While I’m in Tokyo I decide to try to make it a point to go to my second job as a caretaker of Japanese swords. At first I was skeptical that this job would be for me, but I found that on the contrary, being around real Japanese swords puts me at ease. It’s like being surrounded by old friends. So I go to the Museum first early enough so it doesn’t interfere with my real job. The trip forces me in the same direction as the Futaba and the Tokyo Normal school. Not surprising since all this is part of the Meiji nationalistic reforms that was headed by the Home Ministry through the Ministry of Education.
For a moment I wonder if I’ll chance the children again as they go to school but realize it is much too early for them (and it is a Saturday!). Besides it’s better if they travel when there’s light, the roads can be slick now that the snow had started to stick to the ground. As I pass by the rest of the buildings, I noticed that opposite the Museum grounds is the Zoo that was opened when the Emperor took over from the Metropolitan department several years ago. It’s the same zoo that I told my daughter I would take her to but well, I’m a man who doesn’t keep his word right? But maybe if they’re able to stay in Tokyo, then she can go with the others instead.
Well in order for Makoto to stay in Tokyo… I look up at the large foreboding structure of the Museum… I should get serious about this museum job. So I head straight inside and as I pass the halls I can hear the echoes of my boots hitting the marble flooring. Such opulence but this place is open to the public most days, so it is an opulence shared for many to enjoy. I wouldn’t want to be here though when it’s full of visitors. I enter the administrative room to get the keys for the storehouse and a pen and paper.
“Now that is a man who works hard.” Came a voice and I immediately I know who it is.
“Says the one who holds at least five jobs at the same time.” I grin at Takamine. “Is this how you juggle all your responsibilities?”
“Well yes Goro. After all I’m but one person.” He takes his pipe and smokes it. “So how are you finding this job?”
“As long as you and the museum administrators don’t mind that I come and go, it’s not a bad job by any means.” I light a cigarette myself.
“I did look over the storeroom the other day and I must say that it’s starting not to look like a dumping ground of spare sword parts.” He nods, seemingly pleased with what he found.
“I’ve only come the one time. If I am in Tokyo I will try to come as much as I can.”
“It sounds like you are on the field then?”
“Ah on and off this week and maybe the next.”
He nods in understanding, “Well you are still working for the Meiji government after all and we’re all part of the same system. Besides, I now have a little hope that all those sword fittings are finally going to get organized in such a way that it makes sense! The Mei, the Mumei, the seppa, tsuba, ito…”
I shake my head at the man. We both know what sword parts are, there’s no need to list them off for me. Instead I go to the cabinet where they keep the keys and supplies and take it with me. “Well I can’t waste too much time catching up Takamine. Work awaits.” I tilt my hat.
“Ah wait Goro. Since I don’t know when we’ll see each other, I do need to quickly discuss some house cleaning items with you.”
“Alright.” I go where he is sitting. And watch as he pulls up a few papers.
“Now that all the paper work is done and your contract completed, I have to give you the certificates for your daughters.” He places it in front of me and I look at it. “You should keep that in a safe place as it guarantees that your daughters can go to any school run by the Ministry of Education without prejudice and tuition provided by the Ministry for at least 4 and a maximum of 7 years. As you can see the hanko is from Arinori Mori-sama himself, the head of the Ministry.”
I nod again and make sure to check that the names on the certificates are correct as Yagi Makoto and Yagi Ai, then return it to him. I had placed the Yagi names on the form so to ensure that however things work out, that the children can use their mother’s house. “Thank you Takamine. This was very important to their mother.”
He looks at me, “Well you should take it.”
“Well I prefer that it be given to their mother, Yagi Hide. She should keep it.”
“Aren’t you going to give it to her yourself?”
“Ah as I said, this week is a busy time for the police.”
“Alright. I suppose I’m a little surprised Goro.” He looks up at me, “I expected your reaction not to be so -tempered-.”
I can’t help but grin and shake my head, “Again I am thankful Takamine. Is that all?”
“Wait you didn’t really expect that the Home Ministry would not pay you for your work here?”
Tilting my head, I’m sure he can see that I’m surprised. “I suppose I had assumed that since this was an irregular arrangement, that monetary compensation was not included.”
Takamine laughs a bit and puffs on his pipe and looks at me, “Well it’s not much but it is something. You do get a monthly stipend.”
“Well that’s a good development.” It will solve the other problem of providing Hide some support. I can’t help but feel glad about this. “So Takamine, I don’t need the money so I would like to give it to the girls mother. Can that be arranged?”
“Goro…” He looks at me with some concern, “It’s not my business but shouldn’t you take the money and if you want to give it to her or whoever, it should come from you… No?”
I can only smirk a little at this, “You see I just want things to be simple Takamine. Hide had asked for support for our daughters but I’ve got other obligations and can’t really take care of the logistics of it all. It would be much -simpler- if Hide, the mother, was to receive it directly without me as a middle man.”
He shakes his head, “Unfortunately no. We account for every cent that is spent from the budget. This is your stipend and will need to go to you.”
“Taku… I can’t be the only person who has requested a substitute to receive the money.” I look at him dubiously. “I hardly have anytime these days.”
“Are you not seeing this woman on a regular basis?”
Ah so he finally asks what’s likely been on his mind through this entire conversation. “I am not. And likely won’t be.”
“Ah I -see-.” He sighs, “Well along with the educational certificates, I’ll send along instructions to the mother on how she can claim -your- pay. She’ll have to come here in person though as the Museum needs to issue a receipt.”
“I don’t think that will be a problem.” I nod agreeably. “You really run these establishments well Takamine. I couldn’t imagine having to take care of all of this and on top of that, keeping finances straight.”
“Ah but each of us has our own strengths Goro.” He looks at me, “And I suppose weaknesses as well.”
And I have to wonder what he meant ending it at that. But I’ll not dig any deeper. I’m sure it must be difficult for him to facilitate this considering who Hide was to me. And I have to wonder, if anyone of their kin finds out that he helped me support someone else other than Tokio? I’m sure it would not be looked upon favorably.
“Here’s the address to send it to.” I place the piece of paper on his desk. “Thank you Takamine. This meant a lot to me.” I bow low to him.
“I’ll see that it’s delivered to this address Goro.”
“Well then, I’m off to work at the back.” I owe him. I need to do a good job here at the Museum.
(OOC: After 2-3 hours, Saitou will leave the museum for his real job.)