Blind Samurai

Night has fallen on the hamlet of Yōhara, but while the village slumbers in subdued silence, and only a dog barks at the passing of a quiet shadow, flickering lights and rowdy shouts filter through the rice-paper walls of the local sake den. Inside, Daimyō's men mix merrily with local brigands, spies, and fake monks, sharing cups, playing dice, and bragging about their crimes. But as the Blind Samurai enters, all drop silent, and for a second, a die clattering across the chō-han board is all that can be heard, as predatory eyes squint nervously, and drops of sweat form on furrowed brows. The Blind Samurai sits down cross-legged, puts away his walking stick, and raises his finger to order a cup of sake. As the chō-han die finally comes to rest, he mutters, "six."