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The Courtship of Lady Tokio

by Misaki Toyodome

Chapter 2 - The Zen of Archery

It had been a busy month since the official founding of the Mibu Roushi Gumi. There was the organisational structure to work out, the recruiting of new members, the day-to-day running of affairs, not to mention funding. Funding was a problem - although they had hoped for financial support from Aizu, it was not yet forthcoming, and they had to turn elsewhere. 'Elsewhere' consisted of merchants and wealthy families who were loyal to the Shogunate and had leanings towards Aizu. However, elsewhere wasn't necessarily somewhere they wanted to rely on for their upkeep. As Serizawa put it, some of the members felt it to be "the height of degradation, for bushi to be begging from wretched money farmers". Serizawa was a legitimate samurai of the Mito-han, and as with many people from the samurai class, had an innate prejudice against those who made their living through trade and commerce, not to mention farmers and peasants. As for farmers and peasants, Kondou, Hijikata and Okita were all of peasant background - they did not feel the sting of ignominy for 'rallying support' (as they phrased it) as Serizawa did. There were times when Hijikata and Serizawa nearly came to blows because Hijikata resented Serizawa casting "condescending and disdainful" glares at the group from Shieikan. After all, technically, Kondou and Serizawa were now of equal status.

Still, progress was being made. Slowly but surely, the organization was beginning to assume a proper structure and position. The members were feeling more and more confident in their work, and their founding principles were reinforced. One month after they had been officially inaugurated, they received another invitation from Matsudaira Katamori, this time about staging a demonstration for his benefit. Of course, there was no question about accepting it. One did not refuse such invitations. It would be an opportune time to validate their claims and demonstrate their prowess. If they performed well, it would instantly boost their reputation and depending on the impression they made, it might be a chance to urge the Aizu-han to provide support in a more material way. Of course, there was the possibility that things could go extremely wrong, and that they would lose face in front of the Aizu-kou... They tried not to think about this outcome.

April 16th - 1863

"Kondou-kun, I must thank you for coming today. I've been looking forward to it - it should make a refreshing change from the usual official duties. Just between you and me, I've been growing rather tired of sitting in my study and reading endless reports." Kondou bowed as Matsudaira spoke.

"Matsudaira-sama, we are at your service. We are most honoured to have this opportunity to demonstrate our skills. I promise that we shall not disappoint you."

Matsudaira-kou looked content. He would be observing from the engawa of the courtyard, seated alongside Kondou and Serizawa.

"If you please," continued Kondou, "the first match will be between Hijikata Toshizou and Toudou Heisuke. The second match will be Saitou Hajime against Nagakura Shinpachi. The third set will be Hirayama Gorou and Sahaku Matasaburou. Then Yamanami Keisuke and Okita Souji for the fourth match. Then we will proceed to a display of spear techniques, by Harada Sanosuke, and finally some jujutsu exercises. We can start whenever you wish."

"In that case, please start as soon as you are ready."

Kondou nodded his head at Hijikata, who stood up with Toudou. They walked to the centre of the courtyard, bowed to their observers, faced each other, bowed again, and then took their positions. Serizawa would be refereeing.

Hijikata held his shinai at an unusually low angle, nearly parallel to the ground. Toudou's shinai was in a more conventional position, slightly higher, and at an acute angle to his body. Serizawa lifted his arm, and brought it swiftly down.

"Hajime!"

Neither of them moved.

'Hijikata-san is more experienced than me, and I have never seen him hold a sword like that,' the thoughts ran through Toudou's mind. 'But I'm younger, I'm faster.'

Toudou tensed, and sprang forward. He was aiming for the centre of the forehead, but before he had the chance to bring his shinai down, Hijikata's sword slammed into him.

"...Uurrghhhh!"

Toudou fell to his knees, winded and gasping for breath.

"Ippon! Winner, Hijikata."

It had all happened so quickly. The shocked look on Matsudaira's face showed that Hijikata had certainly made an impression. He called out,

"If I may ask, Hijikata-kun, what was the move you just executed?"

Hijikata bowed and replied,

"It is a new move that I am currently developing. It is the first time I have used it against an opponent, and if I might say so myself, I am sure that with more practice, it should certainly become an efficient move."

"It seems efficient enough, if you ask me."

