Tuesday evening, May 3rd – Yamada Hotel
Canberra, Australia
The main ballroom at the hotel had been used for many things over the years. Corporate events, government functions, and many High School Formals. The decoration for past events ranged from plain to lavish, but this evening's affair was much more subtle than others the room had seen. There were pictures of cherry blossom trees in flush pink bloom, bright red torii gates, ancient shogun castles, and of course… Mount Fuji. One would wonder who's national capitol the hotel was in, if they weren't aware that this was a fund raiser for the ongoing disaster relief efforts in Japan.
Faye Stapleton had arrived early to check on the arrangements. Even if this wasn't a DFAT event, she had agreed to assist with the organization and coordination. She had just come from checking on the food preparation when she saw an older Japanese man entering the room with a young girl. From previous visits, she knew this grandfather and grand-daughter duo.
"Ambassador, so good to see you here." Faye Stapleton smiled as she approached the Japanese Ambassador to Australia. To the little girl, she said, "It's good to see you again too, Kamiko-chan." She hoped that her greeting to the old man made it clear that he was a guest here and not expected to be the event host. Unfortunately, not everyone got the hint.
Kamiko's eyes opened wide at the greeting and she wanted to respond, but someone else spoke first.
"I was wondering why you were throwing this party at a hotel instead of your embassy?" another guest commented. Although the question seemed uncouth to Faye, that kind of behavior was just the nature of the plain-speaking people of Australia and not intended to be an insult.
"There are two reasons, really." the ambassador explained patiently, "The first reason is that our embassy is quite small… compared to others. We could not host such an event there. It is also very plain. We are unfortunate enough to be located across the street from the ornate and beautiful Royal Thai Embassy. And yet… our facility looks like a middle school."
A few people laughed, thinking the ambassador was making a joke, but Faye knew that the old man was hiding the truth within the framework of humor.
"The second reason is that, this is not our event. I am a guest here, just like you." the ambassador smiled as he finished his explanation.
Quite a few people were surprised at this news. Although the invitation stated that the purpose of the gathering was to provide charitable relief for the many people still grievously affected by the tsunami, it wasn't clear who was hosting the event.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is helping to organize this event, but it is being put on by a group of leading Australian business interests. Among them, I would like to introduce…" Faye maneuvered the conversation into the meet and greet part of the event. After this, there would be the presentation that would talk about the successes that the recovery work has had so far, and how much was left to do. Of particular interest would be the briefing on what was being done about the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power-plant disaster. Then the dinner would be served, there would be many conversations, and hopefully there would be as many pledges for aid.
It was during the presentation of the nuclear power-plant troubles that Faye was subtly handed a note from a passing server. Waiting until the others at her table were caught up in the latest news about the nuclear disaster, she unfolded the note and read the message. It was short and probably would have no meaning for anyone that wasn't familiar with a certain RAAF officer and her current non-military mission. It read simply, "DW-Green." From that brief scrawl, Faye knew that Deena Walker had been successful in getting the Japanese performers to return to their entertainment professions. She started to smile when she realized that the rest of the room was now hearing the somber news of the many failed attempts to address the meltdown.
Although Australia did not have any nuclear power-plants, the nation did have several learned professionals since they were the third largest producer of uranium. One of those professionals had informed select members of government that the situation at Fukushima Daiichi was bound to get worse before it would stabilize.
With such morbid news on such an consequential topic, it was hard to concentrate on something as trifling as fashion. But fashion was within the realm of trade and that was Faye Stapleton's duty. There was nothing she could do about power-plants and construction efforts, but she would pursue her goals as long as they didn't interfere with any life-saving efforts.
"Minister Stapleton-san?" a young voice called out to Faye after the dinner was over.
"Mmm… Kamiko-chan?" Faye saw that the young Japanese girl had detached herself from her grand-father.
"I just wanted to ask… why did you call me Kamiko-chan tonight?" the girl didn't seem upset, but was curious.
"What do you mean?" Faye asked, but she did remember the little girl's surprised look from earlier.
"You always called me Miss Shigejima before." the girl explained her curiosity.
"I guess I did." Faye thought about all of her correspondences with Deena Walker. Though the tall blond had a military background, she was always quite verbose when she talked about her Japanese friends. "I suppose I've been affected by one of my subordinates that is currently in Japan. She has many wonderful friends there and she always refers to them with their cultural honorifics.
"I can't imagine someone working in a government building calling someone else with a 'chan' suffix." Kamiko giggled.
"Her friends aren't in government. They are in the entertainment industry." Faye could see the disbelief in the girl's eyes and wondered how popular they might be. "Have you ever heard of Ami-chan, Suzume-chan, or Hisako-chan?"
"What!" Kamiko was aghast, "They sing with Aiko-chan! How do you know them?"
"If you answer my question, I'll tell you a secret about them." Faye winked conspiratorially. She could see the doubt in the girl's expression, but she decided to ask, "What is the latest news you have heard about them?"
"They gave up performing because of some mean people telling lies about them." Kamiko said with an angry pout. She knew that she was supposed to keep a diplomatically neutral face at events like this, but she had been a fan ever since she had seen one of their relief-aid performances.
"Very good." Faye clapped her hands and smiled at the girl's knowledge, but more-so from the welcome reaction she had witnessed. "Now, are you ready to hear the special secret just for you?"
"Yes." Kamiko was worried what kind of thing she might hear from this strange obasan. After all, the old woman had seemed so happy when she was told something that was supposed to be sad.
"They will all be returning to their entertainment careers." Faye whispered to the girl.
"Really? All… even Aiko-chan?" Kamiko gaped.
"Yes," Faye smiled at the sudden change in the girl.
"When?" Kamiko asked excitedly.
"Soon." Faye teased the girl.
"How soon?" Kamiko pleaded.
"Well, let's see…" Faye considered the upcoming schedule and the things she had been planning for a while, "There is the Brisbane Fashion Festival in August, the Melbourne Fashion Week in September, and the Adelaide Fashion Festival at the end of September. Which one do you think I should invite them to?"
"All of them!" Kamiko jumped with her energetic reply.
"Now now… they are all students in school you know. I can't interfere with their education too much." Faye laughed with the girl's infectious energy.
