Okay, so I'm going to guess that many of you are fed up with this story so far. I mean, its the supposed prequel to My Father, where's Mr. Itachi? Don't worry, I get you guys and honestly I'm not so sure anymore why I made Shinpi's childhood so long. But keep the faith. Faith. As and apology I'll try to hurry the story along and throw up chapter six along with chapter five, just so we dont' have to waste another month waiting for an Uchiha-less chapter. So here we go! :D And yes, this does mean next month we'll have our hunk. :)

First Movement, Part Five

Shinpi rushed through the town's gates, grasping onto the kokyu case tightly. She needed to be at the inn before anyone else for the prepping of the performance. It was only of Kaimu's commands for her, since she was the youngest of the group.

She sensed something wrong as she neared the inn. She sped up, but Kagura stopped her just as the inn became visible.

"Shinpi-chan," she called out as she grabbed Shinpi's shoulder. Her face was pale and covered in sweat.

Shinpi stopped to let her catch her breath.

"Shin and I have been looking everywhere for you," she panted, taking deep breathes in between each word.

"What's wrong?" Shinpi asked, frantic.

"Sensei collapsed. Doc is taking care of him right now."

Shinpi looked over her shoulder at the window that would be their room. There was a faint flicker of a candle inside. Shinpi always knew there was something wrong with Kaimu's body, otherwise he wouldn't have worked techniques and songs into her as a child.

Shinpi grabbed Kagura's hand. "Come on!"

The two ran into the inn and up into their room. Doc was just putting away his acupuncture needles when they came in. Kaimu was laying on his futon.

"What happened? What's wrong with Kaimu?" Shinpi asked Doc.

"Now, now," he said, putting his hands on her shoulders to calm her down. "Shinpi, calm down."

Shinpi obeyed and sat still, her brows scrunched up with worry. "Doc," she initiated, unable to bear the silence.

"I'll tell all of you what's wrong with Kaimu once Shin gets here," he told the two women.

After a few hagridden minutes, Shin finally showed up behind the sliding door. His face was just as pale as Kagura's when she found Shinpi. They have both been running through the town in search for Shinpi.

Shin kept composed and sat down next to Shinpi. His breathing was loud, but he worked hard to calm it down.

Shinpi just couldn't take it anymore. "Doc! Please, tell us what's wrong!"

Doc took off his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. After a while of contemplating his choice of words, he decided to tell it to the students straightforwardly. He put his glasses back on and looked all three of them in the eye, staying on Shinpi the longest.

"Your teacher has a severe case of Parkinson's disease," he said, his voice low as if he didn't want them to hear it at all.

"What?" Kagura gasped and covered her mouth with her fingers.

Parkinson's disease was a curse to all artisans. The inability to use their hands which they use to create their own magic in arts is the same as perishing.

"Can he still play?" Shinpi asked. "Can he still teach me?"

Doc closed his eyes and shook his head. "I don't know Shinpi. I'm sorry. But there is nothing that I can do at this point."

"What about tonight's performance? Should we ask Ichun-sama to cancel tonight's performance? I'm sure he'll let us go since Ichun-sama and Sensei are good friends," Shun said.

Suddenly, Kaimu grunted, awake, he tried to push himself up from his futon. His muscles were weak though, and he almost fell back down if Shinpi hadn't supported his body in time.

"Damn it, Doc, what did your cursed needles do to my body?" Kaimu said, his voice groggy.

"I calmed your screaming nerves down, that's what I did. You should stay in bed and rest up. You'll be able to abuse your body again tomorrow," Doc said, arrogantly.

"Damn it! I can't play in this state!" cursed Kaimu.

"What should we do, Sensei?" Shin asked. "Should we cancel?"

"No. Even if I can't play, the students will replace the master. Just the three of you go," Kaimu ordered.

His three pupils sat still, doubting what he has just said.

Kaimu laid back down and let out a long heavy sigh then peaked out the corner of his eye at the stunned pupils. "What are the three of you doing? You don't have much time, quickly and start prepping. Shin, change the program to fit three people. Take out the overture and replace it with a solo. Shinpi you will play the solo. Kagura, work out the program with Shin."

Shin and Kagura got busy with the program while Kaimu talked with Shinpi.

"Don't be nervous," he told her. "You already have the skills to play for Ichun-dono and never doubt your natural born talents. You understand me. Never let people look down on you less that you are."

"Yes sir," Shinpi answered.

