Ketsumeidan

PART ONE

NOTHING IS INEVITABLE

Chapter One

Aiko knelt beside Chiyoko at the shoji screen of translucent paper over a timber frame, and slid it open hand over hand in the traditional fashion. They stood to enter the banquet hall of shoji screens and soft tatami mat flooring, for their fourth banquet of the evening. There they knelt and bowed deeply to their guests kneeling on cushions at a low table laden with bowls of sushi, and bottles of sake with cups.

Konbanwa, Aiko greeted. My name's Mitsuko with Chiyoko, Aiko said using her geisha name, which meant Sunlight Child. We'll be hosting your banquet tonight,

Konbanwa Mitsuko and Chiyoko, the middle-aged man at the head of the table said. My name's Ichirou Mori, and we have Katsu Abe, Ryuu Ikeda, Shouta Gamo and Kinjo Nakano.

Aiko and Chiyoko bowed to each yakuza in turn, all dressed in black kimono, including Kinjo Nakano; unusually a woman but with tattoos visible on her arms.

Mitsuko and a hangyoku, Chiyoko, agreed to host us, Nakano-san said.

A hangyoku is an apprentice geisha? Mori-san asked.

That's right, Aiko replied. Chiyoko is towards the end of her training, which enables her to participate more fully.

Chiyoko wears different clothing.

Hangyoku wear more elaborate kimono, and have a more elaborate hairstyle. Enough of that! Aiko grabbed the bottle of sake and a cup. To this evening! she toasted. Kanpei! and downed her sake.

Kanpei! they all responded before downing sake.

Aiko refilled their cups before Mori-san stood. To the Goyona Clan! he toasted. Kanpei!

Kanpei! they responded, including Aiko, who didn't want to toast a yakuza clan but had to.

You're young to be a geisha, Mitsuko, Mori-san said.

I'm old enough to know, Aiko immediately replied.

Know what?

I know many things. I know how to play, Aiko said and giggled, while noticing most of the men smiling brightly. Already it's March and almost spring, but spring can be anytime!

The men chuckled and Nakano-san too.

Aiko faced Mori-san, who didn't see the joke. You have a one-track mind, Mitsuko, he said flatly.

But it's a track we all enjoy, Aiko said and giggled, while the other men laughed loudly. This time Mori-san did smile.

Aiko was curious about Nakano-san more than she was a female yakuza. Rarely did women attend geisha banquets.

We should play – a drinking game, Aiko said to Nakano-san. Tora – tora – tora? she asked.

What's that? Nakano-san asked.

I'll show you. Aiko moved a folding screen from the far corner of the room more to the centre, and gestured for Nakano-san to come to that screen. Chiyoko knelt in the corner of the room with the shamisen.

This is a game of samurai, old woman and tiger, Aiko said. With the samurai like this, and she made a stabbing action with her hands. An old woman like this, and she bent over while holding a pretend cane. And a tiger like this, and she crouched onto all fours. On tora – tora, tora – tora we come out from behind this screen, where the samurai can kill the tiger but lose to the old woman who's his mother, and the old woman loses to the tiger which can kill her.

The song goes like this, Aiko said. In a large bamboo grove; push through a bamboo grove. Believe me and take a look; make a pair of glasses with your hands and look at the other player around the screen. With a golden headband and rolled up sleeves; pretend to wrap a headband and roll up your sleeves. The samurai is trying to catch a; thrust a spear toward the tiger; tora – tora, tora – tora!

Chiyoko strummed the shamisen and sang the song, while Aiko made the appropriate gestures with Nakano-san somewhat lost. On 'tora – tora, tora – tora!' Aiko came out as tiger to win to an old woman; with the men laughing loudly. Aiko grabbed the sake and a cup, for Nakano-san to drink as loser.

They did it again with the men laughing all the way through, and on 'tora – tora, tora – tora!' Aiko came out as a samurai to win to a tiger. The men laughed even louder to Nakano-san's loss.

On the third time with even more laughter, Aiko came out as an old woman to win to a samurai. Again Nakano-san drank a cup as loser, and Aiko thought that was enough losing for one woman.

This is a great game, Mori-san said.

Tora – tora – tora combines music, theatre, and drinking! Aiko exclaimed before giggling.

