I woke up early in the morning before anyone in the house. Later my daughter and I will go around the neighborhood but for now I’m trying not to burn the scrambled eggs I’m making. And in the other pot, I look at the boiling water and drop in 4 eggs. That should be enough for her later.
A dozen eggs goes quickly doesn’t it? Later we should buy more and not this white kind. Oh and pears..
What did Uramura Muraki say? Eggs provides the most complete nutrition especially the yolk? I want a strong child and a healthy mother. I grin for a minute thinking of our future child. I still hope it’s a boy, one that I could prop up my shoulders but hopefully not pull on my hair. But if it’s not and it’s another girl, maybe this one will be more girl like and wear pretty kimonos like her mother.
Finished with the scrambled eggs, I leave it on the table for everyone but the boiled eggs I set to the side and place a note. “For Mother Hen ONLY”. I wonder how long eggs keep? I’ll have to make a few batches for her especially during weekdays when I’m back to work.
Today, I’m determined not to think too much about the new issues that threaten Hide and I. At least it wasn’t Souji who appeared – I know the inconsistency in her memories and mine. The one I knew didn’t really show his affection did he? But that was to her sister… But the one she knew did love her and the feeling was mutual. Ah my thoughts are running away again. I must try to be in the present. And besides, today is for my daughter. A little parenting is in order. Done with preparing half of the breakfast, I open the door and smoke looking out to the now rising sun.
Sunday Rounds
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I wake up early! I’m excited because hahaue told me that “barring any work emergencies”, that I would get to spend the morning with chichiue! So I get dressed and up!
And it’s been forever since last week and maybe chichiue forgot about the thing where I hid hahaue’s present. So I’m probably not in trouble! I skip down the stairs and smell food. Funny, Yukiko-san and hahaue aren’t up yet. And when I asked Kinosuke-san if he could cook, he just did that thing where he smiles and rubs the back of his neck. And then Yukiko-san said that his family always had servants!
It’s chichiue that’s cooking. “Good morning,” I say, looking around. I see that he’s only made eggs. Is that all of the food we have? And why is there a note on the boiled eggs? I go to look. “Who’s Mother Hen?” We don’t have any chickens living here!
I hear light footsteps. She’s -early-. I pretend not to see her as she makes “rounds” in the kitchen.
“Good morning,”
Finishing my cigarette I flick it away.
“Who’s Mother Hen?”
“She’s the one who takes care of all the -babies- in the house.” I reply. Looking out, well the sun -is- already out.
“Let’s find breakfast outside.” I tell her since I know someone has to truly finish preparing for breakfast. After all what goes with eggs? If we were in that other place, a place of glass and steel, I’d probably be making toast and bacon along with the eggs.
Going outside the yard, I put on my cap and secure my sword. I might as well even if it is a Sunday. “Make sure you close the kitchen door.” I tell Makoto and go ahead by the gates.
(OOC: Saitou has his police uniform on a Sunday. LOL)
She’s the one who takes care of all the -babies- in the house
“That would be hahaue. But there’s no babies right now.” I’m six! “But she’ll be busy once my brother gets here.”
He tells me that we’re going to eat breakfast out. “Oh, can we go to the same place as last time?” It was so yummy, like sweets for breakfast. I then close the kitchen door like he told me, because we should always keep doors closed if we’re not using them. Nobody wants bugs to come in!
I take his hand. He looks very nice in his uniform!
“That would be hahaue. But there’s no babies right now.” “But she’ll be busy once my brother gets here.”
I wait until we’re outside the house perimeter and walking down the slope before answering, “She’ll be busy but your Onee-san will help her and you too will help.”
She takes my hand and I hold it. “I’d like a boy, so you can have a little brother but the baby can also be a girl said the doctor. If a girl, she can wear little pretty kimonos like your mother.” I look down at Makoto and grin. I am actually quite excited to see this child.
“Oh, can we go to the same place as last time?”
“Hn. I was thinking of taking you on my old patrol route.” We turn the corner and I stop and look up at the house. “Several years ago I used to do a lot of patrolling in the area and in the afternoon, when my patrol was over I’d go visit your mother just an hour or two before the sun would set.”
“I hope you can keep up? We have a lot of ground to cover.” We resume walking, “You’re a big girl now. No more piggy back rides.” Well of course if she gets tired on the way back, I’ll carry her back but I don’t tell her that.
She’ll be busy but your Onee-san will help her and you too will help
The other girls in my class said that helping with a baby was all about diapers! Yuck!
I’d like a boy, so you can have a little brother but the baby can also be a girl said the doctor. If a girl, she can wear little pretty kimonos like your mother
“Oh good, if you want a boy, it will be a boy,” I nod. I think that’s how it works. “Besides, you just need one girl.” I look down at my hakama outfit. “I can run in this, and it’s still pretty!” It’s my favorite, with the little rabbits and flowers!
So this is where he used to work! “Chichiue, what did you do on patrol? Were you looking for bad guys?” And he asks if I can keep up. I nod! “Hai, I -am- a big girl!” And I’m in my boots.
Makoto doesn’t say anything about helping with the baby… I am surprised but don’t say anything.
“Oh good, if you want a boy, it will be a boy,”
“Makoto-chan… You weren’t listening earlier. The -doctor- said it maybe a boy or a girl.”
“Besides, you just need one girl.”
