Matagi
Summary
Debuting in episode 21, this eccentric old hermit with grotesque teeth rescues Jin from a river and brings him to his primitive hut, which is heavily decorated with dead fish. After Jin wakes up unable to move, the hermit places a bowl on the opposite side of the room. When Jin painfully drags himself over, he finds it empty. The old man points out that Jin managed to move at least that far, then goes to the river to fish. As Musashi stands knee-deep in the water, calmly watching for fish, Jin hobbles down wearing clothes and leaning on a stick. He explains that fish have eyes in the water itself and one must entrust themselves to the flow to catch them. He lunges but catches nothing, remarking that it doesn't always work, leaving Jin stunned. Before leaving, Jin thanks the hermit for the lesson, citing the proverb about teaching a man to fish. The old man denies offering any help. When Jin asks his name, he dramatically introduces himself as Miyamoto Musashi. Jin recognizes the name, but the hermit laughs it off as impossible, claiming his real name is Johnny, which leaves Jin speechless once more. The series website lists his name as Matagi.
