Chapter Nine: Daikon Radishes
By this time, it was midday and everyone was getting hungry. Kaoru offered to cook, but Sanosuke mentioned that perhaps it would be a better idea to go out and show their guest the Akabeko or any other restaurant in town. Chisa mentioned that it didn't matter to her, though she would be happy to pay for everyone should they go out. Sanosuke whistled and yelled "To the Akabeko!" Everyone else followed along.
On the way, Chisa saw a newspaper on the ground with a title that read "Kurogasa Dead!" or something to that effect. Originally, the police chief held the story in all newspapers when Jin-e was alive, but after his death there was no reason for the story not to run. His attacks were notorious all across Japan: From Kagoshima, to Shizuoka, to Hokkaido. Running the story seemed to ease the mind of the public. The story itself was nearly as brief as the title, simply noting that his murder streak was at an end and that citizens could sleep more peacefully at night. All citizens with the exception of Chisa, of course.
This reminded Chisa that she didn't want to say either of his names in public; the Akabeko could have close quarters at times. She requested that the group not use his name either or give much context that may give away her identity. She didn't feel nearly as safe in the world without Jin-e there to protect her, even if she hadn't felt entirely safe around him in many months if not the past year.
At the Akabeko, Tae seated them quickly and asked who their guest was, assuming that Kaoru had added another stranger to her collection.
"This is Kitagawa Chisa. She is a friend of the family." Kaoru smiled. They weren't sure what else to call her.
They sat and ordered their food. In the meantime, Chisa had some questions for them in return related to how they got to where they are. One by one, they told her how they found their way to the Kamiya Dojo. Yahiko talked about how he was the son of a samurai and that he was working hard to become one as well. Sanosuke openly discussed the Sekihotai and his former identity as Zansa. Kaoru of course has lived at the dojo her whole life, but spoke highly of her father and grandfather and how they shaped her into the woman she is. Kenshin simply smiled and said that he wandered down the right street at the right time. Again, Kaoru had wished that he was more open about his past, impatient to learn more about this rurouni she adopted into her home.
"So you two aren't a couple?" Chisa tilted her head. Sanosuke and Yahiko giggled while Kaoru blushed.
"Oro? No, this one would not add that responsibility to Kaoru-dono here." He smiled awkwardly.
"It's just that your energy seems…synchronized. Don't you think so?" Chisa looked at Sano and Yahiko who laughed even harder.
"So your older sister, you said very frankly that she had a child out of wedlock. Most people don't admit that with their families so freely." Kaoru said, hoping to change the subject to something a little less uncomfortable.
Tae delivered their meal, breaking the conversation. "Here you are! I hope you enjoy!" She smiled sweetly. Chisa smiled back.
"Yes, Akari had, or has, quite a rebellious streak that I never really had. She is exceptionally open about things. One of the last things he and I discussed was this very subject. I envy her in some ways, being such a free spirit. She is and always will be my safe person. She has never hurt me like most others have." Chisa took a small bite. It was the best thing she had eaten in a while.
She noticed, however, served on the side were chunks of stewed daikon radishes. She thought of pulling them in their garden. She thought of all the times she had to scrub, peel, and chop them. She thought of the one time she ruined them by accidentally using sugar instead of salt in a recipe and Jin-e openly gagged. She found herself crying again and excused herself to go outside. The others looked at each other and Kenshin stood to go check on her. Kaoru stood as well and the pair decided to go together.
She was standing by the building facing the wall. When Kenshin and Kaoru approached, she turned and looked at them with wide eyes. "It was those damned radishes." She said, laughing through the tears that continued to flow.
"Oro?" Kenshin looked puzzled. Kaoru too. Chisa had forgotten that she never told them that was one of his favorite foods.
"It's just ordinary reminders that spark grief sometimes, isn't it? Things that may seem so insignificant to others…" She choked a bit on mucus, then hiccuped. She did not feel very lady-like.
Kenshin thought of white plums.
"Give me a moment and I'll join you back inside soon." Chisa added, sniffing again.
Inside, Sanosuke and Yahiko had tried their best not to eat much and didn't touch the radishes. Kaoru and Kenshin returned and looked at the vegetables and then looked at each other. "Do we leave the radishes or do we not?" Kaoru asked.
"This one thinks we should leave them for now and see what happens." Kenshin still felt confused but didn't feel comfortable enough to ask questions.
When Chisa returned, she picked up her chopsticks and placed a few chunks of daikon into a small dish. She ate them with a smile and still a few tears.
Yahiko looked at the plate of radishes. "Yuck. No thanks."
Chisa laughed again. "You know, I don't even like these." She placed another chunk in her mouth.
"So weird." Sanosuke shook his head. "Anyway, you were talking about your sister."
"Oh yes, my sister! I will have to have you meet her tomorrow. She rode with me here. She has some other things she's currently taking care of, but she will be able to join us then."
The five of them finished their meal, thanked Tae for another fantastic lunch, Chisa paid and left.
As they walked back to the dojo, Chisa was still thinking about daikon radishes. Kenshin was still thinking about white plums.