"Your praise is most kind. Thank you very much." The way he said this was typically Hijikata: cool, calm, and not in the least bit swayed by the commendation.

Matsudaira-kou was not the only one who was surprised. Kondou, although he had known that Hijikata was in the midst of designing a new move, had not imagined it would be anything like this. He had envisioned something a bit, well, flashier, not something as straightforward as a single thrust. Serizawa narrowed his eyes in displeasure. 'That jumped up son of a rice farmer, so that's what he's been locking himself up in the dojo for.'

"Sugoiya, Hijikata-san!" Okita seemed very happy and excited. As soon as they got back to Mibu, Okita would start practicing and devising new routines incorporating it straight away.

'Interesting,' thought Saitou, 'it's like the idea that I had the other day.'

As Saitou was up next, he did not have time to follow this train of thought. He stood beside Nagakura, they bowed to the observers, then bowed to each other, and assumed their starting stances. Serizawa gave the order to start, and unlike the last match, immediately they launched themselves at each other, shinai beating against shinai with sharp cracks, then held against each other in a battle of power, and a series of parries and blows. First Saitou, aiming straight for the head, blocked by his opponent who diverted it to his left and aiming fluidly for the right shoulder, blocked by Saitou, and so forth, until they were a blur of movement. Suddenly, there was a resounding crack, and Saitou's shinai flew against Nagakura's left rib cage. But at the same time, Nagakura's weapon had crashed onto Saitou's left shoulder.

"Draw!"

They broke away, and faced each other again. Saitou and Nagakura - along with Okita, these would come to be known as the Three Powers of the group. Surpassing all the other members, they were magnificent with a sword in hand. These two were equally matched in power and skill. Nagakura liked sparring with Saitou. There was something very straightforward about the way he wielded his weapon. There was something uncompromising at the core of his strength. A real challenge.

'If only his personality was as straightforward as his sword, and a bit more gracious,' thought Nagakura a little ruefully.

Their shinai clashed again, high blows, low swings, quick thrusts, rapid strikes. Nagakura managed to catch Saitou on his left arm, but Saitou swept at Nagakura's feet, causing him to lose his balance. Circling each other, trying to find a weakness in the other's defence, they paused for a while. All was very still around them, no wind in the leaves, no birds flying over head, no sound of the city reached the courtyard where they were assembled.

Unexpectedly, Saitou crouched in a most unusual way, right arm extended over the shinai held in his left hand.

'Remember how Hijikata charged and found his way into Toudou's sphere of attack. Remember how he dodged Toudou's blow.' Saitou concentrated.

Nagakura looked unsettled. This looked similar to Hijikata's move earlier, but not quite the same. This was...more dangerous, it felt more explosive. The spectators held their breath. Anticipation hung in the air. They waited. And then Saitou charged. Before Nagakura had the chance to react, a sharp pain burst in his right shoulder. His shinai flew up into the air, and crashed into Saitou's face. A gasp escaped from most of the onlookers.

"Ippon! Winner, Saitou."

They bowed, turned towards the engawa and bowed again. Matsudaira was not trying to hide his excitement.

"Excellent match, the both of you! It fills me with confidence to know that we have men like you in the Roushi Gumi! Saitou-kun, was that the same move that Hijikata-kun created?"

"I had been thinking of a similar attack, but seeing how Hijikata-san executed his move gave me the idea and basis for this one. There are fundamental differences however."

"Well, I was impressed."

"Please, do not flatter me. If those swords had been real, my face would be missing parts now."

Kondou laughed.

"You were perhaps a little over-enthusiastic about hurting Nagakura-kun. Both of you should get cleaned up."

It was true; Nagakura's shoulder was badly grazed, and Saitou's nose was bleeding heavily.

"Please, let us attend to your injuries. Toyama-kun," Matsudaira-kou turned to address the man sitting in the room behind them, "would you see to it that they are taken care of?"

Toyama bowed and rose to his feet.

"Follow me please."

As the two took their leave and went into the compound, Matsudaira turned back to face the courtyard. He was clearly enjoying himself, and Kondou was looking very pleased at the success of the demonstration. Beside him though, Serizawa could feel a gnawing at his insides.

