Status Report

2 thoughts on “Status Report”

1. An unexpected guest. I look up and fix my glasses.
   “Please sit down Fujita-san.” I offer him a seat. “I’d offer you some tea but it’s a busy morning.”
   “That’s fine Takimi-sensei.”
   He replies not with his usual threatening demeanor. I am somewhat surprised so I smile a little. “So what brings you in today?” I don’t add -unannounced-.
   His hands almost reached his breast pocket but he puts it back down. I suppose he wanted to smoke? But I won’t encourage it.
   “I’ve been away for several months and since my wife is -unavailable-, I wanted to see how my son Tsutomu has been doing?”
   I nod. On one hand it’s good that he’s here. I was planning to call for him but even if I did try I doubt his son would’ve let him know.
   “I have been meaning to reach out to you and Tokio-sensei,” I start, “but we don’t have any way of contacting you as the address in our files is still your home at Ochonamizu.”
   He nods, “Well I’m here now.”
   Well that’s one way of avoiding the residence issue, I look at him. He doesn’t seem to want to give up this information and I have back to back meetings today. “Tsutomu generally does well in most of his studies but he’s not doing well in history both the history of Japan and the world. He’s also just barely passing Science but it’s a new western subject matter here at Futaba, that most students take a while to adjust.”
   “How about the other subjects? How does his performance today compare to when…” He looks to the side as if debating whether to continue, “Compared to when his mother was teaching here.”
   Of course he’s concerned about that. I -know- about the issues now that hover around the Fujitas, the Yamaguchi and very early on when Makoto-chan took the test as “Yagi Makoto”. It is not much a secret in the school for those very few faculty and students who choose to waste their time on it.
   “I’d say there was a drop of proficiency but not enough to warrant alarm.” Fixing the papers on my desk, I add, “And we cannot be sure the reason is the separation from his mother. It maybe a contributing factor but probably many other reasons are in play. He was bounced around before settling back down. It’s only normal.”
   “Takimi-sensei, do you know why my son seems to struggle in History? He is a bright boy and besides I can’t imagine Japanese history as being a difficult subject, after all it is -our- history.”
   I sigh a little, “Fujita-san, my observation is not so much that he doesn’t understand the subject matter whether it’s world history or japanese history, but that he’s chosen to ignore the subject matter and not attend classes. Odagawa sensei also told me that sometimes Tsutomu-kun will attend but leave in the middle before the class is finished.” I shake my head.
   Fujita-san cups his chin, “What would you suggest as a fix?”
   “Well there’s two ways to fix it, get him interested in the subject or you can lead him to the subject by force, but I’m sure you’ve heard you can lead a horse to water but not make him drink.”
   He nods his head.
   “Now this is good that you’ve come Fujita-san but there is still the matter of how to get in contact with you. After all we at Futaba, need to be able to give you progress reports. If you don’t have a permanent address, perhaps your wife in Aizu has one?”
   Shaking his head, “No Aizu won’t do.” He looks conflicted, “You can send any communication to this address.”
   He hands me a card and I’m surprised, more for the fact that he did give me -that- address. The Yamaguchi or Yagi House near Ueno. Does he really think I still don’t know? But I won’t discuss it unless he wants to. He is more than just Makoto’s uncle. I already heard from Yamaji-sensei after all as she came to me asking for permission to implement her “solution”.

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2. He looks at the card for a long moment, that immediately I know letting Takimi know of my relation to Makoto was the right thing to do. Now that Hide has let me know of the issues our daughter is experiencing in the school, even if it is “controlled”, this man the head of this school needs to know the truth so my daughter is better protected. Having known Takimi for several years, though we are not personally acquainted, I do know he is a professional who tries to hold the highest of standards in this school – not letting the politics get to him. Tokio had at times complained that her being from Aizu was a big disadvantage as she felt suppressed and that her only solace were the few other teachers and administrators who came from Aizu. She didn’t trust the neighboring clans who all declared their allegiance to the emperor and left Aizu to fall. But such talk is beyond Takimi-sensei and he was able to control not only the micro-clan politics but also the competition for higher rank plagued such institutions.
   “Takimi-sensei, there was another matter that I wished to discuss with you, though it may come as a surprise.” I look at him, “As you can see I share the same address as Hide and Makoto. Makoto in fact is my child.” I take a deep breath, “I suppose you’re wondering why I’m telling you this now, after taking pains to disguise myself as her uncle but I spoke with Hide and told me of the altercation that happened between my daughter and a former student of Tokio’s Sakaya.”
   Takimi doesn’t say much. He’s not very surprised but that’s to be expected. He already knows most of this story after all he runs this school.
   “Fujita-san though it would be inappropriate for me to comment on your relationship with Yagi-san, much less Tokio-sensei,” He fixes his glasses and looks straight at me, “As Yagi-san may have told you, we’ve already taken measures to ensure that such issues are avoided especially between students.”
   He stands up and looks out his window, “Though with the situation known by the faculty, those who naturally are close to Tokio-sensei will harbor animosity towards Makoto, while those who do not care for Tokio-sensei may take pleasure in rumor mongering as well.” He turns towards me and tries to appear light, “Though most of our staff is not like that. If we can avoid putting fuel to the fire that would be best for all involved.”
   I nod. “I will ensure to be discreet. Perhaps the Uncle ruse should continue?”
   He shakes his head, “You just said so yourself, it is known that Makoto is a child born out of wedlock and Yagi-san is obviously,” He bows slightly to me by way of apology, “for lack of a better term your mistress. Continuing the relative ruse will just add more fuel. Acknowledge your daughter in this school and it seems from what I heard Tsutomu did not deny she was his younger sister either so that is good.”
   Taking a deep breath, how I wish I had a cigarette.. It helps me think.
   “Here in Futaba as an organization we will focus on our duties which is to educate all equally regardless of their family life.”
   Nodding, “I’m very glad for that reassurance Takimi-sensei.”
   “Perhaps then Fujita-san should we update Makoto’s last name to Fujita?”
   I blink a couple of times, “Why would you think that?”
   Now he looks surprised, “Well we just spoke about you acknowleding her as your true daughter here in the school. Surely Makoto-chan is already a shoshi?”
   Stifling a groan, I shake my head. Another thing that I have not yet done. Acknowledge my children, but if I did. It can only be legally done in the Fujita house. “It is something I am looking into.” I look at him, “Especially now that Hide and I have another child on the way.”
   “I see. Very well then.” He nods. “Fujita-san thank you for stopping by. Rest assured we will work to ensure that both Tsutomu-kun and Makoto-chan get the education that is due to every child in this Meiji era. If you’ll excuse me.”
   We walk out together. There is a lot to think about. For now I head back home.

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