Act 1 Curtain Opens
Toshiro walked up the wooden stairs, toward the new temple. He remembered the new
temple (new, as in 52 years old) from a few childhood memories.
After almost 200 years of wandering and hiding, the original Kabuki sohei returned to Kyoto
in 1945 and built the temple/dojo. Even though World War II was ending and the Allied forces
started their occupation of Japan, the temple was well hidden. So well hidden, in fact, that not even
their rivals, the Noh, knew of its existence.
One of these originals was an ancestor of Toshiro's. His name was Jubei Obata. He was the
greatest leader at the time. His greatness was passed on for many generations, ending with Toshiro's
father.
Toshiro's father was very good in the old style. He was to be the leader of the Kabuki sohei
for the twenty-first century. His marriage to a American, though, was to be his downfall. At first,
there was much tension. When Toshiro was born, the tension was released. Everyone celebrated his
birth.
After 10 years, however, the tension returned. There was a dispute whether Toshiro was
worthy to carry on the leadership of the Kabuki. His father fought for that right, and lost. It was
decided, then, to exile Toshiro, his father, and his mother. His father was never to practice his art
openly again, but he did anyway. He taught Toshiro everything of the Kabuki way. His mother
taught him love, compassion, and strength. Strength he used to fight evil in the city. Strength he
believed he lost with Christina's death.
All these thoughts stopped as he came up to the entrance to the temple. It was a huge double
wooden door about 15 feet tall, which was the only visible entrance to the 15-foot tall stone wall that
surrounded the temple. This made the place look more like a fortress than a training ground.
To the side of the door was a traditional gong, with its hammer hanging next to it. Toshiro
took the hammer and rung the bell once. As the surprisingly low sound echoed through the
surrounding woods, the nearby door slowly opened. A Japanese man with grey hair and a robe on
stepped out. He bowed to Toshiro, and Toshiro bowed back.
As the senior raised his upper body and looked at Toshiro, he asked, "What may I help you
with, young man?"
"Honored sir, I am here because this is my home."
"And what is your name?"
"I am Toshiro Obata."
The grey haired man's grey eyebrows rose almost as high as his hairline. "Obata?"
"Yes."
"Let me get someone who can help you."
The older man bowed and retreated back into the temple. Toshiro was left to wait.
Act 2 Roots
To Toshiro, it felt like an eternity before one of the huge doors opened again. When it did,
Toshiro quit his temporary hobby of bird watching.
Another aged man came out. He looked oddly familiar to Toshiro, but couldn't place the
man's face. Toshiro bowed to respect the older man's seniority.
As Toshiro stood back up, the older man said, "Toshiro?"
"Yes."
"Welcome home, grandson."
That last word stuck out like a sore thumb. Then, it hit Toshiro like lightning.
"Grandfather?"
"You are the spitting image of your father, and you have your mother's green eyes."
Toshiro searched his memory. He remembered his grandfather in his few memories before
his family was exiled. Mostly, they were vague images of his father and grandfather practicing
together.
Toshiro snapped back to the present when his grandfather asked, "Are those all of your
things?"
He was pointing to the knapsack by Toshiro's feet. Toshiro picked it up.
"Yes. I have left the rest back in the United States."
Toshiro's grandfather stepped closer and looked Toshiro over. He reached out and put a
hand on one of Toshiro's biceps.
"Come, I have prepared some tea for you. Your journey must have exhausted you."
Toshiro's grandfather opened the huge door wider to allow Toshiro to follow him, which he
did.
The inside of the fortress was a total contrast to the huge wall surrounding it. In the center
was the main building. It was a traditional Japanese temple with a steep roof and sliding paper
doors.
In front of the temple was a stage. Around it was a crowd of a hundred or so people of all
ages, all dressed in hakamas and gis. Then, two men dressed in Kabuki garb stepped onto the stage.
One had a green wig and black outfit on. The other had a blue wig and purple outfit on. Toshiro
stopped to watch. Everyone hushed as the two Kabuki faced each other.
The green wigged one said, "You are a brave one to challenge me, Kobungo. But, your
ignorance will be revealed through pain."
The blue wigged one answered back, "It is time for your downfall, Kojiro."
Both Kabuki sohei bowed to each other, then picked up their weapons, which were laid
down in the middle of the stage. Kojiro, with the green wig, picked up a wooden yari. Kobungo,
the blue wigged one, picked up two pairs of nunchaku.
Both sohei dropped to battle stances and the Kabuki orchestra struck up their beat. Then,
they launched themselves at each other.
Toshiro turned to his grandfather and asked, "What's going on?"
His grandfather answered, in a slightly discouraged voice, "The one in the blue wig is
Kobungo. He has challenged our superior to a match so he may become the superior. Ah, the
arrogance of youth."
Toshiro raised an eyebrow and asked, "Grandfather, what do you mean by our' superior?"
His grandfather turned to face him before answering. "The one in green is Sasaki Kojiro.
He is our leader, and therefore our superior. His father was the one who defeated your father so
many years back."
