Raindrops plummeted down from the sky and the puddles of water began to form on the streets or soak into the moist earth. There was nothing to do for the Kakunojo Yuyama Troupe but to work on the last part in their show, the finale. But no one wanted to work on a gloomy rainy day. The clouds were gray and the air was damp. Everyone's spirits were dampened.
The children sighed in boredom. Kobako twirled her hair as Benimaru doodled on a piece of paper with chalk. "Why did it have to rain?" Benimaru complained, propping himself on his elbows, chin resting on his hands when he paused from his artwork.
"Without rain, there will be no water for the plants and no water for the animals." Kakashi answered as he observed stragglers hurrying home from the window.
They all sat together in a group, waiting out the rain. Akizuki laid his head on Yuyama's shoulder, feeling tired and sleepy by the dreary atmosphere. He yawned quietly and closed his eyes. "Rain is good for the earth," He muttered, "And good for everyone else."
Everyone sighed again and Yuyama decided to sing a song to cheer up the mood.
"Hitotsu, higure ni gan kakete…futatsu, fuda sho ni tsukimisou…"
The others immediately began to join in.
"Three, when the magnificent sky dawns…four, carrying a child who cries in the night…five, till when shall you follow me?..."
Instantaneously, everyone's spirits rose and they all felt much better. Kobako and Benimaru jumped up and sped off to fetch their toys. "We'll bring a jump-rope, a ball, and a hoop so that we can all play!" They told the adults.
"Eh? Well then, I suppose I should get some playing cards." Shiranui drawled, picking himself up slowly from the ground.
The three arrived back with the promised things and Yuyama with the kids' games. Akizuki watched them for a bit before Zagashira turned to him and asked "Do you want to play a game of cards?" He did not turn down the offer. They played with chips of coins and Akizuki soon found himself with a nice pile of them like Kakashi, while Shiranui had such a meager supply. But it was Zagashira with an abundance of coins and he chuckled deeply as patted his pouch.
"This old man cannot be defeated in a game of cards." He laughed and Shiranui retorted back retaliation.
A few more rounds were played as Yuyama and Kobako and Benimaru clambered over to watch the game.
"Kakashi, Kakashi, use that one!" Benimaru cried, pointing at a card and Shiranui eagerly tried to peer at the card. Kakashi brought his cards closer as he glared at Shiranui. "No, not yet…" Kakashi murmured.
Yuyama studied Akizuki's cards, leaning over, so Akizuki shifted so that she could get a better view. His eyes twinkled—is that mischief I see?—as Yuyama turned to stare at him with disbelief. She checked his cards again. Yuyama turned back to him and flashed a mischievous smile; his eyes lit up.
A few cards were played…everything was setting into place…
In an instant, Akizuki slammed down his trump card and murmured quietly "The game has come to a conclusion."
The players stared at the card in disbelief, and their faces transformed to anger and despair. Kakashi roared in amazement while Zagashira glared at the cards. Shiranui leapt up and began badgering Akizuki.
"You fox! You sly fox!" Shiranui barked as Yuyama and Akizuki began to laugh.
"How!? I was just about to win!" Kakashi stuttered as Kobako and Benimaru attempted to comfort him. "That was well played, Akizuki-kun." Zagashira said under his breath and shook his head. Akizuki began to sweep the money into his pile and was left with a bulging pouch. He patted it and winked at Yuyama and decreed "That was fun. Now that it's stopped raining, do you want to practice swords with me?"
"Why don't you put your hard-earned money away first?" Yuyama implored.
"I can't to do that. Some thief will steal them!"
There was more hearty laughter and everyone was in the best of moods.
