A man pulled out a blazing sword out from the stone forge, he placed it on the anvil and started to hammer it repeatedly. The busy blacksmith worked on the sword nonstop, dedicating every fiber on the craftsmanship. A Katana's refined steel edge must be maintained monthly to ensure its effectiveness. Any scratches, dents and rust must be eliminated so that the user can achieve optimal performance in battle. Here on Kyoshi island, each sword is important. Which is why a blacksmith must treat the weapon with upmost care.
Once the blacksmith felt he has reached perfection with the weapon's shape, he dipped the sword into a bucket of water, quenching the metal's heat and pulling it out quickly. Holding it up in the air, allowing the blade to cool and reveal its reflection akin to a mirror. This one is completed.
A loud yawn can be heard from the room's entrance, a young woman donned in blue barged in unannounced. With only white paint covering on her face. "You are early as usual dad, the sun isn't even up yet!" She then yawned again, even more loudly.
"Just finishing the last one Orihime," Munechika slides the katana into a scabbard. He placed it in a bag filled with other blades, all having individual sheaths that allows the owners to identify which is their own.
Orihime pulled open her own katana from the bag, enjoying the blade's freshness. She then carried the whole bag onto her shoulder, but found herself struggling to support the heavy weight. She tried lift it upwards, but resorted to just pulling it across the floor and hope the blades are not damaged.
"Don't forget to collect the uniforms," Munechika reminded. "Your mother worked hard on those, I hope you don't treat her work the same way you treated mine."
"I know!" Orihime grunted as she dragged the bag of weapons towards the exit. She looked at her father, who is sorting the various weapons and armor among the shelves.
"What about you?" She asked. Munechika seems to be in a worrisome mood, his behavior mimics someone who is anxious. The usually calm and collected blacksmith is always eager to fix a broken tool of weapon, but this behavior often shows that his next task have a higher stake. Dire consequences will follow if his smithing skills are not up to the task.
"I...there is one more weapon that still needs repairing." Munechika said, trying to remain as normal as possible, but his sweaty forehead gives it away when the light of the fire brightens the room. "I am doing a favor for the blacksmiths living on the other side of the island. They err...think they are not good enough to fix a weapon from a particular client."
It is only until now Orihime noticed the large metal club resting on the nearby table. It had broken spikes and a slightly unaligned shape. The weapon requires immense strength to wield effectively, swinging it around would deplete your energy quickly.
While it is cumbersome, a fully armored person would break their bones if they are smashed by this object.
This weapons belongs to a particular Kyoshi warrior, one shrouded in infamy. Her.
"Dad, if it's too much work, I can just go and tell her that..." The blacksmith immediately shushed her daughter, putting a sharp stop at what she is saying. Everything in her father is trying to express the need for silence, in fear someone is ear-dropping.
"I can fix it," he whispered, trying not to stutter. "Go, and don't say anything to anyone about this!"
...
Orihime haven't even put on her armor, yet her back is already feeling the strain of carrying so many swords. There are about thirteen swords in her inventory including her own, and sometimes she hoped that she have someone else carrying them.
She entered the living quarters of the blacksmith, this cozy room lacked the smell of dust and feels much cooler when compared to the suffocating heat in her father's working space. At the side of the room's floor sat a woman, using a string and needle to sew silk threads into green kimonos. Next to her is a large pile of already completed uniforms, finely packed into bags. Another luggage.
"Morning," She greeted her mother with a warm smile. All that effort on carrying the heavy bag of swords have made her more awake, allowing her eyes to see things clearer.
Her mother's attitude as a renown weaver naturally incurred the desire for perfection. As a perfectionist woman who creates various clothing for the village, she also demands the same level of excellence for her daughter. Most specifically, Orihime's behaviors.
"Your face paint is incomplete," Inari raised her head, noticing the imperfection. Orihime lacked the red paint below her eyebrows, she only had so much time until the day officially begins.
The older woman stand up and grabbed a paintbrush from the shelf. She carefully finished the face paint, adding the final strokes of red paint above Orihime's eyes. Now, Orihime looked more like an actual Kyoshi warrior rather than some poor street performer.
"You are not a young toddler anymore, you shouldn't act without discipline and patience." Inari lectured Orihime. "Don't rush things, or others will see you in an unfavorable light. A Kyoshi warrior with only white paint symbolizes that treachery, suspicion, and the readiness to visit evil deeds is the only act she will indulge in. Which is why you must not forget that the red-"
"I know I know!" Orihime interjected immediately, while trying her best not to offend her nagging mother. "Red paint symbolize honor, heroism, and loyalty. I know that already!" The amount of impatience is through the roof. It appears the notion l all Kyoshi warriors are calm, collected, disciplined and well trained doesn't always apply to their everyday life. "I just needed to get everything ready so that I can teach those maikos! I will get these clothes and head straight to the dojo, love you mother!"
Inari didn't punish her daughter's eagerness to head out. Orihime quickly grabbed the bag of uniforms and bolted straight to the house's exit.
"Forgetting something?" Inari's stopped Orihime right on her track.
The daughter turned her face around, meeting Inari's face of disapproval.
"Are you intending to teach the others without dressing in correct attire? You are setting a bad example."
Orihime realized that she is still wearing her civilian dress. Hastily dropping both the swords and uniforms, she stormed into her own room. After tripping over things and almost falling, she returned. While her black hair is disarrayed, she has her green kimono and the dark lacquered armor. She make haste for the exit as she tightened the gloves and shoulder pads.
"Ahem!" Inari is still not satisfied.
Orihime felt there is an absence of weight on her head, she forgot one essential piece of her outfit. The most important one.
"You are not just training at the dojo, so your headband will not be used this time." Inari said without expressing any critical tone. "You should know that it is a great honor to be chosen, but you also shoulder great responsibility to nurture the young and inexperienced." She walked over to a table, where two identical golden headdress are displayed. While the headdress is considered part of a Kyoshi warrior's battle gear, there is no doubt that the artist value is quite impressive.
