Matajuro Yagyu was the son of a famous swordsman. His father, believing that his son's work was too mediocre to anticipate mastership, disowned him.
So Matajuro went to Mount Futara and there found the famous swordsman, Ban-Zo. But Ban-Zo confirmed the father's judgment. "You wish to learn swordsmanship under my guidance?" asked Ban-Zo. "You cannot fulfil the requirements."
"But if I work hard, how many years will it take me to become a master?" persisted the youth.
"The rest of your life," replied Ban-Zo.
"I cannot wait that long," explained Matajuro.
"I am willing to pass through any hardship if only you will teach me. If I become your devoted servant, how long might it be?"
"Oh, maybe ten years," Ban-Zo relented.
"My father is getting old, and soon I must take care of him," continued Matajuro. "If I work far more intensively, how long would it take me?"
"Oh, maybe thirty years," said Ban-Zo.
"Why is that?" asked Matajuro. "First you say ten and now thirty years. I will undergo any hardship to master this art in the shortest time!"
"Well," said Ban-Zo, "in that case you will have to remain with me for seventy years. A man in such a hurry as you are to get results seldom learns quickly."
"Very well," declared the youth, understand-ing at last he was being rebuked for impatience, "I agree."
Matajuro was told never to speak of fencing, and never to touch a sword. He cooked for his master, washed the dishes, made his bed, cleaned the yard, cared for the garden, without a word of swordsmanship.
Three years passed. Still Matajuro laboured on. Thinking of his future, he was sad. He had not even begun to learn the art to which he had devoted his life.
But one day Ban-Zo crept up behind him and gave him a terrific blow with a wooden sword.
The following day when Matajuro was cooking rice, Ban-Zo again sprang upon him unexpectedly.
After that, day and night, Matajuro had to defend himself from unexpected thrusts. Not a moment passed in any day that he did not have to think of the taste of Ban-Zo's sword.
He learned so rapidly he brought smiles to the face of his master. Matajuro became the greatest swordsman in the land.