of the young man.

The samurai stepped forward screaming, and Gentatsu leaped out of the way of the coming strike. Gentatsu's hands flicked, and the young samurai fell dead to the ground. A half-dozen shuriken were embedded in his chest.

"When will these men learn that there is more to martial arts then just swordplay?" asked Gentatsu.

Again, that is enough sake.

Thank you for spending time with the Antagonistic Buddha.