Chapter 5

The Calm Before the Storm

 

“No… no…” Koichi whimpered, tossing around on the futon.

 
Tsuyoshi’s eyes cracked open, adjusting to the dark. His eyes wandered to the restless form. It was not the first time Tsuyoshi had seen the samurai have a nightmare. Tsuyoshi slowly got up, careful not to startle the sleeping man.

 
The first time he had seen Koichi toss around, he had immediately jolted up and moved to the samurai. By instinct, Koichi had jumped up and had his katana at Tsuyoshi’s throat in a flash. At that moment, Tsuyoshi noticed that Koichi was still asleep, as the samurai’s eyes remained closed.

 
As Koichi’s tossing body got caught further in the covers, Tsuyoshi laid a hand on his forehead, making soothing sounds. Soon, Koichi settled down, but Tsuyoshi kept stroking Koichi’s head.

 
As Koichi’s breathing became even again, Tsuyoshi caught a whispered “I’m sorry”. A tear rolled down Koichi’s face, and the samurai became silent again.

 
Tsuyoshi sighed. Koichi had always avoided the subject when he broached it. The samurai would have a faraway, though pained, look of longing, silently shaking his head when Tsuyoshi asked about it. He went back under his own covers, keeping his eyes on the sleeping samurai until he, too, fell back asleep.

 
******************

 
“Are the preparations ready?” Kitagawa motioned to his aide to strap the armor tighter.

 
“Yes!” Nagase bowed low.

 
Kitagawa nodded, slapping his servant’s hand away. “Useless fool! Nagase, we leave in two days.”

 
“Yes, my lord!” Nagase bowed again, slipping quietly out to inform the others.

 
As he closed the door, he heard a glass smashing and his lord roaring, “Joshima, you insolent fool! Come help me with my armor, you useless pig!”

 
Nagase sighed as he made his way down the solemn corridors, stopping at the entrance to the garden.

 
Standing in line, and in perfect sync, Mabo and Yamaguchi were repeating their kata steps. Their expressions were serene and calm, but Nagase knew it could change in an instant.

 
As the duo completed their final step, they stood up and turned to Nagase.

 
The youngest nodded in their direction. “My lord is preparing to negotiate a new treaty with Higashiyama-sama of the South Kingdom. We leave as soon as he is ready.”

 
The duo nodded their understanding, picking up their katanas and moving to join Nagase.

 
Nagase had his back to them when he heard Yamaguchi ask quietly, “And with regards to Koichi?”

 
Nagase’s gaze dropped to the ground, and his head was lowered slightly. He breathed out a long sigh. “My lord has decided to confront Koichi in two days,” Nagase replied in a quiet voice.

 
“Do we really have to?” Mabo asked, the lazy drawl in his voice not betraying his true feelings.

 
Nagase shrugged. “Who knows? Do we do what we feel is right and dishonor ourselves? Or do we do what we are told to do, like the noble samurai we supposedly are?”

 
“That doesn’t answer my question,” Mabo muttered, brushing past Nagase and heading to the main entrance.

 
“Hurry up! My lord will not be pleased if he has to wait for us,” Mabo called over his shoulder.

 
Nagase and Yamaguchi quickened their pace.

 
******************

 
“A house?”

 
“Of course not! I said it was an animal!”

 
“Oh, okay… A monkey?”

 
“What?! It looks NOTHING like a monkey!”

 
“Where are the eyes? Oh, I know! It’s a lizard!”

 
“I’m going to be angry if you don’t stop making a fool…”

 
“But I have been guessing seriously! It’s a horse.”

 
“You’re making a fool out of me! That’s it! I’m not playing anymore,” Koichi pouted, sweeping the sand haphazardly.

 
Tsuyoshi coughed a bit from the dust. “But I really was trying to guess what you drew, Koichi-san….”

 
“No, you weren’t! It was so easy to guess!” Koichi poked the ground with his stick.