We'll have you at our next banquet, he said.

Thank you, Aiko said.

Now we have business, Mori-san said. Last September, Japan colonised Manchuria and created the puppet-state of Manchukuo. This gives us access to many resources. I plan to exploit Chinese resources for one of our businesses, but we'll need assistance for this plan to succeed. Mori-san looked around the banquet room. We'll hold another banquet in a few days time, with those we need to help us. He turned to Aiko. Mitsuko, he said. I would like you and Chiyoko to host us again.

Aiko bowed in acknowledgement. She was no fan of yakuza, but they were harmless in a banquet. In the background Chiyoko poured sake and lit the cigarette of Gamo-san. They spoke before Gamo-san broke into big laughter, and Chiyoko laughed with him. Aiko knelt beside Nakano-san to pour more sake.

I don't need more of that! Nakano-san exclaimed.

Aiko poured for herself and drank some.

Nakano-san looked at Aiko. A geisha is an unusual occupation.

There's fun and there's formality, Aiko said. We learn traditional songs and dances; all of which have special meanings. And we learn other talents.

How do you perform like that?

The makeup is like a mask, and when the mask goes on you're a geisha.

Surely makeup can't change who you are?

Aiko glanced at Chiyoko, who was by nature a reserved but sincere person; who charmed rather than overwhelmed men. You're right, Aiko said. The makeup makes you more of who you are.

Can you dance for us? Nakano-san asked. I know! I'll play and you both can dance!

Aiko clapped her hands excitedly. Excellent idea Nakano-san!

Aiko moved the folding screen to the corner of the room, while Nakano-san knelt with the shamisen. She plucked and sang a traditional Tokyo song: Azuma Hakkei or Eight Views of Eastern Japan, while Aiko and Chiyoko used their dance movements to mimic each view, based on the four seasons. But dance was more than the seasons of life and of love, because the fans they held were the dividing lines between the world of humans and the world of the gods; where dance first caused the sun goddess Amaterasu to bring light to the world. Momentarily, Aiko felt herself out of her body watching a performance in a hushed banquet room, with a geisha and a hangyoku in total harmony in song and dance. Azuma Hakkei was quite a long song, and at the end Aiko saw those rough and tough yakuza thugs spellbound by what they'd witnessed.

Aiko turned to Nakano-san and bowed deeply in admiration. At the same time she wondered how a talented young woman could find herself in a criminal gang. Chiyoko also bowed, and Aiko was proud of her hangyoku. Few geisha of many years experience could dance as well as Chiyoko.

Aiko returned to the table to socialise with the men, or in reality, to pander to their egos. A geisha's job was to lighten men's days and to make them feel more important than they really were. Men were fragile creatures, more fragile than women, which was why men put women into singular roles like wife, whore or geisha.

The food was long finished and much sake had been consumed, and as much as everyone enjoyed the pleasure of a banquet, it was coming to an end.

Aiko and Chiyoko both stood. Now our time has ended, Aiko said. She and Chiyoko knelt and bowed deeply. Oyasumi nasai to you all, Aiko said; echoed by Chiyoko.

Thank you Mitsuko and Chiyoko for a wonderful evening, Mori-san said while giving Aiko a wad of yen banknotes for their tip. Oyasumi nasai to you both.

Aiko put the banknotes behind her obi before kneeling by the shoji screen, sliding it open, and leaving the room with Chiyoko. Aiko went to the genkan vestibule to retrieve her zori sandals, while Chiyoko put on her thick-soled geta. There Aiko counted the substantial tip, divided that by three, and gave one-third to Chiyoko as her share for Arai Geisha House.

Outside; Asakusa was as busy as ever.

Thank you Chiyoko for your fine effort this evening, Aiko said. You're more than ready for your next step to being a geisha.

Thank you Mitsuko for the compliment, Chiyoko said. Without your help I wouldn't be half as good.

An older sister geisha trained a younger sister hangyoku by example, and once a hangyoku became a geisha, she would train further younger sister hangyoku. And so life went on, in the flower and willow world. They walked side-by-side, with Aiko thinking she couldn't imagine a better life for herself, as an independent geisha supporting herself through the flower and willow world.

Let's find something to eat, Aiko said; feeling hungry.

