Chapter 5
He heard him say it, those three words. But it doesn't feel right…
"But, I love you only as a father who loves his son" crocodile continued to whispher in a hushed tone beside the raven.
He was waiting for this right? Whyvdoes he feel relieved that crocodile doesn'tlove him anymore?
A soft kiss was placed on his forehead, that snapped him out from his reverie.
"Hahaha, you were like the father that I never had." He finally answered.
It felt good at some point, to have a closure. Like a thorn neglected in his throat for a very long time being plucked. He felt lighter.
"It's time for you to go home…" the man stated when he heard the carriage was already prepared for the geisha.
He nodded they looked at each other's eyes before luffy stood up and left. He boarded the carriage, he saw crocodile standing near the windows. The man waved at him, he waved back.
"It's time for me to move on… but I guess I 'll see you again,
Dad..."
… … …
It was already evening when law woke up from his slumber, it was quarter past six. His body clock is messed up from the irregular sleeping habits that he had imposed on himself these past few days. He forcefully dragged himself from his bed and into the bathroom, he needs to take a shower now, he reeks.
On the way out, he saw ace and marco by the market place asking some questions to the vendors and sea urchins alike at the premises. He didn't pay it no mind after the kids ran away from a shouting ace. He strode off to the direction of the teahouse he felt excited and scared at the same time. He wants to see mugiwara-ya even though they were together last night he wants to see him again, to see if he's okay.
The walk to the okiya was quite uneventful and before he knew it, he was already at the front gate. There seems to be a special event today, paper lanterns of various colours were hanged near the gates. He knocked the door and was answered by a man with green hair, with three golden earrings. The two glared at each other before talking.
"What is your business gaijin ?" The man green hair spat, emphasizing the word 'foreigner' to the doctor.
"I came to see mugiwara-ya…" he said coldly.
The tension between them were suffocating. And if it isn't for a running geisha towards their direction they would have probably died of asphyxiation.
"Tora-o～" the raven managed to squeeze himself under the green haired man's arms as he greeted the surgeon.
"Good evening mugiwara-ya～" his lips curled up a little his chest was beating hard. Yep, he is starting to fall in love with that over zealous kid over there.
"Zoro～ you're so mean to tora-o, he's a friend!～ " luffy poked the guy named zoro's rib side. Law didn't like how close the two are, it's not like he hates it rather, it was uncomfortable to see mugiwara-ya get touched by another man.
"Heh, sorry about that." He said quite impishly and retreated inside the building leaving law and luffy at the front gates.
"That guy is zoro, he is well… a very good friend!" The geisha beamed at the doctor with innocence.
Law was a little suspicious about how mugiwara said those words. It was like he was hiding a secret from him but before he can open it up he was dragged to a room with more people in it including zoro and to his dismay, kidd―whovseems like he has been forgiven. The room that they were in had the two geishas plus the cook and the driver as well as a cute adorable kid with fluffy brown hair with matching chocolate brown eyes and a pink hat. Based on his outfit he looks like a nurse.
"Why hello doctor-san, it is very nice of you to grace us with your prescence" the eldest geisha greeted him with the same mysterious yet soothing aura.
"He-he is a doctor?" The unknown boy remarked with eyes twinkling like stars.
"Yes he is! Chopper why don't you introduce yourself to trafalgar- sama?" Namiko who was seated beside her sister pointed the doctor to the boy.
"Hello… sir! My name is tony tony chopper～ I'm 15 years old～ when I grow up I want to be a doctor! Like you～" the adorable boy named chopper introduced himself to the surgeon childishly, the way he spoke was slow and very cute.
"Why hello, I'm trafalgar law, it's a pleasure to see someone as young as you interested in the medical field" as gentle as he can he greeted the younger back making the boy do a cute dance while cursing him in japanese that sounds like "your compliments didn't make me happy you mother-fucker!"
He quirked an eyebrow to the young kid, clearly shocked that a boy as young as him can out cuss a sailor. Everyone laughed like it was normal and continued to party.
