I leave Hajime to rest, but the child is stirring (after adhering to its father’s wishes earlier) and I can’t sleep. Instead, I quietly dress and leave with a kiss on the cheek of the man I love… I stop and smile, looking at him. Looks like we initiated the new room well, and the bed is indeed -strong-.
I go to the kitchen. I know Hajime said “brunch” but that’s a new concept here in Japan, so I will have rice and miso soup ready just in case – if the boys are like my brothers at this age, they will wake up -starving- and not want to wait until mid-morning.
(OOC – Hide is up in the kitchen, anyone can come join her. I will be home later so no rush)
Namuzawa:
I’m early to rise. It was hard to sleep with all the noise this morning. I can hear the children upstairs but they’ve not come down yet.
It’s odd to always be heading to the kitchen. In other homes, we would commune in the living area and individual trays properly brought to the guest. But here I am again in the kitchen with the lady of the house – as if it were a farmer’s house.
“Good morning.” I tell her and look around and seat myself -again- at the table. I’d ask where Goro is but it’s obvious he’s not here yet.
Good morning
It’s Namuzawa-san who arrives first – I had hoped for Yukiko-san or one of the children, but he seems to be an early riser.
“Good morning, Namuzawa-san. I hope you’ve been sleeping well?” I ask, bowing. From the lines between his eyebrows I can see that he still doesn’t like the setup of this house. He’s probably the sort, at home, who eats in the room furthest from the kitchen to avoid the smells, and smacks a fan on the tray if it’s not to his liking or if it took too long. Certainly, he has servants who probably endure that.
However, that’s not this house. Even if our finances allowed for it, I’m not sure if the formality would suit us. It doesn’t seem like his life with Tokio was like that, but perhaps that was one of her resentments.
“I imagine everyone else will be up shortly – school mornings can be a bit busy so we’re all enjoying this week off.”
I offer him the rice and soup, along with fresh and pickled vegetables, and tea. “I hope you’re finding this trip to Tokyo useful. I knew that there’s quite the Aizu community here in Tokyo from the school, but not as many notable families which would attract your interest.”
“Good morning, Namuzawa-san. I hope you’ve been sleeping well?”
I rub my neck a little from the strain last night. “Unfortunately not so much. Maybe because it’s Tokyo? There seems to be all sorts of sounds last night.”
“I imagine everyone else will be up shortly – school mornings can be a bit busy so we’re all enjoying this week off.”
“It seems like the children have been up all night?” I look at her, “They were sent to bed early but did they really sleep?”
I’m offered breakfast and I’m glad for it. If I can’t get a good night or good morning’s rest at least I can have some food.
“I hope you’re finding this trip to Tokyo useful. I knew that there’s quite the Aizu community here in Tokyo from the school, but not as many notable families which would attract your interest.”
“It has been somewhat useful.” I start to eat, “There are in fact quite a few Aizu families here that has been quite prominent. The man you live with should know them but I suppose he’d rather not commune with his former clans men.”
I know of course, though it had started earlier in Gonohe, it was after the Satsuma rebellion that Goro had started drifting away from the clan. Then of course his troubled marriage and the woman in front of me cemented his departure. It is in this sense that I don’t find Yagi-san’s presence favorable for the Fujita’s, not merely that he’s left his family but also it seems his clan and comrades.
“Actually Yagi-san, in Kyoto there is a notable Aizu woman – a scholar in fact…” I take a sip of the tea after finishing breakfast, “I’d assume you’d know of her? Yamamoto Yaeko or Niijima Yaeko?”
It seems like the children have been up all night? They were sent to bed early but did they really sleep?
“Well I know at least Makoto was asleep when I checked on her before my own bedtime, and the boys’ room was quiet.” I tell him. I was -hoping- that the boys were working out things, but either they we’re talking or fell quiet at the sound of my footsteps. I can’t move as quietly as I did before, after all.
There are in fact quite a few Aizu families here that has been quite prominent. The man you live with should know them but I suppose he’d rather not commune with his former clans men
And what is that supposed to mean? I answer, evenly, “when we were in Aizu, earlier in the year, he did meet with some old friends.” But of course, his deepest ties were to the Shinsengumi. And not “commune”? I suppose that as long as he’s married to Tokio, there’s part of his life that I wouldn’t be welcomed into – and perhaps even after we’re married.
Actually Yagi-san, in Kyoto there is a notable Aizu woman – a scholar in fact… I’d assume you’d know of her? Yamamoto Yaeko or Niijima Yaeko?
