{"id":816,"date":"2014-12-24T05:34:22","date_gmt":"2014-12-23T20:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/?p=816"},"modified":"2017-01-14T02:55:04","modified_gmt":"2017-01-13T17:55:04","slug":"b2part13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/b2part13\/","title":{"rendered":"Book II \u5341\u4e09 Part 13 (Kuzu)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\"chap13\"<\/a>
\nIllustration by K. Ryan<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cPedicel \u2014 a stem holding a flower cluster,\u201d Shichi said, reciting from memory as he followed Sagiri through the trees. \u201cTaproot \u2014 the main root, growing straight into the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a reason you\u2019re adding noise to an otherwise pleasant walk?\u201d Sagiri asked, not bothering to look back at her student. They were moving at an even pace through the woods, already a considerable distance from Kurohane. A brief winter gust ruffled their feathers, flapping the hems of their traveling coats. Shichi glanced at the back of her head sheepishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m just a little nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is only an exam,\u201d Sagiri said, following the narrow path past a rock ledge. \u201cThe first of many.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMany?\u201d Shichi asked, faltering over a protruding root. His heart thumped as he caught his balance, wondering if his master had noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are 16. Believe it or not, there is much more for you to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi looked away, watching the trees as they moved. She was right \u2014 this was his first time being so far from Kurohane and it was barely a two-day journey. Though he had heard stories about the western temple, he had never seen it with his own eyes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Senba Temple larger than Kurohane?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you come here for the herb exam, too?\u201d he asked, hoping she wouldn\u2019t mind his prying.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich herb do you think it will be this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not have to think,\u201d Sagiri said, momentarily closing her eyes. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, then I suppose you can\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou suppose correctly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s winter,\u201d Shichi said, now back to thinking out loud. \u201cThat rules out quite a few. Licorice is always in need, but that\u2019s harvested in autumn. This is a good month to find kuzu root, though. It seems to be all over this mountain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting theory,\u201d Sagiri said, her tone difficult to read.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have to wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Shichi said, his expression warm in spite of the frigid air. \u201cI\u2019ll make you proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sagiri said nothing, only offering her student a subtle glance. For a moment, Shichi could have sworn there was something in her eyes \u2014 something she wanted to say. Before he could think too deeply on it, she looked away.<\/p>\n

Senba was indeed larger than Kurohane. The temple was properly nestled into the mountainside, each structure hugging the rising curves of rock. A stone staircase wound up to a tiered pagoda, towering over the grounds below. Monks of various ages and ranks went about their business, some cleaning while others held a discussion in the courtyard. Upon the arrival of Sagiri and her student, however, every head turned their way. It seemed his master had quite the reputation at Senba.<\/p>\n

\u201cSagiri, welcome,\u201d said a senior monk as they reached the main building. Her attention shifted to the boy at Sagiri\u2019s side. \u201cAnd this must be your apprentice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Shichi,\u201d he explained, exchanging bows with the older woman. \u201cThank you for having us.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded in response, then returned her attention to Sagiri.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe head monk has been waiting for you. She\u2019d like to have a word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d she replied, placing her coat and a pack of supplies in her ward\u2019s arms. \u201cShichi, take these to our room. I\u2019ll meet you shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy nodded, watching as the two monks headed up the stairs to the main hall. It was a grand structure, its roof casting a long winter shadow across the courtyard. Tall wooden doors shut behind them, allowing the other monks to return to their duties. Shichi looked back over his shoulder, shifting the bundle in his arms. His task was simple enough. Unfortunately, he had no idea where their room was supposed to be.<\/p>\n

He made his way carefully through the courtyard, not wanting to disturb the profound discussion of the elder monks. The cold air stung his bare hands. Though they were quite high in the mountains, snow had not yet fallen on the temple grounds. The sky was heavy with clouds, threatening to change that fact quite soon.<\/p>\n

A brief curiosity crossed his mind, making him wonder just what the head monk wanted with his master. Was it something important, or a mere chat? Shichi shook the thought \u2014 it was none of his business.<\/p>\n

