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Chapter List
- 47
- 48
Distemper: deranged condition of mind or body; (archaic): political disorder.
Untempered: not moderated or lessened by anything.
Temper: dilute, qualify or soften by the addition or influence of something else; bring to a proper, suitable, or desirable state by or as by blending or admixture.
Poor little Kinoe; curiosity totally wrecks the cat.
Indignation kindles like a wildfire in her belly; its flames swiftly rise, and so too does she. “What’s the meaning of this?”
Coming to halt one step behind Iruka’s chair, with face red and jaw tight, Ibiki snaps, “Will forbearance with these charlatans never cease?”
“You’re out of order!”
“So are you … ma’am!”
Governor and Inspector stand astonied, thrown off kilter by anger’s viciousness. And with this unexpected hostility, Iruka and Izumo sit petrified, afeared to move or breathe. The only outward tell of splintering emotions was a lessening of her rigid posture. Recovery peremptory; uncertainty betrays not her voice.
“I assume you’ve come with news of imminent danger inside the territory. If not, you owe us apology and explanation for this--”
“Me? Hah, that's rich.
Actually, it’s unbelievable! You sat there wasting precious time, lapping up their lies, and egging them on like a besotted glassy eyed patron of kabuki theater, and to what end? Why the hell are you giving them free rein to prey on your fears?”
One glance at Iruka who was busy dodging the wildly gesturing arms above his head, she drew in a heated breath. Puffed up and standing flat footed, Izumo nearly startled off his seat when she started reading Ibiki to filth.
“Them? Pfft … what gall!
Bursting in like a ravenous moon bear after hibernation, disrespected my office. You dared eavesdrop, then threw further insult upon myself and my guests, by interjecting your crude opinion on what was, a private conversation. Moreover, coming before one’s superior smelling all the world like a distillery exploded, denigrates one’s position as an officer of the law; in that, you disrespect yourself.” She reared back, eyes narrowed and fists on her hips,
“However I spend my time … and with whom I spend it, is none of your concern.
Do. Not. Ever!
Speak to me in that way.
Understood?”
Time stretches forth flinty fingers, striking sparks of anxiety as it pokes and prods everyone in the room. Uneasy quiet continues sinuous movements, unwinding and coiling itself around the main combatants like reinforced battlements, until the clarion call of reason ... Izumo’s voice, scores a clean slice through the tension.
“Milady, Inspector … we accomplish nothing with this type discourse. And why risk saying something in a fit of pique, which can never be retracted?”
Ibiki and Tsunade briefly look to one another, then in unison their eyes descend on this would be peacemaker; pent up vitriol flows as a rushing river,
“Hush Kamizuki!”
“Yeah ... shut up ya little pantywaist!”
Iruka immediately throws his arm across the other man’s chest, pressing him against the chair’s back, “Zumo, be still,” he whispers, “not your fight.”
“Gwan,” Ibiki remarks over the noise of his knuckles cracking, “... make a move ‘Zumo.' I’ll be happy to make ya thankful there’s a real doctor in the house--”
“Really? We threatening civilians now? The hell is wrong with--?”
“These men are pathological liars … and this time,” his head dips slightly when he reaches inside his jacket pocket, “I got proof!”
“What? You have actual proof of something? Speak of a unique happenstance.” Ever so gently, her fingertips alight on the desktop, an icy smirk gracing her lips, “Be not quick to paint me with the idiot brush. I know how to eat the meat and spit out the bones.” From where she stood, the gnashing of Ibiki’s teeth was not only distinct, but oddly satisfying. “Why are you even here …did I send for you?”
Abandoning one pocket in favor of another, his fingers make contact with smooth metal and hardened clay. “Thought you might want this.”
From the heights of annoyance, to the depths of stupefaction, remarkable in their eyes was the abrupt shift in her demeanor; all because of the object swinging from the Inspector’s fingers. From bewilderment's depths to fear’s screaming heights, trepidation bubbles and churns in the pits of their stomachs. Reduced to silence once more, Izumo and Iruka sit hoping for a miracle to break the spell which captivates their advocate.
