Their last stop was Noma Dōjō near Gokoku-ji. Atago bowed at the temple and the building before entering.
The sound of kiai and intricate footwork against the wooden floor and sword clashing with sword was resounding through the hall. She counted at least twenty students, all in black keikogi and hakama.
The interior was dark even during the day despite the windows, and there was a faint smell of mildew characteristic of a very old building. Rows of bogu hung from the walls and shelves, and the walls themselves were adorned with calligraphy. A taiko drum rested in the corner.
Discipline had always been the key tenet of any martial art, and a martial art's discipline reflected that of its practitioner, she'd read before.
And Takao, who was apparently one of the instructors there, was no exception. Her posture and form were controlled, and her voice was clear, crisp, and never raised. Her face was like a stone.
"Keep your head up. Yes, that's it, but don't overextend. Your body must remain grounded. And don't forget to breathe. You can do it. Come on. Again."
Atago took her into a more secluded area so they could watch the sparring and the forms without getting in the way.
Takao made rounds, circling the sparring students and observing, sometimes correcting a stance or an action.
Despite the noise, there was no chaos.
Only discipline, only order.
All the strikes and thrusts had meaning. Purpose.
Wasn't she like that, too, before?
Takao also sparred with her students, and the fights usually ended quickly. Not a single movement was wasted, and each taught a lesson.
"She's incredible, isn't she, Enty-chan? You should see her practising kenjutsu, too—with real swords, steel, not bamboo."
To keep a martial bearing in times of peace was admirable, indeed. To keep one's strength honed and one's heart strong was even more so.
But when Takao's eyes fell on them, the stone-cold gaze melted away into something softer. She bowed and continued instructing, but that smile remained, even as the class finished, and she approached them.
"So, I believe this is the first time you've seen me in this, ah, state, isn't it, Enterprise?"
"Y-Yeah. I didn't know you were into stuff like this, Takao."
"Stuff like...this? What is 'stuff like this?'"
"Uh...martial arts and...all that."
Takao chuckled. Dry, but not mocking.
"Merely a vocation where I can pass on my skills and beliefs. The young could use some sound advice now and then. But enough of that. How was your day? Is Atago treating you well?"
"Yes. Yeah, we've been around the city and seen what others are doing now."
"Then I hope you'd be interested in seeing what I do now."
"Yes, of course. I've never been to a martial arts dojo before. It's kinda cool, and, uh, the students are pretty good."
"You think so? Then, would you like to try taking up the sword, too?"
She stared at the bamboo blade Takao had picked up.
"No, I'm...not really into swords..."
"Ah, I understand," Takao nodded. "As I recall, you are more into archery. But it's all the same—we are using it to protect lives. That's the very essence of katsuninken."
"Katsuninken?"
"It's how you use your 'sword' to defend people and protect their honor. We may not have our rigging anymore, but we will never forget what it was like and the reason we had it in the first place. That is the heart of the sword. Though...if you wish to learn something new, but gentler, I could suggest ikebana. I could show you what it is like."
"And trust me, Takao-chan is as good at it as she is with the sword," Atago chimed in. "And besides, the flowers are very beautiful. Takao-chan, since you are done, why don't you show Enty-chan one of the arrangements?"
"Eh? Ah, I don't want to trouble—"
"Don't worry, you are not troubling anyone, Enterprise. Let's go."
Takao led them outside and into a room behind the main hall. It was filled with flowers, arranged in a manner similar to how the shinai and other equipment were displayed. She was told to take a seat, and so she did.
A small table was set with a black ceramic vase, a few tools, and a modest assortment of seasonal plants: maple branches just starting to turn red, stalks of pampas grass, a spray of bush clover, and one vivid red chrysanthemum, its petals curled like fire.
"First...don't worry about the results. It's all about wabi-sabi. Embrace the imperfections, the transience, the flaws. Second...you must always find a centerpiece. The 'shin.' That is your focal point. The one that draws the eye. It can be anything. In this case, let's say it's a red chrysanthemum."
Takao placed the stem, upright and centered, into the vase, then added a stalk of the pampas grass, its reddened plumes cascading outward.
"...Is there...a rule...? Which flower goes where...?"
