Adoption IX: Today's Special:

by Murasahki-chan

Hiko is relieved to find that his deshi, though less than perfect, is perfectly human—and a perfectly good cook. 31 March 2018: punctuation/format corrections

Written: 3 July 2007
Posted: 3 July 2007, rev. 0

Revised: 31 March 2018, rev. 1. Punctuation/format corrections.
Category: Drama.
Summary: Hiko is relieved to find that his deshi, though less than perfect, is perfectly human..
Disclaimer: The characters and story of Rurouni Kenshin are the property of Nobuhiro Watsuki, Shonen Jump, et al. Used without permission. This work is for entertainment only, and no profit is intended.
Notes Kannon is the Japanese form of the Chinese Kuan Yin, often called the Goddess of Mercy. Also known as Chenrezig, the patron Bodhisattva of Tibet.
Glossary At end of document.

This story takes place about a year or so before Kenshin parts company from Hiko to join the Revolution.

Today's Special: An Adoption Drabble

"No, shishou, this trout needs just a small touch of dried bonito, a half-measure of white miso, and then a very little bit of the watercress, sliced ever so fine. That broth, the trout, some pickled parsnip, and of course rice. That will make us a most fine meal," the little redhead intoned as firmly and solemnly as if he were decreeing a vendetta or proclaiming his ryuu and his attack.

"You would say so, would you deshi?," I intone, doing my level best not to let my relief tarnish the face I must present him of the master who is never entirely pleased.

In fact, I am relieved almost beyond bearing. He does have some sensitivity, some connection to the tenderness of life. I despair of his calligraphy, he's . . . dutiful as to his appreciation of literature other than The Journey to the West and the Hagakure, but at least he has some true feeling for the wooden flute, and an absolutely superb touch at the cookstove.

Apparently Kannon smiles even upon doomed swordmasters, for it is an Imperial and cultivated dragon I release upon the world, not just a vicious and destructive Komodo lizard.

Owari

Glossary
Bonito—dried, flaked tuna
Deshi—pupil, apprentice, disciple
Hagakure—Compilation of codes of conduct for samurai
Miso—a type of fermented soybean curd (tofu) paste. White is the mildest flavor
The Journey to the West—one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
Ryuu—a school of a discipline, in the sense of a method or system, such as Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu.
Shishou—master of an art or craft, who teaches