Ah. Of course. This is what Hide was telling me yesterday. I squeeze her hand a little and smile as she shows me her hakama outfit. I don’t prefer it, mostly because I remember the inhabitants of that dojo and those people in the wilderness who ran around like they weren’t women. And Tokio used to wear one disguising herself as a boy. But my daughter needs to be free fron that.
“It must be comfortable isn’t it Makoto?” I try to be light about it and grin.
“Chichiue, what did you do on patrol? Were you looking for bad guys?”
“Something like that.” I scan the surroundings, “My work takes me all over Japan but I don’t mind keeping the peace within the immediate vicinity.” Of course lately “immediate vicinity” has taken on a new meaning with our family settled long term in Tokyo.
We get further into town and now there are more people.
“Keep close to me.” I tell her and pull her closer by the shoulder. There are many rickshaws and carriages passing by aside from the people. “Look to your left, Makoto. That’s the Akebeko where both of your brothers work. It’s still early so they’re not open yet.”
Makoto-chan… You weren’t listening earlier. The -doctor- said it maybe a boy or a girl
“But why does it have to be a surprise? Can’t the doctor tell?”
It must be comfortable isn’t it Makoto?
I nod. “Yamaji-sensei said that we should be free to move at school and play, but we still have to be -ladies-.” I squeeze his hand back! “But did you know that I’ll be seven soon? Hahaue said that I can wear her old hair ornaments to shichi-go-san but not her kimono because I’m a lot taller than she was! I’ll get a new one!” Besides hers was pink… I like green!
My work takes me all over Japan but I don’t mind keeping the peace within the immediate vicinity
“When you were gone, were you out somewhere far away?” He was gone a long time!
That’s the Akebeko where both of your brothers work. It’s still early so they’re not open yet
Wow there’s a lot of traffic and so many carriages! This is a “busy” part of Tokyo! There’s a LOT more here than in Ito. “Oh!” I squeal a little. “Niisan said he would take me there to eat when he gets paid!” I bet he works -hard-. “Can we go look at it anyway?” It’s still no fair that they get to see each other all the time and I hardly ever get to see Eiji-san.
“But why does it have to be a surprise? Can’t the doctor tell?”
“I thought so too, so I kept asking but… He couldn’t tell.” I smile at her, “So when your new brother or your new sister comes, I want you to be like your older brothers and take care of your sibling.”
“But did you know that I’ll be seven soon? Hahaue said that I can wear her old hair ornaments to shichi-go-san but not her kimono because I’m a lot taller than she was!
I laugh a bit at this and turn to face her kneeling down slightly, “Of course I know you’re turning seven. I don’t know all the traditions little girls go through, your mother would know that but ever since you were born, I’ve counted the days, weeks, months and years.”
Touching her face, I can’t help but be in awe. “Everytime I look at you Makoto or hear your name, I remember how much I loved your mother, how much she loved me and from that came you.”
Standing up I light a cigarette.
“When you were gone, were you out somewhere far away?”
“No I was close by but my job sometimes require that I stay away for a long time. Sometimes I don’t like it but it’s necessary. And sometimes I am very far away.”
“Niisan said he would take me there to eat when he gets paid!” “Can we go look at it anyway?”
I look across the Akabeko. It seems closed and for now, I really don’t want to see anyone from that blasted dojo. “Maybe some other time Makoto.” I take her hand and start walking the opposite direction, “I want to get some nice brown eggs and your mother told me to get some pears.”
There’s this old seller I used to frequent, maybe the old lady is still there?
I thought so too, so I kept asking but… He couldn’t tell.
I look at him. Don’t doctors know everything. “Are you sure he’s a good doctor?” There has to be -some- way to know!
So when your new brother or your new sister comes, I want you to be like your older brothers and take care of your sibling
I skip a little as I walk. “Tsutomu-niisan takes good care of me. He always tells me to ‘persevere’ when I’m upset.” I tug at his hand. “But chichiue, he said that he’s leaving when the school year is done. Is he really?” I counted last night and that’s a long time until next spring but I don’t want him to go and be stuck with a -baby-.
I don’t know all the traditions little girls go through
“I don’t remember the one from when I was three. And five is for boys.” Oh, when my brother is here we can hang carp streamers on the Boys Festival day!
Everytime I look at you Makoto or hear your name, I remember how much I loved your mother, how much she loved me and from that came you.
I smile! They can be very silly and kissy but that’s okay. “Where did my name come from? Hahaue said from some old friends.” And there’s another Makoto at school but he’s a boy! Then I think, “oh, what will be the baby’s name?” It needs to be a good one.
No I was close by but my job sometimes require that I stay away for a long time. Sometimes I don’t like it but it’s necessary.
I nod. “There’s a lot of bad guys, but you’re the best at catching them!” I grin up at him. He -is- very fast. “And hahaue says that you miss us a lot.”
Oh, we’re going to buy food. “Don’t forget we’re going to have breakfast too, chichiue!” My tummy is starting to feel hungry.
“Are you sure he’s a good doctor?”
“You’re mother trust him and that’s good enough.”
“But chichiue, he said that he’s leaving when the school year is done. Is he really?”
“That’s up to him. He has family in Aizu that is waiting for his return.” Of course I don’t necessarily like the idea he’d choose to return there but I doubt he’d ever want to stay here.
“But even if he goes,” I look down at her, “you won’t be alone. You’ll still have Yukiko and your sibling, who’ll need a lot of help.”