"Brisbane then!" Kamiko replied immediately, "If it's in August, they will be on their school break so it won't interfere with their classes."
"Brisbane it is then!" Faye cheered, then took on a sly look as she asked the little girl, "You know what you need to do now?"
"What?" Kamiko asked in a hushed voice.
"You need to ask your grandfather if you can go to Brisbane in August." Faye smirked but hadn't considered the unintended consequences of her teasing.
"You will take me obasan! Thank you!" the excited girl wrapped Faye in a joyous hug and shouted, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Um…" Faye wanted to tell little Kamiko that there was a little misunderstanding when the ambassador's voice suddenly called out.
"Kamiko-chan, it is unlike you to make such a fuss. Tell your ojiisan what has made you so excited." the old gentleman calmly asked.
"Ojiisama!" Kamiko let go of Faye, but stayed close to her as she replied to her grandfather, "Obasan Stapleton will take me to Brisbane in August to see Aiko-chan perform!"
This is escalating far too quickly. I have to tell the ambassador that I did not make any plans to drag his grand-daughter a thousand kilometers across Australia!
"That's quite a feat, minister." the ambassador smiled as he told her. He had heard his grand-daughter lament her favorite idol leaving the entertainment business for several weeks, but Kamiko seemed quite excited now. Perhaps something has changed? "Minister, if you would come around for a meeting soon. I would like to discuss this trip to Brisbane in more detail."
"Yes, ambassador." Faye made the slight bow that showed the correct degree of respect and gratitude. She had long been wanting to get an invitation to meet with the Japanese ambassador. If it meant that she would need to be the 'Obasan Stapleton' and play babysitter on a trip to Brisbane, that was a small price to pay. That reminds me… I need to look at a translation dictionary and see what 'obasan' means.
.
Thursday early afternoon, May 5th – University Gymnasium and Recreation Center
California, United States
At five foot five inches tall and one hundred and forty-eight pounds of weight, Kano Sumire was in excellent shape. Her well muscled body was the result of careful nutritional intake and a thorough exercise regime. Currently attired in her favorite workout singlet, she was struggling to bench press a hundred and forty pounds in her third set.
The singlet had been a gift from Kitamura. Open at the arms and covering her down to her mid thighs, it was a basic black that had been printed with Hubble's gorgeous shot of the 'Mystic Mountain' in the Carina Nebula. She had three other singlets, but she thought of this one as her lucky one. Unfortunately, luck wasn't helping her get the weights up this time.
"You can do it, Kano. Push, PUSH!" Kitamura urged from where he stood ready, in the spotting position.
"Ahhh!" Kano cried out and gave the bar a solid push. Her arms finally extended, she cried out, "Hachi!"
"In English!" Kitamura demanded.
"Eight!" Kano snarled as the weight lessened. Kitamura had grabbed the bar and was helping her to put it back on the hooks. Reeling in the anger at not being able to complete the set of twelve repetitions, she grumbled at her boyfriend, "Why do I have to say it in English? Why do I have to think of my height and weight in these ridiculous Imperial units?"
"You know why." Kitamura smiled at his pouting girlfriend, "If you want to be competitive in the American space program, you need to be able to think like an American. That means, you need to drive on the right side of the road, use pounds and feet instead of kilograms and meters…"
"I know, I know. But you still won't let me eat hamburgers, and that's an American thing." Kano objected. It wasn't the first time she'd made this particular complaint.
"I'll tell you what," Kitamura gave her a challenging smile, "When you can do three sets of twelve at one-forty, I'll treat you to a hamburger."
"With fries and a shake?" Sumire pleaded.
"When you can do three sets at one-forty-five, we'll add the fries. When you can do three sets at one-fifty, you can have it all." Kitamura bargained.
"All right, let's do another set." Sumire said with determination.
"No." Kitamura took her hands so she couldn't reach for the weight bar, "You're done with arms for the day."
"But…" she wanted to argue the point, but she knew that she was already at her limit… no matter how much she wanted that hamburger.
"You don't want to hurt yourself. You need to be in top shape for the space program." Kitamura reminded her. Of course, he was referring to the physical element of her training to become an astronaut.
"Yes… and for September." Sumire added with a look of determination.
"September?" Kitamura asked.
"That reunion thing." Sumire clarified.
"That's in August," Kitamura reminded her, "but why are you determined to be in top shape for the reunion?"
"That girl will be there, won't she? Tooru, wasn't it? I want to challenge her to a rematch." Sumire growled.
"Her name is Taiga and… I don't recommend it." Kitamura told her while pulling out his cell phone and searching for a video that Ryuuji had sent him.
"You think I can't win against her?" Sumire challenged.
"Win or lose, if you get injured you may lose your position in the program. Everything you've been working for will be lost." Kitamura warned her.
"Hmmpf." Sumire stewed, "The last match between us was… inconclusive. It unsettles me."
"That wasn't a match, it was a brawl with clubs. Take a look at this," Kitamura showed his phone to his girlfriend and played a brief video of a Kendo match between two opponents that seemed significantly unequal in size. He waited until Sumire's expression showed surprise and a little admiration for the spunky little challenger. Then he told her, "That is Taiga."
"Impressive." Sumire took the phone out of Kitamura's hands and played the video again. The refresh rate of the video couldn't keep up with the motion when the shinais swished through the air and made their impacts, so it was hard to tell exactly how Taiga had won, but the fact was that she did. Sumire's memory may not be the best for names and dates, but she knew when Kitamura was up to something. He wouldn't have shown me this video if he didn't have some kind of plan. Without looking up at him she asked, "So… what are you suggesting?"
"You used to compete in Kendo, right?" Kitamura asked.
"Yes…" Sumire looked up at Kitamura now.
"I am opposed to an all out brawl due to the risk of you being injured. But, if you wanted to do a rematch in the form of Kendo competition, I wouldn't have any objections." Kitamura proposed.
"Your objections…" Sumire was about to tell him just what he could do with his objections. Sure, she had asked him to help her with the physical training, but she was not his subordinate!
"And, I doubt anyone monitoring the program would have anything negative to say about a formalized sporting event." Kitamura added and watched Sumire's defiant expression suddenly freeze. He knew that another gentle reminder about losing her spot in the astronaut training program, would probably put her on the right path.