As he passed through a covered walkway in search of the monks\u2019 quarters, a noise caught his attention. It was a coarse sound, much like the grinding of herbs. He stopped in place, unable to help but glance towards the source. Through a set of open doors, he could see the temple kitchen. Great stone blocks lay in rows, providing surfaces for iron pots and steamers. A stack of kindling rested against the wall, ready for burning. The room was empty but for one figure \u2014 a girl his own age.<\/p>\n

The young monk was seated on a ledge, her knees hugging a large bowl. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she ground into the bowl with a pestle. After a moment, she let out a huff, lowering the tool to rub her aching shoulder. It was then the girl realized she was being watched.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cC-can I help you?\u201d the monk asked, blinking at the stranger in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Shichi said, only then realizing he\u2019d been staring. \u201cI was looking for the guest quarters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just keep going straight. It\u2019s on the left, past the big tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Shichi said, yet remained in place. Though any other monk might have paid no mind to the contents of the bowl, Shichi, as an herbalist, found himself terribly curious. He was certain he knew the scent, recognizing it from his own kitchen tasks at Kurohane.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you grinding sesame?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They wanted to prepare a lot of gomadofu for the visiting monks\u2019 meals \u2014 because of the herb exam,\u201d she replied, then tilted her head. \u201cIs that what you\u2019re here for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi nodded, hiding his pleasure at correctly guessing. \u201cI\u2019ll be taking the exam this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so will I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t you be preparing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy master gave me extra work this week,\u201d she explained, halfheartedly gazing into the bowl. \u201cI\u2026 I made a stupid mistake, so this is my punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI make stupid mistakes, too. Last month I tripped on the stairs and dropped an entire sack of rice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl snorted, then clamped a hand over her beak.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, you can laugh,\u201d Shichi said with a shrug. \u201cMy master made me pick up every grain with a pair of chopsticks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like fun,\u201d she said, her posture relaxing. \u201cUm, my name is Satomi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Shichi,\u201d he said, setting the traveling supplies down on a keg. \u201cWould you like some help? So you can get ready in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d he replied, finding another bowl on a shelf of supplies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. It would be nice if I could prepare for the exam,\u201d Satomi said, going back to grinding with the pestle. \u201cThough I\u2019ll probably ruin it anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, it\u2019s just to check our progress,\u201d Shichi said, sitting beside her. He wondered why the girl\u2019s master would carry out a punishment now, right before an important assessment. No matter how strict Sagiri was, she knew how to prioritize his tasks. Of lessons, discipline, and chores \u2014 study always came first.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Satomi replied, grunting as she put her weight into the task. \u201cI\u2019ve failed my master so many times. I think he might dismiss me if I ruin this, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve obviously never met him,\u201d she said with a heavy sigh. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I\u2019ll do if I have to leave. My village doesn\u2019t exist anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll do fine,\u201d Shichi said, his brow drawn back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was mid-afternoon when the two met again, seated alongside four other students in the lecture hall. On a long bamboo mat lay sets of utensils and prepared herbs. Shichi could feel his palms prickling in anticipation \u2014 though it may have been a leftover sensation from grinding sesame for an hour. The sight of herbal tools made him forget the arduous journey to Senba and the ache in his shoulders. Though he had only been studying for a few years, he had studied hard. He could do this.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, students,\u201d said the elder standing before them. His impassive eyes ran from one pupil to the next, sizing up each monk\u2019s attentiveness and posture. From the way Satomi shrunk beneath his glare, it was clear he was her master. Against the wall, Shichi could see Sagiri and the other mentors observing the proceedings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am the head physician at Senba and will be guiding you through your exam. Many of you have traveled quite a distance to be here,\u201d he said, letting his eyes linger on his own apprentice. \u201cWhile others have had a more leisurely itinerary.\u201d<\/p>\n

