:54:02
As for academics, we sent him to
Sir Miura Ansai's seminary...
:54:05
...in Yanaka-Oiwakekata
Village.
:54:09
For the next seven
years...
:54:12
...Sir Niiro was a young
man, full of hope...
:54:16
...who immersed himself in the worlds
of academics and swordsmanship.
:54:19
His mother and I both looked
forward to his success...
:54:23
...and bright future, with
pride in our hearts.
:54:26
This anticipation was not at all
a dream... It was no fantasy.
:54:32
I knew that Sir Niiro's real father, an
important Shogunate official...
:54:36
...also took an interest
in his future.
:54:42
When the time came, when Sir
Niiro could live on his own...
:54:45
...on the day when he became a
respectable, deserving man...
:54:49
...we had secretly arranged for
a very special event to occur.
:54:55
But... like they say, "Nothing
ever goes as planned."
:54:58
An unexpected incident
took place...
:55:00
...one that drastically changed
Sir Niiro's life.
:55:05
It was about a month before he was to
receive what he had worked for...
:55:08
...a Commendation for Completion
of Studies at the Todo Dojo.
:55:14
In anticipation of this most
commemorative event...
:55:17
...to pray for his life-long blessing
in swordsmanship...
:55:20
...we visited Kashima Shrine, in Hitachi,
where the Gods of War are sanctified.
:55:24
On the way back, we enjoyed
a boat-ride in Itako.
:55:30
It's nothing but rice fields,
every which way!
:55:32
"Oh, if only the Irises were in bloom!"
Captain, we're bored to death!
:55:35
Hey! Take us somewhere!
Anywhere!
:55:43
Excuse me, but seeing as we're traveling
together, how about pouring me a drink?
:55:47
Both the lady and I are a bit seasick,
not feeling all that well.
:55:51
I am sorry but we cannot
serve you.