Toshiro and his grandfather turned back to the stage and watched the match currently in
progress. It was obvious that Kobungo was outmatched. He was blocking Kojiro's yari lunges
desperately. Kojiro's form was perfect, and Toshiro wondered what would happen if he got into a
fight with the guy.
Toshiro's grandfather put his hand on Toshiro's shoulder and said, "Time and tea do not
mix. Our tea is getting cold."
Toshiro nodded, then turned and followed his elder. Kobungo's screams of pain could be
heard over the rhythmic music being played.
Toshiro's grandfather led him to a small building behind the temple. It stood at one corner
of the back wall. At the other corner was another small building with a chimney sticking up through
the roof. There was smoke coming out of it.
Toshiro's grandfather said, "Tatewaki must be working."
"Tatewaki?"
"Yes. He is our sword smith."
Toshiro nodded and proceeded towards the other building. His grandfather slid open the
door to the small room inside. Toshiro removed his shoes, set down his bag, and entered. In the
middle of the room was a low table with two Japanese drinking bowls and a small porcelain kettle.
Toshiro's grandfather slipped off his slippers and closed the door. He said, "Please, sit
down."
Toshiro walked to one side of the table and his grandfather walked to the other.
Simultaneously, both sat down in the traditional manner. Toshiro's grandfather picked up the
kettle by its handle and poured some tea into both bowls.
Toshiro took a sip and said, "It's a little cold."
His grandfather replied, "As I said, tea does not mix with time."
"Speaking of time, grandfather, what has happened in the time my family was gone?"
Toshiro put down his tea bowl.
Toshiro's grandfather stood up, crossed his arms, rested his chin on his chest, and started
pacing around the room. After a few moments of silence, he started telling Toshiro about what has
gone on since his family's exile.
"After your father was defeated and you were exiled, the man who defeated your father was
appointed highest sensei. He was brash, and had a vision. His vision was to retake all of the
Kabuki schools back from the hold of the Noh. His campaign to do this was as brash as he was.
"He summoned all of the Kabuki sohei and anybody who might have had original Kabuki
blood in them. He made up plans to take each school by force, one by one, until we had all of them
back. I, myself, was not allowed to participate in this plan.
"At first, the campaign was honorable and would be our most glorious triumph. But, as time
does not mix with tea, it did not mix well with plans.
"The Noh resisted ferociously. They kept hold on most of the Kabuki schools, and the few
we captured were constantly being attacked. Then, they struck a mighty blow.
"They hired a shinobi to strike down our leader. The shinobi infiltrated this place, and
killed Soun Kojiro."
Toshiro interrupted, "Soun Kojiro? Sasaki Kojiro's father?"
"Yes. It was a great loss. But, there was his son to follow in his footsteps." Toshiro's
grandfather paused to think. "After a while, it became apparent that he didn't have the same fire as
his father. That is why he was fighting a challenger. Many doubt his leadership, so he must prove
himself over and over. He has only his skills to back him up now.
"And so, we are at war once again. But the war is quickly coming to an end."
"Why?"
"We have agreed to a final battle. On the afternoon of the first day of the sixth month, we
will do battle on Miyamoto Beach."
"A month from now?"
"Yes. If the Noh win, they will retain all the Kabuki schools previously in their possession.
If we win, they will give up their claims to all of the Kabuki schools in Japan to us. Then, we will
be united once again, and Soun's dream will be fulfilled."
Toshiro nodded to acknowledge his attention. His grandfather kneeled down at the table and
turned his attention to Toshiro.
Toshiro's grandfather said, "That is enough about history. Tell me about your life,
grandson."
Toshiro bowed his eyes and focused on the tea bowl. "I can't discuss it now, grandfather.
Perhaps tomorrow."
"It will have to be tomorrow, grandson."
Toshiro raised his head to look at his grandfather.
"You are allowed to stay for 2 days, then you must leave."
"Why can't I stay longer?"
"You are exiled, remember? You are allowed to be here because I am still a valid Kabuki,
and I am allowing you to stay. But Sasaki has said you must leave within 48 hours."
Toshiro lowered his head again and asked, "Is there any way I can stay longer?"
Toshiro's grandfather stood up and said, "Yes, but that can wait. For now, you should rest.
I can see you have had a long journey. I will have Tatewaki bring a futon for you."
As Toshiro's grandfather started to leave, Toshiro quickly stood up and asked, "Where will
you stay, grandfather?"
"With an old friend. I must go and see what has happened."
Both men bowed to each other, then Toshiro's grandfather opened the door, put on his
sandals, and left. Toshiro knelt back down and finished his tea.
30 minutes later:
The door slid open and a middle aged man dressed in a dirty white gi and wearing a dirty
white sword smith's hat walked in, carrying a huge rolled up bundle of thick cloth. Toshiro watched
as the man wobbled his way past the table to the far corner of the room and dropped the futon. The
man turned around and wobbled over to the table, kneeled down, almost loosing his balance, and
placed a huge jug on the table. It was obvious at this point that the man was drunk.