Satomi cast her eyes downwards, her feathers rising in embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may have noticed the materials on the mat before you. Does anyone recognize the formula?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKakkon-to,\u201d Satomi said, finally looking upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I call on you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her head immediately dropped again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else?\u201d he asked. Understandably, no one spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d the physician said, his glare set on Shichi. \u201cSagiri\u2019s student.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi swallowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell us. What do you see?\u201d the monk asked, folding both hands behind his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSatomi was correct,\u201d Shichi answered, his pulse jittering. \u201cIt is kakkon-to. But\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cBut?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut one ingredient is missing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAstute,\u201d the monk said, his eyes narrowing. \u201cAnd what ingredient might that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKuzu.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stem? The leaves? Which\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cKuzu root,\u201d Shichi said, his eyes locked forward. If he weren\u2019t so occupied with his own anxiety, he might have noticed Sagiri radiating smugness at the back of the physician\u2019s head. The man straightened his posture, giving Shichi a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is correct, though I hope your master will refresh your memory on the discourtesy of interrupting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi dared a glance at Sagiri, who only gave an apathetic shake of her head.<\/p>\n

The boy was stunned. He had always considered his master the epitome of discipline, yet she seemed like an errant slouch next to the head physician. It was no wonder Satomi was terrified of failure.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cAs you all know, it is winter,\u201d he continued, beginning an even pace past the students. \u201cIt is the season for colds and kakkon-to is quite useful in treating the early stages. For your exam, you will be gathering kuzu to aid in the preparation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s eyes widened. A hint of triumph sprouted in his chest \u2014 and in his chest it would stay. He kept his eyes forward, avoiding eye contact lest Sagiri notice the hint of pride in his features.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor some of you, this may be your first time attempting the examination. To keep the results evenhanded, those who are familiar with the surrounding mountainside will be expected to gather a fairer share.\u201d<\/p>\n

Satomi closed her eyes, rubbing her sore knuckles beneath her sleeves. Once more, it seemed she had been burdened with high expectations.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will have until sunset to gather your roots,\u201d he explained. \u201cYou will skin and cut them in the morning and will be judged on your technique and efficiency. You may receive no assistance from your mentors, nor from the other students. Am I understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Each student lowered their head, speaking in unison. \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d the monk said, gesturing to the door. \u201cYou may start.\u201d<\/p>\n

The woods outside the temple seemed colder than before. Shichi barely noticed his feathers rising against the chill, thinking only of the trowel in one hand and the knife at his belt. The other young monks were similarly equipped, each parting in different directions to search for roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you go past that slope\u2014\u201c Satomi began, but stopped when Shichi waved his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo assistance, remember?\u201d he said pleasantly, to which the girl laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour master must love you,\u201d she said as she departed to the west. Shichi watched her go, tilting his head at her words.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think\u2026\u201c he started, trailing off when he realized she was out of earshot. Everyone else had already started. Not wanting to fall behind, he turned in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cShichi,\u201d came Sagiri\u2019s voice from the gate.<\/p>\n

He paused, glancing back to see his mentor approaching from the temple\u2019s entrance. There was a bundle in her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe temperature has dropped considerably,\u201d she said, handing him a thick coat.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t assistance, it\u2019s a jacket. Now put it on and go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Master,\u201d he said, quickly tugging the coat on. He gave one last look at her, his eyes gleaming with gratitude, before hurrying off. She folded her hands into her sleeves, watching as he disappeared into the dormant woods. It was only a moment before a shiver forced its way up her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo your best,\u201d she murmured, then turned to go back inside.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The mountainside surrounding Senba was, of course, different from home. He had only been at Kurohane for a few years, but was already familiar with the hidden crevices and curves of the forest. Here, every stump and rock was completely new. He supposed it was just as well \u2014 it wouldn\u2019t be much of an exam if it were easy.<\/p>\n

In the summertime, kuzu could cover the ground, growing up rock faces, trees, and anything else their roots might grip. Their leaves were broad and green, covered in a thin layer of fuzz that Shichi found unpalatable. In the winter, however, they shriveled to coarse, brown vines. They remained coiled around the landscape, draping from branches like sleeping spiderwebs.<\/p>\n

He continued east, noticing the ground had become crisscrossed with vine stalks. Shichi craned his neck, his eyes trailing over the trees above. Sure enough, strands of languid kuzu clung to the boughs above. He thought of Sagiri\u2019s lesson on the plant from the summer before, recalling her description of the root crowns. Crouching, he ran his palm along a thick length of vine, feeling for a node.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d he said, stopping at a bud. \u201cThere you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he lifted his trowel, a drifting speck caught his attention. Shichi looked up once more, realizing it was snowing. The flakes settled gently on the forest floor, leaving spots of white over his coat. He shuddered against the cold, tugging the coat closer before turning his attention back to the root. Hopefully this one wouldn\u2019t be too big.<\/p>\n

