Watsuki owns them
I just borrow for a while
No harm intended
When She Smiles
Chapter 4: Plans
Oibore went out early to get supplies and clothing; leaving Enishi's breakfast for when he awoke. Talking with his son the previous evening had greatly reduced his worry for his son's physical health. However, despite Enishi's rationality in discussing their possible plans for the future, Oibore was concerned that the madness that drove him to seek Earthly Justice might not be entirely dissipated. He knew his role and purpose would be to provide full time emotional support for his son. Even if his rationality signaled a major maturity and breakthrough into sanity, Enishi had been too lost for too long. He would need all of the support Oibore could muster. If only there were someone else in his life: friends, family, anyone. But there wasn't. If Oibore failed in his role, Enishi would surely descend back into the madness.
He obtained writing supplies. New gi's and hakama's for both of them were easy to obtain. He knew he would have to order the kind of clothing that Enishi preferred, so he took care of that next. He ordered the same styling his son usually wore, but in darker more sedate colors. He could re-order orange if he chose when he was no longer a fugitive from the authorities. He was careful to use only his first name and to arrange to pick them up rather than have anyone know where he was staying. If the authorities were to find Enishi before he could heal and think through his plans, Oibore feared that would force his son back into madness as well.
Returning to the Inn, he found Enishi still asleep. That seemed a good sign to Oibore, he needed more rest badly in order to heal properly.
Oibore arranged for baths for both of them, and enjoyed his own before dressing in his new clothes and returning to their room. Enishi was awake and had eaten some of his breakfast, but he still looked drawn, ill and exhausted. Only time would heal these wounds. Oibore encouraged his son to bathe and change, but Enishi declined.
"Come with me to the garden, father. It is a pleasant day, is it not? I wish to show you something I learned in my travels that I believe can help both of us. It's called Tai Chi and it can be used as a morning ritual and exercise to encourage health in both mind and body. Please watch me and try it for yourself, it would please me if we could do it together. And after so many years of rigorous training, I must do at least this much. Perhaps when I am more recovered I can add a more difficult discipline."
"Don't expect too much of your aging father, Enishi! It has been many years since I tried any of the martial arts. You must have inherited your potential at them from your dear mother, not me. But I will try…"
"No father, it is not like swordsmanship training, or the other ninja arts. You will see, just follow my slow movements."
Walking the short distance to the small garden adjacent to their room, The Yukishiro men began a new family tradition. Enishi showing his father the slow and gentle movements that composed his Tai Chi routine. The younger man leading the older to a better understanding of each other. Oibore found he enjoyed the exercise. He would certainly encourage any activity that would foster the mental health of his son, and it might help him to provide the constant emotional support that would be required for the foreseeable future.
Afterwards, Enishi went off for his bath. Without his familiar orange clothing, he looked quite different and more sedate. The traditional clothing, combined with his subdued and drawn features made him less of a colorful and noticeable person. For their current situation, blending into their surroundings was a good idea.
Enishi then set himself to thinking and writing. Oibore went go off to replenish supplies, arrange for meals and other necessities. Father and son took their meals together and spent each evening talking. They had a great deal to learn of each other. Oibore reminded Enishi of the work he had done for the Shogunate. He had been responsible for supplies and arrangements for the soldiers and officers, including the Shinsengumi. He suggested that perhaps with his organizational skills and Enishi's foreign contacts, that the Yukishiro family could build a successful import/export business. The Meiji era was one of commerce and trade, opening Japan to the outside world. Perhaps they could find a way to participate in the new trading without trading in arms or weapons. Enishi was quite taken with this idea, and felt it might be a workable solution for them.
For the next two weeks, the Yukishiro men kept to a simple routine. They would share their meals, retire early, and practice Tai Chi each morning together. The rest of Enishi's day was spent drafting plans and pouring over them in detail. Oibore would gather any needed supplies and see to their accommodations. They became fixtures at the Inn, but were accorded the complete privacy they sought and the other guests did not even seem to know of their existence. Each night they would discuss their plans and ideas for the prospective business venture. Oibore would explore the marketplace and bring Enishi suggestions for the kinds of goods they might import.
After another week, their plans seemed to take final shape. Enishi made numerous financial estimates and calculations to determine the feasibility of their initial plans. His health had returned and he had shown no inkling of his former madness. Oibore was greatly encouraged by his son's regained health and his focus on the future rather than the past. Enishi did not speak often of Tomoe, but he didn't avoid speaking of her, either. And while he did not mention the Battousai, he was not plotting against him, or planning any further version of Earthly Justice. Oibore was beginning to hope that his son's mental balance had returned.
That night after dinner, Enishi suggested that their plans might be complete at last. Oibore listened attentively, but was surprised when his son opened a related topic of discussion.
"Father, we will not be able to begin our new business venture until I put the past to rest with regard to the Meiji government and the local authorities. I have made exact calculations of our financial resources and while it will be costly, I believe I can trade hidden armaments caches, most of our resources and information with the government for my freedom. We should have enough left to undertake our import/export business, but the authorities must be dealt with first."
"I would like us to relocate to Kyoto. Edo has nothing to offer at present and I wish to be near her, to be able to visit often. Could you be happy in Kyoto?"
"I would like to be able to think it over, Enishi. But I agree that Kyoto may be a better place for our business, I only hesitate because of your mother. While we are here and while I was in Rakuninmura I was able to visit her regularly. Allow me to investigate our opportunities in Kyoto and think this over for a while, please."
"Father, I leave that decision to you. Either way, I would ask that you locate and secure a place for us to begin our business. We've discussed the space and size requirements. And I will leave you enough money to get us a place to live. I must begin my preparations to secure my freedom at once."
Oibore was alarmed at the idea of Enishi acting without him. "Enishi, please allow me to accompany you. I can take care of the business arrangements when your freedom is assured. It is too dangerous for you to be discovered here. I will not risk losing you again!"
Enishi understood his father's alarm, but was unrelenting. "Only I can accomplish this task. And you must not be involved in case I fail. I am leaving you enough money to get our business started. If I do not return, or you hear that I have been arrested, please use the money as you wish. It should be enough for you."
"Please understand father, that only I can make the sensitive contacts it will take to secure my freedom. I will not involve you, and it can only be done here."
"Let us plan to meet in Kyoto in six weeks. That should be enough time for both of us to complete our tasks. I will secure our future. You will set the stage for our new venture."
"I will do as you ask," Oibore replied, "but I am reluctant to leave without you. Are you truly strong enough to act here alone?"
"I am, father. Have faith in me. Once I have made amends to the authorities, we can begin again. Then it will be time for a new outlook, and additional personal amends. None of that will be possible unless I succeed here."
With that, the Yukishiro men retired for the night. Each preparing for their separate tasks in the morning.
Enishi left, quietly and quickly, the next morning. Oibore watched him go, sighed, and left for his own trip to Kyoto.
Author's Note:
Many thanks to Susan, Firuze Khanume and Midori Natari Himura for reading and encouraging me!