The man said, "Ah! You must be Toshiro!" He pointed a finger at Toshiro, then his right,
then left, trying to decide which of the three images before him was real.
Toshiro said, "Yes." Toshiro bowed his head slightly, then offered a hand. "And you must
be Tatew---"
"Never mind formal introductions!" Tatewaki interrupted. "Let's drink some sake and talk
about women!"
Tatewaki poured the clear liquid into Toshiro's empty tea bowl, raised his jug up, and
chugged from it.
Toshiro picked up the bowl with the sake in it and before drinking, thought, It's going to be
a long two days.
Act 3 Branches
Toshiro found himself on a bridge. There was no light but, strangely, the bridge itself
seemed to be glowing a creamish color.
He thought, How did I get here all of a sudden? I must have drank too much sake.
Toshiro started walking forward. He noticed that he suddenly had his Kabuki garb on, but
without his weapons, makeup, and wig. At the same time, he saw a figure ahead, standing at the rail
of the bridge, looking at what was below.
As Toshiro approached, he started to see the figure more clearly. The figure had on a
beautiful red kimono with green dragon designs on it. The curves indicated a feminine physique.
But her hair jogged his memory the most. It was short, straight, and blond.
Toshiro stopped a good distance away and said, almost longingly, "Christina?"
The figure slowly turned around and it was, indeed, Christina. She smiled sweetly and said,
"Hello, Toshiro."
Toshiro walked closer until he was almost arms length away. He asked, "Am I dreaming?"
"Yes, you are. But you must wake."
"I don't want to. I want to stay here, with you."
"You have a great destiny ahead of you, Toshi. I may not be there physically to share it with
you, but don't let me stop it from happening." Christina stepped close to Toshiro and kissed him on
the cheek. Then, she whispered into his ear, "I will always be with you, Toshi. Always . . ."
Toshiro closed his eyes and started to drift awake with Christina's words echoing in his
mind.
Sunrise:
Toshiro opened his eyes, and took evasive action. Some kind of weapon was heading
quickly toward his head.
Right before impact, Toshiro rolled to his right side, rolled backwards into a handstand,
pushed off with his arms, and back-flipped over the table, landing on the opposite side of the room.
He dropped into a defensive posture and awaited the attacker.
"Your sixth sense is very sharp, grandson. Your father taught you well," said Toshiro's
grandfather.
Toshiro's grandfather had in hand a bokken, which was buried in the pillow where
Toshiro's head was. Toshiro dropped his defensive posture, stood straight up, and bowed.
He said, "Good morning, grandfather."
"I have brought you breakfast. But before we take it, you must show me the extent of your
skills."
Toshiro straightened himself and his grandfather handed him a blue hakama and gi. Toshiro
quickly put it on and followed his grandfather outside.
The two walked towards the entrance of the fortress. As soon as they passed the temple,
there appeared at least a hundred pairs of men. All were practicing two-man katas in their spaces
using many varieties of weapons.
Toshiro's grandfather lead him to the closest pair. Both men were wearing white hakamas
and gis, signaling novices. His grandfather handed him a wooden naginata and dismissed one of the
men.
"This is Keichi," said his grandfather. "Let me see you two spar for a while."
Toshiro bowed to Keichi and he bowed back. Keichi had two wooden tonfas as his
weapons. Both Kabuki dropped to fighting stances, and the novice attacked right away. Keichi
charged and raised his right tonfa up, but Toshiro stood still. When Keichi was in striking range, be
swung the right tonfa down at Toshiro's closest shoulder. Toshiro simply stepped back to avoid the
blow. Before Keichi could recover, Toshiro stepped forward and swung down his wooden naginata
to strike Keichi's ankles. Because of his off-balance, Keichi had his feet taken out from under him.
He landed face down, hard.
Toshiro put down his naginata and helped Keichi back up, asking, "Are you all right?"
Keichi breathed a couple times before saying, "I am fine, sempai."
Toshiro patted the younger man on his back. Toshiro's grandfather walked over to both of
them. He turned to Toshiro and said, "Perhaps we should test your skills on a more advanced
student."
Toshiro and Keichi bowed to each other one last time and then Toshiro's grandfather led him
further towards the front of the practice grounds. From the change in the colors of outfits from white
to dark blue, Toshiro could tell he was walking past more advanced students. He also noticed an
array of weaponry from wooden practice knives to bokkens to the long nine-foot yari. These
Kabuki sohei weren't trained in more than one weapon as he had been.
Toshiro and his grandfather finally reached the front. Separated from the rest of the crowd
was a mat big enough for 1 pair. This was the mat the main sensei taught from.
On the mat was a man with long black hair and a black hakama, practicing a complicated
kata. His weapon was a three-sectional staff. He was obviously the most advanced student there.
Toshiro's grandfather called out to the man, "Ukyo, where is Sasaki?"
The man stopped his kata, turned to Toshiro's grandfather, and answered, "He is with
Tatewaki, discussing how many weapons need to be made." Ukyo eyed Toshiro, then continued
with his kata.
"Good," said Toshiro's grandfather.