She speaks about the boy’s day and I think back, we did that once for Tsutomu but not for Tsuyoshi.
“Where did my name come from? Hahaue said from some old friends.”
“Well our friends certainly liked the word Makoto, it means sincerity or truth.” I look back at my daughter as we pass by more people as we get to the market, “And although your name in fact means that, it was also a message I tried to convey to your mother.”
“There’s a lot of bad guys, but you’re the best at catching them!”. “And hahaue says that you miss us a lot.” “Don’t forget we’re going to have breakfast too, chichiue!”
I only grin at her comment as we duck under the noren of a small soba shop that I used to frequent.
“I don’t see you much anymore Fujita-san.” The old man with a knot tied to his head looks back at us a little surprised, “Is that young’un in trouble?”
Ushering Makoto to sit on one of the stools, I tell her to just wait as we get our order.
“No she’s actually my daughter.” I laugh, “So can you give us some good hot soba?”
“Is there any different kind for you?”
I smirk at that, there was – the cold type which I much prefer and another one from the old days that I should tell Hide about. “Two hot soba please and some shrimp tempura for my girl.”
Sitting back down, I grin at Makoto, “Nothing beats soba for breakfast.”
That’s up to him. He has family in Aizu that is waiting for his return
“Oh….” but aren’t we his family too? “He misses them, I guess. But I’ll miss him too…” I smile up at Chichiue. “I always wanted you, chichiue, but I didn’t know that I get THREE brothers and a cousin, too!”
“And I can’t -wait- to meet Tsuyoshi-kun too!” Soon I’ll have four brothers.
Behind the noren… I sniff. “Chichiue it smells wonderful in here!” But then the man asks if I’m in trouble!
But chichiue only laughs so I do too, because it makes me happy when he calls me his daughter. AND he orders me shrimp tempura to go with the soba – he remembers my favorite!
Nothing beats soba for breakfast
I look around. I’ve not been to many restaurants! “Chichiue that man knows you. Do you eat here a lot?” I’ve heard of that – some people are “regulars”!
“I always wanted you, chichiue, but I didn’t know that I get THREE brothers and a cousin, too!”
“Isn’t that great Makoto.”
It doesn’t take long before the soba is delivered and I leave the tempura for her.
“Better eat fast little girl. That man over there don’t take longer than 5 minutes to eat.”
I look up.
“Chichiue that man knows you. Do you eat here a lot?”
“A while ago. And I guess you now you know the answer.”
I go back to eating and make a big slurp, mostly to satisfy the owner.
“Is the old woman who sold pears still next door?”
“That old hag? She no longer sells fruit.”
I look up surprised.
“Come on Fujita-san, we haven’t seen you here in the market for several years. Things change you know.”
I nod. “Well tell me where can I get good eggs? The brown kind?”
“Ah…” He laughs. “The best eggs are sold by the ramen shop next door. You’re not going to switch on me Fujita-san?”
I shake my head and finish up the noodles and drown the soup. “Nah. But you might not see me again for a while.”
“Of course.”
I look at Makoto. “5 minutes are up.”
Better eat fast little girl. That man over there don’t take longer than 5 minutes to eat
Chichiue and the man talk a lot, and I can’t believe how quickly he eats and talks! I gobble mine down.
Brown eggs are the good kind? Kinosuke-san buys the white eggs, he says they cost more so that means they must be good.
And where will we find pears? And maybe some peaches for me?
5 minutes are up
I pop the last two shrimp in my mouth!
“Ready, chichiue!” I say, my mouth full!
We stop by next door at the ramen shop. The storeowner looks at me and turns away.
“The soba shop next door said you have the best eggs here.”
I can hear him washing dishes and it takes a while for him to answer.
“We only sell ramen here. If you buy the ramen it will come with -half- an egg.”
He turns and I see he is a rather large man but again with the rope tied in a knot on his head.
“My soon to be wife is pregnant and I want the best eggs.” I sigh and light up a cigarette.
“Oh -soon to be- wife huh?” He grins suddenly and I blow a smoke to the side. “And is that little girl yours?”
Tilting my head, I pull Makoto up a little. “Don’t we look alike?”
“Not really but maybe the eyes.”
I sigh, “So how about those eggs?”
“You used to come here a lot, more than 5 years ago but not once did you try my ramen. Always preferring the soba next door. Now you want my eggs? Hmph!” He turns his head as if insulted.
I take a long drag and blow the smoke up in the air. “I told the owner next door I wasn’t switching. I’ve always liked soba. Ramen is too heavy and has a complicated taste.”
“And now you have the gall to insult my ramen!”
“I’m not insulting your ramen.” I look at him, “I’m only telling the truth as it relates to me. Just tell me what you want for those eggs!”
“No! They’re my eggs.”
We stare at each other for a while, battling it out quietly.
“Maybe they’re not really that good.”
“They’re the best!”
“Prove it!”
“Here!” He slams a bowl of ramen in front of me, “You’ll have to eat the ramen with the eggs.”
“Here!” I have him hold my cigarette. I’m full already but… I go ahead and eat the entire bowl of ramen, drown a drink and -finally- get to the egg. I liked the color of the egg especially the yolk and when I tasted it, it melted in my mouth and was -creamy-.
Looking up, I see he’s been smoking my cigarette!
“Hey! What are you doing?”
“Smoking while waiting for you. What else?”
I sigh and let him have the stick.
