The Samurai and the Long-Nosed Devils Read Online Free

made. When Hambei left to pay for the meal, Matsuzo whispered fiercely, “Are you seriously thinking of taking Hambei’s suggestion?”
    â€œYes,” replied Zenta. “Why not?”
    â€œBut being henchmen to some long-nosed devils is so degrading! Do we really have to sink so low?”
    Zenta’s face went rigid. After a moment he said, “You are not a hereditary vassal of my family, and there is no reason for you to follow me. We have been more like teacher and student. I know that I haven’t been able to provide decent food and shelter for you recently, not even a bath. If you find life too degrading, you are free to leave.”
    Matsuzo, not having realized that his remarks could be interpreted as a complaint, was overcome with shame. “You’ve misunderstood me completely,” he said. “I wasn’t criticizing you. I merely had the impression that Hambei didn’t want you to work for Nobunaga, and the bodyguard job was to get you out of the way. He also tried to discourage you by describing Nobunaga’s violent temper.”
    The anger left Zenta’s face and was replaced by surprise. “Hambei knew perfectly well that Nobunaga’s violent temper wouldn’t frighten me away. And why do you think he wants to stop me from working for Nobunaga?”
    â€œI thought he might be a little jealous of you,” said Matsuzo in a low voice. “Perhaps he didn’t want you to surpass him in Nobunaga’s favor.”
    Zenta looked even more astonished. “There is absolutely no reason for Hambei to be jealous of me. During all the times that we worked together, we have never been rivals. How can he possibly be jealous? Look at how successful he is and then look at me!”
    He paused and examined Matsuzo. “But speaking of jealousy makes me wonder if you might be a little jealous of him . You’re attracted to Chiyo, aren’t you? And he is obviously her close friend.”
    Matsuzo felt his face burning. But he was that rare being, a totally honest person, and he examined his feelings carefully before replying. “I do like Chiyo, but I don’t think that was the reason why I suspected Hambei’s motives.”
    Zenta seemed to regret his harshness. “You must not be misled by Hambei’s insulting way of speaking to me. It’s just his manner. As for accepting the job, I suppose you deserve an explanation at least. I think this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the foreigners. I might even get some expert instruction on how to use a gun.”
    â€œPlease forget what I said,” muttered Matsuzo. “Of course I shall join you as bodyguard to the Portuguese.”
    There was no time to say more, for they heard Hambei’s step on the stairs. “If you’ve finished stuffing yourselves, let’s go and find the Portuguese,” he said to the two ronin.
    When they emerged from the restaurant, however, the foreigners were out of sight. “We can go directly to their residence,” suggested Hambei. “It’s slightly south of here, and I know the way. I’ve gone there on business several times.”
    Now that the sun was setting, the air was cooler and Matsuzo found the walk very pleasant after the heavy meal. His interest was soon caught by some of the famous Miyako landmarks that they were passing. His family was from a remote northern province, and he had visited only castle towns with their narrow, crooked streets. The broad, straight avenues of the capital were unlike anything he had seen before.
    As they walked Matsuzo tried hard to prevent himself from staring openmouthed like a country boy on his first visit to the city. But Hambei, whatever his manner towards Zenta, showed not a hint of condescension towards the younger man. Matsuzo soon lost his shyness and eagerly poured out his questions about the capital city. He learned that the major avenues of Miyako were laid