Mugiwara who had almost forgotten his guest motioned him to seat beside him. He heard a scoff come from kidd who was seated beside the other side of the boy. He didn't pay any attention to it. His attention were focused on the boy alone.
Food and drinks were served, and after an hour of partying another unexpected guest came, a very tall and thin man with a weird modern looking hairstyle named brook was welcomed by the group. He was namiko's music instructor and also the head of the local orchestra as luffy had said.
Law wondered why the musician only taught namiko and not mugiwara but he kept the question to his self and decided to ask the boy later on.
"Mugi-chan, Namiko-chan, Hanako-chan should we put on a perfromance?" The new visitor suggested. Everyone in the room cheered and began opening the space at the stage of the room. As the performers were planning the routine, law was sitting with chopper talking about recently discovered medicine and other diseases. He felt kidd's prescence beside him.
"So, did you got a red box too?" He asked.
Law nodded not bothering to look at his companion. He still doesn't know what it is. It kinda make him felt dumb hearing kidd ask him a question that he doesn't fully understand.
He can hear kidd grit his teeth and stood up before going to sanji to chat. He had no inkling of why kidd was so hostile to him after asking that question. With a clap of her hands hanako caught everyones attention. They quieted down and sat at the edges of the room.
Hanako sat beside brook readying her fue, a bamboo flute with seven holes while the musician with his shamisen.
A shrill peircing windy sound erupts from the flute as namiko and mugiwara posed as the start of the dance, namiko with her left hand covering her lips while the other hand was holding the sleeves of her black susohiki kimono. Mugiwara who was wearing a gray and silver kimono did the same.
The lights were dimmed and the first part of the song was played by brook, it was entrancing to hear the song's melody, melancholic but it wasnt heavy or depressing. Everyone anticipated every movement from the two as namiko rarely dances and mugiwara was accustomed with props.
Their movements were slow, their feets moves from side to side while shifting the gravity of the weight with their hips, the dance comprises of graceful yet signifacant hand movements. As fluid as silk thrown in mid air . Their hands flutter and flicked at every end of a movement.
Law's eyes were glued to mugiwara's every motion, it speaks out to him.
It was a dance with no flashy choreography whatsoever, it was in fact, raw and unadultered, a graceful , meaningful dance.
The look in hanako's eyes were both proud and pained as she continued to hum in her fue, proud that she had single handedly raised the two maikos in front of her as they slided and twirl to her favorite dance, pained knowing what the future holds for her sister and brother. Often times, she disabide the tradition and turned a blind eye to the rules for the sake of their innocence and happiness. But, after their debut, she loses all her right to intervene in their decision-making. She only prays in the heaven above that her siblings would make no mistake that they will regret later on in life.
The two flew like dove and raven, gracefully and fluidly circling around the stage, hands reaching out as if yin and yang revolving in harmony all through out time. Stopping before the audience and swayed their arms like the vines of a willow blown by calm winds. Every move continues to tell the story of their dance. As the climax of the song was reaching at its end the two prepared their bodies for the final pose. They spinned and like tops, their sleeves whipping through the air, bowing at the same time, their foreheads kiss the ground as well as their fingertips, staying in position before bending their bodies backwards until the tip of their scalp reached the floor behind them with hands still in a triangular form. The musicians and the dancers sat staright again before bowing their heads.
All the party guests as well as the foreigners clapped at the performance. It was truly a privilege to see a walking, breathing and an authentic geisha at this time. Even if it leaves a small dent in their pockets for a short time, it was well spent.
The applause receeded and they all sat at their respective positions for a brief moment before disbanding and took the tables and chairs back to its original position.
The group drank and laughed at the silly jokes of the perverted musician, one to which law's ears had picked up during their conversation.
"Hanako-san! You're still as witty as ever! You're beauty hasn't faded at all even after a long time, would you mind showing me your panties?"
Everywone guffawed except for sanji who barked at the pervert. Hanako laughed it off showing that she took no offense in the dirty joke. After all, it is one of the most important skills in a geisha's repertoire. The art of playful conversations, to make a man fall head over heels, snaring them with the idea of something impossible may take place.