"For the solo play that old song I first taught you. You remember?" Shinpi nodded, how could she forget? "That song is Ichun-dono's favorite. The two of us worked together to write that piece when we were both just students. Play it well and play it with heart. You'll do fine."

"I will do my best," Shinpi said. "You can count on me, Kaimu.

He smiled and said, "I know you can."

Shinpi hurried to help Shin and Kagura with the preparation while Kaimu slept peacefully in the next room. Since they only had to prepare for three people they were finished with time to spare and headed off towards the restaurant where their stage will be at. The set up, ahead of schedule, and headed back stage to put on their costumes. The used the same kimonos from the parade except without the makeup and veils.

Shin went out, as the oldest student of Kaimu's, to greet Ichun Shou as he and his guests came into the banquet hall. Shinpi peaked out the back curtain. She has seen the same scene many times in the past. The rich dressed up in formal clothing entered the red hall donned with gold and food. She always sat by the side and observed the performances, excited from the bottom of her heart. She's always anticipated the day she would be able to play for this grand audience, but not that the chance as presented herself she couldn't help but be nervous.

"Do… do you think I'll mess up today?" Shinpi asked. Her hands nervously shook together.

Kagura looked up from tuning her koto. This was not Shinpi's first time playing for an audience, but it is the first time she's playing for something ever so formal. It has also been pounded into her that playing for Ichun Shou was a very significant event.

"I remember when I first played for Ichun-sama," Kagura told her, "it was nerve racking, having all those eyes and ears on me. It felt like they would be able to make out any little mistake I make. But, Sensei trusts you. After all, he wouldn't give you a solo if he didn't feel like you were up for the job. Remember what he always says? "Never play for an audience, unless you are perfectly sure you can give your best to entertain them," right?"

Shinpi nodded her head.

Kagura put her hands on Shinpi's shoulders. "Just play the way you always do, Shinpi-chan, and you'll awe even the Heavens. Have confidence in yourself."

Shinpi smiled self-assuredly and answered, "Yes."

"Get ready. Most of the guests are already here and we are opening and closing act," Shin said, coming in from behind the curtain. "We're up in five."

The three of them went to get their instruments and stood at the curtain ready to march out gallantly at any second. Shinpi refreshed the program in her head quickly and took a deep breath.

They heard Ichun Shou give his opening speech as always. The three of them walked out after he finished, Shin leading the way as the senior. They sat at their positions and started the first piece.

"Quickly, Shinpi-chan," Kagura said as they entered the back stage again, their part finished. The next performing group entered the stage quickly as the applause still sounded.

Kagura set her koto in her case and Shinpi did the same with her kokyu and grabbed a set of followed kimono that sat on a table.

"Come in and get changed," Kagura told her and Shinpi ducked into a small changing room. "Shin, we'll help you with your kimono once we're finished her.

"Okay, thanks," he said.

Kagura got into the changing room as Shinpi worked on untying the obi at her waist. Kagura got down behind her and helped her untie from the back. The time it took to don on a kimono was long, but the musicians were skilled and were able to do it fast.

"You did it a good job out there, Shinpi-chan," Kagura complimented.

"Yeah, it was strange. As soon as I got on the stage I didn't feel nervous anymore. Have you ever felt like that Kagura?"

"Nope, never," she answered honestly. "I was nervous from the beginning of the show to the end. That's the talent you and Sensei share. Once the music starts you guys forget everything around you. I'm quite envious actually."

Kagura finished fixing Shinpi's new kimono and it was Shinpi's turn to fix Kagura's. Afterward the two helped Shin with his, although he had finished putting most of it on himself.

The three sat at the tables fine tuning their instruments, looked over the scores "air" playing the notes, and refreshing over the program as the third group had their display of dances.

The applause sounded and the three got ready again to go on stage. They waited near the curtain without blocking the way of the exiting dancers.

Once they were off stage, Shinpi waited only a few seconds before entering the stage herself. It was time for the last segment of the evening and her solo. The audience was instantly quieted with her presence as she sat down on a embroidered cushion at the center of the stage. She set the kokyu at her side, placed the tips of her fingers together in front of her and bowed to her spectators. She picked up the kokyu again.

Shinpi closed her eyes and envisioned the background of the music she is about the release into the air. The piece was writing by Kaimu and Ichun Shou thirty years ago when they were students at the music academy in Amegakure. They were young and had their own dreams. Even after they separated to follow their own dreams and destinies they remained the best of friends. The song represented their friendship and brotherhood.