"Why is that good?" asked Toshiro.
"You are obviously more advanced than a beginning student. And, with your display with
Keichi, I am certain you have been keeping up on your training. But, I am uncertain how advanced
you are. I would like to test' your skills on Ukyo, there." Toshiro's grandfather pointed to the long
haired man. "Ukyo!"
Ukyo stopped his kata practice, folded his 3 sections of the staff together, stood straight with
the staff in his right hand, and asked, "Yes, Obata-sensei?"
"I would like you to spar with my grandson."
"As you say."
Toshiro's grandfather nodded to him. Toshiro stepped onto the mat and walked towards
Ukyo. He stopped and stood across from Ukyo, both men looking each other over. They turned to
Toshiro's grandfather and bowed, then faced each other and bowed. Each man adopted fighting
stances.
Toshiro's grandfather held up his right arm, hand open. He waited a couple of seconds.
When he felt the time was right, he chopped down with his arm and yelled, "Begin!!"
Toshiro and Ukyo circled each other. Their feet felt the mat they were on and their eyes
searched for weaknesses in the other's defense. All they were doing was trying to get a feel for their
opponent's balance and timing.
Ukyo had a tinge of arrogance about him. He was Sasaki Kojiro's number one student, no
one challenged him. No one. He would show this outsider who was top dog. Ukyo decided to
attack.
Toshiro blinked, and that was Ukyo's cue. Ukyo charged with his three-sectional staff
ready. Toshiro saw him coming. A rather arrogant opening attack, thought Toshiro.
Ukyo grabbed one end of his staff with his left hand, the middle section with his right hand,
and swung the third section at Toshiro's mid-section. Toshiro jumped over Ukyo's strike, flipped in
the air, and landed behind Ukyo. Ukyo, having missed, let go with his right hand and performed a
lateral strike as he spun around, his staff fully extended. Toshiro blocked with his naginata and
deflected the staff away.
Both men paused and eyed each other. Ukyo was slowly realizing this would take longer
than he originally expected. His thoughts were cut short as Toshiro tried an overhead strike for his
head. Ukyo sidestepped, then unleashed a counterstrike to Toshiro's right shoulder.
Toshiro's grandfather watched the match and thought to himself. He has the same spirit in
his form as his father did. I wonder how he kept up his training in the city? I shall inquire later.
He may very well be able to defeat Sasaki. He must.
Toshiro performed a horizontal cut to Ukyo's waist. Ukyo blocked. The loud sound of
wood blocking wood stopped a couple of the lower student's sparring sessions. They walked over to
the main mat and watched two advanced Kabuki sparring, amazed that an outsider was holding his
own against Ukyo.
From a low position, Ukyo tried a rising strike up at Toshiro's head with his staff fully
extending in its swing. Toshiro ducked under it and swept low with the butt end of his wooden
naginata. Ukyo hopped over the sweep and, as he came down, took the two end pieces of the three-sectional staff and used the third, middle piece to strike down. Toshiro blocked with the still moving
butt.
The sound of the block attracted more lower ranked students to watch. They watched in awe
as that arrogant, pompous, brown noser Ukyo was defending himself against an outsider. To them,
it was a spectacular site.
For two minutes, Toshiro and Ukyo were an even match. Both were very fast, strong, and
agile. Every strike, every block, and every dodge came in rapid succession. Toshiro, however, had
a big advantage.
All his life, Ukyo was trained in the Kabuki temple. He had always been the best and
hardest working student. But, all he trained in was the traditional Kabuki forms. Toshiro, on the
other hand, was trained by his father. Then, when he became a vigilante, met many opponents. He
was very experienced in many different fighting forms and how to counter them. His Kabuki was
more of an amalgam of different forms than just the traditional Kabuki.
One aspect of Toshiro's fighting that wasn't traditional was jumping. In the traditional
forms, very rarely did a Kabuki need to jump. The terrain was very often rocky or grassy, and a
jump could have dangerous consequences on the feet. One slip on a rock, and it was over. Toshiro,
however, fought on concrete. He also needed to get from building top to building top quickly. His
jumping ability was very much heightened after his city experiences.
It was then in the match that Toshiro decided to use his advantage. As Ukyo unleashed a
strike to Toshiro's midsection, Toshiro jumped over Ukyo and flipped in mid-air, landing behind.
Ukyo, momentarily stunned by an unfamiliar response, overbalanced forward. Toshiro pressed the
advantage and brought his wooden naginata down onto Ukyo's back. Ukyo fell down on his chest.
Then, as Ukyo rolled over to face Toshiro, Toshiro hit his three-sectional staff out of his hand.
Everyone watching was speechless as the staff flew away.
Toshiro stood over Ukyo, holding the "blade" end of the naginata to Ukyo's face, and asked,
"Do you yield?" After a couple seconds of sweating, Ukyo nodded. The watching students cheered,
to Ukyo's dismay.
Toshiro's grandfather, realizing he wasn't the only one watching, yelled, "Back to practice!"
The students hurried back to their sparring. Toshiro's grandfather went to pick up Ukyo's weapon.