The musician graced the audience with lively music from the west using his violin, it was nostalgic for the two foreigners yet new to the japanese in the room. After the merry making, usopp took his leave, saying that he has someone to meet at this time of the night. Chopper also left as a fellow nurse reminded him that he has classes tomorrow.
It was half an hour before twelve when zoro and sanji who bickered most of the time left the others as well, reasoning that they have duties tomorrow. What's left was brook, the three geishas, kidd and law. Their conversation deepened as the moon was its peak.
"Brook-san, I would like to ask a favor while you are still present." Hanako started, looking a little hopeful to the skinny man.
"Please hanako-san, what is it?" He motioned the mistress to continue.
"Would it be possible if mugiwara-san and namiko-san get the lead roles in this year's spring festival? They have reached the age where they can start their own careers." Law and kidd listened intently to every word in the conversation. Namiko and mugiwara bowed before the director as if relinquishing their fates on his shoulders.
"Why the sudden rush? I was actually planning for them to have the roles by next year, but as it seems that they are prepared, I guess why not? After all, It would be a pleasure to witness the two prodigies in a single show!" He said surprise and yet excited at the thought of two very skilled geisha performing in his concert hall.
The two geishas giggled while they were in their most humble form. Their promise to each other when they were young is granted. To debut together, Even if they seperate ways in which they becone rivals instantly, which was impossible, the respect that they have for each other's skills were to an extent, great. This was their final performance as apprentices and move on to be true geishas.
Hanako-san considered what brook had said. Their dance and music skills were already breath taking, bringing it up to a next level as namiko can sing enka ( traditional japanese songs) very well and mugiwara can perform shimai (noh theater dances without masks) without effort. The two also have an affinity for calligraphy and conversation which the two enjoys, along with a long list of other skills that enriches and emphasizes a geisha's knowledge such as the art of flower arrangement or ikebana and sado which is the knowledge in conducting tea ceremonies.
The list went on in her head and smiled, they were more than prepared. She remembered all the hardships that the two have went through. How they complained about their abused feet and hands, they were still kids back then. It certainly makes her proud considering that they never gave up.
"Yes, they are more than ready!" She exclaimed, her brilliant blue eyes shone a little on the word more. The two was surprised at the sudden outburst of excitement from their sister that rarely shows any dramatic expressions.
Afterwards, brook left the group to work on the changes of the upcoming show.
"Surgeon-san, Baker-san, may I have your attention?" Hanako started as she calls the two mem by their professions. Namiko and Mugiwara sat side by side with their sister.
… … …
Usopp ran into the dimly lit streets until he reached a familiar setting, the ship where his object of affection is in it― waiting for him. It was cool tonight, he worries for her condition. He fell in love at first sight. He was nothing, She was something. The moment he saw her finally believed in love at first sight. She was beautiful and gentle and kind, her hair flows like silk. It makes him nervous and a little guilty inside. But, tonight he will confess everything, his feelings and who he really is.
"Usopp-san! Over here!" She whisphered in a hushed tone, begind a thick pillar of stone from a store, she was in her night gown with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
"Lady kaya! Good evening! Sorry for making you wait, I attended a very important meeting a while ago, sorry." He apologized to her in a tone no other person had heard him say.
"It's okay! I arrived a few minutes later than usual as well, my brother suspects something, but he's already tucked in bed now." She said, she giggled at the thought of his older brother gawking over her if he knew. Usopp's eye widened, he felt his heart beating faster after hearing her laughter that sounds like wind chimes tinkling.
"Before I forget! I Usopp-sama, had a bought you a present!" He took out a small blue box from thw pockets of his brown kimono, the darkness concealed the faint blush in his tanned skin as well as the shabiness of his clothes. With money that can buy him enough food to last him for months, he used his personal savings to buy her a gift. With slightly trembling hands her soft, smooth ivory brushed across his as she took the parcel and opened it. She almost felt tears welling into her eyes. It was a silver pendant shaped like a flower with a semi precious stone adorning the center. It was cheap compared to her wide collection of luxurious accessories but to the rich lady it was the most valuable of them all.