It would not be so.
As Ibiki swaggers to the side of her desk, explaining how he came into possession of this wondrous thing, it was evident to all Lady Tsunade heard not a word. “I … I never thought to see this again.” Cupping her hands as if he were delivering life giving water, she persists in wide eyed wonder.
“Okay … what the hell goes on here?”
Ignoring Izumo’s poke in the ribs and his equally pointed query, Iruka is as mesmerized with the Governor, as she is with the necklace. His eyes follow her slow moving fingers as they trace every line and groove of the netsuke. More redoubtable than her seamless reversal, was the cocky grin supplanting Morino’s tight lipped scowl, as if he’d secured a major victory.
This, Iruka could not abide.
“Inspector, we came to Konoha with singular purpose; to rid the land of evil--”
“Correction … you came to Konoha with a picture book Dr. Umino; chock full of mythical creatures and strange notations,” he turned to face them, “your purpose? To lead me and my men on a series of wild goose chases.”
“We sought you out under the misguided impression our goals aligned … you know,” Izumo reminded him, “protecting the people of Konoha?”
“How! By framing an innocent man?”
“Got news for you Inspector … Hatake is neither innocent … nor a man. A demonic entity is what we’re talking about here!”
“Umino! Shut your filthy mouth!”
For a moment, it looked as if the Inspector might vault himself over the desk; instead, he pulled himself together, bent down ear level with the Governor and said,
“I grow weary of their insane ramblings, how bout you, ma’am?”
The whole of her focus on an uncooperative clasp, she looked not his way, “Do be quiet Ibiki.” He went back a step or two when in the next breath, her voice turned shockingly sharp. “What I won’t tolerate much longer, is this asinine pissing contest!” With the netsuke finally in its rightful place, lying cool against the skin of her neck and chest, she warned them, “Take heed your surroundings. This is not some seedy tavern, but the office of the Governor … it will be respected as such.” After slinking back to stand beside Iruka’s chair, the three of them shamefacedly avoid her gaze. “Listen up hard legs, from this moment forward, we’re going to have an intelligent discussion, without accusations, name calling or raised voices. We clear?”
Recherché
Inordinately pleased with himself, Kinoe looked around a final time. Unusual, he thought, for a room without windows, this was a place of brightness. Centuries old bric-a-brac dotted the shelves, meticulously embroidered pillows adorn plump cushioned chairs; a miscellany of portraits, some with faces familiar and many others not, these hung on pristine imitation leather walls. Over in one corner, the artist’s easel stood reverently holding forth an unfinished picture of the current Lord captured in the days of his youth. Beside it, a vanity filled with ornate perfume bottles and rouges turned a gritty brick color by the passage of time.   In the center of the room was a massive four poster canopy bed; its posts, solid mahogany with finials of gold and draperies of organza in rich burgundy hues. He closes the door with a smile and heads off in search of reward for a job well done. Upper and lower bedchambers found empty, he ran up the stairs and down the first floor hallway. He comes to rest outside an office adjacent the salon. His timid backhanded knock, answered with a gruff, “Enter,” he stands content, watching the nib of Master’s pen scratch out words upon thick vellum.
“How long will you remain motionless with eyes wide and mouth agape?”
Catching hold himself, Kinoe titters, “Sorry my Lord, but in the presence of your greatness, one can’t help being awestruck--”
“Verily will you be struck if you don’t quickly state your business!”
“Textbooks," he said, hitching his thumb at the door, “three boxes of them await in the foyer. Would you prefer I situate them in here or--?”
“I take it memory has abandoned you Kinoe?”
“No, my Lord, it’s just … this room grows smaller each day with work yet begun. And since I know my Master is of a fastidious nature--”
“And,” the pen ceased movement, “he is also ill of temper when his work is needlessly interrupted.”
“Apologies.” He brightens as Master’s pen strikes paper again, “Thought you might want to know, the upstairs suite is ready for occupancy. If my Lord desires, it is ready for inspection.”