"Only guidelines. Shin, soe, hikae. You can memorize the angles, the lengths, and the spacing. But the real rule? Listen. To the flowers. To the space. If it feels right, it probably is. Now, what do you think should be the next element?"
"Uh, I guess, the maple leaves...?"
"Why?"
"Well, because the color matches the flower, and...it kinda fits."
"Go on and add it in."
She did.
"Not bad. But maybe…a little lower. Let the red fall. Like leaves in autumn."
"Like this? It looks like it's moving."
"Exactly. Still life, but not lifeless." Takao smiled. It reminded her of Shoukaku's teacherly one earlier.
Maybe she could learn a thing or two.
***
A bookstore was not a place she expected Atago to take her, but here they were, and Atago was browsing the aisles, and she followed her.
Atago didn't seem to be looking for anything in particular. She browsed every shelf she came across—new editions of classics, manga, children's books, magazines, and the like. New ones and bestsellers were simply stacked on top of each other at the front.
"Do you like to read, Enty-chan?"
"...Just...Sōseki for now. I'm kinda getting started. But...I think it's nice. Reading."
"As long as you find the books you like, I suppose."
"What about you, Atago?"
"Me? You probably think I don't read much, right? You are right. Takao-chan likes old works, Shou-chan likes poetry, but I read mostly magazines, especially ones with my own face on the cover. Buuuut, a little Ranpo now and then, too. As long as they have no ghosts, I'm fine. You should give Akechi Kogoro a try, darling."
Having said that, Atago, giggling, presented her with a paperback edition of The Fiend with Twenty Faces.
"This one is a classic. The master of disguise, who is never seen. A man so cunning, he could steal even the wind. If you start, start with this, darling."
"A-Ah, thanks. I'll...try to remember."
"Of course you will, dear," Atago winked. "Or if you want something spicier, I read Tanizaki's works, too. Daring man, darling. Daring."
She didn't know if Atago realized her voice had dropped lower, but the husky tone did make her wonder how much of the novel's contents was based on the author's own experience, if any.
But she wasn't too keen on exploring that world just yet.
"I think I'm...gonna pass. On that. For now."
"Aw, your loss, then." Atago shrugged, placing the book back on the shelf, and checked her watch.
"Goodness, we've been walking for hours. Guess the company makes all the difference, huh? Wanna have lunch, darling? My treat. There's a good place nearby."
She didn't get to decline. Even her tongue didn't obey her as she was dragged out—only getting enough time to pay for the book she was recommended—and onto the street, and down a busy lane. The meal was, as before, dominated by Atago's chatter, which she listened to.
It was still a good meal, nonetheless. She came out full, in more than one sense.
"You must be tired," Atago said as they were walking back. "How about you stretch your legs a bit at our place? It's not far, in Shinjuku. Maybe we can have some tea, too."
"Uh...that'd be great, but I don't think I can stay long. Still have stuff to do."
"No problem, darling. Just for a while, hmm?"
Something softened within. Atago's knack for persuasion was at it again.
"Sure, if that's okay with you."
***
The bus trip was indeed short.
The apartment was located away from Shinjuku proper, on the outskirts, but the building itself was nice.
It was a quieter neighborhood, too.
"Come in, Enty-chan. I'll have the tea ready soon."
The interior was clean, and the floor was shiny and smooth. The furniture was mostly mahogany or rosewood, the colors deep, warm, and welcoming. The meticulousness was certainly Takao or Shoukaku's handiwork.
Atago told her to sit down on the couch while she went to the kitchen to prepare the tea. On the coffee table, there was a yellowing edition of Mainichi Shimbun from 1961. The headline was still legible, albeit faded.
"KANSEN Reintegration Bill Passes in Diet: Mikasa, PM Ikeda Herald 'New Chapter'"
The photo below was captioned 'Mikasa (center), flanked by Nagato and former Navy Chief Yamamura, shakes hands with Prime Minister Ikeda during ceremony at the National Diet Building, August 1961.'
She sighed. Her fellows back home—would they ever get their time, too? Thinking about it caused her no small amount of guilt.
Atago said nothing as she set the cups down after noticing the newspaper.
"Dai-senpai's amazing, isn't she? Nagato-sama, too. For them to gather influential sympathizers...I'm not surprised that the bill passed. It was hard, especially because former Prime Minister Kishi would rather see us as government property, but once Prime Minister Ikeda entered the picture, things began to change. And here we are, now."