I nod. “She was quite famous, during the war, the news of her heroics even made it down to Kyoto. And now she has a school there? My eldest niece began attending her school in the spring, it has quite the reputation of being a remarkable institution.”
(Makoto)
I’m going downstairs and into the kitchen and going to give hahaue a BIG HUG but I hear here talking to Namuzawa-san. He doesn’t like loud girls! I’m not a loud girl I’m a -lively- girl, as Yamaji-sensei told me.
But I know how to act properly!
I walk in -carefully- and bow. “Good morning, okaasan,” I say. There! Now he’ll know that I’m a good girl and maybe not frown all of the time!
“when we were in Aizu, earlier in the year, he did meet with some old friends.”
Yagi-san seems to have paused? But it’s obvious she’s getting defensive. “Oh and who did he meet? That Sagawa again?” I huff a little bit at that. “That good for nothing, after we got him a position in the Police to serve in the army during the Saigo incident, he high tailed it out of there after he got injured in Satsuma.”
It was in fact very embarassing. Thankfully there was a true AIzu hero who won the Satsuma war who lifted up our abolished clan’s reputation.
“She was quite famous, during the war, the news of her heroics even made it down to Kyoto. And now she has a school there? My eldest niece began attending her school in the spring, it has quite the reputation of being a remarkable institution.”
I nod agreeably at this. So Yagi-san may not have the means but it seems her family has some resources? “Who is your niece that goes to school there? In fact who is your family in Kyoto Yagi-san?”
As we’re speaking, the little girl comes in and it seems much more disciplined this morning. I look outside for a minute and wonder where Tsuyoshi is. I’d rather not have him sleep in. If he doesn’t come down soon maybe I will fetch him upstairs as it is embarassing to be so lax in the morning.
I hear footsteps and it’s Goro’s niece.
“Good morning Namuzawa-san, Yagi-san.” She smiles at Makoto, “You too Makoto. Here let me get you some milk.”
Oh and who did he meet? That Sagawa again? That good for nothing, after we got him a position in the Police to serve in the army during the Saigo incident, he high tailed it out of there after he got injured in Satsuma.
I smile a little. “So few of his friends live, that it’s good when he can connect to those who made it. And injuries affect men in all sorts of ways,” I say. To Hajime, of course, he keeps going on, but few, I’m certain, possess his strength – both physically and of will – to endure.
Who is your niece that goes to school there? In fact who is your family in Kyoto Yagi-san?
“Yagi Kioko-chan, oldest daughter of my brother, Yagi Tamesaburou.” I’m a little surprised that he had not done his ‘research’ on me. “My father was Yagi Gennojou, and we lived in Mibu – of course, my brother is head of the family now. But my father hosted the Miburoshi, later the Shinsengumi, during their early stay in Kyoto. While we were not of Aizu clan, he was part of the shogunate allies in Kyoto who coordinated with Matsudaira-sama during his time as Kyōto Shugoshoku.”
Makoto enters… in a very lady-like fashion. I’m pleased with her good manners, but displeased that this man’s nature is what is bringing it out to her. There’s a glint in her eyes… then Yukiko-san joins us. I return both of their greetings, and briefly touch Makoto on her cheek. “I hope you got some rest last night.”
She bows again. “Yes, okaasan, thank you for asking.” Then she does her father’s closed eye smile… oh dear. “I hope you are in good health,” she says. Then she seems to run out of things to say, and sits down awkwardly across from Namuzawa-san.
I did drill good manners into her, even back in Ito – she is a good Japanese girl, despite the status her parentage bestows on her.
I prepare breakfast for the two of them, and thank Yukiko-san for getting Makoto’s milk.
“So few of his friends live, that it’s good when he can connect to those who made it. And injuries affect men in all sorts of ways,”
I shrug at that. “Goro and Kanbee were deployed in the same platoon. They both got injured severely but at least Goro, continued on in the police. And of course he should, since he was providing for Tokio and his second child with her.” Of course I realize who I’m speaking to, but it doesn’t really matter does it? We both can be frank since they’re obviously already living together.
She tells me about her family in Kyoto and how they’ve coordinated with Matsudaira-sama. “I see” I say simply. “Your brother’s situation then is similar to Morinosuke’s. I assume you know that he is Tokio’s brother, who succeded the Takagi house when tokio father died in the Kinmon incident.” I shake my head there’s been so many loses. “So many young men “heading up” a household prematurely.” I shrug, “Well at least Morinosuke still had his sister Tokio and his mother from the Fujita side…” I chuckle a little at that, “That woman was so stubborn but her beauty was -exquisite-, she didn’t want her family name to disappear and so insisted that Goro take on her family’s last name.” I watch Yagi-san carefully, wondering how much does she really know about the man she is sleeping with.