Master lifted not his eyes from the papers before him. “Changing bed linens, sweeping carpets and removing coverings from the furnishings … these things constitute a triumph? Let it be known, I’ve no intention of entering that room … ever again.”
Curiosity lures him to a peak precarious; he takes the plunge willingly, the words falling from his mouth without preamble, “And what time should we expect your guest this evening? I mean … shall I prepare a light snack or a full course meal?” When his Lord answered not, Kinoe soldiered on, “Is there anything in particular they might enjoy ... special delicacies or wines I should lay in store?”
This time, Master laid down his pen with care, “What say we move on to more important business, and by that I mean …. things which actually concern you? For example, a month ago I had you order specialized equipment and supplies from London. They arrived yesterday and for some unknown reason, they were delivered to the hospital.”
“My Lord, I … I have no idea how that happened--”
“You’re inept … there, that explains it. Fortunately, one of my servants was thinking correctly. When the shipment came in, he had the presence of mind to set it apart from prying eyes. Since you messed it up, you will fetch what is rightfully mine.”
“With pleasure. Oh, that’s right ... the books came from the Land of Wind and so too will our visitor. After such a journey they’ll be tired ... a light snack it is--”
“Silence!
Two things do I require Kinoe; the supplies and preparation of my frocks for tonight. Are any parts of these instructions unclear?" Kinoe vigorously shook his head. "Excellent. I require none other of your services as the Yasha will attend my ablutions and dressing. ”
“It will be done as you say my Lord, and again, I beg pardon, but there’s a certain excitement in the air and--”
“I care not what ails you. We will depart for the Temple at 7:00 p.m. sharp.” The lifting of the pen, the dipping of its nib in the inkpot, signal termination of discussion, yet the oblivious servant stands rooted to the spot.
“Progressive aren’t they?” Deliberate was the turn of his head and slow the fall of a silken eyepatch exposing Master’s swirling left eye; a low growl of admonition, again, completely ignored by the enthralled servant, “Physicians from the Land of Wind … all of them are women!” Even as the floor trembles beneath his feet, Kinoe continues, “I was made to understand that room was your mother’s betrothal suite ... could it be,” he gasped, “this guest … is your intended, Master?”
With a gust of wind behind it, the pen did fly, lodging nib first deep inside the wood panel to the right of his head. Not even a second to breathe or react before he was swept off his feet. Caught up in the swirling magatama of Master’s eye, rendered aphonic, he was as a marionette with half its strings missing, his limbs wildly flail, his body hovering before Master’s desk. A plea for mercy unheeded, he’s dashed from one side the room to the other, time and again. Face first into the bookcase, his back colliding with every available sharp corner, slammed to the floor only to be flung the ceiling; his screams of pain, unheard. When at last, Master’s foul humor vent, the servant hangs in mid-air before his Lord, a bloodied mess.
“Oh, how rude of me;
were there other questions …
or more assumptions you wish to put forth?”
The last ounces of strength mustered; the battered varlet slowly shakes his head.
“You’ve made wreckage of my office Kinoe,” he said rising from his seat. “One as fastidious as I ... simply cannot work under such conditions.” As he walked away, his servant plunged to the floor like a sack of rotten yams.   Standing by the door, his Master turns to say,
  “I trust all will be in order when I return?”
“Yes,” he panted, “my Lord.”
Recherché
“... labeled them predators of my fears, yet you were the one breathing out threats and terrorizing--”
“You're right ma’am,” he bowed low, “ashamed of myself.” Rising erect, humble words sail aloft on suspicious air.   “Lady Tsunade, Dr. Umino and Mr. Kamizuki ... I’m sorry. But, upon overhearing one of our revered nobles accused of a heinous crime, I … I lost control.” He swallowed down a lump in his throat, “It was a trying night for me; took a few shots to calm my nerves this morning, which ... obviously had the reverse effect. Still, no excuse for my behavior--”
“Damn right it wasn’t!
By now, it was like watching a fencing bout; their epees verbal, crossing with practiced precision. Each parry encountered swift riposte; every feint met trompement. But this time when the sparring partners retreat to neutral zones and settle into behavior befitting their stations, doubt doubles in Izumo’s mind.