"So… full armor and we fight in accordance with the rules?" Sumire pouted.
"Yes." Kitamura smiled at her. To him, she was exceptionally cute like this. More than anything, he wanted to pat her head now and tell her that she was doing the right thing. But doing such a thing in public was something she wouldn't forgive, so he would wait until they got back to their room.
"I'll need to get in some practice time." Sumire said when she recalled the video she had just seen.
"The University Kendo team would be happy to have you train with them." Kitamura offered.
"Ugh… So you've already anticipated this and set things up?" Sumire frowned, "This seems very manipulative. I don't think I like this."
"That's too bad," Kitamura replied unapologetically, "one of my goals in life is to think of what kinds of things might make you happy, and figure out how to provide them for you."
"I guess… it doesn't sound so bad… when you put it like that." Sumire tried her best not to pout. A pout was a sign of weakness, and she couldn't abide looking weak. Never! I refuse to show that kind of weakness to him or to anybody! I will not! I will not! I will not!
Kitamura took his phone back and softly commented, "You're trying so hard to look strong, but…"
I will not show him that kind of face! I will not! I will not! I will not!
"You're so cute when you pout like that." Kitamura gave her his warm smile that she was defenseless against.
DAMMIT!
.
Sunday afternoon, May 8th– Hisamitsu Townhouse
Tokushima
College classes would be starting up the next day, so the townhouse was eerily quiet with most of the inhabitants studying at the table or in the comfortable chairs in the living room. Shinako was the only person in the common rooms that wasn't studying. From where she stood in the kitchen, she could see everyone except Nanako and the babies. Her brow furrowed a bit when she thought about that. The babies were asleep in the nursery, but she didn't know why Nanako wouldn't be out here studying with everyone else.
Just then, she heard the first whimpering of one of the twins starting to wake up. Shinako was about to head for the nursery when Hisako closed her textbook with a snap.
"I'll take care of this. I need a break anyway." Hisako said as she stood and quickly left the room.
"Thank you, Hisako." Maya called out, then quickly went back to her reading.
Shinako brought out a tea pot and a coffee pot. Moving slowly around the room, she quietly refilled the cups within reach of all her studious friends. When she moved past the place were Hisako had been sitting, she took a moment to flip through a few pages in Hisako's notebook. It didn't take long for her to determine that the tall model was struggling. She hasn't said anything or asked anyone for help. So, either she doesn't want to trouble us, or she doesn't want anyone here to know. I could suggest a cram school… but that might be difficult for her to accept as well. There is another solution, but I may need Nanako's help with this.
"Shinako-san, can you help me with this?" Nanako appeared next to the pondering Shinako. She had something in her hand made up of burgundy red leather and black fabric mesh with a number of straps, and strings dangling from it.
"What is that?" Shinako asked in an effort to hide her surprise.
"This is the riding corset I made for Maya. It should give her the support she needs if she wants to continue her equestrian training." Nanako explained while displaying her work to Shinako.
"This looks a lot more… interesting than something made just for sport support." Shinako reached out and ran her fingers along one of the burgundy red leather panels. She could feel something hard under the leather. "Boning?"
"Oh, does Shinako-san know something about corsetry?" Nanako asked with pleased surprise.
"A bit. Unfortunately, one of the family businesses I had to close down was a corsetiere in Osaka." Shinako noticed Nanako's hurt look and added, "I don't have anything against corsetry, but their products were uninspired and shabby, and the son that had inherited the shop had no business sense.
"I suppose it had to be done then." Nanako sighed.
"Still, we didn't sell off the name." Shinako gave the purple haired girl a smile and suggested, "If someone close to the family had the ability, I suppose the store could be resurrected."
"Oh my… now that is an interesting offer. But I'm enjoying my understudy work with Hellivin for now. And, depending on what I learn from him, I may want to do a lot more than just corsetry." Nanako replied.
"In that case, let me say this the right way." Shinako let go of the garment and assumed a business posture as she made a formal request, "When you are ready to bring your creations to the public, please consult with Noto-sama or myself, before you go to anyone else."
"I promise to do so. And thank you for the offer." Nanako returned Shinako's businesslike bow, but then changed the conversation a bit. "That may be some time away, but for now… let's go see how much we can make Noto-kun and Maya-chan blush. Shall we?"
"Yes, lets!" Shinako agreed.
Moments later, both Noto and Maya looked up when the conspiring women were practically standing over them. It was, of course, far too late for either of them to escape.
.
Monday morning, May 9th – Hisamitsu Townhouse
Tokushima
Shinako watched from the kitchen, sipping her coffee and considering many possibilities. This had been her lifestyle since she was in her teens. Her grandmother had taken her then, and had turned her into the troubleshooter and problem solver that she was now. Of course, not everyone thought of her with such kind titles. Most of the Hisamitsu family thought of her as Obāsama's trained demon.
The problem she was trying to solve now was not one that threatened the livelihood or status of the Hisamitsu family… at least not directly. Because of that, there was a lot more freedom in the choices she could consider as possible solutions.
Ding!
Shinako looked over at the little machine that could make a near perfect cup of coffee or tea. Although she disdained replacing the traditional tea making art form with technology, the little machine was certainly efficient. Picking up the hot mug, she walked the few steps to the table where the object of her observation was concentrating on several notebooks and textbooks.
Hisako had been out of school for a while. Back when she announced that she wanted to attend college with Nanako, Noto, and Maya, she had thought it would take her a few months to knock the rust off and be ready to start classes. Unfortunately, that outlook had been a bit naive. She realized that now, but it had become a matter of pride for her.
"Hisako-san, what would you say if I suggested you move back to Tokyo for a while." Shinako asked.
"I would break your fingers." Hisako replied without looking up from the notebook where she had just made the same mistake a third time.
"I know that you would miss being near Nanako, but it wouldn't be forever." Shinako said calmly while pushing the mug of green tea closer to Hisako.
"Fingers!" Hisako reminded Noto's cousin of the previous threat… and of her current foul mood.
"I only suggest this because of Yuri-sensei's reputation as a great teacher." Shinako leaned back in her chair and prepared for more ire from the taller girl.