Toshiro held his naginata away from Ukyo's face and offered a hand. Ukyo took it,
reluctantly, and was pulled up by Toshiro. After pulling Ukyo up, both men bowed to each other to
signal the end of their match.
Toshiro's grandfather walked over and gave Ukyo back his weapon. "Very excellent!" he
said to Toshiro.
"Thank you, grandfather."
Toshiro's grandfather looked Ukyo over. "The fall did not injure you, did it Ukyo?"
"Not much, Obata-sensei."
"Good. We wouldn't want Sasaki getting angry."
Ukyo looked at Toshiro and asked, "Where did you learn that move? It is not in any katas I
know of."
Toshiro smiled a little, then replied, "I made it up."
Ukyo looked a little perplexed by the answer but let it stay at that. Toshiro's grandfather
took Toshiro by the shoulder and said, "Come. You must tell me of how you trained in a big city.
Ukyo, continue your kata practice."
Ukyo and Toshiro bowed once more, then Toshiro's grandfather led him away. As they
walked back to Toshiro's room, his grandfather inquired about Toshiro's training.
"That move you used was, indeed, unorthodox. Where did you learn such a move?"
"When I was in the city, I met many individuals who practiced other fighting systems. I
learned some of them in order to be a better fighter against anybody that came along. My line of
work depended on my skills."
"I see, it must have been a dangerous line of work. You must tell me about your experiences
after breakfast."
Toshiro lowered his head. "I'm sorry, grandfather, but I'd rather not. Things have
happened which I'm not proud of. In fact, I hate it now, what I did."
His grandfather saw pain in his eyes. He put a hand on Toshiro's shoulder. "Perhaps you'll
change your mind after breakfast."
Toshiro looked up at his grandfather and knew he had to tell him about the past couple of
years. He hoped the memories wouldn't be too painful.
Back at the training grounds, Sasaki Kojiro had returned to train with Ukyo, but instead
found Ukyo shaken up by something.
"What happened?" asked Sasaki.
Ukyo stood up and bowed to his sensei. "Obata-sensei's grandson and I had a sparring
match . . ." Ukyo stopped.
"And?"
" . . . I, was defeated."
Behind his neutral face, Sasaki was in shock. How could an outsider and exile defeat his
most gifted student? It was incredulous. A little bit of his shock came through in his voice as he
said, "Tell me about the match."
90 minutes later:
After a half hour of breakfast and small talk, Toshiro started telling his grandfather
everything about his life in America. His grandfather listened carefully as Toshiro told of growing
up in the city. He told of his father training him in the Kabuki arts. He told of going off to college,
his parents dying early, and his return after college. Toshiro told of becoming a vigilante because of
his disgust of how bad the city had become. And he told his grandfather about taking over his
father's antique shop and meeting Christina Moll. Finally, he told of his three most difficult
opponents and the death of Christina at the hands of the third. Toshiro was silent for a while before
he spoke again.
"I had to get away from there, as far as I could go. I remember father keeping a map of this
place, so I found it and came here. I don't ever want to go back there again." Toshiro hung his
head.
Toshiro's grandfather had a finger over his lips and thought for a couple seconds. Then, he
spoke.
"You have had a most interesting life, grandson. You have had experiences that have taught
you much and even had someone to share some of those experiences with. Her loss was tragic,
indeed, but I don't understand why you would want to stay away."
Toshiro looked up. "It's my fault she died!"
"No, it's not, grandson. It was the assassin who fired the weapon. And she chose to give her
life so you may live. Her death wasn't your fault."
"But if I wasn't the Kabuki fighter, she'd still be alive!"
"Perhaps. Then again, what about all the good you've accomplished? Without the Kabuki
fighter, a Noh sohei would be running the city, a ninja would have stolen all the art in the museum,
and a free lance sniper would be killing more people. The police certainly couldn't have stopped
them. Christina's death was an unfortunate incident, but it wasn't your fault. It wasn't the Kabuki
fighter's fault."
Toshiro paused a moment before saying, "I suppose you are right, grandfather. But I still
feel guilty."
"It is normal, after all, you were in love. Give it time, the wounds will heal."
Toshiro nodded in understanding. He then bowed and said, "I need some time to think about
this."
"There is a garden behind the complex. A couple of us maintain it for the purpose of having
a quiet place in the middle of all this chaos."
"Thank you, grandfather." Toshiro stood and bowed again before leaving the room.
Toshiro's grandfather bowed in return. He then thought about his grandson's life and how
useful his skills would be in the upcoming battle.
A couple of minutes later, Toshiro found himself behind the complex, in the midst of a
traditional Japanese garden. The stone walkway, lighted by traditional stone lamps, cut through a
menagerie of different plants, all in bloom. A few cherry blossom trees were also in bloom, their
branches covered by white flowers. There was also a small stream crossing the stone walkway,
where a bridge was placed. Toshiro slowly walked to the bridge and looked at the stream, trying to
organize his feelings and thoughts. His grandfather had made some good points, but he still felt
guilty. What was the Kabuki fighter? One of his demons manifested in physical form? Or his
salvation, his vengeance against evil in the world? Was it really him, or merely a mask he put on?
