When Munenori was granted an audience with the shogun, he sat down, put his hands on the tatami floor, as retainers always did to show their respect to their master. Suddenly, Iemitsu thrust a spear at the “unsuspecting” Munenori—and was surprised to find himself lying flat on his back! Munenori had sensed the shogun’s intention before a move had been made, and swept Iemitsu’s legs out from under him at the instant of the thrust. LIVES OF MASTER SWORDSMEN, MAKOTO SUGAWARA, 1988