"What are you suggesting?" Hisako demanded as the pencil in her hand snapped from the fist she was making. After the repeated defeat at the hands of these insidious math problems, she could only see Shinako's comment as an insult against her.
"Isn't it clear? Yuri-sensei needs help." Shinako took a sip of coffee and watched the rage change to confusion.
"Huh?" Hisako hadn't expected that. You need Yuri-sensei's help… is what she had been waiting for. Which, however true it might be, would have been a slap in her face.
"She has an infant and she must continue to be an excellent educator. On top of that, she has to be prepared to take her education responsibilities on the road in the event that you girls are called out for another performance. Normally, she would have her husband to rely on, but The Major has been working as an interpreter for all the agencies still working in the disaster areas." Shinako explained.
"But… why me?" Hisako asked.
"She was their beloved teacher, you know. Nanako-chan and Maya-chan, and Noto-sama all loved her. I'm sure any of them would be happy to go help. But, they have many responsibilities that tie them down here, don't they." Shinako alluded to many things, but their role as students at Tokushima University was one responsibility that would be hard to pack up and take with them.
"Yes, I suppose so." Hisako agreed.
"But to answer your question, are you not perfect for the role?" Shinako waited until Hisako looked up at her with a puzzled expression, then continued, "You are someone Yuri-sensei already knows. You have proven to be reliable with infants. You are already familiar with Tokyo. And… I believe it would make Nanako-chan very happy to know that her beloved sensei is being taken care of by you." Shinako stated.
"Heh… someone like me wouldn't necessarily be…" Hisako started to downplay herself as a desirable nanny, but Shinako cut her off.
"No, Hisako-san. Not someone like you. You." Shinako said firmly, "It has nothing to do with history or public opinion. This is a matter of capability and trust. Nanako-chan loves you to be sure, but she also values your capabilities and she trusts you. In those respects, I believe that Yuri-sensei is the same."
"I… see." confronted with the seriousness of Shinako's answer, Hisako was at a loss on how to respond to what she had just heard. Not realizing she was speaking her thoughts, she mumbled, "I'll miss Nanako so much."
"Of course the decision is yours." Shinako decided to give the girl a final push, "Being away from Nanako until the end of the year, or possibly until next March does seem unpleasant, but if it means you can go to school with her for the next three or four years… then it is something to consider. You are an adult. I'm sure you'll come to the right conclusion."
"Ohhhh, Nanako." Hisako opened her phone and looked at the picture of her lovely purple-haired girlfriend wearing a bunny costume. She had many photos of Nanako on her phone, but this one was her favorite.
Being away from Nanako until the end of the year, or possibly until next March does seem unpleasant…
Shinako's words haunted her but she knew she would be doing the right thing. Nanako herself had already agreed to this. She knew that Ami and Ryuuji would cheer her on. A tear slid down her face and fell onto the screen of the phone in her hands. The way the tear splattered on the display, it almost seemed that Nanako's smiling face was crying too. "I know it's the right thing to do. But why… why does the right thing have to hurt so much?"
.
Monday evening, May 9th – Locke Residence, Tokyo
"Shinako-san, is something wrong?" Yuri hadn't been able to answer the phone when it rang and was surprised by the caller ID on the 'missed calls' log. Worried that something had happened with one of her former students in Tokushima, she hadn't bothered to listen to the message and called Noto's cousin back immediately.
"Please relax, Yuri-sensei. There is no emergency." Shinako smiled. She had expected just such a reaction from the caring teacher who had also become a good friend to her former students. "Noto-sama, Maya-chan, and Nanako-chan are doing well with their classes and your husband is with Haruta-kun back in Sendai – continuing his splendid work with Hisamitsu Heavy Industries. I just wanted to confirm something we had talked about previously. That thing regarding Hisako-chan."
"Hisako… oh yes! Did she really accept the offer?" Yuri was actually a bit surprised. From their last discussion, the tall black haired model had been adamant about achieving her academic goals on her own.
"Yes… but I had to sell it with a little slant on the primary purpose of her stay there." Shinako admitted.
"Oh?" Yuri was curious if it had anything to do with the girls getting back into their entertainment careers. It would make sense for them to all be in one place for a while, I guess.
"Yes, she will be going to Tokyo to help you. Any academic help she gets from you while she is there will be… incidental." Shinako briefly explained the arrangement.
"Help me?" Yuri wondered.
"Well, little Ryan is what… seven months old now, isn't he? And with your husband gone to Sendai, surely you could do with a little help about now?" Shinako sensed some hesitance and added, "Hisako-chan has been helping out with Noto and Maya's five month old babies, you know."
"But, won't that be inconvenient for Maya-chan? She has to take care of twins after all." Yuri worried.
"Not to worry. She has Nanako-chan, Noto-sama, and me for now. Should you accept my offer, I will be requesting one or two of the maids from the estate as well. I can assure you that Noto-sama's children will be well cared for." Shinako said with certainty.
"I suppose they will." Yuri sighed when she thought of the resources that were available to Shinako. All she had to do was to pick up the phone and request a couple of maids while Yuri had been going it alone. Sure, she had the occasional visit from Suzume and Umeki. Ryuuji, Ami, Minori, and even Taiga visited from time to time. But they were more social visits than anything else, and there was no-one else to help at night. AT NIGHT! Will I be able to sleep all night again? Even once? Please, let it be true! The thought of getting a full night of sleep was a blessed dream to her at this point. She hadn't had one since they got back from Australia and her health was showing it. Lethargy, dark circles around her eyes, and unbidden tears at the offer of help. Wiping the tears away with her sleeve, she told Shinako, "I will gratefully accept this offer. Please convey to Hisako-chan, my deep gratitude for her help."
.
Back in Tokushima, Shinako looked up at Hisako and raised an eyebrow. Both of them had heard the emotion of the heart-felt thanks at the end of the call. The truth of this visit might have been for Hisako's education, but there was no doubt that the exhausted teacher needed help.
"How soon…" Shinako started to ask.
"Tomorrow morning… after I see Nanako-chan off to school." Hisako said as she turned and left the room. Pausing briefly at the doorway she added, "Thank you for this, Shinako-san."