“Riddle me this Inspector … these two young men left Konoha as children, and spent most of their lives in a foreign country; how could they have known about the seals our ancestors used to designate forced servitude?”
He thought for moment, “Well, they are cunning .. musta conducted research,” he said gesturing to the open books on the little conference table, “like you’re doing.”
“Afraid that’s a swing and a miss,” Izumo chuckled. “Until her borders were forced open to the West by Commodore Perry, few true facts were known of Japan’s history in our part of the world. Even now, what was taken for truth is being debunked every day.”
“Not to mention," Iruka chimed in, "we had neither opportunity on the voyage here, nor desire since our arrival, to research such things.”
“Seems I’ve made another error,” was uttered with a shrug of the shoulders. “But, I did hear you say something about ingesting an Absinthe based drink, didn’t I, Dr. Umino?”
“Guess a closed door is no guarantee of privacy these days. How long were you standing out there Inspector?”
“Long enough to pick up and stitch together bits and pieces Mr. Kamizuki.” His heavy hand lands gently on Iruka’s shoulder, accompanied by a soft chuckle, “Absinthe ... it ain't nothin’ to play with, am I right? Speaking from experience, it’ll have ya seeing things that ain't there--”
“Now, you’re growing tiresome Ibiki; say what you gotta say!”
“As you wish ma’am. I watched Dr. Umino and Lord Hatake exchange pleasantries in the ballroom. Shortly thereafter, I spent at least an hour playing shogi with the master of the manor in his private salon. I’m certain Lord Hatake is a man of many talents but, being in two places at one time? I think not.” Folding his arms across his chest, he wonders aloud, “Is it possible, this encounter with Lord Hatake and the alleged seal, was, I don’t know … a hallucination?”
Iruka shrugs away, “I assure you, my experience with Hatake was painfully real--”
“I’m sure you thought it was, Dr. Umino.”
“Um, before you embarrass yourself further sir, Lady Tsunade and I saw the seal with our own eyes … pretty sure neither of us were hallucinating--”
“Ah, but you did say Dr. Umino was away from you for a time; that he ‘collapsed’ and came to with a rash around his throat--”
“Your point Inspector?”
“Years of law enforcement ma’am ... you see folk do unimaginable things to throw police off their trail. I remember a case where a man engaged a knife wielding attacker in a back alleyway; killed him in self-defense, or so he claimed. The victim had the complete package, bruised knuckles, a black eye, wounds to his palms, but ... turns out the ‘attacked’ was actually the attacker.”
“So, you’re back to calling us liars--?”
“It’s not you Mr. Kamizuki,” he said looking down at the carpet,” it's me. See, I gotta skeptical mind that thrives on, ‘what ifs.’ That’s a good thing usually, but I fear this time, it might be leading me astray.” Lifting his head, eyes full of hope trained on Izumo, he said, “Really appreciate a few minutes indulgence … for clarity sake.” Lady Tsunade slowly drums her fingers on the desktop, Iruka folds his arms across his chest while Izumo, drawn in by the Inspector’s ‘soft spoken, have pity on me,’ act, implies consent with a resigned nod.
“Thank you sir. Allow me present what I believe are established facts. One, you and Mr. Hagane drained a few glasses of alcoholic beverages, as did I. Two, the three of you are still very young, gotta lotta play left in ya … which, unfortunately, I no longer have. Here’s where I need clarity … that period of time when Dr. Umino was unaccounted for.   I can’t help thinking you and Hagane put that mark on your unconscious friend, you know … as a goof. Silly … yet ingenious, because it would bolster the rest of your um … tale of wonder--”
"Give it up Ibiki ... you’re reaching. I know these young men; they would never do anything purposely or drunkenly to hurt Dr. Umino.”