The design of crest in this household revolves around an image of rice stalks inside a circle. Attached in the center of a rectangular metal plate, this symbol represents general prosperity and worldly success. It has blessed Orihime's family for generations, all having their own success in whatever trade they pursue. But her parents also stressed the importance of hard work, and their family crest alone will not bring wealth.
The two golden headdresses may have identical designs, but they still emit different age in its metal's appearance. One looked much older, whereas the other one has no scratches and is obviously made at later date.
Inari picked up the newer one, and tied it around Orihime's forehead. She then gently smoothed her daughter's right cheek. "Go on, you are going to be late."
Orihime run up and snatched the swords and uniforms. Without saying a word, the Kyoshi warrior headed straight out to the empty streets and went towards the village's dojo.
Inari returned to weaving more clothes. It's as though nothing has happened. They said that one can find glory in the field of battle and danger. But seeking adventure can also be met with the harsh woes of reality. Sometimes, many would forget about the merits of living a simple life as a peaceful craftsman. Peace and prosperity is often overshadowed by the false perception that favors war and conquest.
...
The sun slowly rise and brightened the skies of Kyoshi island. All the residents emerged from their humble wooden lodges, and begin their day anew. Life here is always slow paced. Their rather unsophisticated existence meant there usually isn't that much activity around the island. The street laid bare and empty as the fishermen returned from their fishing trip. Although on the surface, the fishermen are in awe with Satchiko's 'fight' with the Unagi, it only hides the true problem from the naive and innocent little girl. Many fishermen are simply too afraid to work during broad daylight, fearing that it would attract the giant eel to devour their flimsy sailboats. For many wealthy and privileged people in the cities, the meat of an Elephant Koi is simply a ln expensive meal and nothing more. But to these fishermen and others, the meat is the backbone of their entire island's economy. Even without the tourists, the Elephant Koi is always the main source of export that is sustaining their whole community. They can live without other commodities, but they cannot thrive without the hardworking fishermen, who risked their own lives just so that others can prosper. The Elephant Koi, is the main pillar for Kyoshi island's self-sufficiency.
The weight of both the swords and uniforms are beating down on her. After wearing a full set of armor, she lost any mobility she had. Slowing down, she took a deep glance at the dead empty streets of her village. Tourist season is over, but even an adolescent like her knew the deprivation of visitors is not normal. Each year, she can feel less people are coming to the island. Constant harassment of pirates have certainly scared people away, it creates a psychological burden the people must overcome.
With the exception of villagers minding their business, she can see no one from outside the island. While different opinions and attitudes towards tourists is divisive on this island, she usually hid her own perspective to herself. Many people including Kyoshi warriors complained about having many people visiting their island, who knew French or not damaged important sight due to their ignorance. But she also understands that small service businesses depend on having them around. Who would buy those trinkets and waste time on sightseeing? The locals definitely wouldn't. Without new visitors coming here, many jobs here would be threatened. Whatever additional income they had would also evaporate in thin air.
They had enjoyed a long peace after the end of the Hundred Year War, but constantly worrying about trouble making outsiders is a great point of contention to the locals who despises foreigners entering their land. This isn't anything new, the Yokayans have always been suspicious and xenophobic towards others including people from the Earth Kingdom. In the past, minor interaction is always preferred, as external trade are usually done to minimize connection with the outside world.
But now, while the many locals benefited from the income generated from tourism, not everyone is appealed to this new environment. Which is why the apparent lack of outsiders is a breath of fresh air to those who preferred the old way of life.
A group of people wearing capes made of straw returned from the docks. Live fishes such as salmon filled their baskets, creating flapping sounds as they tried to jump out. These fishes sustained their island, both as food and money. Unfortunately, it seems that the fishermen didn't caught any Elephant Koi this time around.
As they returned to their spouse and children, one of the fisherman noticed Orihime. Donned in blue robes and a straw cape, he meet up with the Kyoshi warrior.
"Ah, Orihime!" The burly middle aged fisherman with a fishing spear and nets on his back called out warmly. "A fine day isn't it? Look at the streets! It's all empty! No more annoying foreign folks disrupting the peace and calamity of our lives, I have been waiting for this my whole life!" He is friendly enough, like a child who have received a gift from his parents. He isn't known too well for trusting 'suspicious outsiders', something he expressed in every island's meetings by banging the table. The carpenters even have to replace the last one after this man overused his force.
The streets are empty, abnormally so. Certain policy changes at the United Republic have effectively destroyed the official route used by many to visit the island. And with all the uncertainties on the mainland, essentially no one is coming here for a little visit. For the everyday folks here, they don't dwell on the politics of the urban lands. Too complicated, and their brains hurt whenever they tried to understand them. In fact, most of them only ever cared about how to make a better living in this remote island. Just getting by is enough.
"Oh shut your trap!" A man from a wooden lodge inn emerged and berated the fisherman's selfishness. "Of course you wouldn't be worried. For us, no outsiders means no money! What am I supposed to do when everyone here already has a place to sleep?"
And here is a point of contention between the two camp. While shop owners cannot survive without customers, other professions can still trade through minimal commence. Blacksmiths repair the tools and weapons, farmers sell their crops to hungry families, and fishermen are the most valued of them all. Being seabound and close to Elephant Koi habitats, fishermen would hunt these giant fishes and sell the meat to folks from afar. But for the locals who specializes in hospitality for foreign visitors, there is nothing for them to do to preserve their income.
"Fine, I will not talk, because I prefer to settle arguments with more hands on approaches anyway!" The large fisherman rolled up his sleeve and threatened the man, scaring the inn keeper back into his dwelling. Usually most people wouldn't want to fight this specific fisherman. This man is both a respectable member of the fishing community and someone built with muscle. Many even saw him personally killed pirates with a tuna cutter sword, a blade that is usually used to fillet big tuna fish.
