The Master and the Student

Matajuro Yagyu was the son of a famous swordsman, but his father disowned him, believing he lacked the talent to ever master the blade. Seeking to prove his worth, Matajuro traveled to Mount Futara to find the legendary master Banzo. When Matajuro asked how long it would take to become a master, Banzo replied, 'Ten years.' Impatient, Matajuro asked how long it would take if he worked twice as hard. Banzo frowned and said, 'Twenty years.' Distraught, Matajuro promised to devote every waking second to the art. Banzo sighed and said, 'In that case, thirty years.' Matajuro finally understood that his impatience was his greatest obstacle. He agreed to stay, but for three years, Banzo forbade him from even touching a sword. Instead, Matajuro was forced to cook, clean, and garden. One day, while Matajuro was cooking, Banzo crept up and struck him with a wooden sword. From that moment on, the master attacked him day and night, during sleep and chores. To survive, Matajuro had to develop a state of constant, effortless awareness. Only when his mind was perfectly still and ready for any blow did Banzo finally begin to teach him the secrets of the blade. Matajuro had become a master before he ever drew his sword.