“I’ll buy 2 dozen brown eggs.”
“Who said I was selling them?”
“I ate your ramen, it was good. But the eggs were the best.”
He sighs, “Fine but only if you give me the rest of your cigarettes and tell others my ramen is the best in this market.”
“Fine…” I sigh and pull out from my back packet the rest of the pack. And I’ve hardly smoked any this morning. “I’ll be back next week or might have someone come pick up the eggs.”
“Sure. But make sure you send 2 packs of cigarette. It’s a pack of cigarettes per dozen. I’m just giving you a special deal today.”
“Fine!”
“Fine!”
He wraps two dozen eggs in a brown bag and places a lot of straw padding in it.
“Come on Makoto!”
“A pack per dozen!”
I sigh… Does he know how expensive cigarettes are these days? Probably.
Taking my daughter’s hand I say, “Now find us some fruit and we’ll eat that as dessert by the river.”
My soon to be wife is pregnant and I want the best eggs.
Oh -soon to be- wife huh?
Soon to be wife? Does he mean hahaue?
Hmmm… so is that what Sakaya-san meant, when she said that I was a bad girl because my parents aren’t married? But they live together and love each other? Also I look a lot like chichiue we have the same hair (but not bangs!)
But then! Chichiue eats more after arguing with the old man. As we leave, I tell him, “chichiue, were you really hungry? If not you’re going to have a tummyache.” I frown.
Now find us some fruit and we’ll eat that as dessert by the river
I look up and down the stalls at the markets. “Ooh, peaches, chichi, let’s get some of those.” I pull on his hand towards the stall.
“chichiue, were you really hungry? If not you’re going to have a tummyache.”
“Probably not?” I look down and ruffle her hair, “Boys have big stomachs you know. We’re not like girls. Your brother Tsuyoshi could eat 3 ramen bowls -easy-.”
We walk around the stalls and Makoto asks for peaches. I’m surprised, back then I always mistook peaches for pears. One time I even brought peaches on Tanabata day, a day that didn’t go too well.
A young girl, waves at us “We have really sweeet peaches little girl! They’re all ripe and ready to eat.”
We go to her and I look at the peaches. They’re a bright golden color with splotches of red. The skin is rough though and unlike peaches, I doubt we can eat it with the skin on.
“Can you peel them and put them in a bag. We want to eat them soon. Also is your pears any good?”
Looking at the pears, they look a little pale. “Can we have a taste of the pears first? I want to bring some home to my soon to be wife but she maybe a little particular.”
The truth was I don’t exactly know what these should taste like. The young woman complies and gives us the peaches which i just put in the bag and then gives us a small helping of pears.
“So Makoto what do you think of the pears?”
Your brother Tsuyoshi could eat 3 ramen bowls -easy-
“Can we bring him and Tsutomu-niisan out for ramen when he’s here, then? I want to see that. Although with Tsutomu-niisan it’s cake,” I giggle, remembering the story I was told.
We have really sweeet peaches little girl! They’re all ripe and ready to eat
Ooooh. “Peaches are -my- favorite, chichiue, hahaue likes pears.” And he gets me some! And has the lady cut the skin off. It’s very tough and I’d rather just eat the insides – but not the hard part in the middle, of course!
So Makoto what do you think of the pears?
I look at them. “Hahaue likes them very crispy and juicy. I remember a day in Ito when we had pears and they were so juicy and messy and we laughed and laughed. She didn’t laugh a lot back in Ito, so I remember it!”
We find a bench close by, and I think about something. “Chichiue, why do you call hahaue your soon to be wife?” I don’t understand all of this grownup stuff.
“Can I please have some peaches now, chichiue?” They smell yummy and fresh!
“Can we bring him and Tsutomu-niisan out for ramen when he’s here, then? I want to see that. Although with Tsutomu-niisan it’s cake,”
“If I have time. Maybe your mother or Yukiko can take you.”
I remember a day in Ito when we had pears and they were so juicy and messy and we laughed and laughed. She didn’t laugh a lot back in Ito, so I remember it!”
I smile and tell her that’s good, but I knew it’s really not. Of course Hide wouldn’t laugh a lot back then. But at least she did laugh at times.
Makoto finds a bench and starts asking about Hide. Why is she my soon to be wife? Suddenly I stand up, “Let’s go to the river Makoto. It’s just outside the market beyond that bridge.”
The truth is I didn’t want to talk about it here. There are many people and I can’t watch each one of them. We go down the side of the bridge, where it’s all grass.
“Can I please have some peaches now, chichiue?”
“Here” I take out the bag of peach and the lady placed some little sticks. “You eat it most of it, I’m still rather full.”
“If I answer your question about your mother, would you answer mine about what happened last week?”
I start to smoke. Ah of course, bargaining with my daughter.
Let’s go to the river Makoto. It’s just outside the market beyond that bridge.
River? I keep up with his long legs. It’s a nice river, but is it a turtle river?
I get my peaches and they are YUMMY. They taste like summer sunshine!
If I answer your question about your mother, would you answer mine about what happened last week?
“Oh…. I thought you forgot.” He knows what I did. He found it, after all.
I don’t like being in trouble. I’m not a bad girl.
I talk very quietly and look at the stick in my hand. “I was mad at her. She didn’t come see me at kyudo.” She didn’t and it’s not fair!
Makoto looks out to the river. This particular river is wide and once in a while boats come through it making it busy unlike the tranquil rivers of my hometown Akashi. Eventually she settles down and starts eating.
