Flower Spelling - Chapter 32

Chapter 32 – Site of Shichiri Ferry

The rain clouds that had been pouring rain for the past few days had finally moved off to the east, and the day turned out to be a beautiful sunny, warm, and spring-like day. Puddles of water still lingered along the road, glistening in the sun. As they proceeded along the path, trying to avoid stepping in them, they soon spotted a large town ahead.

This was Miya-juku, the 41st post town on the Tokaido road. From here to Kuwana-juku, the next stop on the Tokaido, was connected by a sea route called “Site of Shichiri Ferry”. Miya-juku was not only a port where people and goods come and go but also a flourishing town on the doorstep of the Atsuta Shrine, with many honjins and wakihonjins where feudal lords stay, as well as hundreds of inns and shops lining the wide streets.

“What a crowd! It’s like a festival!”

At the end of the street, the pier was crowded with people awaiting boats of all sizes, drawn together. Unless you shout, you will be drowned out by the hustle and bustle, even if you are right next to them.

“The largest of all the towns on the Tokaido!”

Shouting back in return, Takasugi gripped his luggage tightly.

“Don’t stray! Once separated, forget about seeing each other ever again!”

Having waded through the crowds of people, the three of them completed the boarding formalities at the boating reception and boarded a small sailing boat operated by a young boatman. The sail to Kuwana-juku lasted about two hours. The waves were calm making it a perfect day for a boat trip.

Onboard were approximately twenty people, each enjoying the scenery and resting. Although the wind across the sea was slightly chilly, the exhilaration of having the sails fully unfurled was more than justified.

I’ve done a few river crossings on the way so far, but never had a good memory of any of them.

In particular, the Oi River between Shimada-juku and Kanaya-juku was renowned for its width and steepness, and was so challenging to cross that a poem was written about it: “Hakone is eight miles long, but even a horse can’t cross the Oi River”. To cross the river, the only means of getting across was to be carried on a lotus stand or to be carried on the shoulders of a man. Sogetsu and the others crossed the river on a lotus stand, which swayed unsteadily in the steep current, and they had to hold on to the edge of the stand to avoid falling off.

At this time the water was still below the belt. In the worst cases, they were told, the water would reach up to their armpits, thus instilling fear in the daredevils.

So this will be the first proper boat trip.

Next to Sogetsu, whose eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned over the edge of the boat, Takasugi lowered the furoshiki wrapping on his back and took out a square box-like object. In the box were roughly ten cylindrical pieces of wood that can fit in the palm of one’s hand, which were then inserted into place with a familiar clicking gesture. Within a few moments, Takasugi had a magnificent shamisen in his hand.

“Even after seeing it so many times, it’s still a wonder, that shamisen on the road.” Sogetsu, who had taken her attention away from the sea and was watching the scene, said sincerely.

Takasugi’s favorite shamisen was the “Dochu Shamisen”, which can be dismantled into small pieces and stored in the torso. The first time it was shown to her, she thought it was like watching a sleight of hand as the shamisen appeared and disappeared in a flash.

Takasugi turned his chin away in delight, as though he were a child who had been praised for his signature toy.

A single, booming note, then a slow, pinching note. It was a tune with a gentle beat that matched the rocking of the boat.

“It’s a good thing you’re here.”

A round-faced man, sitting nearby, who looked like a merchant called out.

“Oh, excuse me. My name is Seiemon, and I am a haberdashery shopkeeper in Kuwana.” The man lowered his friendly face. “I have often been to the palace to conduct business, but it is rare to find a man who plays the shamisen on board. Where are you from, Master Samurai?”

“From Edo. Miya-juku is incredibly bustling. I was surprised that it was like a festival.”

”That can’t be helped. The other day, Master Kubo came to the capital for the first time in hundreds of years, didn’t he? Since the end of last year, many of his retainers have been coming and going. That was a great deal of commotion. “

“Just the fact that a person travels becomes such a significant deal.”

The Shogun’s ascension to the capital, an event that had until now been perceived in a vague sense, rapidly gained momentum. Meanwhile, the realization that Kusaka was in a position to act in such a crucial matter sent a shudder down her spine.

How much power did Kusaka gain in Kyoto? She had mixed feelings, anticipating the encounter and dreading it.

If all goes well, they will reach Kyo in time for this journey.

In order to do that, I need to rest and build up my strength while I can.

Whilst renewing her spirit, a boisterous boat with a delectable smell approached with a lively shout.

On the boat, dexterously maneuvered by a well-built woman with the air of a lady possessing enormous guts, various items such as rice cakes, rice balls, and sake, as well as Kuwana’s specialty, baked clams, were laid out, creating an atmosphere so luxurious that one could hardly believe that they were on a boat. There was even a small kettle on board, so the clams were always hot and ready to be consumed.

Once bitten into the clam, the juices dripping from the clam will spread the aroma and taste of the sea to the mouth.

“Ohhhh,” she writhed in an inarticulate manner and then proceeded to eat wordlessly.

“Ah, this is happiness!”

“The clams are exceptional.”

Next to her, Seiemon too sipped his mouthful, as if chewing on the aftertaste. “I can never have enough of it.”

All around the ship, one could hear the clinking of tongues, and as the liquor began to be served, the atmosphere onboard changed to that of a banquet. When a drunken fellow breaks forth into singing, the others begin to dance and clap their hands.

Seeing that Sogetsu had somehow integrated herself into the circle of the party, Shido muttered with a sigh.

“She’s always been able to adapt herself to any place. I suppose it’s a form of talent.”

“It’s unusual for you to praise Sogetsu.”

Shido’s mouth curved up in displeasure when Takasugi teasingly said. “No praise intended. Just bemused.”

“Well, I can see what you mean. Sogetsu has a certain atmosphere that soothes people. I suppose people are drawn to it. Even the stubborn old man has been vulnerable to Sogetsu ever since the Oyama incident.” Takasugi chuckled deep in his throat, recalling it.

The Oyama Incident was an incident in which Kurushima mistook Sogetsu for an onnagata when Sogetsu first arrived at the clan’s residence, causing a great deal of laughter.

“I’d say she’s just happy-go-lucky.” Shido bluntly said.

“You’re not being honest.”

Takasugi laughed and sipped his drink, just as the actual person of interest returned. She was holding a skewered dumpling in both hands and wore a beaming smile on her face.

“Look how much they shared with us.”

Happily offering it to them both, she told them that she heard an interesting story.

“I heard that a cat called Fuku is gaining in popularity in Kuwana.”

“A cat?”

“Yes. It seems to be a stray cat that has recently taken up residence in a small, uninhabited shrine with a rather unusual stripe pattern on its forehead.”

“You’re not going to tell me it looks like a torii, are you?”

“Oh, Mr. Shido, amazing! You got it. A cat with a torii pattern in a shrine is a perfect combination, don’t you think? The cat that brings good luck is called ‘Fuku’. Nowadays, more and more people visit the shrine simply to have a look at the cat, and a manju named after the cat has become popular. Mr. Seiemon also mentioned that he was thinking of selling small items related to Fuku.”

“It will not work out. That kind of stuff, once the cat disappeared, it will be all over.”

“That is precisely why people want to earn a profit while they can, isn’t it? Besides, if they say it’s only for a limited time, people will want to see it. Since this is such a good opportunity, why don’t we pay a visit too? I’d like to meet the rumored Fuku.”

“Hmm. Well, let’s go and have a look, just for the sake of conversation. We’ll be there sooner than we thought.”

Takasugi pointed in the other direction.

Beyond the horizon, a faint blue land was visible.