"Hmph! These petty people." The fisherman snarled, he then rolled back his sleeves after the challenger retreated. "So, first day replacing the chief's daughter eh?" He shifted back to his approachable self, it's surprising how fast he changes personality.
"Yep!" Orihime proudly declared, hoping she doesn't crumble under all the luggages. "Just temporarily, Mayumi will be back sooner or later, I am simply a substitute instructor for the trainees."
She then pulled out a katana from the bag and handed it for the fisherman to see. The blade is decorated with the symbol of Elephant Koi on its wooden guard, it looks as though the fish is swimming gracefully around it.
The fisherman looked deep into the weapon, seemingly mesmerized by its craftsmanship. He then handed it back to Orihime.
"The folks outside live very differently." The fisherman said with a dark tone, he didn't took his eyes off the weapon. "One day they said our fish is the tastiest, and the next day they said fishermen like me are taking their jobs. Well, at least the people in Zaofu and Chin village are still purchasing Elephant Koi. We might not be earning much, but at least it's better than nothing!"
"Things are difficult recently," Orihime replied. "But hopefully the three chiefs can resolve the problems with the people from afar." It was a hopeful display of her optimism, but she always tries to have a more positive outlook regardless of the situation. This island's economy have definitely taken a major hit by trade restrictions imposed by the United Republic. The exact cause is rather confusing, but people here simply accepted that there is not much for a tiny little island to do against it.
"Yeah, hopefully." The fishermen said, it's as if he is expecting the island's leaders to create a well thought out solution. The United Republic is the biggest market to sell their produce, which is why many fishermen are infuriated when they were forbidden to sell their fish there.
The fisherman returned the sword to Orihime. "I am going to the chief's house to discuss certain issues. My daughter is already waiting at the dojo, so I will not delay you any further."
"Wait, very?" Orihime is stunned. It is surprising that Kazuki is already there. "Then I should be going then, lest I bring dishonor of my family due to lateness." The Kyoshi warrior carried the uniforms and weapons across the path. It wouldn't be good for her image if she came last to the dojo.
"Need help?" The fisherman offered. Orihime kindly refused his help, even though it is very tempting. While it is more practical for this fisherman to just lift everything to the dojo, it would be much more acceptable if she did everything herself. She doesn't want to rely on others to finish her own task, after all, she was the one who accepted to be the instructor. Hard work can only be rewarding if it's done yourself. If she couldn't even carry the weapons and uniforms to the dojo herself, what does this mean for her character?
After Orihime left, the fisherman continued along the path until he went past the village square and across the bridge. Walking out of the perimeter, he arrived near the outskirts, an elevated area with trees and rugged dirt path. This area is rather remote, away from the main village. There are only a few wooden lodges, but this area does provide an excellent view of the village and the ocean itself.
Amongst the group of identical wooden lodges, one particular allows its residents to look out the window and have a clear view of the Kyoshi statue. That very house, is where his good old friend lives.
The fisherman sniffed loudly at the air around him, he detected a foul smell. Noticing that the wooden lodges infront of him is having smoke puffing out from the roof, he knew someone is cooking. The smell of burned fish meat is evident.
"Hey Chief!" He yelled. "You home?" Looking around, the door creaked.
It slowly opened, a man with a pair of glasses emerged, seemingly not too happy. His spectacles looked foggy as well.
...
Orihime arrived at her village's only dojo, a small building far removed from the settlement itself. It looked just like another wooden building with straw patched roof and old wooden logs and planks. Built right next to a dense forest, it ensures that the daily trainings of the Kyoshi warriors will not be disturbed by some troublemakers who came in unannounced. At least that is the case, most of the time. There are moments when some random idiot would just show up, and every time the warriors must get rid of them in the usual fashion.
There is someone there, outside. A lone warrior with training headbands is swinging her fans in a dancing motion, repeating the basic movies of their combat style. The fans created swooshing noises as she fought an opponent that is not there.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with what she is doing, she is a textbook example of a Kyoshi warrior. Being concentrated on every move she displayed, her war fans slashed the air fiercely as she slayed the invisible force. The longer Orihime looked at her, the more it felt as though the Kyoshi warrior is actually sparring against a living opponent. One that is alive and acting as a practice for the trainee.
Perhaps that is just her hallucination.
While she wanted to wait and observe more, she knew her instincts instructed her to interrupt the Kyoshi warrior's sole traing.
"Kazuki!" Orihime felt she couldn't support herself anymore. "Help!"
Kazuki retracted her fans and bolted to Orihime, she reduced the heavy load of what the weaver girl is carrying after she narrowly caught the bag of swords. With such assistance, Orihime finally released a breath of relief. Finally, she made it.
"You arrived earlier than I am!" Orihime commented with a smile as both of them carried everything inside the dojo. "I have never seen you work this hard before, it's only recently you have been granted ownership to your own headdress, so you should relax a bit."
Kazuki pulled out a katana, seemly ignoring Orihime's advice. "Just because I am no longer a trainee, doesn't mean I should relax. Satchiko is going to come back stronger, and if I don't change and adapt, she will be even more unbeatable." She then produced a sad expression, which didn't go unnoticed by the substitute instructor. "I never win. I am one year older than her, yet I lost to her in every sparring matches. Don't you find it shameful when someone younger than you is performing better than you are? I begin training much earlier than her, yet we all know she is much more proficient. The gap is too wide."
Unsure what to make of this, Orihime tested the waters. After many years living in the same village with this person, she never saw this side of Kazuki. This girl has always been in a carefree mood, being happy whenever possible. Perhaps it's only because Satchiko is gone can Kazuki reveal her true hidden nature, and that is doubting her own worth.
"Aren't you two friends? Orihime asked, wondering why Kazuki is suddenly so eager to improve. Kazuki and Satchiko has always been the closest friend since childhood. The two of them would often lead a few other girls of their age, spying on the older Kyoshi warriors training. When herself and Mayumi are still trainees being mentored by Akahana, they would often caught glimpses of the younger children hiding in the bushes, most of the time it was Kazuki and Satchiko. The two of them all aspire to be Kyoshi warriors.