He wasn't sure anymore. Whatever it was, it was out of his control. Someone had been involved
and had died because of their involvement, and that person was the only person he truly loved.
But, what about everyone he'd helped? A city full of people who probably didn't appreciate
him? Cops too lazy to do the work themselves? What did he get out of the vigilante trade?
Nothing. So why did he do it? Toshiro didn't know.
Just then, Toshiro felt someone looking at him. He looked up and to his right. Standing at
the edge of the bridge was a Japanese man, fairly tall, with a square chin and proud demeanor. He
had on a white gi and hakama and wore straw slippers. Toshiro didn't recognize the man without
his costume on.
The man asked, "Toshiro Obata, I presume?"
Toshiro answered, "Yes, and who are you?"
"I am Sasaki Kojiro, leader of the Kabuki sohei."
Toshiro could sense a little boasting in Sasaki's voice. He put a little bit of sarcasm in his
own voice as he said, "I am honored."
Sasaki joined Toshiro on the bridge as he continued talking. "I heard about your little match
with Ukyo this morning. I must say, I am surprised that one such as you could defeat my best
student."
Toshiro raised his right eyebrow. "One such as I?"
"Yes, I know of your family history. You have gaijin blood in you, which is enough of a
stain as it is on your name. Yet, you still practiced the art in a city full of untrained barbarians."
"What are you saying?"
Sasaki crossed his arms across his chest. "I don't recognize you as Kabuki at all. You are
something else entirely. Your father practiced the art in exile, therefore, it is not the pure art."
Toshiro thought for a second. This high and mighty leader was probably ticked about
having his student beaten by an outsider. Toshiro could understand that, but insulting his father like
that was going too far. "Listen, buddy. My father's art was pure enough when he taught it to me.
He wanted me to know it as he was taught. His honor wouldn't let him change it. However, I
needed to make some improvements."
"Improvements?"
"The old forms were okay, but impractical for fighting against those not versed in Kabuki. I
had to change some aspects of the art and add things to it."
Sasaki shook his head. "The art is perfect how it is. It can't be defeated."
"And what about your student, Ukyo? How are you going to erase that humiliation?"
Sasaki was silent, Toshiro had him in a corner.
"Here's the deal: We will have a match tomorrow. If I win, you confirm my Kabuki
heritage and I am allowed to stay as long as I wish."
"And if I am the victor?"
"I will leave and never come back again." Toshiro gave Sasaki a moment to think, then
asked, "Deal?"
Sasaki thought some more, then nodded. "I look forward to our match." He bowed and
walked back to the complex.
Toshiro looked at the stream and thought about what just happened. Why'd he just do it? It
was then that he recognized the bridge he was standing on. It was the same one in his dream where
he met Christina.
Later in the afternoon:
After walking in the garden and having lunch, Toshiro decided to visit Tatewaki, the sword
and weapon smith. Tatewaki was working in the small building in the right corner of the complex.
Smoke puffed from the chimney on top, and light shown out of its windows. Toshiro entered
through the front door.
The air was hot and charged with activity. Sounds of hammering metal came at regular
intervals as Tatewaki folded steel to make a blade. It was fairly dark, even with windows, since
everything was covered with black soot. Toshiro could see Tatewaki, hammering away at a
glowing piece of steel, his white outfit covered with dirt. Taking a few moments, Toshiro just
watched him work.
After a few more hammers, Tatewaki took the piece of steel with a clamp and dipped it in a
tub of water. Then, he took it out and emersed it again. After a last soaking, Tatewaki put the
cooled piece of metal down on the floor, next to a dozen pieces just like it. He put down his tools
and wiped his forehead, then noticed Toshiro watching him.
"Oh, hi! Came to see old Tatewaki at work?"
"Kind of."
Tatewaki picked up a jug, seemingly out of nowhere. "Come, come! I'm taking a sake
break. Drink with me!"
Toshiro accepted the cup Tatewaki handed him and held it out as Tatewaki poured sake into
it. After it was full, Toshiro gulped it down. Tatewaki, on the other hand, just chugged straight
from the jug.
Tatewaki finished chugging, then asked, "So, my young friend, what did you come to talk
about?"
Toshiro looked down. "I'm not sure."
"Worried about your match with Sasaki?"
Toshiro looked up. "How'd you know about that?"
Tatewaki laughed. "Word gets around fast."
Toshiro gave him a smile. "It doesn't worry me that much."
"Then what's on your mind?"
Toshiro looked down again. "I don't think I can put the costume on again. It brings back
bad memories."
"Oh really? Does it have to do with a woman?"
"How did . . . ?"
"I haven't lived these past 50 or so years without picking up things. Tell me about her." He
took a swig of sake.
"Well, she and I were best friends. She didn't know I was a Kabuki sohei, and I never felt I
had to tell her. Then, we started getting closer. But before we could do anything, she was killed in
one of my battles." Tatewaki poured some sake into Toshiro's cup and Toshiro took a drink. "She
died because of me." Toshiro hung his head.