"Thank you usopp-san! This is beautiful! Far more beautiful than any in my possession!" She exclaimed, she closed their distance and proceeded to plant a kiss in his cheeks. His heart swelled with joy and pride, like a platform raised him above everyone else.
"Kaya!" A voice of a man ringed out across the premises. It was sabo.
"Kaya! Where are you?" He again shouted.
"Sabo! Usopp-san, Go! Meet me here again tomorrow okay!?" She said in a frantic whispher. He nodded, he understands.
"Goodbye my lady!I'll be seeing you again tomorrow" He replied before he broke out in a sprint away from the ship, his body was buzzed with adrenaline. Was it from the kiss? Probably. A giddy smile radiated from his thick lips knowing that his princess will always be waiting for him at their meeting place.
… …
There they were sitting in front of the three geishas , their culture had forbade them to act like barbarians and rip each other's throat, so they behaved but by the way their eyes meet when mugiwara-ya talk to one of them tells a different story. The two were jealous at each other, rivals since when they were kids. From academics ,to sports ,to physical looks and even now where they were fighting for love.
" I suppose that the both of you have recieved a red box from mugiwara-san, yes?" She asked expectantly as the two nodded their heads.
"And do you know what it means?" They recieved another nod but this time wasn't as sure as the early one.
"Hanako-san, I know what is going to happen but we were not informed with how and why the both of us were picked?" Law asked with utmost politness, using a proper honorifics than his personal suffix of endearment. Kidd who eyed him nodded in silent agreement.
"By tradition, when a maiko or an apprentice geisha is deemed matured enough to be independent by the okiya's head, his or her mizuage or virginity is sold to the highest bidder along with the ritual of cutting some of their hair." She explained, glancing at the two before continuing. She didn't catch a glimpse of luffy lowering his head in embarassment as she said the 'v' word bluntly to the guests.
"The sum of money that he or she recieves is used to pay for their debts as well as their living expenses as they start on their own." She finished. The two were now fully considering the offer, now fully understanding the situation.
"Do you have any questions?" She asked as the two remained silent for a very long time. It was quite unnerving.
"We bid for his virginity right? and after that what happens?" Kidd responded as he was still considering everything.
" You become his danna, a patron, sponsor for his expenses … a husband" the two stiffened at the term, husband… it was very tempting yet it was weird, they do not understand how someone would sell their virginities and at the same time call their partners husbands. It was a culture that they didn't grew up in, and maybe a culture that would be almost impossible to decipher.
Luffy was suffering internally as the talk goes on, he knows for a fact that, what his sister is explaining right now are just half truths, yes, they would be called danna to refer to them but as obvious as it is, a geisha could never fall in love entirely unless they retire from the profession. The profession is based on an illusion that something can happen between the client and geisha even if it is impossible. Besides, a geisha recieves respect and education compared to other slaves. If he retires then what will he become in the future. It hurts to lie, but if it means being together with his family and a place called home then so be it.
"I accept"
"I accept"
The two answered, hanako nodded her head. There was silence.
"But on one condition…" law continued while kidd gave a surprised look to his companion he muttered a slient 'what'.
" If I win…" he looked dead straight at the boy's eyes. Mugiwara looked at him with a confused look, the boy was stunned. " he retires…" he continued with his voice slightly losing it's coolness, law looked away, there was anger in the boy's eyes . " and… he marries me…" he finished. The room was filled with mixed emotions, hanako was in deep thought, the two younger geishas had an outrage stricken face, kidd was glaring hard at law for imposing such ideas.
"NO!"