"She is the second daughter of Lady Akahana, who is the greatest Kyoshi warrior of her generation. Of course she would have an advantage over you, her mother taught her almost everything she knew. Sword fighting, stealth tactics, using war fans, Satchiko mastered them all." Orihime slowly laid the weapons across the floor as she tried to reason with Kazuki, the swords are placed all over the place, some became tripping hazards." You shouldn't compare yourself with her, or else your own self-esteem would be eroded. Instead, you should focus solely on improving yourself, based on realistic expectations. It is unhealthy that you try to measure yourself according to the skills of others." Orihime then went on to organize the uniforms and spread them all across the room's floor, which made the previously spotless area emitting an untidy look. "I mean take me as an example, mother always told me that I have a problem too. I always rush through my tasks too quickly and sometimes I did a terrible job. I should be more patient and complete each goal with more dedication."
Kazuki noticed how much of a mess the dojo is. Countless katanas and uniforms are placed all over the floors without order. While it's obvious Orihime wanted to spread them apart so that they do not mix together, it did felt too excessive. Whoever enters the room will find themselves having almost no where to walk on without stepping on something.
She sighed, but not to the state of the room. "You don't understand, this is more than just being better than Satchiko." Kazuki said, lacking the confidence needed. "Not everyone has a mother and a big sister who are renown Kyoshi warriors." Clearly, there is difficulty in Kazuki's tone, as if there is something she isn't revealing. While it is true this person is Satchiko's best closest friend, there is also something hidden which Satchiko isn't aware off.
"I have nothing against Satchiko," stated Kazuki, clarifying her intentions. "But I also cannot tolerate myself for always losing to her." Kazuki gripped her katana's hilt, the tightening sound made Orihime concerned about this behavior. "Every time when I lose, I felt I am doing something wrong. I felt inferior even though we are friends. The taste of defeat is more unbearable when there is a feeling that I could have done better, like how things were never meant to be this way." She stood up, and looked at a very old portrait of Kyoshi warriors hanging on the walls.
The women in that portrait are all from the previous generation, when they are just teenagers. Many people's mothers and aunts are all in this one portrait. There is Akahana, Inari, Ayuma, Oiwa without her eyepatch. Many others are also in the picture, as for Tomoe, she always had that fox mask even back then. But Kazuki is focused on one particular Kyoshi warrior in the portrait, a woman who have long dark hair and facial features just like her. Whatever event displayed in this painting, must be something special. Since this woman is positioned in the center of the portrait, the event must be dedicated to her.
"I can't just keep losing, I need to show that I am at least capable of winning, even once is fine." Kazuki stared at the woman in the portrait, almost intensely. "The difference is simply too glaring, and I will not be content with my skills when someone younger is doing much better. I must work even harder!"
Orihime arrived next to the younger Kyoshi warrior. "It's funny, even though you two are friends, I guess the family rivalry is still in the blood."
"Don't put it that way, it's not what you think." Kazuki immediately pleaded, knowing it's a bad idea for her to be falsely interpreted. "There is no rivalry, I am just trying to keep up and not fall behind. I am simply fulfilling my own expectations I placed onto myself."
"You may not have a big sister who can teach you, but I can!" Orihime said with a smile. The shorter Kyoshi warrior looked at her with a surprised look, but also smiled back.
"Thank you."
Sounds of footsteps can be detected, they turned around and saw multiple Kyoshi warriors with training headbands stepping in. Without saying anything, they grimaced when they noticed katanas and uniforms scattered across the room. Some tried to hold back their laughter as they slowly picked up their own weapons and uniforms. This is an embarrassment to Orihime, but she doesn't heed it.
Once everyone have retrieved their own swords and uniforms, they spend some time to marvel as the glinting steel. A captivating aspect of these newly repaired swords is that they can also be used as mirrors, which is useful during the application of face paints.
They thanked the blacksmith for his hard work. It seems that no matter how much damage a weapon can suffer, Munechika always seems to be able to restore it to an even better state. Orihime's father have been repairing weapons for as long as they can remember. He has earned a reputation for being the best blacksmith in the village, tracing roots to his ancestor who has been working in this trade during the era of Avatar Kyoshi. Since then, all the family members would pass on their trade, producing weapons and armor of the finest quality.
"Not bad," a random Kyoshi warrior commented. "Pretty sure I broke this sword in half before, I am glad that your dad managed to fix it. If I were him, I would have just made a new one entirely. Thank you for carrying all our supplies here, it must have been very difficult."
Orihime savored the praise humbly. "You are too kind!" She gleefully responded. The perks of being the child of the blacksmith and the tailor who repairs everyone's equipment is that others will naturally look at you favorably. Of course, all these attention can also corrupt a person's personality. Which is why Orihime tries not to let them get to her head and always strive to be a good role model to others. And since Mayumi is absent, she will be acting as the instructor for the foreseeable future.
She clapped her hands three times, and the whole group automatically arranged themselves into a formation, leaving wide gaps between each person. This ensures that they can have enough space, and minimize interrupting another Kyoshi warrior's training.
"Wait, hold on." One them suddenly asked. Orihime is at the front of everyone, she turned around to face the younger Kyoshi warrior.
"What's wrong Koko?" The instructor inquired. "We are running a bit late on training, whatever business you have, please address it now."
Both Orihime and Kazuki all looked at the trainee named Koko. There are plenty of women named Koko, it's quite a popular name. But this one in Kyoshi warrior outfit looked anxious.
"Is something wrong?" Kazuki asked.
"Well, not exactly, this the first lesson we have without Mayumi." Koko then nervously looked around, making sure no one is listening from outside the dojo. "Is she going to be here?" Koko whispered in a fearful manner. Orihime can notice that all the other trainees are also becoming distraught when Koko mentioned her. But she felt this was a unacceptable in her eyes.