She led the way to Asakusa Hirokoji, the main shopping street, with shops now closed and commercial buildings too, but many restaurants were still open with the delightful scents of many foods charging Aiko's appetite. High above their heads, colourful banners advertising those shops and restaurants billowed in a light breeze; illuminated by bright streetlights. Crowds all but pushed and shoved for space, while street children ran in and out, sometimes drawing curses from adults they bumped. Many said Asakusa was home to erotic grotesque nonsense, while writer Soeda Azenbo said: 'Asakusa was Asakusa for everyone. In Asakusa, everything was flung out in the raw. Desires danced naked. All races, all classes, all jumbled together forming a bottomless, endless current, flowing day and night, no beginning, no end. Asakusa was alive… The masses converged on it, constantly. Their Asakusa was a foundry in which all the old models were regularly melted down to be cast into new ones.'

Through an open door, Aiko glimpsed a young woman in a barely-there dress noisily thumping an old piano, and no doubt being paid a pittance for her labours. Further on, Aiko ducked into her favourite restaurant to buy a paper bag of fried octopus and two pieces of stuffed bread. She paid a few sen for their meal, before returning into the crowds while sharing that food with Chiyoko. Freshly-cooked and delicious, especially the curry-filled bread. Further on was the theatre district of Rokku, always busy at night, with films, theatre and Casino Follies. Casino Follies always drew a big crowd for the comedy, satire and general nonsense; but particularly for the dancing girls. Rumour had it they dropped their drawers once a week to reveal all, but Aiko had never seen that. She hoped she wouldn't because those girls were only aged 12 through 16! Aiko continued to Okuyama, and there she paused.

What would you like? Aiko asked.

The shooting gallery, Chiyoko said.

Off they went, where Chiyoko paid a few sen to buy five shots each. Aiko aimed her air rifle like she'd seen in many movies, and managed to hit two targets. For her success, she got a bag of kaminari sweets made from pressed, coloured sugar. That sweetness was nice after their tasty meal. In the periphery but clearly in view, girls sold themselves. Okuyama was home to casual prostitution by girls aged anything from 13 or 14, to not much older than that. Aiko often wondered where they came from. Were they orphans like she once was? Had they been thrown out of homes with too many daughters? Japan away from Tokyo was particularly poor, and parents could be desperate. Maybe those girls ran away from unhappy homes, although to run to Asakusa to sell your body and sleep in doorways, or in the park if you were lucky enough not to be moved out by the police, was a particularly wretched existence. Whatever the reason Asakusa was their destination, because it was known you could buy and sell anything in Asakusa.

You beat me at shooting, so how about we try archery? Chiyoko asked.

Aiko agreed, although she knew what the outcome would be. At the archery stall, Aiko paid a few sen for five arrows each. Chiyoko got a bull's eye, while Aiko's arrows were embedded all over the target, to much laughter from both of them. No matter how many times she tried, she never had any success at archery.

One day I'll beat you! Aiko exclaimed.

That will be the day, Chiyoko retorted with a big smile, before sharing her prize of a bag of sweets.

By the time they left Okuyama, Aiko felt tired. She'd drunk a lot of sake and the food was settling in her stomach too. They headed towards Asakusa Hanamachi, where Chiyoko would return to Arai Geisha House while Aiko would walk to her room nearby. Aiko enjoyed her evening very much; the four banquets, and their meal and entertainment that followed. While they walked side-by-side, Aiko couldn't imagine a better life for herself, as an independent geisha supporting herself through the flower and willow world.

Chapter Two

Yuudai read the article, and barely believing it, he read the article again. He put the newspaper on his messy desk and stared across his small office. Sho Onuma assassinated former finance minister Junnosuke Inoue with three shots at close range. Sho Onuma then put his gun on the ground, his hands in the air, and waited to be arrested. Later that day Yuudai interrogated Sho Onuma, although interrogated wasn't the right word for that. Onuma said he assassinated Junnosuke Inoue for the ruination of the Japanese economy, and for the suffering by millions of ordinary Japanese men, women and children. Onuma said it wasn't murder; it was justice for those who suffered and those who died from starvation and disease, for want of sufficient shelter and sufficient food. Onuma wouldn't say where he got the gun, other than once he had it he knew what to do with it. That statement was formally transcribed, and Sho Onuma wrote his name to the side without hesitation.