By the time Shichi returned to the temple, the snow had left a crisp layer of white over the earth. He had tucked his trowel into his belt, needing both hands to carry the bundle of roots he had gathered. One old root had been particularly long, its end nearly touching the ground as he walked. It was fortunate he had extracted them quickly \u2014 the snow was sure to be an obstacle for anyone searching now.<\/p>\n

Eager to see the other students\u2019 finds, he hurried to the storehouse. Oddly, the only one standing by the entrance was Sagiri.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster,\u201d he said, glancing from one side to another. \u201cWhere are the other students?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey should be along shortly. Let\u2019s see what you found,\u201d she said, leading him inside the wooden storehouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first vine was young and the roots were too close to the surface. I remembered what you said about the deep ones having the most starch,\u201d he said, laying his collection onto a low table. \u201cI went as far as I could before the ground got too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sagiri nodded, holding up the oldest root to get a better look at the length. She turned it in her hands, examining the diameter and texture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a larger one, but I didn\u2019t think I could carry it,\u201d Shichi admitted, dusting the dirt from his hands.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThese will do,\u201d she said, setting it back down. \u201cStore them for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi nodded, gathering the bundle into a cloth. Before he could tie them with straw rope, Sagiri cleared her throat. He paused, looking up at her expectantly. It was then he realized she was looking at the storehouse floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are\u2014\u201c he began, the realized what she was looking at. \u201cOh, rat droppings.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes drifted from the floor to his bundle, then back to the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better put these in a box.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d she said, folding her hands behind her back as she turned to leave. \u201cWash up, then sleep. You\u2019ll need your energy for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Master,\u201d he said, already dragging a wooden case out from under a table. He wasn\u2019t quite sure if rats would want to eat the bitter roots, but this wasn\u2019t the time to take chances.<\/p>\n

An hour passed before Satomi made her way through the front gate of the temple. She shifted the load of roots in her arms, searching the temple grounds for the head physician.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster,\u201d she said, finally locating him in the infirmary. \u201cI\u2019m finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

The monk made no effort to look up from his writing, continuing his strokes under the glow of a lamp.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt took you quite a while,\u201d he said, inking his brush.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt started snowing \u2014 it was quite cold. I tried to\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cNo excuses. Put them in storage,\u201d he said, his eyes half-lidded. \u201cAnd be quick about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Master,\u201d she said, bowing before hurrying out of the room. Satomi scurried through the courtyard, her shoes leaving prints in the snow. Once in the storeroom, she wrapped her bundle in cloth and set it on a shelf. As she counted the other collections, she was relieved to see she wasn\u2019t the last one to arrive. The girl gave the shelves one last look before leaving the storeroom. Hopefully the head physician would find her roots acceptable in the morning.<\/p>\n

Shichi awoke before the morning bell, too excited to return to his bed. Sitting perfectly still during the morning meditation had never been so challenging \u2014\u00a0 the anticipation had left him jittery and light in the chest. By the time the students gathered their collections and met in the lecture hall, he was ready to burst. Sagiri rarely, if ever, praised his work. If he could show her he was capable here, perhaps she would see him in a new light.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, students,\u201d the head physician said, standing tall as he addressed the young monks. On the floor were sets of water buckets, scrub brushes, and heavy knives. It seemed their labors were far from over.<\/p>\n

\u201cLay out your roots for inspection. If they are suitable, you will continue to the next step of the examination. If not, your testing ends here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi\u2019s fingers tingled\u00a0as he placed them on the lid of his box. He had done his best while harvesting and his fastidious master had approved of the roots he had found. The head physician seemed difficult to please, but surely he would find them passable. Upon opening the box, however, Shichi\u2019s hands froze.<\/p>\n