Again the Inspector inclined his head, “I stand corrected; thank you. Reckon it's time to battle off, drag myself home and straight to bed.” He’d made it halfway to the door before turning about with a snap of his fingers, “One more question--”
“No sir … there will be nothing further … from anybody. The gods only know why I’m surrounded by troublesome men. Listen, the three of you attach weight to what you believe happened the night of the soiree; that’s fine, yet there can only be one truth. But right now, the tether on my patience is threadbare; with one too many things of true import already before me, I can’t render accurate judgment--”
“Message received … should’ve known you’d take their side--”
“I stand on the side of right, Inspector. Does not our law proclaim persons innocent, until proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt? Of course it does, therefore, we will meet together one week from today, when cooler heads,” she glanced at Iruka, “and sober judgment,” she eyed Ibiki, “can have seats at the table. At that time you will present whatever proofs you have and I’ll take appropriate steps to bring this matter to conclusion. Sound good?” Each man nods their assent. “That sorted, it’s gonna be another long night for you and your men Ibiki. I suggest taking rest while there’s opportunity. On your way out, have Shizune mark our meeting date and the time on my schedule, 10:00 a.m. sharp, one week from today.”
“Thank you,” he turns to leave, “until this evening, ma’am … gentlemen.”
Recherché
No matter how hard you try, some things you cannot run from. And, others, once seen, can never be forgotten. This reality sinks in for Maito as he nears his destination. As his jacket falls to the ground, the small jar of salve rattles against the vials. Mayhaps I misinterpreted ... saw something not actually there. Tis great loss. Alas, we are none better than common mongrels. Though we bow the head to others, for us, there is only one, true master.
Anguished howls emanate from his core which feel as if they’re ripping his throat asunder as he transforms; his lupine brethren pick up and chorus the alarm all the way through the woods. Taking off in pursuit of quarry, feeling soft earth beneath his paws and fingers of sunlight warming his fur as they pierce sparse tree canopy above him, his mind calms. Propping against a tree, physical hunger slaked, the blood of his prey dripping down his maws still, his heart remains a gaping void. And so, burlap sack filled with items from the forest and the manor, he sprints toward the place where verity lay wounded.
Recherché
The hell? Wolves howling in the daytime? Kotetsu ducks for cover, abandoning field dressing of the hares found in his traps. And it sounds like a pack is in distress … that can’t be good. Hastily burying the entrails, he gathers tonight’s dinner and beats feet to the safety of the cabin.
Recherché
“Why Ibiki has it out for you, I’ve no idea ... but I do know he’s not someone you want as an enemy.”
“I think I know why," Izumo said. "Simply put, he’s afraid, because we possess a narrative detrimental. Even without concrete proof to back us up, should the common people know one iota of our story, they’d flee the territory and never look back.”
Lady Tsunade leaned back in her seat with a smile. "I don't doubt that, but you need to understand, Ibiki fears no man. He has greater resources at his fingertips and he won’t hesitate to play dirty; that’s what makes him dangerous.”
“Even so, one would think he’d show us humor, pretend to work alongside us to prevent broadcast of the information we have,” Iruka huffed, “yet it seems he’s steadily pushing us to take our story public.”
“He is pushing you ... into a trap of some sort. Like you Iruka, he's bullheaded. Once Ibiki gets something stuck in his head, he’ll stand by his beliefs come hell or high water.”
“We never had intention to further panic, that's why we limited our communication to you and him. The quieter we can do our work, the better.”
“Well said Zumo. Lady Tsunade, I appreciate the warning but, I’ve nothing to fear. Truth, is my buckler--”
“Facts ... which can be manufactured and manipulated," she she blew out a tense breath, "these are Ibiki’s stock in trade; these are his shield. Just take my words to heart and be careful, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am, I will.”
“No you won’t, damn it! Why am I wasting my breath, when vanity demands I must needs catch up on lost beauty rest? Right, if there’s nothing further gentlemen?”
Taking their cue, both men rise and politely bow. Iruka was heading for the door when he heard Izumo say, “Ma’am, in case he has some sort of relapse, I’d be more comfortable knowing I had the wherewithal to cope with the situation. Can you spare a few minutes for me to jot down some ingredients? Iruka, mind if I catch you up buddy?”