But yesterday, Sho Onuma pleaded not guilty despite his confession given voluntarily, and as a result his trial was set for October the 17th, 1934. Why would Onuma confess so readily and then plead not guilty? That didn't make sense. A few things about that assassination didn't make sense. Sho Onuma was only 19, which was quite young to be carrying out a political assassination. Even more surprising was to have the presence of mind to surrender in order to tell Japan of his motives. And where did he get the gun? Having pleaded not guilty Onuma would go to trial, to defend himself in a courtroom with many journalists covering a high-profile case. Then everything made sense.

Yuudai flicked through the meishi business card index on his desk until he found the card he wanted. He rang the number.

Yes, this is Prosecutor Inai Matsuo, the disjointed voice greeted.

This is Inspector Yuudai Sato, Yuudai replied. I would like to talk with you about the Sho Onuma case, Yuudai said.

I was expecting Onuma to plead guilty given his ready confession the other week, but clearly he's had a change of heart.

Maybe he has, or maybe he wishes to use his trial for other purposes. Yuudai looked up at the open door to his office. Excuse me for a moment, he said, before getting up to close his door. He returned to the call. Sorry about that. I believe Onuma is going to use his trial to promote his nationalist cause, and I also suspect he's under the control of somebody else, or even a group of nationalists.

Why do you say that?

Certain aspects of his case don't make full sense to me. But regardless of that, I don't want to see the trial for the murder of our former finance minister turned into a theatrical performance.

No of course not; that would be most inappropriate. During Onuma's trial I will focus on the facts of his confession, and object to any statements he makes beyond those facts. I won't have this trial turned into theatre, regardless of his underlying motives.

Yuudai startled. Prosecutor Matsuo was a nationalist himself! There were nationalists everywhere. In the meantime, I'll investigate his case further to resolve those anomalies Yuudai said.

Which are?

Where did he get the gun, and who instructed him to act as he did.

I hope you get somewhere with that, Inspector Sato.

Shitsurei shimasu, Yuudai said.

Shitsurei shimasu.

Yuudai considered what to do next. He doubted Onuma would reveal anything more under questioning. Yuudai decided to visit Onuma's family once more, to discover any friends Sho Onuma may have. Through those friends he may find the person or the group pulling Onuma's strings. Not all Japanese were nationalists; not yet anyway. If Yuudai could use family or friends to find that person or group then he would have a stronger case against Onuma.

Shitsurei shimasu. Yuudai looked up to see Superintendent Sen entering his office. What are you up to, Inspector Sato? Superintendent Sen asked.

Superintendent Sen was immaculate with his charcoal-coloured suit and shaved head. Yuudai contemplated his immediate superior, who was a nationalist for sure. He had his officer's sword and his medals displayed in his office, although his slight build and thick glasses suggested the former Captain Sen spent his military time well away from any front lines. Yuudai stood and bowed. I'm going to follow through aspects of the Sho Onuma case, before it goes to trial, he said.

Don't waste too much time on that, Superintendent Sen said dismissively.

I don't want any problems with a case involving the assassination of a member of the Diet, Yuudai said. After all, the Diet sets our budget, and we don't want controversy.

Sen flushed red and nervously pulled at the collar of his shirt. Yes, right, he mumbled. Do what you need to do. Shitsurei shimasu, before Superintendent Sen left the office.

Yuudai took a packet of Golden Bats and his lighter from his inside pocket, to light a cigarette. He drew on it while thinking about what to do next. Take a car to visit the mother of Sho Onuma once more, and then visit his father at his work nearby. Maybe Yuudai might be able to get something out of them. Ideally the name of any new friends, or even a time when his behaviour might have changed. Then to Onuma's former workplace, to speak with supervisors and colleagues. With luck, something would come up.

* * *

Yuudai held the strap as the train rounded the final curve before Shinjuku Station. There the brown train jerked to a halt, doors were flung open, and a stampede of salarymen surged across the platform. Yuudai held back for a moment; he wasn't in that much of a hurry, but even so it always surprised him there was no bumping or jostling as the crowd of workers poured from the station. Although modern, Shinjuku Station was already too small for the numbers of commuters who used it twice a day. Originally a settlement to the west of the main part of Tokyo, over the past years Shinjuku had become a city within a city.