“Oh…. I thought you forgot.”
Of course I wouldn’t. I just didn’t have time… There was a lot going on but I don’t say that.
“I was mad at her. She didn’t come see me at kyudo.
“I thought that was it.” I say taking a drag on my cigarette, “She tried going you know, she even told me about it earlier that day.” I tap the ashes, “But she stayed because she knew if she left for Kyudo, that would cause me trouble.”
“So don’t get angry at her. It was my fault.” After all if I wasn’t out manned that day, she wouldn’t have believed when the Tanuki said Hiko was much stronger than I.
“Also Makoto-chan,” I look back at her, wondering if she’d understand – she’s still so young, “Don’t get angry too easily. Not until you know why and what happened or who’s at fault. Be slow to anger if you can.” Of course I used to be very good at that, but ever since the wilderness I’ve been unable to take my own medicine.
“Now to answer your question,” I blow out a smoke and look out to the river where a boatman is steering his empty boat, “Your Haha-ue and I are not yet married. My intention is of course to marry her at some point, but for now all I can really call her is my soon-to-be wife.” I stop short of telling Makoto of course that I’m still married to someone else.
She tried going you know, she even told me about it earlier that day. But she stayed because she knew if she left for Kyudo, that would cause me trouble. So don’t get angry at her. It was my fault.
I think about that, and what happened on Tuesday. The grown ups were all… strange when I came back. “Hahaue told me that the man in the cape… is he going to hurt you?” I’ve been worried since I talked to hahaue. I put down my bag and get on his lap. “Chichiue I won’t let that happen.” I’m going to learn kendo and be strong and even if niisan leaves I can help!
Also Makoto-chan, Don’t get angry too easily. Not until you know why and what happened or who’s at fault. Be slow to anger if you can
I look down. “I just wanted hahaue and you to see me be special, too. Tsutomu-niisan is so good at kendo and there’s the baby…” But not be angry? “I’m sorry about hahaue’s present. I really am a good girl!” I look up at him and I don’t want to cry, I’m not the baby!
Your Haha-ue and I are not yet married. My intention is of course to marry her at some point, but for now all I can really call her is my soon-to-be wife.
I still don’t understand everything. Why can’t they get married now? “And I’ll always be your daughter, right?”
Immediately I find my daughter on my lap and I put out the cigarette.
“Hahaue told me that the man in the cape… is he going to hurt you?”
I shake my head, “He won’t. He can’t.” I’m not sure if I’m lying or saying it so I can believe it.
“Chichiue I won’t let that happen.”
A chuckle escapes me, “Well of course you won’t. You’re like your mother!”
“I just wanted hahaue and you to see me be special, too.
“But you’re special Makoto. Even if we didn’t see it.” I touch her hair a little, “I know you’ll try to do a good job even when no one is looking.”
Tsutomu-niisan is so good at kendo and there’s the baby…” “I’m sorry about hahaue’s present. I really am a good girl!”
“It’s OK, as long as you promise to try not to do that again.” And of course, there’s the baby again, “Makoto-chan, you keep mentioning the baby. Do you really not want another sibling?”
“And I’ll always be your daughter, right?”
“Your mother and I are not married but just like I told you before, you’re my flesh and blood.” I look directly into my child’s eyes. “You’re the living proof of the deep bond that’s shared between your mother and I; even if we shouldn’t be together then and now. And the baby that’s coming is continuous proof of that bond.”
“That’s why I told you before everytime I look at you, I’m reminded of how much your mother loves me and I love her back. You know that if she and I didn’t love each other anymore, we wouldn’t have anymore children – regardless if it was a boy or girl? “
“He won’t. He can’t.
“Kenji-kun said that he’s strong and smart but you are too!” I pat his arm. My chichiue is the best, and what does Kenji-kun know? He didn’t even think treehouses were real until I showed him. Boys and girls use the same books so I know he heard the same story in class, but Kenji-kun -never- pays attention!
Well of course you won’t. You’re like your mother!
“Hahaue protects you too? But she can’t fight or anything!” See -this- is why I have to learn kendo!
But you’re special Makoto. Even if we didn’t see it. I know you’ll try to do a good job even when no one is looking.
I smile at him. “I did a good job! I’m just a helper but Yamaji-sensei said to always watch and when I’m tall enough I can learn too! And it won’t be long because I’m tall, just like you and niisan.” I think. “Is Tsoyoshi-niisan a tall boy too?” Maybe he won’t call me short all the time, though!
It’s OK, as long as you promise to try not to do that again
“Okay, chichiue, I promise.”
Makoto-chan, you keep mentioning the baby. Do you really not want another sibling?
I hide my face in his shirt. “My friends at school say that when a baby comes, everyone likes it better. They’re cute.” I frown. They have red faces and cry all the time. That’s not cute! “And you might like a new girl better.”
Your mother and I are not married but just like I told you before, you’re my flesh and blood. You’re the living proof of the deep bond that’s shared between your mother and I; even if we shouldn’t be together then and now. And the baby that’s coming is continuous proof of that bond.
Shouldn’t be together? Is that why we lived alone in Ito? Niisan said that chichiue had been hurt and lived in a faraway country, but was there something else?
That’s why I told you before everytime I look at you, I’m reminded of how much your mother loves me and I love her back. You know that if she and I didn’t love each other anymore, we wouldn’t have anymore children – regardless if it was a boy or girl?