"You loved her, didn't you?"
Toshiro nodded. Tatewaki poured another drink.
"And you feel it's your fault."
Toshiro drank the sake and nodded again.
"Let me tell you something. A sword is a sword. Things may happen to it, it may get
chipped, it may be broken, but not because it is a sword. Things just happen, unfortunate as it may
be. The sword is not at fault just because it was involved."
Toshiro smiled. "Are we just talking of swords?"
Tatewaki smiled back. "You figure it out." He took another swig from the jug, then put it
down, stood up, and said, "I better get back to work. Sasaki might notice I stopped."
"Then I better go . . ."
"Nonsense! Stay and help this old man!"
Toshiro stood up and said, "If you wish."
"We can talk about your match tomorrow."
Toshiro nodded and followed Tatewaki.
Act 4 New Seeds
Everyone was gathered in front of the temple to watch the match. The scene looked much
like it did when Sasaki fought Kobungo. The Kabuki sohei were seated all around the front of the
stage/temple. Toshiro's grandfather and Tatewaki stood at the back of the crowd, content with
watching at a distance. The orchestra was warming up, playing random rhythms on their drums.
This was going to be the match of the century.
It was high noon. The match would begin in a couple minutes. Toshiro's grandfather
turned to Tatewaki and said, "I've never seen you this sober before. You must really like Toshiro if
you actually want to see him fight."
"Yup, he's a good man. And I also wanted to see Sasaki get his ass kicked for once."
"You and me both."
The Kabuki orchestra started playing a song and it was time for the match to begin. Both
Kabuki sohei stepped onto the stage from opposite sides, Sasaki on the left and Toshiro on the right.
Sasaki was dressed as he was before, a green wig and black hakama and gi. His face paint consisted
of white with black lines, and he held his wooden yari. Toshiro had on his red wig and yellow
hakama and gi. Red lines on white was his face paint and in his hands was a wooden naginata.
They walked towards each other and stopped about 10 feet away.
Sasaki arrogantly said, "Concede now, and I won't hurt you."
Toshiro replied, "No way in hell."
"Very well."
The two bowed to each other. As soon as they were both standing upright, Sasaki went on
the offensive. Quickly unleashing thrust after thrust and a slice here and there, Sasaki forced
Toshiro to defend while moving back, dodging every thrust and slice. The crowd was in awe at
Toshiro's skill, and was even more impressed when Toshiro jump-flipped over Sasaki, having
reached the edge of the stage.
Sasaki turned around and shouted, "Coward! Using cheap techniques to get away!"
"Who's running away? I'm right here. What's wrong, can't touch me?" Toshiro taunted.
Sasaki launched into another offensive.
Toshiro grandfather observed, "He's not attacking."
"I told him Sasaki gets angry when he can't hit," Tatewaki confessed. "He's just having
some fun."
Toshiro's grandfather shook his head.
Toshiro was once again nearing the edge of the stage. He figured it was time to do
something, so after dodging another thrust, he went on the offensive himself. The change in strategy
wasn't expected by Sasaki, and he received a clean blow to his left shoulder. Toshiro didn't stop, he
pressed his advantage and drove Sasaki back, forcing him to block slices, thrusts, and strikes from
the butt of Toshiro's naginata. Sasaki desperately tried to parry and dodge each attack, but the
attacks were coming in fast and from every conceivable angle. Toshiro knew he had an advantage,
the old style of blocking was too slow and too limited in angles that could be blocked from. He
deliberately slowed his attacks a tad to give Sasaki a little hope. The crowd was now talking, they
had never seen someone give Sasaki such a hard fight before. The orchestra played a little faster.
Tatewaki was wide eyed. "In all my years, I've never seen a sohei that quick! And his
moves, very unorthodox."
Toshiro's grandfather smiled in pride. His grandson was beyond everyone's skills by far.
Toshiro's father had done a great job training him, if only he were still alive to see it.
It was now Sasaki's turn to be pushed to the edge of the stage. But before he could go over,
Toshiro just stopped attacking and stepped back out of yari range. Everybody was silent, waiting
for whatever happened next. Even the orchestra had stopped playing to watch.
Sasaki shouted, "What's wrong!? Why don't you finish me?"
Toshiro lowered his naginata and said, "I want to give you a chance to concede. It's only
fair."
"Never!"
"I don't want to hurt you."
Sasaki was enraged by that last statement. He was the best, how could this reject say such a
thing? Sasaki raised his wooden yari and charged, aiming to thrust the cloth ball tip into Toshiro's
gut. Toshiro saw it coming and before Sasaki's yari could touch him, he jump-flipped once again
over Sasaki. The yari thrust into air, but Sasaki recovered quickly and pivoted around to slice
Toshiro, who was now behind him. But again, the yari sliced nothing but air. Toshiro had ducked
and now he sliced Sasaki's ankles. The strike took Sasaki's feet from under him and he fell hard on
his back.