Outside trams rumbled past amongst a few cars, trucks and busses, while the huge Mitsukoshi Department Store dominated the streetscape. Yuudai left that behind as he headed towards his home, a comfortable two room apartment in a small block about 500 metres from the station. Into the complex of white-painted concrete, and up the stairs to the first floor where Yuudai left his shoes in the genkan vestibule. There he entered the main room sized at seven tatami mats, where that room doubled as their bedroom at night with their futon stored in a large cupboard. Off that room was a second room for Kurisu which also had its own entrance door; a kitchen with a tiled floor, cupboards, a sink, and unusually with piped gas and a stove. The final room was a rather cramped bathroom and toilet; also with a tiled floor. The most important feature of Warou Flats was steam heating from boilers in the basement, which was significantly more comfortable than traditional, timber houses.

Sadow appeared from the kitchen wearing a light grey yukata and dark grey obi. Tadaima Sadow, Yuudai greeted before hanging his hat on the hatstand.

Okaeri Yuudai, Sadow greeted, before kissing his cheek. You look troubled.

Observant as always. I'm concerned that the assassination of Junnosuke Inoue involves more than the young man we arrested, but I've been unable to get to the bottom of it. I spoke once more with his family and work colleagues, but nothing came from that.

Perhaps this just involves that young man. That finance minister made a terrible mess of our country and many were harmed by the economic recession. There's no wonder someone killed him.

Perhaps, Yuudai said; not wanting to bring too many troubles home. What's for dinner?

Eel and miso soup with rice.

Lovely. Where's Kurisu?

In his room.

Yuudai turned on the radio. He was blasted by military music so quickly turned the dial to find the news, which had a leading story about economic prosperity coming from Manchukuo. Yuudai didn't like where that invasion was heading, and there were no signs of economic prosperity that he could see. Soon Kurisu would turn 18 and finish school, to work for two years until age 20 when he would be conscripted. After the recent conquering of Manchuria, Yuudai wondered what would be in store for their son in the army. Yuudai was lucky; his conscription came after the end of the war against Russia and before the Great War, so he spent his time in Tokyo chasing pretty girls while in uniform. One of those pretty girls stayed for life, which was the best thing that happened to him.

Sadow laid out their dinner accompanied by cups of green tea, while Kurisu made a belated greeting to his father before kneeling on a cushion at the low table. Yuudai turned the radio off, to better enjoy their meal.

How was school today? Yuudai asked Kurisu for something to say. For some reason, fathers and sons invariably had little in common. In fact it was like a wedge was driven between fathers and their sons. That happened with his father, and now with his son.

Busy, Kurisu said. I have homework to complete after this.

Giving his excuses to leave already. They ate in silence; Kurisu finished his tea, and then wished his parents 'Oyasuminasai'.

Oyasumi, Yuudai and Sadow replied, before Sadow cleared the table and washed their plates.

You must be tired with all your investigating, Sadow said, which Yuudai appreciated. She'd always spoiled him, and always would spoil him.

No, not really, Yuudai said. Do you want to play cards? Oicho-Kabu?

What will be the prize for the winner? Sadow asked.

I'll show you later, Yuudai said with a smile.

And if I win?

You can show me later.

Yuudai dealt their cards. He turned his cards over and couldn't believe it! An eight, a nine and a three; pronounced 'ya-ku-za' and the worst hand in the game!

You've been hanging around gangsters for too long! Sadow said with a big smile, while she turned her cards over. I win this hand.

She certainly won that hand. Yuudai looked at the closed door to Kurisu's room. You win, he said.

After one hand?

Let's bathe.

Sadow leaned closely. Everything can be done with lip service; even love, she whispered in his ear.

Yuudai liked the sound of that. He put the cards away before going to the bathroom, while Sadow unfolded their futon. Lip service was one of his favourites, but only if reciprocated in kind.

Chapter Three

Aiko heard two knocks on her door. She slid from under Hiroya's arm to climb from her futon, before grabbing a discarded nightgown and slipping it on. Aiko eased her door open to see Chiyoko on the landing.

Chiyoko bowed her head before handing a sheet of paper across. Aiko read the paper before glancing at the clock opposite. She had two hours.