"Sympathizers? What do you mean?"
"Industrialists, former and active officers, some politicians, academics, even men of letters. Mishima, you know, was openly supportive of the measure. Called us, and I quote, 'ideals made manifest.'"
"Oh..."
That wasn't exactly flattering—even unnerving, but that wasn't the point. But to have so much support from all walks of life was nothing short of incredible.
"And yes, there were those who didn't support the idea. They were...dismissive, at best," Atago continued, sipping her tea with a measured, calm expression. "We will continue to show them we can live like normal human beings."
Atago's eyes were closed, and the way her lips curled, her head tilting just slightly, and the way her hand cupped the cup, the slender fingers curling around the rim...
"I believe you all will. You've proven yourselves. I'm sure there'll be those who will accept us."
"Do you, now? You're making me blush, Enty-chan," Atago chuckled. "And you yourself...have done more than enough, too."
She felt her face heating up and quickly took a sip from her own cup, almost burning her tongue in the process.
"...Me?"
"You spoke our language, and you tried to understand our culture and beliefs. That was no small task...for someone who was...an enemy."
She quietly placed the cup down, watching the ripples on the surface, listening to the ticking of the wall clock.
"...I...just thought I wanted to understand. Before the war, I was stationed in Hawaii. During liberties, I watched how the locals lived. The Japanese-Americans in Honolulu, Hilo, and so on. I don't know why, but one day, I just...started trying to talk to them. Listened. Asked. And I learned. Then the war broke out, and suddenly these people, who had lived there for years, had to explain themselves. And then, the internment camps came..."
She stared at her reflection in the cup.
"...I'm sorry. You didn't ask to hear this. Sorry."
"No, it's fine, Enty-chan," Atago gently said, placing a hand on her arm. "Thank you for telling me. That's a good start. I think."
"Right...but even then, many Nisei showed loyalty to the country that took away their freedom. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the US Army was made up entirely of Japanese-Americans. I met some of them when I returned to Hawaii after some time with the GHQ. Asked them about how they feel. 'Shikata ga nai,' they said. And, you know, I...wish it didn't have to be this way."
"Shikata ga nai," Atago sighed, the words leaving her lips softly. "But it doesn't always mean nothing can be done. It's more like...we endure, and we move on, you see? And...the way I see it, we have moved on. All of us. Together."
"You think so?"
"I do."
"I'm glad."
"As you should, darling. Now, stop thinking about it and get yourself comfortable. This couch is Zui-chan's favorite. Said you can really sink into it."
She had to agree. It was indeed comfortable, like being engulfed by a big, fluffy cloud.
Maybe...she could just rest for a while. Just for a moment.
***
She opened her eyes to see Takao sitting in the armchair opposite her and Atago beside her. She could hear Shoukaku and Zuikaku in the kitchen arguing over what was acceptable enough to be put in the pot.
"Oh, Enty-chan, you're awake."
"Huh? How long was I...?"
"Quite long. It's past sundown, you know. I didn't want to wake you up since you looked so comfortable."
She blinked.
"Sorry, I didn't—"
"It's okay. We don't mind, Enty-chan. You're welcome anytime. Since you are here, we could all go to the sentō together after dinner. And then..."
Atago scooted closer and gave her a mischievous wink.
"You can stay the night. It will be fun, all five of us."
"Uh...I..."
"Just for the record, none of us are against it," Takao said, closing her book. "It's entirely up to you. No pressure."
"Y-Yeah, no pressure."
"And don't worry about the room. We could spread the futons here in the living room, talk, play cards, and do other things."
"But...Grim..."
"Your bird? He came here while you dozed off. Look, he's over there, resting," Atago pointed to the corner.
Grim was, indeed, sleeping, looking content, head tucked under his wings.
"I think he followed you all day long," Atago laughed. "He's so loyal."
It was a little relieving, a little vexing—but above all, it all felt so...domestic.
Like she was part of a family.
"Hey, I can see those cogs turning, you know," Atago smiled. "If you're worried about something, I hope you know we're all willing to listen."
She glanced at the others, who had come in with a bowl of nabe, the aroma drifting through the air.