"Is there a problem?" Orihime challenged Koko, unimpressed with the trainee's lack of respect. "If was my idea in the first place, and I don't see any reason for her to not be teaching you. If you do not respect one of your fellow sisters, than you are not respecting me. Right Kazuki?" There wasn't a response, not a single word of support was uttered to back her up.
Orihime turned around and look at the younger Kyoshi warrior. "Kazuki, what gotten into-"
She noticed that there is a lot of white foam overflowing from Kazuki's mouth. An excessive amount of it in fact. Kazuki's great grandfather also had this condition, with the appearance of foam triggered by an unusually fast heart rate.
A fast heart itself can be caused by various stimulus, but there are two main reasons.
One is from over excitement, maybe you met a famous figure like the Avatar. You are so happy that you could not contain your excitement and so your body chooses to faint.
Or alternatively, from immense fear. When every part of your body reorganized itself to either flight or fight. Your flesh screamed with fear to motivate you to run, and escape from whatever danger which may cause you permanent harm. But in this case, running isn't an option. As for fighting? That might be suicidal.
All the other trainees slowly rotated their heads to view at the entrance, but immediately wished they hadn't.
Standing at the entrance is a creature of their worst nightmare, it's shadow extended to the entire room and enveloping their exposed backs. They didn't thought Orihime was actually serious enough to invite her of all people.
"Ah Akunin you finally made it! I am glad that you have joined us!" Orihime is the only one who retained a brightened face. With a genuine smile, she walked over to the creature standing there. "Ready to teach these maikos?"
"Always," the creature responded in a twisted and sadistic tone. It smiled creepily, revealing its razor sharp teeth.
Kazuki felt her hands are suddenly shaking, and no matter how hard she held it down, it continued to twitch underneath her arm pads.
But at least she is not the only one. They tried their best to hide their fright, making sure their intense feeling of fear is well disguised into a respectable mood. If they are seem showing any emotions, than the creature will surely notice. Hopefully, Mayumi can come back immediately.
...
"So...what do you think Ebisu?" Hakaru held up a small plate of burnt fish for his friend to examine. He already knew what the weathered fisherman would say. We made you, an outsider, to be our chief. Yet you don't even know how to prepare a simply meal?
But instead of criticizing him, Ebisu simply laughed. His big wide mouth extended his jaws as the man cannot held back his laughter.
"Hahahahaha!" Ebisu continued. But Hakaru know he didn't laugh out of disrespect. When Ebisu finally calmed down, he patted Hakaru on the back.
"I see that our chief is doing quite fine without his dear wife!" Ebisu joked. "I must say old friend, this is the first time I have seen you cook! It's not bad actually."
No, it's very bad, and that is an understatement. Hakaru have tasted his work, spitting it out the first time. The fish is clearly over cooked, All the skins are toasted beyond human consumption. When he put the fish into the cooking pot, he must have forgotten to add some oil. After misusing some salt and herbs, this fish, no longer even resembles its raw form. The taste is even more difficult to stomach.
Ebisu used his own hands to took a piece out of the fish, before Hakaru can even stop him, he immediately shove it in his mouth.
"Ebisu, why." Hakaru looked at him with dismay. The fish tastes horrible, why is Ebisu still eating it?
"Why what?" Ebisu said. "The taste isn't very bad at all. I like the taste."
It's obvious Ebisu is lying to him, so that his own ego isn't hurt. No one in this world can honestly say with a straight face that this dish is even edible. But his friend can.
"You know chief, I know it's difficult to master cooking without the assistance of lady Akahana. But since you are just starting to learn cooking, maybe you should try to eat the fish raw. Use some seaweed sheets and roll the raw fish with rice, it's simple and time saving."
"My stomach doesn't handle raw food well," Hakaru replied with a smile. The varied diet between Kyoshi island and the mainland means that people will often have different tolerance to the food they consume. For Hakaru, it takes a long time to accustom himself with the food here. Getting used to the taste is quite difficult when you made it your new home. But one issue that always came up is that he will often have stomach ach whenever he tried raw fish meat.
The first thing he learned before becoming this village's chief, is that every household has a fondness for raw fish. At first, he frowned upon such practices, considering it unclean to eat food that isn't cooked. But after learning more about the people, he realized that raw fish meat does has its own benefits. It is his own upbringings that prevented him from consuming such raw cuisine. Food from the mainland are often made from wheat and meat from land animals, which is why his dietary habit took years to readjust to the local's liking.
"Here, let me show you how it's done, this one's on me." Ebisu threw away the burnt fish and pulled out a freshly caught salmon from his basket. He used his knife to remove the scales and sliced the fish into thin pieces. After the entire process, he carefully placed them in the plate.
"You got any soy sauce?" Ebisu asked the chief. "They go well with this sashimi."
"I think there is some," Hakaru returned into his wooden lodge and came back with a bowl filled with soy sauce.
"I know your stomach doesn't handle raw fish like the rest of us, which is why I brought this." Ebisu then pulled out a bottle of saké, alcoholic drinks made of fermented rice. It is a common wine consumed here.
Knowing where this is going, Hakaru immediately tried to stop Ebisu. "You know my wife doesn't allow that thing in the house, I only drink tea, if you want I can brew you some Oolong tea." He then remembered that there is also an even better tea to serve his guest. "Oh, how about some Longjin? Those are very good."
Ebisu grimaced. "Chief," he said, trying to get the mainlander to see things from his point of view. "What you have are just leaves boiled in hot water, what I have is the good stuff!" He dangled the bottle of wine around Hakaru's face, trying to tempt him but with no avail. "Besides, wasn't Lady Akahana a big drinker herself during her youth? Going around picking fights with everyone."
"Ebisu, shhhh!" Hakaru almost lost his wits when he heard that out loud, he tried to force Ebisu to forget about that part. His own wife resented many things about her youth, the impulsive, aggressive, hotheaded and arrogant woman she once was. The mostly calm and sensible Kyoshi warrior matron tried to hide that part of her past-self, all to ensure that Mayumi and Satchiko will not copy such vulgar behaviors.