I hug him. “Okay, so it’s a good thing that there’s another baby? Because you and hahaue need to love each other, right?” Maybe that means we’ll stay together as a family forever?
“Kenji-kun said that he’s strong and smart but you are too!”
She is of course just like her mother but I must thread carefully, though there’s nothing else I’d like than to go charge at my opponent like the old days. But I remind myself these are not the old days of the Shinsengumi and we all knew what usually happened to Todou who was called the “forerunner”. And I can no longer rely on my gatotsu.
“Hahaue protects you too? But she can’t fight or anything!”
“Oh she can.” I ruffle her hair, “In her own way and she used to handle a sword and learned from the best swordsman.” I never was able to test her, maybe I should? But nothing will happen until the baby comes. I can’t risk it.
She tells me about the good job she did and I smile at her. I know she will always try to do a good job because she is my daughter.
“Is Tsoyoshi-niisan a tall boy too?”
“Not as tall as your Ani-ue.” I grin, “But don’t tell Yoshi that he’s short. He won’t like it. He’s “average”.”
“My friends at school say that when a baby comes, everyone likes it better. They’re cute.” “And you might like a new girl better.”
“Actually Makoto, a baby is a lot of work. That’s why it gets all the attention. Isn’t it nice that when the baby comes you wouldn’t need all that attention and be able to help out your parents?” I hug my little girl, “And as for liking a new girl better, I will love your baby sister or baby brother, just as much as I do you. If you think about it, wouldn’t you be sad if you were the new baby and I didn’t love you as much?” And suddenly I’m struct at something that Hide told me once, her beliefs that love grows. And it’s probably true in this situation, “Just because I would love the new baby doesn’t mean I love you less.” That’s probaby what her mother would tell her.
“Okay, so it’s a good thing that there’s another baby? Because you and hahaue need to love each other, right?”
I get a hug and I hold her up against the sun, “It’s a good thing we have -children-, you, the baby and future ones. Do you know how long it took me to convince your mother we should? And now that we are, I’m not turning back.”
Placing her down, I get up. “Let’s go back? It’s past lunch time and the walk back is long.” I hold her in one hand and our small grocery in the other.
“In her own way and she used to handle a sword and learned from the best swordsman
My eyes go BIG. “Really, chichiue? She said that her papa made her dress as a boy and that she can’t believe that it fooled anyone.” I giggle. She doesn’t look like a boy at all! “But if she learned swords, can I? Kenji-kun’s mom said she would teach me!”
But don’t tell Yoshi that he’s short. He won’t like it. He’s “average
Oh, good, then he won’t tease me!
Actually Makoto, a baby is a lot of work. That’s why it gets all the attention. Isn’t it nice that when the baby comes you wouldn’t need all that attention and be able to help out your parents? And as for liking a new girl better, I will love your baby sister or baby brother, just as much as I do you. If you think about it, wouldn’t you be sad if you were the new baby and I didn’t love you as much?
“Oh…” I think. “You don’t love Tsutomu-niisan or Tsuyoshi-niisan or Eiji-niisan any less because of me.”
Just because I would love the new baby doesn’t mean I love you less
I nod. I believe him!
It’s a good thing we have -children-, you, the baby and future ones. Do you know how long it took me to convince your mother we should? And now that we are, I’m not turning back.
I’m up up in the sunshine. So there might be -more- babies? But that’s okay.
I hold his hand. I want to give hahaue her pears!
I almost groan when I see those eyes grow wide. I -know- what that look is.
She said that her papa made her dress as a boy and that she can’t believe that it fooled anyone.”
“Neither did I.” Though I wished they never revealed she was a girl either. Maybe given a little time we’d have… No.
My thoughts are interrupted when my daughter tells me about learning Kendo from -them-. I’m caught off guard and look at her for a long minute but had enough wherewithal not to answer as we start to leave.
I consider going back the long way we came but I did tell her that we’d take my old patrol route and that involves passing by that damned dojo. Perhaps if we go pass by -quickly- and besides I -need- to know if that behemoth is still hanging around there. That part would be easy as a boisterious man like that never hides.
As we turn the corner of the street, I stoop down and hoist Makoto up my left arm which is stronger than my right which still had groceries. Quietly but quickly we walk past the Kamiya dojo and I hide my ki while scanning for his.
Of course… Was I expecting anything else?
“Saitou!!!” I know that voice… But I hear a klink and a drawing of a katana. Quickly I turn around, slipping my daughter to the ground and putting her behind me.
“You idiot.” I tell the young man, “Put that away.”
“What are you doing here Saitou!” He points the sakabatou at me, “I heard you came here uninvited last week and causing trouble again.”
“Fool. Don’t get involved.” I sneer back.
“I already am.” He frowns, “Don’t come near our dojo! Stay away!”
I can’t help when a smirk escapes my face. “I heard you turned into a man but I see you’re still a scared little boy.”
(OOC: In case you didn’t know it’s Yahiko of course.)
We’re walking home (and I’m being carried!) and then there’s this almost grown-up boy, with a sword! Yelling at chichiue! Chichiue puts me down and gets in front of me, but I peek around chichiue.
I -look- at the boy. “Chichiue, we met this boy in the park one time. Oh! And you came for Kenji-kun one day!” I remember that day – that’s the day that Tsutomu-niisan went to Eiji-san’s house for a sleepover -without me-.