.
Tuesday afternoon, May 10th – Martial Arts Gymnasium
Waseda University, Tokyo
"Tiger!" a voice called out in the preparation room where Taiga was helping one of the other students get into her armor for her practice match.
"Senpai!" Taiga replied without pausing in her task with the recalcitrant 'doh'. It wasn't that there was really a problem with the piece of torso armor so much as it was a problem with getting it to fit right.
"Ah, the big boob problem again, eh?" the senpai observed when she was close enough to see what it was that Taiga was struggling with.
"Senpai!" both Taiga and the girl donning the armor called her out on her sexual harassment.
"What? We're all girls here." the senior student replied innocently, "And besides, it's not like this is something new. We all have to wear the same armor, you know."
"That's the problem. All the armor is the same, but everyone's body isn't the same." Taiga gestured at the girl's significant breasts that didn't quite fit behind the protection of the upper torso part of the armor.
"Then she should wrap them." the unforgiving senpai replied.
"They are wrapped!" Taiga growled.
"Why are you so worried anyway? It's not like you have that problem." the troublesome senpai was of course, referring to Taiga's featureless front.
Taiga's temple throbbed with the effort not to turn around and destroy the insulting idiot. With a supreme exertion of will, she clenched her teeth and asked, "Why are you here, senpai?"
"Oh yes, we have received a Kendo challenge from a university in California. The date is set for the last weekend in July." the senpai replied.
"Not interested. I'll be on vacation with friends. You guys can handle their team." Taiga said tersely.
"They aren't sending a team. It's just one person and you were asked for specifically. It seems they have a competitor that wants to have a go at the tiger. But if you're not interested…" the senpai started to leave.
"Wait…" Taiga was bothered by something the senpai had said. One contestant coming all the way from California to challenge only me? It couldn't be… Taiga asked, "Did they give the name of this challenger?"
"Yeah, um…" the senior student fished a note out of her pocket and read the name aloud, "Sumire Kano. You know her?"
"Oh yes, I know her." Taiga's look became feral. Several students moved away from her, when they saw the dark look on her face. "Please reply that I will be happy to accept this request. And senpai…"
"Yes?" the senior student shivered when Taiga turned to face her. For a moment her fear impulse told her that she should immediately flee from this very dangerous predator.
"To prepare for this match, I will need practice partners about your size. One sixty-five to one seventy centimeters." Taiga told her.
The senpai knew that height range was just a bit over the Japanese female norm, but there were still a fair number of girls of that size in the club. Wondering how much practice Taiga wanted to get in, she asked, "How many?"
"All of them." Taiga's grin became positively sinister.
.
Wednesday noon, May 11th – Tokyo University Student Center Cafe
"How does it look?" Ami asked Ryuuji while taking her seat next to him at the table where he had been waiting.
"Not good… it's heading right for us. At least it's not getting any stronger." Ryuuji replied while studying something on his phone.
"Huh?" Ami didn't understand his reply at all.
"Huh?" Ryuuji said as he looked up from his phone.
"I was talking about practices and performances." Ami specified.
"Ah, sorry. I was talking about Aere. It's supposed to hit tomorrow." Ryuuji explained while showing her the projected storm path on his cell phone.
"How bad does it look?" Ami asked. She could make out that the dotted lines meant that it was heading toward the east coast of Japan, but she didn't understand all the other weather icons.
"It's still a tropical storm and it's not supposed to become a full typhoon before it hits, so the worst we should get will be gusting winds and maybe a lot of rain. It might be a bit worse in Tokushima though." Ryuuji reported.
Living on an archipelago of islands in that part of the Pacific, all Japanese people were familiar with typhoons. The thing that was always on the news was the high winds, but the heavy rains could be just as devastating. Rivers could swell over their banks, valleys could have flash floods, and mountains could have landslides. After the world watched the destruction caused by the flood waters of the tsunami in March, no-one was underestimating the damage that heavy rains could cause.
"Will they be okay?" Ami's question was about their friends in Tokushima.
"Noto, Maya, and Nanako are back in their townhouse near the university, so they should be fine. The Hisamitsu estate is on pretty solid ground, so Obāsama should be safe too. The roads in and out of there may be questionable for a while…" Ryuuji used his phone's map feature to zoom in on the mountain path that led up to the estate that had been such a wonderful refuge for them.
"What about Hisako?" Ami noticed that Ryuuji had mentioned all of their friends in Tokushima except her.
"She's here in Tokyo." Ryuuji replied. Then he looked up at her stunned expression and asked, "Have you checked the messages on your phone?"
"The battery is dead. Why is Hisako here?" Ami demanded. Her first concern was that her sometimes moody friend might have had a falling out with the others.
"Do I need your permission to come to Tokyo?" a familiar voice queried from behind Ami.
"What?" Ami spun around and saw her friend approaching their table with a tray of food. She was suddenly glad that she hadn't jumped up to embrace her friend.
"You're Kurosawa Hisako, aren't you?" a male student asked from the other side of the table. He was flanked by another guy with a camera and a girl that looked too young to be in college.
"I am." Hisako said defensively. She still had little trust for reporters asking questions and the guy with the camera had put her in that mindset.
"These guys are okay, Hisako-chan." Ryuuji vouched for them, "They are the ones that came up with the plan to expose the agent that had been maligning us."
"I see." Hisako's eyes opened wide from the initial sneer that she had given them. Carefully placing her tray on the table she bowed low and told them, "Thank you very much for all that you have done for my friends, and for me."
"Wow!" the girl seemed starstruck.
"May… may I take a picture? It will be for the campus newspaper." the boy with the camera stammered.
"Hey hey, we're attracting a lot of attention." Ryuuji warned the growing group.
"Takasu-san, you're sitting at a table with two beautiful idols, you're going to attract a lot of attention regardless." the boy that initially spoke to them said.
"He's right you know." Ami smiled. Then she stood up and pulled Hisako close while she asked, "Is this a good pose?"
"Yes!" the young photographer practically choked out his answer. Behind him, a lot of other students were starting to gather as well.
"Is that all you want?" Hisako asked after the boy had snapped only a single picture.