'You son of a peasant, do your best to curry favour with the Lord. So easily overawed by those in power, always bowing and so eager to please, no sense of real samurai pride. This demonstration is a waste of time.' Serizawa was silently incensed. How dare Matsudaira question the Roushi Gumi's abilities. It was tantamount to questioning the abilities of the commanders, and in his opinion, if it weren't for these peasants bumbling around, this wouldn't be the case...

As Nagakura and Saitou followed Toyama, Nagakura muttered,

"Damn it Saitou-kun, do you not know the meaning of holding back? It was just a sparring match, and you nearly dislocated my shoulder!"

Saitou raised an eyebrow.

"It would have beenrude of me to hold back, Nagakura-san. After all, you are a more experienced swordsman than me."

"Hmph! As if you honestly mean that. It's one of your more objectionable traits, and Okita-kun tells me that there are many others, that you really don't know the meaning of compromise."

Saitou looked at him with those inscrutable amber eyes, and was about to respond when... Twang!
Both of them looked around. A faint thud. The sound of an arrow hitting something? They tensed. Though they doubted that anyone would be foolish enough to start shooting arrows into the Aizu-han headquarters, this could be an attack. Toyama, on the other hand, continued on as though he had noticed nothing, and as they turned the corner, there stood the source of the noise.

A young woman, dressed in white kimono and black hakama, was practising Kyudo. The bow, nearly two metres long was being drawn. Tight, tighter the string was stretched. And then... Twang! The arrow flew straight and true to its target some fifty metres away in the inner courtyard. It shot right into the centre of the innermost circle, next to some five other arrows. A light breeze awoke, and the cherry trees to the side snowed a blizzard of pink petals. She relaxed, and lowered her bow, and turned to face those who had intruded upon her.

"Toyama-sama," she bowed low, "and our most honourable guests."

Nagakura blinked. It was the girl from their inauguration ceremony. He was awkwardly aware of his bloody shoulder and his torn clothes, while she stood there a model of serenity.

"I'm sorry, we didn't mean to disturb you."

"No, please excuse me for blocking your way."

Saitou gave a slight snort of disdain. He always found these rituals of over-politeness somewhat ridiculous. Nagakura frowned at him.

"Ojou-sama," Toyama was addressing the girl, "I have to take these gentlemen to get their wounds taken care of."

Saitou nearly snorted again, but caught Nagakura's disapproving glance. While it was true that their wounds were not life threatening in the least, still, it would be inappropriate to stay in the compound in their bloody state. Tokio looked at them intently, and nodded.

"But Toyama-sama, if I may be so bold, I do not think that the maids will appreciate their ... condition. They might be a bit put out."

Toyama frowned.

"They will do as they are told."

"Toyama-sama, there is no need to frighten the maids. I will see to them myself."

Toyama seemed to consider it for a moment, and then nodded.

"I will return to the demonstration, and inform our Lord."

After Toyama had turned and gone, Tokio bowed again to Saitou and Nagakura.

"My name is Takagi Tokio, and I am at your service. If you please, follow me."

"Takagi-san, I am Nagakura Shinpachi and this is Saitou Hajime, both lieutenant vice-commanders of the Mibu Roushi Gumi. We are very much obliged."

She smiled at them. Saitou nearly snorted again as Nagakura turned a light pink around the cheeks. As they walked down the hall, Saitou suddenly asked,

"Takagi-san? You are Takagi Kojuurou's daughter?"

She inclined her head, and replied,

"Yes, I am his eldest child. My father is still in Edo at the moment, otherwise I know he would have been pleased to see you here."

"Please give him my best regards."

"Of course."

Nagakura looked at Saitou incredulously, and enviously. From what he had just heard, Saitou was acquainted with this lady's father. How? He couldn't read anything from Saitou's expression though. Saitou wore the same inscrutable look as ever.

Tokio saw to it that they were brought clean bandages, water and some alcohol for disinfectant. She asked that they accept a change of clothes while their own were cleaned. Deftly, she bandaged Nagakura's shoulder. Saitou smirked maliciously as he watched his colleague become extremely self-conscious at her touch. Saitou scowled as she then handed him a cloth soaked in alcohol to treat his face.

"You know, I'd rather drink this stuff than rub it on my face."

"Saitou-kun!" He ignored Nagakura's admonishing tone. Tokio tilted her head slightly.