 
The two men had gone to the nearby seaside after shopping for supplies. There, Koichi had the brilliant idea to let Tsuyoshi see his art skills.

 
Koichi had found a stick of driftwood by the shore. Eagerly, he sketched a drawing out. When Tsuyoshi asked him what it was, Koichi had asked him to guess. This, of course, lead to the current situation.

 
“Last chance, Tsuyoshi-san,” Koichi said, crossing his arms across his chest.

 
Tsuyoshi pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes and concentrating hard on Koichi’s drawing.

 
A long oval, supposedly the body. A thinner, zig-zag strand off one end, possibly a tail. A large circle at the other end. The head? Two sharp… ears?… at the top of the head. One very scary mouth with razor-sharp teeth. And stripes. With polka dots.

 
“Any hints?”

 
Koichi pouted. “It’s not fun if there are hints involved. But alright. Just one! It likes me more than you.”

 
The corner of Tsuyoshi’s lip twitched. He would never have guessed that in a million years if he based it solely on Koichi’s artwork.

 
“Kenshiro?”

 
Koichi gave a happy smile, throwing both arms up in the air. “Bingo!”

 
Tsuyoshi found himself mirroring Koichi’s grin. “I told you it was easy!” Koichi said, throwing the stick for Kenshiro to fetch.

 
Tsuyoshi merely rolled his eyes. It looked more like a woodland monster than poor Kenshiro…

 
******************

 
A chorus of shouts could be heard from behind the heavy doors of the main hall. Nagase, Mabo and Yamaguchi had been instructed to wait for their lord outside. The two feudal lords had many secrets that cannot be told, even to their most trusted servants.

 
Nagase stared straight ahead at the ninja of this castle. Everyone gathered there were on a hair trigger. A distressed shout or order from their respective lords would mean a bloodbath for them.

 
The ninja eyeballed Nagase right back, not a flicker of fear on her face. Nagase had been surprised at first, as the ninjas of the castle were all women. Apparently, Higashiyama did not like the brute ways of samurai men.

 
Hamasaki Ayumi, Nagase thought, continuing his staring competition with his opponent. She was beautiful, ethereal even. Nagase had been captivated the instant he saw her. But that still would not change the fact that they are mortal enemies serving different lords.

 
A word from Kitagawa, and Nagase would run her through with his blade with no hesitation. Though he knew in his heart, he would regret it for as long as he lives.

 
“NAGASE!” a loud roar was heard, as the heavy doors burst open, revealing a fuming Kitagawa.

 
Nagase immediately bowed, as did Mabo and Yamaguchi.

 
“We’re leaving!” Kitagawa ordered, throwing a murderous glare at Higashiyama, several paces behind him.

 
“Show yourself out. And do send a messenger when you start to see things my way,” Higashiyama called to Kitagawa’s back.

 
When Kitagawa and his samurais disappeared from his sight, Higashiyama gestured. Ayumi immediately kneeled at his side.

 
“Shadow them. Your main mission is to gather intelligence of his dealings with other lords,” Higashiyama said quietly.

 
Ayumi nodded her acknowledgement, and was about to leave when Higashiyama spoke next.

 
“But if the opportunity arises, kill him.”

 
“Yes, my lord,” Ayumi said, immediately preparing to leave.

 
“And, Ayumi?” Higashiyama said, catching his charge’s attention once again.

 
“Be careful.”

 
******************

 
“Are you done yet, Koichi-san?” Tsuyoshi called out, putting on the final ingredient into his soy milk nabe.

 
The door to the bath opened in response, revealing a slightly damp Koichi. Steam billowed behind him, the remnants of his evening bath.

 
Tsuyoshi threw a fluffy towel at Koichi, who caught it and began toweling his hair dry.

 
Setting the pot on the table, Tsuyoshi turned back to reach for the bowls of rice and chopsticks.