He turned and shot him a quizzical look, “Yeah, sure; meet you at the inn. For your kind indulgence Lady Tsunade, I'm grateful.”
When the door closes behind him, their smiles fade.
“Spit it out Kamizuki ... did he not tell me something?”
“Everything I know,” he smiled, “you know.”
“One thing I know is, you’re capable of tending to minor medical incidents on your own."   Leaning forward with elbow propped on the desk and chin cradled in her palm, she demanded he, "Drop the pretense. What’s really going on?”
“Nothing untoward, I promise," he sat down with a sigh,"just something I find worrisome and couldn’t say in front of Iruka." Twiddling thumbs in his lap kept his head down and voice quiet, “You see, its our finances … they're strained at the moment. I was wondering if you knew whether the hospital has positions available?”
“Well, ours is primarily a teaching facility. The need for credentialed physicians and accredited instructors is always great--”
“Got it ... so much for that idea.”
“Hang on," she said, pulling the little book closer, "it's secondary mission is that of a research, development and manufacturing hub for medical instruments. Have you experience in those disciplines?”
“Nope,” he stood and bowed, “thanks anyway--”
"Sit down, Mr. Kamizuki ... I hadn’t finished. Now, as it happens, I know of a small clinic that’s always looking for young men with quick minds and able hands. The work, demanding, the hours long and the conditions, strenuous but, they will house and feed you in addition to providing a monthly stipend. Interested?”
“Am I? It sounds perfect! But … I haven’t worked with patients for some time; might be a little rusty--”
“Shouldn’t be a problem ... their patients are animals.”
His expression went from elation to confusion in a heartbeat. “Are we talking, a sanitarium … mental patients?”
“Course not." Watching relief wash over him, she said, "The business of this clinic is animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and such like. As the son of Tadashi, I’m sure Iruka has experience compounding medicines and I assume you possess rudimentary surgical skills--?”
“He does, and I do--”
“Come to think of it, there might be a position for Mr. Hagane if he's so inclined. I understand their onsite blacksmith is getting up in age … certain he wouldn't mind having a youthful assistant handle the heavy jobs.”
“Whew! That’s a load off my shoulders. We’ll take it!”
“You young people ... always in such a hurry. For heaven sake, at least go up and look around the place, talk to the owner, find out what--”
“No need. If you say this place is legit, I believe you.”
She rubbed at her temples, “Suit yourself. The Inuzuka clinic lies five miles north of your current location and--”
“Perfect, we’ll check it out first thing tomorrow morning!”
“I’ll provide landmarks for you to follow; wouldn't do to have you guys wandering about. I'll even dispatch a runner with a note of introduction, though I still think you should talk this over with your friends--”
“Trust me, I’ll make them see reason. Um, ma'am? Before I go, there is one more question--”
“Watch it, you sound like Ibiki--”
“Heaven forfend,” he laughed, "but speaking of the Inspector … why did you defend us to him? You could have shut him down with the truth--”
“You mean this little book?” She flicks open the cover, “Nah … in Ibiki’s mind, this doesn't constitute evidence--”
“Yet it speaks to a truth we couldn’t have known before today. Your ancestor wrote about people who had seals placed on their bodies by demons--”
“Coincidence--”
"Is it? According to him, these seals had purposeful placement, either on the heads or over the heart, depending on which area a demon wished to control--”
“Mr. Kamizuki, these writings reinforce, not refute the notion that we believe in fairy tales.”
“You said it yourself, those branded by the families they served had markings visible to the naked eye; the ones placed by demons were unseen, like the one on Iruka--”
“Unfortunately,” she sighed, “I find myself in an extremely complicated situation. The histories of the Senju and Hatake have been entwined since the territory’s foundation. I will not risk the wrath of my ancestors and his, without proof of nefarious deeds committed by Lord Hatake. I’m trusting you and Iruka to unearth these proofs.”
“In a week? Ma’am, what you’re asking is--”
“The Inspector rightly said, you are men of cunning; I believe that with my whole heart. Now, you must run along dear ... plenty of work ahead, short time for its completion.”
