Hiro rode out of Tosa, his mind heavy with the memory of Saito. He had lost a friend and a brother-in-arms, and the victory had come at a great cost. As he traveled, he reflected on the events that had led up to the duel and the choices that he had made.

He knew that he had done what was necessary to protect Lord Nakamura and Tosa, but the weight of Saito's death weighed heavily on him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he could have done something to prevent it, that perhaps he could have reached out to Saito and convinced him to turn away from his treacherous path.

But as the days passed, Hiro began to see that Saito's fate was ultimately out of his control. He had been driven by ambition and pride, and no amount of reasoning or persuasion would have changed that.

As Hiro journeyed through the countryside, he came across a group of travelers who were on their way to Edo, the capital of Japan. They invited Hiro to join them, and he decided to do so, eager for the chance to see new places and meet new people.

The journey to Edo was long and treacherous, but Hiro found solace in the company of his fellow travelers. They shared stories and laughed together, and Hiro began to feel like he was putting the past behind him.

When they arrived in Edo, Hiro decided to stay for a while and explore the city. He spent his days wandering the streets, observing the bustle of city life and taking in the sights and sounds of the capital. He met many different people and learned much about their lives and customs.

Despite all the new experiences, Hiro couldn't forget Saito, and his sadness continued to linger. He felt that Saito's death was a part of him, the weight of it never completely lifted. But as he spent more time with his fellow travelers, he realized that Saito's spirit was always with him, giving him strength and guidance.

As he prepared to leave Edo, Hiro knew that he would always carry the memory of Saito, but he also realized that he could not let it define him. He had a new chapter to start, a new adventure to embrace, and he was ready for it. He rode out of the city, looking forward to the road ahead.