The two boys finally enter the kitchen tells me good morning and promptly sits down. They seem half awake and Goro’s niece, tells Yagi-san to let her take care of getting them breakfast.
“If I get a chance to stop by Kyoto and speak to Yae, I’ll be sure to let her know about Kioko-chan and her father. Yaeko is very good friends with Tokio even before the Aizu war.”
I notice Tsutomu look at me with a frown and I was about to ask what his problem is but Tsuyoshi interrupts. “Oh Yaeko-sama, I’ve heard all sorts of stories about her. How she defended the castle and how mother…”
“Shut up Yoshi!” Tsutomu suddenly turns to him.
“But Ani-ue, isn’t Yaeko-sama your Godmother?”
“Don’t get involved in our elder’s conversations.” He purses his lips and starts to eat.
“That’s right Tsuyoshi. I am speaking to Yagi-san.” I look at Yagi-san, “We’re getting her acquainted with Aizu and it’s families.”
(OOC: To be clear, YES – in the writing Namuzawa believes Saitou took on the family name of Fujita due to Tokio’s mother having the name “Fujita”. And note i didn’t make this up… >.<)
Goro and Kanbee were deployed in the same platoon. They both got injured severely but at least Goro, continued on in the police. And of course he should, since he was providing for Tokio and his second child with her
It seems that he doesn’t understand what drives a man to fight beyond simply Aizu. I suddenly wondered, where was he during the war? How did he fare in Gonhoe? “Well, again, having known some of the best warriors, injuries can change a man. Some fight harder, others seek another path.” I wonder if he’s ever had to keep picking up his sword, over and over, through grave injury, close to death, just for the sake of justice?
So many young men “heading up” a household prematurely.
“He was not yet sixteen, and had charge of a sister, brother and ill mother, and as the war was winding down, dealing with those who had anger towards the Shinsengumi and barring -direct- access to them, took it out on our home.” I shake my head. “Thankfully, my father had trained him well and he was prepared, even if young.” Was that the case with the Takagi family as well?
That woman was so stubborn but her beauty was -exquisite-, she didn’t want her family name to disappear and so insisted that Goro take on her family’s last name.
So her mother was a great beauty too? And stubborn? I suppose it runs in the family. And he’s inferring that the Fujita name came from Tokio’s family? Now that’s a new theory I hadn’t heard… “Ah, I thought that it was granted to him by Matsudaira-sama himself, well before their marriage, and that it was a strong name in Aizu.” I look at him, evenly. “What an honor it was to be personally granted a name.”
If I get a chance to stop by Kyoto and speak to Yae, I’ll be sure to let her know about Kioko-chan and her father. Yaeko is very good friends with Tokio even before the Aizu war.
I try not to groan. If this man gets involved, Kioko-chan will be bounced from the school before she completes her first year. It’s hard enough to find good education for children in Kyoto if your family was too well-connected to the shogunate. Most of the “modern” schools are dominated by former Imperialist people, Futaba being an exception, and I had thought that Yaeko-san’s school would be as well.
Tsutomu-kun starts to bicker again with his brother, a variation of his fight yesterday – about the “truth” of their mother. However, it’s Namuzawa-san that ends that conversation.
“A girl defended a castle!?!” Suddenly the “real” Makoto re-emerges, sparked by her interest in women warriors as her head pops up, her eyes wide open. “Tell me more!,” she demands from Namuzawa-san. Well, maybe -she- has an interest in Aizu’s great families…
“Well, again, having known some of the best warriors, injuries can change a man. Some fight harder, others seek another path.”
I nod agreeing. You’re absolutely right, that Sagawa turned to no good and instead of being in a much better place in the Meiji, has resorted to a merchant’s livelihood.” I shrug, “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. He and Goro used to peddle in Gonohe to make a living.”
“Thankfully, my father had trained him well and he was prepared, even if young.”
“I’m glad to hear that Yagi-san. Perhaps one day when I am in Kyoto I will get to know your family there.” This Morinosuke sounds interesting but what kind of brother allows his -older- sister to end up as she did? But in any case perhaps he is someone to get to know and has influence?
“Ah, I thought that it was granted to him by Matsudaira-sama himself, well before their marriage, and that it was a strong name in Aizu.