"Huh? Really? May I take more?" he gasped at his amazing luck.
"Calm down. Trembling hands are no good for a photographer." Hisako said with one of her best smiles.
"Ryuuji-san, could you stand between them and give me that look?" the photographer asked eagerly.
"What look?" Ryuuji asked while standing and moving between the two models.
"That fierce look you had on the Australian runway." the photographer replied while lifting the camera to get the shot.
"Uh… I don't know if I could do it without wearing the Hellivin. How is this?" Ryuuji tried giving them a toothy and evil grin. It was exactly the sort of thing that he had tried to avoid all his life because of the way it scared everyone.
"Yes! That's the one. Now if Ami-chan and Hisako-chan could move in close?" the photographer had quickly fallen into his role.
"Like this?" Hisako asked as she and Ami wrapped themselves around his arms.
"Is this just a casual meet-up, or are you guys getting back together? Uh, I mean professionally." the first boy asked.
"It's really just a casual thing today. I just moved back to Tokyo for a while and I thought I'd catch up with Ami-chan." Hisako replied.
"Awww… I mean, well… it's good that you can see your friends but I guess I… we were getting our hopes up for… something else." the girl stammered out her reaction, apology, and feelings all together.
"Ryuuji, your classmates seem rather let down. Don't you think we can tell them?" Hisako affected the mannerisms of a little girl begging for a treat. It was out of character for her, but it always had the desired effect on Ryuuji. Well, maybe not always, but often enough.
The crowd around them got quiet and a few mouths dropped at what this could mean.
"There is a certain symmetry since this is the place where we announced we were all leaving the entertainment business." Ryuuji replied and turned to Ami to ask her, "What do you think?"
"What? What are they saying? What's going on? Shhhhh!" the people in the back wanted to know why it had suddenly become so quiet while the people in the front were desperately trying to hear what the celebrities said next.
"Mmm… it may be a little unprofessional, but you're right about the symmetry. I'll leave this up to you, since you're the manager we trust." Ami purred her response to match the sultry pleading that had come from Hisako.
"You're with the school paper too, right?" Ryuuji asked when he turned back to the boy who had first approached them. When he saw the nod, he asked, "Since it's going that way already, do you want to interview us?"
"Yes, please." the boy replied with a flat stunned voice. When he realized what he had just agreed to, he shook his head and carefully considered the questions he wanted to ask. Of paramount importance was the one everyone was waiting to hear the answer to. It had been asked casually before, but Ryuuji was giving him the chance to ask it as a reporter. "Ryuuji… manager-san, are you getting the group back together?
"Yes." Ryuuji answered simply but the reaction was completely out of proportion to his one word reply.
The cheering and shouting was calmed down by those around the reporter as he prepared to ask his next question. "Does that mean just Ami-chan and Hisako-chan, or are you getting all of them back?"
"Y… all of them?" Ryuuji had to ask. He had intended to mention Suzume and Aiko-chan but the question seemed to mean more than just two more names. "Er, what do you mean by all of them?"
"Well, there are the two whose names we know…" the reporter was interrupted by the girl beside him.
"Suzume-chan and Aiko-chan!" she chirped.
"But then there are the others that debuted in Australia: Fashion-chan, Imouto-chan, Aussie-chan, Onee-chan, and Sensei-chan.." the reporter replied.
Ryuuji was stunned. He hadn't heard these nicknames for the others and he wasn't sure how they would all take it. One thing was certain though – this reporter hadn't just come up with those names on the spot. None of the other expectant faces surrounding them showed any confusion at the sudden inclusion of five more members. He glanced at Ami and Hisako but they seemed to be as surprised as he was. With the initial shock wearing off, his curiosity took over and he asked the interviewer, "When did they get these nicknames?"
"It was that magazine. The one that did a special on your group back when you got married… they did a special farewell issue after you announced the break-up."
"So, they took a swing at us too?" Ryuuji said in disappointment. He had thought they had established a good rapport with at least one reporter.
"No no!" the girl replied while digging into her backpack. Pulling out her copy of the magazine, she showed them the cover and told them, "They treated all of you with respect."
The cover featured the Australian runway shot of Ryuuji in his Hellivin and Ami in the shimmering, emerald green evening dress that lovingly clung to every curve of her body.
"Hmph." Hisako was a little upset that her picture wasn't on the cover too, but she couldn't complain about the title.
VINDICATION!
The story of an
Intrepid Young Manager
and his
Fearless Models
who dared to challenge the
Tyrannical Entertainment Industry
"Wow… did you know about this?" Ryuuji asked Ami, but she just shook her head.
"You're all in here!" the girl told them as she opened up the special issue to a page that folded out to show all of their pictures from the red carpet walk back in early March.
"May I?" Hisako reached for the magazine when she saw the shot of her on the red carpet with Nanako.
"Yes!" the girl said while handing over her treasure.
Hisako's eyes got a little misty as she recalled those hectic but incredibly fun days of the Australia trip. She hadn't looked at any of the video or print media since getting back to Japan and experiencing the very unwelcome reception. But there they all were… and there was Nanako. The picture perfectly captured Nanako-chan's fair skin and long purple hair as well as the gauzy yellow dress she was wearing. A pen suddenly blocked her view of the picture. For a moment, she wondered who would be foolish enough to do something so rude to her… but the carefully manicured and delicately painted nails told her that it could only be one person.
"I'll sign it after you." Ami said with a wink.
Ryuuji tried to excuse himself long enough to call Ami's uncle and let him know that it was okay to release the retooled video that Deena had brought to them, as well as the public announcement that they would be returning to the entertainment world. Unfortunately, his own popularity had soared since the red carpet walk in Australia and he had to settle with sending a text message.
"Manager-sama! Will you sign it too?" the girl with the magazine requested after getting the signatures of Ami and Hisako.
"Me?" Ryuuji was stunned in disbelief, but the girl's vigorous nodding confirmed it.
"I think they still have copies of this issue in the bookstore." someone called out and more than half the crowd migrated to the campus bookstore adjacent to the café.
"What made you decide to start working again?"
"When is the next song coming out?"
"Do you have any performances scheduled?"
"Is Sensei-chan really a school teacher somewhere in Tokyo?"