"Perhaps, but the membranes around the nose are quite sensitive and prone to infections. I apologise if I seem overly anxious, but it would ease my worries if I knew the cuts were cleaned." She paused, and then added, "If you wish for saké, I will have some brought to you..."

"Hmph."

"Saitou-kun! Takagi-san, please don't put yourself to any more trouble than you already have. We really do appreciate it. We usually don't have someone around to take such good care of us." Tokio covered her mouth with her hand and laughed.

"At least, I will have them bring some tea and refreshments."

When the tea was brought in, and while the men waited for their clothes to be mended, Nagakura tried to engage Tokio in conversation.

"We've seen you before, you know, at the inauguration ceremony."

"I know, Nagakura-sama, I was there as the scribe, and honoured to be present."

"Isn't it unusual to employ a lady as a scribe? Oh, I mean no offence by that, I was just wondering..."

"Perhaps it is, Nagakura-sama, but I know of other women who are thus employed."

Tokio though, was unused to or unwilling to engage in personal talk about herself. Instead, she asked them whether they were enjoying their time in Kyoto, and how they felt about their newfound position in society. Saitou closed his eyes, not to sleep, but certainly in no mood to join in the conversation. This girl, she was asking too many questions. Still, she was the daughter of Takagi Kojuurou, and he could not be ungracious towards her. Not after how Takagi-san had helped him in Edo...

"Takagi-san, I was wondering, how long have you being practising Kyudo, and why?"

Saitou opened his eyes - this was a subject that he was mildly interested in. Tokio paused to consider her answer.

"... Since I was ten. I started classes at the local shrine, where they host Yabusame demonstrations. Though I knew I would never be able to master shooting while riding a horse, still I was drawn to the concept of Kyudo. Once I was old enough to draw a bow, I started lessons. Since then, I guess you might say it has become an integral part of my life..."

"And what did you find so interesting about it?" Tokio did not reply straight away, and Nagakura was afraid that he had overstepped the boundaries of familiarity. But just as he was about to beg her pardon, she spoke again.

"I do not shoot to improve my technique. Shooting with technique only improves the shooting. Shooting with the spirit improves the person." She looked at them both. "I suppose it is similar in the way you wield your sword..." She fell silent again. And then, "if the spirit is strong, one will appear like a deep-flowing river, calm on the surface but with tremendous power hidden in the depths. Compare that to someone whose internal spirit is weak. Like a small stream, they may appear powerful because of all their noise and turbulence, but underneath they are shallow and devoid of any real power.

"Strict self-control and emotional stability are crucial to the development of one's spirit and to the practice of Kyudo. But some are unwilling to adhere to the strict procedures that the practice of Kyudo requires. These people argue that any attempt at self-control stifles creativity. Attitudes such as this, however, are usually little more than an attempt to use unorthodox methods as a cover for insufficient skill or knowledge. True creativity is sister to the spirit and both are born of simplicity. They are not a product of the intellect, but surface only when the rational mind is quieted and the intuitive thought process takes over..."

Nagakura couldn't find the words to respond. It wasn't exactly the type of response he had been expecting. Saitou watched her through narrow eyes. She noticed that they both seemed taken aback, and smiled apologetically.

"You must excuse me, I talk too much. I hope that you won't let my careless tongue reflect badly on my lord or land."

Just then, the shoji slid open.

"Tokio-sama," the maid entered with their cleaned clothes. "These are ready now."

Tokio thanked her and then handed the clothes to the men.

"Well, I guess that this pleasant time has come to an end, much to my disappointment. I am sure that the demonstration should be nearly finished by now, so if you would like to change back into these clothes, please do so and then I will escort you back to the main courtyard." She smiled a little wistfully, as though it really were a disappointment to her that they had to be leaving soon.

'Miss Takagi,' thought Saitou, 'you'll end up breaking Nagakura if you keep smiling like that.' Saitou thought detachedly as his colleague was trying not to look let down.

"And I am sure that Matsudaira-sama has been most impressed by your demonstration. I wish you the best for the future."

"Takagi-san," said Saitou suddenly, "thank you very much for your kindness today. And please don't forget to give my regards to your father."

He'd said it on purpose, of course, just to provoke that look of disbelief and jealousy on Nagakura's face.