Come back in one hour, Aiko said quietly.

Chiyoko bowed her head again, and Aiko bowed her head in reply before closing her door.

What is it, Mitsuko? Hiroya asked while reaching for his pack of Golden Bats.

It's work, Aiko said, before grabbing her gold lighter. She knelt beside Hiroya to light his cigarette. He drew on it while Aiko contemplated what they discussed before making love.

What do you think? Hiroya asked.

Aiko pondered. If she had children with Hiroya, he would set her up in a house in the hanamachi. For a time she wouldn't be able to work, which Aiko would miss. More importantly, Aiko didn't feel a desire to have children. She had her career, she had her sister, and she had Hiroya. Perhaps one day, Aiko thought.

I'm still young, Aiko said.

Hiroya turned his head for momentary eye contact. I can afford to support you.

I know. She kissed his cheek. When the time is right for me, I'll let you know.

You would have beautiful daughters.

Aiko laughed. Hiroya had two sons and perhaps he wanted a daughter. When the time is right for me, I'll let you know.

I love you Mitsuko, he said.

Aiko knew he loved her, and she loved him too.

Now Hiroya you'd better leave, in case we're caught by Chiyoko again!

Oh, I better get to work, Hiroya said while he climbed from the futon. Hiroya was slim and in good shape for his age, but even though his face was clear it also showed his years in a way. His face showed his years in a nice way.

Hiroya rushed to his clothes, even though he didn't need to. One thing geisha and hangyoku were comfortable about were men. Men as their clients, men as their danna, and men as their lovers. Chiyoko would be anything but surprised by seeing Hiroya in Aiko's room.

Aiko stood and watched as Hiroya pulled on his underwear and socks, before taking his shirt carefully draped over the back of her dressing chair and slipping it on, and then his black tie, his black suit, and a black, bowler hat. Now with just a glimpse of his white shirt showing, Hiroya was ready for the streets of Tokyo, except for his shoes in the genkan vestibule.

Ittekimasu Aiko, Hiroya said, before hugging and kissing Aiko.

Itterasshai Hiroya, Aiko replied while hugging Hiroya too. She let him go and he left her room.

Aiko exchanged the nightgown for a hadajuban undergarment. Aiko pondered what to wear, given it was early March. She went to her large chest to unpack her tulip kimono, a red hiyoku, and a red obi; to lay those garments on her futon and carefully unfold them; including a paper fan in green and red to match her kimono and obi.

Aiko then took a seat at her dressing table covered with makeup bottles, powders, a water jug and brushes. She began with the wax-oil base on her face and shoulders, before mixing white powder with water. She then applied a heavy, white coating with a bamboo brush smoothed with a pad; leaving just a strip of skin below her hairline to give the impression of a white mask. Aiko used a mirror to help her apply white to the rest of her shoulders and neck, except for an uncovered 'W' of natural skin on the nape of her neck. Next Aiko brushed black charcoal on her eyebrows and on the edges of her eye lids, and finished by using a fine brush to apply Shiseido-brand red to her lips; but somewhat differently to the way Western women wore lipstick.

Aiko then dressed for the banquet; finishing with her wig and tabi socks but not her obi. Just then Aiko heard two knocks at the door, and rose to greet Chiyoko once more. The younger woman frowned and generally looked troubled.

Do you have a problem? Aiko asked.

Chiyoko sighed. I don't like yakuza, she said quietly.

Aiko didn't like them either, and many geisha avoided them. They can be..., Aiko said while searching for the right word. They can be rough on the outside, but they're harmless to us and they always tip well.

Yes I know.

We can make as much from one yakuza banquet as three normal banquets. The trick is not to take notice of what they talk about.

I know that too.

"Can you tie my obi please?'

Aiko lifted her arms while Chiyoko wrapped the thick, heavy garment around Aiko's waist and tied the complex knots over and over.

Time was getting away when Aiko pulled on her zori sandals, before guiding Chiyoko out of her room to lock the door behind her; down the stairs, and onto busy streets amongst many geisha heading to evening appointments. Asakusa Hirokoji throbbed with crowds window-shopping in one of the busiest shopping streets in the city. Men mostly wore Western clothes while women mostly wore traditional Japanese clothing, although few actually were buying goods at the many small shops with residences above, even though Asakusa was the home of cheap and affordable imitations. Despite proclamations that the economy of Japan had improved since the colonisation of Manchukuo six months before, it was obvious that prosperity hadn't yet come to many citizens of Tokyo, after more than a decade of depression.