She let out a breath and strung the string with her bow in a perfect, crisp, fresh note; the first piece of music Kaimu had ever taught her, the sweet sensation of being found again. Through thick and thin, the only one that has never lost faith in her was Kaimu, her mentor, her father.

In the audience, Ichun Shou smiled brightly at the nostalgic tune. He had forgotten those good days before the war had started and they were separated; the good days of peace and quiet. Tears streamed down his wrinkled and aged face. How he missed his dear friend?

After the last piece Shin, Kagura, and Shinpi all bowed before their audience they dispersed to mingle or return back home. The three musicians headed back to change out of their kimonos and set their instruments away as the other performers went to receive their pay. Shin and Kagura headed out before Shinpi since she was the youngest of the group.

"Shinpi-chan!" Kagura almost skipped toward Shinpi as she came back with her red envelope in hand. "Ichun-sama wants to personally speak to you!"

"Really?"

"Go, go. Hurry!" Kagura said, ushering her out the prep room.

Ichun Shou stood at the spot he sat at during the banquet. Shinpi scurried over in her casual yukata, ready to go out and enjoy the festival. As she walked across the room, Ichun Shou's presence made her weary of the atmosphere. With all the guests gone and chatting away in another room the air felt heavy with only her and Ichun Shou in the room.

As she neared Ichun Shou, Shinpi lowered her head in humility and addressed to him. Shinpi calculated in her head that since Ichun Shou was Kaimu's friend in school they probably bore the same personality, strict.

But suddenly Ichun Shou illuminated with a bright smile, revealing his missing tooth. Shinpi's eyes almost popped out when she saw and Ichun Shou laughed warmly.

"Ease up, dear girl," he said. "I'm not as glum as that fellow. Speaking of Kaimu, how is he right now? I heard he fell ill from his other pupil."

"Kaimu is currently resting in bed," Shinpi answered casually, now that Ichun Shou eased up the mood.

"That's good. Tell that fellow for me to stop working so much and relax a little. He's always working his head around something and never giving himself a break."

"And always dragging other people into it," Shinpi continued.

Ichun Shou laughed again. "Very true. Sorry about that, Shinpi."

"You know my name?"

"Of course I do. That fellow, Shirakawa Kaimu, told me about you right after he took you in. You've come a long way haven't you?"

Shinpi smiled and nodded.

"And it has paid off," Ichun said. "That piece. It doesn't even have a title, but you made our memories alive again. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir."

"Thank you, Shinpi. You've really made my day today. Take this, and I would like to hear you play again."

Ichun Shou put in Shinpi's hand a nicely stuffed red envelope like the one Kagura had.

"I'll see you at the festival. Give Shirakawa my greetings."

"Thank you. I will!"

Shinpi practically ran the distance between the inn and the restaurant. Shin and Kagura worked hard to keep up with her. Once she was in the inn she quickly sat down in front of Kaimu's bed.

Kaimu lazily opened one eye and sat up when he saw her happy face.

"You guys have returned already?"

"Yes. Today's performance went well," Shinpi reported enthusiastically. "Kaimu, here," she said and handed the plump red envelope to him.

Kaimu looked and took it from her. He opened up the flap and estimated the amount that was given. "Ichun was generous wasn't he?"

"Yes, sensei," Kagura answered as she and Shin came into the room.

"Just set the instruments at the corner," Kaimu instructed Shin and he did so.

After recalculating the salary Shinpi has earned, Kaimu handed the envelope back to her. Shinpi looked confused. Did she not collect enough money?

"Take it," Kaimu said. "From now on you'll keep the money that you've earned."

"Isn't that great, Shinpi-chan?" Kagura complimented excitedly.

Shinpi took the envelope back, her mouth as wide as a pelican's with loads of fish in its beak. "Really?" she asked Kaimu.

He nodded. "You're a working member of our traveling troupe now. You too bear the honor of our music on your shoulders."

"Kagura and Shin rest early today. You've all done a splendid job tonight, but we have another busy schedule tomorrow and Doc has ordered me not get out of bed for the next week. Shin, there will be more work for you than normal, so make sure you rest enough every night. Kagura, you too, will bear more responsibilities. Shinpi, you'll be working for your food now, so be prepared. Now go wash up and sleep."

All three of his students said, "Yes, Sensei," and headed off for the public bathes with the passion of music burning in their hearts.