"It's nothing. I'm just...thinking. Thank you. I mean, for everything."
"Aw, darling, that's just being a good friend."
A good friend.
Maybe it was.
She was in good company.
Stretch her heart out a bit more, maybe.
"Sure, I'll...stay."
***
The futons had been spread, and they felt fresh and clean. Grim was watching them from the corner, preening his wings like he always did before sleep.
Atago's sleepwear was a loose blue kimono, the collar left open. Takao wore an indigo one, proper and modest. Shoukaku, surprisingly, opted for a two-piece pajama set that seemed too big for her, but still looked good. Zuikaku simply wore an old T-shirt with its sleeves ripped off and sweatpants.
She was lent one of Atago's, and ended up wondering if the silk garment was a tad too revealing, because the others seemed to be stealing glances at her. But no. Looking down revealed the sash being tied tightly enough.
"Now, this is cozy, isn't it?"
"Y-Yeah. Really cozy."
"And now, Enty-chan, why don't you try to be pretty for a little bit? I can teach you."
"Pretty...?"
"Yes. Makeup."
"...I never really tried."
"Then tonight's a good time, isn't it?"
Be pretty?
Not
Be strong?
Grim squawked, almost as if he knew what was on her mind. He seemed to nod his approval.
"Just so you know, you are not the first she picked to doll up, Grey Ghost," Zuikaku piped in, looking smug yet traumatized at the same time, for some reason she couldn't understand. "I was."
"And you were absolutely gorgeous, Zui-chan."
"...My students wouldn't stop yapping about it," Zuikaku grumbled. "Come to think of it, that was when Isobe started getting cheeky. It's your fault, Atago."
"Oh, nooo, sweetheart. You are just pretty, accept it." Atago stuck a tongue out at Zuikaku before turning her attention back to her. "So, darling, do you want me to give you a makeover? A little touch-up never hurt anyone."
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and back at the other four.
"...We're about to sleep, aren't we?"
"Not before late-night snacks and games, darling. Come on. Say yes, please?"
She took a deep breath and nodded.
"Alright. Sure. Why not."
Atago started simple—or so she said. Lip tint and blush. Takao was busy setting up a card game (at least it seemed to be), and Shoukaku was already pouring tea.
Zuikaku, however, had taken up the role of commentator, though nothing she said was remotely helpful.
"Your cheeks looked like a smashed tomato, Grey Ghost," she snickered. "Welcome to the club."
"It's not so bad, right, darling? A little color makes the world a brighter place."
She didn't know if Atago could hear, or notice, how her hands were trembling as the brush touched her skin.
"How does it feel, Enty-chan?"
It just felt warm.
"It's...okay."
"Okay? Only okay?"
"It's...really nice."
"Ah, good. Good. A little color on the cheeks, darling, isn't just to look pretty, too. It shows you've been alive. You've felt something."
That was it, she realized.
Alive.
"Hmm..." Zuikaku tapped her chin. "You know what, let me brush that hair, Grey Ghost."
"What...?"
"Geez, just because I'm a loudmouth doesn't mean I'm dumb, you know. I learned from Shoukaku-nee because I don't want to trouble her with brushing my hair anymore, since mine is so long. And besides, a good opportunity to show off."
"I don't mind, you know," Shoukaku chuckled, shaking her head. "But you really are a good girl."
"Ehehe."
She could agree, even if she had to suffer the smug grin, which she didn't really mind, and the way the brush swept through her hair, feeling her scalp tingle a little, and how it felt so relaxing, she didn't want it to end.
"There. Now, a little perfume, and done," Atago declared.
Done.
"Look at yourself, Enty-chan. How do you feel?"
She did.
"Is this...me?"
"Of course, silly. Who else would it be? If only your friend could see you, he'd be floored, too."
"...Ooooh...is our Grey Ghost seeing someone?"
Zuikaku was back to her usual self, regrettably.
Regrettably, too, the blush Atago applied made her embarrassment all the more apparent.
"N-No! Just a friend."
"Sure, darling, sure," Atago giggled. "As long as you are happy. Wish I could take photos, but we don't have any cameras."
"You can always do it again," Shoukaku remarked, setting down a tray full of teacups and biscuits. Her smile was tinged with a hint of mischief.
