The sensei exhaled, and Kitsune noticed the older man’s lips tighten and his shoulders slump ever so slightly as he watched the other man leave. Silence reigned among the three of them for a moment, and he breathed in the blossoming spring morning, enjoying the scent of the immaculate lines of cherry trees on the grounds.
“It is good to see you again, Ashiga-san.” The sensei did not look at Asano, but kept his eyes fixed on the distant samurai as he climbed the steps to the castle.
“It has been a while, hasn’t it, Inoue-san?” Asano’s mouth quirked in a brief smile. “The last time we spoke was at court.”
“Your memory serves you well indeed. Afterward I traveled north, until I found my current employment. Nagai was very good to me, and his son, Satomi… has been most kind as well.” Inoue’s pause was so small it would have gone unnoticed in casual conversation. “I see that there have been changes in your life as well.” He nodded toward Kitsune.
“Of late I have felt the need to pass on some of my wisdom to the next generation. However, given my pupil’s rapt admiration of your student, perhaps he now feels that he has chosen a profession that does not suit him.” Asano turned his slitted gaze on his protégé. “What are your thoughts on the matter, Kitsune? I’m sure Inoue-san could provide excellent instruction in the martial arts, even for one as old as you, and then you would no longer have to traipse behind an old man across the length and breadth of our revered Emperor’s majestic kingdom, never knowing what might await us around the next bend in the road.”
Kitsune kept his face impassive as Asano spoke, quite familiar with his own sensei’s often-brusque style. “There are those whom are fated to learn the ways of bushido, as Inoue-san and Nashida-san have expertly demonstrated this morning. However, my path lies along a different route, and I must regretfully decline my sensei’s offer, in order that I may continue traipsing behind him wherever he may lead.” As he finished speaking, Kitsune bowed deeply, eliciting grunts and nods of approval from both. Besides, the study of the infinite world of magic and the realms beyond this one holds more fascination to me than ten thousand warriors, he thought.
“Well put, young one, well put indeed.” Inoue chuckled. “Some things about you still haven’t changed, Asano-san. Come, let us stroll through the gardens on our way back. After all, they are the highlight of the estate, and most relaxing, particularly in the first bloom of spring.”
The Nishina sensei led the way, with Asano falling in beside him, and Kitsune following a few steps behind. He felt a presence several yards away and knew that Asano’s ever-present bodyguard-a tall, taciturn bushi known only as Maseda-was nearby. The fact that they had not seen him during the combat demonstration didn’t mean that he hadn’t been present, for the man-at least, Kitsune assumed he was a man-had uncommon powers of stealth and concealment. More than once Kitsune had suspected him of being a ninja, or thought that Asano had perhaps struck a bargain with some kind of demon and bound it into human form to serve and protect him. Whatever his background, Maseda was loyal, efficient, and utterly ruthless when dispatched against anyone that might cause harm to Asano-or Kitsune. He could probably defeat the young Nishina leader without breaking a sweat. Kitsune had seen the tall man’s katana in action, and the silent warrior’s speed made the young man seem positively glacial by comparison.
Asano’s voice brought him back to the present. “It would appear that Nishina-san is taking his duties as leader quite seriously.”
“Yes, perhaps a bit too seriously.” The humor slipped from Inoue’s face. “That is why I had invited you here as soon as the mountain trails were clear.”
Still careful to keep a respectful distance from the two men, Kitsune kept an ear on the conversation, intrigued by Inoue’s dispensing with the common small talk so quickly. Asano said nothing, but merely nodded thoughtfully while waiting for his old friend to continue. The three strolled though the large, gorgeous garden, with more white-studded cherry tree branches waving gently in the breeze all around them. Paths lined with crushed white stone led in several directions, around and to wooden bridges over calm ponds containing large koi fish gliding through the clear water. The land around them was a pleasant riot of fragrances, from graceful snow willow trees studding the garden here and there to the clusters of pink azaleas, violet hydrangea, white daphne, purple wisteria, and red and white lotus flowers planted in artful configurations. It was the exact opposite of the mountains in winter, and Kitsune felt a flash of dizziness for a moment, overcome as he was by the beauty of it all.
“Kitsune!” Asano’s voice snapped him back to reality. “You are to be attending to your duties, not wandering along dumbfounded with your mouth hanging open at the wonders of this beautiful garden we are most fortunate to be touring.”
With a quick bow, Kitsune quickened his pace and fell in behind the two men again.
Inoue continued as if nothing had happened. “Please understand that I have nothing but the utmost respect for Satomi. Indeed, over these past few years he has been my finest student. However, recently I have noticed a subtle yet definite change come over him.”
“Indeed? From what I could see, he seemed a sober, serious young man.”
“You speak the truth, but although he has always excelled in his martial skills, he also made sure to devote the time to hone a samurai’s other talents. Over the past few months, his thoughts have turned darker, and he often speaks of battle, even proposing to start a war with the Yamazaki family to the south, which we have been at peace with for many years. He has neglected the spiritual side-poetry, the tea ceremony, origami-all these have been abandoned in favor of preparing for combat. The most unusual thing is that he has taken to wearing his armor more often, even during the day when there is no need for it. He has even hung it in his room so that he can don it quickly if necessary, as if he expects a surprise assault in the night.”
“That would explain his comment about reviewing the land to the south of your border.”
“Correct.”
“And with the Shogun on his way to tour the northern lands, the last thing you desire would be to have him discover one of his loyal subjects tryign to provoke a provincial war.” Asano brought his hands out from inside his pale blue kimono and folded them together.
Inoue frowned. “No one wants a war breaking out. The Shogun would order forces from all the surrounding provinces to march against Nishina’s family. They would be utterly destroyed.”
“Is there any reason that you know of why Nishina-san would wish to attack his southern neighbor?”
I believe that Satomi feels that there has been some kind of slight to his honor that he is using as a pretext. He has never said anything about it, but what other reason could there be?”
“And yet he does not make his grievance public, either by letter or in person at court, or demand restitution or compensation instead?” Asano asked. At the other man’s shake of his head, he continued. “I am not sure what anyone save our honored Shogun, or perhaps our most noble Emperor himself, could do in a case such as this. A man who wishes to wage war will often seize on any reason, real or imagined, to do so.”
“That may be true, but Satomi is not normally like this. I can only guess that something is affecting his mind, making him see enemies where there are none.” Inoue turned to look directly at Asano. “I hope that there is something that can be done in regard to this matter before it is too late.”
“We shall see, Inoue-san.” Asano had stopped on a wooden walkway that zigged and zagged at right angles over a large, koi-filled pond. “I would like to think about what you have told me in this place of tranquility. Kitsune and I will soon join you at the morning meal.”