I’m almost surprised that she knows this? I take a sip of the tea. “Fujita is a common surname back then. The Takagi’s were an important family and so was the Fujita’s in Aizu. You are likely confusing the timing of Goro’s name change I suppose?”
I meet her eyes. What is she implying by disputing his name? “The name was granted by Matsudaira-sama indeed a few months before they were married. He received the name and a haori for his exemplary service to Aizu and of course his eventual marriage to Tokio.” Does she not understand that since the Takagi already had a head of household in Morinosuke, that it’s only natural that another name be taken from within the family itself and naturally that would be from Tokio’s mother side of the family.
But suddenly the girl almost yelps at my mentioning of Yae and I nod agreeably to her. Leave it to a young girl to understand the value of Aizu’s women.
“A girl defended a castle!?!”
“Why yes little girl. Her name was Yamamoto Yae, a gun instructor who fought bravely in the Aizu war. She was a great help to Nakano-san, another woman who formed the Joshitai of Aizu.” I pat her head a little, “The Joshitai was actually a group of women volunteers who trained in the Naginata and fought along the samurai men of the clan.”
“But Ani-ue, isn’t Yaeko-sama your Godmother?”
I look at the two boys to the side. “That’s entirely right.” I tell Tsuyoshi more than Tsutomu who doesn’t seem pleased? Why? “Yae’s ties with Tokio goes way back to when they were hardly teens. And of course Goro agreed as he knows Yae very well having fought together in Aizu.”
“Is that right Otou-san? I’ve never met Yaeko-sama.”
“Oh one day we will meet her. She has been busy traveling outside of the country but has now settled in Kyoto.”
“Ah there you are Goro.” I stand up and look at him squarely, “It must’ve been a tiring night for you, if you’re only joining us now.” It’s already mid-morning. “I hope you are feeling -rested-?”
“I am.” He narrows his eyes at me. I can only smirk at him. Actually I’m enjoying learning about what the people of this house truly knows. I’m sure even his niece was probably kept in the dark. I’ve never seen her in Aizu or in any of my visits to the Fujita house.
These old samurai families, looking down on merchants… in Kyoto we all lived closer to each other, so some of the… disdain was lessened by familiarity, even if the divisions were still there. But as desperate as the situation was in Gonhoe, what was so bad about making -any- honest living?
I’m glad to hear that Yagi-san. Perhaps one day when I am in Kyoto I will get to know your family there.
I nod, although I certainly couldn’t think of why he would be interested. Perhaps it’s the Aizu connection.
But he keeps -on- about the Fujita name being connected to Tokio’s family, and I find myself getting cross. I -get- what he’s implying. That it’s -her- name and I have no right to it, married or not.
Which is fine. His dear relation will do whatever she can to prevent that, but I will be the one blamed for it.
I swallow what I want to say. Snapping at this man, rising to meet his rudeness, may imperil our connection with Tsuyoshi-kun. Even if he and Tsutomu-kun are having problems now… I don’t think they want to lose each other.
At least Makoto is receptive to him, and he’s actually about as amiable as I’ve seen him be to her as he talks about… Aizu.
Hajime enters, and that man makes another one of his “comments”.
I need some air. And I think someone else does, as well. “Tsutomu-kun, can you help me outside? I need some more water from the well.”
I rise to leave.
(OOC – Hide will exit unless stopped, and Tsutomu can follow or not.)
Hide suddenly leaves the room and I’m surprised although with how Namuzawa greeted me this morning… If that was the tone I can certainly imagine what has been going on here. I wonder what they were speaking about earlier?
I -pointed-ly look at my son who’s still sitting down eventhough Hide’s asked him for help and he finally gets up and I’m relieved since if I follow Hide outside it would only flame whatever is in Namuzawa’s head and I can’t send Yukiko since she’s just getting ready to leave for the market. The children is just barely finished with breakfast and there is no one to cleanup – but I can do that, now that I’ve lost my appetite.
Thankfully Makoto goes back to asking Namuzawa about the women of Aizu and my son Tsuyoshi is all ears as well. For young children, these are great stories to hear but not for me nor Tsutomu. For me they bring back horrible memories, for my son difficulties in his realities.
I don’t follow Yagi-san outside immediately. I’m not sure why she’s asking me? Will she ask about Yaeko-sama? Or us Fujitas? But father gives me that look and although I could ignore him, I know it’s probably best if I follow, after all if something happens to Yagi-san outside and the baby, that wouldn’t be good.
I make my excuses to go outside.
(OOC: Hide can start a new thread outside. Saitou at some point will start a thread in the living room alcove a bit later. I think this thread is ended.)