The boy says that chichiue is causing trouble? He can’t! He’s in the police and he helps people by catching bad men. And dojo? What dojo? If he’s Kenji-kun’s friend, is it Kenji-kun’s mom’s dojo? Maybe he went to go talk about lessons for me? Oh!
I frown at the boy. “Why are you pestering my chichiue?” And why is he calling chichiue “Saitou”? But I’ve already figured out that chichiue has a lot of names. My last name is Yamaguchi, but Tsutomu-niisan is Fujita, and hahaue calls chichiue Hajime.
“Chichiue, we met this boy in the park one time. Oh! And you came for Kenji-kun one day!”
Suddenly Makoto takes a peek at the young man, reminding me who this is.
“Why are you pestering my chichiue?”
I squeeze Makoto’s shoulder and shake my head slowly, letting her know not to say anymore. Of course I remember that day and know who this is.
“Stay behind me.” I tell her quietly and hand her the paper bag with the pears and eggs. “Take care of that.”
“Little girl. Your father is the one who is pestering us. Why do you think he came -again- this way?”
“Fool. I’m the one you should be speaking to.” I turn again to the errant young man who still has his sword drawn. “Anyone can pass these streets and if I had intentions to trash your dojo, I wouldn’t do it with groceries and a young girl with me.”
I make no move to draw my katana, although certainly I’m tempted to draw it. “Your guardian the Battousai or the Rurouni should’ve taught you better about drawing your sword and who can or cannot roam these streets.” I look past him towards the dojo gates, “Where is he anyway? Taken to wandering again?”
I sight and light up a cigarette. “If you’ve noticed I’m on duty today, patrolling these streets. Unless you want to be taken in the precinct, sheathe that -toy-. -Boy-.”
Yahiko:
I remember that little girl from our last meeting. It seems everytime I meet this cop something is always happening is it? But I admit I was surprised he had “relations” with Yagi-san.
“Saitou out of respect for Eiji, I treated that boy Tsutomu well in the Akabeko. Even Yagi-san I have welcomed thinking that the past is the past. You did help us then. So why are you wanting to fight Kenshin again? It can’t be because of your old rivalry but I find it hard to believe it’s because he asked your wife Tokio for help more than 5 years ago!”
“Your guardian the Battousai or the Rurouni should’ve taught you better about drawing your sword and who can or cannot roam these streets.”
“Kenshin did teach me well! I’m here to protect the dojo and everyone in it! Including Kenshin!”
He threatens to arrest me but I’m not afraid of that. Even when I was a pickpocket I’ve been captured many times by the police!
“Nii-san…”
Slowly I look to my left, by the gates stands Kenji.
“Get back inside Kenji.”
“Oh Makoto-chan!” Kenji smiles and starts running towards Saitou and that girl behind him.
“No…” I reach out but he’s too quick. He has reflexes just like Kenshin.
“Hi Makoto-chan!” He smiles. “What do you have in the bag?”
(OOC: Do with Kenji what you like)
Stay behind me. Take care of that
He gives me a look and he’s so -serious- and I can only nod and take the bag.
Unless you want to be taken in the precinct, sheathe that -toy-. -Boy-
I look at his sword. It looks like a real sword… but isn’t it upside down? The wavy line is on the wrong side!
Hi Makoto-chan! What do you have in the bag?
I look over. “Oh hi Kenji-kun. These are some eggs and fruit – they’re for my hahaue, she’s having a baby and has to eat a lot of good food to stay strong.” I look at the bag, and hand him some peach. “That’s all you can have, my mother and the baby needs the rest.” He’s always hungry and always mooching off us girls at lunchtime. He’s -not- getting any eggs.
I nod over to the big boy. “What’s wrong with his sword?”
“It’s the reverse blade sword! It was my chichiue’s,” Kenji-kun tells me, and he frowns and then smiles. “It’s much cooler with nii-san, but one day it will be mine.”
“It’s been in -many- battles,” he says, eating the peach all up to the pit and making a mess of his hands and face. Boys! “It even defeated Shishio.”
I remember that name – hahaue told me that story! “No, that was -my- chichiue that did that, not yours.”
Then I hear a voice behind me. “It was a group effort, that it was, between sessha and his friends.” He looks at my chichiue. “And those that came to help.”
Oh! That’s Kenji-kun’s dad. Kenji-kun throws the peach pit at his dad’s head!
Sessha went out to get tofu, my family is always hungry. And Kaoru-dono burnt our breakfast, so we will need a good lunch.
I deflect my what my son throws at me – he does have good aim, that he does. But sessha’s reflexes are not yet entirely dull.
“Yahiko-kun, you should know that drawing the sakabato or any sword in public is likely to draw unwanted attention. We have enough trouble without having a neighbor call the police.” Again. The other night Master decided to start singing and well… I suppose he’s used to the mountains, and being as loud as he likes. Too bad the neighborhood didn’t care for it.
“Makoto-chan, thank you for sharing your treat with Kenji-kun.” I look up at the other man. They have groceries, and the child is with him. Certainly he’s not looking for any trouble?
But this is Saitou. “Just passing by?” I ask, and I see the girl go and stand behind her father. She doesn’t look scared as much as -wary-. And I wonder if she’s as rash as her mother, or more measured like her father?
I half-watch as Makoto gives the boy a peach. Children will be children. But I don’t take my eyes off the young man. Apparently he can’t even baby-sit the Battousai’s brat properly. Speaking of which…
“And those that came to help.”