 
Koichi inhaled deeply. “Smells great. What is it?”

 
“Soy milk nabe. It’s my own invention,” Tsuyoshi replied proudly, passing the chopsticks and rice to Koichi.

 
Koichi accepted the items, draping the towel around his neck. “Ittadakimasu!!”

 
Tsuyoshi sighed, and moved behind the samurai. “You’re a grown man. Why are you such a baby?” Tsuyoshi complained as he took the towel and dried Koichi’s hair properly.

 
Koichi chose to ignore Tsuyoshi. Taking a large bite of rice and nabe, Koichi made a satisfied noise.

 
Tsuyoshi removed the towel once he was satisfied with the state of Koichi’s hair. He was greeted with a smiling Koichi, his mouth stuffed with food.

 
“Oi! Leave some for me!” Tsuyoshi smacked Koichi, making a grab for what was left of his soy milk nabe.

 
Koichi made some noises of protest, whining and making a pitiful face.

 
Tsuyoshi raised an eyebrow. “I don’t speak whine. And you look like Kenshiro.”

 
Koichi did not reply, only reached over to grab Kenshiro by the collar and sat the dog next to him. Human and dog stared at Tsuyoshi with large round eyes.

 
Tsuyoshi rolled his eyes, scooping another bowlful for Koichi. The samurai gave the shopkeeper a beaming smile, accepting the bowl.

 
Staring back at what little was left in his bowl, Tsuyoshi gave a small smile and began to eat. Before he could get a bite, a piece of meat was shoved into his bowl. Peering up, he saw Koichi smiling cheekily at him.

 
“What’s this?”

 
Koichi swallowed before replying. “Ginger pork. I made it earlier, when you were out playing with Kenshiro.”

 
“You can cook?” Tsuyoshi asked warily.

 
Koichi nodded enthusiastically. “As well as I draw!”

 
Tsuyoshi cast the piece of meat a wary glance. Then he looked up and saw Koichi’s expectant look. He took a breath, taking the pork into his mouth in one go.

 
Tsuyoshi’s eyes widened considerably as he chewed.

 
“How is it? How is it?” Koichi leaned forward, staring at his aikata with shining eyes.

 
Tsuyoshi swallowed slowly, licking his lips. “It’s…”

 
Koichi nodded his head vigorously, prompting Tsuyoshi to complete his sentence.

 
“…it’s delicious!” Tsuyoshi exclaimed, a large grin on his face.

 
“Really?”

 
“Really!”

 
“Really really?”

 
“Really really!”

 
Koichi sat back, satisfied. He piled another few pieces of pork into Tsuyoshi’s bowl.

 
“What about you?” Tsuyoshi asked, eating his third piece of meat.

 
Koichi shook his head. “I made it for you. Here, have some more!”

 
Tsuyoshi gave Koichi a small smile, reaching over to snag a piece of pork. He placed the pork into Koichi’s bowl. “Let’s eat it together, ne.”

 
Koichi nodded happily, going back to his food.

 
It’s nice to see him so youthful, Tsuyoshi mused, looking at the samurai, who looked relaxed and happy. Like he doesn’t have to carry a heavy burden on his shoulders…

 
******************

 
“What did you say, Nagase-senpai?”  a young samurai asked the samurai Nagase in a loud voice.

 
Ayumi was hiding outside the samurai quarters, listening in through the open window. Kitagawa had retired to his chambers with a young maid, and Ayumi was too disgusted to stay. She decided to spy on the samurais, hoping they would give up some information.

 
“Keep your voice down, Takki! Do you want to whole castle to know?!” Nagase hissed back.

 
“Sorry,” Takki whispered back, hiding his mouth behind his hand.

 
“You heard me the first time. Be ready tomorrow. Our lord will depart to confront Koichi.”

 
“But how did he find out where Koichi-senpai was?” Takki asked, the worry in his tone evident.