He stared down for a moment, forgetting to breathe.<\/p>\n

Every root had been destroyed \u2014 stripped and gnawed, leaving only a tangle of fibers and sap. They had been devoured by rats.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe diameter is rather thin, but these are acceptable,\u201d the physician said, scrutinizing another student\u2019s roots with both hands. The young tengu exhaled.<\/p>\n

Shichi screwed his eyes shut. Perhaps he hadn\u2019t gotten enough sleep \u2014 maybe it was a trick of the mind, of delirium. When he looked down again, he realized the simple truth. They were ruined.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t make sense. The box had been perfectly latched, showing no signs or falling of being left open. Shichi turned it to look for a hole or signs of gnawing, barely noticing as the physician moved closer down the line. Shichi swallowed. The box was in perfect condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow odd. I didn\u2019t expect you to find one this large,\u201d came the monk\u2019s voice from the left. \u201cWell done, Satomi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Shichi turned to look. His eyes caught the root in the physician\u2019s hands as he handed it back to the girl. Shichi\u2019s next breath caught halfway down his throat, choking him with disbelief. That root \u2014 the long, heavy root he had strained to dig out, that he had carried back to the temple \u2014 the root that was thicker than his fist with perfect rings of brown running up the side. It was his.<\/p>\n

Satomi had his roots.<\/p>\n

Just as Shichi\u2019s mouth opened, the girl glanced sideways at him. Her eyes were tight and pained, begging without words for him to remain silent. He stared at her, wishing the boiling feeling would stop in his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you intend to present your findings?\u201d came a voice from above. Shichi tore his eyes from the girl, looking once more at the ravaged contents of his box.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201c he stammered. He could feel Sagiri\u2019s eyes and looked up to meet them. There was an unsettling intention in her stare as she waited for him to respond. She knew \u2014 she had to have known. For a moment he searched her expression, looking for guidance. He found nothing in her eyes, making him realize he was on his own. Whatever happened next was up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy roots were\u2026\u201d he started, then trailed off. Satomi had switched them. She had seemed so kind before \u2014 so honest. He thought of why she would do such a thing, of what might posses a monk to steal. Day-old words ran through his mind \u2014 the head physician\u2019s disdain for his own pupil, the fear she had addressed him with. She had been anxious about falling short \u2014 about being dismissed. Shichi was certain a student could not be cast out for failing a simple test. She most definitely would, however, for stealing.<\/p>\n

He had waited so long for this day. The chance to see a new temple, to meet other monks, to prove himself \u2014 it had all felt like a dream. Now it seemed he was waking up. Finding the courage, he looked at Satomi once more. She hadn\u2019t turned away, watching for his response with glassy eyes. She was waiting. The entire room was waiting.<\/p>\n

Shichi took in a slow breath, then spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy roots were eaten by rats. I failed to store them properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few of the students began murmuring but quickly stopped with a glare from the physician.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d he said, shaking his head. \u201cIt seems your training has been ineffective. Return your tools \u2014 you may leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi lowered his head, unable to look at his master. Whatever emotion was on her face, whether it be shame, anger, or disappointment \u2014 he couldn\u2019t bear to see it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said, then closed his box with a click.<\/p>\n

The snow was falling harder than the day before. Shichi stood silently in the court, clutching the box to his chest as he watched the flakes. He had left the lecture hall without looking back. Once outside, he could only make it halfway across the courtyard before his feet would no longer move. They felt heavy \u2014 every part of him was heavy. He gazed down at the box in his hands, remembering the man\u2019s words.<\/p>\n

Well done, Satomi.<\/i><\/p>\n

She had gained her master\u2019s approval. Shichi had been so fixated on Sagiri, wanting to to earn her regard, to prove he wasn\u2019t wasting her time. Perhaps it wasn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n

Perhaps Satomi was the one who needed it more.<\/p>\n

\u201cShichi,\u201d came a voice from behind him. It seemed Sagiri had followed him out.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster,\u201d he said, slowly turning to face her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did that girl have your roots?\u201d she asked, tone even.<\/p>\n

