Caroline Young, artwork and text
Braving the stormy seas, the beautiful Japanese maiden, Otsu, sets sail to follow her betrothed, the great samurai Miyamoto Mushashi, before he leaves for battle.
Otsu, deeply in love with the famous warrior, promised to wait for him forever, vowing never to cut her hair as proof of her pledge to him.
The lovely Otsu kept her pledge and remained faithful to the great Musashi and awaited his return after each battle.
She dreamed in her heart that someday they would marry; however, their love remained unrequited as Musashi remained wedded to his work.
Mushashi was forever wed to his first love, his calling as a magnificent swordsman, teacher and samurai warrior.
