Rurouni Wishes (1)
I sit atop the back wall of the Kamiya Dojo, next to the gate, trying to decide if I should go into town for some tofu now or later. It’s a conundrum, truly. If I go this morning, the tofu will be the freshest and I will have my choice at some of Karou’s our favorite vendors. On the other hand, if I wait until later, the price will be lower and the tofu will still be very nearly as fresh. I may have to search a bit harder through the marketplace for the best prices and freshest tofu, but I do not mind the extra time.
Instead of deciding, I sit here, content to be seated on the wall and enjoying the view of the back of the Dojo grounds and the surrounding neighborhood. Sometimes I wish Kaoru would consider moving to a place without so many of my enemies people. Tokyo was always highly populated, but in this Meiji Era with the Emperor relocated here, it is even more so.
I miss the sunrise over mountains I enjoyed while doing my chores at dawn for Hiko.
I miss the sunset over the ocean I enjoyed on my long wanderings around this lovely country.
I miss the view of the cultivated countryside, a lone tori in the distance lending the distinctive mark of another presence besides the local farmer.
I miss the rain in the forest; the pounding tempo of the water on leaves resolving into a drip drop cadence on the ground.
I miss the fall of the autumn leaves in the foothills, a rollicking color playing out of tune with the herald of winter.
I miss the dominance of Mount Fuji, following me for days and weeks as I traveled the length and breadth of it’s shadow.
With a sigh I leap to the ground outside the Dojo gate and begin walking into town…