"Pfff, fine, no wine in your house then." Ebisu put down his basket and fishing net. He walked onto the front porch, sat down and placed the plate of raw salmon and bottle of wine onto the wooden floor. "She didn't say anything about drinking it here did she?" He then laughed boisterously, know that Hakaru cannot talk his way out of this one.
The chief gave Ebisu a defeated sigh. "Fine."
"That's the spirit!" Ebisu commented, he then poured two cups of wine.
Both men sat on the front porch's ground, pouring small coups of wine and emptying them while enjoying the freshly caught salmon slices. The wine certainly is very potent, but he knew it can eliminate any germs that is on the raw salmon slices. He did find the taste of the food to be quite refreshing, even though it paled in comparison with his wife's culinary skills. While it's not the meat belonging to the prestigious Elephant Koi, the salmon is still nice in its own ways.
Their conversation ranges from many things. Both significant and trivial. Hakaru listened patiently to Ebisu's endless rant on Republic city's wanton politics. While he himself works with politics due to his role as the chief, he personally dislikes politics just like Ebisu.
Instead, Hakaru found more joy in the simple things in life. Which it's very pleasant when Ebisu changed the topic about something more interesting.
"Let me tell you Hakaru, I am greatly displeased with this kid named Kintaro!" Ebisu before devouring a whole cup of wine. "You know my daughter, she is always so busy at the dojo that I cannot just disrupt her training by asking her to help me catch fish. So I hired this boy next door."
"Ah yes, Kintaro." Hakaru remembered. "Me and Akira both taught him in class before. At first he didn't do very well in class, but as times went on he has shown to be capable and very intelligent."
Ebisu shocked his head. "It doesn't matter if he is smart my friend!" He fired back. "Fishing isn't some job that can be done by anyone. That kid is weak and has no muscles I tell you, he couldn't catch a carp fish with his own hands. I have seen younger women that is stronger than him! You may be his teacher, but I regretted hiring him at all!" He then emptied another cup of wine, trying to drown himself and forget his terrible decision. "Hmph! That kid, he is just a burden to all fishermen. All he cared about is making some fishing trap that doesn't even work!"
Hakaru didn't let the last part go. As a teacher, he should as least point out the merits of his past pupil. He known Kintaro as someone who mirrors his own demeanor as 'weak' but 'smart'. That kid is very lonely, his parents already died when he was young. So Kintaro have always lived alone in the docks, very close to where Ebisu's house is.
"Kintaro is someone with great potential." Hakaru's words shocked Ebisu. "The power of strength is not always the answer, for ingenuity also has its place in this world." He then tasted the wine, which is rather bitter. "You should not hastily cast judgment on someone just because they are physically weak. Let them explore their talents Ebisu, and you will be surprised."
"What? But weak people they are-" Ebisu halted his speech, knowing that he almost ruined his image in-front of the chief. "Ahem, I mean er, I suppose I can allow him to further test his fish trap. But I am not allowing him to go near my daughter!"
Hakaru nodded, taken back by the sudden explosion of defensiveness. "But aren't those two already friends?"
Ebisu groaned. "You know what I mean chief. As a father, I can't just see my daughter being with someone...ugh!" He covered his eyes in frustration, refusing to speak anymore.
There was a long awkward silence between them. Hakaru looked up to a nearby tree where there is bird nest on it. He looked as two adult birds flew to it and feed its two infants. The four of them then rested in the nest together, like how all things should be. But he also knew that will not last forever.
As both of them enjoyed the view of the main village, Hakaru finally asked Ebisu on why he is here. While it was enjoyable to discuss about life, it's time to do more about his role as chief.
"I know you are not here just to discuss about food and drinks old friend." Hakaru said, with a confidence that was absent just before. He knew the representative of the village's fishing community wouldn't just show up randomly just to share food and drinks.
Ebisu also grew serious, his furrow deepened as he remembered what the island has been going through recently. "Chief, you and I have been working for a long time, more than twenty years." He sipped the cup of wine before continuing. "Now tell me, what are the recent news of the economic sanction on Kyoshi island. Has there been any improvements on your end? Did the chiefs and elders developed a solution to our problem?"
This is a difficult question to answer, not even the painful sting of wine can nullify Hakaru's stressful position. The trade sanction imposed by the United Republic meant his people can no longer sell their fish to Republic city. A huge source of income was removed by this one choice.
"The president of Republic city promised his voters that he will do everything to protect the jobs of their country's fishermen. Since Kyoshi island sells its fish to the United Republic at a low cost, we naturally can outcompete the Republic city's fisheries, many of which are operated by workers who demand higher wages."
"Of course!" Ebisu affirmed. "Our fish is finest of this world, only here can the Elephant Koi be caught! Our traditional hunting grounds provided all the fish we can eat!"
"Precisely," Hakaru said. "The abundance of fish, the low cost of labor as well as our exclusive rights to Elephant Koi makes our tiny fishing boats more valuable than the inexperienced jobseekers, whose salary are much higher. If I was an owner of a commercial fishery in Republic city, I too would purchase my goods from Kyoshi island." He then eat a piece of salmon slice, savoring the oceanic flavor and continued his lecture. "The worker's jobs will not be safe like this, which is why their leader wish to implement policies to protect the worker's wages, but most importantly his approval rating. So that he may be re-elected, no matter the cost. It doesn't matter if his plans actually helped the fishermen in Republic city, as long as the people think it does, than they will all line up to vote for him. It's about making yourself look more of a solution and less of a problem."
"Hmph!" Ebisu crossed his large muscular arms. "Those folks in the city elect clowns to be their leader! What right does he had to restrict Kyosh island fishermen?"