Aiko guided Chiyoko around a corner into a quieter residential street. Although Chiyoko said she was troubled by yakuza, Aiko guessed something else was on the young, hangyoku's mind.

Soon it will be time for your erikae; when you become a geisha, Aiko said.

That's true, Chiyoko said, but not sounding happy about that.

Surely you're pleased that soon you will be able to be independent?

Yes I am, but....

But what, Chiyoko?

Chiyoko turned her head to look at Aiko. Is this what I want for the rest of my life?

Aiko once had similar thoughts. Like you I was young when I was trained, and like you after many years of training, I wondered about the rest of my life. I've only been a geisha for a few years now, and in that time I've realised this is the best life I could ever enjoy.

Do you really think so?

If I wasn't a geisha I might be a wife, who's only role in life is to care for a home, raise children, and wait for a husband who's rarely home. The other option is a prostitute, which is no option.

It would be better to be born a man, Chiyoko said glumly.

You've entertained many salarymen and dietmen too, where our entertainment is one of the few pleasures they get in a life of drudgery from morning to night, six days a week. A few hours with a geisha, or a few hours with a whore.

But we have debts from our training and our expensive kimono. That means we're tied to Arai Geisha House until we can pay our debts, unless we take a danna.

It was true that geisha were tied to their geisha house, unless a danna or patron paid their debts. You can make your decision to stay in Arai, or take a danna as I have. You can choose who that danna will be, and how far he can go within your relationship. Only geisha have this choice.

A danna has to be rich to pay our debts, and rich means older.

That's true, but older men have their advantages. Aiko searched for the right words. Older men are less in a hurry, and older men know women better. She thought about Hiroya. Choose the man who touches your heart, and love will follow. If that man isn't there at first, he will come in time.

Chiyoko slowly nodded her head in understanding. We can choose the right man or we can wait for the right man, she said.

Geisha are the only women who can choose their relationships.

They reached Tsuboichi Tea House with two, well-built men in dark kimono; arms crossed while they stood either side of the doorway. Yakuza bodyguards for sure. Aiko nodded to each man but didn't actually bow to them, because she thought such ruffians weren't worthy of her respect. She slipped her sandals off at the genkan vestibule before stepping inside on tatami mats. Aiko knelt at the shoji screen, and slid it open hand over hand. Accompanied by Chiyoko, Aiko, now geisha Mitsuko, entered the banquet hall of guests kneeling on cushions around a low table which had bowls of fish and rice, and bottles of sake and cups. She recognised those from the other evening: Ichirou Mori, Katsu Abe, Ryuu Ikeda, Shouta Gamo, and of course Kinjo Nakano.

Aiko stood with Chiyoko before they both knelt and bowed deeply.

Konbanwa, Aiko greeted. For those who don't know us, my name is Mitsuko with Chiyoko, and we'll be entertaining you tonight.

Konbanwa Mitsuko and Chiyoko, Mori-san said. I would like to introduce you to Kinji Hirano from the Diet, and Lieutenant Otani Shimei.

Aiko bowed deeply to the smiling, smarmy-looking middle-aged politician in a dark suit, and to the young, serious-looking army officer in a type of uniform she'd never seen before. An army-brown tunic, dirt-brown or shit-brown many Japanese thought; but with light-brown breeches. Aiko walked to the banquet table where she grabbed a bottle of sake. She poured a drink for each in turn, and a drink for herself.

A toast! she exclaimed.

To what? Mori-san asked.

To this evening! she exclaimed. Kanpai!

Kanpai! they all responded, before downing sake.

Hirano-san reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a silver cigarette case. As soon as the cigarette touched his lips, Aiko lit it with her own lighter.

Aren't geisha wonderful? Hirano-san said.

Aiko giggled at the compliment, and the dietman beamed brighter. Still Lieutenant Shimei knelt stiffly with arms folded; wearing the troubles of the world. Aiko turned to him. I just love the army and such a lovely uniform....