Shichi was quiet for a moment, mulling over his words. The physician had referred to him specifically \u2014 Sagiri\u2019s student<\/i>. He had been representing his mentor and had failed in front of everyone. He had shamed not only himself, but the both of them. Snow continued to fall between the two monks, a brilliant white against the black of their feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas it important to you?\u201d he finally asked. \u201cThat I pass?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sagiri watched him for a while. She had seen him dejected before. This, however, was different. In his face, she could see disappointment, but not one trace \u2014 not even the slightest hint of regret.<\/p>\n

Before she could speak, the crunching of snow announced a third figure in the courtyard.<\/p>\n

\u201cSagiri,\u201d the monk said with a bow of her head. \u201cThe head monk wishes to speak with you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize, but it\u2019s urgent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sagiri let out a short breath, the air clouding in front of her. \u201cVery well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shichi watched her leave, once more speculating on what could be so important. Even more so, however, he wondered just what his master had intended to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about your pupil,\u201d the head monk said once Sagiri had arrived in the main hall. She was twice Sagiri\u2019s age, her feathers coarse and her beak a faded gray.<\/p>\n

Sagiri kept her eyes forward, keeping her voice steady. \u201cI can assure you his performance was\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t concerning the exam,\u201d she interrupted. \u201cIt\u2019s what we spoke of \u2014 yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe vision?\u201d Sagiri said, her brow knitting. \u201cI already told you\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cI had another dream last night. If that boy is to remain your disciple, I\u2019m certain a terrible misfortune will befall Kurohane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a dream and only a dream,\u201d she replied, her back stiffening. \u201cI will not expel my student on such baseless grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard he failed the assessment, as well,\u201d the old monk said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought this wasn\u2019t concerning the exam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems, in spite of your training, he has poor skills,\u201d she said, slowly shaking her head. \u201cSurely you can find a more proficient student. Perhaps it would be best for everyone if he returned to his village.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo<\/i>,\u201d Sagiri spat, momentarily forgetting her place. There was a flame in her voice, one the head monk had not heard from Sagiri in decades.<\/p>\n

\u201cSagiri, be reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is extraordinary potential in this child. Potential beyond you, or I, or Kurohane. I will do everything in my power to guide him there, whether your visions are real or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you won\u2019t cooperate, we\u2019ll have to remove him on\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cTry,\u201d Sagiri said, her eyes narrowing. \u201cIf you are willing to lose me, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hall was silent for a minute, both women barely breathing as Sagiri\u2019s threat hung in the air. Finally, the head monk sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were always stubborn, Sagiri,\u201d she said, closing her eyes. \u201cDo as you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that is all, we\u2019ll be on our way,\u201d Sagiri said, giving the old woman a curt bow before turning to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget,\u201d she replied as the door drifted shut. \u201cI warned you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once outside, Sagiri unclenched her hands. She sucked in a chestful of winter air, allowing it to cool her senses. As she descended the stairs, she noticed her pupil across the courtyard, standing in the same spot she had left him. He was, however, no longer alone. It was the girl, the head physician\u2019s student \u2014 Satomi.<\/p>\n

Though Sagiri could not hear their conversation, the girl\u2019s body language was quite clear. Her hands were clasped, gripping tightly as she offered a deep bow. Shichi shook his head, clearly having trouble finding words. Finally, he spoke. The girl straightened herself, staring at him before making a soft reply.<\/p>\n

It was then that Shichi noticed his master outside the main hall. Satomi stiffened at the sight of her, ducking her head and hurrying back into the lecture hall. Sagiri\u2019s approach was slow, giving the girl plenty of time to escape unscathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWere they angry?\u201d Shichi asked once she was at his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nothing to concern yourself over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Master,\u201d he said, lowering his head to hide the guilt in his eyes. \u201cI promise I\u2019ll do better next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Shichi,\u201d Sagiri said, her eyes drifting back towards the lecture hall. \u201cYou did just fine today.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Illustration by K. Ryan \u201cPedicel \u2014 a stem holding a flower cluster,\u201d Shichi said, reciting from memory as he followed Sagiri through the trees. \u201cTaproot \u2014 the main root, growing straight into the ground.\u201d \u201cIs there a reason you\u2019re adding…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-book-two"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=816"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1137,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/816\/revisions\/1137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jisukcho.com\/karasu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}