"All the rights in the world," Hakaru said. He rose from the ground and walk forward, getting a better view of the village. This is the place he called home, and is the place where his people live in. He must do everything to make sure everyone is living well and enjoying life here. "We are simply a small island out in the middle of nowhere. Without any negotiating powers, the trade sanction by the United Republic is staying."
He heard a loud bang, as if the plate has been smashed. Ebisu is clearly bitter after hearing this news.
"It's already hard enough that our people are threatened by bands of pirates, and now even those Republic dogs are bullying us?" He complained. "What's next? Zaofu would stop buying Elephant Koi to support the trade sanction? Pretty sure the matriarch there will do everything to remain in the grace of that buffoon!"
"So far, our options are few." Hakaru said with great difficulty. "Since the mainland are always at war, Republic city has always been the most stable place to import our fish. But I do believe there are ways for us to get through this obstacle
Ebisu felt a light bolt brightened above his head. "That's right! Some Kyoshi warriors worked at the capital city, we can send a messenger bird there and ask for their help! They can just ask Fire Lord Izumi, who will surely try to get rid of this annoying trade restriction on our home. Everything will be okay!"
"And what makes you think the Fire Nation would risk their diplomatic relations with their own creation just so that they can help us, a tiny little island on the ocean." Hakaru's words shattered Ebisu's optimism, the fisherman have clearly misread the chief's intention.
"I doubt the monarchy would listen to some bodyguards." Hakaru sighed. The scale of difference is too far. What incentives does the Fire Nation have to gain by defending Kyoshi island? There is simply no interest for them to stand up to the United Republic in this trade sanction on Kyoshi island.
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Ebisu asked. "All the meeting we had, gathering the elders and leaders from all three villages, did none of us managed to devise a single solution? Our pockets are not deep you know?"
Hakaru contemplated on this. He gave this problem a good long thought. Many on the island is simply not prepared to handle international trade restrictions. The complexity of politics isn't something that can be taught to someone here. They can be educated years and they still wouldn't scratch the surface on how politics in those big cities operate.
Hakaru believe one must experience it at the city itself, digging through the thin veil of imagery exceptionalism and immerse yourself with the corrupted core. He learnt that no matter how much the city advertises itself as a beacon of hope, companies will only follow one thing and one thing only, money. And the wonderful illusions came crushing down on you, until all you wanted to do is run away.
He turned around and face his old friend. "I do have something I would like to propose to the elders. But I would like your opinion on this."
While it might be rude to expect a fisherman to understand the intricate and sophisticated world of international trade, Hakaru does want to respect his friend by including him.
"While the trade restrictions on our island has been greatly celebrated by the people there, I must wonder where will the fisheries be replenishing their supplies." Hakaru said. "If they cannot buy our fish from us directly, they will naturally find an alternative source."
Ebisu listened closely. Even the mostly unscholarly fisherman can understand.
"It would be foolish to believe that the fishery workers will be paid more, that way the companies would lose profit. A cheaper alternative is always preferred over hiring local United Republicans. Or perhaps..." Hakaru tried to see through the cracks of the trade sanction's policy. And then a thought came to him. "All we needed to do is to wait until the Republic city have chosen another place to supply their fish. What we need to do is import ours to that third party, and use their label as a disguise. They will then sell our fish to the United Republic, so we can still trade with Republic city indirectly."
"You think that would work?" Ebisu is skeptical. He isn't the most brightest minds when it comes to international affairs.
"I'm not sure, what do you think?"
There was a long lasting silence between them both. Ebisu isn't someone who is well versed in the world of problem solving, which why Hakaru do not wish to burden him with a task that is beyond his profession.
Ebisu looked up to him. "Sigh, this is why the last chief chose you over me." He stood up to and got to Hakaru's level. "All these complicated politics of those mainlanders, they sicken me. I don't want to deal with any of them, but I know someone has to."
The chief felt guilty about this. The span of the past two decades was rather unprecedented. Kyoshi island was never been Hakaru's destination during his escape from his former life, but here he is. Somehow, being made Chief despite his identity as an outsider.
"I never wanted to be chief," Hakaru said. "I am already happy just being married to Hana." You can be qualified for a job and even be great at it. But even so, you may not necessarily want that job.
"I know, but you are the best choice. Well educated, familiar with the outside world, we even like having you around!" Ebisu chuckled as he held his cup of wine firmly. "You were quite stubborn, when the previous chief insisted that you replace him, you did everything in your power to say no. Then you went on and babble all day about useless stuff like voting. Can't believe we have to rally everyone in the village just to-Hic!- just to stage an election."
Ebisu hiccuped, and appeared a bit drunk, his face became more red with the wine taking its affect. At this point, Ebisu is most likely to speak whatever that comes into his mind.
"It's weird isn't it." Hakaru said as he supported Ebisu to sit again. "My university certificate is all it took for them to trust me. Of course, many people at first are suspicious of who I am. Even Hana herself thought I was a spy sent by someone."
Ebisu's words are now even more drunk then ever, the fisherman is trying his best to stay awake. "Don't you worry my friend, you are no spy at least that's what I think. Although I must say, back then when you first arrived on the island, your face looked like hive of bees after Akahana punched hehehe! You should have seen yourself!"
Hakaru didn't felt insulted, he even laughed along with this fisherman representative.
"Funny story, the way you arrived on the island on a small wooden raft is just like how I got here." Ebisu reminisced about his own past. "Before I was three, I was cast into the sea in a boat of reeds. When I was washed up on the shores, I too was an outsider. Hic! Yet, these people, they cared for me, and I became one of them." He then patted Hakaru's back reassuringly. "I know what it's like to be viewed as a trouble making outsider, I know that pain of wanting to feel like you belong somewhere. But I also know in my gut that you are not a spy for those pesky pirates! Hic!" Ebisu is becoming more drowsy then ever, his whole body is slumping to the side and Hakaru is trying his best to keep him siting up. "Listen Ming, don't go-Hic-you are Hic! a good man!"
