Chapter 3 Translations –

Cheisha: Wise; Wisdom

Fujin: Mrs.; Wife

Omoyaku: Heavy Responsibilities

Zokuto: Bandits

(…20 Years Ago)

"So, what are you saying? Allow her to learn martial arts? She's only eight!" – Taikyo exclaimed with some anger in his voice.

"I'm only saying she's a very active and highly intelligent child. She's already mentally outgrown many of her fellow classmates. I can sense restlessness about her, and she needs to release it. She must be taught how to successfully control it. Either she'll find a way to release it, or someone will easily manipulate her for their own liking. I'm sure that's something she doesn't have to experience." – the schoolteacher explained.

It had now been five years since Misora and Taikyo found Shinkara by the maple tree. She'd grown in many ways, but she was still a young child. It was true that she was very restless, and that she has a loving heart by nature; but she was getting to the age where many children were used in various ways to bring in money. Some were used in brothels, restaurants, hotels, and even shogunates as assassins. Someone could use or enslave her, if she wasn't guided and taught properly.

"I know what you mean. This era we live in is one of barbarity, and it's our young who suffer the most. So what exactly is it that you suggest? Maybe if I'm able to figure something out I could tell the fujin. It would be easy for her to swallow, if it came from me." – Taikyo finally gave in, against his better judgment.

"Well, you can have her learn a martial art from any of the neighborhood dojos in the near-by town of Nara. Or find her a well respected sensei who can teach her a sword technique. Do you understand?" – the teacher asked.

"Yes, I think I do. Do you have a suggestion of someone who could maybe teach her both?" - he asked.

"There is one by the name of Seijuro Hiko. But it is known only to me and a few others of his whereabouts. I think he's somewhere in the mountains near Kyoto. But, that would be a little too far for you. Plus, he has a student already; and he never takes on more than one. I'm not sure, but I think, the boy was an orphan he saved from some zokuto about five years ago. I can get in contact with him and see if there's someone else who could be a sensei for Shinkara." – the teacher concluded, standing up. Taikyo joined him.

"Well, only if he knows someone here near our village, Omoyaku; or near the local town of Nara. Humm…" – Taikyo hesitated at the front entrance. For a few moments he just stood there, seeming to be in a dream. His mind was far away, fixing together the time span of what was said of Hiko's student and Shinkara. He just had to know…

"Sensei, before you talk to him, I have one last question. Do you happen to know what Seijuro-san's student looks like?" – he asked in a stammer of a voice.

"Well, that's a very strange and interesting question. He's ummm…a wirily looking boy with red hair and blue-violet eyes. I was told that he's good-hearted, but very high-strung at times and…oh my goodness! Are you saying…?" – the teacher paused. He stood staring at Taikyo with wide eyes.

"I'm not saying anything. But it would seem that Shinkara and Seijuro-san's student might be family. He could be her older sibling. Yes…the boy who was with the rest of the slavers. He too was being sold that night. So, Seijuro-san is instructing him and helping him understand the values of life. That is good." – Taikyo stood there with the teacher trying to piece together what they both have come to realize.

"That would explain why Shinkara and Hiko's student look a lot alike, and the attitude of them both...about the same. Too bad I wasn't able to get the child's name. It was about two months ago that I was able to meet up with Hiko-san. I crossed him on the road that leads from Nara to Kyoto. The child was with him. Oh well, if you want, I can talk to him about Shinkara." - the teacher was explaining to Taikyo all the details.

"I don't think that would be necessary. If Hiko's training the child, it might interfere with the boy's growth. As of now, we'll withhold this until the right time. See if you can find someone closer to our town…maybe someone in the hills nearby. Would that be something you can do?" – Taikyo responded, with some thought.

"I'll see what I can do. Well, if we're not going to let the boy know of his sister, are you going to tell Shinkara?" – Mr. Cheisha asked.

"I don't know. I'll have to talk with Misora first. It's always good to do that. She's better at handling these things than me. I want to thank you for all your help and also for the information. Don't worry, we'll continue to take care of Shinkara and make sure she'll not fall into the wrong hands. Thank you very much Mr. Cheisha." – after shaking hands, they parted.

'So Shinta is still alive! She would be very happy to hear of this. But, what will her reaction be? Will she want to go looking for him, or will she be content to stay here with us? I wanted so much to tell her about her real family, and now that I have the chance; I don't think it would be the best idea. I must think this out first. But I can't spend too much time, especially now that Shinkara isn't going to school anymore. Her idle hands surly will quickly find evil.' – Taikyo's thoughts were heavy as he made his way back to the house.