The International Summer Schools

Letter #5: Kohran

"It was a good thing the Shogei Maru did not explode when it reached Sendai."

"It wouldn't have, Manager Yoneda. The Konkido Steam Drive that I installed is guaranteed never to explode, even in the most extreme conditions."

Manager Yoneda raised an eyebrow, as though to challenge Kohran's statement. He had been witness to the explosion of many of Kohran's inventions that were also guaranteed never to explode. "Well, it's a good thing the Shogei Maru is still in one piece."

Outside the door, the Hanagumi were each jostling for a position to press their ear to the door.

"What is the General telling Kohran?" Sakura whispered to Sumire. "I can't hear him too clearly."

"It's something about sending Kohran to Sendai to check the Shogei Maru."

"I should be the one reprimanded by the General. The Hanagumi is my responsibility."

"Don't feel bad, Maria-san. We are all responsible for that." Sakura patted Maria on the shoulder.

"I hear footsteps! Quick, everyone!" Sumire lurched upward and dashed to hide.

The door opened and Kohran appeared. "Everyone, it's me. You can come out now."

Kohran looked at Sakura and smiled. "Well, it seems I'm off to your hometown of Sendai."

"We know. We heard." Maria murmured.

"I know. I could hear you whispering from the other side of the door." Kohran fixed her eyeglasses. "Really, after all these years of eavesdropping, we still haven't mastered it."

"It's because there are more of us now and we all can't get our ears on the door." Kanna muttered.

"When are you leaving, Kohran?"

"You mean, when are we leaving, Sakura-han. The answer is tomorrow. We are taking my steambike to Sendai. I just recalibrated it, too."

Sakura laughed nervously. "Wouldn't it be faster if we took the train?"

Kohran shook her head. "Nope. My steambike can get up to a speed of 40 miles per hour. That is almost 10 miles faster than the train."

Orihime took hold of Sakura's hand and patted it sympathetically. "It's not that bad, Sakura."

"Of course not, Orihime-han. It's going to be great!" Kohran walked away. "I'll go pack my tools. I should bring the new thing I've developed. Maybe the mechanics at the Sendai base can take a look at it."

The group dispersed shortly after Kohran left. As Sumire passed Sakura, she casually handed her a handkerchief. "Better keep this in your pocket if you want your mother to recognize you when you reach Sendai."

"Thank you, Sumire-san."

Back in her room, Kohran was having a hard time deciding which of her tools and gadgets to bring. She rifled through her trunks and drawers to make sure she had everything she needed.

She opened the top drawer of her desk and found her hairpin. It was the hairpin she used that night when she and Sakura disguised themselves as geishas in order to find the man who had injured Ogami. She laughed out loud as she remembered how outrageously she and Sakura had acted that night. She returned the hairpin in its place and sat down. She was still smiling minutes later, marveling at how much happiness the Hanagumi had given her. They're my family now.

* * *

Dear Ogami-han,

I was sitting in my room packing up for my trip to Sendai when I remembered you. Do you remember that time when Sakura and I went out as geishas? I still have one of the hairpins I wore that night. I remember being angry when I found out you were injured and that Manager Yoneda was shot. I was so angry that I wanted to confront the man who had hurt you and the person responsible for the Manager's injury.

I know I'll also be angry if anyone else in the Hanagumi gets hurt.

You are all my family now. I lost my family in China a long time ago and I don't want to lose any of you. I guess this is why I was sad to see you go. I know that being far apart does not stop us from being a family, but I can't help but want you back here, in Teito, with us.

Manager Yoneda asked me to go to Sendai to survey the repairs being made on the Shogei Maru. He didn't tell me, but I could hear in his voice his pride in me and the rest of the Hanagumi for doing what we did -- for showing Sakura that we care about her and would do anything in our power for her.

I am pretty sure we would do the same for you.

Yours truly,

Kohran

~ next -- Letter #6: Sumire

* * *

Author's Notes:

1. The "Konkido Steam Drive" is something Kohran installed in the Shogei Maru in the 2nd OAV.