His face twitched a little happier.

This is altogether too serious, Aiko said. A game! She put her hand out for rock – paper – scissors and won, with Lieutenant Shimei drinking a cup of sake.

Can three play that game? the smarmy dietman asked.

Three can play many games, Aiko said, and giggled while his face turned quite red.

He mumbled something unintelligible before Aiko beat him at rock – paper – scissors, and he downed his sake. She turned to Lieutenant Shimei to lose and giggle before drinking her sake, while in the background Chiyoko played with Nakano-san, to win.

After losing a few games and drinking a fair share of sake, the lieutenant began to sort-of smile, a bit.

I've called you here for a reason beyond being entertained by these wonderful ladies, Mori-san said over Aiko's giggles at that compliment. But I'm not sure if I can say what that is.

Nothing leaves this banquet room, Aiko said.

Right then, Mori-san said. The colonisation of Manchukuo gives our nation access to many resources, and we can take advantage of that. Every man loves a young woman, and the younger the woman the better. I propose our business be stocked with nothing but girls, which will give us an advantage over our competition.

We have girls already, Nakano-san said. Many poor parents sell their daughters to brothels, as you know.

That happens at age thirteen, but I was thinking of younger. We have one man here who can make this happen, Mori-san said while looking at Lieutenant Shimei in his fine, army uniform. Lieutenant Shimei pulled at the collar at his neck, and generally looked uncomfortable.

This could be arranged, he said quietly.

You have an obligation to us, Mori-san said sternly.

Lieutenant Shimei nodded his head. How many and how old? he asked flatly.

Ten of age ten, Mori-san ordered.

Aiko was shocked.

Ten of age ten, Lieutenant Shimei repeated while staring at the remains of the fish in his bowl.

I'm sure this will bring many customers, but such an arrangement can only continue if our government formally recognises our new colony, which is yet to happen.

Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai is determined not to recognise Manchukuo, Hirano-san said

Then we must bring down the government, Mori-san said matter-of-factly.

Hirano-san nodded his head. With enough money I can bribe dietmen to vote the government down, and replace it with a government more to your liking.

I'm sure sufficient money will come from our new business model, Mori-san said.

One is dependent on the other, in fact.

That's true.

Hirano-san nodded in agreement.

This is our business agreed, Mori-san said, and all around the table, except Lieutenant Shimei, nodded in acceptance.

Aiko listened to their conversation with her stomach heaving. Ten year old girls, ten of them, kidnapped from their families in China and brought to a Tokyo brothel. That was horrendous. Horrific. Barbaric. Aiko thought age thirteen was bad enough, but age ten was much worse. The only person in the room uncomfortable with that proposal was Lieutenant Shimei. She went to him.

You have a fine uniform she said.

I'm in the Kenpeitai; Lieutenant Shimei said. The army police.

Aiko knew of them, but only vaguely. Normally men to be wary of, but she felt she could trust this man. Aiko had to stop this abomination; hopefully with Lieutenant Shimei's help. She looked up and all were engrossed talking with each other, so she slipped a meishi business card from behind her obi and handed it to Lieutenant Shimei. The card had her geisha name, her real name, details of the Arai Geisha house for bookings, and her telephone number.

This is just for you, Aiko whispered.

He nodded his head before reading her card, and slipping it into his tunic pocket. He stood and Mori-san turned his head.

Leaving us? Mori-san asked.

I don't want to leave such wonderful company, Lieutenant Shimei said. But it has been a long and tiring day.

Mori-san waved him away. Lieutenant Shimei slid the shoji screen open, to disappear out of sight. Aiko took a big, deep breath while she looked over the banquet. Regardless of how she felt, she had a job to do. A song? she asked.

A dance, Mori-san ordered, and the yakuza boss was good at giving orders.

Chiyoko went to the far corner of the room to grab the shamisen. She strummed a slow tune while singing, which was most appropriate to how Aiko felt while she danced a Jo No Mai. After that, Chiyoko strummed and sang a tune neither fast nor slow, and Aiko performed a Chu No Mai. The men were engrossed in their food, their sake, and talking with each other. Only Nakano-san showed an interest in the performance. Aiko wondered if the young, female yakuza wanted something else for her life. Perhaps a life of song, dance and good company.