Kabuki

Chapter 11

Matsuzo and Yoshitiro walked through many theater halls; many actors and others bowed at their presence. Many male and female theater workers couldn't help but admire Yoshitiro's masculine energy when he went past them. Matsuzo also couldn't help but admit that the samurai was a handsome one to behold. It made him wonder why he didn't accept Renjiro in the beginning. "Yoshitiro-sama, we are happy you have arrived; Renjiro-san has been looking forward to your presence."

"Has he now?"

"Indeed, I hope he was to your liking when you both first met."

The samurai didn't take a single glance at the theater owner. He knew what Matsuzo wanted: to be Renjiro's patron. He then remembered Kazuko, who begged to have an audience with Renjiro. "Matsuzo-san, that man outside. He and Renjiro-san were acquainted, were they not?" Matsuzo stopped momentarily; Yoshitiro also stopped but didn't face the man as he crossed his arms. "It does not trouble me that Renjiro-san has entertained others, for he is the most desired actor. However..." He slowly turned and glared at Matsuzo. "...I don't enjoy being viewed or treated as a fool."

"Curse you, Kazuko! Even after a year, he still begs outside the theater! I must find a way to get rid of that fool, or he will scare away prospects." Matsuzo regained his composure as he smiled. "We wouldn't dare treat you as such."

Yoshitiro looked indifferent; he knew that Matsuzo would do and say anything to get on anyone's good side. "I am certain that you told that man outside the same thing. Now, take me to where I need to go."

Matsuzo bit his lower lip as he tried to keep his temper in check. He knew that he had to be careful around the samurai. Even if he wasn't interested in Renjiro, he didn't want Yoshitiro to spread the truth of their plans. However, Matsuzo motioned the samurai to follow him to where he had taken him the last time. Yoshitiro entered the room where candles were lit, and there were trays of food, sweets, and sake. He sat on a cushion as he was told that Renjiro would arrive soon.

The samurai waited patiently as he poured himself a cup of sake. Moments later, the sliding door opened; Renjiro entered without makeup, but he wore an extravagant kimono. Renjiro bowed and slowly lifted his head. "Yoshitiro-sama, you have returned as promised."

"Indeed, I have. I am a man of my word." Yoshitiro took another sip of sake. "I saw your former patron outside the theater."

The actor contained his composure, but he was surprised that Yoshitiro knew. "What makes you certain of this, Yoshitiro-sama? He-"

"Do you take me as a fool, Renjiro-san? That day when he begged for you, he mentioned that he gave everything for you."

Renjiro stood up and sat on his respective seat where the shamisen was laid out. "If you know all that, then why risk coming to see me? I have expensive taste since I am the most desired kabuki actor in Yoshiwara."

"I am surprised that you asked that question. You know I am a samurai. A samurai always risks his life in battle, whether big or small. I never turn my back away from a challenge. You, however, believe you can convince me to be your patron?"

The young man raised an eyebrow as he got the shamisen. "You know all that and are still here because of your reputation as a samurai? You are a strange man. I never seen a man so eager to prove himself."

Yoshitiro finished drinking his sake. "On the contrary, Renjiro-san, it is the opposite. I have no trouble being a patron and know the risks of being one of the most famous actors in the district. However, you must prove yourself to me if you wish me to be your patron. Currently, you have not shown me that you are worthwhile."

This angered Renjiro as he tightly held onto the shamisen. "Really now? You say that, but the people of Yoshiwara think otherwise. They-"

"That is their words, Renjiro-san, not mine. I know your sensei wants me to be your patron, but it seems you haven't been honest with him, have you? My words still plague your mind when we first met, have they not?" Yoshitiro noticed that Renjiro tried hard to restrain his emotions. He couldn't fault him for trying. "I do not say these things to upset or make you feel unworthy. Although, I have my reasons, and it upsets me that you haven't figured it out. Well, I know you will eventually. Now sing for me."

It was silent momentarily, but Renjiro contained his composure as he got the shamisen ready and began to play.

The shamisen and Renjiro's voice echoed throughout the room. Renjiro changed his voice into a feminine sound. He sang about the beauty of cherry blossoms and other forms of nature; he closed his eyes while singing. Renjiro sang this song in many performances in public and private settings. It was one of his favorite songs, reminding him of his happy moments with his parents. 

Before his father died, he always took Renjiro to nature walks to escape one's struggles. He and his father always preferred cherry blossoms for their beauty and gift to soothe the spirit and mind. As the young man sang and remembered the memories, he didn't realize that he no longer sang in a feminine voice but his regular masculine voice. When he opened his eyes and realized what was happening, he returned to the feminine voice until he finished the song.

However, Renjiro was disappointed with himself and the outcome. "I failed! What is with me!?" he asked himself. 

Meanwhile, Yoshitrio sat in silence while his arms were crossed. He hardly blinked while hearing the performance. He then ate some wagashi and poured himself tea. "It was almost perfect, Renjiro-san."

"Almost perfect? You jest."

"If you believe that, then you only speak poorly of yourself. I did not state that you played entirely poorly; there were certain tunes that you sang that were done beautifully. However, it seems that you don't know which." Yoshitiro stood up. "That will be it for the day. I hear that you will have a performance in five days; I will be in attendance." He was about to leave, but Renjiro stood up and blocked his way. 

"That's it? Are you just going to leave? I know I was not perfect, but I have other songs to sing!"

"It is not necessary, Renjiro-san. I do not want to hear more singing; you will only disguise your voice even more, and that is something I do not want to hear. I have not given up on you yet. I look forward to seeing your performance. Until then, Renjiro-san." Yoshitiro gently pushed Renjiro out of the way and went on his way.

Renjiro stood silently as he slowly sat on his seat, holding the shamisen. He then put his right hand over his throat. "Disguise my voice, hmm..."