_The woman and the teacup_
Sumire walked along the streets of the town. She needed to learn more about the town. The streets were filled with people. The vendors, shops, restaurants, and businesses were occupied. The woman was wandering around on her own. Sumire eventually meets up with Kanetsugu. He guides her around so she would not get lost. The two stop by a tea house. Kanetsugu was happy to spend time with a fellow comrade.
"You seem to be vacant in the mind. Has the war dampened your spirits?" Kanetsugu spoke as he and Sumire were walking inside the house. Kanetsugu and Sumire were escorted to a table by a server. Sumire takes a seat and she places her hands in her lap. "I just needed some air." Sumire said. Her expression was unreadable. Kanetsugu orders what he wants and Sumire does the same. "Yukimura tells me that you are training him. He's excited." Kanetsugu spoke. "Yes, I'm responsible but-" Sumire was speaking until Masamune interrupts the conversation.
"Found you!" Masamune says as Sumire turns to him. Masamune walks up to her. He smirks as he hands her a box. "Lord...You should show some respect in front of Lady Sumire as well for your behavior in public." Kanetsugu says feeling ashamed. He was somewhat embarrassed. "W-what is it? And please sit with us." Sumire says and takes the box politely. Masamune places himself beside her.
Sumire opens the box. Her eyes grow as she takes out a teacup. It was purple with gold engraving. There were small cherry blossoms painted on it. Sumire smiles as she admires the craftsmanship. "Heh, I knew you would like it," Masamune says in confidence. "Lady, you're becoming a sophisticate? We do not have time to gawk at teacups." Kanetsugu scolds her. Sumire puffs her cheek as her face heats up.
"Lord stop. I-I enjoy art of various types. Whether it is man-made or natural. For the status of sophisticate does not fit me. Besides, purple is my favorite color. Thank you, Lord Masamune. I-I'm grateful." Sumire said as her eyes never left the teacup. A personal hobby of hers was collecting teacups. Sumire places the cup back in the box and closes the lid. "I came across a small shop while trying to find you. It's a gift you know..." Masamune explains himself for being here.
"Lady, do you intend to hold back?" Kanetsugu asks. Sumire closes her eyes and sighs, "No. He wants to learn from me so I will give him the inspiration he wants." "You know for a lady I commend you. You are a promising warrior. I do hope to fight beside you once again. You're not driven by politics and follow your own beliefs." Masamune said. "Lady Sumire's honor is really something else." Kanetsugu smiles as he picks up his cup of tea.
Sumire glances outside to watch the cherry blossom trees. She had only been staying in Japan for only a decade while her childhood resided in the sea. The woman was raised living on a ship as a child. Seeing trees were something that fascinated the woman. To think that trees continue to bloom despite the wars. The view was something Sumire enjoyed seeing.
"Hey, there is suppose to be a festival occurring tomorrow. You should attend it." Masamune suggests. Sumire looks back at him. "I have never been to one before. So what must I do?" Sumire questions, she picks up her of cup and drinks from it. "He is correct. You should look into it while you have the spare time. Perhaps you can be accompanied by a couple of soldiers. Try having some fun," Kanetsugu encourages the idea. Sumire continues to drink her tea.
"Why not have Lord Yukimura go with you? I know you are supposed to train him, but you can at least understand him." Masamune said. Sumire almost chokes on her tea. She swallows the liquid and pounds her chest using her fist. The woman needed to breathe. "I'm not so sure," She coughs. "Then have Mitsunari accompany you too. We all can join you." Kanetsugu adds.
"Huh?!" Sumire responded.
"I did not include myself in this idea!" Masamune was taken aback. "Have it be retaliation for the lady," Kanetsugu smirks. Masamune groans in irritation. "Oh, Mitsunari is going to have my head..." Sumire groans at the thought. Mitsunari was not the one to entertain. "Damn. Fine. I shall go with her." Masamune gave up. He knew he did not have a choice. Kanetsugu trapped them both.
"Don't I require a yukata?" Sumire asks. Both men nod. "I don't know how to wear one exactly..." Sumire speaks with her voice lowering. "Imbecile. We will shop for one and one of the girls can assist you. Simple." Masamune solved the problem. "A lady now knowing how to dress properly is different. Let's make haste." Kanetsugu spoke as he finished his tea. Masamune nods and stands up. Both men look at Sumire who was quietly minding her own business. She sets the teacup down on the table. She slowly stands up. Kanetsugu stands up and pays for the drinks. Sumire grabs her box.
The three samurai exit the tea house. They walk around to come across a small shop. It had kimonos and yukatas on display. Each one had a different color and pattern. No kimono or yukata was the same. The shop was run by an old man and his family. "Welcome," The elderly man greets the three samurais as they enter the shop. Sumire bows in response.
"Ah, our friend here needs a yukata for the festival. She is new to wearing one as well. Could you please help her?" Kanetsugu said. Masamune walks around the shop to look at the other products. Wind chimes, shoes, socks, kanzashi, and more were on the tables. "Of course. Please find one to your liking," The old man said as he shows Kanetsugu and Sumire around. Masamune was looking at the glass wind chimes.
One had cranes and koi fish painted. One young girl approaches him. She has long brown hair and wore a pink yukata. "Are you looking for something specific? Maybe a gift for your girlfriend?" She spoke. Masamune scoffs and shoots a glare at the girl. He was not interested in Sumire like that. She was older by a few years. She treated him with respect and did care for him. Masamune even asked Sumire for assistance a few times. The two would spend time together conversing about various topics. He showed Sumire how to use his gun. Sumire discussed her hobbies and even assisted Kojuro with his tasks.
"We're just friends. I'm here to help her. Nothing exciting." Masamune said. "You two look like a couple, but I get it. Still, that girl is pretty." The girl says with a smile. Masamune looks at her. His arms crossed, "We are samurai. Relationships aren't something to focus on."
"Okay, I can't walk in this," Sumire said as she wore a purple and blue summer yukata. It was short-sleeved and cherry blossom petals on the bottom. The obi was gold with the pattern of maple leaves. Sumire stood with her head down. She was indeed shy. Compared to being on the battlefield, the woman had a brave side and a timid manner when off of it. Kanetsugu smiles as he sees Sumire slowly walk around. He claps his hands in approval, "You look lovely lady. It's a new look indeed." Sumire waves her hands dismissively. She was not used to compliments.
"I want my uniform back." She said. "The colors suit you well. The obi compliments the style." The older woman spoke. She was happy to see someone buy their first yukata. Masamune approaches Sumire and observes the outfit carefully. He notices Sumire's flushed face. His eye met hers. "I-imbecile! Get that look off your face. You look...nice. Now stop being bashful and either buy that one or try another one." Masamune said as he did think that Sumire looked pretty. He just could not admit it.
Sumire scoffs and regains her composure. "I will buy this one. I don't think I need anything else." Sumire said. The old woman and Sumire headed back to the dressing room. "So Lord Masamune, Lady Sumire looks nice? I thought she looked rather lovely. The woman seems different dressed like that. It gives a more elegant appeal." Kanetsugu said. Seeing Masamune interact with Sumire.
"The lady is used to wearing armor. How am I suppose to respond? I'm not one to give flattery." Masamune says. Kanetsugu chuckles in amusement. He could tell Masamune was being awkward about the conversation. Sumire left the dressing room and paid for her yukata. She needed to get back to the castle and hide her awkward shyness. The festival would occur soon and it would be the first time the woman was wearing a yukata.