 
Ayumi heard the elder samurai take a sip of his sake before answering. “A man came yesterday with information. A local thug who had seen Ko-chan.”

 
Takki gave a sigh. “Koichi-senpai will think I betrayed him.”

 
Ayumi heard a table and cups clattering to the ground. Then Takki choked, as if he was held forcefully around the throat.

 
“You knew where he was all along?” Nagase asked in a menacing tone.

 
Takki gulped. “Tsubasa and I stumbled upon him about a week ago…” he stammered.

 
“Why didn’t you tell me immediately?”

 
“Be-because I thought Koichi-senpai didn’t want to be found.”

 
“You idiot!” another voice piped out. “We wanted to know where he was so that we could make sure our lord would never know where he was. With Koichi’s sense of direction, we couldn’t even begin to guess where he could be.”

 
“Enough, Gussan. Now we have to think of how we can get Ko-chan out of this mess,” Nagase said. A rustling of cloth was heard. Ayumi assumed Nagase had released his grip on the younger samurai.

 
“We can warn him!” Takki suggested. “Tsubasa and I know where to find him.”

 
“Good. Leave as soon as you can,” Nagase said in a hushed tone.

 
“We have to escort Takamizawa-san tomorrow. We’re supposed to leave at dawn.”

 
Nagase made a sound of approval. “Then do that. We don’t want our lord to suspect anything.”

 
“Nagase, why are you risking your life for someone who has disgraced himself?” a lazy drawl came from the other end of the room.

 
“Isn’t it obvious?” Nagase said, staring out the window at the full moon. “He’s my best friend.”

 
*******************

 
“And where do you think you’re going?” a voice behind them stopped Takki and Tsubasa dead in their tracks.

 
Their blood froze as they turned to see their master. Kitagawa had his arms crossed lazily in front of his chest, his yukata loosely tied.

 
Takki gulped. “We are going to escort Takamizawa-san, my lord,” he replied, bowing low.

 
“You no longer have to do that. I couldn’t care less what happens to him,” Kitagawa said, leaning against the door frame.

 
Takki and Tsubasa exchanged worried looks, their heads still bowed low. “Understood, my lord. But perhaps it would be better if we inform him, so as not to cause him unnecessary worry?”

 
“I said not to bother with that man,” Kitagawa said. “Unless you have somewhere else you want to be?”

 
Takki stilled at the accusatory tone. “No, of course not, my lord.”

 
Kitagawa turned to retreat into the castle before stopping thoughtfully. “Tell me, Takizawa. While you were in the town, did you hear of any news regarding your former senpai, Domoto Koichi?”

 
Takki lowered his eyes, torn between his duty to his master and his loyalty to the man who had his highest respect. “No, my lord,” Takki lied.

 
Kitagawa made a sound of acknowledgement. “Be prepared, we leave as soon as I am ready.”

 
“Yes, my lord,” Takki and Tsubasa answered simultaneously, bowing low until Kitagawa’s back disappeared from their sight.

 
“We have to tell Nagase-senpai!” Tsubasa hissed, dragging Takki by the arm to the samurai quarters.

 

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Koichi’s eyes fluttered open, and he turned slowly to Tsuyoshi. A small smile lit up his face. “Tsuyoshi-san.”

 
Tsuyoshi nodded. “Yes, it’s me.”

 
“Tsuyoshi-san,” Koichi repeated, his smile getting bigger.

 
Tsuyoshi smiled back. He took Koichi by the arm. “It’s getting cold, why don’t we go back inside?”

 
“But it’s so peaceful here. And it feels right here,” Koichi said, not moving from his spot. Koichi turned pleading eyes to Tsuyoshi.

 
Tsuyoshi sighed. He never had the heart to say no to Koichi. “Okay, let’s stay here a little longer,” he relented, resting his arm next to Koichi’s.

 
“Thank you,” Koichi rested his head on Tsuyoshi’s shoulder.