"Did you really get to meet Hellivin?"
"Where was that island video made? Was it Okinawa? Was it Hawaii?
All three of them ended up answering a lot of questions, posing for a lot of pictures, and signing a lot of autographs. Ami would have to ask about their practices and performances later.
.
Thursday morning, May 12th– Hisamitsu Estate, Tokushima
"It doesn't seem so bad from here." Muyuki, the plum haired wife of Haruta Koji stood at the big windows that opened on the wide covered porch and watched the storm clouds swirling in the distance.
"It's not as bad here in the mountains. The people on the coast though… they may be having a hard time. It's difficult to tell from here." Obāsama replied as she stood nearby. Also watching the storm crashing into the mountains, she held her cat close to her chest and kept him calm with slow gentle strokes.
"I hope Koji will be okay." Muyuki said mournfully.
"I'm sure he will. The Major is a very reliable and resourceful man.
"Yes." Muyuki simply agreed. She hadn't thought much about the man that her husband was back in Sendai with. Muyuki was too concerned with Koji being back there in the first place. Sendai… The place where everyone died. Why does he have to be there? To rebuild? So what? Why should it be rebuilt? They should bulldoze the whole city and put up a memorial shrine to everyone who died there. No-one should live there. No-one should be there. And if Koji is there, why can't I be there too? Why? "Why Obāsama? Why can't I be there too?"
"Because you're not ready yet." Obāsama replied.
"When will I be ready?" Muyuki asked.
"That is not something that anyone can tell you. Only you can know when you are ready." Obāsama answered.
"Then I'm ready." Muyuki decided.
"No, you're not." Obāsama instantly countermanded.
Muyuki glared at the old woman while her mouth twisted in frustration.
"You are still angry with Koji-kun, are you not?" Obāsama asked.
"Of course I am. I hate him." Muyuki huffed.
"Why?" Obāsama asked.
"Why what?" Muyuki asked the old woman to explain her question.
"Why are you angry with Koji-kun? Why do you hate him so?" Obāsama re-asked.
"…" Muyuki couldn't answer. To her, it was like asking why she was herself. To her, the reason to despise her husband was self evident. She was stunned that the old woman couldn't see it too.
"When you are able to answer that question, you will no longer be mad at Koji-kun. Only then will you be ready." Obāsama explained.
"So then… you're not angry Obāsama?" Muyuki asked.
"I am furious actually." Obāsama admitted.
"At Koji?" Muyuki asked.
"At you." Obāsama corrected.
"Me? Why are you angry at me?" Muyuki asked.
"At first I pitied you. But, over time I seem to care less about your circumstances and even about the people you've lost. I don't believe I am a heartless person, but your continued inexcusable behavior is making me feel this way more and more every day. The unforgivable way you treat your husband is hardening my heart. I can feel my compassion and humanity growing cold… and I don't like it." Obāsama felt better after letting out the troubles that had been building up for some time.
"You… you sound like you wish I was dead too." Muyuki accused.
"If this was a previous era, I would have already judged that you were possessed by demons and had you executed," Obāsama sighed and continued, "but we live in enlightened times and we now call it mental and emotional issues. There is no pill for this, but they tell me that there is hope that you can pull yourself out of this spiral of idiocy… if you really want to."
Muyuki was stunned. She wanted to argue with the old woman and tell her how it was all Koji's fault, but the solid reasons she understood so implicitly suddenly seemed insubstantial when she tried to put words around them.
"Please come to your senses soon, Muyuki-chan. It seems that my hope for you is fading with my compassion. Even now, I know that I am doing something I was told not to. But, I find it quite liberating to tell you the truth, rather than tiptoe around someone I am beginning to despise."
"Despise?" Muyuki choked in disbelief at what she was hearing.
"Indeed." Obāsama replied simply as she turned to leave. She stopped briefly at the entrance to the room and told the stunned girl, "I am going to have tea now. Please do not join me. I rather enjoy tea and have no wish to have the moment ruined with your presence."
No! This cannot be! Everyone hates Koji… he's the cause of all this! I am to be pitied for my loss and for the treachery of my husband. Why would she choose to like him and hate me? Everyone else sympathizes with me. Everyone else hates him. Everyone! No-one can like Koji! The whole world must despise Koji! How can she be so mixed up? How can she not understand something so simple and fundamental? She… she must be confused. She's old so it's not unexpected. I'll show her how wrong she is and prove to her once and for all! Muyuki pulled out her cell phone and sent a series of text messages.
Muyuki: Do you hate Koji?
Noto: No, he is my friend.
Muyuki: Do you hate Koji?
Maya: No.
Muyuki: Do you hate Koji?
Nanako: No.
Muyuki: Do you hate Koji?
Minori: No. Why would I?
Muyuki: Do you hate Koji?
Taiga: No, baka.
Muyuki: Do you hate Koji?
Deena: I barely know him, but no. I don't hate him.
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. "Noooooooooooooooooo!" Muyuki sobbed as she collapsed to the floor. Her carefully constructed world was washing away like watercolors in a hard rain… or from her tears. She wailed her frustration in the empty room, "That's not the way it's supposed to be! They're supposed to hate him. They're all supposed to hate him! Why? Why don't they hate him like I do? Why doesn't anyone understand? Why?"
.
Not far away, Obāsama sat in the glass walled room and watched the courtyard garden swaying in the storm's gusting winds. Many things were toppled over and knocked down. A few things looked irrecoverably damaged. There will need to be some restorative gardening after this. There are a few things that have broken and will be missed, but nothing so precious that it can't be replaced.
"Obāsama, you asked me to tell you what happened in the front room." a maid said quietly as she entered.
"Yes?" Obāsama waved the maid to come closer.
"She collapsed to the floor and threw a fit, as you predicted." the maid reported.
It wasn't my prediction. Obāsama smiled to herself then asked, "Did she say anything?"
"I couldn't hear everything, but she seemed adamant that everyone was supposed to hate 'him' – whoever 'him' is." the maid replied.
"I see." Obāsama sighed and decided to follow through with the plan, "If you can rouse her, tell her to go to her room to sleep. If you can't wake her, go get one or two of the stable hands to carry her. Tell them… tell them to use whatever method is most efficient. She needs to know that my displeasure is real."