“Came to help? Tch.” I take a hit on my cig, “It was certainly a chore trying to convince you to do the -right- thing.” If he had made the decision and not -waffled- about who he was the manslayer or the rurouni, Okubo would still be alive today and there would be less police casualties in Kyoto. Now all that’s left were third rate idiots like that Yamagata who keeps funnelling resources from Kawaji.
“Yahiko-kun, you should know that drawing the sakabato or any sword in public is likely to draw unwanted attention. We have enough trouble without having a neighbor call the police.”
“But Kenshin!” The young man sighs and sheathes the toy back to its scabbard. “Listen here Saitou! We’re onto you! Just because Sanosuke’s gone, don’t think we can’t defend the dojo.”
I chuckle at that, “That rooster head’s already in China and I’d hardly call being skewered as -defense-.”
Taking Makoto by the shoulder I slowly move her away from the boy Kenji and put a little more distance between her, the errant young man and the Battousai.
“Just passing by?”
“For now.” I stare back at him, he knows as much as I, that I’m not simply passing by. His master is in the dojo, that’s what I wanted to know. “Your wife, just like you have a bad habit of inviting yourselves into other people’s homes. Just make sure the behemoth inside doesn’t invite himself over to my home otherwise, you and I will have -more- to settle.”
Came to help? Tch. It was certainly a chore trying to convince you to do the -right- thing.
I look at him straight on. It wasn’t Saitou that this one needed to help him “do the right thing.” But this man who never put down his sword would never understand, would he?
But thankfully Yahiko-kun sheathes the sakabato, and I notice that Saitou moves his daughter even further away from us.
“Your wife, just like you have a bad habit of inviting yourselves into other people’s homes. Just make sure the behemoth inside doesn’t invite himself over to my home otherwise, you and I will have -more- to settle
Kaoru-dono was at Saitou’s house? Then sessha remembers Kenji-kun yesterday talking of a “tree house” and seeing a friend…
“We’re not looking for trouble,” I reply. Well, Master may be, but I won’t answer for him. As for my wife and I… I smile over at my boy, who scowls at me. We have other matters than old feuds to deal with.
“Kenji-kun, come, let’s wash up and you can help sessha start lunch for your mother and Master.” Thankfully he has an iron stomach (or it could be on account of all of the alcohol) that he can eat just about anything.
Chichiue’s hand stays on me, strong and warm. The big boy puts away his funny sword,
Just because Sanosuke’s gone, don’t think we can’t defend the dojo.
“Sanosuke is my other uncle, and he’s -super- strong,” Kenji-kun calls over to me, and pretends like he’s punching, and then he falls over backwards onto his bottom. I try not to laugh!
Just make sure the behemoth inside doesn’t invite himself over to my home otherwise, you and I will have -more- to settle.
Oh, who’s -that-? The caped man? I don’t know that word ‘behemoth’ but maybe Tsutomu-niisan will. But if that is him, I don’t want him at our house either.
I should bring some rocks up to the treehouse. Then if he comes over, I can throw rocks at him! I can help protect my family!
Kenji-kun, come, let’s wash up and you can help sessha start lunch for your mother and Master.”
“Okay, I’ll see you at school, Kenji-kun.” We had a big breakfast but I want lunch – I am a growing girl!
“We’re not looking for trouble,”
“That’s what you say.” I glare at him, he and I know that trouble follows him and the inhabitants of that dojo. “And since your wife can’t seem to be honest with you and deliver a simple message… Our business is not yet done. You and I will settle the score someday.” A fight from long ago, his interference from yesteryears and perhaps in the future.
The Battousai turns to his child who obviously has not taken a liking to him. Maybe this Kenji is not as much of a brat after all unlike his parents and as we walk away the boy tells Makoto about the rooster head and falls on his bum.
“Okay, I’ll see you at school, Kenji-kun.”
I can see the mirth in Makoto-chan’s eyes. I’m almost glad for it as I’m sure my ki was already felt by that behemoth inside. He didn’t bother to come out though. However if it was Tsutomu who was here, would I have been able to hold back? He would expect me to fight and can I say no? Justice comes in many forms.
Taking the paper bag from Makoto, I hold her hand and walk away for now. We walk quietly back to the house and I stop slightly as I open the gates.
“Makoto-chan,” I hand her the bag while opening the gate, “Go inside and give those to your mother.” I pause wondering if I should ask this of my daughter, “Don’t tell your mother or Tsutomu of what happened at the Kamiya dojo. It will cause them to worry.” After the jibe I took at the Battousai, the irony is not lost on me.
Closing the gates, I wait for her response and start another cigarette.
(OOC: You may close.)
We leave Kenji-kun’s house – too bad I wanted to see a real actual dojo and just not the room they use as a dojo at school…
Go inside and give those to your mother. Don’t tell your mother or Tsutomu of what happened at the Kamiya dojo. It will cause them to worry
I nod. I don’t want to worry hahaue! Ladies having babies aren’t supposed to worry or… “I promise, chichiue!” I say, taking the bag. But I can ask niisan about that word without telling him the whole story.
I tug on his hand to pull him down to me, and I kiss his cheek. “Thank you for taking me out this morning, chichiue.” I smile at him, and turn and run into the house. I hope hahaue likes to eat a -lot- of eggs!
(Close)
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