"Wha...I, uh, maybe I'm not really suited for it. Yeah. Maybe not. Too much trouble."
"Nonsense, darling," Atago plopped down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "It's worth it. If you like, I could do your makeup next time, too. How does that sound?"
Next time.
Makeup.
Make pretty.
"It sounds...fine."
"That's my girl. Now, how about we all have some snacks before we go to bed? Let's have fun."
She didn't need a mirror to see herself smiling or the others' faces.
The warmth was already there.
"Yes, let's."
She lost at karuta, but mostly because the poems were from books she didn't even read, and Takao proved to be a relentless opponent, having memorized all the poems by heart.
Still, the tea was good.
The snacks, other than the biscuits, were things she'd never tasted. She rather liked the Kappa Ebisen. The Koikeya chips weren't bad either.
After tea, Atago brought out some cans of Asahi and cracked one open.
"How about some beer, Enty-chan? Have a drink, hmm? I remember you have these at your place, but not the canned ones."
Indeed, she had them on the menu, but frankly, she had never even drunk anything alcoholic.
But the beer looked cool. And tempting.
"Sure, I'll have some."
"Atta girl."
She popped a can open and handed it to her.
"Cheers, darling. Kanpai."
"Kanpai."
The first taste was bitter and a bit sour, but the fizziness was nice, and it made her throat tingle.
"How's it?"
"Bitter," she replied honestly, licking her lips.
"Heehee. But you like it, right? It's the kind that grows on you, you know."
"Heeey, pass me one, will you? I wanna chug, too," Zuikaku demanded.
"Pay up, Zui-chan," Atago winked. "It's my stash."
"You can't be serious."
"I can, darling. Sorry."
"Grr. Alright, alright. Put it on my tab," Zuikaku sighed. "No fair, Grey Ghost got one for free."
"I can pay—"
"No, you are our guest, darling. It's fine. Just relax."
"...Just one can, okay?" Shoukaku muttered as she watched her sister take a swig.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Now, now, darling. You shouldn't worry so much. This is just for tonight."
The drink was, indeed, growing on her.
How?
She lost the Old Maid, too. She blamed the alcohol for impairing her judgment. Zuikaku won that one and wouldn't stop grinning. She let her have that. Grim didn't, perhaps. His screech sounded judgmental, but watching Zuikaku having a one-sided argument with him was rather amusing.
She had a lot of fun.
They played some more, and drank some more, and talked, and laughed.
And she didn't even realize when, but it was past midnight.
Soon, the lights were dimmed, and they were nestled under the blankets.
It was still quiet and snug.
The collective, easy breathing was palpable.
Shoukaku was quick to fall asleep, face peaceful, with Zuikaku lying on her side, an arm draped over her.
She had no idea if Takao was already asleep or not, since her back was turned, but her shoulders were rising and falling, and her hair, free from its ponytail, falling gracefully.
"Hey, Enty-chan," Atago murmured beside her, voice a bit slurred. "You had fun?"
"Yeah. Really. It was...a lot of fun."
"That's good. Very good. I'm glad. Good night, darling."
"...Good night, Atago."
She closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift.
A nice evening.
A nice day.
All in all, it was a good day.
***
"Ow...what time is it...?"
She opened her eyes to see that Grim was still fast asleep, with the sun shining through the window.
Something soft was pressing against her arm, and she felt weight on her thighs.
She paled when she realized that Atago was clinging to her, grinning, mumbling something incoherent. Her leg was on top of hers.
She tried to wiggle herself free, but that only caused Atago to snuggle up closer, clinging to her like a barnacle on a ship's hull.
"Thank you for taking one for the team."
That was Takao, who apparently was already awake. The others were still sleeping.
"W-What...? One what?"
"Letting her cuddle. She often does that to me. It's refreshing not being on the receiving end for once."
She didn't know what to think of being thanked for a sacrifice she didn't even want to make, or the fact that Takao really didn't mean any ill in her words.
"But that's acceptance, no? Is it not a good thing?"
"...It's not that, uh...I just..."
"You are becoming one of us, Enterprise, even if you don't realize it."
"I...am?"
"You are."
"Thank you."
Maybe she could lie down just a little longer.
For another moment or two.