Toshiro was going to end this now, coming down fast with a vertical slice to Sasaki's torso.
Sasaki lifted the yari in a desperate attempt to block the strike. Wood contacted wood with a loud
knock and at that instant, Sasaki's yari cracked and split in two. The crowd, including Toshiro's
grandfather and Tatewaki, ooohed in astonishment. Sasaki was in shock for a split second, then saw
the tip of Toshiro's naginata looming over him.
Toshiro said, "It's over, Sasaki."
Sasaki yelled defiantly, "It's never over!"
"Don't be stupid! If you want to die, that's fine with me! Just go ahead and try!"
Sasaki, breathing hard, was about to shout again, but instead looked at the crowd. Everyone
had their eyes on him. He had lost in front of them, his friends and followers. Then, he knew the
only honorable thing he could do at that point.
"I give up."
Toshiro held the tip of the naginata away from Sasaki's face. The crowd started cheering at
that point and Sasaki was mortified. Toshiro held out a hand to help Sasaki up, and he took it. Tatewaki hit Toshiro's grandfather on the shoulder and exclaimed, "I knew he could do it!"
Toshiro's grandfather nodded in agreement and said, "So did I, old friend. So did I."
After helping Sasaki up, Toshiro said to him, "Okay, now if your honor is good, you will
fulfill the agreement."
Sasaki nodded. He turned to the crowd and held up his hands to quiet them. The crowd
hushed to hear what Sasaki had to say.
"Toshiro Obata and his family are no longer exiled. They are true Kabuki sohei, and he
may stay here as long as he pleases."
The crowd erupted again. Toshiro bowed to Sasaki and said, "Thank you."
Sasaki bowed to Toshiro. Then, Toshiro walked off the stage and back to his room,
followed by Tatewaki and his grandfather.
A while later, Toshiro, his grandfather, and Tatewaki were having a private celebration in
Toshiro's room. The sake was, of course, provided by Tatewaki. They talked of the match and the
future.
"What a match!" said Tatewaki. "I've never seen Sasaki so humiliated! You did good,
Toshiro!"
"Thank you, Tatewaki."
"I mean it! You're the best!"
Toshiro's grandfather laughed. "I think you've had a bit too much this time, Tatewaki. But
he's right, you're the best I've ever seen, grandson."
"Thank you, grandfather. It means a lot coming from you."
"Now don't get all mushy!" Toshiro's grandfather took a gulp of sake. "Ahhh, if only your
father were here to see you now."
Toshiro smiled. "Now, who's getting mushy?"
All three laughed. Just then, the door to the room opened and in the doorway was Sasaki.
Everyone looked at him and stopped laughing.
"If I'm not interrupting anything, I would like to speak to Toshiro, alone."
Toshiro looked at his grandfather and Tatewaki. His grandfather stood up and said, "Of
course. Come, Tatewaki. You can tell me of all the women you've had."
Tatewaki stood up and wobbled behind Toshiro's grandfather out of the room, saying, "Did
I ever tell you about the one I met in Osaka?"
Sasaki took off his slippers, stepped into the room, closed the door, and sat down at the table,
across from Toshiro.
Toshiro asked, "What did you want to talk about?"
Sasaki said, "I wanted to apologize for my behavior both before and during the match. I was
very dishonorable towards your family." He bowed to emphasize his point.
"Oh, come on, don't do that. I forgive you, okay?"
Sasaki straightened up and said, "Thank you."
Toshiro finished off his cup of sake and said, "Now, what did you really want to talk to me
about?"
Sasaki continued, "I am very impressed by your techniques. I wish that you may teach them
to me and to the rest of the Kabuki sohei."
Toshiro stared at Sasaki, then said, "You want me to teach everybody?"
"Yes. It is obvious that your techniques are effective against the classic methods, and we
will need that edge when we fight the Noh. Do you accept?"
Toshiro thought for a few moments. This wasn't what he expected. He came here to get
away from all the violence, now Sasaki wanted him to teach it to everybody. Then, he remembered
what Christina said to him in his dream. Was this his ultimate destiny? Was he trying to fight it?
He decided he was and answered, "Yes."
"Good! Then we start tomorrow."
With that, Sasaki stood up and exited the room. Toshiro poured himself another drink.
What was he getting into?
Act 5 Curtain Closes
Toshiro found himself on the bridge again. The bridge underneath him glowed and he saw
Christina standing at the rail again, looking at the stream. Toshiro walked over to meet her.
"Hello, Toshiro," she said as she turned around to meet him.
"Hi, Christina."
"I'm proud of you, Tosh. You overcame your fear and now you're living out your destiny."
Toshiro looked down and said, "I still miss you."
Christina held out her hands. Toshiro took them in his and she pulled him closer. "Shhh,
don't. No matter what happens, I'll still be with you."
Toshiro looked up, into her eyes, and started to say, "I lov---"
He was cut off by Christina's lips, and he knew then that he didn't have to say it. His life
wasn't over, as he thought it was. He found renewed peace and hope for the future. And he never
wanted to stop dreaming.
The End