"Yes Obāsama." the maid bowed and left the room to the old woman and her tea.
Obāsama pulled out a small notebook and recalled the conversation with Taiga on her last day at the estate.
.
"I've done all I can. I think she is making some progress, but…" Taiga told Obāsama while they slowly walked through the stables.
"I saw her talking with you and the other girls. That is certainly some progress. Thank you, Taiga-chan." Obāsama made sure the diminutive young lady was aware of her gratitude.
"There is something you may not be seeing though. I only caught it a few times myself." Taiga warned.
"Oh?"
"You know how she hates Koji-kun and blames him for all her losses?" Taiga asked.
"Yes. It is irrational, but I am aware of it." Obāsama confirmed.
"I think… I'm sure that there is more to it." Taiga tried to figure out the best way to say it but ended up just blurting it out, "She thinks everyone hates Koji like she does. She thinks everyone also blames him the way she does."
"That's beyond irrational." Obāsama found the word, "That is delusional."
"I think so too." Taiga agreed. "If I just had more time…"
Obāsama wished the same thing, but they had run out of time. Taiga would have to leave soon, to get back to Tokyo for her university classes. "Is there something I can do?"
"Maybe, but you'll need to hit her…" Taiga was cut off.
"I will not strike her!" Obāsama said sternly.
"...verbally." Taiga finished her sentence and gave Obāsama a downcast look… which was quite a trick from her height.
"Oh." Obāsama knew she had wrongly assumed, and apologized, "Sorry for jumping to conclusions."
"It's okay… I know I have that kind of reputation." Taiga sighed and wondered if she would ever get away from that image. Fortunately, her spoiled and violent background also gave her a little insight that others might not have. "Listen, if you're going to do this, you should have a few of your maids around you whenever she is near."
"Why?" Obāsama asked in surprise.
"If this works, and the harsh reality suddenly hits her in the face, she'll probably throw a fit." Taiga warned.
"You mean… like a spoiled child?" Obāsama clarified.
"Exactly… like a spoiled child." Taiga's fists clenched at her memories of her own history of tantrums and violence.
"I don't think she's that kind of person, but… I will heed your advice." Obāsama could see the internal pain in Taiga's eyes and decided not to push the issue. "Taiga-chan, please continue.
.
Taiga did continue. They came up with a framework of a plan in very little time. They knew that they would have to shake Muyuki up hard, if they hoped to disabuse her of the delusions she was clinging to. It wasn't something Obāsama was comfortable with, but it was something that needed to be done.
.
Friday morning, May 13th– Sendai
"I used to think that typhoons were pretty terrible." Haruta Koji remarked while he surveyed the damage from the previous day's deluge of rain and gusting wind.
A tarp was missing and a cargo truck was stuck in the mud.
"Before you write off typhoons, remember that this was only a tropical storm." The Major reminded him.
"Still… nothing like the tsunami." Haruta quipped.
"You must stay vigilant against that kind of complacency." The Major warned. "Imagine what would happen if people stopped taking typhoons seriously because they had lived through a tsunami. Then a Category 5 storm comes calling…"
"Yeah, that would be bad." Koji could easily imagine the number of dead left in the wake of one of the monster storms. He started to have flashbacks from all the places where he had searched for bodies of families and friends.
The Major hadn't intended to make the young man so morose, but complacency was an insidious killer that he was determined to quash whenever possible. It wasn't just his military training that enforced that mind set. Having grown up in Nebraska, he had learned of The Tornadoes of Easter that occurred early in the 20th century. Seven tornadoes marched across Nebraska and killed more than a hundred and fifty people. And even though there had been nothing like that for the last seventy years, the people of the region fought a constant battle against complacency. By developing early warning systems and educating awareness, generation after generation vowed to make sure that kind of disaster never happened again.
The Major knew that Japan had top notch early warning systems for all kinds of natural disasters. They had innovated and implemented the best warning delivery system in the world. But all of this incredible infrastructure is useless if people became complacent. The Major's thoughts were distracted when he felt his cell phone buzz with a message. Thinking it was one of the construction groups checking in, he was pleasantly surprised when he saw the message from Obāsama.
The butterflies dance
Brilliant colors of rainbows
Rippling like water.
"Ha! Good news, Haruta-kun!" The Major cheered. He showed the message to the young man and told him, "It looks like Obāsama is having some success with your wife's recovery."
"Yeah…" Haruta looked at the message, scratched his head, looked at The Major to see if this was some kind of joke, but the old man seemed quite serious.
"Don't tell me you don't understand the meaning of Haiku's?" The Major asked incredulously.
"I… didn't study as well as I should have… in school." Haruta admitted.
"School? You're Japanese for cryin out loud!" The Major exclaimed.
"Hey, not every American likes hamburgers!" Haruta didn't know if that was really true, but it was the only thing he could come up with.
"…" The Major took a breath and considered the rebuttal. Certainly it was true, but the deeper inference was also true. "I'm sorry Haruta-kun. Haiku's can have pretty complex meanings. And to be honest, some Americans don't know the capitol of their own state. A lot of them don't even know what ocean Japan is in."
Haruta was about to call those people idiots, but thought better of it when he realized that he didn't know what ocean America was in. Instead, he brought the conversation back to his wife, "So, she's better. Will she be back to normal when we get back to Tokushima?"
"It's a process, Haruta-kun." The Major said as he clapped Haruta on the shoulder.
"What does that mean?" Haruta worried that was another one of those 'complex meaning' things.
"It means it could still take a while. Right now, her progress is just taking baby steps." The Major added, "And don't get your hopes up that she will ever be 'back to normal' again. She's been through a lot and so have you. Neither of you will ever be the way you were before."
"Ah dude, that really sucks." Haruta groaned.
"It's part of growing up, but I'll grant you - it does suck this time. But not always." The Major gave him an encouraging smile and told him, "Constantly redefining the 'normal' you have with someone you love – can be a lot of fun."
"Dude, that sounds like another complex meaning thing," Haruta moaned but smiled when he added, "but 'fun' sounds good."
"Baby steps, Haruta-kun." The Major patted the young man on the back. "Baby steps."