Grumbling a final farewell, the door clicks closed and peaceful quiet returns to her sanctuary. The letter of introduction and recommendation written and dispatched soon after Izumo left, she collects the book on her way out thinking, Wouldn’t hurt to pay the Nara a visit. It's a safe bet they stockpiled Montmorillonite.
Recherché
Under the door of the freshly prepared upstairs suite, a silvery gray mist creeps. It flits about the room; a wrinkle in the duvet smoothed, a hairbrush on the vanity, inched back into proper place. Passing by each of the portraits, motion ceases before the one entitled, Le Danse Macabre which hangs askew. Righted to perfect alignment, the mist resumes forward motion. At the unfinished portrait of Lord Kakashi does it pause, flashes of light emanating from its center as if form were struggling to take on substance. At last, the bright light diminishes, the mist dissipates and the room fills with the fragrance of lotus blossoms.

Notes:
Charlatan: A person falsely claiming to have special knowledge of something.
Astonied (archaic): briefly deprived of the ability to act; dazed, filled with consternation or dismay.
Petrify: benumb or paralyze with astonishment, horror, or other strong emotion.
Peremptory: leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal.
Insult (archaic): behave with insolent triumph; exult contemptuously.
Kabuki: Japanese dance drama; somewhat coarse and unrestrained, its beauty gaudy and extravagant. Derived from the verb kabuku which means ‘to lean,’ or ‘be out of the ordinary,’ kabuki can be interpreted as ‘avant-garde,’ or ‘bizarre’ theater. There was constant interplay between the audience members and the cast; actors frequently addressed the crowds; the latter responded with praise or clapped their hands according to a prescribed formula. Kabuki programs typically ran from morning to evening so meals were served at specified time during the performance. Onnagata, were male actors who played women’s roles in Kabuki theater.   These plays often times contained erotic content and dealt with themes of male homosexuality. Every Kabuki actor was expected to have a natural aptitude with onnagata techniques, which is not considered to be the same as or equivalent to cross-dressing or female impersonation.
Besotted: blindly or utterly infatuated.
Denigrate: deny the importance or validity of.
“Read to filth:” thoroughly insult, comprehensively call attention to the flaws of someone.
Battlement: tall protective walls with gaps separated by distinctive stone structures from which to launch projectiles.
Pique (archaic): a state of irritated feelings between persons.
Vitriol: cruel and bitter criticism.
Pantywaist: a weak, effeminate man.
Supplant: take the place of, serve as a substitute for, especially by reason of superior excellence or power.
Stupefaction: overwhelming amazement.
Redoubtable: something that evokes fear.
Trepidation: a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.
“Hard legs:” U.S. Army slang for a man, in reference to his member; often used plurally to denote a sausage fest {When the number of males in an environment overwhelmingly exceeds the amount of females present}.
Japanese leather wallpaper, so called because it was meant to resemble leather (duh). This effect was achieved by placing moist paper on carved wood and beating it with a brush until the design is embossed. After the paper dried, it was painted, gilded (thinly covered with gold leaf), and treated to render it waterproof.
Vellum: a translucent material produced from prepared animal skin (calfskin usually) as opposed to that from goats and thus, a higher quality. It is prepared as a surface for writing (or printing) and used to produce scrolls, single pages of text or books. Generally smooth and durable, though there are variations depending on the preparation and quality of the skin.
Fastidious: excessively scrupulous or sensitive, as in taste, propriety or neatness.
Ablutions: the washing of one’s body or part of it as in a religious rite. In this instance ‘religious’ is taken to mean, treated or regarded with a devotion and scrupulousness appropriate to worship.
Betrothal suite: a room or series of interconnected rooms, where one engaged to a member of the nobility spent her days, weeks or months prior to the wedding while becoming acclimated to the workings of the household and family of which they would become part of. Moving into the master bedchamber after the wedding, this suite became a place of retreat or where one slept when the master of the manor was away on extended travels. Upon the death of the master, once more it became a place in which to live out widowhood.
Admonition: a warning not to do something.
Cunning: dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (such as skill or knowledge); implies a shrewd often instinctive skill in concealing or disguising the real purposes of one’s actions.