… … … …
It was almost midnight, ace had never felt so restless in his entire life, there was something bugging him, he can't tell what it is. Likely, a neglected task or maybe even an important date, but what ever it is, it pulls him awake whenever he tries to sleep. With an irritated huff he sat and scratched the back of his head in frustration, maybe a nice walk outside would do him good. He slipped on a more socially approved clothes, he only wears boxers in bed and it would be embarassing to go out in such an attire. Outside was cool, but it doesn't matter, the scent of the sea mixed with the scent of the market place was nostalgic to the freckled gentleman. It was quiet except for some pubs and restaurants that are still open and caters to people who works at night. He walked without any destination in mind. He wishes there was an object that produces music even without electricity but laughs at the thought afterwards remembering that electricity is connected to wires, it wouldn't be possible to move with such heaviness. He mentally checked all the errands that was assigned to him by his businessman father and blew a sigh of relief when he found out that he was almost finished.
He felt his throat dry up from walking for minutes and stopped by a teahouse with lanterns strewn out in the front. There was something that draws him into that particular area, he knocked at the wooden door and waited to be opened to.
There was a long silence and he knocked again for the second time, he heard hushed whisphers behind the divide. Then a blonde man with disheveled hair opened the door with a some force. He looks mad but still kept on a polite facade.
" Hello, I would like to ask if you are still open?" He greeted the blonde with a small smile. The cook eyed him before shooking his head.
"I'm very sorry but there is a private party going on, and no is available to serve you at the moment, would like to come back tomorrow" the blonde, although fake and irritation seeps out of his voice, said calmly, with a level politeness to the client.
"Uhm… i see, never mind, sorry for disturbing you at such an inconvenient time" he smiled apologetically before bowing and left.
The blonde thought it was a little weird, for the briefest moment the man reminded him of someone, like luffy? He shrugged it off and was nabbed by a green haired man and pulled him back inside. He protested as he was man handled by zoro into his room but didn't struggle further as the man showered him with kisses at the back of his neck, they enetered the cook's room and relinquished themselves to their own desires.
Ace was a little more than disappointed that the okiya was already closed, and that he still hasn't have any refreshment with him, he continued to walk further but somehow he got lost and found himself again at the back side of the okiya. He saw a lited window and stalked off silently towards it, climbing the stone fence his heart was beating fast and he doesn't know the reason, maybe it was just plain curiousity that made him drew closer, it was illegal technically and morally to trespass but nonetheless he did as his instict told him. He peeked at the figures sitting in the room. He realized it was kidd and law as he heard their voices inside, there were three more but their back were facing to him. Two ravens and another brunette he thought.
"So this is where those two spend their time huh?" He muttered to himself. He backed away from the window as he found no interest to the conversation. After all, his two friends can do anything they want to since theyvwere of legal age and this was also their vacation. Atleast, he had some knowledge where to look for them when they were needed. He had already climbed the fence when he heard someone open the window, he ran, he didn't look back, he would be in trouble if someone catches him. He never had the chance to saw his brother who was looking at where he once stood.
… …
"Mugi-chan? What is it? Was there an intruder?" His sister namiko asked him with a worried expression.
"Iie nee-san, I didn't saw anyone, maybe it was just a cute neko who got lost at our backyard…" he shrugged and sat back to his position. Namiko huffed a sigh of relief and went back to their conversation.
"But mugiwara-ya, please reconsider my offer!" Law exclaimed.
"No, I'm sorry law but i cannot leave my responsibilities here…" he retorted, the surgeon was taken aback from hearing his
own name from the maiko who always makes it a point to screw up the pronounciation of his name.
"Then… then… what about you allow me to live with you! I'll start a clinic near here!" Damn! Law sounded desperate at this point, but he doesn't care.
Kidd who has remained silent for a very long time started, " I would also like to have the same condition as law if I win the bid, I want mugiwara to stay with me, even if he continues on with being a geisha…" he glanced at everyone's reaction. It was the same as when law spoke but atleast he had made a better deal compared to that selfish prick.
" Are you two really serious about taking mugiwara-san in?" Hanako asked with a grim expression on his face.
"Yes"
"Yeah"
Hanako again thought for a moment before replying. "Then,you have my permission to do so, but if and only if my brother would agree to your terms"
To be continued…
…
Sorry guys for the short chapter, I've been struggling with the plot and it might take me longer to upload a new chapter from here on out but I will finish this no matter how crappy it gets.