Hakaru is thankful that Ebisu trusts him even during his drunken state, the name Ming is only called by those who are closest to him. His new name Hakaru was given to him by the elders including the last chief. To symbolize his new identity and life as the resident of Kyoshi island. When one have been motivated by so many expectations and hope from others, how can he fail them in their time of needs?
Maybe the reason why he was chosen was because of the foresight from Akahana's father. The elder knew Hakaru knows much more than anyone on the island about internal politics, something he rarely discuss with his children. Perhaps one day, he and Akahana have to tell them everything. But the fisherman said next caught him by surprise.
"Even if you are a spy, you sure did make a pretty good one. You managed to earned all our trust, married a Kyoshi warrior leader and even became a chief. It would take a master spy to do all of that across twenty years and feel no remorse when the betrayal finally comes. No one would have suspect a thing. But I know your gut have good intentions." Ebisu finally fallen alseep. He is snoring loudly and Hakaru did his best to laid the fisherman down as genty as possible.
"Thank you Hiruko," Hakaru referred to the fisherman by his personal name. "It's people like you that made me felt I grateful for what I have, that this is the place I belong, and this is path that is right for me. Sorry I couldn't do more for all of you."
The trade sanctions is a tough challenge for the island's fishermen, many of whom have gone days without sleep. These people have placed their trust in him, something he felt he didn't earned or deserve. To this day he still cannot fully picture how he even got into this position.
Ebisu succumbed to his sleepiness. Working during nighttime and some alcohol meant his body desperately needed some rest. Hakaru went back into his wooden lodge to get a blanket. He covered it on Ebisu, and then went back again.
When Hakaru returned for a second time, he had a backpack on him, the same one he used when he first arrived on this island. There are plenty of books stuffed in it, a clear indication of his profession besides being the chief.
"It's been great talking to you," Hakaru said with contentment. "But I must go and teach now." He buckled the belts of his heavy backpack, and started to head for the school. Hopefully the smell of wine wears off when he gets there.
But something caught his attention instead. A golden eagle appeared from the sky and landed on the wooden lodge's fence. It screeched loudly, as if it demands Hakaru's attention.
The chief carefully approached the bird of prey. Unlike regular messenger hawks, he knew this type of bird is much more dangerous. He carefully removed the letter box from the eagle's leg and cautiously opened it.
There is letter written in ink. Once he interpreted the characters, he noticed the distinctive writing style. But the content does not feel reassuring.
Your daughters have unfortunately encountered minor setbacks in your journey. But please rest assure, for my people and I will escort them to Ba Sing Se. But you must be prepared for any misfortune that may follow, for minor actions can accumulate into major disasters.
From your old squad leader Temujin the Kheshig.
The bottom of the letter also has a symbol of a grey arrow, painted above an image of a sky bison. But Hakaru is not concerned about that. This is because there are also two wanted posters inside the box.
It took everything in him to stop his body from fainting. How could this happen? He checked his eyesight repeatedly, making sure it isn't some hallucination, but the wanted posters still displayed Mayumi and Satchiko. The prize for their capture is high, for crime of 'heinous action' against the state of Yi.
"This is all my fault," Hakaru blamed himself. "I thought that steam boat from the Fire Nation would take them straight to Ba Sing Se! Where did it went wrong?"
The state of Yi is much bigger than Kyoshi island. Stirring up bad blood with them could spell major trouble. But Hakaru is still incredulous by this news, his own daughters must have been in great danger. He only wish he can communicate with them right now to make sure if they are alright or not.
He needed to tell Akahana at once, but how? Hakaru highly doubt the golden eagle here can just go and find her directly. She is moving around constantly, never stopping at one place.
A sense of despair is slowly overwhelming him. And Ebisu even spoke in his dreams.
"Don't tell them, about what is underneath our traditional fishing ground..." he then went back to snoring.
Author's notes:
-In Japanese mythology, the goddess Inari Ōkami is dedicated with prosperity and success. She is also a patron of sword smiths, and helped the blacksmith named Munechika to forge the blade kogitsune-maru
-Ebisu(also known as Hiruko) is the Japanese god of fishermen. Born weak as a child, he was eventually adapted by none other than the Ainu, which have inspired the people of Kyoshi island. The character in this story actually already appeared in past chapters, although unnamed.
-Kintarō is a Japanese folk hero about a young child with super strength.
I would like to emphasize the importance of food safety. If you are intending to eat raw fish, make sure they are either prepared from a certified chef or they are safe to consume. I urge you to not take any unnecessary risks by eating raw fish meat, as food poisoning is a very serious health issue. I don't want to be responsible for anyone becoming ill by reading this chapter, so please stay safe my friends. Thank you.
Question from guest: kyoshi herself ( and they are kyoshi warrior) as well as Korra ( who they hate) just like any Avatar a firebender ?
and how the situation and the censorchip goes they don't know that Kyoshi had a girlfriend and that said girlfriend was her (kyoshi's) firebending theacher.
Me: For the first half of the question, I think you mean why the protagonist specifically hates Fire-bender. This is more because in the Avatar world, Fire-Benders often have a stigma due to their bending(also because of the protagonist's own experience and bias). I want to go and write a philosophical passage on how Fire-bending has been misunderstood due to human aggression, but that would make the dialogues and character development of future chapters less impactful. I want to express those thoughts on the good side of fire bending INSIDE the story.
Now, the second part. I actually wanted to wait for the writer of the Kyoshi novels to finish writing all the books, so that I have all the information needed to not contradict the canon. Before I started this story, I wanted to make it as close to the canon as possible. The good side is that with any new information that comes out, I will not need to make major changes in past chapters. The bad side, is that I am essentially giving myself a lot of limits in story telling. Hopefully the writer F. C. Yee can finish the new books as soon as possible so that we can know more about Kyoshi's legacy.
I hope this answers your questions. Unfortunately for guest accounts, I can't answer them directly. So I can only use this method to communicate with the release of every chapter.