Threadbare: (of clothing or soft furniture), becoming thin or tattered with age; (of an argument, excuse or idea), used so often that it is no longer effective.
Maws: the jaws or throat of a voracious animal.
Slake (archaic): become less active, intense, or vigorous; abate.
Buckler: a small round shield held by a handle or worn on the forearm.
Shield: a broad piece of armor carried apart from the body as a defense against swords, lances or arrows.
A tomoye (archaic) is a common Japanese abstract shape, usually used as a necklace, that resembles a comma or the usual form of magatama. Magatama: curved, comma shaped beads which served as decorative jewelry but later functioned as ceremonial or religious objects. In Japanese mythology, Susanoo, god of the sea and storms, received five hundred magatama from Tamanoya no mikoto, the jewel making deity. Susanoo went to heaven and presented them to his sister, the sun goddess Amaterasu, who bit off successive parts of the magatama and blew them away to create other deities.
Danse Macabre (“Dance of Death”): in medieval times it was a literal or pictorial representation of a procession or dance of both living and dead figures expressing the allegorical concept of the all-conquering and equalizing power of death.
Animal husbandry: the science of breeding and caring for farm animals. Veterinary medicine, a branch of medicine dealing with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in animals. The scope of veterinary medicine is wide, covering all animal species, both domesticated and wild, with a wide range of conditions which can affect different species.
Aphonic: being without sound through injury or illness and incapable of all but whispered speech.
Askew: not in a straight or level position.
Forfend (archaic): avert, keep away, prevent.
Fencing terms: (1) Epee, a sharp-pointed dueling sword, designed for thrusting, used with the end blunted in fencing. (2) Parry: defensive action in which a fencer blocks his opponent’s blade. (3) Riposte: defender’s offensive action immediately after parrying their opponent’s attack. (4) Feint: An offensive movement resembling an attack in all but continuance; intended to draw a reaction from an opponent. This is the ‘intention’, and the reaction is generally a parry, which can then be deceived. (5) Trompement: hitting an opponent at the end of a feint, after a successful deception.
Nefarious: extremely wicked or villainous; offense against divine or moral law.
The lotus flower is a symbol of Buddhism, revered in Japan for its ability to rise from dirty, murky waters to bloom into a beautiful pure flower. This process symbolizes attaining enlightenment. Its roots can grow up to 1.2 meters long. Renkon, or “lotus root” is an integral part of Japanese cooking. As a seasonal food, it is eaten in the autumn and winter, and served at the New Year as an auspicious food. Showy water plants most commonly called "lotus" belong to one of two species contained within the genus Nelumbo. Nelumbo nucifera, or sacred lotus, is native to South Asia and Australia; it produces large flowers in shades of rose, pink and white. Fragrance of lotus flower is generally described as heady, fruity, or sweet.
Where my history geeks at? Matthew C. Perry, Commodore in the United States Navy played a leading role in the opening of Japan to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, through ‘gunboat diplomacy.’ Perry finally lands at the entrance to Edo (modern day Tokyo) Bay July 8, 1853.   Ordering his ships to steam past Japanese lines towards the capital and turn their guns towards the town of Uraga, he refused Japanese demands to leave, or to proceed to Nagasaki, the only Japanese port open to foreigners. He tried to intimidate the Japanese by presenting a white flag and a letter which told them that in case they chose to fight, the Americans would destroy them. Meanwhile, the Japanese government was paralyzed due to illness of shogun Tokugawa Ieyoshi and political indecision about how to handle this threat to the nation's capital. On July 11, the chief senior counselor to the shogunate decided that simply accepting a letter from the Americans would not constitute a violation of Japanese sovereignty. After presenting the letter to attending delegates, Perry departed for Hong Kong, promising to return the following year for the Japanese reply. He returned six months later with ten ships and 1600 men the Convention of Kanagawa was signed March 31, 1854. Perry then visited Hakodate on the northern island of Hokkaido and Shimoda, the two ports which the treaty stipulated would be opened to visits by American ships.
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